Macedonian Press Agency: News in English, 04-03-20

Macedonian Press Agency: Brief News in English Directory - Previous Article - Next Article

From: The Macedonian Press Agency at http://www.mpa.gr and http://www.hri.org/MPA.

CONTENTS

[01] C. KARAMANLIS: "VISION OF A POWERFUL SOCIETY"

[02] BROADENED DISCUSSIONS IN LUCERNE

[03] IRAQ, A YEAR LATER

[04] UNITED FRONT AGAINST TERRORISM

[05] FOR ALL GREEKS

[06] TELEGRAM BY ARCHBISHOP CHRISTODOULOS TO THE SERB PATRIARCH

[01] C. KARAMANLIS: "VISION OF A POWERFUL SOCIETY"

The new government's objectives were announced from the Parliament's podium by Prime Minister Costas Karamanlis, during the presentation of the program statements, along with the vision for a new dynamic Greece, which will develop dynamically in all regions, creating more jobs and distributing the fruits of development more equally to all.

Making a deep incision into what was presently the case in the administration of Greece, the Prime Minister emphasized that his government would be the government of all Greeks. We are not talking about the government of New Democracy, but of the Government of the Hellenic Republic. We reject the proprietary notions of the past. The state is nobody's feud, he stressed.

In continuation, Mr. Karamanlis referred to a Greece of a new era, stating that Greece can move faster and reach higher. He then proceeded to present the three axes of the policy to be followed by his government, which are an investment in Education and Culture, the Re-establishment of the State, and the application of a new Economic Policy, guaranteeing the acceleration of Development throughout Greece.

Regarding the new Economic Policy to be followed, the Prime Minister explained that it would be a stable macroeconomic policy, transparent, with reformed public finances, and a decrease in the public debt. He added that the basic condition for the installation of the Justice State, which is also a necessary guarantee for the securing of public interest, is transparency. There must be transparency and control everywhere, he underlined. This state will be a truly social state. A state that will be near all citizens, no matter where they live. It will serve, improve, and support citizens' daily lives.

In that framework, Mr. Karamanlis presented the six goals of the real social state, which are providing upgraded health services, reforming the Social Security system's function, supporting those who are financially weaker, supporting the Greek family, giving a final solution to the additional interest issue, and strengthening the feeling of public safety.

Finally, in reference to the government's priorities, the President of New Democracy pointed out that they include efforts to resolve the Cyprus issue, organizing the Olympics with the commitment of all Greeks, decreasing military arms and equipment and decreasing obligatory service in the military to six months.

In conclusion, Prime Minister Costas Karamanlis underlined: We are moving forward at a new rate, at a new speed. We are moving forward with the belief that Greece can make up for lost time. Greece can conquer this New Era. Greece can look to the future with confidence, certainty, and optimism.

[02] BROADENED DISCUSSIONS IN LUCERNE

The final phase of negotiations on the Annan plan for the Cyprus issue will begin on Tuesday, with the quadrilateral meeting in Lucerne, Switzerland. The Prime Ministers of Turkey and Greece will participate in the discussions on the 28th of March, after accepting the proposal of the UN Secretary General. The Greek-Cypriot side expects to find a valid interlocutor in Switzerland, stated President of the Cypriot Republic Tassos Papadopoulos, who will meet with R. Denktash in the framework of the direct negotiations. Mr. Papadopoulos denied that there was a misunderstanding between Nicosia and Athens regarding the participation of Mr. Karamanlis in the broadened discussions.

[03] IRAQ, A YEAR LATER

It is exactly one year after the military invasion of Iraq by the US and allied forces. Anti-war rallies were organized all over the world mainly demanding the termination of the country's occupation and condemning terrorism. There was great attendance in the Athens and Thessaloniki rallies and other large cities in Greece.

[04] UNITED FRONT AGAINST TERRORISM

The creation of a common European front against terrorism was agreed upon by the Ministers of Public Order and Justice of the EU, during the emergency meeting in Brussels on Friday. As a first step, they decided on the institution of a coordinating commissioner position on terrorism issues. Ministers of Public Order, G. Voulgarakis, and Justice, An. Papaligouras, speaking to the Council, underlined that Greece supports their cooperation for the strengthening of the Olympics' security.

[05] FOR ALL GREEKS

The new government's objectives were announced from the Parliament's podium by Prime Minister Costas Karamanlis, during the presentation of the program statements, along with the vision for a new dynamic Greece. Making a deep incision into what was presently the case in the administration of Greece, the Prime Minister emphasized that his government would be the government of all Greeks. We are not talking about the government of New Democracy, but of the Government of the Hellenic Republic. We reject the proprietary notions of the past. The state is nobody's feud, he stressed. In continuation, he proceeded to present the three axes of the policy to be followed by his government, which are an investment in Education and Culture, the Re-establishment of the State, and the application of a new Economic Policy, guaranteeing the acceleration of Development throughout Greece.

[06] TELEGRAM BY ARCHBISHOP CHRISTODOULOS TO THE SERB PATRIARCH

Archbishop Christodoulos of Athens and All of Greece sent a telegram to Serb Patriarch Pavle on the occasion of the recent dramatic events in Kosovo.

The Archbishop mentions that he was sad to be informed of the violent incidents and mentions that for one more time, the remaining Christian Orthodox Serbs in Kosovo suffer persecution and watch their churches and houses burn to the ground by fanatic nationalists.

Archbishop Christodoulos points out that the Christian Orthodox Greece protects with its peacekeeping force the churches and monasteries in the region doing its duty for world peace and justice.

He expressed his sympathy to the Serb people and his support to the Serb population in Kosovo, while he also stated that the Greek Church is ready to offer any assistance requested by the Church of Serbia.

Macedonian Press Agency: Brief News in English Directory - Previous Article - Next Article