Athens News Agency: News in English, 08-04-05

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

CONTENTS

[01] Alogoskoufis at ECOFIN

[02] Tsipras touring Macedonia

[03] Karatzaferis in Cyprus

[01] Alogoskoufis at ECOFIN

Speaking after the ECOFIN Council, Finance and Economy Minister George Alogoskoufis said that the ministers agree that despite uncertainties and dangers on an international scale and the major problems existing, the situation is not so alarming in the European Union.

ECOFIN agreed on a road map on fiscal issues, that had been discussed since last October, and a relevant memorandum was signed that anticipates, among other things, the strengthening of transparency in money markets and the better coordinating of EU member-states' policies.

Alogoskoufis noted that this fact shows that the EU has a consistent and coordinated approach to these issues.

The ECOFIN Council also discussed issues concerning the quality of fiscal policies, as well as the EU's social model.

CAPTION: ANA-MPA file photo of Finance and Economy Minister George Alogoskoufis.

[02] Tsipras touring Macedonia

The Coalition leader stressed that "most of the people involved in sports had been aware for many years that a doping issue exists, but Greek society was not aware of this."

Tsipras added that what is an even greater shock is the fact that doping does not only exist in high performance sports but, unfortunately, it also exists among children of 12-13 years of age, who are beginning to involve themselves in sports now.

The Coalition leader also visited the town of Langadas, where he inaugurated the party's local offices.

Tsipras will be addressing a party banquet in the city of Kilkis on Saturday night and a rally at the "Ivanofio" indoor stadium at 12 noon on Sunday.

CAPTION: ANA-MPA file photo of Coalition of the Left, Movements and Ecology leader Alexis Tsipras.

[03] Karatzaferis in Cyprus

Karatzaferis, who visited the Ledra street barricade at noon on Saturday, said that its opening is registered as a positive point at the beginning of the tenure of President Demetris Christofias.

He added that all of Hellenism must receive the message from the Bucharest summit "that the hegemony of America in decisions on the wider region has been reduced."

The LAOS party leader further observed that Europe is "raising its head" and stressed that this may create the preconditions for a more general change in course for a final solution to the issue of Cyprus.

"For as long as Cypriot moslems see the quality of life of the Cypriot Christians, the more they themselves will try to rid themselves of occupation," Karatzaferis stressed, adding that "first of all, occupation affects the Turkish Cypriots and then the entire island."

CAPTION: ANA-MPA file photo of Popular Orthodox Rally (LAOS) party leader George Karatzaferis.

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