Subject: Athens Macedonian News Agency: News in English, 17-03-01 From: "HR-Net News Distribution Manager" CONTENTS [01] Starting point in negotiations over structural reforms at 2 pct of GDP, gov't sources say [02] Everyone has acknowledged that austerity must come to an end, Alternate Economy Min Charitsis tells ANA [03] No migrants or refugees arrived on the northern Aegean islands in the last day --------------------------------------------------------------------------- [01] Starting point in negotiations over structural reforms at 2 pct of GDP, gov't sources say The meeting between the Greek government and the heads of the institutions' representatives was concluded late on Tuesday. According to a government official close to the negotiations, the "starting point" in the negotiations with the creditors over structural reforms is at 2 percent of GDP. The same official said that this figure may be further reduced. The negotiations at technical staff level will continue while a new meeting at ministerial level will take place at the end of the week. [02] Everyone has acknowledged that austerity must come to an end, Alternate Economy Min Charitsis tells ANA "Everyone has acknowledged that recessionary measures and austerity must come to an end," Alternate Economy and Development Minister Alexandros Charitsis on Wednesday said in statements to the Athens-Macedonian News Agency's radio station Praktoreio 104.9 FM. Charitsis also stressed the importance of a growth policy now so that the Greek economy is restored. [03] No migrants or refugees arrived on the northern Aegean islands in the last day No migrants or refugees arrived on Lesvos and Chios in the last day, police said on Wednesday. However, 71 persons arrived on Samos. The Greek Coast Guard arrested the Turkish driver of the boat. Meanwhile,the number of stranded refugees, that have sought asylum was 9,209. 4,152 were hosted in hotspots on Lesvos, 3,362 in hotspots on Chios and 1,696 in the hotspot on the island of Samos.