Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English, 05-05-23

Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English Directory - Previous Article - Next Article

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

CONTENTS

[01] Culture mix in education aids global understanding, PM Karamanlis says

[02] Massachusetts governor welcomes PM Karamanlis

[03] PM Karamanlis welcomes strong ties between US and Greece

[04] PM Karamanlis talks to

[05] Greece joins declaration for "cultural corridors" in SE Europe

[06] President of the Republic honors fallen in Battle of Crete

[07] Former Greek communist party leader dies

[08] Opinion Poll: Ruling party 3.6 points ahead of main opposition

[09] King of Jordan approves decision by government for the dismissal of Patriarch Irineos

[10] Head of public administration centre resigns

[11] Demonstrators oppose US, NATO bases on Crete

[12] Ministers visit display of Greek products in Japan

[13] Law on conflict of interest in state tenders stalled to October

[14] Greece wins Eurovision song contest

[15] Greece, Bulgaria in talks on cross-border organized crime

[16] Kids flock to Athens city park for fun, fantasy and learning

[17] Cyprus President: No timeframes have been set

[01] Culture mix in education aids global understanding, PM Karamanlis says

BOSTON 23/5/2005 (ANA/A Panagopoulos)

"The multinational environment fostered at Tufts, an environment where differences are understood and respected, broadened my perspective and gave me a wider view of the world, as I know it did for all of you," Karamanlis told students and staff in the university's keynote graduation address.

"The friendships and discussions I enjoyed here with young people of different races, religions, countries and economic backgrounds gave me a firsthand global perception of the political economic and social problems that still plague the world," said Karamanlis during a visit to the USA that included a meeting with President Bush.

The premier, himself a graduate of Tufts in the mid-1980s, said his government intended to help turn southeastern Europe into a region of stability, cooperation, prosperity and peace, employing its privileged status as a member of both the European Union and NATO.

"To accomplish that task we will need the strong support of both the EU and the United States. We look forward to working closely with both to help bring a lasting peace to an area long known as history's cauldron, a maelstrom of ethnic and religious strife for over a century," Karamanlis said.

"Last year, Athens was the host city of the Olympic Games, which were founded in Greece in 776 BC and revived in Athens in 1896. Everyone predicted that we would not be ready and the Games were going to be a disaster, but we proved all the armchair Cassandras wrong by producing the most inspiring, the most creative and the safest Games in history," he noted.

The premier said that a late president of the republic, Konstantinos Karamanlis, after whom the chair in Hellenic and Southeastern European Studies at Tufts is named, was a visionary who led the reconstruction of Greece after World War II and guided the country to full membership of the EU.

"It is the task of our generation to bring our country to the forefront of European development, to fully integrate our broader neighborhood into the European institutions and give all young people the opportunity to excel themselves. And, furthermore, turn our country into a center of education and culture to the benefit not only of Greece, but of all the peoples of the region," he underlined.

"These are difficult challenges, and you will face tasks just as daunting in the fields you have chosen as a career. How can you do it with confidence and resolve? Your experience here at Tufts should help you, as it did me, because the other part of Plato's definition of education -"learning to love what should be loved"- also characterizes this university," the premier said.

Before the graduation ceremony, Karamanlis chatted to award-winning actor William Hurt, another graduate of Tufts.

[02] Massachusetts governor welcomes PM Karamanlis

WASHINGTON 23/5/2005 (ANA/T Ellis)

"We thank Greece and the Greeks for the superb Olympic Games that they offered us," said Romney, who was chief organizer of the Salt Lake City winter games.

Karamanlis noted his sentimental attachment to Boston, where he studied at the Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy at Tufts University.

He also said that ties were close between Massachusetts and Greece through the state's ethnic Greek community.

Present at the city's airport on Friday were Archbishop Demetrios of America and local officials.

On Saturday, the prime minister toured Boston's Museum of Fine Art. He said that he wanted to promote cooperation with Greek museums.

On Sunday, Tufts University will award Karamanlis an honorary doctorate of law.

[03] PM Karamanlis welcomes strong ties between US and Greece

BOSTON 23/5/2005 (ANA/A Panagopoulos)

"We cannot forget the warm contribution of the Greek-American community, and the USA itself, to Greece throughout the 20th century. From the Balkan Wars to the Asia Minor catastrophe, the Great War to World War II," said Karamanlis before a reception held for him on Saturday by the deputy governor of Massachusetts, Kerry Healey.

"From the economic support for post-war reconstruction to the close, effective cooperation we have today, cooperation that has greatly contributed to exceptional bilateral ties, as confirmed by my meeting with President Bush. We cannot forget our long-term strategic friendship with the USA", Karamanlis said.

