Athens Macedonian News Agency: News in English, 17-04-07

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

CONTENTS

[01] Tsipras to Steinmeier: Art is a bridge that can unite the Greek and German people

[02] Cretu visits ancient Macedonian site of Aigai in Vergina, northern Greece

[03] Greece asks for improved offers in Thessaloniki Port Authority tender

[01] Tsipras to Steinmeier: Art is a bridge that can unite the Greek and German people

He noted that art and culture were a bridge that could help unite the Greek and German people, overcoming the recent years' disruption in Greek-German relations.

"The Greek people has been through a big, seven-year trial and I believe the time has come for the feeling of anxiety to be replaced by feelings of hope," the Greek prime minister said, referring to the Greek people, noting that the unity of Europe and of the European peoples must be preserved.

Steinmeier, on his part, noted a need to once again 'start talking positively about Europe and not consider that Europe is responsible for everything," especially in the wake of Brexit.

"In the last 70 years, Europe offered peace and stability. Perhaps the departure of the United Kingdom makes it clear that something must be done so that Europe does not allow itself to become a plaything in the hands of others," he said. This encompassed a number of issues, Steinmeier added, including the migration and refugee crisis, internal and external security, economic growth and jobs.

"I have great respect for the efforts made by Greece and its courage in carrying out this work. I hope that the news we received this morning concerning the negotiations in Malta are true because this would be very good," he added.

"My presence here is a message that Greek-German relations are broader than the public discussion indicates. The documenta 14 exhibition will give us an opportunity to see things from a different angle, from a fresh and different perspective," he said.

Steinmeier was in Greece on Friday to inaugurate the documenta 14 art exhibition that this year is taking place in both Athens and Kassel, Germany.

Tsipras condemns attack in Stockholm

The prime minister condemned the terror attack in Stockholm on Friday, in a tweet on his official account. "We condemned unequivocally the terror attack in Stockholm. I express the Greek people's deep condolences to the families of the victims," he said.

[02] Cretu visits ancient Macedonian site of Aigai in Vergina, northern Greece

Following her tour of the site, which is on the UNESCO World Heritage list, Cretu said it was very important for her to see this monument. "It is even more important not just to read history but to also see and feel history," she said.

Aigai, occupying roughly the same location as the modern town of Vergina, was the capital of the ancient kingdom of Macedonia. The archaeological site contained the unsullied tomb of King Phillip II of Macedon, the father of Alexander the Great, one of the major archaeological finds of the 20th century.

The Commissioner also referred to projects for the protection of ancient cultural heritage underway at Aigai, with the support of regional programmes and Community funds.

"On the part of the EU, I must say that this work has been supported by the EU for the past 15 years, for reconstruction, and the building of a museum using the latest-generation technology that will include exhibits, galleries and even an amphitheatre," she said, noting that the EU had invested more than 30 million euros.

Europe must continue to invest in culture, she added: "In order to better understand who we are and where we come from, we must invest in the history of each country and the history of Europe."

The Commissioner was accompanied by Central Macedonia Region governor Apostolos Tzitzikostas and European Commission spokesman Margaritis Schinas, who noted that "there could not have been a more ideal place to conclude the Commissioner's visit to Greece."

"The Commissioner started a dialogue with the citizens in Athens, inaugurated one of the most historic and impressive works that the EU has financed in our country (the Tempi tunnels) and is concluding [her visit] in the cultural roots of Macedonia. All of us that accompanied her these days feel proud, including myself, as a Greek, as a European and as a Macedonian," Schinas said.

[03] Greece asks for improved offers in Thessaloniki Port Authority tender

A HRADF board meeting completed the process of unsealing the three binding offers made by International Container Terminal Services Inc, based in Philippines, Peninsular and Oriental Stream of Dubai Port World Group and the consortlium of the German fund DIEP GmbH, Belterra Investments LTD –owned by Ivan Savvidis - Terminal Link SAS, a subsidiary of CMA CGM. Japanese Mitsui did not submit a binding offer. The new offers of the three candidates – all valid and adequate - will be evaluated in the next board meeting HRADF, which is not yet scheduled but could be held in April.

Constantinos Mellios, chairman of Thessaloniki Port Authority, in comments made to ANA recently, said the winner of the tender will take over operations of the port in autumn 2017.

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