Subject: Athens Macedonian News Agency: News in English, 17-03-13
From: "HR-Net News Distribution Manager" <dist@hri.org>
CONTENTS
[01] Elections climate should not intervene or poison countries'
     relations, Alt.FM Katrougalos says
[02] FM Kotzias to ANA: I hope my visit to US to contribute in the
     further enhancement of US-Greek relations
[03] Migrants and refugees arrivals on Aegean islands remained low in
     the last four days
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[01] Elections climate should not intervene or poison countries'
relations, Alt.FM Katrougalos says

The elections campaign should not intervene or poison the countries'
relations" noted Alternate Foreign Minister George Katrougalos referring
to the tension prevailing between Turkey and other European countries,
speaking to SKAI TV on Monday.

Katrougalos said that Turkish officials have visited the region of Thrace
adding that Greece wants to have friendly relations with the neighbouring
country. He noted that Athens' aim is, always supporting its sovereign
rights and according to the international law, to avoid fuelling the
tension and to seek its de-escalation.

Referring to the second review he estimated that "it does not conclude
because the government resists on the labour issues and over the imposing
of additional austerity measures immediately" clarifying that "what the
IMF demands on labour is Pinochet's labour code".

On European Union's future he said he supports the Europe of multiple
selections with aim the widening of the social justice.


[02] FM Kotzias to ANA: I hope my visit to US to contribute in the
further enhancement of US-Greek relations

"We will discuss the problems of the region and we will examine where
our views and our plans coincide" stated Foreign Minister Nikos Kotzias
to Athens Macedonian News Agency ahead of his departure for Washington
where he will pay a two-day visit on Monday and Tuesday.

Kotzias expressed his hope that this visit will contribute in the further
enhancement of the Greek-American relations.

The Greek Foreign Minister will meet in Washington with the top officials
of the new US government, he will give interviews to the press hold
talks with members of think tanks with senators and US Congress deputies.


[03] Migrants and refugees arrivals on Aegean islands remained low in
the last four days

Migrants and refugees flows to the northern Aegean islands remained at
low levels in the last four days. A total of 85 people arrived on the
islands of Chios and Samos while no arrivals were reported on Lesvos.

According to police, 8,517 migrants and refugees that have sought asylum
in Greece and their request has been not examined yet remained stranded
on the islands.