Athens News Agency: News in English, 08-03-05

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

CONTENTS

[01] Gov't ready to present social security reform bill

[02] Papoulias receives Christofias

[03] Greece at ITB

[04] Athens Newspaper Headlines

[01] Gov't ready to present social security reform bill

Government spokesman Theodoros Roussopoulos told reporters that social security reforms will enforce the pension system to the benefit of future generations. He also stressed that the government has met its informal schedule for tabling the draft bill, and adequate time to allow for ample discussion on the issue and possible amendments.

Caption:ANA-MPA file photo of Greek prime minister Costas Karamanlis

[02] Papoulias receives Christofias

During a photo opportunity ahead of the meeting, the two veteran politicians exchanged gifts and commented on a formal reception hosted on Tuesday evening by Papoulias in honor of Christofias.

Papoulias presented Christofias with a replica of a Claudius Ptolemy Code, a 2nd century AD manuscript, which constitutes a geography-based description of the then known world, while the Greek President was given a silver basket.

The Cypriot President will also meet with Prime Minister Costas Karamanlis.

[03] Greece at ITB

Spiliotopoulos will have meetings with various tourism bodies, as well as with German economics and technology minister Michael Glos who, as the political "host" of the ITB will visit the Greek National Tourism Organisation (GNTO) pavillion during his traditional tour of the exhibition areas.

The Greek minister is also scheduled to meet with Berlin Governing Mayor Klaus Wowereit on Wednesday evening at the City Hall.

This year's 42nd ITB, which opens on Wednesday and runs through Sunday, has broken every previous record in participations, which number 11.147 exhibitors from 186 countries and peripheries, according to official figures, thus preserving the ITB's clout as the leading travel trade sector event worldwide, encompassing the entire range of the travel business, including destinations, tour operators, booking systems, carriers, hotels and other suppliers.

[04] Athens Newspaper Headlines

The government's planned social security reforms, the FYROM name issue and the repercussions on the Athens Stock Exchange Market (ASE) due to an ongoing strike by the Bank of Greece (BoG) employees dominated the headlines on Wednesday in Athens' newspapers.

ADESMEFTOS TYPOS: "BoG empoyees' strike immobilises ASE".

APOGEVMATINI: "Two vetos in Dora's (Foreign Minister Bakoyannis) bag - The Greek rejection of FYROM's entry to NATO also freezes the procedures for its accession to the European Union".

AVGHI: "Government 'raid' on social security funds - Labour unions organising new mobilisiations and strikes".

AVRIANI: "(Main opposition) PASOK must change its leader or form a new party - It's the only solution after the party's slump".

CHORA: "The social security reforms will be unveiled on Wednesday - The changes that are in progress".

ELEFTHERI ORA: "Demonstration on Wednesday on the FYROM name issue in Thessaloniki".

ELEFTHEROS: "Government in shock from two 'slaps' (two demonstrations scheduled for Wednesday in Thessaloniki) by the people over the FYROM name issue".

ELEFTHEROS TYPOS: "Karamanlis hastens to announce on Wednesday the changes to retirement ages and pensions - The government's move conceals a political and communicational behind-the-scenes".

ELEFTHEROTYPIA: "Outbursts over social security reforms - Government remains solid on its positions and takes final decisions on Wednesday".

ESTIA: "Inter-party overture from Karamanlis".

ETHNOS: "Five more working years for all - Government 'covers up' the social security reforms with benefits for women farmers".

KATHIMERINI: "Government opens 'fronts' with labour unions despite the huge political cost".

LOGOS: "The time for social security reforms has arrived - The Inner Cabinet gave the green light".

NIKI: "The social security reforms are Fani's (Palli-Petralia, Employment Minister) recipe - The bill will be released on Thursday after a 3-month doctoring".

TA NEA: "Blackout over social security reforms - The bill will be tabled on Thursday in parliament".

TO VIMA: "Transactions suspended - ASE remained closed on Tuesday - Third day of strike in Bank of Greece"

RIZOSPASTIS: "Stop the murderers of the Palestianian people - Demonstration against the imperialistic barbarism and Israel".

VRADYNI: "All the changes contained in the new social security bill - 158 articles reform the map in pensions and social security - The law will be given on Wednesday to the Inner Cabinet".

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