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Friday, 19 April 2024
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Athens News Agency: News in English, 06-10-07Athens News Agency: News in English Directory - Previous Article - Next ArticleFrom: The Athens News Agency at <http://www.ana.gr/>CONTENTS
[01] PM and finance minister discuss 2007-2013 strategy frameworkPrime Minister Costas Karamanlis and Finance and Economy Minister George Alogoskoufis held talks on the national strategy reference framework concerning the 2007-2013 period at the Maximos Mansion on Saturday morning. Alogoskoufis stressed that "we are on the final stretch towards the finalisation of the great strategic programme concerning the development of the country. Regions in the countryside will be receiving over 80 percent of national and European Union funds from the 4th Community Support Framework." The finance minister also said that the major projects will be promoted to facilitate the completion of the country's infrastructures and, at the same time, emphasis will be placed on education, training and preparation, as well as on new technologies.Alogoskoufis made it clear that the national strategy reference framework will move along these axes. [02] Government spokesman criticises PASOK over trade unionist's deathGovernment spokesman and Minister of State Theodoros Roussopoulos on Saturday criticised main opposition PASOK party leader George Papandreou for his stance concerning the death of a trade unionist and following a new report by a medical examiner on the causes of his death that indicated that there was no case of foul play."Mr. Papandreou and those who attempted to exploit in a petty partisan manner the death of a human being have now been exposed twice. They must realise, if they are not doing this deliberately, that tension and polarisation harm the country seriously," Roussopoulos said. "Two medical examiners yesterday and one today, the one appointed by the family of the deceased, leave no ground for misinterpretation as to the causes of the death of the ELTA trade unionist in their statements," he added. According to the latest report made by a medical examiner on Saturday, the trade unionist died of inflammation of the lungs and of a myocardium condition. [03] EU's Mediterranean FMs to hold informal meeting in Athens Oct.12-13An informal meeting of the foreign ministers of the European Union's Mediterranean countries will be held at Athens' coastal district of Lagonisi from October 12-13. Apart from Greek Foreign Minister Dora Bakoyannis, the other participating foreign ministers will be of France, Portugal, Spain, Italy Malta, Slovenia and Cyprus.Foreign Ministry spokesman George Koumoutsakos said on Friday that the meeting was initiated by Greece and was a follow-up of initiatives which the country has already undertaken "since the period when discussions took place on the issue of (EU's) fiscal prospects, so that the European Mediterranean countries to be able to discuss on issues concerning the European Union." He added that "this idea was also implemented by other of its (EU) Mediterranean member-states." At the working dinner on the 12th of the month, the foreign ministers will speak of the future of Europe, with emphasis on the EU's institutional course and the Enlargement issue. A discussion will follow on developments in the Middle East. The following day, the discussions will focus on the Mediterranean dimension of the European Policy of Neighbourliness and the issue of illegal immigration, which is the major topic of the meeting. Discussion will include efforts for greater coordination of the countries in the confrontation and handling of crises. On the sidelines of the informal meeting, bilateral meetings will be held between the foreign ministers. Already scheduled is a meeting between Bakoyannis and her French counterpart. [04] Gov't to begin paying out farm subsidies after mid-Nov.Farmers will begin receiving advance subsidy payments after mid November, Agriculture Minister Evangelos Basiakos said on Friday after he briefed Prime Minister Costas Karamanlis on farm-sector related issues. Also a discussion was held on infrastructure and land reclamation projects within the framework of the 3rd Community Support Framework.Basiakos said advance payments will be received during the current year and not next year, as it was the case in the past, under the precondition that prefectures and farmers' unions have carried out necessary inspections and that eligible farmers submit documentation required under EU legislation. Commenting on issues affecting stockbreeders and as well as recent accusation of a "milk cartel" in the country, Basiakos said the government recently re-affirmed the 26 measures already adopted, while pointing out that there are no other measures compatible with EU legislation that can be adopted. Finally, Basiakos will again bring up the opening of the Russian market to Greek wines when he meets his Russian counterpart during an imminent visit to Moscow. Athens News Agency: News in English Directory - Previous Article - Next Article |
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