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Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English, 16-10-03Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English Directory - Previous Article - Next ArticleFrom: The Athens News Agency at <http://www.ana.gr/>Weekend BulletinMonday, October 3 2016 CONTENTS
[01] President Pavlopoulos: Any breach of Lausanne Treaty is sanctionedThe Treaty of Lausanne is an integral part of international law, its compliance is mandatory and any breach results in the imposition of the envisaged by international law sanctions, the President of the Republic Prokopis Pavlopoulos said in a statement during the unveiling of the Asia Minor Monument in the city of Kalamata."Turkey must realize that full respect to international law is a conditio sine qua non of whether and to what extent a state deserves to be one of the democratically organized members of the International Community. And the Lausanne Treaty is an integral part of international law, therefore its introduction is mandatory and any breach results in the imposition of the envisaged by international law sanctions." [02] Greek Foreign ministry's reaction toTurkish FM's statementThe Greek Foreign ministry in an announcement on Sunday leveled against the governing and opposition parties in Turkey regarding the issue of the Aegean islands."Some in the neighbour wish to drag Turkey towards behaviours that run counter to international law and which no way befit a European country. Revisionist rationales, as is known, have always led down to negative paths and they have always been defeated. Lastly, let it be reminded that the only topic of exploratory contacts was and still is the delimitation of the continental shelf, in line with what is provided for in international legislation and the rules of international law," it added. [03] PM Tsipras: The Greek democracy honours and recognizes those who fought for it"Today we are feeling emotional. We are delivering to the local residents of Kessariani the shooting range where several people were sacrificed so that we are free today," Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras on Sunday said at an event organized by the National Liberation Front (EAM)."The Greek democracy honours and recognises those who fought for it," he said stressing the importance of "condemning fascism in our consciousness." The sacrifice of the May 1944 was a sacrifice in the context of our national resistance and makes everyone proud, the prime minister said adding that this sacrifice belongs to every Greek fighter. Moreover, Tsipras said: "We need to show as a beacon of democracy humanism to the refugees coming in our country." [04] Tsipras' visit to Iran was a milestone in bilateral relations, Iran's central banker tells ANABanking and energy issues dominated the meetings of Iran's central banker Valiollah Seif with government representatives, Bank of Greece officials and representatives of Greek financial institutions over the last weekend in Athens."The visit of Greek Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras in Tehran was a milestone in our bilateral relations," he said in an interview with the Athens-Macedonian News Agency adding that there is willingness on both sides to further strengthen these relations. As he noted, bilateral discussions on the energy sector focused both on oil refining and natural gas, and now two specific proposals are being examined in these areas. The strengthening of relations in the banking sectors of the two countries with the creation of "corresponding banks" is also under consideration, he said. Referring to the economic situation in Greece, he said that "...the Greek government is making great efforts to overcome the current problems and simultaneously enhance the welfare of society. It is also making efforts to attract foreign investments as well as proceeding to actions that will contribute to economic growth, create new jobs and combat unemployment. Provided that these initiatives continue, the Greek economy can have a positive future." The full interview is available in Greek at ANA's website. [05] Labour Min Katrougalos: Negotiation on labour issues will have a positive outcomeThe negotiations with the institutions on labour issues will have a positive outcome, Labour Minister George Katrougalos said in an interview with the Athens-Macedonian News Agency.However, he estimated that "the negotiation will be tough." Regarding the report of the Committee of Experts on Labour Issues, he said that it is positive. "It reflects our positions; that the country should return to European normality." Katrougalos underlined that the committee of experts sees no reason for changes in the trade unions' law and mass layoffs as we are seeking no more than the return to the European social model. The full interview is available in Greek at ANA's website. [06] Commissioner Avramopoulos: The fences take us back to the divided postwar Europe"The walls and fences take us back to the deeply divided postwar Europe of the past," EU Commissioner for Migration Dimitris Avramopoulos on Sunday said in an interview with Realnews newspaper.Avramopoulos expressed his optimism over the refugee relocation programme from Greece and Italy to other EU countries. "Our argument that the EU common approach is more effective than national, individual measures will persuade even the most reluctant ones to participate," he underlined. Referring to EU funds for the management of the refugee issue, Avramopoulos stressed the need for Greece to speed up procedures for the absorption of programmes and added: "The European Commission is in constant communication with the Greek authorities to help them overcome any possible problems." The Greek Commissioner accused the "xenophobic and populist forces" of linking migration with terrorism, without ruling out the possibility of exploitation of the refugee issue in order "to serve malicious purposes." Finally, he reassured that the tolerance and solidarity shown to the refugee crisis will not be at the expense of the citizens' security. [07] ND spokesman calls on Greek Foreign Ministry to give an official reply to Turkish statements on the Aegean"Following Turkish Prime Minister Tayyip Recep Erdogan's recent statements on the Lausanne Treaty, a debate started in Turkey regarding the regime in the Aegean. This discussion motivated the Turkish Foreign ministry to make a statement referring among others to the issue of the supposedly 'gray zones.' The fact that the issue of the Aegean is in public consultation in Turkey must be evaluated carefully and seriously," main opposition New Democracy (ND) spokesman Giorgos Koumoutsakos said."We are taking for granted that the Greek Foreign ministry will give an official reply to the above mentioned," Koumoutsakos noted. [08] New Democracy will abolish law on TV licences, its parliamentary spokesman saysNew Democracy will abolish the law on TV licences even if the State of Council does not cancel the tender, main opposition parliamentary spokesman Nikos