The Hellenic Radio (ERA): News in English, 10-09-12

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

CONTENTS

[01] PM Rules out New Measures"

There is no need for new measures as long as we continue on the right track said the Prime-minister in response to relevant questions by journalists within the frame of the customary press interview after the inauguration of the ITF. "There will not be new measures except for the ones included in the rescue package", he stressed and assured that there will not be further cuts in salaries. Mr. Papandreou appealed to mass media to put a halt to "rumours about new measures" to avert climate of fear and panic. In a review of the government's work so far, he underlined that during its 11 month ruling the present government has done more than all governments in the last 20 years. The Prime-minister admitted that mistakes were made but assured that efforts to exit the country from the financial crisis would continue.

Optimistic over Reduction of State Deficit

Prime-minister G. Papandreou appeared optimistic over a 40% reduction in state deficit till the end of 2010 while he made clear that there was no question about debt restructuring.

"We took measures during our 11- month ruling to avoid debt restructuring which would be destructive for the economy and the future of the country", he said characteristically. He also repeated that the government would do its best to support low pensioners and the jobless.

Government Reshuffle

In reference to the larger number of ministers after the recent government reshuffle, the Prime-minister said the former cabinet had a positive course but there was still room for improvement.

He spoke of decisions related to functions and not individuals and belied rumours about ministers who have not been assigned responsibilities.

Heating Oil

Regarding rise in heating-oil consumption tax, Mr. Papandreou made clear that there would not be equalization of fuel and heating oil taxes for as long as there is no distribution mechanism

The Prime-minister also underlined that selection of candidates for local administration elections was made on the grounds of ability and willingness to work hard for the success of the "Kallikratis" plan.

"I do not give in"

In response to whether, he considers undertaking a post in the EU or the UN, Mr. Papandreou made clear that he does not give in. "I have undertaken a difficult task and I will carry it out".

Source: ÍÅÔ - ÍÅÔ 105.8 - ÁNA - ÌPA

Related News: G.Papandreou Message of Hope

News item: 40768

[02] G. Papandreou Message of Hope

Prime-minister George Papandreou, in his speech at the Belidios Conference Center in Thessaloniki, focused on the big reforms promoted to turn Greece to a country where "it can not be done" would give way to "it can be done". Mr. Papandreou appeared certain that the country would win the battle to exit from the financial crisis underlining that he was not taking into account the political cost.

Six Big Reforms-Targets & Priorities

The Prime-minister, in his speech, presented six big reforms that will change the country, giving a message of hope to Greek citizens.

"We together will achieve to change Greece", he stressed, adding "either we win or we sink altogether".

He underlined that the targets of the government policy in the next period are reforms in the state, protection of weak social groups, support of investments, combat of tax evasion, promotion of green development and reforms in the education system.

Referring to the government's priorities till the end of the year, Mr. Papandreou included opening of so called closed professions to competitive terms, reorganization of the Railways Company and all debt- ridden state companies and organizations, restructuring of taxation mechanism to combat tax evasion, new developmental legislation, freeing of energy market and operation of 24-hour hospital.

Specific Commitments

Mr. Papandreou spoke of hard efforts to avert the country's bankruptcy during the 11-month of PASOK ruling and underlined that Greek people deserves commendations.

"From the depths of my heart I say that Greek people deserves commendations" and added that he asked for the Finance Minister's intervention to support low pensioners this coming winter.

He made following commitments for the next 4-month period:

1. Access of all jobless to the Health System.

2. Acceleration of tax scale reduction from 24% to 20% of undistributed profits in 2011.

3. Closing of all cases pending at Courts

4. Promotion of reforms in Education during the coming academic year.

Source: ÍÅÔ - ÍÅÔ 105.8 - ÁNA - ÌPA

News item: 40747

[03] Long Queues at Petrol-stations

On Sunday, long queues were recorded in about 600 petrol-stations in Attica following truck owners threats of fresh mobilizations. Several petrol stations ran out of unleaded petrol , however, petrol-station owners believe that there would not be any problems with petrol supply as petrol companies' are running their tanker trucks. No problems have emerged in other parts of Greece.

Truck and tanker truck owners have decided cease work starting Monday in reaction to draft-bill providing for the freeing of cargo transport. They have decided to hand their truck keys to the competent authorities.

Sources: ÍÅÔ, ÍÅÔ 105.8 News item: 40770

[04] Mass Protests in Thessaloniki

Mass protests in Thessaloniki, with demonstrators marching to the Belidios Conference Center concluded in a calm climate. Some supporters of PAOK football team attempted to approach the Conference Center but were dispersed by security forces. Within the frame of preventive measures 35 people, 16 Greeks and 19 foreign nationals, were detained.

The main demonstration staged by the two largest labour unions GSSE and ADEDY was held on Egnatia Rd. with the participation of workers from all parts of the country and representatives of trade unions. The president of SYRIZA Parliamentary Group Alexis Tsipras and its former president Alecos Alavanos were present in the demonstration.

Shortly before 19:00 on Saturday, demonstrators started march to Belidios Center, under strict security measures.

On Saturday at noon, a group from truck owners protestors managed to approach the entrance of "Macedonia Palace" hotel, and attacked the president of the Athens Commerce and Industry Chamber Konstantinos Mihalos upon entering the hotel.

Mr. Mihalos state of health is good and despite the incident he attended the general assembly of Hellenic Chambers' Union.

Source: ÍÅÔ 105.8 - ÁNA - ÌPA News item: 40736

[05] Marathon 2.500 after

Hellenic Environment & Culture Society in cooperation with Marathonas Municipality, A.G Leventi Institute and contribution of distinguished archaeologists have organized a series of events to mark the 2.500 historic anniversary of the Marathon Battle (490 B.C). The cultural routes for pedestrians and cyclists entitled "The paths of culture" which is an effort for viable development of the region. Events commence at 19:30, on Sunday, September, 12 with popular actors reading texts in ancient Greek referring to the Marathon Battle. Also musical instruments used in Ancient Greece will be played.

Hellenic Environment & Culture Society and Marathonas Municipality have set gradual restoration of the historic site as their long term target that will turn Marathonas as a popular sightseeing site for Greek and foreign visitors.

News item: 40769

[06] FinMin-Banks "Contract" to Ensure Market Liquidity

Finance Minister George Papakonstantinou , addressing chamber representatives, announced the signing of a "contract" with banks to ensure injection of liquidity in the market and medium-sized businesses. Mr. Papakonstantinou appeared optimistic on the course of the economy , stressing that the climate is changing and state deficit would have dropped by 12 billion euros till the end of the year.

Âasic Target to Support Middle-sized Businesses

Finance Ministry-Bank contract will be signed this month to ensure credit increase particularly for Greek businesses said the Finance Minister G. Papakonstantinou. He also added that the government sees light in the tunnel although it is still not visible by businesses.

"We are still standing up as society. The climate is changing. Talks about Greece's renaissance have started" and assessed that drop of state deficit by 12 billion euros would be achieved till the end of the year.

He also stressed that simplification of procedures for the setting up of businesses would boost growth while addressing representatives of production sectors he said:

"We are here to assist and support you".

Source: ÍÅÔ - ÍÅÔ 105.8 - ÁNA - ÌPA

News item: 40740

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