Athens News Agency: News in English, 05-10-12

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

CONTENTS

[01] G. Papandreou, EU Socialists meet with Ecumenical Patriarch

[02] Greece beats Georgia 1-0 in World Cup qualifier

[03] Mikis Theodorakis honored by Cypriot President

[01] G. Papandreou, EU Socialists meet with Ecumenical Patriarch

Vartholomeos informed the delegation of the problems the patriarchate and other Christian minorities face in Turkey and provided the delegation with a list of pending issues in writing.

The same memo has also been included in the progress report drafted by the European Commission.

Lipponen said that the issue of religious freedom is a top priority for the EU and added that the patriarchate's problems concern all of Europe.

"I think it was very useful for the delegation to meet and talk with the Patriarch," Papandreou said.

On his part, Vartholomeos said that he was satisfied with the EU's decision to begin accession talks with Turkey.

He acknowledged that Turkey has a lot to do, but added that "we are optimistic."

He also expressed hope that developments surrounding EU-Turkish relations will be positive for the re-opening of the Theological School of Halki.

The ESP delegation also met with representatives of non-governmental organisations, with trade unions, women's organisations and minority representatives in order to be briefed on existing problems in Turkey and to assess the country's progress towards adopting EU principles.

On Thursday, the delegation will meet with Turkish Prime Minister Tayyip Erdogan, Foreign Minister Abdullah Gul and head of EU negotiations Ali Babajan.

[02] Greece beats Georgia 1-0 in World Cup qualifier

In other matches played for the same group, Turkey beat Albania away 1-0 and took second place which allows it to contest a place in the World Cup finals in Germany in the summer in playoffs. Denmark also beat Kazakhstan 2-1 away. Ukraine came first and has won a place in the finals directly.

Final standings in Group 2 after 12 matches played:Ukraine 25 points, Turkey 23, Denmark 22, Greece 21, Albania 13, Georgia 10 and Kazakhstan 1.

[03] Mikis Theodorakis honored by Cypriot President

In his address, President Papadopoulos said that Theodorakis ''a Hellene in soul, heart and spirit emerges from his work and is recognised through his work as an authentic interpreter of the pain, love, passion, agonies, dreams and struggles of the simple man who is searching in the difficulties of life for a better tomorrow.''

''His music and songs have a date of birth but never a date of expiry. There is no limit to the magic of the music and the power of poetry that go beyond space and time offering human life a special dimension and a new perspective,'' the president said.

President Papadopoulos also said that he would never forget the artist's ''spontaneous intervention on the eve of the referendum (April 2004) when he urged the people to reject the unfair solution'' to the Cyprus problem.

A really emotional Theodorakis asked the president for permission to add in his CV from now on that he is not only a Hellene and a Cretan but also a Cypriot. He also sent a message of unity to the Turkish Cypriots, expressing the hope that a settlement will not take long to be reached.

Referring to all Cypriots he said, ''I grew with you. I have been influenced by your thoughts and soul. I sympathised with you and I sang always trying to be by your side, as a brother, a compatriot, a supporter to share with you the unbearable burden of injustice''.

In his address he also noted the great achievement of the island's accession to the EU, which ''will contribute to the efforts for the future reunification of the island.''

Also present at the ceremony were House of Representatives President Demetris Christofias, Greek Ambassador in Cyprus Demetris Rallis,

former President of the Republic George Vassiliou, Greek singers George Dalaras and Maria Farantouri and government officials.

Earlier Wednesday Theodorakis was announced by Mayor Michalakis Zampelas an honorary citizen and was given the Gold Key of the town, last

divided city in Europe, and expressed the hope that he will be alive to see the reunification of the capital.

Zamplelas said that Mikis Theodorakis is awarded by the Municipal Council for his contribution to world civilization and expressed the hope that Cyprus will soon be reunited.

He noted that he would never forget the composer's first concerts right after the Turkish invasion in 1974, which were raising the spirits of the Cypriots.

Mikis Theodorakis said that with the cooperation of Cyprus and Greece ''we are on the right track.''

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