Athens News Agency: News in English, 10-01-15

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

CONTENTS

[01] New Greek-Bulgarian border crossing

[02] Athens announces dispatch of aid to Haiti

[01] New Greek-Bulgarian border crossing

Papandreou joined his Bulgarian counterpart Boiko Borissov at a ceremony held at the new border post.

The new crossing is the fourth on the Greek-Bulgarian frontier, while another one will be inaugurated in a few months in the region of Kyprinos, near Komotini, set to coincide with the 130th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the modern nation states of Greece and Bulgaria.

"New prospects are being created for bilateral relations, which were always excellent," the prime minister stated, adding that "this region, defined by our common traditions and different cultures and religions, is being upgraded clearing the path to development, trade and 'green' high-quality tourism."

He concluded by saying that he is looking forward to the close cooperation of the two countries.

On his part, Bulgarian PM Borissov said he met Papandreou a few months ago and agreed to cooperate for the benefit of the two neighbouring peoples.

Borissov stated that Greece and Bulgaria can join forces in the infrastructure projects sector and help their neighbours in the Balkans become EU members, because "this is the only way to prosperity and peace in the region ... Today's inauguration proves the presence of communication and cooperation which will continue to exist," Borissov said.

Earlier, Papandreou made a short stop in Thermes, where he was welcomed by local authorities and PASOK MPs and was briefed on the plans made aimed at utilising the region's geothermal deposits.

[02] Athens announces dispatch of aid to Haiti

"The foreign ministry, responding to the need for immediate help to the people of Haiti, is sending ... a special team of physicians and a rescue unit as well as pharmaceuticals with a direct flight ... The plane (a Boeing 747) will offer the possibility of carrying back to Greece some 400 citizens of European countries that are still in Haiti," the statement added.

The plane was offered by the Hellenic Imperial Airways, which will cover more that 50 per cent of flight costs, the statement read.

The volunteers will remain in Haiti for about 10 to fifteen days, while the same plane will also conduct a second mission.

Greek Deputy FM Spyros Kouvelis is coordinating the foreign ministry's response.

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