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Athens News Agency: News in English, 10-08-14Athens News Agency: News in English Directory - Previous Article - Next ArticleFrom: The Athens News Agency at <http://www.ana.gr/>CONTENTS
[01] Gov't denies new austerity measures"Despite of what is said the state budget is being executed within stated target. We are, safely, one billion euros below the initial target," an announcement by the finance ministry stated on Friday, in reaction to a series of press reports claiming that additional austerity measures will be imposed, or that the European Commission, IMF and ECB "troika" have demanded cutbacks in private sector salaries.In the announcement, the ministry stresses that the budget deficit fell by 39.7 percent, two percent more that the annual target. [02] Tourist coaches used in migrant smuggling ringANA-MPA/Police in the northern city of Thessaloniki on Saturday reportedly broke up a migrant trafficking ring using foreign tourist coaches to smuggle illegal immigrants into the country.Following a tip-off, authorities stopped and searched two tourist coaches on Friday on the Thessaloniki-Kilkis national road, finding 11 illegals, including two minors, hiding in a special crypt above the hand luggage space. The goal was to transfer the illegals to a second bus. The first vehicle had departed from Georgia , while the second coach was heading to Athens . Both drivers, aged 51 and 27, as well as a 55-year-old foreign national were arrested. All of the suspects are due to face a local prosecutor. [03] PM condolences to ChinaANA-MPA/Prime Minister George Papandreou on Friday sent condolences to Chinese PM Wen Jiabao following the devastating floods that ravaged NW China over the past few days."It was with great sorrow that I was informed of the huge disaster that was provoked by the torrential rainfalls in northwest China , resulting in the loss life and a large number of missing and homeless people. On the part of the Greek government I would like to express to you and to victims' families my sincere condolences and my compassion". [04] Patriarchical mass in SoumelaIstanbul (ANA-MPA / A. Kourkoulas) -- This year's celebration of the Dormition of the Virgin Mary feast on August 15 in Panagia Soumela Monastery in Trabzon province will be very emotional considering that a holy mass will be held there for the first time since the end of WWI and the 1923 population exchange convention.The mass, to be officiated by Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew, will be a memorable event for Eastern Orthodox Christians from the region of Pontos in the Black Sea, as many of them have been waiting their whole lives for this to happen. After 1923, the celebration of the Dormition of the Virgin Mary was taken by the Pontians to Greece, Russia and elsewhere in the world. Last June, the Turkish government accepted Bartholomew's request and gave him permission to hold mass in the monastery that has been turned into a museum and has not operated as a Christian church since the population exchange between Greece and Turkey in 1923. Culture Minister Ertugrul Gunai had informed Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew of the decision on June 7 at the inauguration of the Istanbul Festival held in Hagia Irini. [05] Athens Newspaper HeadlinesThe Sunday edition of Athens ' dailies at a glanceThe economy and recurring press scenarios regarding new austerity measures, Patriarchical mass at the historic Panaghia Soumela monastery in the Trabzon province of NE Turkey after 88 years as well as ubiquitous speculation over a government reshuffle mostly dominated the headlines. ADESMEFTOS TYPOS: "After 88 years, Turkey gives permission for mass in Panaghia Soumela". APOGEVMATINI: "160,000 hectares in town planning". AVGHI: "Government reshuffle - wrapped with new harsh measures". AVRIANI: "Scandals shake Archbishop Ieronymos". CHORA: "Tougher days before us". ELEFTHERI ORA: "Archbishop of Athens and All Greece Ieronymos and other Metropolitans stand accused". ELEFTHEROTYPIA: "Cutback No 2 in benefits". ELEFTHEROS TYPOS: "Reshuffle, new measures and new promises". ETHNOS: "Two-billion-euro scam with prescription drugs uncovered". KATHIMERINI: "Absurdity: Public enterprises' debts at 19.4 billion euros". LOGOS: "New hike in VAT". PROTO THEMA (weekly): "Government still appoints pro athletes as gardeners in public sector". Real News (weekly): "Athens Mayor Nikitas Kaklamanis calls former Prime Minister Costas Karamanlis". RIZOSPASTIS: "Rally with Communist Party of Greece, with your action and your vote". VIMA: "Alarm over recession". VETO: "Prime Minister via the reshuffle starts from beginning". VRADYNI: "All new regulations for taxis". Athens News Agency: News in English Directory - Previous Article - Next Article |