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Thursday, 21 November 2024
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Athens News Agency: News in English, 09-06-15Athens News Agency: News in English Directory - Previous Article - Next ArticleFrom: The Athens News Agency at <http://www.ana.gr/>CONTENTS
[01] Govt on illegal migrant issueGovernment spokesman Evangelos Antonaros reiterated on Monday that last week Prime Minister Costas Karamanlis had addressed a letter on the illegal migration problem to the prime minister of the Czech Republic, currently holding the EU Presidency, insisting that a special chapter on the issue be included in the next European Council meeting.Antonaros stated that "the PM intends to stress the growing pressures faced by Greece," as the European Union's southeastern "gatekeeper" from the constantly increasing numbers of illegal migrants crossing its borders at a scheduled EU summit in Brussels. He underlined that the adoption of immediate measures is necessary as mentioned in the prime minister's letter and pointed out that moves have been made to this end since June 2004 both by the prime minister and by the ministries of foreign affairs and interior aimed at making clear the essence of the problem faced by the country. "In recent months the problem is becoming apparent in countries that are far away and its special characteristics are hard to explain to them," he added. On the criticism made as regards alleged "concentration camps" and the reaction of local communities to the presence of illegal migrants, Antonaros spoke of incorrectly used expressions. "The country's economy and society have reached their limits," he said, adding that "like many other countries it is only natural to have illegal migrant reception centres set up." He reminded that two and a half years ago Greece was being criticized by foreign agencies for not having such reception centres. [02] 'Blue Flags' in SamosFour beaches on the eastern Aegean island of Samos, all in the greater region of the municipality of Pythagorio, have been awarded the "Blue Flag" distinction this year, the Greek Society for the Protection of Nature announced on Monday.The awarding of a Blue Flag is based on compliance with 29 criteria, namely, compliance with the requirements and standards for excellent bathing water quality, and confirmed with regular tests conducted twice a month during the summer season. The Blue Flag is a voluntary eco-label awarded to more than 3,200 beaches and marinas in 37 countries across Europe, South Africa, Morocco, Tunisia, New Zealand, Canada and the Caribbean. The Blue Flag Programme is owned and operated by the independent non-profit organisation Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE). [03] Stocks down 0.46%Greek stocks opened marginally lower at the Athens Stock Exchange on Monday, pushing the composite index of the market below the 2,400 level. The index fell 0.46 pct to end at 2,390.45 points, with turnover a moderate 176.1 million euros, of which 1.4 million euros were block trades.Most sectors moved lower, with Financial Services (2.24 pct), Raw Materials (2.23 pct) and Utilities (2.22 pct) posting the biggest percentage losses of the day, while Chemicals (3.65 pct), Travel-Recreation (1.67 pct) and Trade (1.65 pct) posting the biggest gains. The FTSE 20 index fell 0.58 pct, the FTSE 40 index ended 0.41 pct higher and the FTSE 80 index rose 0.37 pct. Broadly, decliners led advancers by 118 to 96 with another 46 issues unchanged. Athens News Agency: News in English Directory - Previous Article - Next Article |
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