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Athens Macedonian News Agency: News in English, 16-02-09
CONTENTS
[01] Issue of EU country exiting the Schengen zone never raised, says
Commissioner Avramopoulos
[02] Tempi Valley to close indefinitely as of Tuesday noon
[03] 1,034 refugees from Chios and Lesvos arrived at Piraeus port
[01] Issue of EU country exiting the Schengen zone never raised, says
Commissioner Avramopoulos
"There has never been a matter of military strengthening on FYROM's
borders as there has never been an issue of an EU country exiting the
Schengen zone," EU Commissioner for Migration Dimitris Avramopoulos on
Tuesday said in an interview with STAR TV.
"The EU has never raised the issue of a country exiting the Schengen
zone. When deficiencies or mistakes occur, Europe asks to correct them,"
Avramopoulos noted. "Countries must meet their commitments," he underlined
adding that as soon as the hotspots start operating, the EU funds will
be disbursed.
The Greek Commissioner also said that if the hotspots had already been
constructed, many problems would have been averted. He also stressed
that Greece is not alone either on economic or political terms.
He stated that Greece has already received 33 million euros out of the
total amount of 475 million euros approved. According to the Commissioner,
Greece has lagged behind on some issues and argued that hotspots can
only be set up within the boundaries of Europe.
[02] Tempi Valley to close indefinitely as of Tuesday noon
ANA/MPA--Farmers decided to close the Athens-Thessaloniki motorway at
Tempi Valley indefinitely starting from Tuesday noon.
The farmers decided to toughen their stance in protest against the
government reform plans in social security, pension and tax system.
[03] 1,034 refugees from Chios and Lesvos arrived at Piraeus port
Blue Star ferry carrying 1,034 refugees from Chios and Mytilene docked
at Piraeus port on Tuesday. Most of these people are temporarily
accommodated in the port of Piraeus passenger stations, as it is
not possible to take them by bus to the crossing point at Idomeni
(Greece-Fyrom border)due to the farmers' roadblocks accross the country
A meeting, chaired by Shipping Minister Thodoris Dritsas, on the refugee
issue will be held later in the day.
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