The Hellenic Radio (ERA): News in English, 09-02-15

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From: The Hellenic Radio (ERA) <www.ert.gr/>

CONTENTS

[01] International Concern over Greek Economy

The Greek economy grew by 3.0 pct in 2008, down from 4.0 pct in 2007, according to provisional figures published by the National Statistics Service on Friday. The statistics service, in a report, said the economic growth rate in the fourth quarter of 2008 was 2.6 pct, down from 2.9 pct in the previous quarter, while on a quarterly base, economic growth rate in the October-December period was 0.3 pct, slightly from 0.5 pct in the third quarter. Greece's finance ministry, in an updated Stability and Growth programme submitted with the European Union, envisages a growth rate of 1.1 pct this year.

In the G7 Summit Meeting taking place in Rome on Saturday all financial minister said no to protectionism while many state members are to adopt separate initiatives in order to shield their economies.

In Britain, the financial crisis has affected the popularity of prime minister Gordon Brown as the percentages of the governmental party are dropping and the gap with the opposition party continues to widen. The Working party gathers 25% against 45% of votes in favor of the Preservatives. It must be noted that the British government decided to reduce the VAT in British products in order to boost the country's market. What rises interest is that Paul Moore, the bank whistleblower whose revelations forced the resignation of a senior Government adviser, has called for Prime Minister Gordon Brown to go for his part in creating the financial crisis.

Source: Athens News Agency

News item: 18964

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