The Hellenic Radio (ERA): News in English, 10-09-30

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

CONTENTS

[01] Greece Restoring Credibility

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In a press interview to mark one year of PASOK ruling, Prime-minister G. Papandreou told reporters that the country is on the right path and will turn to the markets in due course. Mr. Papandreou said despite protests and painful measures a different and better Greece is emerging. The Prime-minister strongly criticized ND leader A. Samaras, saying that the content of his speech at the TIF six months ago damaged himself and wondered why didn't he submit his magic formulas six months ago to resolve our problems. The country experienced a different form of terrorism , the fear of markets' attacks said the Prime-minister in an interview with German weekly newspaper «Die Zeit».

"Temporary Measures"

Mr. Papandreou told reporters that the country is on the right path and it is internationally recognized that Greece is restoring its credibility. He underlined that the measures are temporary to deal with the financial crisis and ruled out bankruptcy and debt restructuring scenarios.

"We are now entering into the stage to boost growth and big structural reforms", said Mr. Papandreou.

Mr. Papandreou said he expected broader consent from opposition parties, which he did not have, but had the consent of society. He refused to respond to a question regarding extension or not of time to pay off state debt.

In reference to ND leader position about zeroing state deficit in 2011, among others Mr. Papandreou said: "He should have given us his formula and submitted his proposals six months ago, so would have solved our problems".

He said that the ND party moves hypocritically and has huge responsibilities for the situation. Mr. Samaras proposal for zeroing deficit damaged himself and added that there is no government that has magic formulas and does not put them in force.

Mr. Papandreou answered questions related to Siemens black money case and Batopedi transfer of land case maintaining that the state suffered big damage and the ND party and former Prime-minister contradict themselves.

The prime-minister agreed to objections on closure of pending tax cases, but he underlined that this is the last time as the new taxation system puts an end.

He attribute truckers mobilizations to certain trade unions' interests and stressed that structural reforms opening closed professions aims to facilitate access of young people to these occupations.

Mr. Papandreou showed special interest to problems in the Press and said that an institutional dialogue with all involved parties could be held to deal with the crisis.

Sources: ÍÅÔ, ÍÅÔ 105.8, ÁNA-ÌPA News item: 41451

[02] Parliament to Pass D/B on Tax Settlement

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A high pitched debate on draft-bill on closure of pending tax cases and amendment toughening stand on truck drivers is being held at the Parliament. Finance Minister G. Papakonstantinou said the government is functioning with absolute adherence to legality and transparency and does not accept any blame for distinctive treatment. Its target is to draw up a taxation system without distinctions for anyone.

Mr. Papakonstantinou called on opposition parties not to support truckers mobilizations. Specifically addressing the GCP he said a number of moves are neither accidental nor innocent and added that a small group of people could not hold society hostage.

Opposition parties once again expressed objection to draft-bill on closure of pending tax cases, maintaining that it awards tax defaulters. In his intervention, LAOS president G. Karatzaferis raised principles of morality in reference to regulation on fake invoices and added that this regulation comes to settle irregularities of former Finance Minister, G. Alogoskoufis.

Last minute amendment including in the tax closure draft-bill companies with over 20.000 million euros annual turn out and companies in the stock market provided they have undergone inspection and are at the stage of compromise or cases referred to courts sparked strong reactions by opposition parties as well as deputies of the ruling party. It has also included regulation allowing isuers and recipients of fake invoices to pay reduced tax 40% -55% if they declare it.

Mr. Papakonstantinou described as politically dishonest, SYRIZA deputy D. Papadimoulis claim that the regulation photographs certain businessmen.

In the meantime, the draft-bill will also include tough regulations on truck drivers hampering transport and new road tax calculated on the basis of carbon dioxide emissions.

Source: ÍÅÔ 105.8

News item: 41431

[03] Truckers Further Intensify Mobilizations

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Enforcement of blocks and warnings for further intensification of mobilizations is truckers response to the government's decision to toughen sanctions on truck owners who do not comply with requisition order. A relevant amendment providing for imprisonment and even suspension of professional license is included in the draft-bill on settlement of tax cases that will be passed on Thursday.

Shortages in Many Products

The government has warned that it has exhausted tolerance limits while the first truckers were arrested.

There is increased problem in market supply while shortages in many products is apparent. The Central Union of Chambers estimates to over 1.5 billion euros damage from truckers mobilizations.

Amendment

On Wednesday, amid strong reactions by the opposition and PASOK deputies, the Parliament Economic Affairs Committee passed amendment providing for imprisonment of truckers who do not meet their obligations and allows Transport Minister to suspend professional license from truck drivers who do not comply with regulations.

In his statements, Justice Minister H. Kastanidis underlined that truckers still refuse to assume their duties causing huge problems in the market supply despite the governments tough decisions.

Reactions

ND spoke of unacceptable amendment, it , however, called drivers not to create further problems.

"The government is moving on anti-democratic and dangerous paths", said the GCP.

"We are heading to circumstances where whoever protests will go to prison", said LAOS.

"General rehearsal for broad implementation", said SYRIZA commenting on the amendment.

Source: ÍÅÔ 105.8 -ÁNA - ÌPA

Related News:Government Toughens Stand on Truckers

News item: 41437

[04] Eurogroup Meets in Brussels

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Eurozone member states are holding a meeting in Brussels to discuss European Commission proposals to tighten Stability Pact and fiscal discipline. Germany, however, exercises pressure for stricter penalties to violators of Stability Pact and has sent a letter to the European Commission requesting to pass measures for freezing funds on growth, agriculture, suspension of vote and imposition of penalties.

Finance Minister George Papakonstantinou will represent Greece at the Eurogroup meeting and Ecofin meeting on Friday. It should be mentioned that the recently agreed "Eurogroup Semester", has incorporated all revised and new supervision procedures in an integrated economic policy network.

Issues to be discussed also include fragile growth prospects in Europe and necessity for fiscal purging which according to the European Commission indicate the need to deal with macro structural obstacles, specifically through the promotion of basic reforms both at national and European levels.

Furthermore they will exchange views on recent EU legislative initiatives on rating agencies, possibility to impose penalties and framework to promote growth in the financial sector.

Source: ÍÅÔ 105.8 - ÍÅÔ - ÁNA-ÌPA News item: 41444

[05] Piraeus Bank Withdrew Offer for PostBank-AgroBank

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Piraeus Bank withdrew its bid for PostBank and Agricultural Bank two months after its offer seeing that the relevant government decisions are not to be expected in the immediate future, said Piraeus Bank chief advisor, Stavros Lekkas.

Sources: ÍÅÔ - ÍÅÔ 105.8 - ÁNA/ÌPA

News item: 41438

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