Athens News Agency: News in English, 08-06-28

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From: The Athens News Agency at <http://www.ana.gr/>

CONTENTS

[01] Papandreou addressed SI Women's Congress

[02] Pope receives Vartholomeos

[03] Tsoukatos testified on Siemens

[04] Navy Week 2008

[01] Papandreou addressed SI Women's Congress

"Together we will make the world more just ... people around the world are facing a dilemma, whether to create a culture of peace or to enter a period of ruthless violence," Papandreou told delegates of socialist parties from around the world.

"We need you to take initiatives and create a new international culture. You will have our unreserved support. If the global problems aren't solved in a peaceful and democratic manner, climate change, the food shortages, a disparity in wealth, corruption, war and a muzzling of human rights will lead to violence, racism and xenophobia," Papandreou said.

He emphasised the adoption of an ethical code to protect women during wars and clashes from rape and violence.

"Humanity can solve the major problems but a inviolable rule for that is the political will and the creation of a culture of peace, in which women have lot to give, because they are the ones who suffer mostly from violence ... If women were allowed to rule the world, peace would prevail in the Middle East and the world will have more sensitivity," he concluded

Caption: Socialist International president and main opposition PASOK party leader George Papandreou at his address at the 19th congress of the Women's Socialist International on Sat. 27 June 2008 at Sounion a seaside resort southeast of Athens.ANA-MPA/ KATERINA MAVRONA

[02] Pope receives Vartholomeos

Vartholomeos, who is paying an official visit to Vatican after accepting the Pope's invitation to attend the celebrations for the feast day of the Apostles Peter and Paul, said afterwards that "the celebrations of the Apostles is an opportunity to seal the engagement for reconciliation and reinforce of the solidarity between the two Churches".

Pope Benedict and the Ecumenical Patriarch held a private meeting for half an hour.

Additionally, the Pope on Saturday, from St. Peter's Basilica, was scheduled to officially declare the year-old series of events dedicated to the 2,000-year anniversary of St. Paul's birth.

Caption: Pope Benedict XVI. (R) welcomes Ecumenical Patriarch Vartholomeos I (L) during a private audience at the Vatican, 28 June 2008.ANA-MPA/ EPA/OSSERVATORE ROMANO

[03] Tsoukatos testified on Siemens

Theodoros Tsoukatos, who also served as a MP for then ruling PASOK between 2000 and 2004, recently admitted to acting as an intermediary in late 1999 for a one-million D-mark "campaign contribution" by Siemens towards PASOK's coffers.

Officials for main opposition party this week categorically denied that such a campaign contribution by Siemens is recorded in the party's books.

"I feel strong because I did nothing for my benefit, I also feel sad because the party (PASOK) I served for 30 years has abandoned me," Tsoukatos said after a two-and-a-half-hour statement in the prosecutor's office. He also emphasised that a handful of individuals (a bodyguard, drivers, office staff) that he claims delivered the cash, in installments, to PASOK's headquarters have no liability in the case.

Tsoukatos, a pharmacist by training, and his attorney also delivered a six-page memorandum to the prosecutor.

Leaving the prosecutor's office, Tsoukatos reiterated to reporters his claims that the sum was eventually directed toward PASOK campaign's funds in smaller installments.

Caption: One-time top PASOK official Theodoros Tsoukatos leaves prosecutor Panagiotis Athanassiou office outside a courthouse in Athens on Saturday, 28 June 2008. ANA-MPA/MARIA MAROGIANNI

[04] Navy Week 2008

Meimarakis said that the Navy "constitutes a basic instrument of the country's foreign policy," and praised its contribution in securing national interests.

Caption: ANA-MPA file photo of Greek Navy's floating museum, battleship Averoff.

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