Athens News Agency: News in English, 10-02-27

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

CONTENTS

[01] Draft bill on citizenship

[02] Greece-Turkey in 21st century

[03] Athens Newspaper Headlines

[01] Draft bill on citizenship

The draft legislation modifies and supplements existing laws, redefining the terms and conditions under which the children of foreign nationals may acquire Greek nationality. It also alters the terms under which an adult foreigner may apply for Greek citizenship through naturalisation and the supporting documentation that must be submitted.

A final article gives foreign nationals that are permanently resident in Greece the right to vote in municipal elections and to stand for election as municipal councillors, provided they are over the age of 21 and have an adequate knowledge of Greek.

[02] Greece-Turkey in 21st century

"We are exploring ways to enhance cooperation with Turkey, finding and creating opportunities to improve Greek and Turkish relations for the benefit of both countries," Droutsas said, stressing Athens's support for the reforms that will allow Turkey to become a full member of the EU.

He also pointed out that this would be a difficult and painful process for the neighbouring country:

"The Turkey that finally joins the EU will not be the Turkey of today, or that of the past. It will be a changed Turkey," he emphasised, underlining that Greece would support this effort, both politically and practically, provided that Ankara normalised its relations with Cyprus in the direction of a viable, fair and European solution to the Cyprus issue, without occupation troops.

He also stressed the need for effective reforms for democratic modernisation within the country and the need for Turkey to fulfil obligations toward its Greek minority and the Ecumenical Patriarchate.

Droutsas warned against "thoughtless behaviour, incompatible with international law" that would undermine Turkey's efforts in this direction, calling for the creation of a centre of power and stability in the region.

The conference was opened by the centre's chairman, Yiannos Papantoniou, who said its goal was not to rehash the past and highlight the differences existing between the two sides, which were in any case not overlooked, but to explore the possibilities for improving bilateral relations.

[03] Athens Newspaper Headlines

Speculation over additional austerity measures, especially press reports over the axing of the so-called "14th salary", along with a forthcoming visit by Greek Prime Minister George Papandreou to the White House and Berlin dominated the headlines on Saturday in Athens ' newspapers.

ADESMEFTOS TYPOS: "533,000 migrants will vote in the next municipal elections".

APOGEVMATINI: "Prime Minister announces painful changes".

AVGHI: "Painful measures"

AVRIANI: "More insurance companies bankruptcies on the horizon".

CHORA: "Meeting with Obama results in sudden 'love affair' with (German Chancellor Angela) Merkel".

ELEFTHEROS: "PASOK's crimes against Greek economy since 1981".

ELEFTHEROTYPIA: "Key meeting with Merkel for support".

ELEFTHEROS TYPOS: "Tenure in public sector and 14th bonus at risk".

ESTIA: "National damage is countless".

ETHNOS: "Papandreou and Merkel are cooking up something".

IMERISSIA: "These are the new measures".

KATHIMERINI: "Crucial meetings, harsh measures".

LOGOS: "Double appointments ... Papandreou after measures travels to Berlin and Washington ".

NAFTEMPORIKI: "Measures leading to vested rights cut back".

RIZOSPASTIS: "Government's policy strikes at people's interest in favour of (big) capital's".

TA NEA: "George's (Papandreou) secret deal brings 22 billion euro".

TO VIMA: "You will do as you're told - Document of supervision".

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