BRUSSELS (ANA-MNA/M. Aroni): “Greece’s economy is entering a new phase," Finance minister Yannis Stournaras said here on Monday evening commenting on the initial approval by Eurogroup of a dual tranche of financial aid to Greece, totaling 7.5 billion euros, for the months of May and June.

Piraeus Port Organization will formally begin operations of its new international sea cruise passenger terminal - the second such terminal at the port - on Monday, 13 May. The new terminal, covering a space of 5,600 square metres, will be able to service up to 25,000 passengers daily, will have large entrance-exit areas, modern control systems, parking facilities for taxis, tourist buses and other vehicles.

"We still have a great deal of work to do to convince the investors in Europe as well as all over the world that Greece is changing, but in any case and thanks to the systematic work that is being done I am optimistic that 2013 will be better compared to the previous year", said Greek Deputy Development Minister Notis Mytarakis

Tax office revenues were within or even better than budget targets in the first quarter of 2013, the Greek finance ministry said in an announcement on Sunday.