Athens News Agency: News in English, 08-03-28

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

CONTENTS

[01] Parliament rejects censure motion against gov't

[01] Parliament rejects censure motion against gov't

Wrapping up a three-day parliamentary debate, Prime Minister Costas Karamanlis reiterated his government's strong determination to go ahead with planned reforms.

"We do not play games with the future of our society. We do not capitulate in front of problems. We do not retreat in front of difficulties. We are not playing with the prospects of our homeland," Karamanlis underlined.

"Citizens have trusted us, because we are a force of responsibility, a force of stability, a force of reforms. This is what we have promised. And we do not intend to fall short of our promises," the premier said, adding that the citizens placed their confidence in his government in order "to put Greece in an orbit of reforms and changes".

Karamanlis strongly attacked the main opposition party saying that it was only aiming at "covering up its non-credibility, its lack of political positions and its lack of a comprehensive view of the problems faced by citizens," adding that the censure motion was "the product of an antagonism" between PASOK and the Left.

Turning to the Radical Left Coalition (SYRIZA), the premier charged that it "wages a game against institutions for a few minutes of publicity."

No mutually acceptable FYROM solution means no NATO invitation

Premier Karamanlis also reiterated in his address that Greece will not consent to an invitation to the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (FYROM) for NATO entrance, unless a mutually acceptable solution to the land locked republic's name issue.

"Only a mutually acceptable solution, ratified by the UN Security Council, that is, a cohesive and global solution, with sufficient guaranties for its implementation, can be the basis for building relations of alliance and relations of solidarity," Karamanlis told Parliament during a debate on a censure motion against his government tabled by the main opposition PASOK party.

"If not," the premier cautioned, "it is crystal clear that, at this stage of the lengthy and ongoing negotiation, we will not reach a solution. And no solution means no invitation."

Terming as "disappointing" the fact that "even now, at this crucial moment of the negotiations on the name of FYROM, the leadership of the neighbouring country steadfastly demonstrates a negative and unproductive behaviour," Karamanlis nevertheless reiterated that Greece would continue participating in the UN-sponsored negotiating process "with moderation and determination".

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