The Hellenic Radio (ERA): News in English, 09-03-04

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

CONTENTS

[01] Tensions Run High

"It is not the government that preempts tomorrow's meetings," said Evangelos Antonaros, further stressing, "Papandreou's extreme positions do not make a positive contribution to building understanding. The government, however, will not cease hoping."

PASOK spokesman Giorgos Papakonstantinou, on the other hand, noted that Papandreou and PASOK had no intention of giving their consent to the policies of the Karamanlis administration, which he blasted for lacking credibility.

He also held Karamanlis responsible for the fact that he should have prepped himself for the crisis, since "it was not a natural disaster."

"The people should not be fooled by the ND-PASOK wrangling. They totally agree on the key issues. Their difference lies in the fact who is to lead the administration that will attack working rights," read an announcement issued by KKE (Greek Communist Party).

"When the country borrows state bonds with 6%, when the public debt stands at â¬300bn and when the real crisis in economy is impending, putting an end to political irresponsibility is a national duty. The entire political world, the government and the opposition, should face the problem in a responsible manner, because this national crisis cannot be treated with political expediencies," stressed LAOS (Popular Orthodox Rally) spokesman Kyriakos Velopoulos.

Speaking on NET radio station, Health Minister Dimitris Avramopoulos called for national understanding and cooperation.

Ruling New Democracy (ND) Secretary Lefteris Zagoritis, on his part, termed the crisis as a "national matter."

"Consensus lacks content, and those who give their consent become accomplices," stressed Socialist deputy Mihalis Chrysohoides.

"Mr Karamanlis is always calling for consensus without suggesting anything specific," commented SYN MEP Dimitris Papadimoulis.

Source: NET, NET 105.8, ANA-MPA

Related news: Agreement on the Basics and the Self-Evident

News item: 19653

[02] Agreement on the Basics and the Self-Evident

"Coordination of Actions"

Exiting his meeting with the President of the Republic, Karamanlis called for agreement on "the basics and the self-evident," as he said, on the part of the political parties, social partners and citizens to tackle the crisis. "Europe is experiencing the worst crisis ever," commented he, also stressing that it takes a coordination of actions to address the crisis.

"It is a crisis," added the Prime Minister, "that is developing day by day in a way that no one can predict the extent, size and depth of its impact."

"It takes a specific action plan to deal with the financial and social repercussions of the crisis. Karamanlis further reiterated the need for agreement on "the basics and the self-evident", given that the crisis "is knocking on our door" and "no one can turn a deaf ear".

Exiting Maximos Mansion, the House Speaker said, "Undoubtedly, the whole world and Europe have come up against an unprecedented post-war financial crisis, whose repercussions have reached Greece, as well."

Dimitris Sioufas underlined that the current crisis has distinct traits when compared to the crises of former decades.

He also added that no one can predict its depth and extent, noting, however, "I am one of those who believe that this crisis can be converted into an important opportunity for economy, society and the nation itself. With prudence, calm state of mind, national understanding, social solidarity and the appropriate interventions, we can drastically reduce its repercussions."

On Thursday, Kostas Karamanlis is schedule to hold successive meetings with the political leaders, in a drive to look for consensus in addressing the repercussion of the global financial crisis.

News item: 19652

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