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Athens News Agency: News in English, 08-11-05Athens News Agency: News in English Directory - Previous Article - Next ArticleFrom: The Athens News Agency at <http://www.ana.gr/>CONTENTS
[01] Athens congratulates ObamaPrime Minister Costas Karamanlis on Wednesday sent a letter of congratulations to US President-elect Barack Obama, following his victory in Tuesday's presidential elections in the US.In his letter, Karamanlis said that Obama's election "comes in a critical period", in which "the global economy is facing a serious recession". The international challenges need to be urgently faced, Karamanlis said, adding that it was of exceptional importance that Europe, the United States and other partners meet these challenges united. Karamanlis further expressed his warm congratulations for Obama's "landmark victory", noting that he looked forward to meeting with the newly elected president in the near future. He also stressed that Greek-Americans have contributed and continue to contribute substantially to America, and expressed appreciation for the "clear and steadfast" positions that Obama has adopted on issues of Greek interest. "We look forward to a close cooperation throughout your governance, so that these issues may be resolved, and to the advancement and enhancement of our relations at all levels," Karamanlis' letter concluded. President-elect Obama will be sworn into office during an inaugural ceremony on January 20. Caption: President-elect Barack Obama waves to the crowd after he delivered his address at Grant Park in Chicago, Illinois, USA, to celebrate his victory on Election Day 04 November 2008. Obama defeated Republican presidential candidate John McCain to become the 44th President of the United States and the first black president in US history.ANA-MPA/ EPA/TANNEN MAURY [02] Ecumenical Patriarch on financial crisisEcumenical Patriarch Bartholomew directly referring to the international economic crisis while speaking Wednesday during the inauguration of a renovated convention hall at the Athens Chamber of Commerce and Industry, ACCI. "Entrepreneurship and the so-called industrial production is a basic factor indicating creativity," the Ecumenical Patriarch stated, adding that, unfortunately, many overlook the fundamental element of creativity both as an incentive and as the ultimate goal of a business initiative. "Human beings are made to be creators and are blessed with creative energy," he said, pointing out that Greek businessmen have gained the reputation of displaying impressive generosity and charitable work during hard times for the Nation urging the ACCI members to do the same. He also stated that in 2010 Istanbul will be the European Capital of Culture and that the Ecumenical Patriarchate will host an exhibition focusing on creations of Greek architects.[03] Deputy FM Kassimis on two-day visit to UruguayMontevideo (ANA-MPA / S. Aravopoulou) -- Deputy Foreign Minister Theodoros Kassimis, on a two-day to Uruguay, had a number of meetings with Vice President Rodolfo Nin Novoa, Foreign Minister Gonzalo Fernandez and Deputy FM Pedro Vaz Ramela in Montevideo. Discussions focused on bilateral issues concerning the economic and commercial sector. Kassimis referred to Uruguay's strategic geographical position for the promotion of Greek products in Latin America and to the assistance Greece can provide for the promotion of Uruguayan exports to SE Europe. An agreement was reached for an exchange of business missions to examine new investment potential. Uruguay is a firm supporter of Greece as regards the FYROM name issue and Cyprus and Foreign Minister Fernandez underlined that Greece and Uruguay share the same positions on all major issues, stressing that his country, aside from its strategic position, also offers security and stability to investors. Kassimis further visited a Greek school in Montevideo that is celebrating its 100th anniversary, and the City Hall Museum featuring a special wing with replicas of the most famous ancient Greek works of art. A formal dinner given in his honor by the Greek ambassador to Montevideo was attended government officials and leading members of the country's business community, among them many Greek expatriates.[04] FM on Obama election: Greeks looks forward to era of great changes, good cooperation with USForeign minister Dora Bakoyannis on Wednesday said that Greece looked forward to an era of great changes, good cooperation with the US, and more fruitful cooperation with the EU, in reply to press questions on Democratic candidate Barack Obama's victory in Tuesday's Presidential elections in the US.Bakoyannis noted that the Greek government desired as soon as possible meetings with both with President-elect Obama and with his aides, in its capacity as the government but also that of current president of the Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE). Responding to another question, Bakoyannis said that there would be a three-month transition period for the President-elect, stressing that there has been contact with his senior staff for some time now. She futher stressed that the foreign policy of every country is determined by a large number of criteria, adding that there was continuity in the foreign ministries of every country. Thus, Bakoyannis added, her foreign ministry would continue briefing foreign government's on Greece's views and national issues with the same consistency. [05] Papandreou on Obama winMain opposition PASOK leader and Socialist International (SI) president George Papandreou, in a statement on Wednesday, wished US President-elect Barack Obama every success, adding that "as a Greek and as the leader of PASOK, I look forward to close cooperation with Barack Obama on the problems in our own region, so that they may be resolved in a spirit of cooperation, consolidation of peace, consolidation of values, International Law, a society of values".Papandreou noted that the American people, with their historical decision, turned a new page on Tuesday. He said US voters elected a man who believed and believes in the citizen, in the citizen's abilities, and in a state that safeguards the rights of the citizens but also guarantees a just society, and that is why Obama inspired and created a dynamic turnout of citizens, of young people, not only in the US but in the entire world, a dynamic for change. "We can make a world that respects the environment, green economic growth. In the face of immense problems, I, as president of the Socialist International, will back every effort to confront the problems of our planet, of our fellow citizens throughout the world," Papandreou's statement concluded. Caption: ANA-MPA file photo of main opposition PASOK party leader George Papandreou [06] Greece sends aid to CongoOn the initiative of Foreign Minister Dora Bakoyannis, and in response to calls to confront the extensive humanitarian crisis in the Democratic Republic of the Congo resulting from the recent armed clashes, Greece has proceeded to the provision of 500,000 dollars through the UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), a foreign ministry announcement said on Wednesday.This emergency humanitarian aid is being sent for the relief of those affected by the hostilities that forced tens of thousands of people to flee their homes, the announcement added. Caption: A displaced Congolese woman and her child sleep at Don Bosco shelter, which has taken in over 800 people since fighting broke out last week, in the provincial capital of Goma, in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, 04 November 2008. The United Nations and international aid organisation are fighting an uphill battle to get help to over 250,000 people that are thought to have been forced from their homes and villages. ANA-MPA/ EPA/STEPHEN MORRISON Athens News Agency: News in English Directory - Previous Article - Next Article |
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