Athens News Agency: News in English, 06-02-24

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

CONTENTS

[01] PASOK spokesman criticises Karamanlis

[02] Public awareness key regarding bird flu

[03] Hellenic Aid check for Philippines mudslide victims

[01] PASOK spokesman criticises Karamanlis

"Nobody from the government wants to reply on its so-called first great reform. The prime minister does not feel the need to support his, supposedly first great, reform which is currently facing specific problems at the European Commission," Athanassakis said.

The PASOK party spokesman also said that during the two years of the country's governance by the New Democracy party, the prime minister "has gone once to the 'Prime minister's hour'" in Parliament.

Replying to Athanassakis, Minister of State and government spokesman Theodoros Roussopoulos said "the Greeks judge, compare and evaluate. They realise very well who have a vision, a strategy and a concerted course plan for tomorrow. Who, with the decisions they are taking today, guarantee a better prospect for all. Who are implementing society's demand for changes and reforms."

Roussopoulos also said that "the Greeks also know who are those who are trying to cover their political indigence behind tension and polarisation. Who, denying every change and reform, want the country to return to the past. Who, when they speak of the future, have their own petty-party interest in their minds rather than the interest of the country and of citizens."

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[02] Public awareness key regarding bird flu

Speaking to the ANA-MPA, Kyprianou said that the EU's goal is to inform citizens that there is no cause for panic. Legislation is in place, as are measures which are being implemented he said.

The bird flu virus concerns poultry and is not a human illness, Kyprianou stressed, adding that efforts are being made to protect poultry.

Representing Greece at the meeting, Avramopoulos said that the country has handled the bird flu virus threat, responsibly, transparently and with the seriousness it deserves.

He proposed that a common communication policy within the EU and in cooperation with the countries present at Friday's meeting be adopted, a proposal which according to Kyprianou was well received and will be examined by the Commission.

Avramopoulos said that it is important for EU citizens to realise that member states and EU agencies are handling the problem responsibly.

He echoed Kyprianou's statements that people's health is not at risk at present, that the necessary measures have been implemented and that "we are ready to deal with this situation."

The Greek minister also noted that the message resulting from Friday's informal ministerial meeting is one of confidence, safety and calmness "so that we can go on living without the psychological consequences created by a sense of panic that seems to be increasingly intensifying."

In summing up, Avramopoulos said that the EU public must be informed as regards to the current status of the situation in order to dissipate any sense of panic and for everyone to return to their normal way of life and activities without the disruption of countries' basic economic sectors.

Finally, he praised the Austrian EU presidency for calling the emergency informal meeting.

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[03] Hellenic Aid check for Philippines mudslide victims

In presenting the check, Deputy Foreign Minister Evripidis Stylianidis also expressed Athens' and the Greek people's compassion for the victims and their families.

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