Athens Macedonian News Agency: News in English, 17-03-13

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

CONTENTS

[01] Kotzias-Tillerson discuss Greece's role in region, stability, energy projects

[02] Mitsotakis says Greece needs 'fiscal room'; reiterates pledge to reduce taxes

[01] Kotzias-Tillerson discuss Greece's role in region, stability, energy projects

Asked by journalists after the meeting, Kotzias said Tillerson "wanted our analysis on how there can be stability and security in the region, which forces are active and how."

Concerning Turkey, the minister said he discussed "Turkish nervousness" and explained Greece's position on the importance of security and stability in the Eastern Europe and the Balkans.

The two sides also discussed ongoing energy projects in Greece with Kotzias noting the importance Greeks place in turning the country into a regional energy hub. He then mentioned other infrastructure projects such as roads and railway networks. "The energy, railway and university networks are for us, above all, networks of stability and then [networks] that produce economic profit," he told journalists.

Kotzias said the Cyprus and Macedonia issues were not discussed, but he spoke generally about the instability in Greece's northern neighbours and Greece's efforts to stabilize them. Cyprus will be discussed in a later meeting with National Security Advisor, Lt. Gen. H. R. McMaster, he added.

Asked about the recent tension between the Netherlands and Turkey, the minister said "these things happen because Turkey is trying to transfer its nervousness to third countries."

The minister is on a two-day visit to the U.S. capital for meetings with Tillerson, National Security Advisor Lieutenant General H. R. McMaster, representatives of the U.S. administration, members of Congress, representatives of the academic community, and Greek-American organizations.

[02] Mitsotakis says Greece needs 'fiscal room'; reiterates pledge to reduce taxes

"Because we always say the same things everywhere, we clarified to our partners that Greece needs fiscal room, that we will need a new agreement with surpluses around 2 percent. To get it, we will have to implement a wide-ranging program of changes and reforms in the state and society," he told attendees. "We have that plan and we're ready to implement it from the first day of our electoral win."

He said his party is ready to "govern well", focusing on lowering taxes for businesses and households.

Mitsotakis also shifted some of the blame for Greece's economic depression to its creditors. "The country must get back on track. This is our duty. But it is also our creditors' duty who also share part of the blame. They are responsible for tolerating over-taxation instead of cost cuts. They are responsible for agreeing to [former Labour minister George] Katrougalos' monstrosity of a social security law. They share responsibility for the high surpluses that bind the country for many years," he said.

Mitsotakis then reiterated his request for elections to "allow the country to breathe".

"The sooner this happens, the better for Greece," he said.

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