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Thursday, 21 November 2024 | ||
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Athens News Agency: News in English, 08-07-13Athens News Agency: News in English Directory - Previous Article - Next ArticleFrom: The Athens News Agency at <http://www.ana.gr/>CONTENTS
[01] Karamanlis reiterates Athens' support for Med UnionPARIS (ANA-MPA) -- Greece reiterated its support over the weekend for the nascent Mediterranean Union initiative being vigorously promoted by the French EU presidency, with visiting Greek Prime Minister Costas Karamanlis saying Athens has from the first moment backed the idea by French President Nicolas Sarkozy.The Greek premier arrived in the French capital to participate in an inaugural summit of leaders of countries in a future Union of the Mediterranean, while on Monday he will observe the annual and grandiose military parade through Paris to celebrate Bastille Day. In statements afterwards, Karamanlis told reporters that issues such as cleaning up the Mediterranean, sea transit, renewable forms of energy, education and even SMEs' development. "Our country has expressed its active interest in the development of sea lanes in the eastern Mediterranean, so that the region becomes a hub for maritime transports," he said. Additionally, the Greek PM said it was important that directions were set for returning the Mediterranean to the position it deserves in regional countries' priorities. "It is time we proceed decisively and dynamically in a substantive, long-term and stable cooperation between the countries of the European Union and our Mediterranean partners, but also between Mediterranean countries themselves, so that we can jointly face the problems and challenges that affect us all," he said. Karamanlis, who is accompanied by his spouse, will attend a dinner reception hosted by Sarkozy for attending leaders on Sunday evening. The Greek PM is accompanied by a high-ranking Greek delegation, including Foreign Minister Dora Bakoyannis. Athens News Agency: News in English Directory - Previous Article - Next Article |