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Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English, 17-08-28Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English Directory - Previous ArticleFrom: The Athens News Agency at <http://www.ana.gr/>Weekend BulletinMonday, August 28 2017 CONTENTS
[01] Athens Macedonian News Agency President Psilos' statement to EFSYN newspaper on Estonian conferenceIn order to "facilitate" the debate that, in good or bad faith, came to light regarding the conference organized by the Estonian Justice Ministry in Tallinn and the information provided by the Athens Macedonian News Agency, we want to underline the following:The Justice Ministers of the 27 Member States of the EU had been invited to the conference and only eight attended - those who signed the final communique on "The Heritage in 21st Century Europe of the Crimes Committed by Communist Regimes." This list with the eight countries was the only list of countries released by the Estonian Ministry of Justice. And this is what the Athens Macedonian News Agency reported. No other list of countries was released and the official announcement in Estonian and Russian published after the end of the conference referred to the "EU or Eastern Partnership countries." Several hours later, in an announcement in English, it was added that "19 countries were represented", without being named again. According to the Athens Macedonian News Agency's sources, the other countries were not represented by their Justice Ministers but by their local ambassadors and representatives who participated in the Memorial Event at the Freedom Square in Tallinn. This "typical" representation reflects ... the importance that the EU countries attributed to the conference... Regarding the title of the conference, it should be mentioned that it has changed two or three times. The initial title of the conference was "European Day of Remembrance of the Victims of Communist and Nazi Regimes" and then became more ... moderate "European Day of Remembrance of the Victims of All Totalitarian and Authoritarian Regimes", apparently due to the reactions in the country and abroad (announcements by communist parties, European Left, Greek Justice Minister Stavros Kontonis and Estonian MPs.) Finally, as regards the international partnerships of the Athens Macedonian News Agency, we would like to inform you that it has been a member of the European Alliance of News Agencies (EANA) for many years and cooperates with all the news agencies of the EU member states as well as the Balkan countries, Russia (Ria Novosti and Tass), China, many Arab countries and so on. Michalis Psilos President, General Director Athens Macedonian News Agency Politics [02] Tsipras: The aim of the government is to exit the memoranda in August 2018The aim of the government is to exit the memoranda in August 2018, Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras said on Saturday in a meeting with the heads of chambers in Thessaloniki.The meeting took place ahead of his keynote speech at the opening of the Thessaloniki International Fair (TIF) on September 9. His speech has been scheduled for 20.00. The prime minister referred to the positive performance of the Greek economy. As for tourism, he said revenues were increased by 2 billion euros until July. In reply to questions raised by the representatives of the chambers, he said: - The Development Bank will be ready in the second quarter of 2018 and will significantly support small and medium sized enterprises. - The government will raise the issue of businesses' accounts not subject to confiscation in the negotiation for the third programme review. - The freezing of social security contributions will apply with the voting of a law in the next days. Tsipras will then go to the Prespes Lakes, where he will attend a concert dedicated to poet Nikos Gatsos, with Manolis Mitsias and Kariofylia Karambeti. [03] Labour Min Achtsioglou: The government proceeds with reforms to improve the everyday life of employeesThe imminent draft law of the Labour ministry will attempt to respond to the legitimate demands of the majority of the society and to greatly enhance the effectiveness of the law enforcement instruments, Labour Minister Efi Achtsioglou said in an interview with the Athens Macedonian News Agency.The draft law provides for the strengthening of the framework for the protection of the citizens from undeclared work. It will also solve issues related to social security insurance issues and proceed with institutional changes for the equal participation of people with disabilities in the social, economic and political life of the country. "The government is making reforms with the view to improving the every day life of employees," the minister stressed. [04] Gov't spokesman Tzanakopoulos reassures there will be no additional measuresThere will be no additional measures, government spokesman Dimitris