Athens News Agency: News in English, 10-05-23

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

CONTENTS

[01] Papandreou receives Libyan PM in Athens

[02] Deficit down 41.5% in Jan-Apr

[03] Tsipras on party unity

[01] Papandreou receives Libyan PM in Athens

Papandreou underlined that the meeting focused on the sectors of energy, renewable energy sources (RES), construction and tourism.

He referred to friendly relations of the two countries and underlined that the international community recognises Libyaâs important place and has restored relations with the country.

Papandreou stressed that "Libya plays a very important role in the Mediterranean region and serves as gateway of communication with African states." He also announced that he will visit the country soon.

On his part, the Libyan prime minister referred to the close bilateral relations and focused on cooperation in the sectors of energy, power production, telecoms, RES, natural gas, infrastructures, tourism, sea transport and the prospects of Libyan investments in Greece.

"Libya is experiencing a phase of major growth with disbursed funds of 200 billion US dollars," he said, stressing that "we welcome the contribution of Greek companies in advance."

He also suggested the establishment of an economic trade zone between Greece and Libya and the utilisation of the sea borders shared by the two countries.

"Libya has made a clear political decision to cooperate with Greece and offer our support to help it overcome the crisis," al-Mahmoudi added, underlining that "the Libyan market is an extension of the Greek market".

Finally, he invited PM Papandreou to Tripoli to sign developmental agreements.

[02] Deficit down 41.5% in Jan-Apr

In a report, the ministry attributed the fiscal deficit in the first four months of the year to lower spending and higher revenues, despite the fact that figures did not fully reflect additional cost-cutting measures announced in March and May.

Net budget revenues grew 10 pct in the January-April period, down from a budget target for an annual growth rate of 11.7 pct, budget spending fell 7.9 pct (budget target of 4.8 pct), primary spending fell 8.6 pct (budget target of 4.4 pct) and interest spending fell 4.6 pct ( budget target of 5.1 pct). The Public Investments Programmeâs spending dropped 39.1 pct, while revenues were down 39.8 pct in the four month period.

[03] Tsipras on party unity

Speaking in an interview with the Sunday newspaper Avghi, Tsipras sent a strict message that he will not allow any other phenomena of decay in the sector of SYN, as well as competitive political plans that are developing within SYRIZA.

Two weeks before the crucial congress, Tsipras expresses his faith in SYN's unity and continuation and also believes that the government will not hold out for long.

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