Subject: Athens Macedonian News Agency: News in English, 17-03-05 From: "HR-Net News Distribution Manager" CONTENTS [01] Greece will be the core of Europe, EU Commission spokesman Schinas says [02] KKE sec gen Koutsoumbas concerns over a possible incident in the Aegean --------------------------------------------------------------------------- [01] Greece will be the core of Europe, EU Commission spokesman Schinas says European Commission spokesman Margaritis Schinas expressed his optimism that the programme review will be concluded. Schinas was speaking at the Delphi Economic Forum. The spokesman of the European Commission did not get into details about March 20 because as he said negotiations are underway. He added, however, that the situation has smoothened compared to 2010. Referring to the future of Europe, he said that there are five scenarios for the next day and in any case there is no scenario of destruction. Regarding Greece, he said that it will be the core of Europe as it plays an important role in the geopolitical map of southeastern Europe. [02] KKE sec gen Koutsoumbas concerns over a possible incident in the Aegean Constant incidents in the Aegean may trigger the involvement of other Balkan countries, the secretary general of the communist KKE party Dimitris Koutsoumbas warned in an interview with Realnews newspaper. And thus may "lead to a more generalized military confrontation in the Aegean, Thrace, our northern borders," he explained. Regarding the domestic policy and the offset measures, he said: "The reduction of the tax free threshold that will deprive us of a monthly pension or salary is not offset," he stressed and accused the deputies of voting for all measures in the end.