Athens News Agency: News in English, 11-01-08

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

CONTENTS

[01] Veria participation in EU programme

[02] Banks on econ recovery

[03] Gov't on Evros fence

[01] Veria participation in EU programme

The preserved buildings feature distinct European influences on their exterior and interior, especially the homes of the wealthy merchants of the time, while the more working class residences are expectedly unpretentious. (���-�PA)

The municipality of Veria, in an effort to highlight the area's cultural heritage from the past three centuries or so, is actively participating in the European programme URBACT II, with the aim of formulating an action plan for the city's historic centre and ways or further preserving the city's older buildings and monuments. (���-�PA)

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[02] Banks on econ recovery

Speaking to reporters after a meeting with Finance Minister George Papaconstantinou and Regional Development & Competitiveness Minister Mihalis Chryssohoidis, representatives of the Hellenic Bank Association acknowledged that pressure on Greek state bonds was making it harder for the economy to exit the crisis.

The meeting, part of a regular monthly contact, focused on developments in the banking system and in the Greek and global economy.

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[03] Gov't on Evros fence

"Greece cannot handle more illegal migrants on its territory and is determined to take all necessary measures to protect the borders, including the construction of the fence along a stretch of its land border with Turkey in Evros prefecture. At the same time, the goal set is that no illegal migrant will be left in the country," he stressed. (���-�PA)

Papoutsis made the statement after submitting an amendment in Parliament providing that former army camps will be used as first reception centres for refugees and illegal migrants.

The amendment is included in the draft law on the establishment of an asylum service and a first reception service and harmonisation of Greek legislation to the 2008/115/EC Directive on common standards and procedures in member-states for returning illegally staying third country nationals.

Papoutsis stressed that "aside from the fence, infrared cameras and all advance technology means that we'll use in Evros and our borders, the draft law we are voting today also brings order to the whole situation that plagues our country for years and is an insult to Greece and the European law and order. Based on the draft law, those eligible will be granted asylum and international protection�but those who are in our country illegally, particularly, those who participate in illegal and violent actions will leave Greece�(���-�PA) either through voluntary repatriation or through deportation. Greece can not take it anymore; the Greek society can not take it anymore. We have crossed our limits despite the fact that we are a democratic and tolerant society, the most tolerant in Europe."

Responding to a question on the construction cost of the fence, Papoutsis said the comparison should be made with the price paid by Greece when 200 illegal migrants, equal to the population of a small village, cross its borders on a daily basis. (���-�PA)

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