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Thursday, 21 November 2024 | ||
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Athens Macedonian News Agency: News in English, 15-06-21Athens News Agency: News in English Directory - Previous Article - Next ArticleFrom: The Athens News Agency at <http://www.ana.gr/>CONTENTS
[01] Italian PM Renzi and French President Hollande optimistic over an agreement between Greece and its creditorsItalian Prime Minister Matteo Renzi and French President Francois Hollande on Sunday, during a press conference given after their meeting in the international exhibition in Milan, expressed their optimism that a solution between Greece and its creditors will be found."We are expecting the final discussion tomorrow. Greece has sent new proposals to the institutions and the European Commission. We are not far from an agreement. Greece does not want tougher measures for low-income pensioners, and we can understand that, given the consequences of the crisis. Therefore alternative proposals were requested. If Greece does what it has to do, it will receive the funds and I can say that I am neither optimistic nor pessimistic. Every moment is important," Hollande noted. "We need to do everything possible so that Greece remains in the eurozone while respecting its commitments. If Greece exited the eurozone, it would be a negative development for all. The agreement must be comprehensive and long term, because we need stability. We, at this stage, are trying to facilitate as much as possible the deliberations of the institutions with Greece." On his part, the Italian prime minister stated that an agreement will be reached provided there is political will. "My sense is that the conditions for a win-win agreement exist. It would be a mistake to miss this opportunity. Therefore, we expect the results of tomorrow's emergency summit." Renzi also added: "We want Greece to stay in the eurozone, for its own good, but also for the good of the eurozone and the community." [02] Former German leader Helmut Schmidt favours major Greek debt write-down-Exclusively in ANA-MPAANA - MPA -- The former Chancellor of West Germany, Helmut Schmidt, said in an exclusive interview to ANA-MPA he believes Greece needs an investment package, as well as an agreement for the write-down of a large chunk of its debt, as he estimated the country will never be able to repay it. He also said that, in reality, much of the billions of euros granted to Greece exist only in the books.Asked about the ongoing negotiations, Schmidt said "we seem to be where we were before". The former statesman also said that any talk of Greece exiting the Eurozone is completely unwanted and expressed his disappointment about Europe's future, noting however that he continues to be positive and that he remains, as he stressed, European. Schmidt said the European Union has acted inconsistently and not just in the case of Greece, explaining that Europe has other pressing problems which nobody is addressing. The full text of the exclusive interview will be sent in the subscribers' page and will be accompanied by video which will be posted on the agency's website. Athens News Agency: News in English Directory - Previous Article - Next Article |