Athens News Agency: News in English, 06-10-18

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

CONTENTS

[01] Premier confers with FinMin on 2005-2008 reforms programme

[02] Greece, Nigeria forge shipping pact

[03] Ecumenical Patriarch received by top Greek leadership

[01] Premier confers with FinMin on 2005-2008 reforms programme

The discussion also encompassed the ministry's legislative initiatives concerning taxation reform, including revision of the taxation scales and reduction of the taxation rates, simplification of the Code of Books and Records, as well as measures for combatting tax evasion, Alogoskoufis told reporters after the meeting.

Alogoskoufis said they further discussed planning for the new framework concerning exploitation of the EU financing to Greece in the period 2007-2013, and the new chart of reinforcements to the periphery, as well as the tabling of the budget.

[02] Greece, Nigeria forge shipping pact

The bilateral agreement was signed in Piraeus by Merchant Marine Minister Manolis Kefaloyiannis and the Nigerian Minister of State for Transport, Muhammed Aliyu.

"The agreement is a clear indication of the two countries' dedication to the principles of free and fair competition, and in furthering bilateral cooperation in a bid to lift any remaining obstacles to shipping. The pact will serve to benefit both countries and their economies, spurring the start of a new era in sector ties between Nigeria and Greece," Kefaloyiannis told a news conference.

Aliyu welcomed the agreement, also calling for investors to modernise ports and create multinational firms, especially in oil and natural gas, to help Nigeria meet global challenges in shipping.

[03] Ecumenical Patriarch received by top Greek leadership

"I wage a daily struggle," the Ecumenical Patriarch told the prime minister during their half-hour meeting, which was also attended by Minister of State and government spokesman Theodoros Roussopoulos and Deputy Foreign Minister Theodoros Kassimis. Earlier, Vartholomeos had a half-hour meeting with Education and Religious Affairs Minister Marietta Yiannakou. No statements were made afterwards.

Following his meeting with Foreign Minister Dora Bakoyannis, the latter stressed that "I have publicly and emphatically stressed the ecumenical nature of the Patriarchate and issues affecting its smooth operation to both the Turkish government and at international fora," Bakoyannis said, while citing her satisfaction with the fact that a large number of Turkish press reports of late have vigorously pointed out that its ecumenical nature is an advantage and not a disadvantage for the host country.

She also repeatedly referred to the "international standing and stature" of Vartholomeos, as well as the latter's wholehearted support for inter-faith dialogue.

"Your position against fanaticism, prejudice and hate inspires us all," Bakoyannis said, adding: "Dialogue with our neighbouring Islam is a clear example of how you view your ecumenical role".

On his part, Vartholomeos noted:

"We love the country (Turkey) where we live and where the Patriarchate is based; we love Greece, and we love the environment ... we love our non-Orthodox Christian brothers, Muslims and Jews, with whom we hold a systematic dialogue; we are trying to create a more humane environment, a better one for future generations".

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