Athens Macedonian News Agency: News in English, 17-03-25

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

CONTENTS

[01] Social protection and labour best practices to be upheld 'across all Europe,' Tusk says

[02] Our generation must bring about a new start for Greece, ND leader Mitsotakis says

[03] Military parade held in Athens to mark March 25 anniversary of 1821 war of independence

[01] Social protection and labour best practices to be upheld 'across all Europe,' Tusk says

Replying to questions, Tusk referred to a letter sent to him by Greek Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras on this issue and expressed confidence that "together with the social partners we will continue to uphold a very high level of social protection and the best practices in labour relations across all Europe, as embodied already in the EU social acquis."

"This point is often discussed amongst leaders and it is a position that we all share - and, of course, including Greece," he added.

[02] Our generation must bring about a new start for Greece, ND leader Mitsotakis says

"Today, precisely 196 years ago, Greeks began a difficult struggle for freedom, independence and justice. Today, we honour their memory and take strength from their example. We are not, however, trapped only in a glorious past. We are well aware that it is the obligation of our generation to successfully bring about a new national start. With unity, concord and absolute respect for the values of our ancestors, the values of our nation," he said.

[03] Military parade held in Athens to mark March 25 anniversary of 1821 war of independence

Large crowds turned out to watch the parade on Saturday, gathering in Syntagma Square and along its route through central Athens, with warm applause for the members of Greece's armed forces that paraded in front of the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.

As always, the parade was led by war invalids, followed by Red Cross nurses and a platoon of Hellenic Police patrol cars and motorbikes. They were followed by armed forces units, while formations of military and security forces aircraft flew overhead. Highlights of the parade for yet another year were the Evzones presidential guard with their traditional uniforms and the members of the various special forces. Following in precise formations were the military academies of the four branches of the armed and security forces.

The National Militia battalion from the island of Rhodes participated in the parade for the second year, following a decision to make 2017 the "militia and reserve forces' year and a series of actions aiming to improve their levels of training. Militia from the region of Evros and the Dodecanese islands had previously participated in the parade in 2015.

In addition to President Pavlopoulos, officials observing the parade included Parliament President Nikos Voutsis, Defence Minister Panos Kammenos, MP Dora Bakoyannis representing main opposition New Democracy, the head of the Centrists Union Vassilis Levendis and the leadership of the armed forces, security forces and diplomatic missions in Athens.

Earlier, President Pavlopoulos laid a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and inspected an honour guard from all three branches of the Armed Forces. The country's state, political and military leadership had earlier attended a mass led by Archbishop of Athens and All Greece Ieronymos at the Church of St Dionysius the Areopagite.

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