The prime minister added that he would welcome economic cooperation with the state of Massachusetts.

[04] PM Karamanlis talks to CNN

WASHINGTON 23/5/2005 (ANA/T Ellis)

Introducing Karamanlis, Blitzer described Greece as "a key ally" of the US from the Balkans to Afghanistan.

The premier said he believed that average Greeks are well disposed towards America; and the unpopularity of the Iraq War had also been felt throughout Europe.

Asked if Greece would play a more active role in Iraq, including troops, Karamanlis said he hoped the new status in Iraq would move rapidly towards full democratization in a society based on the rule of law; and that Greece was already contributing economically and training Iraqi troops.

The Afghanistan war was sanctioned by the UN, but the Iraq War's status was doubted in the European Union; and the future was crucial, not the past, Karamanlis said.

No major problems existed in ties between Greece and the US; "in the current phase the level of understanding is good, a very good level of bilateral relations" he added.

Opposition parties criticize PM over Bush meeting: The Communist Party of Greece (KKE) on Saturday sharply criticized the government for maintaining an alliance with the USA following a meeting in Washington between Prime Minister Costas Karamanlis and President Bush.

"The strategic cooperation between the USA and Greece confirmed by Messrs Karamanlis and Bush means what we all know - that Greece implements anti-people policy in the Balkans and Middle East as part of the imperialist system, and based on a policy of so-called combatting terrorism," the KKE said in a statement.

In a separate news release, the Coalition of the Left, Movements and Ecology said the meeting's outcome confirmed the government's intention of shifting to a more pro-Atlantic policy.

"We are worried because this entails a new role for the country within US planning in the Balkans and Middle East," the party said.

[05] Greece joins declaration for "cultural corridors" in SE Europe

VARNA, Bulgaria 23/5/2005 (ANA/N Megadoukas)

The president of the republic, Karolos Papoulias, welcomed the meeting to forge an action plan that will trace, conserve promote and sustainability use "cultural corridors" in the region, which was called by his Bulgarian counterpart, Georgi Parvanov and organized with UNESCO and the Council of Europe.

Parvanov told a news conference that the Balkan leaders had agreed the region's cultural heritage was a unifying element, aiding entry of southeast European countries into the European Union; and Papoulias noted that culture was the tightest link among peoples of the region.

Following a request by Deputy Culture Minister Petros Tatoulis, the next forum will be held in Greece in 2007, focusing on the Watercourse Way. The session adopted a proposal by Papoulias that the concept should be widened to embrace rivers and seas.

Seen warmly shaking hands after the news conference were Papoulias and his counterpart from the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, Branko Crvenkovski.

The Council of Europe's Cultural Routes program initiated in 1987 promotes the notion of a shared cultural heritage in Europe by means of visible paths, also providing concrete input for the formation of cultural tourism strategies.

The council's regional cultural and natural heritage program, which has so far identified monuments and sites in seven participating states that contribute to the European identity, spurred the concept of cultural corridors.

[06] President of the Republic honors fallen in Battle of Crete

Athens, 23/5/2005 (ANA)

"This was a great day for European resistance to Nazism. And it was Crete that through its example of heroism, mass resistance and allied help met the Axis war machine head on," Papoulias said in the Cretan town of Hania.

The president revealed that he had been shocked to learn how heavy the death toll was in the battle, among members of the Axis, the Allies, and especially Cretans.

"This was an example of heroism and patriotism that should inspire us all," he added.

Also taking part in anniversary events were surviving ANZAC and British war veterans, with the United Kingdom represented by the British ambassador to Athens, Simon Gass.

Papoulias later laid wreaths at the tombs of statesmen Eleftherios Venizelos and Sophocles Venizelos.

[07] Former Greek communist party leader dies

Athens, 23/5/2005 (ANA)

Florakis was one of the first to be arrested under Greece's 1967-1974 dictatorship and interned, escaping abroad in 1972.

He fought in the civil war that came in the wake of WWII, then escaped to the former Soviet Union and Romania before illegally returning to Greece in 1954.

The KKE's honorary president, Florakis was a parliamentary deputy from 1974 until the early 1990s.

The president of the republic, Karolos Papoulias, was first to send a message of condolence.

"Harilaos Florakis lived side-by-side with history until his 91th year, treading the hardest and stoniest paths in our country with unrivalled steadfastness and faith in his ideas, honorably and valiantly, displaying a deep wisdom that welled up from his popular origins," Papoulias said.

