Subject: Athens Macedonian News Agency: News in English, 17-03-23 From: "HR-Net News Distribution Manager" CONTENTS [01] No to divisions in Europe, German FM Gabriel says [02] Culture Min Koniordou replies to question on antiquities found in former Helliniko airport [03] Fraport Greece and Intrakat sign EPC agreements for 14 regional airports [04] No Greeks hospitalised in British hospitals, according to Foreign ministry's sources --------------------------------------------------------------------------- [01] No to divisions in Europe, German FM Gabriel says Greece is joining with Germany and with all its partners in the European Union to build a prosperous Europe that respects the basic principles and values on which Democracy, the State Law and Social Justice were based, Greek President Prokopios Pavlopoulos on Thursday said in a meeting with the Foreign Minister of the Federal Republic of Germany Sigmar Gabriel, at the Presidential Palace. The President stressed that all Europeans need to express our sympathy to the UK people and leadership, and to point out that we will be relentless to phenomena of terrorism against humanity. "Terrorism will not pass. We will defend the People and Democracy against any challenge," he noted. Pavlopoulos congratulated Gabriel for Germany's positions on the future and the course of the EU, stressing that the fact that Germany is determined to fight for the cohesion of Europe renders it one of the key pillars of defending the cohesion of Europe and the European integration, particularly in view of the Rome Summit to be held for the 60-year anniversary of the European Union. The President referred to the critical situation in our region, the Mediterranean and especially the Aegean, noting that we will implement the Common Foreign and Security Policy and we will take the necessary decisions for the defense of our borders, and the European borders. On his part, the German Foreign Minister Sigmar Gabriel expressed his condolences to the United Kingdom, for Wednesday's terrorist attack. He stressed that the Europeans must stand next to each other and added that issues that have to do with the security of our borders, terrorism and crime are important. Concluding, he stressed the need to make every effort so that in southern Europe, not only in Greece but also in Italy, Spain, young people have a chance again to find work and he also opposed to the division within Europe. [02] Culture Min Koniordou replies to question on antiquities found in former Helliniko airport Culture Minister Lydia Koniourdou submitted a document to Parliament regarding the antiquities found in the former airport of Helliniko, after a question tabled by 18 MPs of SYRIZA. "The ministry has decided to take all necessary steps to properly carry out the work," according to the document. "The ministry's priority is the rescue, protection and promotion of the antiquities in the area of the investment," she underlined and added: "Unlike those doomsayers claiming that the cultural heritage sends investments away, the ministry's firm position is that the institutional and natural protection of our cultural wealth can and must coexist with the modern life and development ensuring sustainability." [03] Fraport Greece and Intrakat sign EPC agreements for 14 regional airports Fraport Greece and Intrakat on Thursday announced the signing of two EPC (engineering, planning and construction) agreements totaling 357 million euros (plus value-added tax) for implementing construction studies and works at the 14 Greek regional airports. Under a 40-year concession contract, Fraport Greece soon will be managing, operating, upgrading and maintaining these airports on the Greek mainland and islands. The first EPC agreement with the Greek-based Intrakat includes seven airports: Thessaloniki and Kavala, along with Chania on Crete, and airports on the Ionian Islands of Zakynthos, Cephalonia, Corfu and Aktion. The second EPC agreement also includes seven airports, all in the Aegean: Rhodes, Kos, Mykonos, Santorini, Samos, Skiathos, and Mytilene. These agreements cover refurbishing and upgrading current facilities at the 14 airports, as well as studies and expansion projects. Mr Alexander Zinell CEO, Fraport Greece, stated: "The concession of the 14 airports – gateways to some of the most popular destinations - reaffirms Fraport's leading role as a global airport manager. This project is of national importance to Greece as the new and revamped airports will complement and boost even further what already is a very successful tourist industry. New modern infrastructure and operational excellence will serve as a growth driver for local communities, contributing decisively to their economic development through the increase in tourism traffic, as well as by creating new employment opportunities. We have chosen the INTRAKAT Group as our partner for the delivery of this massive investment program by 2021 both for their deep knowledge of the Greek market as well as their ability to simultaneously manage 14 constructions projects throughout the country". On the occasion of signing the agreements, Intrakat Group CEO Mr Petros Souretis announced: "Intrakat's long experience and high level of technical expertise are the necessary guarantees for the successful and timely implementation of the upcoming works at the 14 airports, according to the challenging standards of Fraport Greece. It is a great honor for Intrakat to participate in such an important project for upgrading our country's infrastructure and for creating the conditions to further develop tourism and enhance Greece's economy." [04] No Greeks hospitalised in British hospitals, according to Foreign ministry's sources There are no Greek people hospitalised in British hospitals after Wednesday's terror attack in London, according to Foreign Ministry's sources.