The Hellenic Radio (ERA): News in English, 10-11-17

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

CONTENTS

[01] Papandreou: "We Want and We Can"

Prime-minister George Papandreou, in an interview with BBC television network, said we have the willingness and ability to bring stability in Europe. He cited the need for creation of a permanent mechanism within the frame of the eurozone to bail out countries with fiscal problems.

Sources: ÍÅÔ, BBC

Related News: Papandreou Ruled out Debt Restructuring

News item: 47740

[02] Events Marking Polytechnic Uprising Culminated

Three-day events to mark the 37th anniversary of Polytechnic uprising culminated today with the customary march to the US embassy that starts at 15:00. Some 7.000 policemen were out in force to avert any incidents. The Polytechnic Institute Deans' Board had decided increased guarding of the building. Traffic police had also taken the necessary measures in streets around the Polytechnic till Kaniggos square while there was also provision for changes in mass transport services in the center of Athens from 14:00. The state and political leadership honoured the anniversary of the youth uprising against the colonels' coup.

Prime-minister G. Papandreou visited the historical site and laid some carnation flowers at the monument of the uprising students. The Speaker of the House, Filippos Petsalnikos as well as SYRIZA party leader Alexis Tsipras laid wreaths.

Tens of students, organizations and ordinary people laid wreaths and flowers to pay tribute to the youth who wrote the brightest page in modern Greek history. The gates of the building closed shortly after 13:00 when the main event was held outdoors. The interior of the building was guarded by students, professors and administrative employees.

Sources: ÍÅÔ 105.8, ÁNA/ÌPA

Related News: 37th Anniversary of the Polytechnic Uprising

News item: 47566

[03] Unemployment Rate Rose in October

Unemployment rate rose by 3.75% in October compared to September in the same year , bringing the number registered in the OAED to 609.249. Highest unemployment rates have been recorded in Attica and Central Macedonia.

Receiving unemployment benefit are 183.161 people, 7.46% or in numbers 14.761 people less compared to September. There is, however, 80.85%, (or 1765 people) increase in the temporary unemployed in the tourist field compared against September.

Of the registered unemployed, 217.426 (35,69%) are receiving unemployment benefit for over 12 months while 391.823 (64,31%) are receiving unemployment for less than 12 months.

Of people looking for jobs, 35.11% live in Attica region while 20.64% live in Central Macedonia.

There were 91.594 job offerings in October which indicates a 1,03% increase from September but 9.78% drop compared to October, in 2009.

Lay offs (end of indefinite contracts) numbered 31.241, end of temporary contracts numbered 77.850- mainly reflecting the end of the tourist season- and voluntary resignations numbered 26.805.

Sources: ÍÅÔ - ÍÅÔ 105.8 - ÁNA/ÌPA

News item: 47749

[04] EU Ready to Support Ireland

A joint delegation comprised of European Commission, European Central Bank and International Monetary Fund officials will fly to Ireland on Thursday to assess the situation in the country's banking system. The decision was reached by Eurozone Finance Ministers who discussed the issue of a possible bail-out of the Irish Republic. Should the Irish government ask for help, aid to Dublin would range from â¬45 to â¬90 billion euros. The UK said it was ready to support Ireland.

Joint EU -IMF Delegation Flies to Dublin

"It is the Irish government responsibility to change stand and ask for European assistance", said Eurogroup president Jean Claude Yunker.

Eurogroup president and Monetary Affairs Commissioner Olli Rehn committed themselves to support Ireland. Mr. Rehn called the Irish Republic the most pressing challenge of today, adding that there was "an intensification of preparations of a potential program in case it is requested".

A statement issued after the meeting praised the Republic of Ireland's efforts to combat its problems: "The Eurogroup welcomes the significant efforts of Ireland to deal with the challenges it faces in the budgetary, competitiveness and financial sector areas".

The Irish government has repeatedly denied that it is seeking outside support. The Irish Prime-minister was criticized by the opposition at the Parliament, as his coalition has a majority of only three seats

Irish Prime-Minister Brian Cowen has said that he has not asked for bail-out money and that the Irish economy is well funded until next year.

In Brussels, Irish Finance Minister reassured: "We will take effective measures if necessary to stabilize our banking system".

"We are in a much better position compared against other countries in the IMF bail out program", said Dick Ross Irish Minister for European Affairs.

Sources: ÍÅÔ, ÍÅÔ 105.8, ÁNA-ÌPA, Reuters

BBC: Eurozone to 'intensify' work to help Irish Republic

News item: 47671

[05] Eurogroup: "Greece on Right Track"

The Eurogroup issued a statement for Greece to express satisfaction at the efforts taken by the Greek government to comply with the Stability Program, the significant reduction of fiscal deficit achieved in 2010 as well as validation by Eurostat of fiscal data notified by the independent Greek statistical authority for 2009. But it also stresses in particular the need for further expenditures reduction in 2011. Greece "intends to take any necessary measures", said Finance Minister George Papakonstantinou. The third installment of the rescue package would be allocated on agreed time said the spokesman for Monetary affairs Commissioner Olli Rehn . In reference to Ireland, Eurogroup has agreed on intensification and acceleration of technical issues regarding possibility of European assistance for the restructuring of the country's bank system. Eurozone is not in danger, said German Chancellor Angela Merkel.

"Acceleration of Structural Reforms"

Eurogroup president Jean Claude Yunker, referring to the statement for Greece, underlined the strong commitment of the Greek government to undertake the required additional measures in the budget for 2011, in order to confirm the ambitious deficit target of 17 billion euros next year

Mr. Yunker added that the Greek government should specify the details of such additional measures in the 2011 budget as well as in the revised Memorandum.

Continuing Eurogroup President stressed the need for further state expenditure reductions, as well the acceleration and deepening of structural reforms in particular in the area of taxation, labour markets, business environment, health care and the efficiency of public administration.

Concluding, Mr. Yunker stressed with the substantial execution of the program over the past 5-6 months Greece is on the right track but the significant progress should continue in 2011 to allow the Greek budget to remain on track.

Greece has achieved in 2010 the most significant fiscal progress- to bring deficit 6% down -ever made in the EU said Finance Minister George Papakonstantinou, adding that the government would take any measures considered necessary.

On its part, Austria said that it would not block financial assistance to Greece provided it meets its commitments.

Earlier, Athens said that it had achieved the target to bring deficit down and all EU partners are bound by their signatures.

"The euro zone is not at risk" German Chancellor Angela Merkel said late on Tuesday, adding "the European sovereign debt crisis has shown weaker countries must become more competitive and Greece, Spain and Portugal are working hard to achieve this".

"EU and Germany's solidarity to Greece is not an one-way road", had said German Finance Minister earlier commenting on Prime-minister George Papandreou recent statements.

There is no question for postponement to January of rescue package third installment mounting to 9 billion euros said the spokesman for Monetary affairs Commissioner Olli Rehn.

The Greek Finance Ministry also issued a statement ruling out concern about postponement of date for reimbursement of third installment.

Sources: ÍÅÔ, ÍÅÔ 105.8, ÁNA-ÌPA, Reuters

Related News:Crucial Eurogroup Meeting, Rompey Sounds Bell, Papandreou Ruled out Debt Restructuring

News item: 47547

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