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Wednesday, 4 December 2024
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Athens News Agency: News in English, 09-07-22Athens News Agency: News in English Directory - Previous Article - Next ArticleFrom: The Athens News Agency at <http://www.ana.gr/>CONTENTS
[01] PASOK demands measures for new fluMain opposition PASOK president George Papandreou on Wednesday criticised the government over what he called a lack of coordination to deal with any an anticipated outbreak of the A/H1N1 novel influenza (new or swine flu), calling for the immediate establishment of an inter-ministerial committee to deal with the public health issue.Following a meeting convened specifically to focus on the issue, Papandreou, a former foreign minister, also charged that the Greek government has concentrated more on a "communications policy" instead of taking substantive measures and drawing up a comprehensive national plan. In a related development, several main opposition PASOK MPs participating in a parliamentary standing committee on social affairs, in a letter addressed to Parliament President Dimitris Sioufas, requested to be briefed by the minister of health on the measures taken or intended to be adopted against the flu. Finally, high-ranking PASOK MP Anna Diamantopoulou called for calm and vigilance, referring to the likelihood of a novel influenza outbreak, suggesting that special planning is necessary as regards the operation of schools in such an eventuality. Gov't reaction In a reaction to the PASOK leader's statements, government spokesman Evangelos Antonaros accused the main opposition party of "being irresponsible", dismissing allegations that the government has no plan against any anticipated novel influenza outbreak. [02] PASOK on presidential electionMain opposition PASOK will remain steadfast until the end in its position regarding the presidential vote next March in the Greek Parliament, PASOK party spokesman George Papaconstantinou told reporters on Wednesday.PASOK has repeatedly demanded early general elections in the fall and a joint commitment by the two mainstream parties, namely, ruling New Democracy (ND) and itself, that they will support current President of the Republic Karolos Papoulias' candidacy in next year's presidential vote. PASOK argues that the new president should be elected by a fresh parliamentary majority and also that the country needs a new government through early elections. Responding to relevant questions, Papaconstantinou said his party's position on the presidential election "is absolutely compatible with the constitution as well as with the people's will, to which the present ruling majority does not correspond ... The people want two things: first they want Mr. Papoulias as president of the republic, and secondly, a different government," he added. [03] Several small wildfires reported around southern GreeceA wildfire near the Mandraki district in central Evia broke out Wednesday afternoon and spread quickly, forcing residents in the villages of Neochori and Perivolia to evacuate due to the thick smoke covering the region.Efforts by seven fire-fighting aircraft, helicopters and ground forces to extinguish the blaze are being hampered by strong winds. Meanwhile, a wildfire that broke out west of the greater Athens area was extinguished, while a fire in Nea Makri was also under control. Another fire that erupted in the region of Kounoupeli, Ilia Prefecture in southern Greece, was still burning in the afternoon. Athens News Agency: News in English Directory - Previous Article - Next Article |
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