Brussels, 21/01/2014 (Agence Europe) - On Tuesday 21 January, Greece's Deputy Minister for Infrastructure Michalis Papadopoulos told the European Parliament's transport committee (TRAN) that the fourth railway package will be the Greek Presidency's top priority. The Presidency should “work intensively” on the technical pillar and “conclude” it with a common approach in March, on European Railway Agency rules. Work is also due to begin on opening the rail market for the domestic transport of passengers. Papadopoulos plans to present a progress report at the Council in June “even if priorities can change”, he admitted. He also spoke of these ambitions with European Commissioner for Transport Siim Kallas the same day, who said that he expects “an ambitious approach”. In addition, Papadopoulos told MEPs to be confident of being able to complete the negotiations on the infrastructure for alternative fuels - “a file which is making good progress” (last trialogue on 5 March). Furthermore, the negotiations will be continued on the section in the airport package relating to harmful noise, with a view to an agreement. Papadopoulos also spoke of his hope of reaching an agreement in first reading on the revision of air passenger rights, ahead of the Council on 5 June - although the subject area is “delicate and complex”. As regards the Single Sky 2+ package, Papadopoulos spoke of significant national interests on this issue. The Presidency will therefore assess this. Papadopoulos was asked to speak about the very sensitive revision of lorry weight and dimensions, and he said that he hoped that an agreement could be reached in June. Lastly, Greece's Minister for Maritime Affairs Miltiadis Varvitsiotis, who was questioned about the ports package, said that “caution” would be wise on this issue, especially with regard to ports in the south of the EU, in competition with third Mediterranean ports. The Greek Presidency will ensure that “good progress in trialogue and compromises on the issue” are obtained (TRAN committee vote on the mandate at end of January). (MD/transl.fl)