Athens News Agency: News in English, 05-09-20

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

CONTENTS

[01] Foreign ministry spokesman says agreement reached on EU's reply to Turkey's unilateral statement on July 29

[02] Greece's largest business delegation ever to Russia Sept 27-30

[03] EU enlargement seen giving new impetus to tourism

[01] Foreign ministry spokesman says agreement reached on EU's reply to Turkey's unilateral statement on July 29

Koumoutsakos, who is accompanying Foreign Minister Petros Molyviatis on his contacts on the sidelines of the 60th UN General Assembly, was commenting on the EU counter-statement responding to the unilateral statement made by Turkey on July 29 that it does not recognise the Republic of Cyprus.

The foreign ministry spokesman believes that "this text renders Turkey's obligation to fully implement the Protocol on Customs Union towards the Republic of Cyprus as an EU member-state clear and imperative."

Koumoutsakos' full statement on the issue is the following:

"Following a long, complex and difficult, literally word-for-word, negotiation an agreement was reached today (Tuesday) which, unless something unexpected happens, is expected to be adopted formally by COREPER tomorrow, on the European Union's reply to the known unilateral Turkish statement on July 29.

"In parallel, intense consultations are continuing on the negotiating framework between Turkey and the EU. That is on the general, as well as binding framework of prerequisites and obligations which Turkey must fulfill during its long course towards accession to the EU. And this negotiation developed positively for our side.

"As regards the European counter-statement in particular, I wish to stress that it is a clear European reply to the unilateral Turkish statement in July. It is a text of particular significance which includes all the declared aims of Greece and Cyprus.

"This text renders Turkey's obligation to fully implement the Preotocol on Customs Union towards the Republic of Cyprus as an EU member-state clear and imperative.

"The EU's counter-statement constitutes a kind of birth certificate of the 'de facto' recognition of the Republic of Cyprus by Turkey. At the same time, firm foundations have also been laid for its 'de jure' recognition as well.

"These are developments of evident importance which were inconceivable a few years ago. As a matter of fact, they also place the issue of Cyprus in a new and more favourable framework.

"This result came after the incessant efforts which were made at all levels with determination and a clear strategic direction.

"They are the result of daily consultation and cooperation mainly between Athens and Nicosia, and with our other partners as well, including the British Presidency, of course."

[02] Greece's largest business delegation ever to Russia Sept 27-30

"This demonstrates the importance we attach to economic diplomacy, also as a part of opening up towards new markets, which is the policy that Premier Costas Karamanlis announced," Stylianidis told members of the delegation at the Athens Chamber of Trade and Industry.

The purpose of the trip to Russia is to boost exports, spur the creation of joint ventures, attract Russian investors, and sign a political protocol to implement targets set by Karamanlis and Russian President Vladimir Putin in recent meetings.

A key issue for Athens is the avoidance of double taxation. If Moscow signs an agreement, it will pave the way for a pact on shipping, according to the head of economic ties between Greece and Russia, ambassador Spyros Georgiles.

Other major sectors to be promoted are energy - especially natural gas - tourism, transport and agriculture, Georgiles noted.

Playing a key role in the delegation will be northern Greek company representatives, Stylianidis said recently after a meeting with the Association of Northern Greek Industry in Thessaloniki.

Stylianidis also noted that Hellenic Aid was the first organisation to send aid to Beslan for reconstruction of its school, and to house child survivors.

[03] EU enlargement seen giving new impetus to tourism

Opening an exhibition on Greece, Europe and tourism towards growth and cooperation at the Europarliament, Avramopoulos said more tourism would spur growth and prosperity, also widening cooperation in economic, social and cultural activity.

"Tourism should be a tool to widen cooperation and bring contact with many countries, while evolving conditions for economic growth and prosperity for all citizens, without exception," he said.

The minister also called on eurodeputies whose countries were tourist destinations to contribute to growth and promote sustainable development in the sector; and he noted Greece's leading role in advancing tourism diplomacy.

Arranging the exhibition, which was timed to coincide with World Tourism Day on September 27, was ruling New Demcracy party eurodeputy Rodi Kratsa with the Greek National Tourism Organisation.

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