Athens News Agency: News in English, 07-10-06

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

CONTENTS

[01] Papandreou addresses PASOK National Council

[02] President Karolos Papoulias visits Elassona

[03] Interior minister examines wildfire relief

[01] Papandreou addresses PASOK National Council

Papandreou told the Council, that is analysing the causes of the party's defeat in the September 16 general elections, that "we must find our soul and identity again" and stressed that the party will remain independent and will allow no manipulation.

The PASOK leader termed the session the creative starting point for a victorious future and stressed the need for PASOK's unity to be confirmed as a precondition for victory.

He said that "we do not want a regime PASOK merely for power alone, but a party of changes that will lead Greece head," while noting that he assumed the leadership of PASOK in 2004 and instead of making reforms he chose balances.

Outlining how he views PASOK from now on, to be in a position to return to power, he said that PASOK must be popular, radical and patriotic.

Papandreou appeared determined to bring about major changes, both in the image of the party and in its organising structure.

He referred at length to relations between the economy and politics and to efforts, as he said, for politics to be controlled and manipulated by the economy, as well as to the role played by the mass media, noting that "we don't want any boss over our heads."

Papandreou appealed to the parties of the other Left to have joint committees set up to discuss the country's major problems, so that no conservative turn can be permitted. He also proposed the creation of a permanent forum for differences between the parties to be aired.

The National Council session was not attended by former PASOK prime minister Costas Simitis, who sent a relevant letter to the party's leader and to the National Council's secretary.

Simitis said in his letter that he took the decision not to participate because, as he stressed, polarisation is being sought, the transfer of responsibilities for the election defeat and an effort is being made for him to constitute a part of the problem that is preoccupying PASOK.

After Papandreou, addresses were made by National Council Secretary Nikos Athanasakis, who was followed by Evangelos Venizelos, one of the three contenders for the party's leadership in the November 11 election.

CAPTION: PASOK leader George Papandreou addressing the party's National Council on Saturday, October 6, 2007. ANA-MPA / KATERINA MAVRONA.

[02] President Karolos Papoulias visits Elassona

President Papoulias said that the achievements of those warriors must create feelings of honour and pride and strengthen our determination to achieve the peaceful goals set before us today: progress, development, social justice and respect for the environment.

Referring in particular to the 1912-1913 Balkan Wars, President Papoulias stressed that the combination of courage, vision, faith in one's goal and methodical movement constitute an example for every era, as well as for the current one.

President Papoulias also attended the official Church service at Saint Demetrius Cathedral in Elassona, officiated over by Metropolitan Vassilios, and watched a big parade together with the local authorities.

CAPTION: ANA-MPA file photo of President Karolos Papoulias.

[03] Interior minister examines wildfire relief

Pavlopoulos said that the restoration programme will be carried out in full and reiterated that work at Ancient Olympia will be completed in time, while adding that the government's interest also lies in preventing natural disasters in light of winter and of possible flooding phenomena.

The minister called on the prefecture of Ilia and on municipalities to register machinery at their disposal, as well as what they will additionally be able to have, and deliver the list to the Greek Police and the Fire Brigade. This will facilitate more effective planning and more effective intervention in the case of an emergency.

CAPTION: ANA-MPA file photo of Interior Minister Prokopis Pavlopoulos.

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