Athens Macedonian News Agency: News in English, 16-05-12

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

CONTENTS

[01] PM Tsipras says Greece is entering new era of growth and optimism

[02] Greece turning into a reliable economic partner, state minister tells US officials

[01] PM Tsipras says Greece is entering new era of growth and optimism

The prime minister said tourism is spearheading the new development perspective opening in the country, as it supports employment in at least 200 professions.

Ensuring an environment of economic stability and guaranteeing security are the two pillars important for tourism, Tsipras said, adding that he wants to send a message domestically and abroad that Greece is and will remain a country of stability and security, despite it being located in a tumultuous region. He also said that after the first program review concludes and public debt is reduced, uncertainty will be replaced by stability.

"The challenges are great and in many cases exceed us, as we live in the most beautiful but troubled neighborhood in the world, in a Europe that is experiencing a security crisis," Tsipras said.

Commenting on specific measures the government is planning for the sector, he said the overnight levy in hotels will be applied as of 2018.

Tsipras also expressed his optimism for the economy, noting that by the end of the year, more than 10 billion euros will enter the real economy, which will alter forecasts, allowing the country to return to growth before the end of the year.

[02] Greece turning into a reliable economic partner, state minister tells US officials

Pappas presented the positive prospects of the Greek economy following the agreement at the last Eurogroup on how to close the Greek program review, as well as the start of talks on the country's debt.

Earlier, Pappas discussed developments on Greece's economic program and regional issues in a meeting with U.S. Assistant Secretary of State Victoria Nuland and U.S Undersecretary for International Trade Stefan Selig.

On her side, Nuland stressed the importance of Greece's political and economic stability for the wider region, considering the country's crucial role in tackling the refugee crisis, the fostering of EU-Turkey relations and the active participation in ensuring regional peace, stability and energy cooperation.

Selig and Pappas also discussed developments on the Trans Adriatic Pipeline (TAP) and the Gas Interconnector Greece-Bulgaria (IGB) pipeline, as well as the floating gas terminal in Alexandroupolis in northern Greece and issues related to pharmaceutical companies (arrears, hospital claw back, tariffs and patents).

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