Athens News Agency: News in English, 06-01-30

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

CONTENTS

[01] Papandreou unanimously elected Socialist Int'l head, unveils priorities

[02] Greek, Bulgarian PMs discuss bilateral ties

[01] Papandreou unanimously elected Socialist Int'l head, unveils priorities

The PASOK leader cited an emphasis on greater freedom and democracy around the world, greater security, prosperity, equality and opportunities, but distinctly less poverty and hunger. "This will be a world that is more peaceful, with more cooperation," he said.

Papandreou added that the means humanity has at its disposal today can eradicate poverty, stop the "green house" effect, guarantee gainful employment, reduce infant mortality, improve healthcare, achieve equality between the sexes, include immigrants in local societies and stop the trafficking of drugs, weapons and people, among others.

Moreover, he outlined seven priorities for the organisation during his presidency, including:

- "democratisation of globalisation", noting that it is impossible to "have true democracy in the world when there is a massive accumulation of capital and power in the hands of the few; when multinationals challenge the power of democratically elected representatives of the people; and when mass media is controlled by vested interests and big business"

- Developing regional cooperation;

- Uniting citizens in common action, saying that socialists must today "redefine the balance between productivity, social justice and freedoms", while he again voiced his support for the "Scandinavian model", as he said;

- Relations between political parties and citizens;

- Cooperation with the "society of citizens" and the creation of new alliances;

- Gender equality, and finally,

- Building peace around the world and resolving crises, especially terrorism.

"We won't eradicate terrorism unless we tackle the reasons that cause it (terrorism)," he underlined.

Earlier, Papandreou also criticised the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank's policies, saying both organisations are following the principle of "one dollar, one vote".

The Socialist International began its sessions with a concert at the Athens Concert Hall Sunday evening.

Monday's afternoon session was slated to discuss the situation in the Balkans and the Middle East, as well as alliances between cultures.

[02] Greek, Bulgarian PMs discuss bilateral ties

He said their meeting was also an opportunity to discuss the European prospects of western Balkan states and note their joint desire to support the prospects of countries in the region "with respect for good neighbourly relations and to consolidate stability in the region via the resolution of all outstanding problems."

Expressing his satisfaction with Bulgaria's progress toward EU accession, Karamanlis said that he looked forward to welcoming Bulgaria and Romania as new EU member-states on January 1, 2007.

Concerning Kosovo, meanwhile, the Greek premier reiterated Athens' position in favour of a "multicultural Kosovo that respects human and minority rights" and stressed that any future regime in Kosovo must be compatible with the principles and values of the EU and promote stability and security in the region. He said that similar positions were expressed by the Bulgarian side.

Finally, Karamanlis thanked his Bulgarian counterpart for supporting the election of George Papandreou, leader of Greece's main opposition party PASOK, as president of the Socialist International.

Stanishev, on his part, confirmed the good relations between Athens and Sofia and the general agreement on the issues discussed, while he also thanked Greece for its support of Bulgaria's EU accession.

The Bulgarian prime minister stressed that Greece was the second-largest investor in Bulgaria and that economic transactions between the two countries were over â¬14 billion in just the first eight months of 2005.

He said that Karamanlis' visit to Sofia would be an opportunity to discuss joint infrastructure projects in particular, such as the 'corridor 4' road link and railway axes or the Burgas-Alexandroupolis oil pipeline that both countries were very interested in.

With respect to Kosovo, Stanishev stressed that "the standards and historical monuments must not be forgotten, so that the people of Kosovo can live peacefully and quietly, irrespective of their religion or ethnicity."

Such a regime would benefit stability in the entire region, he added.

Concerning the EU prospects of the western Balkans, the Bulgarian premier pointed out that the European Union could not be a "fortress in Europe" and that a steady policy for the European prospects of all countries in the western Balkans was needed, including for Croatia which led this group.

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