Athens News Agency: News in English, 09-06-21

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

CONTENTS

[01] Papandreou on early election speculation

[02] Markoyiannakis, Chryssohoidis on urban terrorism issue

[03] Four more 'new flu' instances reported

[01] Papandreou on early election speculation

Papandreou made the statement in response to a press question on whether main opposition PASOK will back Papoulias' re-election as president, or, cause early elections in the spring, given that 180 MPs are needed to elect a president of the republic, a largely ceremonial position that nevertheless serves as the highest political office in Greece.

The former foreign minister, in fact, referred directly to the prospect of early elections by underlining that the country "urgently needs to change course with a new and powerful government, one that enjoys a fresh popular mandate."

Papoulias is also a former foreign minister in successive PASOK governments.

The last general elections were held in Greece in September 2007.

Papandreou's interview was carried in the Athens weekly "Proto Thema".

[02] Markoyiannakis, Chryssohoidis on urban terrorism issue

Markoyiannakis said the scourge of urban and ideology-based terrorism did not disappear in 2002 with the dismantling of the deadly "November 17" terrorism group.

Moreover, deputy minister, who represents an election precinct on Crete, said he believes the so-called "anarchist movement" acts as a reservoir for the recruitment of new terrorists, while also charging that it is linked with criminal rackets.

In an unrelated issue, specifically illegal immigration, Markoyiannakis said recently implemented measures will reverse the image that certain congested areas of Athens that experiences in the recent period with the congregation of hundreds of illegals, mostly from Middle Eastern and South Asia countries.

His interview was carried in the Sunday edition of the daily "Vima".

Referring to the scourge of terrorism in another weekly published on Sunday, former PASOK minister Mihalis Chryssohoidis stressed the need for a "comprehensive operational plan and the right people" for combating urban terrorism in the country.

"I never said we were finished with terrorism," Chryssohoidis said, a reference to his tenure as public order minister during the crucial period -- beginning in June 2002 -- when Greek authorities finally tracked down and eradicated the once elusive "N17" terror gang.

He clarified that his statement referred to the eradication of "N17" and the lesser-known "ELA" terror cell.

Moreover, Chryssohoidis said he considers the recently emerged terror groups "Revolutionary Struggle" and "Revolutionaries' Sect" as one in the same, or, comprised of people with very few differences between them. The latter gang is believed to be responsible for the police officer's killing this past week.

In yet another published interview, outspoken New Democracy MP Yiannis Manolis reiterated his intention to resign from his deputy's seat, albeit in September.

Manolis, from Argolida prefecture, said he will officially tender his resignation on the first day of the third summer session of Parliament.

Moreover, the one-time top trade unionist referred to "science fiction scenarios" in commenting on press speculation that he is "flirting" with the Popular Orthodox Rally (LA.OS) party.

Finally, speaking to the weekly "Proto Thema", Manolis warned that "if we (ND) are led to an even greater defeat in general elections, then some people may table a leadership issue within ND."

[03] Four more 'new flu' instances reported

Two of the new cases involved permanent US residents arriving in Greece, while the other two came in contact with a Greek-American who had arrived from the United States.

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