Subject: Athens Macedonian News Agency: News in English, 17-05-22 From: "HR-Net News Distribution Manager" CONTENTS [01] Greece's has met EU's conditions for fiscal deficit, Moscovici says [02] Gov't spokesman Tzanakopoulos: Conditions for exit to the markets are being gradually formed [03] A huge sign 'for sale' is hanging over the country, says PASOK leader Gennimata --------------------------------------------------------------------------- [01] Greece's has met EU's conditions for fiscal deficit, Moscovici says BRUSSELS (ANA/Ch.Vassilaki) --- Greece has met EU's conditions for its fiscal deficit, namely its reduction under 3.0 pct of GDP, European Commissioner for Financial Affairs Pierre Moscovici said in a press conference during which he presented European Commission's recommendations for each country. However, Moscovici clarified that the official decision for the suspension of the excessive deficit procedure will be taken after a comprehensive political decision for the Greek issue is reached. "Greece has succeeded to cut deficit under 3.0 pct of GDP in 2016 and 2017 according to EU's rules and these are good news", said Moscovici adding that the conclusion of the second review of the Greek programme and the course of the Greek debt at mid-term and long-term level will be discussed at a Eurogroup meeting later on Monday. "I hope in a positive way" said the French commissioner underlining that "it's time partners to assume their responsibility". Referring to the excessive deficit procedure, Moscovici said that the ongoing deliberations including the debt issue will have consequences on Greece's public finances and the "official decision for the abolition of the procedure will be taken when all aspects have been examined. "We can say that we are on this direction" he noted and clarified that "Greece has already fulfilled the conditions of the Stability Pact". [02] Gov't spokesman Tzanakopoulos: Conditions for exit to the markets are being gradually formed The conditions for Greece's exit to the markets and the restoration of confidence in the Greek economy are being gradually formed, government spokesman Dimitris Tzanakopoulos said on Monday during the 4th annual economic conference of the Hellenic Entrepreneurs Union. According to Tzanakopoulos, "this safe and stable environment is a fundamental element for Greece to achieve high and sustainable growth rates in the coming years. There are many possibilities and great interest inside and outside the country. A glance to the Greek bonds, which are at a seven-year low, proves the positive prospects of the Greek economy and its potential in the next few years." As Tzanakopoulos noted, "the government and the prime minister are giving a battle every day to shape the conditions that will allow the country and the economy to recover. The signs are positive. Our steps are steady and our commitment is for granted. We look forward to supporting and cooperating with all the productive forces of Greece to achieve our collective goals." "We hope that the current Eurogroup will bridge the real differences between the two sides and with the steady and persistent intervention of the government to come up with a comprehensive agreement on the Greek debt," said Tzanakopoulos. [03] A huge sign 'for sale' is hanging over the country, says PASOK leader Gennimata "The government voted a new memorandum which commits the country until 2021, without having the legalisation. The government surrendered, it did not negotiate and delayed in purpose and this delay increased the cost, stated on Monday PASOK leader and head of the Democratic Alliance Fofi Gennimata during an event in Alexandria, Imathia prefecture. "The notorious offset measures are a lie. Reality are the measures," said Gennimata adding that a huge sign reading 'for sale' is hanging over the country. She said that there is an alternative way but first of all an agreement between all the political forces and a national plan is needed. The head of the Democratic Alliance is touring the prefecture of Imathia and in the evening will speak at a political meeting in the city of Veria.