Athens Macedonian News Agency: News in English, 17-01-12

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

CONTENTS

[01] First time maps are being exchanged since 1976, says Cypriot gov't spox

[02] Kotzias meets briefly with Anastasiades in Geneva

[03] Political parties in Greece must agree on national plan to pull country out of crisis, says chamber head

[04] Greek Air Force rescues six people trapped by snow on Skopelos

[01] First time maps are being exchanged since 1976, says Cypriot gov't spox

He said it is "an important development" noting that there are "no reasons to justify" interrupting the talks. "It's the start of the negotiations," he said.

He noted however that the Cypriot side has already specific objections regarding the draft-map handed over by the Turkish Cypriots, which Anastasiades already submitted them in writing. Asked about the objections, Christodoulides refused to specify them. Asked whether Akinci has submitted similar objections, he said he is not aware of any.

He also said that there are no inter-communal talks scheduled for Thursday as the multilateral convention will focus solely on the issues of security and the guarantees.

[02] Kotzias meets briefly with Anastasiades in Geneva

Earlier, Anastasiades and Turkish Cypriot leader Mustafa Akinci had exchanged maps detailing the respective zones' boundaries. Kotzias will continue talks with Anastasiades and Cypriot Foreign Minister Ioannis Kasoulides over a working dinner this evening.

[03] Political parties in Greece must agree on national plan to pull country out of crisis, says chamber head

"The country's political world has a duty to agree on the implementation of a national plan, which will pull Greece out of the crisis, leading the economy to a course of growth and prosperity,"Maillis said.

He rejected the policy of over taxation, which he said "has surpassed any precedent and is burdening the already heavy environment caused by liquidity problems, the imposition of capital controls and the failure to resolve the issue of non-performing bank loans."

He then mentioned Cyprus and Ireland as examples where cooperation between parties and implementation of reforms helped the countries complete their bailout programs.

"By implementing in its fiscal policy the rule 'we don't spend more than we collect', Cyprus treated the bailout as an opportunity to change the country's economic model; it implemented it and already the Cypriot finance minister announced a reduction of the property tax by 50 percent," he said.

[04] Greek Air Force rescues six people trapped by snow on Skopelos

According to the Greek Air Force, the helicopter first located a man and a woman at 17:00 and then a four-member family nearby, all of which were airlifted to the island's port.

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