Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English, 09-09-14

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

CONTENTS

[01] Papandreou unveils economic policy, foreign policy goals

[02] PM: PASOK lacks serious policies

[03] Address to local gov't officials

[04] Karamanlis, Papandreou newspaper interviews

[05] KKE leader addresses supporters

[06] Rally in Ilioupolis

[07] KKE announces candidates

[08] Tsipras cites labour insecurity in workplaces

[09] LA.OS leader tours flood-stricken Evia

[10] Opinion polls ahead of Oct. 4 elections

[11] Flooding in Evia

[12] Roof of abandoned building collapses

[13] Foreign national arrested for human trafficking

[14] Super League results

[15] Rainy on Monday

[16] The Sunday editions of Athens' dailies at a glance

[01] Papandreou unveils economic policy, foreign policy goals

Papandreou underlined that major decisions needed to be taken to deal with the ongoing economic crisis, which is part of a wider crisis the country is undergoing in its social state, education, health, the environment, and an ineffective state mechanism, as he said.

The PASOK leader said he was confident that a collective effort by citizens, wage-earners, the business world and all creative forces of the country could lead the nation out of this crisis and return to growth, creating new wealth.

"A wealth equally distributed, because today two different policy views are clashing. A view calling for cutbacks and another calling for investments; a view calling for shrinkage and another for investments. PASOK knows that Greece is a country of countless possibilities, and it has proven that it knows how to take advantage of them," he said.

Papandreou presented an economic plan for the first 100 days of governance - if PASOK wins the Oct. 4 general elections - aimed at supporting domestic markets, boosting medium- and low-income strata and drastically cutting state overspending. "Our aim is to keep the market alive, to offer life to the economy and to create the basis for the necessary next step: 'green' development, a radical change to the way we create wealth," he said.

The main opposition leader said his programme had nothing in common with practices calling for the freezing of wages and pensions and a constant "tax raid" on medium incomes. He underlined that these policies sharpened and deepened a recession leading to an even greater fiscal problem.

The plan to exit the economic crisis is based on four basic axes, as he said:

-- Supporting incomes for social cohesion reasons and boosting demand in the economy, with pay increases above the inflation rate, offering an extra benefits pay to lower incomes, adopting measures to protect borrowers and overdebted households, combating price increases in the market, freezing of all public sector enterprises (utility) rates for one year, and advancing a radical tax reform that will promote "re-distribution".

-- Rekindling the market and boosting building activity with an increase of public investments, measures to boost liquidity in the market, reforming the Tiresias system (the interbank list of bad debtors) and with initiatives to improve the business climate in the country.

-- Protecting and supporting employment by subsidising social security contributions in the hiring of new unemployed people, increasing the unemployment benefit, protecting workers during crises and implementing social labour programmes.

-- Putting the state finances in order with radical changes for combating overspending, boosting tax revenues and a full restructuring of inspection mechanisms.

He said these measures will be implemented within the first 100 days of governance, with strict timetables and priorities, along with the passing of specific laws laying the groundwork for a restructuring of the country, a return to strong economic growth rates and social cohesion. Within the first three months, he promised that a PASOK government will table in Parliament and with the EU, a new credible three-year Stability and Growth Programme aimed at regaining high growth rates and fiscal consolidation, as he noted.

Papandreou said PASOK's non-negotiable target for the four-year term of government was to create new wealth through "green development", an added value for the country, to achieve the target of a fair redistribution of wealth. The priority areas are a new direction for energy, a restructuring of rural Greece, an integrated proposal for attracting investments with the focus on the country's comparative advantage - tourism, shipping, culture - and building new comparable advantages for the country by investing in clean environment, education, research and digital technology.

The second front of the first 100 days would be immediate action to restoring citizens' trust in the institutions, the state and the political system, Papandreou continued, adding that these actions would include the strengthening the autonomy of politics and transparency in public spending, a new electoral law, transparency of the political parties, public works and public procurements, upgrading parliamentary procedures, meritocracy in civil administration, restoring the state's supervisory role and a radical decentralisation. "For a state functioning effectively to the benefit of citizens, ensuring their rights".

