Athens News Agency: News in English, 10-06-17

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

CONTENTS

[01] PM: Greece on path for achieving goals

[02] Greece beats Nigeria 2-1

[01] PM: Greece on path for achieving goals

Speaking to reporters at the end of a European Union Summit in Brussels, Papandreou nevertheless underlined his goevrnment's determination to go ahead with "important and difficult reforms that must be made in the political system, the public administration and the welfare system" of the country.

According to Papandreou, the European Commission and European Central Bank President Jean-Claude Trichet expressed the view during the summit that Greece is on the right path. In the prime minister's view, the issue of the Greek crisis highlighted in the EU the need for economic governance and coordinated economic policy by the 27 member-states so that similar crises are averted in the future.

Papandreou further said that the so-called "Attack Group" is working in this direction, under the chairmanship of EU President Hermann Van Rompuy, and will present specific proposals on improving the EU's economic governance in the coming months.

As regards the EU's proposals on regulating fiscal markets, in light of the G-20 summit in Toronto, the prime minister said the EU is committed to taking decisions, even if it is ascertained that there is a lack of political will, at international level. Referring in particular to the discussion on regulating the derivatives and risk insurance market, Papandreou underlined the proposal on taxing banks and transactions in international fiscal markets.

The prime minister further pointed out that the 27 leaders discussed the issue of necessary monetary adjustment, stressing that apart from the need to decrease monetary deficits and state debts, the discussions focused on the need to regain growth rates and strengthen the competitiveness of the European economy. In this framework, he continued, the new strategy on "Europe 2020", adopted on Thursday by the "27" aims at boosting employment, supporting research and innovation, as well as social cohesion.

Papandreou also said that the necessary funds are needed to achieve these goals and for this reason Greece backed the proposal on the taxing of monetary transactions, the taxing of carbon dioxode and the issuing of eurobonds.

Regarding Greece, Papandreou stressed that in parallel with expenditure cutbacks, a suitable environment must be created to attract investments that will not only utilise EU programmes but will promote systematic cooperation with third countries that are interested in investing in the country.

Referring in particular to labour issues, Papandreou pointed out that the government's aim is the promotion of measures that will facilitate young people joining the labour market, subsidising a percentage of salaries and social security contributions. He also noted that in negotiating with the "Troika" the government waged a struggle so that the 13th and 14th salary will not be harmed, adding that "at least in the public sector permanence exists, while in the private sector, which is more sensitive, we wanted the protection of income to be secured."

[02] Greece beats Nigeria 2-1

Kalu Uche put Nigeria ahead in the 16', but Greece turned the game with goals by Dimitris Salpingidis 44' and Vassilis Torosidis 71'. Nigeria was left with 10 men in the 33' after Sani Kaita was sent off.

Prime Minister George Papandreou congratulated from Brussels the Greek national soccer team.

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