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

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

CONTENTS

[01] Main opposition PASOK leader attends Socialist International Council meeting in Tel Aviv

[01] Main opposition PASOK leader attends Socialist International Council meeting in Tel Aviv

"The fact that we are standing here among Palestinians and Israelis is a sign of a new beginning and new hope," Papandreou said.

"From time to time, I have participated in the region's peace-making process. I remember that when there was the slightest hint of dialogue or of the two sides wishing to meet, we would try and hang onto that, hoping that that small hope would open a window of opportunity. I therefore think that it is very important that we are here today," he added.

Papandreou referred to the Balkans and to Greek-Turkish relations as an example of countries which managed to improve relations with their neighbours through dialogue.

"Greece and Turkey could easily be characterised as historic enemies and that is something we wished to change. We had to confront those who did not want us to change things. We chose dialogue and good will," Papandreou said.

"Socialist International must promote democracy. Democracy cannot be imposed. We can, however, create the conditions or rather the framework in which it [democracy] can be more effective," Papandreou said.

In order to create the conditions conducive to democracy, Papandreou cited the following as priorities: fighting corruption, ensuring equality among all citizens, ensuring freedom of the press, and disarmament.

Concluding, Papandreou emphasised the importance of the EU's presence in the region.

On the sidelines of the meeting, Papandreou met with various officials including Israeli Labour Party President Simon Peres, former Romanian PM Adrian Nastase and the leader of Turkey's Republican People's Party Deniz Baykal.

After the meeting, Papandreou left for Ramallah to attend a dinner hosted by Mahmoud Abbas, President of the Palestinian National Authority.

The SI Council meeting will conclude on Tuesday.

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