Athens Macedonian News Agency: News in English, 16-11-11

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

CONTENTS

[01] Government aims to close second review on Dec 5, gov't spokesman Tzanakopoulos says

[02] Elefsina declared European Capital of Culture in 2021

[01] Government aims to close second review on Dec 5, gov't spokesman Tzanakopoulos says

He also added that a contact between Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras and newly elected US President Donald Trump is possible over the next period.

"The Greek economy's positive course is a fact and certified by European Commission's autumn forecast. We are aware of the difficulties our co-citizens are facing and the work before us to exit the crisis," Tzanakopoulos said.

The government spokesman also stressed the importance of the visit of US President Barack Obama while he accused main opposition New Democracy of seeing a fourth memorandum. "The necessary reforms have been agreed and been implemented since last July," he underlined and added: "It is only New Democracy that seeks the failure of the current programme. Its aim is to impose a strict austerity agenda in exchange of the debt settlement.

[02] Elefsina declared European Capital of Culture in 2021

Tibor Navracsics, EU Commissioner for Education, Culture, Youth and Sport, said: "In 2021, Greece will host its fourth European Capital of Culture after Athens in 1985, Thessaloniki in 1997 and Patras in 2006. Many cities competed for the title, with 14 initial contenders narrowed down to three finalists. This shows once again how popular this EU initiative is with cities and citizens. I congratulate Elefsina on its successful bid. I look forward to seeing Elefsina give visitors from Europe and all over the world the opportunity to discover the city and its cultural assets but also to appreciate the diversity of cultures in the European Union as well as our shared values – this is today more vital than ever. As many previous European Capitals of Culture have shown, the title can bring significant long-term cultural, as well as economic and social benefits – benefits that Elefsina now stands to reap as well."

With today's decision, the line-up of European Capitals of Culture for 2021 is now complete with Elefsina joining Timişoara in Romania and Novi Sad in Serbia, a candidate country for EU membership. European Capitals of Culture is one of the most recognised EU projects. European Capitals of Culture provide Europeans with an opportunity to learn more about each other's cultures, to enter into intercultural dialogue and to enjoy their shared history and values.

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