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Athens News Agency: News in English, 05-08-31
CONTENTS
[01] Pavlopoulos says talks over local gov't election changes to begin
in Sept.
[02] Karamanlis conveys condolences to Bush over 'Katrina' destruction
[01] Pavlopoulos says talks over local gov't election changes to begin
in Sept.
Interior and Public Administration Minister Prokopis Pavlopoulos on
Wednesday said whatever procedural changes allowing for the election
mayors and prefects in the first round of local government elections --
beginning next year -- will be discussed with officials of the
associations representing municipalities and prefectures, KEDKE and
ENAE, respectively.
Pavlopoulos said the meetings and related dialogue will begin next
month, while he reiterated that the election change -- establishing a
42-percent limit for first round election instead of the 50+1 limit now
in force -- comprises a pre-election commitment by ruling New Democracy
party.
[02] Karamanlis conveys condolences to Bush over 'Katrina' destruction
Greek Prime Minister Costas Karamanlis on Wednesday conveyed his
condolences to US President George W. Bush over the loss of life and
destruction caused by Hurricane "Katrina" this week in several US
States, especially in Mississippi and Louisiana.
"On behalf of the Greek government and the Greek people, let me express
my sincerest condolences for the tragic loss of life caused by
Hurricane Katrina ... Our thoughts are with the families of the victims
and all those enduring the consequences of this destruction,"
Karamanlis' letter reads.
Archbishop of Athens and All Greece Christodoulos also conveyed his
condolences to the White House over the loss of life and destruction
caused by the devastating hurricane.
Karamanlis also sent his condolences on Wednesday to his Iraqi
counterpart Ibrahim al-Jafari, hours after a stampede atop a Baghdad
bridge claimed the lives of hundreds of people in the Iraqi capital.
"It is with great sadness that I was informed of the tragic loss of so
many innocent people today in Baghdad," Karamanlis' statement read.
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