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Thursday, 21 November 2024
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The Hellenic Radio (ERA): News in English, 08-11-11The Hellenic Radio (ERA): News in English Directory - Previous Article - Next ArticleFrom: The Hellenic Radio (ERA) <www.ert.gr/>CONTENTS[01] Karamanlis' New Stern Warning to BanksGreece's Prime Minister sent a new stern message to bankers. Kostas Karamanlis stressed that no one has the right to turn down a joint campaign to address the crisis. He also called on the bankers to step up more measures than the ones they have already heralded.After his meeting with Serbia's Premier Mirko Cvetkovic, Kostas Karamanlis underlined that participating the liquidity support plan would not be mandatory, yet no one had the right to recklessly turn down a joint campaign. The Prime Minister noted that some lenders had come to realise that transferring the cost to consumers was not allowed and to start responding to the call for a fair treatment. He argued, however, that it was not enough, making it clear that under nor circumstances would some banks be allowed to have higher interest rates than those in the EU. "They all have the duty to manifest social sensitivity," stressed the Prime Minister, further adding that the government would remain loyal to that goal. Touching on the crisis, Karamanlis said that the government's keynote goal and aspiration had been to support real economy and those who are in need. "Acting promptly, we processed the plan that means to cut interest rates, safeguard liquidity and support financial activities in Greece," said Karamanlis. "Our plan does not burden the state budget, nor does it gives money to banks," reiterated he. He finally claimed that, appointed by the state, the monitoring council would make sure the money of the plan were well spent. Chaired by the Finance Minister, the council will hold a session on a monthly basis. The Governor of the Bank of Greece will also participate in the council. Sources: ANA/MPA, NET, ÍÅÔ 105.8 News item: 15395 [02] PASOK Proposals on Bankers â Marfin Says NoPASOK (Panhellenic Social Movement) President George Papandreou has asked from the presidents of the National Bank of Greece, Eurobank, Piraeus and Marfin to re-finance loans through the extension of the payoff deadline, the freezing of debts until 2009 for specific social groups, the abolishing of improper terms of banks on dealing with high interests rates citizens pay on consuming loans and credit cards. Meanwhile, Marfin President Andreas Vgenopoulos has announced that Marfin Bank will not be included in the 280billion euro government plan.Mr Vgenopoulos stressed that Mr Papandreou called him to listen to his views in this crucial period, pointing out that no discussion was made on the withdrawal of the lawsuit launched against Mr Papandreou. As per PASOK spokesman George Papakonstantinou, the Bankers have responded positively to Mr Papandreou's proposals.He also stressed that liquidity should pass to the average family and enterprises so that the Greek economy is protected. News item: 15423 [03] Boost of Small-Medium Sized CompaniesThe European Investment Bank (EIB) will provide ⬠30 billion loans to small-medium sized businesses around Europe in the following 3 years. On reference to our country, finance minister Mr. Alogoskoufis said that the government's initiatives for the tackling of the international financial crisis are already effective as Greek banks are taking measures of relief for financial weaker citizens.Minister of Finance referred analytically to the measures taken by the government and made special reference on the liquidity backing programme for Greek economy through bank support, stressing that alert is necessary as there is still uncertainty in Greek economy despite the fact that our economy has shown resilience to the crisis. On reference to the actions of EIB in our country, Mr. Alogoskoufis stressed that co operation with commercial banks in Greece is of major importance. According to finance minister, four banks are interested in co operating with the European Investment Bank. In that way, small-middle sized companies secure the possibility of financing with beneficiary terms and low interests. News item: 15391 [04] He Should Quit His SeatThe Prime Minister's decision to have deputy Petros Tatoulis kicked out of the ruling party's Parliamentary Group still runs high on the political agenda. Government officials stressed that the party's work would go on unhindered with 151 seats. Late on Monday, independent MP Petros Tatoulis blasted anew the Prime Minister in the text he posted on his blog. "It was a matter of dignity. Mr Tatoulis crossed the line," secretary of the ruling party's central committee Lefteris Zagoritis told NET state-run television, further adding that he was expecting him to quit his seat.Tatoulis' interview with Ethnos paper, whereby he lambasted Prime Minster Kostas Karamanlis was the final straw that led to his being kicked out. Government spokesman Evangelos Antonaros dismissed the expressions used by Tatoulis as acute and extreme, while other top-ranking Conservative cadres noted that his interview just confirmed that he had lost his touch with the party. "With his action, the Prime Minister became an accomplice. An accomplice to corruption. An accomplice to inability. An accomplice to inefficiency. With his action, the Prime Minister took a stand. Between truth and lie, he opted for corruption instead of transparency," read the text Tatoulis posted on his personal website. Sources: NET, NET 105.8 News item: 15392 The Hellenic Radio (ERA): News in English Directory - Previous Article - Next Article |
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