Athens News Agency: News in English, 03-12-07

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

CONTENTS

[01] Karamanlis criticizes gov't, Protopapas reacts

[02] 90th anniversary of Crete's incorporation to Greece celebrations

[03] Taxi cub strike on Monday

[04] Development minister ends official two-day visit to Syria

[05] Seamen on Rio-Antirrio ferries to observe 4-hour work stoppage on

[06] Weather Forecast: Cloud, rain, snow on Monday

[01] Karamanlis criticizes gov't, Protopapas reacts

Main opposition New Democracy (ND) leader Costas Karamanlis on Saturday responded to the government's criticism, albeit indirectly and renewed his political proposal for the inclusion of other parties' voters to ND.

Speaking during an open rally in Menidi, northwestern Athens, he said ''this is not the time for tactical openings (to voters), rather it is the time to open our hearts and reach out to all Greek voters''.

''We are asking for the trust of even those that do not vote for us. Since, we need everyone's trust, if not their agreement, to implement our reformist work. We may disagree politically, but we do not hate each other and we can have coincidence of aims, one such example is to have all Greek children attend schools during the morning hours,'' he said.

Karamanlis stressed that his party has left behind the dividing lines of the past.

[02] 90th anniversary of Crete's incorporation to Greece celebrations

The 90th anniversary of Crete's incorporation to the Greek state was celebrated on Sunday at the old Parliament building in Athens with representatives of parties present and Parliament President Apostolos Kaklamanis heading the event.

He stressed that Crete is a bright a example of Greece's national course, adding that it was always a beacon of freedom and democracy.

Crete was incorporated to Greece on Dec. 1, 1913.

[03] Taxi cub strike on Monday

Taxi cub owners will go on strike on Monday to protest the government's move to begin controls on whether they installed or ordered for installation the new, obligatory, cash receipt registers.

The strike will begin on Monday at 5 a.m. and will last until Tuesday 5 a.m., in addition taxis will refuse to service the Athens Airport on Sunday between 6 p.m. and 9 p.m.

[04] Development minister ends official two-day visit to Syria

Development Minister Akis Tsohatzopoulos held talks with Syrian leaders during his official two-day visit to Syria over the weekend, at the invitation of the country's government.

His talks with Syrian officials focused on regional security, developments in the wider region of the Middle East and southeastern Europe, the handling of problems created by world terrorism and bilateral economic and development cooperation between the two countries.

Tsohatzopoulos' visit to Syria occurred 10 days before the Syrian president's official visit to Greece, at the invitation of President Kostis Stephanopoulos.

During his stay in Damascus, the Greek minister held talks with Syrian President Bashar Al-Assad, the prime minister and a number of ministers.

[05] Seamen on Rio-Antirrio ferries to observe 4-hour work stoppage on Monday

Seamen employed by the Rio-Antirrio ferry boat service will observe a four-hour work stoppage on Monday, from 12 noon until 4 in the afternoon.

The work stoppage will take place due to a special general assembly of the seamen's union.

According to an announcement by the Central Port Authority of Patra, ships manned by skeleton staff will only be serving emergency cases throughout the duration of the work stoppage.

[06] Weather Forecast: Cloud, rain, snow on Monday

Cloud, rain and heavy local storms are forecast throughout with the phenomena moving in from the northwest, while higher elevations may see snow. Winds variable moderate to gale force. Temperatures to drop, with a minimum of 5C and maximum of 9C in Athens; and in Thessaloniki, 0C to 2C.

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