Athens News Agency: News in English, 05-02-23

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

CONTENTS

[01] Greek govt presents official participation in EXPO 2005

[02] Roussopoulos calls on PASOK to clarify its position regarding media accumulation initiative

[03] Papandreou promises a 'different party congress' than previous ones

[01] Greek govt presents official participation in EXPO 2005

Presenting the Greek participation in the EXPO 2005 fair, to begin in March 25, Alogoskoufis said that the international fair offered Greece an exceptional opportunity to highlight the country's new face after the Olympic Games in 2004.

The Greek minister said that this year's EXPO was dedicated to "nature's wisdom", a harmony between nature and culture, and seeks to help in the exchange of views and interaction between different peoples. Greece will exhibit products and services with organisation and coordination, since the country was opening up to the world with modern terms of promoting products and services.

Greece will organise two concerts during the six-month exhibition aimed to promote modern Greek culture, three business delegations -organised by the Greek External Trade Organisation in May, June and September- aimed to promote an integrated picture of the economy.

In May and September, the Economy and Finance minister will hold two events to present the country's new tax and development framework, the Athens Stock Exchange and its plans for the use of Olympic facilities.

Agricultural Development and Foods Minister Evangelos Basiakos said that the EXPO 2005 would be a very good opportunity to present the country's farm products and announced a series of food and wine tasting events.

[02] Roussopoulos calls on PASOK to clarify its position regarding media accumulation initiative

Roussopoulos made the statement to reporters after attending a session of Parliament's institutions and transparency committee, a meeting that included representatives of all four Parliament-represented parties.

"I invited and challenged Mr. (Evangelos) Venizelos (a high-ranking PASOK deputy and former minister) to state if PASOK, even now, accepts this law or if has something else to propose. I did not receive a reply. I hope some type answer is given and that PASOK responds with specific positions, something it avoided with the 'primary shareholder' law," Roussopoulos said.

Moreover, the Greek minister dismissed charges that the 'primary shareholder' law -- aimed at curbing the influence of state contractors and suppliers in the broadcast media sector and increasing transparency -- is incompatible with Community law and will lead to a freezing of 4th Community Support Framework (CSF) funds.

[03] Papandreou promises a 'different party congress' than previous ones

In comments while on tour of the old quarter in Irakleio, Papandreou cited preparations for what he called a "different congress" than previous ones.

Along those lines, he said efforts will be made so that all attending delegates get a chance to make a brief address should they desire.

Moreover, the former foreign minister said the congress delegates will subsequently divide into two groups, with one expected to discuss a new party charter and the other PASOK's political positions and declaration. Additionally, he said round-table discussions on specific matters, such as education, womenâs issues, employment, immigration etc., will take place.

Finally, Papandreou said his effort aims to prevent the creation of "groupings" ahead of voting for various committee members, adding that this phenomenon should not be the congress' primary characteristic.

"Clashes will occur, but they will deal with positions and principles," he added.

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