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Sunday, 22 December 2024
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Athens Macedonian News Agency: News in English, 15-02-08Athens News Agency: News in English Directory - Previous Article - Next ArticleFrom: The Athens News Agency at <http://www.ana.gr/>CONTENTS
[01] Alt. Def.Min. Isichos calls for immediate end of violence in UkraineAlternate Minister of Defence Kostas Isichos called for an immediate end to the "continuously escalating violence" in Ukraine, announcing that there are plans for Foreign Minister Nikos Kotzias to visit Moscow, Kiev and possibly Mariupol, where the presence of Ukrainians of Greek origin is strong. In an interview on ERT-OPEN radio on Saturday, he said that the Ukrainian government is held hostage by Euro-Atlantic rationales adding, however, that the Franco-German initiative can have positive aspects if military operations cease, even temporarily, particularly in the region around Mariupol where there are an estimated 100,000 Ukrainians of Greek origin. Referring to the stepping up of EU sanctions on Russia which, in turn, responds with increased countermeasures against the EU, he said that it is an extremely dangerous path, adding that Greece supports efforts for rapprochement between the two sides. Commenting on the relations between Turkey and Israel, he underlined that Greece should not only keep a balance but, at the same time, it should be a pillar of stability and peace for the two sides and the greater region. On the relations between Greece and Cyprus, he said that very close cooperation between the two countries is emerging as regards their strategy aimed at disengaging or easing as much as possible the increased supervision sought by the partners, in order for both countries to be on an economic growth path. He clarified that there are big differences between the two countries, both economic and geopolitical, and as regards the agreements with the partners but despite this, the governments of Greece and Cyprus will cooperate closely on the level of summit meetings where they can join forces on many issues. Referring to the fight against the jihadists and what Greece will do if the United States requested its assistance, he said that Greece will examine very carefully its role in the fight against the jihadists which is a necessary process by all countries. On the demands that could be made by the United States in the fight against the jihadists, he observed that "it is the international community, many countries, who are interested in fighting against this plague. Therefore, our cooperation with all the countries, in the West and in the East, against this threat is a very important factor."[02] Grexit option must eliminated, Faymann saysVIENNA (ANA-MPA / D. Dimitrakoudis) -- "We should rid Greece and Europe of a Grexit option," Austrian Chancellor Werner Faymann underlined in a newspaper interview ahead of Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras' visit here on Monday.In the interview to be published in Sunday's issue of Austrian newspaper "Kurier", Chancellor Faymann said that he is against a debt write-off but in favour of negotiations on technical loan terms giving Greece more room in the future to exit the crisis. Responding to a question on the telephone communication he had with the Greek prime minister last Wednesday, he said that Tsipras wants to have the opportunity to propose the way in which Greece will meet its obligations toward institutions and its EU partners. On whether he believes that Greece will be rescued or there will be a Grexit, the Austrian Chancellor said "it depends on the way PM Tsipras wishes to implement his reform plans," adding "we should save Greece and Europe from a Grexit." [03] Varoufakis urges 'New Deal' for Europe, financed by EIBROME (ANA-MPA / Th. Andreadis-Syggelakis) -- Finance Minister Yanis Varoufakis in an interview on Italy's Rai 3 public television "Presa Diretta" talk show, to be aired on Sunday evening, underlined that "the Greek government will suggest a New Deal for Europe, like US President Roosevelt had done. A New Deal for Europe that will be financed by the European Investment Bank (EIB) increasing 10 times the funds already allocated."Varoufakis said in the interview - a preview of which is posted on the talk show's website - that important Italian institution officials have told him "they stand in solidarity with our country but they cannot tell the truth because Italy is also at risk of going bankrupt and they fear of possible consequences on behalf of Germany." "The entire Europe is covered in a cloud of fear. We are at risk of becoming worse than the former Soviet Union," he said, adding that "we, the Greeks, don't have the monopoly on the truth. What we can do, for the rest of Europe and for Italy in particular, is to open a small door to the truth. We cannot find the truth on our own, but we can open a door and move so that you can join us. This way, we will be able to leave the darkness of present austerity and enter into the light of a European rational and sober discussion." "It is all about ideas and proposals that concern the entire Europe, because we, the Greeks, don't think that we have the right to ask for ourselves anything that will not be in effect for the Italians, the Portuguese or the Irish as well. Sooner or later, Chancellor Merkel will have to explain why she does not approve our proposals," Varoufakis said. Athens News Agency: News in English Directory - Previous Article - Next Article |
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