Athens News Agency: News in English, 03-01-06

Athens News Agency: News in English Directory - Previous Article - Next Article

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

CONTENTS

[01] Simitis: Quest for Cyprus solution should not be delayed

[02] Epiphany celebrated with blessing of waters throughout Greece

[03] Greek EU presidency strongly condemns twin suicide bombings in Israel

[04] Greek EU presidency strongly condemns twin suicide bombings in Israel

[05] Weather Forecast: Local rain, snow, expected on Tuesday

[06] Greek EU presidency strongly condemns twin suicide bombings in Israel

[07] Epiphany celebrated with blessing of waters throughout Greece

[01] Simitis: Quest for Cyprus solution should not be delayed

Prime Minister Costas Simitis emphasised domestic issues as his governments priorities for 2003, although in terms of foreign affairs, he did predict that the ongoing Iraq crisis will remain within the UNs jurisdiction.

In an interview carried by the Sunday edition of ?To Vima? newspaper, Simitis also touched on recent developments in neighbouring Turkey vis-a-vis the timely Cyprus issue, saying the view promoting closer integration with Europe appears stronger in Turkey.

However, he warned against any ?foot-dragging? as far as a long-sought solution is concerned for the divided east Mediterranean island republic.

?It is a mistake for anyone to believe that because a date was given to Turkey for (EU accession) talks in 2004 then the Cyprus issue can also wait.?

Touching on the Greek EU presidencys priorities in the first half of 2003, the premier said Athens would continue its predecessors (Denmark) policy of ?urging Ankara to maintain a productive stance towards efforts at solving the Cyprus problem?.

In terms of the European Union, Simitis said whats needed is for a Union able to consolidate the notion that member-states can collectively provide better solutions to the modern eras challenges.

Iraq crisis

Regarding the controversial Iraq question, Simitis called on EU countries to seek a unified position regarding the matter and to try and avoid a war.

Simitis, who assumes the EU presidency until the end of June, added that the UNs resolutions should guide the blocs policy vis-a-vis Iraq, before noting that Athens goal will be to iron-out a common stance by all 15 member-states.

Moreover, the Greek premier said he has already discussed the issue of a common stance with the leaders of the Unions major powers, namely, France, Germany and Britain.

[02] Epiphany celebrated with blessing of waters throughout Greece

Greece celebrated the Epiphany holy day on Monday with sanctification of the waters ceremonies in all major cities and towns.

President of the Republic Costis Stephanopoulos attended the sanctification ceremony in the country's largest port, Piraeus, presided over by Metropolitan Kallinikos of Piraeus and also attended by prime minister Costas Simitis, parliament president Apostolos Kaklamanis, merchant marine minister George Anomeritis, Piraeus mayor Christos Agrapidis, Piraeus prefect Yannis Michas, ruling PASOK secretary Costas Laliotis, representatives of the political parties, and MPs.

After the ceremony, during which a cross was tossed into the sea, the dignitaries attended a reception at the Piraeus City Hall.

In Athens, the ceremony at Dexameni square in Kolonaki and afterwards at the National Swimming Pool facility was attended by the new Athens mayor Dora Bakoyanni, members of the municipal council, MPs, and the Armed Forces leadership, while the government was represented by State Deputy Stefanos Manikas.

In Istanbul, Ecumenical Patriarch Vartholomeos of Constantinople for the first time in decades consecrated the waters outside the Patriarchal residence, in the presence of pilgrims from all parts of the world and in the presence of Greece's deputy foreign minister Yannis Magriotis, main opposition New Democracy party leader Costas Karamanlis, and diplomats.

Patriarch Vartholomeos noted the importance of the consecration ceremony taking place outside the patriarchal residence, speaking of ''new developments'', since in previous years the consecration ceremony would take place in remote areas.

[03] Greek EU presidency strongly condemns twin suicide bombings in Israel (corrected

The Greek EU presidency on Monday strongly condemned a twin suicide bombing attack by Palestinians in Israel the previous day that killed 22 people and injured more than 100, according to latest information.

[04] Greek EU presidency strongly condemns twin suicide bombings in Israel (corrected

(Recasting to correct date)

The Greek EU presidency on Monday strongly condemned a twin suicide bombing attack by Palestinians in Israel the previous day that killed 22 people and injured more than 100, according to latest information.

Two Palestinian suicide bombers detonated explosives packed with nails and bolts in back-to-back attacks at a bus station in downtown Tel Aviv on Sunday.

In a statement issued Monday, the Greek EU presidency said it ''condemns in the most intense manner the suicide bomb attacks that took place in Tel Aviv yesterday (Monday) that cost the lives of at leat 18 innocent citizens''.

The statement also expressed the EU presidency's sincerest sympathy to the families of the victims.

Greece further reiterated the European Union's position that ''the legitimate aspirations of the Palestinian people cannot be promoted via terrorist actions'', and expressed hope that Monday's ''abhorrent events'' would not result in a ''rekindling of the enmity and will not become an object of exploitation by extremists''.

[05] Weather Forecast: Local rain, snow, expected on Tuesday

Local cloud, turning to showers and storms, and some snowfall, were expected in Greece on Tuesday.

Cloud was exepcted in western, central and northern Greece and the islands of the eastern Aegean on Tuesday, turning locally to rain, and to storms in the west. Snow flurries were expected on high ground in northern Greece. The rest of the country would be overcast, while weather conditions would improve from the west late at night. Strong winds were expected, turning to storm magnitude in the sea, while temperatures would range from 5 to 13 C in the north, 8-18 C in the Ionian and the rest of the mainland, and 21-21 C in the Aegean.

Athens would be partly overcast, with the chance of rain in the afternoon and temperatures of 10-17 C. The same in Thessaloniki, with temperatures of 7-12 C.

[06] Greek EU presidency strongly condemns twin suicide bombings in Israel

The Greek EU presidency on Tuesday strongly condemned a twin suicide bombing attack by Palestinians in Israel the previous day that killed 22 people and injured more than 100, according to latest information.

[07] Epiphany celebrated with blessing of waters throughout Greece

Greece celebrated the Epiphany holy day on Monday with sanctification of the waters ceremonies in all major cities and towns.

President of the Republic Costis Stephanopoulos, prime minister Costas Simitis and other officials attended the sanctification ceremony in the country's largest port, Piraeus.

Athens News Agency: News in English Directory - Previous Article - Next Article