He underlined that other priorities were education, the national health care system and the social security system.

Press conference on Sunday

A day later, Papandreou gave a wide-ranging press interview on the TIF premises, which covered the gamut of domestic and foreign affairs, and even delved into internal party issues.

Among others, the former foreign minister was again asked over the funding for his announced programmes and investments, to which he replied that a drastic cut in wasteful state spending and the abolition of favorable tax regimes, referring specifically to banks, will generate the necessary funds.

In continuing with economic policy questions, he said a PASOK government will not engage in an audit of the economy and state finances, as ND did in 2004, whereas a re-assessment of domestic banks' role and 4th CSF-funded programmes is on the agenda.

Moreover, he stated that no cut in the VAT rates will be forthcoming, instead other measures will be put forth to support the all-important tourism sector.

Papandreou again pointed to a small and more flexible Cabinet and criticised what he called any notion of ministry portfolio as each minister's personal realm.

Asked about the possibility that he will win the upcoming election on Oct. 4 but with a slim Parliamentary majority, he said the popular mandate will be respected, even with a slim majority, an indirect rejection of recent press speculation pointing to a consecutive election to elect a stronger government following Oct. 4. In touching on yet another "scenario", Papandreou reiterated that PASOK favors the re-election -- by a Parliament majority of 180 -- of Karolos Papoulias to the presidency, merely saying that "it (New Democracy party) must assume its responsibilities and state what it must do" in case Papoulias is not a candidate in March.

Foreign policy

Asked about foreign policy issues, Papandreou repeated that there are distinct "red lines" as far as the thorny "name issue" with the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (fYRoM) is concerned.

More importantly, Papandreou said he has not "given up the right" of veto when asked about neighbouring Turkey's European prospects and the crucial European Council meeting in December. He said his decision will be taken after an evaluation of the steps made by Ankara vis-à-vis the Cyprus issue and bilateral relations.

In continuing on relations involving EU-Turkey and Greek-Turkish relations, Papandreou stated that he believes the Helsinki agreement is still in force, with the veto option still on the table for Athens, an option he charged was abandoned by ruling ND.

Asked about the controversial 2004 Annan peace plan to solve the Cyprus issue, Papandreou said its rejection (by the Greek Cypriot community) means the plan is dead. He added that he supports the Christofias-Talat talks, although volition by Turkey is necessary to avoid its intervening with the Turkish Cypriot community, "and to allow the T/C side to decide, itself, for a just and functional solution within the framework of UNSC resolutions and the Union's acquis communautaire."

Returning to a domestic issue with foreign policy elements, Papandreou said individuals that have adopted Greece as their country of residency will be able to acquire Greek citizenship "after specific procedures", while children of third country nationals have the right to become Greek citizens.

Finally, he emphasised that a re-negotiation for the Burgas-Alexandroupolis pipeline project is necessary, terming the contract for the project as too generous for third parties and not in favor of the Greek side.

Party reactions

In a later reaction to Papandreou's press conference, ruling New Democracy party spokesman George Koumoutsakos said:

"We listened to the candidate for prime minister Mr. G. Papandreou yesterday (Saturday) and today. Complete disap-pointment. Convenient vagueness. Significant contradictions. Extraordinary proposals.

"It's a 100-day programme of a ... three-year duration; a pro-gramme that is inapplicable that if turned into practice would cost, in a time of crisis, more than 10 billion euros, money that does not exist.

"They are not saying it, they are not admitting it, but they will borrow. If they ever come to government they will borrow a great deal. Increasing inconsiderately both the deficit and taxes; burdening the Greek people for many generations. Their logic is one: For them to come to power and ... to see. The citizens will not do them the favour."

KKE

Commenting on the same interview, the Communist Party of Greece (KKE) said, in an announcement, that "Mr. G. Papandreou is attempting again with his press conference today, but in vain, to cover up the main axis of his policy, that is supporting big capital, meaning the same course with the New Democracy party."

