Athens News Agency: News in English, 06-07-29

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

CONTENTS

[01] PM backs preservation of Athos heritage

[02] Greece sends more aid to war-torn Lebanon

[01] PM backs preservation of Athos heritage

Ending the official segment of a two-day visit to the remote peninsula, which houses about 20 monasteries and 1,500 monks, Karamanlis attended services, also viewing Byzantine treasures and an icon of the Virgin Mary that is reputed to have wrought miracles.

In addition, the prime minister planted a wild mulberry tree at a monastery entrance as a token of his respect for Athos' spiritual and earthly environment.

Under its ancient privileged status, Athos is a self-administering part of the Greek state while falling under the country's sovereignty. Spiritually, the "Holy Mountain" lies under the jurisdiction of the Ecumenical Patriarchate in Istanbul.

All who live the monastic life on Athos acquire Greek citizenship as soon as they are accepted as novices or monks, with no further formalities.���������������������

[02] Greece sends more aid to war-torn Lebanon

An air force C-130 cargo aircraft left for Cyprus at noon from Elefsina military airport carrying 13.5 tonnes of aid offered by the domestic armed forces and Red Cross in a mission coordinated by the foreign ministry's Hellenic Aid division.

On the basis of a formal request by the Lebanese government to the European Union, the consignment includes bedding, tents and food.

The humanitarian aid will be sent to Lebanon from Larnaca in Cyprus aboard a Greek Navy aircraft carrier currently in Cyprus, the defence ministry reported on Friday.

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