Athens Macedonian News Agency: News in English, 16-05-27

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

CONTENTS

[01] PM Tsipras: Strengthening relations is a strategic choice; sanctions are not a solution

[02] Russian President discusses Athens visit with ND leader

[03] Greek refinery ELPE signs MoU with Rosneft for supply of crude

[01] PM Tsipras: Strengthening relations is a strategic choice; sanctions are not a solution

Tsipras spoke about the agreements signed on bilateral cooperation in the sectors of energy, transport, tourism, shipbuilding, mining and pharmaceuticals. They also discussed promoting partnerships in the agri-food sector. "Energy constitutes a key area of economic development for Greece and the region and our strategic aim is for Greece to become an energy hub," the Greek premier said.

He also noted that this cooperation is a strategic choice for Greece, not just because of historical ties, but because it constitutes an integral part of an active foreign policy for Greece. He said the country has stable alliances with the West "but doesn't hesitate to extend its branches north, towards the Balkans, the wider Black Sea neighborhood, the south, in North Africa, the Middle and Far East."

Asked about Greece's stance towards EU sanctions against Russia, Tsipras said the country keeps its commitments to the organizations in which it is involved, is an EU and NATO country, but also a country that because of its traditional relations with Russia is extremely useful for the EU. He then stressed that there can be no future for the European continent with the EU and Russia in adversity.

"With regard to Ukraine, we attach importance to stability and peace in the region on the basis of the Minsk Agreement," he added.

On his side, Putin noted the range of agreements signed on Friday adding that Greek-Russian relations are progressing in the Greece-Russia Year, a large part of which is promoting trade. He said bilateral trade last year totaled 2.7 billion euros.

He said the two countries agreed to emphasise investments, noting Russia has already invested 700 million euros in Greece and that there's room for more investments in transport.

Putin also said the 10th joint ministerial committee will meet in September to discuss difficulties in cooperation and added that there are still many possibilities for cooperation in energy and the agreement signed today will contribute to its further development.

Asked by ANA-MPA under what conditions Russia could restore relations with Turkey, Putin replied: "I still cannot understand why they did this. Our forces are not fighting in Syria against the regular tactical army, but against the formations and we never thought that the Turkish fighter jet would shoot down our own aircraft. If we knew, we would have done it differently from the beginning."

He said Turkish forces didn't just shoot down the aircraft, they also shot the pilot. "That's a war crime," he said, adding they haven't heard any explanations from the Turkish leadership. "We heard about their desire to restore relations and we also have such a desire … We do our utmost to bring the Russian-Turkish relations at a very high level."

Commenting on EU sanctions, the Russian leader said Greece can contribute and influence EU decisions and dialogue with its neighbors, especially if it asks questions and seek solutions for large regional projects, adding that it has connection to other areas, such as politics and security.

Concerning Syria, he said that to stop the refugee flows to Europe, world leaders will have to provide refugees with the ability to live comfortably in their country. "To do this, we have to fight and defeat terrorists, and to do this, we all have to fight this threat together."

[02] Russian President discusses Athens visit with ND leader

Putin discussed the positive business climate noting that there was agreement on many issues with the Greek side.

"I'm happy to meet you personally," Putin told Mitsotakis, adding he hoped Russian interest will find a response from other parliamentary parties.

On his side, Mitsotakis thanked Putin and told him there's a bipartisan agreement to further strengthen relations between Greece and Russia. He also noted that New Democracy, during its 2004-2009 government tenure, made significant efforts in promoting relations between the two countries.

[03] Greek refinery ELPE signs MoU with Rosneft for supply of crude

The memorandum was signed by ELPE CEO Grigoris Stergioulis and Rosneft CEO Igor Sechin.

According to the deal, the two sides will develop bilateral cooperation in the supply of crude and petroleum products. They also express their will to strengthen their relationship and determine, after analysis and evaluation, possible areas for a mutually beneficial cooperation. The aim of the MoU is to set the framework for discussions that will examine business opportunities and determine the conditions for future agreements and contracts.

"It is an important agreement which is part of the Group's policy for extroversion. Thanks to this, important objectives have been achieved, which relate to finding adequate alternative sources of supply of petroleum products at very competitive prices," Stergioulis said.

The two sides will also set up a working group to coordinate and promote the next steps in their cooperation and the exchange of know-how for their production, planning and optimization of their facilities. The MoU will be valid for a year, extendable by agreement.

Stergioulis will visit Russia, following an invitation by Sechin.

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