Athens News Agency: News in English, 08-04-18

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

CONTENTS

[01] Papandreou meeting with Nimetz

[02] Papariga visits Ioannina

[03] Tourism minister meets hoteliers

[04] Tsipras on Kosovo issue

[05] DM on coup anniversary

[01] Papandreou meeting with Nimetz

"I conveyed three simple and clear messages to Mr. Nimetz: first of all, our support for the negotiating process under the uspices of the UN and the UN alone. Secondly, I reiterated our position of a 'red line' that expresses the great majority of the Greek people and, thirdly, I demanded that there should be objectiveness and sensitivity over Greek positions on the part of the mediator," Papandreou said after his talks with Nimetz in his office in Parliament.

Caption: ANA-MPA file photo of main opposition PASOK leader George Papandreou.

[02] Papariga visits Ioannina

"The Commission on Monday is preparing an audience where, from what it seems, it will launch a hunt against peoples, political forces and movements, in an attempt to take a statement of penance that they disavow their militant past, only for there to be a general alignment in the European Union, where it will impose silent strength against the rising movement of the peoples. I declare that a statement of penance will not be signed by anybody," she said.

Caption: ANA-MPA file photo of KKE Secretary General Aleka Papariga.

[03] Tourism minister meets hoteliers

Spiliotopoulos added that an arrangement being promoted by the ministry defines the checking process and the granting of the Special Operation Licence.

The minister further said that it will be the last arrangement of a transitional character and, upon expiry of the time limit set for its implementation, tourist accommodation operating without the Special Operation Licence will be sealed.

He also said that he believes thst this arrangement will put an end to similar phenomena and minimise every possibility of Greek tourism being dealt a blow in any way.

Spiliotopoulos placed emphasis on the issue of quality in the tourism sector which, as he stressed, "is not negotiable, timely and imperative" and necessitates high quality infrastructures.

Caption: ANA-MPA file photo of Tourism Development Minister Aris Spiliotopoulos.

[04] Tsipras on Kosovo issue

Tsipras expressed concern over the consequences of the unilateral declaration of Kosovo's independence and reiterated the Coalition's positions that it should not be recognised by the Greek government.

He also opposed changes in borders and "divide and rule" policies in the Balkans, adding that peace and stability in the region require the development of Inter-Balkan Cooperation on terms of joint development and mutual benefit.

Caption: ANA-MPA file photo of Synaspismos leader Alexis Tsipras.

[05] DM on coup anniversary

He stressed that "today, despite the reforms that remain to be completed (upgrading of education and of the health system, the modernisation of public administration and other things) Greece has an undoubtedly consolidated democracy and a developed economy."

Meimarakis further said that "the consolidated democracy that we are experiencing today, without dividing lines and prejudices, is based on a new political culture that promotes confidence and respect for the different opinion and rids us of fanaticisms and passions."

Lastly, the defence minister said that "we must all struggle constantly with a feeling of responsibility, unity and consensus for the effective defence of our ideals and of our national interests. And this duty is fulfilled by the members of our Armed Forces with strict adherence to their mission and full respect for constitutional legality."

Caption: ANA-MPA file photo of Defence Minister Evangelos Meimarakis.

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