KKE added that the increase that will be given to wages will not exceed 30 to 50 cents. It will preserve the five years increase in pensioning limits for women in the Public Sector that ND ratified and all the anti- social security measures that have been taken."

Finally, Radical Left Coalition (SYRIZA) MP and high-ranking cadre Yiannis Dragasakis underlined that "PASOK's policy does not constitute a 'different path'. It also moves along the one-way path of austerity, an increase in unemployment and the widening of inequalities," adding that "what PASOK announced at the Thessaloniki International Fair is a 3-year austerity programme in a wrapping of communication terms without value."

[02] PM: PASOK lacks serious policies

Karamanlis accused Papandreou of "exceeding every limit in vagueness, generalities and wellwishing," adding that the lack of any serious economic policy measure proves that PASOK has no plan to confront the crisis and the only thing it possesses are unattainable promises to all and extraordinary grants in every direction.

"He is giving promises that no government can keep in the coming years; he only cites uncoordinated, pleasant measures. Even one unpleasant and necessary measure in the crucial conditions we are experiencing is absent," the prime minister said.

Karamanlis went on to ask, out loud, how "the consequences of such a serious international crisis can be tackled only with pleasant generalities? Where will the unbelievable amounts of money to fulfill the so many promises be found?"

Karamanlis stressed that the aim of the PASOK leader's address was to mislead citizens. He added that no one can ignore the truth and that the huge public debt that the PASOK governments created and bequeathed must be tackled now.

He also stressed that PASOK's promises are completely unrelated to reality, the economy cannot stand them, they will lead to major economic impasses; valuable time will be lost and problems will multiply.

"We are appealing to all citizens with a clear message, with a clear gambit, to make the difficult decisions today so that our children can have a secure future tomorrow," the prime minister further said and underlined that 2011 must be the beginning of a new perspective and the international crisis must be turned into a national opportunity.

Karamanlis also pointed out that 2010 will be decisive for the course of the economy. The extent, intensity and duration of the unfavourable consequences will depend on the policies that will be implemented, the endurances of the economy will be determined and the future of the country will be determined.

The prime minister accused the main opposition party of failing to realise the seriousness of the current situation. He said that in government, PASOK received the public debt at 30 percent and ballooned it to 100 percent, obliging the country to pay 12 billion euros a year for interest alone, "and in opposition they always say a monotonous 'no' to every necessary change."

Karamanlis referred to his government's reforms, ones he said have strengthened the economy's endurance, "the unprecedented infrastructures programme that changes our country's image, the national land planning, the path for the green economy that opened with projects and not with words and the big energy agreements that have included our country on the global energy map, the educational reform, the social security reform, the improvement of all the economic indexes and the continuous decline of unemployment."

The prime minister concluded his address by saying that "I am determined to meet your expectations, determined for us to make the victory of New Democracy -- a victory against the crisis, a victory for our country."

[03] Address to local gov't officials

The central quandary for the citizens is a clear-cut one, Karamanlis said: "To choose between the tough and responsible path that will yield results in the battle against the global crisis, and the irresponsible path that will bring only impasses."

"Responsibility is a duty to the future of all of us, whereas irresponsibility is a luxury that the country cannot endure," he stressed.

Greece, the premier continued, has two very difficult hears ahead of it, which require bold decisions on specific targets: To contain the repercussions of the global financial crisis on the country, to preserve the Greek economy's resistances (to the crisis), and to put in strong foundations on which to build the 'following day.'

Karamanlis outlined a specific plan for the strict control of public expenditures, the war on tax evasion and on the infrastructural changes that he said create new structures, noting that his ruling New Democracy's recovery plan covers the two year period 2010-2011 and leads to an exit from the crisis.

"The path of responsibility is a one-track road," Karamanlis stressed, and accused main opposition PASOK of "engaging in a race of equivocation and promises", and of "resorting to wishful thinking instead of presenting a solid plan".

