The Hellenic Radio (ERA): News in English, 10-02-26

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

CONTENTS

[01] G. Papandreou: "Sacrifices will Bear Fruit"

EU Commissioner for Economic Affairs, Oli Rehn visit to Athens next week winds up the first circle of EU assessment for implementation of Stability Plan. The EU is prepared, if needed, to discuss financial aid to Greece repeated the EU Commissioner's spokesman on Friday, adding that there was no such request so far. In response to relevant questions by GCP secretary Aleca Papariga and SYN president Alexis Tsipras, Prime-minister George Papandreou stressed that Greek people sacrifices would bear fruit and we would exit the crisis with heads up. Mr. Papandreou said that Greece is in the mid of the worst crisis since the restoration of democracy with a huge state deficit mounting up to over 15bn euros being the iceberg. He attributed responsibility for the situation of the economy to the six year ruling by the ND party. Aleca Papariga blamed the government for taking measures having harsh impact on workers while Alexis Tsipras launched strong criticism against the economic measures labeling as unfair.

A few days prior to EU Commissioner for Economic Affairs, Oli Rehn visit to Athens to examine the course of the Stability program and assess the new measures to cut deficit 4% down in 2010, speaking to the Parliament the Prime-minister made clear once again that the government was ready to take all necessary measures.

"We want your support because Greeks certainly deserve to be better and we will achieve it..."

George Papandreou

We will meet the EU instructions at whatever cost and pain but with a more just way. We will ask for community solidarity and demand it, and I believe that we will have it. I want to assure Greek people that their sacrifices will bear fruit. We give a battle at all fronts in and out of the country. "We want your support because Greeks certainly deserve to be better and we will achieve it". He stressed that Greece will exit from the biggest economic crisis since restoration of democracy and will meet its EU obligations and commitments.

George Papandreou said the economy was in a bad situation and launched a strong attack against the ND blaming it for downgrading the country, defecting and fearing to assume its responsibilities for the country.

The Prime-minister assured that whatever measures to be taken would be socially fair and burden the wealthy.

Sources: ÍÅÔ-ÍÅÔ 105.8-ÁNA/ÌPA News item: 33820

[02] M. Nimits: "There Is a Base for Solution"

Mathew Nimits, special UN envoy on Skopje issue had his first formal meeting with Greece's new government on Friday. During their meeting, Prime-minister George Papandreou repeated the government's commitment for resolution of the name dispute within the UN framework. Earlier, Mr. Nimits had met with alternate Foreign Minister, Dimitris Droutsas who reassured him on the government's intentions to resolve the name dispute on the grounds of solution that will respect both sides. Mr. Nimits said that he has not decided on a meeting between the two sides yet. He, however, added that there was a ground to lead to solution despite differences in Athens-Skopje stands. Next the UN special envoy will meet with ND party leader Antonis Samaras.

"Greece Committed to Solution of Skopje Name Issue"

"There are differences between Greece and FYROM but we believe that there is a base on which we can work" Ìathew Íimits

"It was a very good, open and sincere dialogue, during which there was a reviewof the course of procedures within the UN framework and briefing on the present situation" said Foreign Minister spokesman Grigoris Delabekouras, clarifying that "talks centered on framework of negotiations which was placed on the right bases".

Mr. Nimits briefed the Greek side on his contacts in Skopje and his views for the solution of the name dispute and listened to the views of the Greek government which assured him that it was committed to a solution that would meet both sides demands so that euroatlantic procedure could move on, adding that it would move on soon.

Issues to be re-examined include name of the country which was a top issue and remains so and some secondary issues that have come up.

Mr. Delabekouras told reporters that Mathew Nimits "had seen" intention on the part of Skopje to move the issue ahead but the Greek government wants to see it in deeds. "We hope that indications for positive changes will be transferred to the negotiations table", he said.

Referring to Greece's stand he said "we discussed about difference in approach, our effort to send a positive message to the other side and the importance of a sign to move on"

Foreign Ministry spokesman, Grigoris Delabekouras made a special reference to Greece's initiatives , Prime- minister G. Papandreou meeting with his FYROM counterpart Nikola Gruevsky that have created a positive atmosphere in UN procedures.

We sent the same message in December with the EU Council outcome which in brief says: "Greece wants to proceed to solution and opening of FYROM course to the euro-atlantic alliance.

Sources: ÍÅÔ, ÍÅÔ 105.8, ÁNA-ÌPA

News item: 33803

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