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Athens News Agency: News in English, 05-06-27Athens News Agency: News in English Directory - Previous Article - Next ArticleFrom: The Athens News Agency at <http://www.ana.gr/>CONTENTS
[01] Euro-Med seminar on crises management opens at foreign ministryA Euro-Med seminar on crises management in the framework of the EU's Security and Defence Policy opened Monday at Greece's foreign ministry, with the cooperation of the defence ministry and the Luxembourg EU presidency.The seminar, which runs up to and including Wednesday, was opened by deputy foreign minister Yannis Valynakis, who pointed out the importance of EU cooperation with the countries of the Mediterranean and the need to reinforce the Barcelona Process. "The period of internal reflection into which the EU has entered should not also be a period of isolation," Valynakis said, adding that Greece plased particular importance on Euro-Med cooperation not only due to its geographical position but also because of its historic relations with the countries of the region. Addressing the event, National Defence General Staff (GEETHA) chief Panayotis Hinofotis expressed hope that the seminar would contribute to strengthening the dialogue and cooperation among the countries of the region, and to the further advancement of the Lisbon Process. According to foreign ministry sources, the aim of the seminar is to advance the dialgoue, strenghten mutual understanding, and further boost cooperation between the European Union and its Mediterranean partners on matters of crisis management both with and without military means. [02] PM briefed by defence ministerPrime minister Costas Karamanlis was briefed Monday by the national defence minister on the course of renegotiation of Armed Forced procurements contracts and on the ministry's legislative activity.The legislation being prepared by the ministry concerns bills on conscription and procurements. No statements were made after the 45-minute meeting. The minister is also due to brief parliament's standing committee on foreign affairs and defence on armaments programmes on Wednesday. [03] Greece favours full disconnection of EU subsidies from farm productionGreek Prime Minister Costas Karamanlis on Monday was briefed by Agricultural Development and Foods Minister Evangelos Basiakos over the country's positions on a new Common Agricultural Policy, due to be introduced next year.Speaking to reporters, after the meeting, Basiakos said that government's choice -also a demand of the society- was a full disconnection of community subsidies to farm production to ensure the biggest possible funds inflow from the European Union and at the same time offer new incentives to farmers. The Greek minister said the issue would be discussed by an inned cabinet meeting on Tuesday. Greece has to present its final position to the EU by the end of July. Basiakos said the ministry decided in favour of fully disconnecting subsidies to farm production to ensure more funds for the sector, in line with the positions taken by farm unions, farmers and political parties. [04] Loeb makes history by winning 52nd Acropolis RallyFrance's Sebastien Loeb, the reigning world champion, notched his fifth consecutive victory on Sunday -- an unprecedented feat -- by winning the 52nd Acropolis Rally. Driving a Citroen Xsara, Loeb finished 1: 36.2 seconds ahead of Finland's Toni Gardemeister, who drove a Ford. Carlos Sainz came in third. In the photo, Loeb, right, celebrates his victory with co-driver Daniel Elena. (ANA / Axelis N.)Athens News Agency: News in English Directory - Previous Article - Next Article |