"Instead of proposing solutions, it metes out promises. It is inconsistent on the real economy. It 'says and unsays'. It promises and retracts. PASOK is totally unprepared to present a credible plan, and the only thing it states preparedness for is borrowing and increasing the state debt. PASOK is the party that brought that debt fro 30 percentage points of GDP (when it took office) and brought it to 100 percentage points of GDP," Karamanlis added.

"How can they (PASOK) contain the deficit in promising everything to everyone?" the prime minister asked. "How will they stamp out tax evasion? By imposes new taxes? How can they reduce the public expenditures by re-buying OTE (the partially privatised Hellenic Telecommunications Organisation) and Olympic Air (the formerly state-owned ailing national carrier)? How can they bolster the unemployed by fighting entrepreneurship and increasing public sector expenditure?" the premier continued.

The premier further blasted PASOK and its leader George Papandreou "for opting to blackmail the country" in deciding not to vote for President of the Republic Karolos Papoulias again in the initial stage of the Presidential election in parliament this coming March in order to force early general elections.

On his decision to call early general elections at this time, the prime minister explained that "the national interest mandated a democratic exit from the impasses being engineered by PASOK", adding that "this was a tough decision, but my decision could not have been other than that mandated by the national interest, which is to seek a new mandate from the people".

Asked why the government had not implemented, during its years in office, the measures it was proposing now, Karamanlis replied that, first of all, many of the measures being announced now are extraordinary measures and would not have been required were it not for the global financial crisis.

Second, he said, many of the necessary policies had already been underway, but the pressure of the global crisis requires their acceleration.

Third, between 2004 (when ND took office) and up until the outbreak of the global crisis, the government proceeded with substantial reforms that enhanced the economy and are acting as a shield of protection for society, the premier continued.

Fourthly, the government took tough and unpleasant decisions at the onset of the crisis, especially for containment of the public expenditures, streamlining of the wider public sector and boosting the economy, Karamanlis said.

Fifthly, he noted, every reform intervention had met with strong reactions from PASOK.

Sixth and lastly, in certain instances there had indeed been delays, omissions, and mistakes were made, Karamanlis said, adding that "we are not saying we are infallible, only that we are seeking the best for our country".

Turning to local government issues, Karamanlis said that in the immediately following period, of major importance will be the reform of the country's administrative structure, which includes three areas of key importance:

First, the creation of fewer, approximately 350, and more powerful municipalities.

Second, the invigoration of decentralisation through the modernisation of the regional organisations and the institution of alternate secretaries general for each prefecture.

Third, the establishment of a second degree regional administration with an elected regional council.

In closing, Karamanlis gave his personal assurances that he will continue to do that which he has done throughout his entire political career;" I will persist firmly and unwaveringly on the path of responsibility, in the front line of the battle. I am fighting, and will continue to fight, especially in the hard times, for the future of our country. I have steadfast loyalty to for our country, and confidence in the Greek people."

[04] Karamanlis, Papandreou newspaper interviews

Conversely, main opposition PASOK leader George Papandreou proposed a "social pact" in the labour and business sectors to promote what he called a resurgence of the economy and an exit from the ongoing economic crisis.

In an interview appearing in the Sunday edition of "Kathimerini", Karamanlis promised to create an autonomous public administration ministry, as well as a new environment ministry along with the merger of the health and social insurances ministries.

On his part, and in an interview appearing in the weekly "Proto Thema", promised to cut the salaries of so-called "golden boys", a euphemism of late for high-paid and mostly youngish executive in the wider public sector, as well as to tax major property holdings, offshore companies, large inheritances and to abolish numerous state agencies and entities.

[05] KKE leader addresses supporters

She again added that a vote for the communist party means the creation of a robust obstacle to anti-popular measures she said both other parties have in mind.

Turning her criticism to other smaller parties, and especially the leftist rival SYRIZA grouping, Papariga said the "smaller parties are merely an impediment to radicalism," stating that the aforementioned party as well as rightist LA.OS and the neophyte Greens-Ecologists grouping support the view of solutions "within the dominant policy in favour of big capital".

