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Athens News Agency: News in English, 08-05-17
CONTENTS
[01] FM meets Ecumenical Patriarch
[02] KKE accuses gov�t
[03] Voulgarakis at IMO con'f
[04] Koumoutsakos briefs Chinese press
[01] FM meets Ecumenical Patriarch
Foreign Minister Dora Bakoyannis hosted a reception for visiting
Ecumenical Patriarch Vartholomeos (Bartholomew I) on Friday at the
foreign ministry, where she referred to the "new creative paths" in
relations between the Church of Greece with the Ecumenical
Patriarchate, as well as the "notable international initiatives"
undertaken by the Ecumenical Patriarch. Additionally, the Greek
foreign minister again underlined Athens' determination to continue to
offer its "unreserved support" for the unhindered operation of the
Ecumenical Patriarchate and the reopening of the Halki theological
seminary. Archbishop Ieronymos of Athens and All Greece and other
members of the Church of Greece hierarchy attended the event.
Bakoyannis referred to the Ecumenical Patriarch as the first among
equals, in the firmament of Orthodox Churches, and praised him for the
notable initiatives he has undertaken for the promotion of
inter-religious dialogue and the dialogue with the Roman Catholic
Church. She also referred to his international actions for the
protection of the environment, while stressing that the Phanar -- the
seat of the venerable Patriarchate in Istanbul -- is Turkey's strongest
European voice and the most ardent supporter of the country's European
aspirations. Making a special reference to the problems faced by the
Ecumenical Patriarchate in EU candidate-state Turkey, Bakoyannis stated
that they are "remnants of obsolete mentalities", adding that the
policy followed by Greece has managed to place these problems clearly
within the European framework, making their solution a proof of
Turkey's adjustment to European standards. In a more direct reference
to Ankara, the foreign minister underlined that Greece will make every
effort to assist the neighbouring country realise that the presence of
the Ecumenical Patriarchate on its territory can become an important
argument in its favor. Bakoyannis pointed out that recognition of the
Patriarchate's "Ecumenical" character, its unhindered operation, its
ability to renew its clergy through the reopening of the Halki School,
the recognition of its legal entity and the protection of its property
rights can constitute strong advantages for Turkey in "its long and
difficult course toward Europe." On his part, the Ecumenical Patriarch
expressed the hope that Greece will continue to offer its wholehearted
support to the Ecumenical Patriarchate, "the mother of All Churches".
[02] KKE accuses gov�t
The Communist Party of Greece (KKE) in Parliament on Friday accused the
government of lacking planning for the confrontation of natural
phenomena.
KKE Secretary General Aleka Papariga and six deputies of the party
expressed their concern regarding the degree of dealing with problems
arising from climate change or extraordinary disasters.
The KKE deputies noted that Greece lags behind in paving a state policy
for protection, resulting in local government and citizens having to
undertake relevant measures.
[03] Voulgarakis at IMO con'f
Merchant Marine and Aegean & Island Policy Minister George Voulgarakis
referred to a "strategic vision for shipping in 2008-2018" and the
major challenges for the next decade, during an address in London at an
International Maritime Organization (IMO) conference. According to
Voulgarakis, the shipping sector will face four major challenges in the
next 10 years: maritime shipping's momentum and its structure;
protection of the sea environment and reinforcement of maritime safety;
lack of skilled manpower and adoption of new technologies in the
seaport infrastructure and auxiliary facilities. Referring to the
challenges faced as a result of globalisation, Voulgarakis said the
Greek government has undertaken several initiatives for the
modernisation and simplification of the national legal regime
concerning seaport investments. "Greece is taking advantage of its
unique geographic position, being in the crossroads of three
continents," he said, adding that an international tender is underway
as regards the privatisation of the container terminals in the ports of
Piraeus and Thessaloniki. Earlier, Voulgarakis met with roughly 100
Greek and foreign shipping industry representatives in London, to whom
he outlined the favorable legal environment offered by Piraeus for
foreign shipping companies.
Caption: Merchant Marine and Aegean & Island Policy Minister George
Voulgarakis during his address at the International Maritime
Organisation conference in London on Thu.15 May 2008. ANA-MPA/CHRYSA
PANOUSIADOU
[04] Koumoutsakos briefs Chinese press
Foreign Ministry spokesman George Koumoutsakos briefed on Friday
Chinese journalists on the progress of Greece-China relations, the
"harmonious and fruitful" cooperation of the two countries in
international organisations as well as on Greece's foreign policy basic
lines. The thirteen journalists are visiting Greece at the invitation
of the Minister of State and government spokesman Theodoros
Roussopoulos. Koumoutsakos referred to the policy of principles based
on the decisions and the UN resolutions, which China follows on the
Cyprus issue, and reiterated Greece's policy in favor of One China.
The spokesman expounded on Greece's geopolitical advantages for
attracting business activities and tourists, saying that "it is a gate
to a multimillion consumers' market, as well as a historic and
beautiful country." As regards the Cyprus issue, Koumoutsakos stressed
the need for good preparation at the level of the Working Groups and
the Technical Committees with the aim to achieve the necessary progress
before the commencement of direct talks between President of the
Republic of Cyprus Demetris Christofias and Turkish Cypriot leader
Mehmet Ali Talat, towards finding a solution to the political issue.
Koumoutsakos stressed that the Greek government supports the will of
President Demetris Christofias in the new effort to reach a Cyprus
settlement. Cyprus, an EU member state since May 2004, has been
divided since 1974 when Turkish troops invaded and occupied its
northern third. Regarding relations with neighbouring Turkey, the
spokesman said that despite the fact that the climate has clearly
improved, nevertheless problems emanating from Turkish claims still
remained. Greece, he added, supports Turkey's EU prospects on the
condition it abides by the prerequisites set by by the Union.
Referring to the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (FYROM),
Koumoutsakos said Greece supported the neighbouring country's European
prospects but that a problem still existed due to FYROM's attempt to
usurp the name of a geographical region which belongs to three
countries.
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