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Athens News Agency: News in English, 10-01-13Athens News Agency: News in English Directory - Previous Article - Next ArticleFrom: The Athens News Agency at <http://www.ana.gr/>CONTENTS
[01] Droutsas talks in LatviaVisiting Greek Alternate Foreign Minister Dimitris Droutsas stressed in Riga on Wednesday that solidarity among the members of the European Union gives strength to the EU in its entirety, which is experiencing global challenges, as well as to each member-state. He added that this solidarity is meant in every aspect of relations and is mainly political."The entire European continent is experiencing difficult times. The global economic crisis is not only dealing a blow at economies, but to our societies as well and solidarity between partners in difficult times is of great importance even if individual differences exist," Droutsas said in joint statements that followed his meeting with Latvian Foreign Minister Maris Riekstins. Latvia is Droutsas's first stop in his visit to the region and he will be arriving in Lithuania on Thursday for contacts with the local leadership and for a tripartite meeting between Greece-Lithuania-Ireland. It is an initiative by the Lithuanian side as the three countries will be having successive EU presidencies with Greece being the last in the first half of 2014. It was also announced during the two ministers' joint statements that they decided to deepen bilateral relations and intensify cooperation in the framework of the EU and in light of the implementation of the Lisbon Treaty. The Greek minister had the opportunity of analysing Greek positions on issues of national interest for which Latvia, as well as the rest of the Baltic countries, do not have the same sensitivities and extensive information. On his part, Droutsas listened from the Latvian side its interest in the eastern partnership relation and the EU's northern dimension. Droutsas also met with the Finance minister of Latavia, which is facing a serious economic crisis, and said in reply to a relevant question that the new Greek government is on a very good course and that Prime Minister George Papandreou has taken very specific measures that will bear fruit soon. He underlined that "the real image of Greece is that of the Olympic Games of 2004 and that the new government is proceeding with structural reforms that will not only bring about immediate results but longterm changes as well." CAPTION: Greek Alternate Foreign Minister Dimitris Droutsas (R) and Latvian Foreign Minister Maris Riekstins (L) during their meeting in Riga on Wednesday. (Photo ANA-MPA) [02] Stocks end 1.18 pct downGreek stocks lost further substantial ground in the Athens Stock Exchange on Wednesday, falling under selling pressure in the last half hour of trading. The composite index of the market fell 1.18 pct to end at 2,173.67 points, with turnover rising to 238.988 million euros.The FTSE 20 index dropped 1.80 pct, the FTSE 40 index ended 0.04 pct down and the FTSE 80 index ended 0.30 pct down. Most sectors ended lower, with the Banks (3.26 pct) and Constructions (2.31 pct) suffering the heaviest percentage losses of the day, while Telecommunications (5.91 pct) and Insurance (2.63 pct) scored gains. Elfico (19.42 pct), Lanakam (18.06 pct), Taxapret (15.38 pct), Plias (10.0 pct) and Petzetakis (9.30 pct) were top gainers, while Klonatex (11.11 pct), Desmos (10.0 pct), Allatini Ceramics (9.46 pct) and Compucon (9.09 pct) were top losers. Broadly, decliners led advancers by 104 to 84 with another 48 issues unchanged. Athens News Agency: News in English Directory - Previous Article - Next Article |