[06] Rally in Ilioupolis

Papariga warned that worse days were ahead, and that a storm of anti-popular measures was anticipated, noting that, for this reason, a strong KKE as the third party can be an agent of action and resistance.

Along general lines, she added, PASOK and ND had the same economic policy, which is to boost capital.

As for the so-called "green economy", Papariga said that this was the choice of the European Union aimed to help the European monopolies strengthen their position: "It is the 'green light' to the European monopolies in the energy sector, a sector where European capitalism has until the present relied on other countries from which it imports oil and natural gas".

[07] KKE announces candidates

Athens A' constituency candidates include journalist Liana Kanelli, long-time party cadre Thanassis Pafilis and Stelios Lambrou, while the Athens B' constituency candidates include George Mavrikos, Eva Mela, Ioannis Protoulis and Spyros Halvatzis.

The Piraeus A' constituency candidates include Diamanto Manolakou, the Piraeus B' constituency candidates include Vera Nikolaidou, with the candidates for the 'Rest of Attica' constituency feature Ioannis Giokas, and Angelos Tzekis in the Thessaloniki B' constituency.

According to statistical figures, the KKE is putting forward a total of 424 candidates nationwide, of which 150 (35 percent) are running for parliament for the first time, and 153 are women.

With respect to age, 12.5 percent are between 20 and 30 years of age, 17.45 percent are 30-40 years of age, 27.12 percent are between 40 and 50, 34.43 percent are between 50 and 60, and just 7.78 percent are between 60 and 70 years of age.

Occupation-wise, 36.32 percent of the candidates are workers, 8.0 percent are employed in the wider public sector and local governments, 10.84 percent are teachers/professors, 4.7 percent are pensioners, 8.72 percent are merchants, 6.36 percent are farmers, 6.13 percent are doctors, 4.24 percent are lawyers, 3.3 percent are engineers, 1.41 percent are journalists, 0.94 percent are artists, and 7.54 percent are from a variety of scientific and professional fields with higher education (AEI) degrees.

[08] Tsipras cites labour insecurity in workplaces

Tsipras' Synaspismos is the lead bloc in the leftist SYRIZA grouping, which is vying in the Oct. 4 election.

"... one million wage-earners, the majority of whom are young adults, are today in a state of (employment) insecurity. More than 300,000 are part-time (employees)," he said in statements at the McDonald's outlet.

[09] LA.OS leader tours flood-stricken Evia

Karatzaferis inspected damage caused by the inclement weather and attended a special municipal council session in the municipality of Vassiliko, saying that "this plight that has begun 30 years ago cannot continue, we are burning in August and drowning in September."

According to a LA.OS announcement, Karatzaferis offered a party donation of 30,000 euros to the municipality.

[10] Opinion polls ahead of Oct. 4 elections

A poll by the Public Issue firm, published in the newspaper "Kathimerini", gives PASOK 41 percent of respondents' preferences and 151 seats in the 300-seat Parliament. Ruling New Democracy follows with 35.5 pct; the Communist Party of Greece (KKE) 8.5; the Radical Left Coalition (SYRIZA) 4 pct, the Popular Orthodox Rally (LAOS) 7, Ecologists-Greens 2 pct and other parties 2 pct.

The poll by the Marc firm for "Ethnos" gives PASOK 40 percent, ND 35, KKE 9 pct, SYRIZA 4.5, LAOS 6.5, E-G 2 pct and other parties 3 pct. The seats they would receive based on such figures are: PASOK 149, ND 96, KKE 25, LAOS 18 and SYRIZA 12.

A poll by MRB for the "Real News" weekly gives PASOK 41 percent, ND 35.1, KKE 8.4, LAOS 6.6, SYRIZA 3.7 and other parties 5.2. PASOK would gain between 148-152 seats and ND 92-101. ND leader Costas Karamanlis is considered the most suitable for prime minister with 38 percent, followed by PASOK leader George Papandreou with 36.3.

