Athens News Agency: News in English, 09-01-06

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

CONTENTS

[01] President from Agathonissi: Message to Turkey

[01] President from Agathonissi: Message to Turkey

"The core of the problem in Greek-Turkish relations lies in the Turkish army's decisive role in the neighboring country's political life," the President said, adding: "This reality enables a continuous projection of demands, such as the concoction of the outlandish theory of 'gray zones' (in the Aegean) since 1996".

Papoulias stressed that "all the Greeks desire a peaceful future with our neighbors, but this future must be founded on respect of International Law".

The President attended the blessing of the waters on Agathonissi, accompanied by deputy defence minister Yiannis Plakiotakis and deputy merchant marine, Aegean and island policy minister Panos Kammenos, while the ceremony was also attended by MPs for the Dodecanese.

After the ceremony, Papoulias was declared an honorary resident of Agathonissi and was presented with the Gold Key of the city.

In addressing the President, Agathonissi community leader Evangelos Kottoros asked for the State's assistance in solving the problems faced by the inhabitants of the small islands in the Aegean, noting a lack of infrastructure projects.

Afterwards, the President visited the island's military guard post, where he exchanged wishes with the conscripts.

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