Prime Minister Costas Karamanlis on Tuesday met with long-time New Democracy cadre and one-time prime minister Tzannis Tzannetakis, as the latter subsequently announced that he informed the premier of his decision not to stand in the upcoming Sept. 16 elections and to also withdraw from politics.

   The septuagenarian Tzannetakis told reporters that he had informed Karamanlis of his decision, unofficially, some time ago, "…as one must depart while strong, and not be dragged away."

   "I believe this political formation (ruling New Democracy party) can, compared with the other parties, can help this country go forward," he stressed.

   Karamanlis also met separately with Employment and Social Insurances Minister Vassilis Magginas in the morning. No statements were made afterwards.

   A day earlier, Karamanlis toured a former brewery in central Athens, the multi-storey concrete FIX building, where a modern art museum will be housed after a major renovation of the site. He also toured a new park adjacent to the Kerameikos archaeological site, southwest of the Acropolis, where he expressed satisfaction over a decision by Athens Mayor Nikitas Kaklamanis to name the site "Artists' Park" and for a bust to be placed of late opera diva Maria Callas on the grounds.

    
Caption: ANA-MPA file photo of Karamanlis.