The Pulse poll for "Apogevmatini" gives PASOK 35.9 percent, ND 31.2, KKE 5.5, SYRIZA 3.5, LAOS 4, E-G 2.5 and other parties 2. Karamanlis is most suitable for prime minister with 37.5 as against 35.5 for Papandreou.

Lastly, the Rass poll for "Paron" gives PASOK 35.1 percent, ND 30.3, KKE 7.2, SYRIZA 3.5, LAOS 5.7 and E-G 3.1. Karamanlis is most suitable for prime minister with 44.7 percent, followed by Papandreou with 37.1.

General News

[11] Flooding in Evia

The civil defence general secretariat declared a state of emergency, at the requiest of the Evia prefectural authorities, the muncipalities of Kirea, Messapia, Dirfy, Amarinthia, Halkida, Avlida, Anthidona, Lilantio, Eretria, Tamyma, Dysti, Avlona, Konistro and Kymi.

Fire brigade and civil defence teams have been sent in to provide assistance to the flood-stricken, assisted by a team of frogmen with 7 life boats in the Lilantio region, while a latest weather report predicted continuation of the adverse weather for a further 6 hours.

[12] Roof of abandoned building collapses

[13] Foreign national arrested for human trafficking

He is charged with forcing six other Bulgarian nationals, including a 12-year-old boy, to panhandle on the streets.

The six individuals were also arrested, and all seven were taken before a public prosecutor on Saturday.

A search of the 50-year-old's car, with which he would drop off and pick up the other six from their 'posts', turned up several artificial human limbs (hands, legs), which he withheld from the people he was exploiting and would return to them every day after they completed their "shift" and handed him the money.

Sports

[14] Super League results

In other action:

Larissa-Atromitos Athens 2-2

Aris Thessaloniki-PAS Yiannina 1-0

Asteras Tripolis-PAOK Thessaloniki 1-1

Ergotelis Crete-Xanthi 1-0

Levadiakos Livadia-Panionios Athens 1-0

Standings after three weeks of play:

1. Panathinaikos 9 points

2. Aris 7

3. AEK 6*

4. Asteras 5

5. PAOK 4*

6. Olympiakos 4*

7. PAS Yiannina 4

8. Iraklis 4

9. Kavala 4

10. Ergotelis 4

11. Levadiakos 3

12. Larissa 2

13. Xanthi 1

14. Panionios 1*

15. Atromitos 1

16. Panthrakikos 0

Note: AEK, Olympiakos, Panionios and PAOK each have a game less.

Weather Forecast

[15] Rainy on Monday

[16] The Sunday editions of Athens' dailies at a glance

APOGEVMATINI: "Scientific opinion poll by reliable Pulse (firm): PASOK losing ground".

AVGI: "SYRIZA important in difficult times".

AVRIANI: "Testimony by (former Siemens Hellas CEO Michalis) Christoforakos burns Geitonas, Vartholomeos".

ELEFTHEROTYPIA: "Five election traps".

ETHNOS: "Self-sufficient government or again to ballot box".

EPOCHI (weekly): "(Election) Victory with prospects with SYRIZA".

FREE SUNDAY (weekly): "Dynamic for self-sufficient government".

KATHIMERINI: "Costas Karamanlis' interview: What I will change in appointees, structure and operation of government and premier's office".

LOGOS: "Margins narrowing for Karamanlis".

NIKI: "George's contract with the Greek people and Greece".

PARON (weekly): "Election lists closing. Papandreou's selections provoking".

PROTO THEMA (weekly): "George Papandreou's interview: My contract with the people".

REAL NEWS (weekly):" Battle for the candidates' lists. Simitis 'domino' also in ND, who's on the way out".

RIZOSPASTIS: "KKE's election battle for strengthening of popular self-sufficiency".

VIMA: "Painful path towards elections for Mr. C. Karamanlis. (Ruling) New Democracy party with its back to the wall".

VRADYNI: "George's (Papandreou) own-goal with (exclusion) of (former PM Costas) Simitis".

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