Athens News Agency: News in English, 05-09-21

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

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

CONTENTS

[01] President sends clear message to FYROM over name issue; talks about EU-Turkish relations, Cyprus and the Balkans

[02] Govt determined to upgrade services of public transportation

[03] PASOK party leader chairs Political Council meeting on local administration

[01] President sends clear message to FYROM over name issue; talks about EU-Turkish relations, Cyprus and the Balkans

Papoulias pointed out that the European Commission is due to make its recommendation concerning FYROM's accession prospects and that this will be examined by the European Council next December, during an official dinner in honour of visiting Serbia and Montenegro President Svetozar Marovic on Wednesday evening.

The president stressed Greece's steadfast support for FYROM's European course as contributing decisively to the region's stability and prosperity, but emphasised that its European prospects are directly linked to a resolution of the problem of the neighbouring republic's name.

Papoulias also noted that the solution depends entirely on the leadership of Skopje, which must rise to the occasion and take into account the consequences for [FYROM's] European course.

The president also raised the issue of Skopje's rejection of a proposal put forward by UN special mediator Matthew Nimetz last spring, noting that FYROM's intransigency on the name issue has peaked in spite of support from Greece on many levels, and that it undermines the prestige of the United Nations.

Further, Papoulias said that Greece is concerned by FYROM's "insistence on monopolising the name 'Macedonia'" and indulging in "hostile propaganda against Greece".

Finally, the president noted that Greece has exhausted all margins for flexibility and conciliation and has ignored the political cost in making major steps toward finding a mutually acceptable solution on the name issue, as dictated by the interim agreement that he himself had signed as foreign minister in 1995.

Greece objects to FYROM's use of the name 'Republic of Macedonia', adopted as the small state's name when it broke away from the former Yugoslavia in 1991, on the grounds that it is shared by a northern Greek province of the same name and might give rise to expansionist claims against Greece in the future. Greece also disputes the claim of FYROM's Slav population to be descended from the ancient Macedonian general Alexander the Great, who was born in the Greek province of Macedonia.

Turkey' EU prospects, Cyprus issue

Papoulias also referred to Greece's support of Turkey's EU aspirations, but noted that Turkey will need to continue reforms until it fully embraces EU principles and values.

Referring to Turkey's unilateral statement refusing to recognise Cyprus, an EU member state, Papoulias said that following the EU's agreement on a response to Turkey, the latter must realise that accession negotiations require full recognition of all EU member states.

The president also referred to the Cyprus issue, emphasising that Greece supports the resumption of UN-sponsored talks based on the UN Secretary General Kofi Annan's plan in order to find a functionable and viable solution to the problem.

He noted, however, that any new initiative must be well prepared in order to ensure the maximum probability of success.

Balkans

Regarding the referendum that will decide the future of Serbia and Montenegro, Papoulias said that Greece will respect the people's decision that will be voiced under democratic conditions.

He added that Greece, as well as the EU, believe that a united Serbia and Montenegro is the most effective way for the two peoples to achieve European integration.

Finally, the president also referred to Kosovo, emphasising the need for ensuring the safety of non-Albanian groups, and particularly Serbs, living in Kosovo.

He also underlined the need for the adoption of measures that will ensure the safe return of thousands of refugees and displaced people to the region.

On the other hand, Papoulias added, Serbs in Kosovo must become actively involved in the region's political procedures and must grab the opportunity to have a voice in issues that concern them.

[02] Govt determined to upgrade services of public transportation

Speaking to reporters, on the occasion of European cities without cars, the Greek minister said the event offered an exceptional opportunity to promote a message in favour of using public transports with the aim to reduce traffic and air pollution in cities. Liapis said passengers would be able to use public transit systems free of charge from 5 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Thursday.

Liapis said a goal of achieving 50 percent of all transportation with public transports means 2007 was a realistic and feasible plan, since Athens enjoyed an advanced, integrated network of urban transportation offering cheap, fast and safe transportation, friendly to the environment.

Commenting on the Olympic Airlines issue, Liapis said: ?Too much talk is damaging and often creates confusion?.

[03] PASOK party leader chairs Political Council meeting on local administration

Papandreou said the discussion at the Political Council was about support for local administration as an implement in the change in relations between the state and the citizen.

The PASOK leader also said that "at a time when PASOK is proposing local administration free of centralisation and partisan embrace, the New Democracy party is wanting to lead local societies to unchecked partisanship with changes in the electoral system".

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