The Hellenic Radio (ERA): News in English, 09-03-05

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

CONTENTS

[01] Fruitless Meetings

Government spokesman Evangelos Antonaros said that the Prime-minister called for consensus on six basic points stressing: Firstly: Greece, as a member of the EU and the eurozone group, should adopt to EU regulations in its efforts for stability in the economy and dealing with impacts of financial crisis. Secondly: high state deficit is diachronic issue and should be dealt with coordinated actions. Thirdly:Top priority should be placed on gradual reduction of deficits through effective cuts in state expenditures and not in imposition of new taxes. Fourthly: State debt and reduction of deficit determine the real resistance of Greece's society regarding development and social policy and if we stray, the situation can become uncontrollable and even dangerous. Fifthly: Some crucial sectors, such as tourism require special developmental actions always observing EU regulations. Sixthly: In such difficult circumstances, we all have the duty not to encourage excessive claims. If we stray from objectives the situation must get uncontrollable and even dangerous said the government spokesman, stressing that difficult circumstances limit implementation of social measures in favour of low-income groups. Mr. Antonaros underlined that the Prime-minister called opposition parties to a constructive dialogue to consider common views to deal with the impacts of the global financial crisis. He added that the government did not expect all to agree on all points or abandon their views but all political leaders to agree on the self-evident for the benefit of the country and agree on solutions demanded by the present circumstances. "Each social group has expectations and rights. Bidding of provisions, however, is not allowed", he said characteristically and added "the government has a plan and a program which it has presented and making all necessary changes to limit impacts of the crisis."

PASOK, GCP, SYRIZA Parties Objected to Consensus

Main opposition leader George Papandreou, first to meet the Prime-minister this morning, expressed his concern and conveyed the Greek people feeling of insecurity. He also presented his party's program for the country's exit from the crisis but blamed the government for lacking a specific plan and substantial proposal for trustworthy negotiations with the EU. There is a division of views on whether Mr. Papandreou asked for early elections. PASOK maintains that Mr. Papandreou brought on the issue of elections. Government spokesman said that the public statement of the main opposition leader depicted what he said during his meeting with the Prime-minister. Mr. Antonaros repeated that the government is not considering holding elections, adding that talks about elections do not serve the interests of the country. The gen. secretary of the GCP party Aleka Papariga objected to consensus, stressing that there is no popular exit from the capitalist crisis therefore the GCP would only support a common struggle front and reorganization of the movement. Mrs. Papariga spoke of an honest discussion with the Prime-minister, stressing that he gave a clear description of the situation and set specific proposals for the country's exit from the crisis but the GCP does not agree. She expounded her party's view for the country's exit from the crisis and called the Prime-minister to state in public whether he accepts or not OECD 6 measures-among others providing for rise in pension age, new circle of privatizations and salaries below collective contracts. If the government wants support it should commit itself that it will not implement these measures. In response to a relevant question, Mrs. Papariga predicted that elections would not be held soon. She also described as disorientating PASOK and SYRIZA parties request for early elections as they stress that problems would be resolved through voting. LAOS president emerged positive to consensus after his meeting with the Prime-minister. He said that the Prime-minister presented a specific frame of positions underlining that logic demands common ways to exit from the crisis. Mr. Karatzaferis submitted a package of proposals and ideas for the country's exit from the crisis beyond those submitted to the parliament. LAOS president appeared negative to possibility of early elections, stressing that it is not wise to create a political issue when we are experiencing a financial and social crisis.

Sources: ÍÅÔ-ÍÅÔ 105.8-ÁNA/ÌPA

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News item: 19696

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