Athens News Agency: News in English, 09-08-20

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

CONTENTS

[01] PASOK on economy, Siemens

[02] Valinakis briefs US Sen. Bond

[03] Three wildfires reported

[01] PASOK on economy, Siemens

According to the figures he quoted, turnover of the Greek industry sector stands at -27 percent, orders are down -36 pc, while the decrease in GDP resulting from the decline in tourism is -0.5 pct.

Asked whether PASOK is backtracking in relation to its policy commitments on the economy, the spokesman said that the crisis is making "deep reforms" even more urgent, for example in the tax system and the extravagance of the public sector, adding that "provided that these are achieved, of course, the proposals that we have made will proceed such as for education and research or for supporting the income of low-wage earners."

Papaconstantinou termed the proposal made by PASOK on the protection of heavily indebted borrowers a structural change, which "if the government had accepted would help the vulnerable and would protect them from the crisis."

Called on to comment on what the government spokesman had said about "a discussion by PASOK with people awaiting trial," and why PASOK does not request evidence from one-time top PASOK cadre Theodoros Tsoukatos, Papaconstantinou said "the lawyers of Mr. Christoforakos have been asked about any remittances concerning PASOK" and termed "an absurd finding" talk about discussions with people awaiting trial and wondered "what does the New Democracy party have to hide and what does it fear from the revelation?."

PASOK's spokesman termed what was said by the government spokesman on "irresponsibility by PASOK" in leading the country to elections in March, provided that it agrees with the person for President of the Republic, "last year's bitter grapes," adding that PASOK has explained to the citizens that the country wants a change in course and "wants from them to decide if the country will continue to proceed as it is doing today, or if they will give PASOK the opportunity to make the changes that the country needs."

[02] Valinakis briefs US Sen. Bond

According to reports, the very good climate prevailing in Greek-US relations and the excellent level of cooperation was confirmed during the meeting.

Valinakis pointed out to the veteran Missouri lawmaker the need for an immediate conclusion of the process, thereby allowing Greek citizens to visit America without much of the usual visa issuance procedure.

Additionally, the Greek official briefed the US senator Athens' positions on several foreign policy matters as well as the increasingly menacing problem issue of illegal immigration via neighbouring countries.

Sen. Bond was also received by main opposition PASOK president and former foreign minister George Papandreou.

[03] Three wildfires reported

Earlier, a fire was first in a forested area at the Hionata site on the island of Cephallonia. Four fire engines, fire-fighters and three fire-fighting aircraft were dispatched to the scene.

The other fire was reported near the town of Megara, in industrial western Attica prefecture, and specifically at the Magoula site. Fourteen fire trucks and up to five aircraft were battling the blaze in the early afternoon.

Planes and up to 10 vehicles were dispatched to the Marathon district blaze.

Caption: ANA-MPA file photo.

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