Subject: Athens Macedonian News Agency: News in English, 17-03-30 From: "HR-Net News Distribution Manager" CONTENTS [01] The country will not return to normality even if the negotiation concludes, ND spokesman Kikilias says [02] US believes Greece is a critical country for the stability in wider region, Digital Min Minister Pappas says --------------------------------------------------------------------------- [01] The country will not return to normality even if the negotiation concludes, ND spokesman Kikilias says Main opposition New Democracy (ND) spokesman Vassilis Kikilias on Thursday in an interview with Skai TV leveled against the government saying that even if the negotiation is concluded, the country will not return to normality. Kikillias, who participates in the EPP Congress in Malta, referred to the pension cuts, the lower tax free threshold and the sale of our energy wealth. "They have accepted everything and they are looking for a way to pass them in Parliament. At the same time, they are trying to persuade the Greeks that they proudly negotiate," he said adding that the government does not meet the prior actions and especially the reforms. Concluding, New Democracy spokesman said that the main opposition will not vote the measures to be submitted in Parliament and reiterated the demand for elections. [02] US believes Greece is a critical country for the stability in wider region, Digital Min Minister Pappas says Digital Policy, Telecommunications and Media Minister Nikos Pappas had a series of meetings at the U.S. State Department during his visit to Washington. Pappas said that the US believe that Greece is a critical country for the stability in the wider region. "The US government remains firm on its position that all the measures need to be implemented so that the country is on track to sustainable development," he underlined. Referring to the progress on the second programme review, he said that "we are very close to a staff level agreement" adding that all the stages that will allow the definite conclusion of the second programme review will have to be concluded by end April. He stressed that Greece has delivered its promises and we should not allow political interests further delay a procedure that ought to have been concluded months ago.