Athens News Agency: News in English, 07-12-18

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From: The Athens News Agency at <http://www.ana.gr/>

CONTENTS

[01] PM Karamanlis meets with Russian President, Patriarch of Moscow

[02] Winter tourism season inaugurated at Mt. Parnassos

[03] Athens Newspaper Headlines

[01] PM Karamanlis meets with Russian President, Patriarch of Moscow

Moscow (ANA-MPA/S.Goutzanis) -- Greek prime minister Costas Karamanlis had a half-hour meeting on Tuesday morning with Russian president Vladimir Putin, in the context of a three-day official visit to Russia at Putin's invitation.

Karamanlis arrived in Moscow on Monday evening.

Greeting Karamanlis before their discussion, Putin noted that this was their fifth meeting, adding that each of the preceding meetings had been a success and expressing his conviction that this meeting, too, would be constructive.

Putin praised Greece's contribution to Russia-EU relations, stressing also that bilateral relations between the two countries were at a very good level.

Karamanlis, in turn, said that the historic ties of friendship between the two countries were further reinforced by their cooperation in the energy sector, which he said had positive effects not only on the two countries, but also on the wider region.

The Greek prime minister described Russia as a "partner of strategic importance", adding that Tuesday's meeting would contribute to further development of their cooperation.

Earlier, Karamanlis was received by Patriarch Alexios II of Moscow and All Russia, who noted that the Greeks and Russians were brother peoples with the shared heritage of Orthodoxy.

Alexios said that the Orthodox Church of Russia had excellent relations with the Church of Greece, and expressed sadness over Archbishop Christodoulos' ailing health, adding that "we pray that he will overcome this difficulty".

The Patriarch also noted the Greek prime minister's frequent visits to Russia, expressing conviction that the broadening of relations between the two peoples will continue.

In reply, Karamanlis noted the important role the Patriarch has played in strengthening the Orthodox faith, noting that the historical and spiritual bonds between the two peoples went back many centuries, beginning from Byzantium, with the Ecumenical Patriarchate, the mother church of both Churches, serving as a link.

Karamanlis said that Christianity, and Orthodoxy in particular, could play a very significant role in protection of the human personality and moral values, adding that understanding, consensus and cooperation among the Christian Orthodox Churches was necessary today more than ever, and expressing hope that the Churches will continue their constructive dialogue with the other Christian faiths.

The prime minister further said that the relations between Russia and Greece were at a very good level, as proved by the frequency of visits, and expressed conviction that his present visit to Russia would give new momentum to the cooperation between the two countries in many sectors.

[02] Winter tourism season inaugurated at Mt. Parnassos

Inaugurating the winter tourism season at Parnassos, the minister underlined that the new infrastructures were designed on the basis of international models and aimed at improving safety and the quality of services. The innovations will work as a 'pilot' for all ski centers throughout Greece.

The snow season is expected to be very succesful for the Parnassos ski center and the entire region, lodgings are full to capacity and 150,000 people are estimated to visit the ski center. Moreover most of ski centers through the country are now open while the rest are estimated to open for operation within Christmas holidays.

[03] Athens Newspaper Headlines

The eleven reforms in the social security system that enter into effect as of Jan.1 2008, PM Costas Karamanlis' and Russian president Vladimir Putin's agreements over energy and defence contracts, the dozens of unlicenced houses all over Greece and the National Railway Organisation's (OSE) deficit, dominated headlines on Tuesday in Athens' newspapers.

ADESMEFTOS TYPOS: "Cutbacks in pensions from New Year's Day".

APOGEVMATINI: "11 changes in social security system due to a former government's (PASOK) bill."

AVGHI: " Vassilis Magginas' (former Employment Minister) expulsion did not appease public rage over government's planned social security reforms"

AVRIANI: "Karamanlis-Putin deal on energy, banking and defence contracts - Despite reactions by U.S and Europe".

CHORA: "The changes in pensions in 2008".

ELEFTHERI ORA: "New labour strikes begin on Wednesday - Petralias' statements give hope for solution "

ELEFTHEROS: "11 reforms in social security enter into force from Jan.1 2008"

ELEFTHEROS TYPOS: "Three opinions over social security issue - Ministers' different approaches on social security reforms' development"

ELEFTHEROTYPIA: " 'Orgies' in northeastern Attica: Unlicenced buildings and canteens turn into villas".

ESTIA: "Government weakening just three months after general elections".

ETHNOS: " Government and the 'Magginas syndrome'- Government wants to avoid similar cases that would further damage its image"

KATHIMERINI: "OSE deficit jumps to 7.5 billion euros - Plan for merger of 3 out of 4 OSE subsidiaries".

LOGOS: "Will the Employment Minister's replacement signal a change in government policy? - Petralia eager for best possible solution"

NIKI: "Government damaged by 'Magginas scandal' - Heavy atmosphere at Maximos mansion (government headquarters)."

RIZOSPASTIS: "High cost of living vanishes working class' income."

TA NEA: "Government retreats on four issues - Petralia building bridges towards large unions".

VIMA: "Government now promises smooth changes in social security - A challenge for new Employment Minister Fani Palli-Petralia"

VRADYNI: "11 changes in pensions due to gradual implementation of bills ratified in the past (under PASOK governments)".

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