Athens Macedonian News Agency: News in English, 16-06-16

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

CONTENTS

[01] PM Tsipras expresses shock at murder of British MP Jo Cox

[02] Moscovici: 7.5-billion-euro tranche will pump 'real oxygen' into Greek economy

[03] "Matala Festival 2016" promise a musical journey in the years of the hippies

[04] Greek state strives for unity of Orthodox Churches, says FM

[05] Greek developers design app on British EU referendum

[01] PM Tsipras expresses shock at murder of British MP Jo Cox

"�he murder of @UKLabour MP @Jo_Cox1 is shocking. Hatred and nationalism are common enemies of our people. #JoCox," the premier tweeted.

A 52-year-old man was arrested in connection to her murder.

[02] Moscovici: 7.5-billion-euro tranche will pump 'real oxygen' into Greek economy

"A year ago we had intense discussions, some were even talking about a Grexit but today, a year later, a significant part of the ground has been covered, progress has been made and the ESM governors have finally decided to disburse 7.5 billion euros to Greece," Moscovici said.

He noted that this 7.5 billion will pump "real oxygen" into Greece's economy, pointing out that adjustment programmes were "not an end in themselves" but designed to create the conditions for economic growth.

"This is what we want; we want Greece to stay in the euro zone with its economy reformed," Moscovici added.

The Commissioner noted that both Greece and the Eurozone were on the right track and that Greece was expected to return to growth during the current year and reach growth rates exceeding 3 pct of GDP in 2017. Congratulating the government, Greek authorities and the Greek people, Moscovici said that the results of the reforms might not be immediately apparent but that this will also happen soon.

The Commissioner also showered praise on Tsakalotos in person, saying it was very pleasant to work with him and noting that this was not just his view but that of all Eurogroup members.

Tsakalotos agreed that it had been a difficult year "not just for the European Commission and the institutions but also for the Greek people and Greece." The Greek government had succeeded in drawing up a road map for getting through this and following it, he added.

This road map had included the recapitalisation of the banks, concluding the review of the programme and getting a decision for the debt.

"A year later we have achieved much. I want to thank the European Commission and Pierre Moscovici in person because, while the member-states each look to their own interests, the Commission drives the European process. Without the Commission we could not have found solutions to certain issues, such as pension reform and taxation," he said.

The discussion on the debt and the second review must now take place simultaneously, Greece's finance minister added, while noting that Greece must seek an alternative model for growth. As a government of the Left, Tsakalotos explained, it must seek ways to change the pre-crisis production model that prevailed before 2008, taking the adjustment forward with respect for social rights, workers and the environment.

[03] "Matala Festival 2016" promise a musical journey in the years of the hippies

It is a journey through time with a lot of music and other events, which will be held next to the caves of Matala, on the seashore, where dancing and fun will have a leading role.

Matala is well known for its man-made caves carved out of the rock thousands of years ago in the steep cliffs that rise above the north side of the bay. Hippies from all over the world used to come to Matala during the 60's and 70's for its laid-back lifestyle.

"This celebration of love, freedom, carefree, song, dance, will last three days and provide magical moments that will remain unforgettable to all," according to the announcement of the organizers who promise "a wonderful weekend musical journey in the years of hippies."

The festival features Filippos Pliatsikas, Koza Mostra, Billi Merziotis & After Hours, Soul Fire, Alone Together, Tonis Sfinos, Onirama, Sgt. Pepper's Beatles, Kulamacus The Band, Crossroads the band, Maraveyas Ilegal, Dub Pistols, Moka Band, Shade & the Soul Gig and Pulse.

[04] Greek state strives for unity of Orthodox Churches, says FM

"Orthodoxy is a part of our country's history, of the identity of most of our citizens, and the Foreign Ministry and the Greek state are contributing in every way towards the unity and love of, and care for, the people and cooperation of the Orthodox Churches, of all the churches and of the secular," Kotzias said.

On his side, Archbishop of Athens and All Greece Ieronymos said Church leaders are in Crete to complete an important mission.

[05] Greek developers design app on British EU referendum

Users can take part in the "vote" right up to 22:00 on June 23, when polling stations in the UK will close.

The app is available for download at:

Google Play: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=gr.softweb.exitpoll&hl=en

App Store: https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/exit-poll/id531079400?mt=8

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