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Thursday, 21 November 2024
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Athens News Agency: News in English, 05-06-07Athens News Agency: News in English Directory - Previous Article - Next ArticleFrom: The Athens News Agency at <http://www.ana.gr/>CONTENTS
[01] Finance minister briefs EU counterparts on structural changes in Greek economyFinance and Economy Minister George Alogoskoufis, who represented Greece at the Council of European Union Finance Ministers in Luxembourg, briefed Commissioners Joakim Almunia and Charlie McCreevy on the course of promoting structural changes in Greece on Monday and his counterparts on Tuesday.The address by Alogoskoufis was part of the general discussion held on Tuesday by EU finance ministers on the state of the economies of the 25 member-states. The finance minister referred in particular to consultations taking place in Greece on reforming the social security system, while underlining satisfaction existing in the government's economic group on the continuing high rates of the Greek economy's growth during the first quarter of this year. Speaking to Greek reporters, Alogoskoufis said that he was satisified with the climate prevailing in Luxembourg, but noted the existence of problems in the way tax levying apparatuses of the Greek state function. The minister also pointed to the upward trend of Greek exports, as well as to the effectiveness in joint action between the public and private sectors in Greece. Referring to the issue of fiscal prospects, Alogoskoufis said no extensive discussion was held and, as regards the euro, he believes that there is no question of it being thrown into doubt in the ranks of the EU. [02] EU, Greece in agreement on state project managementThe European Union said on Tuesday that agreement had been reached with Greece on the future management of national public works contracts, and that a financial correction would be made for past irregularities.?Today, the Commission has decided on a financial correction for irregular expenditure declared by the Greek authorities in the period 2000 and 2004, amounting to â¬518 million. Repayment will be phased over four years to take account of the impact on the Greek budget," Danuta H?bner, the EU's regional policy commissioner, said in a statement. The corrections stem from public works contracts that have not been tendered or managed in accordance with European legislation. Greek authorities have undertaken to make further corrections estimated at about â¬220 million during the same four-year period. The government is also harmonising national public procurement law with the EU, and has strengthened management and control procedures for the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF), providing a stable framework for completion of the third Community Support Framework (2000-2006) and preparation for the next programme in 2007, the statement said. ?I wish to acknowledge the considerable efforts made by the Greek authorities in recent months to establish the basis for a confident partnership from now on," H?bner said. "As a result, the Commission will not suspend interim payments by the ERDF to Greece, and expects to be in a position shortly to formally acknowledge the conformity of the management and control system established in Greece for the ERDF with regulatory requirements?, she added. [03] 'Museum Nights' initiative to begin in Athens and Thessaloniki on WednesdayThe "Museum Nights" initiative will begin on Wednesday with three museums in Athens and Thessaloniki that will inaugurate the new institution, opening their doors to the public for free of charge after 21:00.The museums kicking off the new practice of free nights are the Byzantine and Christian Museum in Athens, the Archaeological Collection in Kifissia and the Archaeological Museum of Thessaloniki. The event will also be marked by a concert held in each museum. Deputy Culture Minister Petros Tatoulis said the ministry hoped to continue the 'Museum Nights' initiative after Wednesday for the rest of the year, always accompanied by some event. [04] Rehhagel says it is 'imperative' that Greece beats Ukraine in World Cup qualifier on WednesdayOtto Rehaggel, the German coach of the Greek national soccer team, at a press conference in Athens on Tuesday, said that its was "imperative" that his team beats Ukraine in the World Cup qualifier match at the Karaiskaki stadium on Wednesday night, so as make feasible two objectives, "firstly to secure second place in the group, and secondly to approach the top just two points behind (Ukraine) and hope in continuation that Ukraine makes a slipup."The German coach said that "from the day I'm here, all the matches were like this, all were derbies and all went well." He added:"However, if we want to achieve this, we need to play better than we did with Turkey. It is no coincidence that Ukraine is first in the group. They have two world class players in their attack, Sevchenco and Voronin. We will have a difficult task. We must play a great game, and with the support of our fans, we will do what all expect from us." Rehhagel did not disclose if there would be changes in the formation of the team. "There will always be absences, but regardless of which player plays, he must give 100 per cent of himself." Athens News Agency: News in English Directory - Previous Article - Next Article |
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