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Athens News Agency: News in English, 06-05-13Athens News Agency: News in English Directory - Previous Article - Next ArticleFrom: The Athens News Agency at <http://www.ana.gr/>CONTENTS
[01] Culture minister visits the Ecumenical PatriarchateCulture Minister George Voulgarakis visited Ecumenical Patriarch Vartholomeos at the Phanar on Friday. The culture minister is in Istanbul for the inauguration of the cityâs Arts Festival that opened on Thursday. Voulgarakis referred to the Ecumenical Patriarchâs presence in Bergama (Pergamum) and Cappadocia characterizing it as impressive and stressed that he feels a special joy when listening to what the Ecumenical Patriarch has to say.Ecumenical Patriarch Vartholomeos thanked the culture minister for the Greek governmentâs interest in the Patriarchate and referred to his pilgrimage to Cappadocia and Bergama. He said that unfortunately his visit was met with improper demonstrations by nationalist extremists that do not honor their country or help in its efforts to become part of the united Europe, adding that these circles are on the fringe of society and limited. The official state gave permission for the holy liturgies, he said. The Arts Festival opened with a performance of Aeschylusâ tragedy The Persians organized by Greek and Turkish artists. ANA-MPA Copyright © 2004-2005 All rights reserved. [02] Coalition party leader addresses Central Political CommitteeCoalition of the Left, Movements and Ecology (Synaspismos) party leader Alekos Alavanos, addressing the party's Central Political Committee on Saturday on the issue of the constitutional amendment, said that he discerns election games and an effort to attack the social state in Greece. He also criticised the government in connection with the case of the Pakistanis.Alavanos said that the government has been exposed because it had provided assurances that no abductions had taken place. Referring at length to the dialogue on the social insurance issue, the Coalition party leader stressed that his party is utilising every possibility at its disposal, particularly in Parliament, to promote its own proposals as well as its substantiated positions on the social insurance issue. On the question of the constitution's amendment, Alavanos said that before laws concerning the previous amendments in 1996 and 2001 were issued, meaning before these amendments were implemented, we are heading for a new constitutional amendment. Alavanos announced that next week the party will be promoting a series of positions regarding support for social rights and the social state, the widening of freedoms and of democracy and respect for the environment. Lastly, commenting on the work of the 4th European Social Forum that took place earlier this month, Alavanos expressed his absolute satisfaction. ANA-MPA Copyright © 2004-2005 All rights reserved. Athens News Agency: News in English Directory - Previous Article - Next Article |