Subject: Athens Macedonian News Agency: News in English, 17-03-22 From: "HR-Net News Distribution Manager" CONTENTS [01] ND's Mitsotakis and British Ambassador Kate Smith discuss relations post-Brexit [02] 'Everyone responsible for their own comments,' EC spox says about Dijsselbloem statement --------------------------------------------------------------------------- [01] ND's Mitsotakis and British Ambassador Kate Smith discuss relations post-Brexit Main opposition New Democracy leader Kyriakos Mitsotakis on Wednesday had a meeting with the British Ambassador to Greece Kate Smith. According to an ND announcement, they discussed Britain's anticipated activation of article 50, triggering the process for Britain's exit from the Europan Union, and EU-UK relations in the post-Brexit period. In this context, they also examined the prospects of bilateral relations between Greece and Britain. According to ND sources, the meeting revealed a common desire to maintain and strengthen bilateral relations, with both sides emphasising the importance given to bilateral cooperation in the economy, investments, security, culture and tourism. They also noted an expected surge in the number of UK tourists arriving in Greece this year. Mitsotakis used the opportunity to outline his views about the future of Europe, including his party's standing position that Greece should remain on the front lines of the European unification project, while there was an extensive discussion on domestic political and economic developments. The two sides also agreed to continue exchanging views on the Cyprus issue and the Western Balkans, as well as developments in the energy sector. [02] 'Everyone responsible for their own comments,' EC spox says about Dijsselbloem statement BRUSSELS (ANA/ M. Aroni) "Everyone is responsible for their own comments and we do not, as you know, comment on comments," European Commission spokesman Margaritis Schinas said during the regular press briefing Wednesday. The spokesman had been asked if European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker had any reaction to statements made by Eurogroup President Jeroen Dijsselbloem regarding southern European countries to a German newspaper. "As far as the president is concerned, President Juncker has always expressed his respect, his sympathy and even his live for Europe's southern flank," Schinas added. In remarks during an interview with the German newspaper Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung that many viewed as insulting, Dijsselbloem suggested that the crisis-stricken countries in Europe's south had spent all their money on "drinks and women" and then asked for help.