Athens News Agency: News in English, 11-03-25

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

CONTENTS

[01] PM: Satisfaction with Summit decisions

[02] Obama message on Greek Independence Day

[03] PM, Obama phone discussion 

[01] PM: Satisfaction with Summit decisions

Noting that Friday marked a year since the institution of the support mechanism for Greece, "a year of unprecedented effort, changes in the country and sacrifices by the Greek people", Papandreou said that today these efforts were acknowledged by everyone in Europe and were opening up a new prospect for the country's future.(ANA-MPA)

The Greek premier also stressed that the summit gave a cohesive and comprehensive response to the crisis and, above all, took a wise decision for support of the eurozone.(ANA-MPA)

On the Pact Plus for the Euro adopted by the EU heads of state and government earlier on Friday, Papandreou stressed that this does not entail, for Greece, the adoption of new measures. "We have taken many, important measures," he said, adding that "what comes first now is to advance structural changes, such as eliminating bureaucracy".(ANA-MPA)

Papandreou also expressed satisfaction over the fact that the idea of imposing a tax on financial transactions, the so-called Tobin tax', is "ripening" within the EU, and with the fact that the European Commission has been authorized to present specific proposals.(ANA-MPA)

Friday's summit decisions "send a strong message that, in every instance, the EU is here, will stand at the side of its member states and the eurozone, and will do what it must do, will reassure the markets", Papandreou stressed.(ANA-MPA)

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[02] Obama message on Greek Independence Day

In the proclamation, Obama also underscores the role played by the Greek American community as a bridge between the two countries and also as one of the most dynamic elements of American society.

The full text of the Proclamation follows:

"One hundred ninety years ago, Greece regained its independence and became a symbol of democracy for the world for the second time in history. As America recognizes this milestone in the birthplace of democracy, we also celebrate our warm friendship with Greece and the lasting legacy of Hellenic culture in our own country.

America's Founders drew upon the core democratic principles developed in ancient Greece as they imagined a new government. Since that time, our Union has strived to uphold the belief that each person has a fundamental right to liberty and participation in the democratic process, and Greece has continued to promote those very principles. Over the centuries these cherished ideals -- democracy, equality, and freedom -- have inspired our citizens and the world.

The relationship between the United States and Greece extends beyond our common values and is strengthened by the profound influence of Greek culture on our national life. From the architecture of our historic buildings to the lessons in philosophy and literature passed on in our classrooms, America has drawn on the deep intellectual traditions of the Greeks in our own establishment and growth as a nation. Reinforcing the steadfast bonds between our two countries, Americans of Greek descent have maintained the best of their heritage and immeasurably enriched our national character.

The American people stand with Greece to honor the legacy of democracy wrought over 2,000 years ago and its restoration to the Hellenic Republic nearly 200 years ago. As we celebrate the history and values of Greece and the United States, we also look forward to our shared future and recommit to continuing our work as friends and allies.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARACK OBAMA, President of the United States of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and the laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim March 25, 2011, as "Greek Independence Day: A National Day of Celebration of Greek and American Democracy." I call upon all the people of the United States to observe this day with appropriate ceremonies and activities."

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[03] PM, Obama phone discussion

Greek government spokesman George Petalotis said Obama called Papandreou, currently in Brussels where the two-day EU summit took place, and congratulated him on the occasion of the March 25 anniversary, while the two leaders also exchanged views on the outcome of the summit and on developments in Libya.(ANA-MPA)

Regarding the summit and the Greek economy in general, Obama acknowledged Greece's course to the recovery of its economy, Petalotis said.(ANA-MPA)

The US President also expressed satisfaction with the EU summit results, considering them satisfactory for Europe and also for Greece, adding his support for Greece's efforts to exit the crisis, Petalotis said.(ANA-MPA)

The two leaders further discussed the situation in Libya, and Obama noted Greece's geostrategic position in the Mediterranean. They also discussed the decisions that need to be adopted by the international community to face the crisis in Libya, the Greek government spokesman added.(ANA-MPA)

Caption: ANA-MPA file photo of Greek prime minister George Papandreou (R) and US President Barack Obama in Washington.

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