The Hellenic Radio (ERA): News in English, 08-07-13

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From: The Hellenic Radio (ERA) <www.ert.gr/>

CONTENTS

[01] "I Wasn't Born to Hate but to Love"

13 Ιουλ 2008 19:49:0 (Last updated: 13 Ιουλ 2008 20:56:2)

By Athina Saloustrou

Sources: ΝΕΤ - ΝΕΤ 105.8

"I have come here to bring love and not hatred. I was not born to hate but to love." Quoting lyrics from Sophocles Antigone, honouring in a way his Greek roots, French President Nicolas Sarkozy sealed his vision, the Union for the Mediterranean, vying to bridge the gaps at the heart of Europe. Although the initial ambitious plans were met with scepticism by both the EU and the German Chancellor, a wind of hope prevailed, since no sooner had the inaugural UPM Summit begun, than Nicolas Sarkozy brought together at the negotiating table hostile nations, thus claiming two resounding diplomatic wins. Syrias President Bashar al-Assad made a quite impressive comeback to the international fora, shaking hands with his Lebanese counterpart Michel Suleiman. Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert also shook hands with Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, manifesting the wish for peace to dawn after decades of atrocities. In his address, the French President stressed that all eyes are fixed on them, to see what they will achieve. "All eyes are fixed on Greece and Turkey, Morocco and Algeria, Palestine and Israel," added he. Sarkozy then went on to wonder whether this new generation of politicians is capable of bringing peace and stressed that disputes should be resolved.

Forty-three leaders from Europe, the Middle East and Northern Africa, including Greek Prime Minister Kostas Karamanlis, were punctual at their meeting in Paris, something that gave credit to the French President. Although no family photos had been scheduled, Sarkozy succeeded in bringing together at the negotiating table hostile nations, such as Algeria and Morocco, Israel and the Arab nations. The French head of state also welcomed at Grand Palais, a breath-taking palace built on the banks of the Seine, Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan, who confirmed his participation in the Summit at the very last moment.

However, Paris ambitious plan were initially met with scepticism by both the EU and German Chancellor Angela Merkel, who interpreted Sarkozys move as an attempt to put her aside, because Germany is not a Mediterranean nation. Therefore, it was turned from Mediterranean Union into a Union for the Mediterranean, with all the EU member states taking part.

Greek Premier Kostas Karamanlis hailed the French Presidents initiative as of one pivotal significance for economic growth and social development of the EU and the Mediterranean countries. Karamanlis also underlined the importance of Sarkozys vision, further placing emphasis on the immediate and tangible benefits citizens will reap, while a world economic recession is in full swing.

Commenting on the conclusions of the Summit, the Greek head of government underscored that Greece offered its backing to the French Presidents initiative from the very beginning, as it sensed the need for cooperation among the nations. Karamanlis also said that it is time to move on and live up to shared challenges and that Greece has already contribute to the procedures for the Union and that it will keep taking part, introducing programmes and initiatives.

Translated by Areti Christou

Related News:

Union for Integration

Summit on the Mediterranean Union

[02] Among the Opposition Parties

13 Ιουλ 2008 20:37:0

By Athina Saloustrou

The political wrangling over the Cosmote-Germanos deal has spread among the opposition parties. Socialist cadre Theodoros Pangalos and LAOS (Popular Orthodox Rally) Giorgos Karatzaferis dropped hints at KKEs (Greek Communist Party) stance, while KKE official Makis Mailis spoke of a provocation campaign against his party. In the meantime, speaking on behalf of the Government, Finance Minister Giorgos Alogoskoufis termed the buyout deal as a business agreement struck between two listed companies and that it was proved profitable. In his interview with Sunday paper Typos tis Kyriakis, Alogoskoufis noted: "Cosmote mobile operator made a business move, believing it was in its interest and in OTEs (Hellenic Telecommunications Organisation) interest. This move was proved right by the market and the developments. Despite completely respecting Justices resolutions, I honestly fail to grasp the grounds of this specific resolution."

Translated by Areti Christou

Related News:

Wave of Political Reactions

[03] Of PASOK Officials in Halkidiki

13 Ιουλ 2008 19:13:0

By Athina Saloustrou

George Papandreou, leader of the Socialist party (PASOK), launched his five-day tour in Halkidiki, northern Greece, lashing out at the Government. Upon his arrival at a meeting of his party official, Papandreou stressed that the nation has been living through its worst political and economic crisis since the restoration of Democracy in 1974, a crisis that he put down to the Government, which he branded it as irresolute and scared. "The only thing the Government does is to offer its backing to certain vested interests, instead of trying to resolve the citizens and the countrys real problems," added Papandreou. Further adding that there is a light at the end of the tunnel, the Socialist President appeared committed to reversing this ill situation, as he called it, along with the PASOK officials. He also claimed that his officials will tour northern Greece and hold meetings with the local bodies to convey the message of the struggle against the present situation and listen to the peoples message, with a view to co-breathing an air of change throughout the nation. Later on Sunday, Papandreou will open the 11th Symi Symposium.

Translated by Areti Christou

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