Prime Minister Costas Karamanlis described Florakis as the KKE's historic leader and a credit to his party.

"Among the great political figures to mark the eventful second half of the 20th century, Florakis was a leader who made a personal and decisive contribution to overcoming the passions of the past and consolidating democracy and stability. This contribution has the acknowledgment and respect of History and of the public," Karamanlis said.

The honorary president of the ruling New Democracy party, Constantine Mitsotakis, a veteran on the other side of the political camp, expressed abiding esteem for Florakis as a staunch front-line fighter who suffered persecution and many years of imprisonment.

"He was the key player in the Left who contributed to a historic understanding with us, which allowed the creation of a multi-party government and national unity, marking a definitive end to the civil war," Mitsotakis said.

"I worked with him in the framework of democracy, and I felt respect and friendship towards him," he added.

The head of the main opposition Panhellenic Socialist Movement, George Papandreou, described Florakis as a historic communist leader, a restless seeker displaying down-to-earth wisdom. "He won the respect of both political friends and foes."

Among other public figures to send condolences were the leader of the Coalition of the Left, Movements and Ecology, Alekos Alavanos, and parliament speaker Anna Psarouda Benaki.

Communist party leader mourns loss of Florakis

The leader of the Communist Party of Greece (KKE), Alexa Papariga, mourned the death on Sunday of Harilaos Florakis, a veteran politician and the party's honorary president, at the age of 91.

In a statement released on the KKE's website, Papariga said: "This is one of those deaths you are expecting, it was anticipated, but it's difficult to accept as Harilaos Florakis was so closely linked to the party's history, not only because he was its secretary general for very many years, but also because throughout his life, from ordinary member to senior official, he was an inextricable part of the KKE's history.

"He was the person who in 1974 and beyond helped the party to stand on its feet after 27 years of illegality. In his person was displayed the whole character of the KKE, the party's contemporary character in the new conditions that arose after the fall of the junta."

[08] Opinion Poll: Ruling party 3.6 points ahead of main opposition

Athens, 23/5/2005 (ANA)

Of voters polled, 32.9% said they would back ND in a national election, followed by 29.3% for PASOK; 6.3% for the Communist Party of Greece; 3.0% for the Coalition of the Left, Movements and Ecology; and 3.7% for LAOS. Of the total, 23.0% were uncertain or said they would cast a blank vote.

Tipped to win elections would be ND according to 49.0% of respondents, followed by 30.3% for PASOK.

Asked who was most suitable for the position of prime minister, 45.2% opted for the current premier, Costas Karamanlis; and 30.7% chose George Papandreou, head of the main opposition.

The nationwide telephone poll was conducted by Rass for the To Paron newspaper.

[09] King of Jordan approves decision by government for the dismissal of Patriarch Irineos

JERUSALEM 23/5/2005 (ANA/P.Haritos)

''We wish to inform you that the Honorable Royal Palace had issued its approval of the decision taken by the Jordanian Cabinet in regards to dismissing the mentioned Patriarch from his position, the Throne of the Jerusalemite Orthodox Patriarchate starting from 20/05/2005'', an announcement issued on Sunday by Jordan's Interior Minister Awni Yarfas and sent to the elected three-member Committee to manage the affairs of the Greek Orthodox Patriarchate of Jerusalem, said.

''Based on this, we hope that you proceed with the procedures of electing a Locum Tenant according to clause number (18) of the Jerusalemite Greek Orthodox Patriarchate law number (27) of the year 1958 and to inform us so that we take the necessary legal procedures to this regard,'' the announcement concluded.

[10] Head of public administration centre resigns

Athens, 23/5/2005 (ANA)

The minister of interior, public administration and decentralization, Prokopis Pavlopoulos, asked Diamantopoulos to retain his post until June when a replacement would be found.

[11] Demonstrators oppose US, NATO bases on Crete

Athens, 23/5/2005 (ANA)

Among organizations taking part were the Greek Social Forum, trade unions and students.

[12] Ministers visit display of Greek products in Japan

NAGOYA 23/5/2005 (ANA/A Lidorikis)

The two officials visited the Matsusakaya store in Nagoya on the last day of an official visit to Japan timed to coincide with Expo 2005.

Basiakos told reporters that the drive to promote Greek farm products would continue after the current display, which is the second at the 1,400-store chain in recent months. On show are items including olive oil, wine, beer, honey, mastic, soap, jewellery and tourist souvenirs.

Alogoskoufis noted that the exhibition was initiated by the Japanese side working with the United Nations, proof that interest existed in the Japanese market for quality Greek brand products.

