Compact version |
|
Tuesday, 26 November 2024 | ||
|
Athens News Agency: News in English, 06-07-29Athens News Agency: News in English Directory - Previous Article - Next ArticleFrom: The Athens News Agency at <http://www.ana.gr/>CONTENTS
[01] Greece sees diplomatic action over Lebanon aidForeign Minister Dora Bakoyannis foresees intense diplomacy over Lebanon this weekend to allow humanitarian aid to be sent to the beleaguered country."The Greek government was one of the first European governments which called on the involved sides for a ceasefire for time to be given to diplomacy. This weekend will be a weekend of intense diplomatic action," Bakoyiannis said in the northwestern city of Ioannina. "The position which Greece from the very first moment supported, it will also support in the special General Affairs Council which convenes in Brussels on Tuesday, for us to be able to achieve a ceasefire as soon as possible so that we will be able at least to open corridors for humanitarian aid to immediately reach Lebanon, which it so much needs," the Greek foreign minister said. Bakoyannis underlined that "Greece will make every possible effort in this direction, it will support all the initiatives which will be presented in the European Union." She expressed the hope that there will also be similar initiatives by the UN Security Council, so that, as she said, "for time to be gained." Bakoyannis concluded by saying that "Lebanon has no more time. No one can wait any longer for peace." The foreign minister expressed her condolences to the family of a 19 year-old Israeli soldier, whose mother originates from Ioannina, who was killed a few days ago in Lebanon, serving duty in the Israeli army. [02] Smooth sailing for island ferriesCar and passenger ferries destined for Greece's tourist islands were reported to be operating smoothly at the weekend after bouts of disruption in previous weeks, officials at the ports of Piraeus and Rafina reported.Port authority officials have been designated to lead passengers and their vehicles to their vessels, avoiding congestion at the height of the tourist season. Around 50 sailings were scheduled for Saturday, taking more than 60,000 travellers to the islands of the Aegean, Crete and the Dodecanese islands, authorities said. Inspecting the port of Piraeus early in the morning was Yiannis Tzoannos, the secretary general of the merchant marine ministry, who wished tourists a pleasant journey and noted that earlier problems with sailings were being resolved. Athens News Agency: News in English Directory - Previous Article - Next Article |