Athens News Agency: News in English, 09-10-13

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

CONTENTS

[01] Developments in ND ahead of Congress

[02] The Axios River Delta, one of Europe's most important wetlands

[03] ĆU meeting on new flu

[04] Athens Newspaper Headlines

[01] Developments in ND ahead of Congress

Speaking after the meeting, Avramopoulos said that "an initiative taken by Mr. Sioufas is underway with the purpose of finding a mutually agreed framework. We hope that we shall reach this result."

Samaras said on his part that the election of a leader by the party's rank and file with a ballot box serves the party's unity, gives the leader prestige and is the only pure solution. He added that Sioufas's inititiative is continuing for the finding of a framework for the rank and file's participation in the election of a leader.

Earlier, Dora Bakoyannis announced her candidacy for the leadership of the New Democracy (ND) party, clarifying that she will seek her election both by the special Congress on November 7 and the party's members with any irreproachable charter procedure.

Bakoyannis promised to do her best for ND's speediest political recovery possible and called on the party's members and friends to support her with their confidence in this new start.

She further said that her priority will be the shaping of an alternative governmental proposal with ideas and solutions to face the problems of the Greeks and stressed the need for ND to become a majority and modern European party of the entire centre-right and pointed out that the party has no need for a new ideology.

"This (the ideology) is clear, it is modern social liberalism which, however, we must defend with consistency and steadfastness with courage and self-confidence," she said.

Bakoyannis stressed that the party's unity is a top priority for her and that "at this moment no one is superfluous for the party. In tomorrow's ND there shall be no systems and personal apparatuses."

[02] The Axios River Delta, one of Europe's most important wetlands

The diverse ecosystem, a protected coastal wetland of small lagoons, sandflats and alluvial forests comprises the deltas of the Axios and Aliakmonas rivers, the estuaries of the Gallikos and Loudias rivers, the Kalochori lagoon, the Nea Agathoupoli marsh and the Alyki Kitros coastal lagoon, which is surrounded by dunes, saltpans and saltmarsh.

The Axios, which Homer described as a broad, deep river, is an internationally recognized wetland, protected under the Ramsar Convention. It has a wealth of fauna and flora, and is home to more than 270 bird species, 60 of them rare and/or threatened, which find shelter in the wetland. It is also an important habitat to wild horses and water buffalos, as well as species threatened with extinction, such as the European ground squirrel, the European otter and Hermann's tortoise.

The complex ecosystem of deltas, estuaries, marshes, lagoons and saltpans has a total surface area of 320 square kilometers, over which 500 species and subspecies of plants are found, include the rate Sea daffodil, some of which change colors during the year, creating a diverse scenery.

[03] ĆU meeting on new flu

An account of the situation was made during the conference and conclusions were adopted based on a relevant announcement by the European Commission.

The Council's conclusions anticipate, among other, the boosting of action both on the part of member-states and on the part of the European Commission, regarding the availability of vaccines, information and communication with citizens and global cooperation on tackling the disease.

Xenoyianakopoulou said in a statement that the new Greek government and Prime Minister George Papandreou himself place priority on the issues of citizens' health and the flu in particular.

Caption: ANA-MPA file photo of Health and Social Solidarity Minister Mariliza Xenoyiannakopoulou.

[04] Athens Newspaper Headlines

Former Foreign Minister Dora Bakoyannis' announcement that she will be candidate in the November 7 main opposition New Democracy elections for a new leader, and the governmentâs first measures dominated the headlines on Tuesday in Athens' newspapers.

ADESMEFTOS TYPOS: "Employment and Social Security minister Andreas Loverdos advances changes in successive insurance, based on former Health Minister Fani Petralia's plans".

APOGEVMATINI: "Dora announced her candidacy for ND's leadership".

AVGHI: "Government backs Cosco and demands end of dockworkers' strike at Piraeus container terminal".

AVRIANI: "Dora announced her candidacy for ND's helm".

CHORA: "ND cadres accuse Karamanlis of being indifferent and absent".

ELEFTHEROS: "Uprise: Leave now, Mr. Costas Karamanlis".

ELEFTHEROTYPIA: "Cut downs in state limousines - Proposals for curtailment of expenses will be presented on Tuesday to prime minister".

ESTIA: "Succession problematic - All candidates share the blame".

ETHNOS: "Hide and seek in ND, meanwhile Karamanlis is becoming the black sheep".

KATHIMERINI: «The handling of the strike in Piraeus port brings the first rifts in the new government".

LOGOS: "Government pledges the development of the Olympic facilities".

NIKI: "Civil war in ND brings reversals in the country's political map".

RIZOSPASTIS: "Fortification of the working classes' struggle and united front".

TA NEA: "15 billion euros tax hunt until Christmas! Government at a loss over the black hole".

TO VIMA: "New structure of state to be ready in six months".

VRADYNI: "At the razor's edge - Only Costas Karamanlis can preserve ND's unity".

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