Athens News Agency: News in English, 05-06-13

Athens News Agency: News in English Directory - Previous Article - Next Article

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

CONTENTS

[01] President Papoulias and Austrian counterpart stress need for social convergence in EU

[02] Placido Domingo performs at Herod Atticus Theatre

[01] President Papoulias and Austrian counterpart stress need for social convergence in EU

The two heads of state were speaking during a joint press conference after lengthy discussions they had in Vienna on Monday.

Papoulias emphasised that the messages the French and Dutch sent through their referendums must be examined, analysed and addressed carefully.

Whatever changes are made to the EU budget, the EU economy, must contribute to supporting those who are weaker in order to achieve greater social convergence within the EU, Papoulias said.

The Greek president also noted that he and Fischer agreed that the recent referendums should not upset the EU's course, but rather the Union should continue with the ratification process of the EU Treaty.

Papoulias also referred to Turkey's EU course, saying that Greece has supported its neighbour in this matter from the beginning. However, he pointed out that to a great extent, if not exclusively, it is up to Ankara to accept the EU's principles, to proceed with necessary domestic reforms in order to facilitate its EU accession. Furthermore, Papoulias said that EU enlargement must also include Romania, Bulgaria and Croatia.

Also referring to Turkey, Fischer said that reservations existed before the recent referendums were held, which should be examined within the context of negotiations as agreed by the heads of state and governments at the European Council. Accession negotiations must take into consideration all pending problems and the fact that the result will have to be ratified by all EU member states, the Austrian president said.

Papoulias highlighted the dynamic presence of both Greece and Austria within the EU and the particularly positive role they can play in the Balkans. He reiterated that peace and security in the Balkans is an important factor regarding peace and security throughout the rest of Europe.

Finally, both Papoulias and Fischer emphasised the excellent relations between their countries, which was confirmed by Papoulias' visit to Austria.

Fischer is to soon visit Greece, following Papoulias' invitation to do so.

Later on Monday, Papoulias also met with Austria's Chancellor Wolfgang Schussel and Parliament President Andreas Kohl to discuss bilateral relations, EU developments, the Cyprus issue, Greek-Turkish rapprochement and Turkey's EU course, as well as the situation in the Balkans and the Middle East.

[02] Placido Domingo performs at Herod Atticus Theatre

Invited to participate in this year's Athens Festival, which is celebrating its 50th anniversary, Domingo will be performing excerpts of operas of Giuseppe Verdi, Richard Wagner, Hector Berlioz and others.

He will be joined on stage by soprano Veronica Villarroel.

Eugene Kohn will be conducting the Thessaloniki State Orchestra.

Despite plans to retire at the age of 55 or 56, Domingo, now 64, admitted that he's still interested in new roles suitable for his voice.

Athens News Agency: News in English Directory - Previous Article - Next Article