Dendias said in an interview with Agora newspaper."Our position does not change. Even if the State of Council does not cancel the tender - which is highly unlikely - the law on TV licences will be abolished," he said. Dendias disputed the government's optimism on the state of the economy, noting that "the government follows a policy mix which is impossible to lead, even in the medium term, to an improvement of the economic situation." On bad loans, he estimated that there was room for negotiation to avoid their transfer to funds. Regarding the debt, he said that no serious discussion can be made before the German elections adding that the debt relief issue was included in the Eurogroup resolutions of 27/11/2012. [09] Kouvelis sees Tsipras' call for cooperation positiveThe head of the Unifying Movement of the European Left Fotis Kouvelis considered the invitation of Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras for cooperation of the forces of the broader Left positive."We ought to assist the effort for change in Europe and recovery of the country," Kouvelis said in an interview with the Athens-Macedonian News Agency (ANA). Moreover, he stressed the need for rallying as many progressive reformist forces as possible and overcoming the differences of the past. Kouvelis underlined that the SYRIZA government took the responsibility to take the country out of the crisis and the memoranda. He also said that the economy stabilises and has been gradually recovering while stressing the importance of fair growth. Focus should be given on weaker citizens that have been affected by the crisis, he noted. Referring to the refugee issue, he said that Europe needs to deal with it in a unified and organised way as well as with commonly accepted solutions and not accept unilateral actions. The full interview is available in Greek at ANA's website. Financial News [10] Final solution for debt settlement is possible after 2018 programme, Economy Min Stathakis estimatesThe procedure for the debt settlement has already started, but a final solution will be given after the conclusion of the 2018 programme, Economy Minister Giorgos Stathakis said in an interview with Agora newspaper."The Eurogroup decision outlines an intervention in three stages. The short-term one is already in progress while at the same time discussions on medium-term interventions that will be implemented by the end of the programme have advanced. That is the time when further initiatives will be evaluated so that the debt is rendered sustainable in the long-term. Nothing in that planning has changed," Stathakis underlined. The minister stated that there are several indices confirming the stabilisation of the economy and its return to positive growth rates. If this is also confirmed in the third quarter of the year, then 2016 will close with positive growth rates, he said and estimated that Greece will have growth rates of 2.5 percent from June 2016 to June 2017. Stathakis underlined that the conclusion of the first programme review will allow the gradual improvement of liquidity conditions and the repayment of overdue public debts. Asked on how the second programme review can be concluded as well as on the insistence of the IMF on labour issues, he replied that most of the issues are institutional ones and admitted there are structural weaknesses. However, he estimated that both sides can soon come to an agreement. [11] Greece will succeed to overcome problems and get on track to recovery, Greece's IMF representative Psalidopoulos saysGreece will succeed in the upcoming period to overcome the problems and get on track to recovery and full employment, Greece's representative at the International Monetary Fund (IMF) Michalis Psalidopoulos said to the Athens-Macedonian News Agency (ANA).Speaking to ANA after the first day of the three-day event of the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) held from 30 September to 2 October at the Institute of Goethe, in Athens, Psalidopoulos said: "I am by nature optimistic although I recognize the difficulties and I believe that slowly but surely we will manage to persuade our European partners for the impasse of the unilateral austerity policy. We will manage to overcome the existing problems and get on track to recovery and full employment. It is possible to do that in the upcoming period provided that we are committed to our daily effort and correct any actions that do not lead to the desired result." [12] Alternate Environment Min Tsironis assures the current government will not sell water utilities"The government sees water as a public good, and proceeded to the technical legislative actions that will ensure this", Alternate Environment Minister Yiannis Tsironis said in an interview with the Athens-Macedonian News Agency."I can assure you that our government will not sell the water companies," he stated. Asked about the negotiations and the 'thorny' issue of labour, he said: "Every negotiation with the institutions is a battle as there is lack of convergence in many issues. However, I believe that the firm stance of our government will help us succeed." On the course of the economy and measures to support weak citizens, he said: "Official figures show a higher than estimated increase in revenues and this is not only the result of VAT but of the efforts to combat tax evasion." He added that the stabilization of the economy combined with the strengthening of social economy - which is a priority for the government - will give the necessary breath to enhance the Greek society as a whole. [13] Weather ForecastFair weather is forecast for most parts of Greece on Monday. Winds will blow from mainly northerly directions, up to 4 Beaufort. Temperatures will range from 10-28C in the north, 13-29C in the Ionian islands and the west, 14-28C on the mainland in the east and 16-28C in the islands of the Aegean and Crete. Fair weather in Attica, with temperatures from 14C to 30C. Scattered clouds in Thessaloniki, with temperatures from 12C to 27C.[14] Athens News Headlines at a glanceELEFTHERI ORA: Super memorandum "Crowned Democracy in 2016"VRADYNI: Seize of payments in social security funds EPOCHI: The complexities of corruption PRIN: A small victory lightens the course of reversal TO ARTHRO: Fatal mistakes lead to defeat O LOGOS: Ageing population KONTRA NEWS: Farmers come to Athens with their tractors KATHIMERINI: Lack of trust towards Greece PROTO THEMA: Home foreclosures for 500 euros ETHNOS: ?he big haircut TO VIMA: Hostages of taxes and loans AVGHI: Conference of replies for today and tomorrow REAL NEWS: Erdogan's coup d' etat RIZOSPASTIS: The committee's resolution: Labour jungle ELEFTHEROS TYPOS: New taxes of 2 billion euros in 2017 budget 36, TSOCHA ST. ATHENS 115 21 GREECE - TEL: 64.00.560-63 - FAX: 64.00.581-2 INTERNET ADDRESS: http://www.ana.gr - E-MAIL: anabul@ana gr - PRESIDENT & GENERAL DIRECTOR: MICHALIS PSILOS Athens News Agency: Daily News Bulletin in English Directory - Previous Article - Next Article |
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