[13] Law on conflict of interest in state tenders stalled to October

Athens, 23/5/2005 (ANA)

"The government's objective is to facilitate dialogue on finding common ground with the EU," the government said in the introduction of an amendment that was sent to parliament.

Under the terms of the amendment, the law, which has been approved by the house, will take effect on October 31 instead of June 14, the officials said.

[14] Greece wins Eurovision song contest

KIEV 23/5/2005 (ANA)

Taking an easy lead over Malta, which finished a distant second, Paparizou scored 230 points in an upbeat, folk-influenced rock number composed by singer Christos Dandis and lyricist Natalia Germanou.

Paparizou, 23, came third in the 2001 Eurovision competition as a band member; the country's best ranking so far that was matched by Sakis Rouvas in 2004. As a result of her victory, Greece will host the contest in 2006.

"I am so happy that this finally came to Greece...We have shown the modern side of Greece," said Paparizou, an ethnic Greek from Sweden, on receiving the Eurovision award from Ukraine's president, Viktor Yushchenko.

In a double celebration, Paparizou, an ethnic Greek raised in Sweden, also feasted her name day.

The president of the Republic, Karolos Papoulias, congratulated Greece's team at the contest, who worked onstage and offstage.

"I hope that this collective enthusiasm will spur greater successes in the arts, which is Greece's most precious export commodity," Papoulias said in a telegram to Paparizou.

Prime Minister Costas Karamanlis, who is currently visiting the USA, also warmly welcomed Paparizou's victory; along with main opposition leader George Papandreou, Istanbul Patriarch Bartholomew, Athens Mayor Dora Bakoyannis, and the deputy culture minister, Fani Palli-Petralia.

[15] Greece, Bulgaria in talks on cross-border organized crime

SOFIA 23/5/2005 (ANA/B Borisov)

The talks will focus on people trafficking, Greek Public Order Minister George Voulgarakis told Bulgaria's Trud newspaper in an interview published on Sunday.

[16] Kids flock to Athens city park for fun, fantasy and learning

Athens, 23/5/2005 (ANA)

"The National Gardens belong to the children of Athens and Greece. We invited them here to rediscover the park, to play, plant flowers and learn, but mainly to enjoy themselves," the mayor of Athens, Dora Bakoyannis, told visitors.

"Our aim is to improve the park even more, making it an oasis in the centre of Athens for children and grown-ups - the big children," Bakoyannis said of the event sponsored by Vodafone SA.

Youngsters saw the gardens as they have been charted by botanists, watched the heroes of popular fairy stories brought to life in natural surroundings, and helped to make stories. Other entertainment included puppet theatres and arts and crafts workshops employing natural materials.

The children also took road safety lessons led by Prodromos, a Vodafone mascot, and learnt how to take care of plants. Meanwhile, parents attended flower-arranging seminars.

On May 29, local authorities in the northern suburb of Kifissia will hold a fete that seeks to inform children about Greek customs and traditions in a fun-filled atmosphere, including story-telling, painting, games, drama workshops, an environment pavilion, flower-arranging, a lottery and karaoke tent set up by Motorola SA.

[17] Cyprus President: No timeframes have been set

NICOSIA 23/5/2005 (CNA/ANA)

''Neither UN Secretary General Kofi Annan, nor anyone else have set any timeframes and we do not accept them either. Mr. Annan will decide in the light of the consultations to follow, whether the conditions are created to start a new initiative and how will it look like'', President Papadopoulos noted, invited to comment on press reports that a new initiative for Cyprus would start this autumn.

In statements in the framework of the inauguration of the Regional High School in the Kokkinotrimithia area, the president said that Prendergast's visit to Cyprus has been organized since quite some time and added that it would be very useful for the UN official to listen to the positions of the Turkish Cypriot side as well.

''I think that after the briefing he has had from our side in New York, it is very useful to come to Cyprus, see the Turkish Cypriots as well and reach his own conclusions'', he noted.

Asked whether UN Secretary General would appoint a special representative for Cyprus, President Papadopoulos said that according to his knowledge, Annan has not yet made such a decision.

Answering a question regarding the meeting in the White House between Greek Prime Minister Costas Karamanlis and US President George Bush, the president noted that such meetings do not mean any immediate radical changes.

The meeting, he said, was held in a very good climate, adding that the relations between Greece and the US are constantly improving to a very satisfactory level.

Asked whether he would call up a meeting of the National Council (top advisory body to the president regarding Cyprus problem), he said that after he is fully informed on the developments, he would take such an action, adding that firstly he would inform the leaders of the political parties.

Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English Directory - Previous Article - Next Article