The Hellenic Radio (ERA): News in English, 09-08-20

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

CONTENTS

[01] Dispute on Siemens & Early Elections

High pitched political confrontation between the government and PASOK on presidential elections and the Siemens case continues. Government spokesman E. Antonaros launched strong attack against PASOK leader saying that he was the official interlocutor with Mihalis Hristoforakos while he underlined that the government would not allow a prolonged pre-election period. On its part the main opposition party maintains that the government is exposed and gives no answers. Political turbulences continue in SYPIZA after Korobesis statements.

Early Election Talks Intensifies Political Confrontation

Government spokesman launched strong criticism against the main opposition PASOK party stand to provoke elections on the ground of president election. He stressed that the Constitution clearly states that government is elected to serve a 4-year term period. We are not going to participate in PASOK game and allow the country to enter into a prolonged pre-election period, he said. He quoted Interior Minister Prokopis Pavlopoulos recent statement that his discussion with the Prime-minister had a horizon till next June indicating the drawing of a long term policy also proved by specific government initiatives. He also said that scenarios for government reshuffle had been answered and there was nothing new to announce.

In the same line were statements by Foreign Minister D. Bakoyiannis and Athens Mayor Nikitas Kaklamanis.

On its part PASOK maintains that the government has reached deadlock and sharpens the political climate to escape from the situation. PASOK has made clear that the country needs change of course and call people to decide whether they want the country to continue on this course or give PASOK the opportunity to make the changes that the country needs said the secretary of PASOK National Council Yiannis Ragousis. Regarding government reshuffle, he stressed that the question was not change of persons but change of policy.

PASOK âSYN Cooperation

In an interview with newspaper âTa Neaâ Leonidas Kyrkos, historical senior member of the Left raises a question about PASOK-SYN parties post election cooperation. He says that he has repeatedly made efforts for the meeting of the two large democratic waves in Greek society.

In response, PASOK spokesman George Papakonstantinou expressed his satisfaction for such voices in the left wing and underlined PASOK firm stand for continuation of dialogue among progressive forces.

Confrontation on Siemens Case

Government spokesman E. Antonaros strongly criticized PASOK on the grounds of the letter sent to the lawyers of former Siemens CEO M.Hristoforakos, describing the move as a glaring blunder and laughable, adding that it was unacceptable for Mr. Papandreou to be an interlocutor with a defendant. Furthermore he said that Theodoros Tsoukatos was the only politician that admitted having received Siemens black money and given it to his party's fund.

In response PASOK spokesman George Papakonstantinou said that the government is in difficult position as it is the one that left Hristoforakos escape and can not explain why it has not done what PASOK did to ask evidence from his lawyers.

Political Turbulence in SYRIZA

SYN-SYRIZA relations have reached its limits on the grounds of Korobesis staments about left parties having also received bribery from Siemens black money. Members of SYN party have called for Korobesis relieve.

News item: 25983

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