The Hellenic Radio (ERA): News in English, 10-02-11

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

CONTENTS

[01] Greek PM: Fight to Restore Credibility

Greek Prime Minister George Papandreou gave a Press conference in Brussels, as soon as the EU summit wrapped up. The Greek head of government did not rule out taking additional measures to tame its growing budget deficit.

Touching on the role of the International Monetary Fund, he called it technical and went on to acknowledge that the country's economy will be under surveillance.

The International Monetary Fund expressed its satisfaction over the Brussels meeting. George Papandreou then blasted the Conservative party of ND (New Democracy), holding it responsible and branding its policy as destructive.

The committed implementation of the measures taken by the government will help Greece regain its credibility, stressed George Papandreou.

"The government has the will to do whatever it takes to restore Greece's credibility. This will was appraised by our partners who sent a crystal clear message of determination for coordinated action and fiscal stability in the currency union. It is a crystal clear message of support to the Greek economy. Should spending, corruption and tax evasion go on, problems will grow bigger and therefore it is high time we contributed to our country. I believe that all Greeks should play their part so as to overcome the crisis and resolve chronic problems." underlined the Greek Prime Minister.

Opposition leader Antonis Samaras commented:

"With regard to the EU backing to the Greek economy, it is to shield the Greek bonds from profiteering attacks and this is positive. As for the rest, we will wait and see...

As for the need to have our economy under surveillance, Mr Papandreou had better not forget the previous Socialist rules and his unprecedented slow response for four months.

Furthermore, he is not the most appropriate person to speak of 'credibility' and responsibility. The opposition strategy followed by his party was irresponsible, and he was unreliable when pledging everything to everyone before the national elections...

The problem is not whether we are going to support the government. We have done it, but it is not enough. The problem is whether the government itself supports the Greek economy.

In another Press conference, the Presidents of the European Council and the European Commission, Herman Van Rompuy and Jose Barroso, hailed the deal brokered in Brussels, terming the talks held as honest. They also underlined that Greece will have to prove its responsibility in case additional measures are needed and assured that the EU will demonstrate its solidarity by offering financial aid to Greece if deemed necessary. News item: 33215

[02] ND Head Urges His Deputies to Stand by the People's Side

Addressing a meeting of ND's section heads, opposition leader urged the ND officials to stand by the side of those who are going through tough times. "Our interventions had better resolve the problems," said the ND head, blasting, at the same time, the government, for weighing down the taxpayers and drying out the market.

"The government should take immediate measures"

Antonis Samaras

"The Prime Minister did not assume power in a 'secret' state. He knew the state had to cut its spending and provide development. However, Mr Papandreou went for the easy solution that says let the taxpayers pay the price," commented Antonis Samaras.

"He fails to realize that this way the market is going to dry out and unemployment is going to rise even further. The poor will pay the price. The state has to cut its spending, the government should take measures to boost the slow-income earners and it should also implement radical changes for the small and medium sized enterprises," added the ND head.

News item: 33187

[03] Strong Winds Keep Ships Docked

Heavy showers, snowfalls and strong winds make up Wednesday's weather in most parts of Greece, while the strong winds have seriously disrupted the sea services.

Port authorities have issued a sailing ban for sea services from Ithaca to Kefalonia and Patras, from Corfu to Igoumenitsa and from Psara to Chios.

The sea service connecting Zakynthos to Kyllini has gone off due to 10 Beaufort winds. To avoid inconvenience, travelers should contact the local port authorities to get inform on the latest news on sea services.

The gale-force winds have caused serious traffic problems on the Rio-Antirrio Bridge, where traffic police stepped up measures for the drivers' safety. Tracks and motorbikes have been banned since Wednesday morning.

Two fishermen came too close to death due to the strong winds, when their boat capsized off the island of Farmakonissi.

Low temperatures and snowfalls make up the weather in northern and western Greece. No traffic problems have been caused by the snowfalls, though. News item: 33144

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