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Athens Macedonian News Agency: News in English, 17-01-03Athens News Agency: News in English Directory - Previous Article - Next ArticleFrom: The Athens News Agency at <http://www.ana.gr/>CONTENTS
[01] Greece not discussing 'non-existent issues' with Turkey or Albania, says Alt. Defence MinisterGreece is not discussing non-existent issues with Turkey and Albania and does not recognize "grey zones" in its territory, Alternate Defence Minister Dimitris Vitsas in an interview with magazine "Greek Defence & Technology" published on Tuesday, commenting on recent statements by the Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama."We are not discussing non-existent issues and for Greece there are no grey zones; there are only sovereign rights," Vitsas was quoted as saying. "As far as the statements of Turkish officials are concerned, I think they mostly express their insecurities," he added. Commenting on the ongoing talks over Cyprus, the minister said time "doesn't always work in favour of the faits accomplis" of the Turkish invasion and occupation. "It is very important that after 42 years, we are keeping the issue active in international fora – that is, that the Cyprus issue is first and foremost an issue of invasion and occupation. All this, along with the instability in Turkey and its region create a framework, which could lead to a jointly accepted and viable solution, without armies and foreign guarantees," he said. Asked about the possible instrumentalization of refugees and refugee flows by Turkey to pressure Europe and Greece, he said: "We want to be clear: Such action would constitute a hostile act. I'd like to believe we will not face such a situation." [02] Winter sales to start on Jan. 9; optional opening on following SundayWinter sales will kick off in Athens and Thessaloniki on January 9, the two cities' Chambers of Commerce said on Tuesday, adding that shop owners may also choose to open on the following Sunday (Dec. 15).For stores that will open on Dec. 15, the proposed shopping hours are 11:00-18:00. Shops are also required to write the old and new price on all items offered and may also include the percentage of the sale, the Athens Chamber said in a press release. Sales will officially end on February 28. [03] Justice minister rejects claims government is trying to influence court on Turkish officersJustice Minister Stavros Kontonis rejected on Tuesday claims by a citizens initiative that the government is trying to sway the Supreme Court to rule in favour of extraditing the eight Turkish officers who entered Greece after the failed coup in Turkey."It's unacceptable for members of the initiative to misinform the public by claiming that the 'government's efforts to intervene in the work of justice are known', especially since the Appeals Council issued conflicting decisions on the issue of extradition and no government statement has been issued on the matter throughout the period until the final rulings have been issued," he said in a statement. "The government respects and implements the rulings of Greek courts and we believe the same applies to the members of the initiative, all the more so considering that through their call they express their solidarity with the honest Greeks judges who will be called in a few days to carry out their work," he added. A citizen's initiative organized through social media is planning a rally against the extradition of the officers on January 5, at the site of the old EAT-ESA detention centers where Greeks were held and tortured during the Greek military dictatorship. The rally has been scheduled for 18:30. The appeals of the Turkish officers will be heard by the Supreme Court on January 10, 11 and 13. Athens News Agency: News in English Directory - Previous Article - Next Article |
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