Athens News Agency: News in English, 07-06-13

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

CONTENTS

[01] Papandreou: Vision of new econ development model

[02] Jordan reverses decision over Jerusalem Patriarch

[01] Papandreou: Vision of new econ development model

Greece�s presence abroad will receive a boost and the country�s new image will place it in an international movement led by such personalities as Ecumenical Patriarch Vartholomeos and former US vice-president and presidential candidate Al Gore, said Papandreou. Environmentally-friendly development will offer new opportunities to younger generations while creating new prospects for new jobs and investments in Greece.

The PASOK leader stated that green development is a significant advantage for the economy and added that it guarantees and ensures quality life for all people.

Perama mayor Yannis Glykas briefed Papandreou on local problems and requested access to the sea, construction of an additional road and greater support to the Perama shipyard zone.

Regions like Perama will have to be protected by the State and not be left downgraded in an 'environmental apartheid' due to poor finances, Papandreou said, adding that access to a dignified quality environment is necessary while underlining that the removal of oil tanks from the region will lead to its upgrading.

Papandreou referred to Al Gore�s visit to Greece on Wednesday, underlining the latter's efforts to raise world public awareness on environmental issues, efforts which he said were wholeheartedly supported.

[02] Jordan reverses decision over Jerusalem Patriarch

"This is an extremely positive development. We welcome it with the certainty that the Jerusalem Patriarchate will continue to fulfill without obstacles its so very important mission and good work for all its congregation," Bakoyannis said in a statement to the ANA-MPA after the one-hour meeting, noting that Al Khatib had briefed her on the Jordanian cabinet's decision in detail.

In a statement on Tuesday night, Jordanian government spokesman Nasser Judeh said that his government was satisfied with the letters sent by the Patriarch and the Patriarchate's Holy Synod saying that no Church land had been sold under Theophilos, adding that he had "honoured all the commitments he undertook when he was appointed as patriarch in 2005".

In the letters, Theophilos said that no concessions of Church property had been made during his tenure and that he would continue to protect the Patriarchate's property against every illegal land concession.

On her arrival in Jerusalem during a tour of the Middle East, the Greek foreign minister had intensive talks with both the Patriarch and her Jordanian counterpart.

Theophilos III replaced Irineos I, who was ousted in May 2005 over claims that he had approved the unsanctioned sale of church property to Jewish investors - an act that is barred under Israel's peace agreement with Jordan in 1994.

On May 12 this year, the Jordanian government revoked recognition of Theophilos after receiving what it said was "documented evidence" that he was involved in transactions to sell or lease church property in Jerusalem.

Caption: Greek Foreign Minister Dora Bakoyannis (L) meeting with Patriarch Theophilos III (R) in Jerusalem on Monday, June 11 2007, during her tour of the Middle East. ANA-MPA/Antonis Doukas.

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