The Hellenic Radio (ERA): News in English, 10-09-17

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

CONTENTS

[01] ND Leader in Thessaloniki for ITF

ND leader A. Samaras arrived in Thessaloniki on Friday morning within the context of the 75th International Thessaloniki Fair. Mr. Samaras met with candidate for Central Macedonia governor, Panagiotis Psomiadis, at his electoral center, whom he described as a human-centered politician. "The enthusiasm here today depicts the people's love for Panagiotis Psomiadis, the first successful term of Central Macedonia governor who gives hope for a dynamic tomorrow with growth, stressed Mr. Samaras. Mr. Psomiadis gave Mr. Samaras an icon of St. Antonios to protect himself and his family.

Next, Mr. Samaras met with Kostas Giulekas, ND party candidate for Thessaloniki mayor and was briefed on the other candidates in his list that included several young people, the course of his pre-election campaign and his proposals for the development of the city. Mr. Samaras expressed his support to Kostas Giulekas saying his personality goes beyond the ND narrow borders and embraces the whole city of Thesaloniki and expressed certainty for his victory.

Meeting with N. Greece Production Sectors

He also met with production sectors in Northern Greece. They expounded their positions and proposals to deal with the financial crisis and boost growth in Thessaloniki and Northern Greece in general. The meeting, held at Macedonia palace Hotel was attended by D. Bakatselos, M. Zorbidis, n. Pentzos, S. Magopoulos, T. Konaklidis, S. Zaharelis, K. Hatzaridis, D. Mantusis, T. Alexandridis.

On Saturday at 20:00, Mr. Samaras will deliver a speech at a meeting with production sectors. Reports say that former prime-minister K. Karamanlis will attend the meeting.

Mr. Samaras will give the customary press interview at the Belidios Conference Center at 13:00, on Sunday. Mr. Karamanlis goes to his electoral district in the capacity of deputy after many years and he is expected to receive a warm welcome.

Sources: ÍÅÔ 105.8, ÁNA/ÌPA News item: 40970

[02] Truck Owners Continue Mobilizations

Truck owners continue mobilizations in protest against draft-bill providing for liberation of commercial road transport. Tens of trucks and tanker trucks are parked at several national roads' junctions, however, without interrupting traffic. On Thursday, the draft-bill received majority vote at the standing Committee on Economics while debate by the Parliament Plenum begins next Tuesday.

Thessaloniki

Thessaloniki police authorities said about 227 trucks are parked on both shoulders of ring roads, mainly in the west part of the city without creating any problems to traffic.

Source: ÍÅÔ 105.8 - ÁNA-ÌPA

News item: 40966

[03] Final Agreement on Skaramaga Shipyard

The Government Council for Foreign Affairs and Defense (KYSEA) in its morning meeting approved Thursday's agreement on Skaramaga Shipyard between the Greek government-German company THYSSEN KRUPP MARINE THYSSENS and Abu Dhabi Mar which takes over 75% of Skaramaga Shipyard. This agreement resolves the issues of the German submarines and 1.300 job positions. The competent Parliament Committee is expected to have ratified the relevant draft-bill till the end of September.

Resolved Long Pending Issue

KYSEA and the inter-ministerial committee on privatizations approved the contracts on Skaramaga Shipyard and Greek Navy submarines while the relevant draft-bill has already been tabled to the Parliament so it can be passed till September, 30 because a new financial year starting on October, 1 should embark in a new environment and under new prospects for Skaramaga Shipyard and Greek Navy armament supplies said Defense Minister, E. Benizelos after the end of KYSEA meeting chaired by the Prime-minister.

The Defense Minister said that the new guarantees and transparency institutions, under which the contract was signed, ensure a new atmosphere in public life and put an end to the inconceivable vicious circle that poisons public life.

In response to relevant questions, Mr. Benizelos reassured that job positions are absolutely guaranteed, adding that there is neither procedure of mass lay offs nor special privileges for the new owners. Under the new contract, approved by KYSEA, Abu Dadhi Mar holds 75,1% shares and THYSSEN KRUPP MARINE THYSSENS 24,9%. The construction of two submarines will continue while the state has a veto in possible changes in shareholders.

Source: ÍÅÔ - ÍÅÔ 105.8, ÁNA-ÌPA News item: 40969

[04] Papakonstantinou-Troika Meeting

Finance Minister George Papakonstantinou meeting with heads of Troika delegation focused on execution course of this year's budget-placing emphasis on coverage of revenues shortfall- and drawing of 2011 draft state budget to be submitted to the Parliament on October, 4. They also discussed materialization of memorandum commitments during the third quarter of this year as well as priorities for the fourth quarter to facilitate disbursal of third installment of rescue package loan in December. The two sides will have a new meeting on Monday while the Troika delegation departs on Tuesday , after having written an interim report on the course of the Greek economy so far.

Emphasis on Reforms

Reports say emphasis was placed on materialization course of reforms including Hellenic Railways, transport sector state companies, opening of restricted professions, privatizations, strategic moves in the banking system.

Furthermore, they discussed coverage of revenues shortfall and intensification of efforts to reduce tax evasion. Another question raised is to how to keep the balance in expenditures after the increased financing needs of hospitals, social security funds and local administration.

Troika delegation , who is in Athens since yesterday, after the joint road show with the government in London, Paris and Frankfurt, will return to Athens in October to draw the final report on the memorandum materialization course. The report will be released in November so the third part of the loan could be disbursed at the end of the year.

Mr. Papakonstantinou also met with German undersecretary for Finance and Technology while in late afternoon he will hold a meeting with ministry officials to discuss draft-bill providing for the closing of pending taxation cases.

Weber: "There will not be bankruptcy of any euro region state"

Axel Weber, German Central Bank chief and member of European Central Bank administration board ruled out possibility of Greece's or any other euro region member state bankruptcy in a speech delivered on Friday at the European Business School. According to Reuters Alex Weber said: "there will not be bankruptcy of any euro region state", adding "large sums were given to Greece but under strict terms".

"Greece should remain an exception", he said in reference to the 110 billion euros rescue package given by the EU & IMF.

Supervision regulations should be revised at regular times so banks could not oversee them as the international financial crisis has not ended said the chief of the German Central Bank.

Source: ÍÅÔ 105.8

News item: 40968

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