Athens Macedonian News Agency: News in English, 16-02-19

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

CONTENTS

[01] Greece will not be expelled from Schengen zone, say Merkel, Hollande

[02] Alternate Tourism Min Kountoura optimistic over 2016 tourist season

[01] Greece will not be expelled from Schengen zone, say Merkel, Hollande

The same sources said that Tsipras reiterated that Greece will not accept actions which are detrimental to the country, adding that Greece is the only country that has totally fulfilled its commitments. He also said that Greece has borne the biggest part of the refugee crisis and this is acknowledged from the other member states. The prime minister underlined that "unilateral actions" are not acceptable on Greece's part.

According to the same government sources, the three leaders agreed that the "key" to addressing the refugee crisis is Turkey as well as NATO's coordinated action in order to efficiently control refugee flows.

Merkel and Hollande reassured Tsipras that Greece will have the necessary assistance and that no further pressure will be put on the country. Both leaders pledged to maintain the status quo on the borders of Europe until the emergency EU summit on March 6, where the refugee issue will be reassessed with focus on Turkey.

The possibility of expelling Greece from the Schengen zone was also ruled out during the trilateral meeting which was held ahead of the EU summit.

On the Greek program, the three leaders agreed that the institutions should return to Athens soon so that the first phase of the program review is completed as soon as possible and pledged to take joint initiatives towards this direction.

[02] Alternate Tourism Min Kountoura optimistic over 2016 tourist season

In statements to Praktorio 104.7 FM, she underlined that all messages are positive and outlined that Greece's targets are the extension of the tourist season and the opening to new - quality markets with direct flights.

Referring to Greece's participation in Tehran's tourism exhibition as well as the oncoming visit to Egypt, Kountoura stressed the importance of opening to high income visitors as well as boosting tourism in seasons besides summer.

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