Athens News Agency: News in English, 06-10-26

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

CONTENTS

[01] Parties issue messages for WWII entry anniversary; president in Thessaloniki

[02] Finmin: China eyes alliances in Greece

[03] PASOK leader in Geneva on Monday

[01] Parties issue messages for WWII entry anniversary; president in Thessaloniki

At noon, Papoulias laid a wreath at a memorial to a war hero near the city eponymous White Tower.

Parliament president

Parliament President Anna Psarouda-Benaki on Thursday said that the Oct. 28 anniversary was an opportunity to recollect the heroic events of 1940, including Greece's defiant 'no' to the Axis powers, its victory against invading Italian forces and Greek resistance during the Nazi occupation (1941-1944).

PASOK leader

Main opposition PASOK party leader George Papandreou said in his message on Thursday that the "No" of 1940 (the rejection of an Italian ultimatum by Greece and the ensuing war) confirmed the tradition of the Greeks' love for the motherland and adherence to the non-negotiable value of freedom.

"The Greeks fought in adverse conditions with determination and courage. They fought for freedom, independence, justice, dignity, democracy and human rights," he said.

"Greece achieved a great deal in the years that followed. It developed, it acquired self-confidence, it joined the Eurtopean Union, acquired new horizons and became respected internationally. Its value was recognised," he added.

Papandreou further said that "today, Greece is living peacefully and is developing creative relations with its neighbours. However, the Greek feels that the strength of our country is being spent, the wealth of the country is being squandered, its prestige is being weakened and the economy is not performing its social role."

KKE, Synaspismos

On its part, the Communist Party issued a message referring to the "people's no" in the face of Italian fascism and imperialism during WWII, while referring to the present by again stressing the party's unequivocal opposition to the creation of private, non-profit universities in the country.

The Coalition of the Left on Thursday hailed Greece's historic 'no' vis-a-vis an Axis demand on Oct. 28, 1940 and Greece's struggle against fascism and for national independence during WWII.

Caption: Greek President Karolos Papoulias inspects a military honour outside Thessaloniki's main Orthodox Cathedral, St. Demetrius, on Thursday, Oct. 26, the feast day of the city's patron saint. ANA-MPA photo / P. Makridis.

[02] Finmin: China eyes alliances in Greece

In addition, Chinese authorities invited Greece to take part in Expo 2010 that is due to be held in Shanghai, and a large pavilion the country will open there may be kept beyond the trade fair, Alogoskoufis told reporters.

"I am very pleased with the outcome of my trip to China. There are many key opportunities for cooperation between the two countries," he said.

Beyond talks held by Alogoskoufis and his deputy minister, Christos Folias, the delegation of 60 officials and executives held about 600 meetings on the opportunities for cooperation.

Greece was particularly interested in exporting its olive oil to China, and the market was fertile ground for other Greek products.

Among officials the minster met on Thursday were the president of the Shanghai bourse, and the city's deputy mayor.

During his meetings, Alogoskoufis underlined that Greece, as the financial centre of southeastern Europe, and due to its close ties with Black Sea countries and the Mediterranean area, could act as a valuable partner for Chinese firms wishing to enter the market.

"With its infrastructure and ports, Greece is an ideal hub for transit trade and for logistical support services. The cuontry also has another major advantage, its commercial fleet coupled with companies that have great knowhow in many fields," the minister noted.

Korres cosmetics forges Chinese deal

During Alogoskoufis' trip, Korres SA, a cosmetics manufacturer signed an alliance with Shanghai Jimei International Trade Co Ltd, a distributor that will handle the Greek firm's products in the Chinese market.

"It is very important that Korres, which produces natural products, has signed this distribution agreement through stores in its own name. It is an example of how a successful Greek firm may enter the large Chinese market," the minister commented.

Other Greek firms to sign deals during the trip were Odysseia SA and Pantelopoulos SA. Companies wishing to pursue contacts they made in China were Pamy, Soya Hellas, Gaia, Athens-quoted Elais SA, and Attiki-Pittas SA.

Greek exports to China in January-August rose to 45.6 million euros, up 20.7% against the same period of 2005.

[03] PASOK leader in Geneva on Monday

The following Monday, Papandreou is due in Geneva for a meeting, in his capacity as president of the Socialist International, with International Labour Organisation (ILO) Director-General Juan Somavia.

The meeting forms part of an SI initiative to combat child labour, poverty and dignified labour for all peoples of the world, according to party announcement.

On Monday night, meanwhile, Papandreou is to receive an award from the International Gymnastics Federation (FIG) for his role as the driving force in reviving the idea of an Olympic Truce, during a gala to mark the 125th anniversary since its foundation.

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