Athens News Agency: News in English, 00-01-06

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

CONTENTS

[01] Greece-elections

[02] Greece-Palestine

[03] Greece-Simitis

[01] Greece-elections

The ruling PASOK party on Thursday again threw cold water on an opposition call for an early general election.

"The government is not concerned about elections now," Prime Minister Costas Simitis told reporters.

Parliament President Apostolos Kaklamanis also stated it would be wise for the government to have an unimpeded run of its full four-year term --which expires in the autumn.

The two men made the statements after attending the annual religious events of the Epiphany in the port of Piraeus.

On Wednesday, Defence Minister Akis Tsohatzopoulos said after meeting Simitis that elections were not part of the prime minister's immediate plans and could wait.

Also on Wednesday, main opposition New Democracy party leader Costas Karamanlis called for an early election and said the government's refusal to set a date was irresponsible.

[02] Greece-Palestine

Greek President Kostis Stephanopoulos, visiting Jerusalem to attend events commemorating the 2000th anniversary of the birth of Christ, held on Thursday 30-minute talks in Bethlehem, in the Palestinian self-rule territory.

It was the first visit by a Greek head of state in the Palestinian self-rule territory.

President Stephanopoulos, who was decorated by the Patriarch of Jerusalem Diodoros, also held talks with his Georgian counterpart Eduard Shevardnadze. Former Russian President Boris Yeltsin was also decorated during the same ceremony.

[03] Greece-Simitis

Prime Minister Costas Simitis said Thursday that Greece was stronger and more prepared expressing confidence that the government can open new paths and prospects and new horizons for the country.

"This year is a year in which it will appear that we can handle the challenges coming from the global environment even more effectively.

"Greece is stronger, more prepared and more capable now and we can open new paths, new prospects and new horizons for the country," Simitis said after the waters sanctification ceremony in Piraeus.

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