Athens Macedonian News Agency: News in English, 17-05-18

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

CONTENTS

[01] Tsakalotos accuses ND of refusing to support government on debt relief

[02] Phenomena of fraud involving NGO 'nipped in the bud', Commissioner Stylianides says

[03] Lagada in Thessaloniki to revive 'Anastenaria' fire-walking festival

[01] Tsakalotos accuses ND of refusing to support government on debt relief

"You told us nothing is needed to do now for the debt, three days before the Eurogroup, telling us that [PASOK MP Evangelos] Venizelos settled the issue in 2012. If he did settle the issue in 2012, then how come we are in this situation?" he said during a debate in parliament on the bill ratifying the deal Greece signed with its lenders.

"I imagine it is SYRIZA's fault that the economy derailed in just one year – that's what you're claiming. So [you're saying] the IMF, ECB's sustainability reports are not valid and if it hadn't been for SYRIZA the debt would have been sustainable. Could you tell us why we don't have your support three days before the Eurogroup?" he added.

Tsakalotos was responding to a ND lawmaker Makis Voridis who said earlier in his address that the deal recognizes the steps already taken for debt relief in 2012.

[02] Phenomena of fraud involving NGO 'nipped in the bud', Commissioner Stylianides says

Replying to questions about the report he had filed himself on the specific NGO, Stylianides noted that the "phenomenon was nipped off if the bud" and all the evidence handed over to OLAF, the European Anti-Fraud Office. There was constant communication with Greek authorities on the issue and, once the investigation was complete and its results known, all assistance to the specific organisation will stop, Stylianides added.

The Commissioner made the comments while visiting the northwestern Greek city of Ioannina, where he met with the mayor Thomas Bengas and Epirus Regional Governor Alexandros Kahrimanis. Stylianides is in the city to attend a discussion on the future of Europe taking place on Thursday evening.

[03] Lagada in Thessaloniki to revive 'Anastenaria' fire-walking festival

The festival will coincide with the religious feast of Constantine and Helen on Sunday, continuing until the following Tuesday.

According to local legend, the Anastenaria fire-walking tradition began when a fire broke out in the Church of Constantine and Helen in the village of Kosti in Thrace. The villagers defied the danger and entered the blazing church to save the icons, emerging unscathed. The miracle is now celebrated each year when the 'Anastenarides' walk barefoot on burning coals.

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