Athens News Agency: News in English, 09-02-18

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

CONTENTS

[01] PM meet with visiting US delegation

[01] PM meet with visiting US delegation

Karamanlis welcomed the two US officials, the first US delegation visiting Greece following the inauguration of new US President Barack Obama, stressing that the US President's commitment to closely cooperate with friends and allies on all major issues of mutual interest and concern is warmly welcomed.

The prime minister added that, as he has told the US President in the telephone communication they had, he is looking forward to a close cooperation with him focusing on forging closer bilateral relations, which are already on an excellent basis and on issues of mutual interest, both international and regional.

"This reception is not of a symbolic nature, but constitutes a very sincere and substantive commitment," Karamanlis concluded.

On his part, US Senator Durbin underlined that he is not in Greece as an official representative of the Obama administration adding, however, that he and Giannoulias come as "official friends of the President" and will convey to him the message that the friendship with Greece is strong and will become even stronger.

"Greece has inspired our democracy, and our alliance today is inspiring. We have many challenges that need to be faced globally and regionally. We have cooperated in the past to solve many problems and will do the same in the future as well," he stressed.

Meanwhile, the US delegation was later received by main opposition PASOK and Socialist International (SI) president George Papandreou, for talks on the international economic crisis and ways to combat its repercussions via the Obama administration's massive stimulus plan.

The two US lawmakers queried Papandreou regarding the economic crisis in Greece and Europe, taking under consideration Papandreou's initiative to establish a Stieglitz Committee with the participation of representatives from all major countries.

Referring to the economy, discussion also touched on Papandreou's "green" growth proposals. They also referred to Middle East situation SI arbitration efforts in the Israel-Palestinians conflict and Iran.

Cyprus was also amongst the issues discussed in the meeting, as Papandreou cited PASOK's firm positions and his proposal for a new national strategy, adding that when PASOK returns to government, Athens' policy vis-à-vis Turkey will again become a top foreign policy priority.

Caption: Prime Minister Costas Karamanlis(R) receives US Senator Richard Durbin (D-IL) on Wed. 18 February 2009 at the Maximos mansion. ANA-MPA/KATERINA MAVRONA

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