The Hellenic Radio (ERA): News in English, 10-03-02

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

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[01] G. Papandreou: "Battling for National Survival"

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G. Papandreou: "Battling for National Survival"

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Page 1 of 3In his speech to PASOK Parliamentary GROUP, Prime-minister G. Papandreou described the tragic situation of Greece's economy and underscored the need for harsh and painful decisions that " are unfair in some cases". In his dramatic appeal, the Prime-minister spoke of a battle for national survival.Unless we take painful decisions there is fear to be unable not only to pay the 14th salary but also the 6th and the 5th salaries and pensions as well, adding that the "country is in state of war". The Prime-minister expressed his determination "to take painful decisions to the extent necessary not to allow the country sink".

"... the threat is inability of borrowing and meeting payments and not recession..."

G. Papandreou

Mr. Papandreou said that it would be destructive if the country did not achieve to borrow at the same terms as other EU member states. In response to ones fearing that new measures would spark further recession, he underlined that the threat is not recession but inability of borrowing and meet payments. We must take painful decisions that are unfair in some cases, but this is not an option it is a mandate, he said. "Our creditors do not allow us more time as they have more credible clients since the global financial crisis has blown up state deficits in all countries".

To prepare public opinion before the announcement of measures during Wednesday's Ministers' Council, the Prime-minister said that the government is obliged to ask public servants "to make ends meet with less". Mr. Papandreou characteristically said "as Prime-minister I do not have the luxury to merely acknowledge the problem or cast it out with big words", adding that people voted PASOK to resolve problems. "I will proceed to any decision to rescue our country's economy and autonomy", he said

"...we are determined to succeed..."

G. Papandreou

Referring to the 5- year ruling by ND party, the Prime-minister spoke of a party of friends, inconceivable waste and offshore ministers and blamed the ND for refusing to face its responsibilities. " We have historical responsibility to do what is necessary to gain time to restore our country's credibility", stressed the Prime-minister adding that we owe to turn the crisis into an opportunity by giving battles at all levels. Mr. Papandreou called for Greek people support, underlining "we are determined to succeed".

News item: 33952

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