The Hellenic Radio (ERA): News in English, 10-05-15

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From: The Hellenic Radio (ERA) <www.ert.gr/>

CONTENTS

[01] ND Head Addresses Event on Family

Addressing an event organized by the Family Budget Observatory to mark the International Day of Family, main opposition New Democracy head Antonis Samaras said, inter alia, that his party's congress will be held at the end of June.

"Although it has been suggested to postpone the congress, we will hold it as planned and we won't let the broken political glass stripped the Greek people of optimism," underlined Antonis Samaras.

Commenting on the Greek family, Samaras said, "In a moment of crisis, families are put to test. Therefore, cohesion both within the families and in the society is required."

He then slammed yet again the government for the austerity measures it took, as they are to deliver a crushing blow to family incomes.

Source: NET, NET 105.8 News item: 36569

[02] Erdogan Wraps up His Visit to Athens

Turkish Prime Minister Tayyip Erdogan's official visit to Athens wrapped up. On Saturday, Greek Premier George Papandreou and Erdogan expressed their strong will to take important steps towards the improvement of Greek-Turkish relations. Their will to do so was sealed with the opening session of the Greece-Turkey High-Level Strategic Cooperation Council and the signing of 21 cooperation agreements.

"Today has been a historic day. The work we did was worthwhile because it yielded really positive results," commented George Papandreou while addressing his Turkish counterpart and his wife at the dinner he hosted in their honour. High-profile Greek cabinet members had also been invited to the dinner.

Statements by Opposition Parties

"We believe that the issue of continental shelf is the only bilateral problem Greece has with Turkey," said main opposition New Democracy President Antonis Samaras after meeting with the Turkish Premier.

"The olive branch they brought with them was transferred on jet fighters," commented LAOS (Popular Orthodox Rally).

"The problems plaguing the Greek-Turkish relations can be peacefully resolved based on international law," argued SYN (Coalition of the Radical Left).

In the meantime, the two Prime Ministers held talks with newspaper chiefs.

George Papandreou met with the chiefs of Turkish media, while Erdogan with the chiefs of the Greek newspapers.

Addressing the Greek journalists, the Turkish Premier hailed his visit to the Greek capital as historic.

Erdogan also said that he would take into account Papandreou's proposal for the necessity of flight plans in the Aegean, underlined that were this difference to be solved, a major step towards peace would be made.

The Greek Prime Minister, on his part, told the Turkish journalists that Erdogan's visit ushers the Greek-Turkish relations into a new era, further adding that the two sides had better overcome their differences. He also touched on the economic cooperation between Athens and Ankara.

Source: NET 105. 8, ANA/MPA News item: 36568

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