Athens Macedonian News Agency: News in English, 16-08-24

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

CONTENTS

[01] PM Tsipras: We want a permanent solution in Syria

[02] ND leader says overtaxation kills entrepreneurship during Zakynthos visit

[01] PM Tsipras: We want a permanent solution in Syria

"It is an international issue and I believe that despite the difficulties, we managed to show Europe's humane face. However, the most important thing in my view is to try and find a permanent solution – not of course concerning refugees – but in Syria," Tsipras said, adding that the latest developments are not so promising.

According to a press release by the prime minister's office, the Greek premier also said that authorities have become more effective despite the difficulties facing the country and hailed the role of the UNHCR without whose help "it would have been very difficult to overcome the problems."

The UNHCR chief, who is on a three-day tour of refugee centers in the country, thanked Greece and its government for the humanism and effectiveness with which it handled the crisis, saying the international mood is souring towards refugees. "I believe we can show to the rest of Europe that this is possible and it doesn't lead to disaster," he said, referring to welcoming refugees.

Grandi also said he's pleased with the pre-registration procedure but noted that winter is coming which raises new challenges. "Winter is coming, we have to organize. As I said the last time, we are really here to help you. It's complicated, but I have the belief that things are in the right path," he said.

The two men agreed to continue close cooperation on the management of refugees and noted the need to speed up relocation from Greece and Turkey and discussed the country's role in highlighting the refugee issue during the UN meeting on refugees.

[02] ND leader says overtaxation kills entrepreneurship during Zakynthos visit

"The message I heard today is one: Overtaxation kills entrepreneurship. Citizens and business people are at a complete taxation stalemate. They are unable to meet their obligations towards the State," Mitsotakis said after a meeting with mayor Pavlos Kolokotsas and business groups on tourism.

"We also need a different policy mix that will give full priority to attracting and supporting private investments for those sectors in which our economy has a comparative advantage. One of those sectors is tourism," he added.

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