Tzanakopoulos reassured in an interview with Real News newspaper on Sunday.Tzanakopoulos underlined that the elections will be held in 2019 and ruled out the possibility of a government reshuffle for the time being. Asked about the government's decision not to participate in the conference in Tallinn, he said that the government did well and was eventually justified by the outcome of the conference. Regarding the economic performance, he said that there is no room for doubt. However, he added, nobody can discount the stance of the creditors and particularly the IMF on fiscal issues. He stressed that this government will take the country out of the memoranda and the supervision and estimated that the programme will be concluded on time. [05] Macron's visit to Athens will strengthen Greek-French relations, Alternate FM Katrougalos saysFrench President Emmanuel Macron's visit to Athens has a "double meaning both for Greek-French relations and for Europe," Alternate Foreign Minister Giorgos Katrougalos said in an interview with the Athens Macedonian News Agency.More specifically, Katrougalos said that Macron's visit will strengthen the strategic relation of Greece and France both at a political and economic level, adding that the French president will be accompanied by a group of businessmen from the sectors of defence, energy, tourism and new technologies. "At a time when the Greek economy recovers and returns to positive growth rates, French investors seek synergies and cooperation with Greek businesses," he underlined. As regards the third programme review, he said that Greece has delivered on its promises and the main pending issue is the debt settlement. Moreover, he said that the government's biggest bet is growth for all. [06] ND leader Mitsotakis can guarantee Greece a future, its spokesman Kikilias says(New Democracy leader) Kyriakos Mitsotakis can guarantee Greece a future through reforms, investments, tax reductions, spending cuts and opening of jobs, party spokesman Vassilis Kikilias said on Saturday in an interview with Paraskinio newspaper.It is our duty to the country to unite the people whilst Mr Tsipras divides it, he added. Regarding the upcoming Thessaloniki International Fair (TIF), he said that the fact that Tsipras will speaks about investments in Thessaloniki is "at least tragic" as first-class ministers of the SYRIZA-ANEL government constantly hinder the largest private investment in the wider region. [07] ND leader Mitsotakis: I remain optimistic over Greece's prospects"I remain optimistic over Greece's prospects," main opposition New Democracy (ND) leader Kyriakos Mitsotakis said in an interview with Kathimerini newspaper on Sunday."I believe in the Greeks and their potential," he added. Mitsotakis underlined that Greece needs to restart. "Amid the deep crisis, a lot of Greek citizens fight and succeed. They have taken a step forward. The politicians must do the same," he said. The leader of the main opposition stressed the importance of democracy saying that, according to him, is the most important value and for this reason any form of totalitarianism that restricts the freedom and exercises violence is repulsive. General News [08] Police search for suspects in Zakynthos' firesA fire broke out in the village Maries, on the island of Zakynthos.Fifty firefighters with 25 vehicles, a team of 8 men on foot, two helicopters and two aircrafts are operating in the area. Another wildfire broke out at the village Anafonitria, in northern Zakynthos, on Saturday. Meanwhile, the police are combing the area for two suspects in connection to the fire. [09] Weather ForecastFair weather and northerly winds are forecast for Monday. Wind velocity will reach 6 on the Beaufort scale. Fair in the northern parts of the country, with temperatures ranging from 18C to 36C. Fair in the eastern parts, with temperatures ranging from 18C to 36C.Fair weather in the Aegean islands and Crete, 22C-29C. Fair in Athens, 21C-34C. Same weather in Thessaloniki, 18C-35C. [10] Athens News Headlines at a glancePROTO THEMA: Stalin salaries of 360 euros for 600,000 employeesTO VIMA: Centre-right on the focus REAL NEWS: Alarm over jihadists ELEFTHEROS TYPOS: Notifications of fear RIZOSPASTIS: The fight for modern popular needs is the answer to anti-communism TO PARON: 120 billion euros in Swiss banks AVGHI: Three positive changes for free lancers DIMOKRATIA: 4+1 solutions against foreclosures ELEFTHERIA TOY TYPOY: A government in 50 shades of grey DOCUMENTO: (Prime Minister Alexis) Tsipras' summer conspiracy NEA SELIDA: Opposition in a mess 36, TSOCHA ST. ATHENS 115 21 GREECE - TEL: 64.00.560-63 - FAX: 64.00.581-2 INTERNET ADDRESS: http://www.ana.gr - E-MAIL: anabul@ana gr PRESIDENT & GENERAL DIRECTOR: MICHALIS PSILOS Facebook https://www.facebook.com/ampanewseng Twitter https://twitter.com/amna_newseng Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English Directory - Previous Article |