Athens News Agency: News in English, 06-03-21

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

CONTENTS

[01] Latest poll gives ruling ND a 1-point lead over PASOK

[02] Bush proclamation for Greek Independence Day

[03] Athens on resurfaced 'casus belli' issue with Turkey

[01] Latest poll gives ruling ND a 1-point lead over PASOK

In terms of smaller parties, the Communist Party of Greece (KKE) earned 6.5 percent of respondents' preferences, followed by the out-of-Parliament Popular Orthodox Rally (LA.OS) with 5.2 percent and the Coalition of the Left (Synaspismos) party with 3.2 percent. Two percent of respondents said they would vote for another party; 3.7 percent cast a blank or invalid choice while, more importantly, 10.5 percent of respondents declared themselves undecided.

In the ubiquitous for Greek opinion polls question, namely, of who is more qualified for the post of prime minister, Premier Costas Karamanlis was picked by 47.8 percent of respondents to PASOK leader George Papandreou's 35.7 percent.

Specifically, 55.5 percent of respondents expressed a positive opinion of Karamanlis, with Papandreou garnering 46 percent. In terms of respondents that identified themselves as PASOK supporters, Karamanlis earned a 26.35-percent positive rating; 44.1 percent of KKE supporters, and roughly one-third of those identified as Synaspismos supporters.

The opinion poll was conducted by the firm GPO and presented on a private Athens TV station Monday evening.

Caption: Prime Minister Costas Karamanlis (L) and main opposition PASOK leader George Papandreou meet in the premier's office in Athens last January 2006. ANA-MPA / P. Saitas.

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[02] Bush proclamation for Greek Independence Day

The White House on Friday issued a proclamation signed by US President George W. Bush regarding the commemoration of Greece's March 25 Independence Day, continuing a tradition over the past few years of US administrations' recognition of contributions by Greek-Americans and Greece as a whole.

"On Greek Independence Day, we celebrate the proud heritage of Greek Americans, recognize the longstanding friendship between the United States and Greece, and reaffirm our shared desire to spread freedom to people around the world.

"Greece is the birthplace of democratic principles, and the story of modern Greek independence demonstrates the power of liberty. On March 25, 1821, Greek revolutionaries declared their independence from the Ottoman Empire after centuries of imperial rule. This bold action began a war to secure their freedom and gain recognition as a sovereign country. Americans at the time identified with the Greek struggle and provided support to aid the effort. Leaders such as John Adams, Thomas Jefferson, and James Madison encouraged the Greek cause and supported the desire for a representative government that would ensure liberty and justice for all its citizens, and they offered our Constitution as a model for consideration.

"A strong cooperation and friendship has developed between Greece and America, and our Nation has benefited from the contributions of Greek immigrants. The hard work of Greek Americans has made our country stronger and influenced our literature, arts, businesses, politics, education, and entertainment. The faith, traditions, and patriotism of Greek Americans have enriched our society.

"The United States and Greece are bound together by common values and a deep desire to protect and extend freedom and peace. On this special occasion, we celebrate our friendship and our commitment to advancing democracy, prosperity, and security," the proclamation read.

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[03] Athens on resurfaced 'casus belli' issue with Turkey

Foreign ministry spokesman George Koumoutsakos merely noted that an Oct. 3, 2005 decision leading the way for EU accession talks with Turkey "opens prospects for a future of peace and stability, as well as a new era in Greek-Turkish relations".

He also reminded that the unprecedented casus belli issue has already been cited by the European Commission in its November report regarding Turkey, while pointing to recent statements by Foreign Minister Dora Bakoyannis, namely, that threats of war are absolutely not a friendly stance between neighboring countries.

"Such reasoning has no place in a united Europe. Turkey will realise this if it wants to become part of Europe..."

Finally, the Greek spokesman confirmed that Athens retains every right to extend its territorial waters based on international law.

ANA-MPA photo

ANA-MPA Copyright © 2004-2005 All rights reserved.

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