Athens News Agency: News in English, 10-05-31

Athens News Agency: News in English Directory - Previous Article - Next Article

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

CONTENTS

[01] Papandreou statement on Gaza ship raid

[02] Gov't: No Greeks among victims in Gaza flotilla clash

[03] Retail sales up in March

[01] Papandreou statement on Gaza ship raid

"Today's tragic incidents, which followed the military intervention of Israel against a flotilla of vessels carrying activists headed to Gaza, is condemnable and unacceptable ... The violence that was exercised during today's (early Monday morning) operation by Israeli armed forces against an international humanitarian aid dispatch to Gaza, cannot be justified. It (intervention) had tragic results and caused us profound sadness. We also express our sincere condolences to the families of the victims," Papandreou's statement read. (ANA-MPA)

The Greek prime minister also called for the immediate return of Greek citizens who were on the vessels.

"The security of Israel and the entire region, as well as the search for a solution to all of the region's problems, is aided only via negotiations and compliance with Security Council resolutions," the statement concluded. (ANA-MPA)

[02] Gov't: No Greeks among victims in Gaza flotilla clash

The common theme in addresses by party rapporteurs was the need for humanitarian corridors towards Palestinian regions to remain open, while Alternate Foreign Minister Dimitris Droutsas criticised Israeli forces for "excessive force without any justification" while he announced that the first Greek activists are expected to return on Tuesday.

"Whatever activity by non-governmental organisations must be exercised freely provided that it is lawful - and what is lawful cannot be judged unilaterally by anyone. International law and its full respect is the measure," Droutsas said, confirming that the ultimate aim of Greek foreign policy, as well in its whatsoever interventions in the Middle East issue, is the creation of two countries, "with a viable Palestinian state that will co-exist next to Israel in conditions of peace and security."

Meanwhile, Droutsas said there is no name of a Greek citizen mentioned in lists with the victims or the wounded in the raid that took place, according to the official briefing that the Greek foreign ministry had from the Israeli foreign ministry.

He made the statement in Parliament, adding that the Greek embassy in Israel is in continuous contact with Israeli authorities for the return of all the Greek nationals.

Caption: A file photo dated May 25, 2010 shows one of the Greek vessels that comprised the flotilla carrying humanitarian aid to Gaza preparing for its disembarking. ANA-MPA / STR

[03] Retail sales up in March

The statistics agency, in a report, attributed this result to an 18.5 pct rise in pharmaceutical-cosmetics sales, an 18.5 pct increase in clothing-footwear, a 15.5 pct rise in books-paper, an 8.6 pct rise in electrical appliances, an 8.5 pct increase in food stores and 0.4 pct increase in department stores sales.

The retail sales index, including fuel, rose 14.9 pct in March, after a 17.9 pct drop in March 2009.

Athens News Agency: News in English Directory - Previous Article - Next Article