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Athens Macedonian News Agency: News in English, 13-05-20
CONTENTS
[01] FinMin: Greece can return to markets in 2014
[01] FinMin: Greece can return to markets in 2014
ANA/MPA -- "We will return to the markets in 2014 under two conditions:
that we have a primary surplus and a positive growth rate for even
one quarter," said Finance Minister Yannis Stournaras in an interview
to the Sunday newspaper 'Realnews'. Stournaras warned, however, that
the situation was currently very fragile and "a small mistake would be
enough to bring down what we have built with hard work."
Stournaras said that he was not worried that the Greek economy might
backslide, however. "I am not afraid because I have confidence in Prime
Minister Antonis Samaras, who is watching everything closely and steps
in whenever necessary," he said, adding that the only thing that would
frighten him is "a negative development in one of the three parties that
support the coalition government".
He expressed his optimism that a reduction in VAT for restaurants and
catering services will be applied in June, adding that it is a 'just
demand' but ruled out any possibility of a reduction in heating oil tax,
noting that any drop in the tax on heating oil will lead to the rise in
the contraband fuel trade.
Responding to his critics, the finance minister stressed that he was
"here to stay." "I am not expendable, as a public figure, I am open to
criticism when it is fair. I will not tolerate strikes below the belt
[...] I will complete my mission whether they like it or not."
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