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Saturday, 23 November 2024
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Athens News Agency: News in English, 08-04-09Athens News Agency: News in English Directory - Previous Article - Next ArticleFrom: The Athens News Agency at <http://www.ana.gr/>CONTENTS
[01] PM addresses ND Political Council on FYROMPrime Minister Costas Karamanlis on Wednesday addressed ruling New Democracy's Political Council on the main points of government policy, including its goals concerning the name dispute with the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (FYROM) and programmed reforms.Regarding the name dispute, Karamanlis referred to the outcome of the NATO summit as a "successful battle waged with determination, wisdom and the right political manoeuvres". He stressed, however, that the way was still long and difficult and added that Greece's aim was a mutually acceptable, viable and long-lasting solution to the problem that will boost stability in the region and ensure good neighbour relations. "We say no to contentiousness," Karamanlis said, adding that the leadership of neighbouring FYROM should now calmly face the facts and realise that its participation in the international community demanded fulfilling the obligations it imposed and respecting its rules. Regarding pension system reforms, the prime minister said the government was fulfilling its pre-election promises and carrying out bold reforms whose final aim was to benefit the Greek people. Commenting on the political furore surrounding social insurance reforms, he noted that the government had strived for consensus and dialogue but had been faced with political parties that competed with each other in exaggeration, nihilism and reactionary responses. "We are the party that makes the difficult decisions," the premier stressed, noting that the measures promoted by the government were necessary for the good of the country despite their short-term political cost, guaranteeing a permanent national, economic and social benefit. Karamanlis then turned to the other reforms carried out by the government, such as those in education, spatial planning and the privatisation plans for Greek ports and Olympic Airlines. He said the government's next target would be a major reform of the administrative structure of the country at local government level, leading to fewer but stronger and more efficient local authorities. Commenting on cooperation between the party and the government, the prime minister said relations were positive and praised the role of ND's Parliamentary group in supporting government reforms, while he urged the party to seek ways for closer cooperation through ideas, proposals and initiatives on social issues and matters concerning ordinary citizens. Caption: Prime Minister Costas Karamanlis ANA-MPA/MARIA MAROGIANNI [02] Gov't, Deutsche Telekom meetGreek Economy and Finance Minister George Alogoskoufis and Transport and Communications Minister Kostis Hatzidakis on Wednesday met with Deutsche Telekom's vice-chairman Karl-Gerhard Eick.The meeting focused on the progress of negotiations over reaching a strategic alliance agreement between the Greek state and Deutsche Telekom to sell a minority equity stake in Hellenic Telecommunications Organisation to the German telecoms giant. [03] Olive Museum in KavalaAn old oil mill abandoned since 1970 in Eleochori, near Kavala in northeastern Greece, has been restored to house the area's Olive Museum, where visitors can learn about Greek history and folklore down through the centuries through olive products. The oil mill, built in 1950, had a direct impact on the region, signaling an era of development for western Kavala.The 250,000-euro project, funded by European programmes and the 3rd CSF, features an exhibition of artifacts and a recreation area. The museum is the first of its kind in the prefecture of Kavala and the wider region of eastern Macedonia and Thrace. Athens News Agency: News in English Directory - Previous Article - Next Article |
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