Athens Macedonian News Agency: News in English, 16-02-23

Athens News Agency: News in English Directory - Previous Article - Next Article

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

CONTENTS

[01] Mitsotakis: Between ecumenical gov't and early elections I prefer latter

[02] Tsipras phone contact with Dutch PM Rutte over refugee crisis

[03] Protesting farmers close customs posts on border with Bulgaria

[04] Commission, Dutch presidency refer to 'European approach' to refugee crisis

[01] Mitsotakis: Between ecumenical gov't and early elections I prefer latter

"We said 'yes' from the beginning, but we have also said this: specify from the beginning the operational details, who goes where...," he said, charging that those forecasting that Greece's borders will be closed as pessimists.

"I went to Brussels and did not criticise the Greek government's delays over the last six months. I said the government is trying while Europe has not done what it should have. I did my job and kept a responsible stance," he said, noting that "we are sitting on a bomb. It is imperative to consider alternative scenarios."

Regarding his relations with President of Republic Prokopis Pavlopoulos, whom he did not back during a parliament vote to elect a new president last year, Mitsotakis said he does not regret for his decision, while adding that Pavlopoulos is a good president.

He sternly rejected speculation that he was pressured by members of the European People's Party and during his meeting with German Chancellor Angela Merkel, noting that on the refugee crisis, in particular, the German Chancellor backed Greek positions.

On the economy, Mitsotakis stressed that a Grexit would be a disaster for the country.

Referring to the broadcast TV licences, he said the relevant law will not be applied and will have huge constitutional problems, while he wondered why the government is allocating only four TV licences. He also accused the government of trying to control the media sector.

On the possibility of early elections, Mitsotakis said that "between an ecumenical government and early elections I prefer elections. Our economy can withstand another round of elections."

"I will not provoke them and I do not want them," he said and rejected the possibility of a coalition government with another prime minister.

Asked if he was what is known in Greece as a "neoliberal", Mitsotakis said he is a central-right neo-liberal" adding that the central-right can enunciate social policy better that the so-called left. "The most important social policy is the creation of jobs," he said, adding that Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras' programme lacks social awareness.

Regarding the so-called "Borjans list" of Greek depositors abroad, Mitsotakis claimed that the names of Greek depositors were included in early 2015 and quoted Borjans' statements.

[02] Tsipras phone contact with Dutch PM Rutte over refugee crisis

In referring to Wednesday's meeting of the Interior and Foreign Ministers of Austria with the ministers of the countries of the western Balkans, Tsipras underlined the need the decisions on the management of the refugee flow to be taken collectively and without exclusions.

The Netherlands currently holds the EU presidency.

[03] Protesting farmers close customs posts on border with Bulgaria

The decision was taken at a meeting held in the early afternoon, where participating farmers said they decided to initially close the border post only to trucks.

At the Exochi border post, the farmers will hold a meeting later in the afternoon, while reports state that the Greek-Bulgarian border will close on Tuesday evening.

[04] Commission, Dutch presidency refer to 'European approach' to refugee crisis

"We understand the pressure the different countries concerned are facing. We are concerned about the developments along the Balkan route and the humanitarian crisis that might unfold in certain countries especially in Greece," the statement by Dutch Minister for Migration Klaas Dijkhoff and European Commissioner for Migration, Home Affairs and Citizenship, Dimitris Avramopoulos, reads.

The Dutch Presidency of the Council and the Commission are in constant contact with all relevant actors and countries along the Western Balkans and are closely following the developments in the region and on the ground at the border crossings, they said, adding however, that all countries involved have a responsibility and obligation to respect the European rules and put an end to the 'wave through' approach.

"While doing so, governments should take into account the effects in neighbouring countries," the two officials added, while prompting all countries and actors along the route to "prepare the necessary contingency planning to be able to address humanitarian needs, including reception capacities". In parallel, they said, the Commission is coordinating a contingency planning effort, to offer support in case of a humanitarian crisis both outside and within the EU, as well as to further coordinate border management.

"All Member States should act in a joint spirit of solidarity and responsibility, especially in times when unity and common solutions are needed," the statement concludes, noting that the Commission and the Presidency, as well as the EU as a whole stand ready to assist.

Athens News Agency: News in English Directory - Previous Article - Next Article