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Athens News Agency: News in English, 07-10-23Athens News Agency: News in English Directory - Previous Article - Next ArticleFrom: The Athens News Agency at <http://www.ana.gr/>CONTENTS
[01] PM Karamanlis briefed by town planning, public works ministerPrime Minister Costas Karamanlis on Tuesday met at his office with Town Planning, Public Works and Environment Minister George Souflias, for talks that lasted roughly two hours. Afterwards, the minister declined comment on the topics of the discussion, in response to press questions after the meeting.A day earlier, Karamanlis was briefed by Health Minister Dimitris Avramopoulos, who told reporters that a bill on primary healthcare was due to be tabled soon in Parliament, while a special meeting of the Inner Cabinet would be held to set out the fundamental strategic guidelines for healthcare in Greece. "We are proceeding at a rapid pace in creating the conditions for restructuring of the National Health System (ESY), for consolidating transparency and rational management of the sensitive are of health sector finances, aimed at conserving resources," Avramopoulos said. [02] FinMin: Greek economy continues upward courseEconomy and Finance Minister George Alogoskoufis told reporters in Washington D.C. on Monday evening (local time) that the global economy was continuing to grow at a rapid pace, but there were also increased uncertainties due to the unrest on the money markets, and described as "significant" the decisions taken at the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and World Bank annual conference for greater transparency in financial transactions and better coordination of all countries in the framework of those two organisations.Speaking shortly before departing for Athens, following a US visit in the framework of the IMF-World Bank annual meeting, Alogoskoufis added that the unrest on international money markets was being dealt with, although it could still possibly impact global economic growth. He said it was important that the World Bank retain a crucial role in the financing of very poor economies, chiefly in sub-Saharan Africa, where he said the poorest countries of the world are located, while stressing that Greece is committed to assisting in that effort. Turniing to the Greek economy, Alogoskoufis said it was progressing well and did not appear to be affected by negative international developments. He expressed optimism that the growth of the Greek economy would continue to develop at a "good pace" of past years, resulting in the creation of new jobs, increasing incomes and an increase in the prosperity of the general population. [03] Sorbonne eyes expansion to GreeceInternationally acclaimed Paris-Sorbonne (Paris IV) University on Monday unveiled plans to offer courses that will be taught in Greece rather than at the university's campus in Paris.Speaking at a press conference at the French embassy in Athens, Sorbonne President Jean-Robert Pitte said the historic university had chosen Greece in order to launch its opening in Europe and that he would be meeting the heads of the French Institut and Greek associates that were interested in developing the Sorbonne's activities in the east Mediterranean nation. He said the meetings would focus on possible cooperation in offering master's-level courses during the next academic year, 2008-2009. Proposed course subjects include law, communications, international relations and psychology. Pitte said that the prospect indicated the desire of French universities and Greek institutions to internationalise and highlighted the modern character and strength of Greek-French ties, which were already very strong in the sector of higher education. He added that studies offered by the Sorbonne in Greece would not be free of charge, as they were for students in Paris, but that the fees set would take into account the specific socioeconomic conditions in the country and would be adjusted accordingly. One of the oldest universities in Europe, the Sorbonne was originally founded in 1257 and gained international recognition over the centuries. It is now the seat of the Paris Academy and is one of the most influential institutions of higher education in Paris and France generally. Caption: People walk in front of the historic Sorbonne University in Paris in a file photo dated Friday, 14 April 2006. ANA-MPA/EPA/OLIVER WEIKEN Athens News Agency: News in English Directory - Previous Article - Next Article |