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Sunday, 22 December 2024
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Athens News Agency: News in English, 05-06-24Athens News Agency: News in English Directory - Previous Article - Next ArticleFrom: The Athens News Agency at <http://www.ana.gr/>CONTENTS
[01] Gov't tables draft bill on legalising illegal migrantsThe government on Friday tabled a draft bill expected to offer certain categories of illegal immigrants and non-EU foreign nationals a "third chance" at legalisation, following the legislation's expected implementation at the beginning of next year.The legislation will also mean that residence permits for foreign nationals set to expire on June 30, 2004 will also be renewed. The latest legalisation drive is expected to affect certain categories of illegal immigrants and foreign nationals that have filed their papers but have been rejected for lack of proper documentation, among others. Foreign nationals illegally residing in Greece for at least a year -- a fact that must be certified by their passport -- are also eligible for a temporary residence/work permit in the initial phase. Applications for temporary residence permits must be submitted to municipalities beginning on Oct. 1, 2005 and until the end of the year. [02] Bank of Greece Gov. Garganas calls criticism of euro 'populist rhetoric'Bank of Greece governor Nikos Garganas on Friday strongly attacked recent statements questioning the euro currency and the common monetary policy after a "no" vote in France and the Netherlands in separate referendums over a draft European constitution.Addressing a luncheon of the Euro 50 Group, which includes noted economists, academics, bankers and politicians from Europe, the United States and Japan, Greece's central banker - and a member of European Central Bank's board - said recent criticism was "populist rhetoric", while he expressed his deep confidence in the euro currency's future and rejected as "irrational" recent comments questioning the future of the Eurozone. Garganas stressed that the introduction of a common monetary policy was very successful so far, ensuring price stability in the Eurozone. He added that record-low interest rates in the Eurozone was a result of the ECB's monetary policy, although he warned that price stability and low interest rates were not enough to speed up growth rates and improve quality of living in Europe. "To achieve that we need more competition," Garganas said. He stressed that implementing necessary market reforms and adhering to strict fiscal rules were not a luxury for the members of a monetary union but an essential need. He also recommended more competition in all markets of products, services and labour in order to contain inflationary pressures and boost economic growth in the Eurozone. In closing, Garganas quoted Irish writer George Bernard Shaw: "Some people see things as they are and ask why, while I see things the way it could be and ask why not." [03] Turkish army chief visits ThessalonikiThe head of Turkey's land forces commander, Gen. Yasar Buyukanit, toured the northern city of Thessaloniki on Friday accompanied by the Greek Army General Staff Chief, Lt. Gen Nikolaos Douvas, and several high-ranking officers of both countries' armies.Among others, the Turkish army general visited an army officers' training academy before addressing trainee-officers during a closed-door luncheon. In the afternoon, Buyukanit and his entourage paid a private visit to the Turkish consulate in the city, as the building is the residence where pre-eminent Turkish statesman Kemal Mustafa Ataturk was born in the 19th century. He was due to return to Turkey from Thessaloniki. Athens News Agency: News in English Directory - Previous Article - Next Article |
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