PASOK Leader, Georges Papandreou raises the Northern Epirus issue

Papandreou meeting with representatives of homogeneous Voreioipeiroton

ATHENS 03/06/2009 "For us, it is obvious obligation of our state of the final restoration Northern epiriotas in Greece and, of course, the support of the Greek ethnic minority in the ancestral homes, with concrete measures which are committed," said the President of PASOK, George Papandreou, which met with representatives of homogeneous Voreioipeiroton.

Specifying by the steps the president of PASOK spoke of:

- Direct, non-discriminatory and transparent performance of citizenship to all nationals who are entitled.
- Consideration of all outstanding insurance homogeneous especially to receive a pension of OGA. - Prepare an integrated development plan and investment in regions where there is a strong Greek element, with an emphasis on social infrastructure, culture, the special network, water supply and support entrepreneurship.
- Effective protection of property of Voreioipeiroton.
- Promotion of education by constructing school buildings, production of school books to teach children and the history and culture, and geography.

"Our commitment is to create opportunities of study in Greek universities and the educational and economic support of Greek education in Albania", added Mr. Papandreou. The President of PASOK stated to family ties with the continent, while also mentioned in the policies of the PASOK government for Northern Epirus. "We started the process of naturalization Voreioipeiroton, but also regulate the issue of military service. When tried in 2003 to deliver the performance of Greek nationality, had the strong opposition of the Southwest. And if by late 2003, it was because, as know very well, there was much debate around the issue of dual citizenship.

But, immediately, and as opposition tabled two Bills, supporting your request along with forcing the government to adopt the request for the award of citizenship. Why has different between PASOK and New Democracy ", said Mr. Papandreou. The President of PASOK criticized the government that "where refused citizenship, converted the right of naturalization, a customer relationship, and acting selectively and slowly.

Attempts, namely, to keep Northern Epirus to ransom." "We say it is your right to have citizenship. It is an issue that should be resolved transparently, to be paid immediately and without any bureaucratic or other rousfetologiki delay," said the president of PASOK.

Mr. Papandreou expressed his complete opposition PASOK in the "absence of position on the south-west of ethnic persecution and the" silence "for the firm, a conviction in absentia to imprisonment of five multi-homogeneous, and the condemnation of the president of Omonia, the Mayor Himaras, Mr Bolanou. " "The PASOK, from the early'90s, and worked systematically to improve bilateral relations with Albania and the rapprochement with the EU and we will continue to do everything but the obligation of Albania to fulfills the requirements of the EU conditions relating to human rights, particularly rights that the Greek minority in Albania "said Mr. Papandreou.

"We want Greece to be protagonist next days, for the integration of Western Balkans into the EU requires of course to fulfill the conditions of these countries respect the rules, human rights, but requires on the other hand, and the EU to invest in this region of the Western Balkans, to help them reach a better level for joining the EU ", said Mr. Papandreou, criticizing the government for lack of this effort. The President of PASOK stated in the end of the social democrats in Greece and Europe, and the five national priorities which will go "people a PASOK government. RHP.

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