Athens News Agency: News in English, 05-05-25

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

CONTENTS

[01] PM briefs President Papoulias on results of his trip to the U.S.

[02] Greek foreign policy unchanged by emerging developments in Europe, gov't says

[03] Political leaders pay final respects to former Communist leader

[04] Olympiakos Piraeus wins Greek soccer championship

[01] PM briefs President Papoulias on results of his trip to the U.S.

Leaving the presidential mansion, Karamanlis said his trip to Washington had been "productive" and that the climate during his talks with U.S. President George Bush had been very good.

He said the talks with Bush had covered issues of bilateral and international interest, as well as confirming the very good level of relations between the two countries and reaffirming their desire to promote cooperation in issues of mutual interest.

Karamanlis stressed that the strategic priorities were peace, stability, security and democratisation in southeastern Europe and the Middle East, which the two sides could promote both in the framework of bilateral relations and through cooperation in the UN Security Council.

[02] Greek foreign policy unchanged by emerging developments in Europe, gov't says

"With regard to Turkey, the decisions of December 17 still apply, which foresee the start of negotiations for its accession on October 3. In any case, once the negotiations begin, they are expected to have a long-term course. The Greek position remains unchanged," Koumoutsakos said.

Regarding events in Europe, he noted that the Greek position was always in favour of Europe moving forward.

"We will monitor developments and try - and this is an issue for the entire European Union - to minimise any negative consequences," he said.

[03] Political leaders pay final respects to former Communist leader

"Charilaos Florakis was a tremendous, distinct figure, who shaped KKE's course and left his mark on the country's political scene during the latter half of the 20th Century," Karamanlis said.

"I want to emphasise that as a political leader he was wise and a realist. He contributed personally and decisively to overcoming mistakes of the past, in strengthening democracy and stability in Greece. For this contribution, he was respected by all," Karamanlis added.

"Each one of us has one life to live. It is very important how one lives it, for what purpose, what one does with it," KKE Secretary General Aleka Papariga said during a speech.

"You comrade, voiced your opinion and stood by it throughout your life," she added.

Papariga emphasised Florakis' commitment to the party, his conviction in his beliefs, and all that he contributed and accomplished throughout his lengthy political career.

"His absolute devotion to the party's work...his devotion to revolutionary ideals, his lengthy imprisonment - none of these limited his personality or his vision," she said.

Main opposition PASOK President George Papandreou spoke of Florakis' rare political attitude and morals. He described him as " down-to-earth" and "kind", adding that Florakis is an example of "responsibility, devotion and self-sacrifice for the values in which he believed."

Papandreou concluded by saying that Florakis earned the respect and love of political friends and rivals alike.

Dimitris Christofias, Secretary General of the Central Committe of Cyprus' left-wing AKEL party, said that the loss of great figures of the international communist and workers' movement during difficult times is particularly painful.

He hailed Florakis as "a teacher, a comrade and a friend of Cyprus."

[04] Olympiakos Piraeus wins Greek soccer championship

Last year's champion Panathinaikos Athens beat OFI Iraklio 2-1 away to take second place, while AEK Athens came third after beating Apollon Thessaloniki 3-0 at the Athens Olympic stadium.

The other matches played on Wednesday had the following results:PAOK Thessaloniki-Egaleo Athens 2-4, Ionikos Piraeus-Xanthi 1-1, Kallithea Athens-Aris Thessaloniki 3-1, Panionios Athens-Ergotelis Iraklio 2-0 and Kerkyra-Halkidona Piraeus 1-3.

Olympiakos Piraeus will play directly in a European Champions League group next season, while Panathinaikos Athens will play in the third preliminary round. AEK Athens, Xanthi, PAOK Thessaloniki and Aris Thessaloniki, as the Greek Cup finalist, will play in next year's UEFA Cup.

Final standings after 30 games played:Olympiakos Piraeus 65 points, Panathinaikos Athens 64, AEK Athens 62, Xanthi 50, PAOK Thessaloniki 46, Egaleo Athens 45, Iraklis Thessaloniki 41, Halkidona Piraeus 38, Kallithea Athens 37, Ionikos Piraeus 36, Panionios Athens 35, Apollon Thessaloniki 33, OFI Iraklio 32, Aris Thessaloniki 25, Ergotelis Iraklio 20 and Kerkyra 17.

Aris Thessaloniki, Ergotelis Iraklio and Kerkyra were relegated to the second division. They will be replaced by Larissa, Levadiakos Livadia and Akratitos Athens who were promoted to the first division.

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