Athens News Agency: News in English, 07-10-24

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

CONTENTS

[01] Inner Cabinet focuses on energy issues

[02] PASOK leadership candidates address supporters

[03] Archbishop Christodoulos in Greece on Fri.

[01] Inner Cabinet focuses on energy issues

On his part, Development Minister Christos Folias, whose portfolio includes the all-important energy sector, commented after the meeting that certain initiatives are in progress and need to be accelerated, while others need to be tackled with a long-term strategy.

According to reports, the urgent utilisation of alternative forms of energy in oil-dependent Greece dominated talks, with the minister adding that environmental protection has become a tangible and top priority in the governmental policy.

Responding to a question on the likelihood of a meeting between the prime ministers of Greece and Turkey to discuss progress over a much-expected Greek-Turkish pipeline, Folias expressed certainty that it will take place in the following weeks.

Referring to a university study revealing widespread adulteration if fuels on the Greek market due to inadequate inspections, Folias underlined that these are the Athens Polytechnic's conclusions, while merely noting that extensive inspections are now being held and those responsible are being prosecuted

Caption: A file photo dated Wednesday, Oct. 26, 2006 shows a unique floating desalinisation plant equipped with a wind-powered generator, among others, an innovative solution for numerous small and arid Greek islands in the Aegean Sea often plagued by water shortages in the summer months. ANA-MPA / STR

[02] PASOK leadership candidates address supporters

"... My aim is to shed light on the major issues facing our country today and, first of all, the deadlocked policy of the New Democracy (ND) party, a party that has just been elected but is already finding itself today in a big internal crisis due to its deadlocked policy," Papandreou said at the meeting of PASOK's prefectural committee in western Greece port city.

Papandreou further said that during his discussion with PASOK's cadres he would also have the opportunity of shedding light "on the necessary reforms and changes that our party needs to enable us to be ready, dynamic in order to change the political system."

PASOK supporters are scheduled to vote around the country on Nov. 11 for a new party leader, following the party's defeat in the Sept. 16 general election.

Papandreou, Thessaloniki deputy and former minister Evangelos Venizelos and Athens MP and former party secretary Costas Skandalidis are the three main candidates in the race.

Venizelos

On his part, Venizelos on Tuesday night referred to PASOK's "duty towards society to win the next elections", which he said he predicts will be held soon.

Venizelos, speaking during an address in the Cretan city of Hania, termed "the results of the elections fake" and stressed the need for PASOK to resolve its intraparty problems and place itself on election readiness.

"We must be in a state of readiness, the elections are not something far away, we do not have limitless time, history has not stopped to wait for PASOK to solve its intraparty problems. What we are doing now within PASOK has an immediate reflection on the political system. The result of the next Parliamentary elections, that will be soon, will be shaped on Nov. 11, within PASOK," Venizelos said, stressing the need for PASOK to increase its influence in society.

[03] Archbishop Christodoulos in Greece on Fri.

The ailing Archbishop is expected to arrive at Athens' Eleftherios Venizelos International Airport on Friday afternoon.

According to a statement issued by the Church of Greece's Holy Synod, treatment will continue in Athens, where the Archbishop is returning following suggestions by his attending doctors.

Christodoulos, 68, was diagnosed with cancer in June and flew to Miami in August to wait for a compatible liver. He went into surgery for liver transplant operation that was finally aborted after doctors found his cancer had spread to the abdominal region.

Caption: A file photo of Archbishop Christodoulos, dated Aug. 17, 2007. ANA-MPA / S. PANTZARTZI

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