Subject: Athens Macedonian News Agency: News in English, 17-01-02 From: "HR-Net News Distribution Manager" CONTENTS [01] PM Tsipras to meet party leaders on the Cyprus issue [02] Delays in second programme review are not justified, gov't spokesman says --------------------------------------------------------------------------- [01] PM Tsipras to meet party leaders on the Cyprus issue Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras will meet with party leaders, according to government sources, to discuss the Cyprus issue, ahead of the meeting in Geneva on January 12. Meanwhile, Foreign Minister Nikos Kotzias will visit New York on Friday where he will meet with the new secretary general of United Nations António Guterres. [02] Delays in second programme review are not justified, gov't spokesman says Delays in the conclusion of the second programme review are not justified, government spokesman Dimitris Tzanakopoulos on Monday said in an interview with radio station Kokkino 105.5 FM. Tzanakopoulos stressed the importance of avoiding delays without any reason. He also ruled out the scenarios of early elections and added that the government continues its efforts to exit guardianship and protect the society. The situation of the Greek economy, as reflected on growth rates, revenue outperformance and reduction of unemployment does not justify any delays, he noted and cleared out that "any delay would be technical." Moreover, he said it is also positive that apart from the government, the vast majority of the creditors shares the same view.