Athens News Agency: News in English, 07-10-01

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

CONTENTS

[01] President Papoulias welcomes Georgian counterpart

[02] Roussopoulos lists off gov't priorities

[01] President Papoulias welcomes Georgian counterpart

In statements immediately afterwards, Papoulias said Greece supports Georgia�s efforts to this effect, while adding: ?We support territorial integrity and inviolability of Georgia�s borders, and we want a further development of economic ties, particularly Greek investments in Georgia.?

On his part, Saakashvili referred to the ancient bonds linking Greece with Georgia, as he noted the Greek lineage of several Georgian politicians - including the country�s foreign minister - Greece�s economic activity in the Black Sea country.

Furthermore, Saakashvili said he supports the return of ethnic Greeks that fled the strife-plagued province of Abkhazia.

Additionally, he said he spoke by phone with Ukrainian President Viktor Yushchenko following Sunday�s elections in the Ukraine, saying he told the Ukrainian leader that election results allow that country a unique opportunity to establish a democratic coalition that will facilitate Ukraine�s course towards Europe.

Finally, Saakashvili referred to a little-known political tussle in his country recently over whether or not to commission a statue depicting mythical Medea in the Georgian port city of Batumi, as the former - according to Greek mythology - helped Jason and the Argonauts steal the ?Golden Fleece? from a legendary kingdom in modern-day Georgia only to bring it to ancient Greece.

Saakashvili said the story of the Argonauts arrival from far-away Greece continues to resonate in his country today.

[02] Roussopoulos lists off gov't priorities

Among others, Roussopoulos, who also holds the minister of state portfolio, said the second phase of fiscal restructuring has commenced, with the goal being a balanced budget by 2010, as per EU mandates.

He also echoed high-profile statements by the government�s economic team on continued tax reform and pending social security reform dialogue.

Additionally, Roussopoulos cited education reforms throughout all levels, including a revision of Article 16, which prevents the establishment of recognised non-profit, non-state universities.

The government spokesman also emphasized a bevy of measures dealing with the environment and town planning, such expansion of a land registry and codification of environmental law.

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