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Thursday, 21 November 2024 | ||
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Athens News Agency: News in English, 10-03-03Athens News Agency: News in English Directory - Previous Article - Next ArticleFrom: The Athens News Agency at <http://www.ana.gr/>CONTENTS
[01] PM briefs President on additional measuresPrime minister George Papandreou on Wednesday briefed President of the Republic Karolos Papoulias on the additional measures his government intends to take, after a lengthy Cabinet meeting earlier in the day in which the new measures were finalised.Speaking to reporters after his meeting with the President, Papandreou said he briefed the President on "the tough decisions we have taken" which, however, are "necessary for the salvation of our country and our economy" and for bringing Greece "out of the vortex of the speculators and the economic crisis". The premier said he and his government are "waging a battle", with the people at their side, for the measures necessary for the country's development and future. Detailed announcements on the measures are expected in the coming hours by government spokesman George Petalotis and finance minister George Papaconstantinou. [02] PM leaves open prospect of Greek recourse to IMF if EU backing not forthcoming, gov't source saysPrime minister George Papandreou left open the prospect of Greece taking recourse in the International Monetary Fund (IMF) if Greece is not financially backed by the EU, speaking to a lengthy Cabinet meeting on Wednesday during which supplementary measures for the economy were discussed, according to a senior government official.The same official added that EU backing is the main goal and orientation of the government. Another official said that the anticipated reactions to the measures, due to be announced in the next few hours, are understandable, but the government is determined for the country's survival. Government economic circles said that the measures to be announced will not affect the pensioners' benefits, while VAT rebates to farmers will be increased from the current 7 percent to 11 percent. Athens News Agency: News in English Directory - Previous Article - Next Article |