Athens News Agency: News in English, 07-12-20

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

CONTENTS

[01] Budget debate on Thurs. evening doubles as confidence vote

[01] Budget debate on Thurs. evening doubles as confidence vote

Meanwhile, Greek Prime Minister Costas Karamanlis returned from his official visit to Moscow earlier in the week and talks with Russian leadership, especially Russian President Vladimir Putin at the Kremlin.

Expanding energy cooperation between Russia and Greece dominated talks in Moscow between the two leaders. In statements after the more than one-hour meeting, both men said the expansion of already burgeoning energy cooperation between the two countries substantially benefits Europe's energy sufficiency and security, with particular mention to a finalised three-nation pact (Russia, Bulgaria and Greece) to construct the Burgas-Alexandroupolis oil pipeline and proposals for the "Southstream" natgas pipeline linking Russian gas reserves with SE Europe.

Putin, in fact, said a signed protocol -- establishing an international company by the three sides to build the Burgas-Alexandroupolis line -- is the next-to-last step for constructing the pipeline.

Bilateral defence-related cooperation was also discussed, with Karamanlis directly referring to the purchase of 420 Russian-made armoured vehicles, whereas Putin said there is "no restriction" on the development of bilateral defence cooperation with Greece, including an interest to proceed with joint weapons production on Russian soil.

Caption: ANA-MPA file photo of Greek Prime Minister Costas Karamanlis addressing Parliament.

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