Athens Macedonian News Agency: News in English, 17-01-26

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

CONTENTS

[01] IMF still at odds with Germany, insists Greek programme is not sustainble, sources say

[02] Greek Supreme Court refuses extradition for eight Turkish servicemen that fled to Greece

[01] IMF still at odds with Germany, insists Greek programme is not sustainble, sources say

The debt sustainability report to be presented at the meeting says that Greek debt can't be considered sustainable even if Greece adopts the fiscal path proposed by German Finance Minister Wolfgang Schaeuble, namely 3.5 pct of GDP primary surpluses for a 10-year period.

On the basis of the information about the positions adopted in the report, the IMF appears to be preparing a final decision to not finance the Greek programme. IMF rules require that a country's debt should be considered sustainable by the fund in order for a loan to be given.

The Fund's insistence on this position, on the one hand, and on the German Finance Ministry's adamant position, on the other hand, maintain the core of the political disagreement between the IMF and Germany for the period after the conclusion of the Greek programme. It is a matter the Greek government has repeatedly raised, while refuting accusations that it is responsible for delays in concluding the programme review.

[02] Greek Supreme Court refuses extradition for eight Turkish servicemen that fled to Greece

The penal sections of the Supreme Court found that the possibility of trespassing on the rights of the individuals involved, regardless of their degree of guilt or the seriousness of their offences, did not allow the implementation of extradition measures, which were superseded by the greater importance of rules protecting human rights.

The eight servicement arrived in the northern Greek city of Alexandroupolis in a Turkish military helicopter on the night of the failed coup in Turkey last July, seeking refuge in Greece.

Commenting on the decision, main opposition New Democracy MP and shadow minister for justice Nikos Panagiotopoulos said the court had ruled "on the basis of the laws and legal framework of our country and the values and principles of a state of law, keeping the country's prestige high."

The lawyers representing the eight Turkish servicemen greeted the decision as a "great triumph for European values and Greek justice" and showed that "justice can be a bright hope for the future when it is allowed to act independently".

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