The Hellenic Radio (ERA): News in English, 10-02-02

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

CONTENTS

[01] G. Papandreou Meets Political Leaders

Greek Prime Minister George Papandreou is holding Tuesday consecutive meetings with the political leaders, a day before the European Commission gives the green light to the Greek stability plan. Sources said that after the meetings, Papandreou is expected to deliver a speech. The Greek head of government will also meet at Maximos Mansion with the German Foreign Minister.

At the parliamentary debate on transparency, George Papandreou urged all political parties to contribute to the national campaign to recover the country's economy.

Despite their criticism, the opposition leaders accepted the call for bilateral talks with the Prime Minister.

In the meantime, EU Commissioner for Monetary Affairs Joaquin Almunia termed the Greek stability plan as ambitious yet achievable. He also outlined the recommendations the European Commission is expected to release.

He warned, however, that additional measures should be made in case the plan's goals are not met.

Source: NET, NET 105.8, ANA/MPA News item: 32760

[02] K. Papoulias Intervention on Economy

The President of the Republic Karolos Papoulias expressed certainty that Greece would overcome the economic crisis During his meeting with the new German Foreign Minister, Guido Westerwelle, on Tuesday. On his part Mr. Westerwelle said he was convinced that Greece would display the required dynamism to overcome the crisis. Mr. Westerwelle is having talks with the Prime-minister.

During his meeting with the German Foreign Minister, Karolos Papoulias appeared certain that Greece would overcome the crisis.

"...you must also believe that Greece has the willingness and potential to overcome the economic crisis..." Mr. Papoulias told the German Foreign Minister.

"I warmly welcome you and I am pleased with your visit during this significant period not only for Greece but also for all members of the European family. I hope-I am certain that we will overcome the crisis but you must also believe that Greece has the willingness and potential to overcome the economic crisis. Furthermore , I believe that Greece's difficulties are general difficulties. State deficit is also high in Spain and the country has many problems but I believe circumstances are difficult in general for our currency, the euro", said the president of the Republic receiving Mr. Westerwelle. On his part, the German Foreign Minister expressed his country's confidence that Greece would overcome the crisis.

Sources: ÍÅÔ-ÍÅÔ 105.8-ÁNA/ÌPA

News item: 32782

[03] Greek PM: "We Have the Courage for Tough yet Fair Solutions"

Addressing an Economist conference, Greek Prime Minister George Papandreou expressed his government's determination to fully implement the stability plan so that Greece can dictate its future on its own. George Papandreou said that tough solutions are ahead that may disturb some, however they are fair and necessary to help the country restore its credibility.

"Determined to Fully Implement the Stability Plan"

At the Economist conference, George Papandreou said that despite Greece's tragic mistakes, the country's future is dictated by assessment institutions which are partly responsible for the turmoil that led to the world financial crisis.

"The country should be the one to determine its future,"

George Papandreou

The financial hardships which resulted from chronic structural weaknesses are to the blamed for the attack Greece has come up for, said Papandreou.

He then reiterated that Greece suffers from lack of credibility and voiced his government's determination to fully implement the stability plan.

He further stressed that the plan includes fair and necessary solutions that are likely to disturb some. News item: 32768

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