Subject: Athens Macedonian News Agency: News in English, 17-02-19 From: "HR-Net News Distribution Manager" CONTENTS [01] Second review can conclude immediately, says Alt.FM Katrougalos [02] President Pavlopoulos to pay two-day official visit to Saudi Arabia [03] Energy Min. Stathakis on lignite and hydroelectric generation auctions --------------------------------------------------------------------------- [01] Second review can conclude immediately, says Alt.FM Katrougalos The general climate in Europe is the one expressed in Manfred Weber's (European People's party president) statements on IMF's withdrawal, stated Alternate Foreign Minister George Katrougalos in an interview with Athens Macedonian News Agency after the conclusion of his visit to Berlin. "Everyone in Europe understands that the IMF asks for absurd things, as to open again issues of the first review, or questions European Commission and Eurostat's reports which are indications that deliberately asks for things that no reasonable man would accept, in order to withdraw" said Katrougalos. "Only the German Finance Ministry supports these harsh views" said the Greek minister adding that "the good thing is that despite the fact that these views are expressed since 2012, they are totally isolated". He referred to German Labour Minister Andrea Nahles statement at SPD's congress for a social Europe who characterised Schaeuble's attitude "totally irresponsible". Katrougalos said that the second review can be completed immediately with a political agreement adding that Greece is not responsible for the delay. "Nobody can ask for precautionary measures when not needed. This is our negotiation line and on this we will insist". [02] President Pavlopoulos to pay two-day official visit to Saudi Arabia Greek President Prokopios Pavlopoulos will pay an official visit to Saudi Arabia on Tuesday and Wednesday. Pavlopoulos is visiting the country at Saudi Arabia King Salman bin Abdulaziz al Saud's invitation. [03] Energy Min. Stathakis on lignite and hydroelectric generation auctions We should not jump to conclusions, recommended Energy and Environment Minister George Stathakis to those that take for granted the failure of PPC lignite and hydroelectric generation auctions, in an interview with Athens Macedonian News Agency on Sunday. He clarified that the evaluation of the mechanism will be held in June by the Regulatory Authority for Energy and in the meantime there is no other discussion on the table. Referring to the liberalisation of the electricity market via subsidiaries in the sector of supply, Stathakis noted that this plan is not mature yet. He also presented the energy strategy for the islands with focus on the development and interconnection of the renewable energy sources.