Subject: Athens Macedonian News Agency: News in English, 17-03-31 From: "HR-Net News Distribution Manager" CONTENTS [01] Dragasakis: Bank of Greece is independent but not unaccountable' --------------------------------------------------------------------------- [01] Dragasakis: Bank of Greece is independent but not unaccountable' The Bank of Greece is independent but not unaccountable, government Vice-president Yannis Dragasakis said on Friday, responding to statements made by central banker Yannis Stournaras who said that the pension system in Greece is still generous by Greek and international standards. "We all have a right to an opinion, whatever that is, but when we hold an institutional role we must be careful," he said at a SYRIZA event in the neighbourhood of Holargos. Dragasakis said Stournaras' statements echoed those of the International Monetary Fund and added that the one negotiating with Greece's lenders is not Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras and his government, but the country. "We want to know if these are the opinions of the bank and since when they have existed," he said adding the government cannot operate without a good cooperation with the BoG. "We don't interfere in its operation, although there are issues that can be discussed," he said and continued arguing that society should be asked if the central banker properly performs his duties. "If yes, then fine, but if not then the issue is not personal but institutional," he said.