Athens Macedonian News Agency: News in English, 16-10-02

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

CONTENTS

[01] Commissioner Avramopoulos: The fences take us back to the divided postwar Europe

[02] Tsipras' visit to Iran was a milestone in bilateral relations, Iran's central banker tells ANA

[01] Commissioner Avramopoulos: The fences take us back to the divided postwar Europe

Avramopoulos expressed his optimism over the refugee relocation programme from Greece and Italy to other EU countries. "Our argument that the EU common approach is more effective than national, individual measures will persuade even the most reluctant ones to participate," he underlined.

Referring to EU funds for the management of the refugee issue, Avramopoulos stressed the need for Greece to speed up procedures for the absorption of programmes and added: "The European Commission is in constant communication with the Greek authorities to help them overcome any possible problems."

The Greek Commissioner accused the "xenophobic and populist forces" of linking migration with terrorism, without ruling out the possibility of exploitation of the refugee issue in order "to serve malicious purposes."

Finally, he reassured that the tolerance and solidarity shown to the refugee crisis will not be at the expense of the citizens' security.

[02] Tsipras' visit to Iran was a milestone in bilateral relations, Iran's central banker tells ANA

"The visit of Greek Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras in Tehran was a milestone in our bilateral relations," he said in an interview with the Athens-Macedonian News Agency adding that there is willingness on both sides to further strengthen these relations.

As he noted, bilateral discussions on the energy sector focused both on oil refining and natural gas, and now two specific proposals are being examined in these areas. The strengthening of relations in the banking sectors of the two countries with the creation of "corresponding banks" is also under consideration, he said.

Referring to the economic situation in Greece, he said that "...the Greek government is making great efforts to overcome the current problems and simultaneously enhance the welfare of society. It is also making efforts to attract foreign investments as well as proceeding to actions that will contribute to economic growth, create new jobs and combat unemployment. Provided that these initiatives continue, the Greek economy can have a positive future."

The full interview is available at ANA's website.

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