The Hellenic Radio (ERA): News in English, 10-04-27

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From: The Hellenic Radio (ERA) <www.ert.gr/>

CONTENTS

[01] K.Papoulias Intervention on Economy

The President of the Republic Karolos Papoulias made an intervention to the issue of economy during his meeting with United Arab Emirates Foreign Minister. Mr. Papoulias expressed optimist that the country will overcome the financial crisis, however, underlining the need for painful sacrifices to achieve the target.

"Optimism but also Painful Sacrifices"

Mr. Papoulias, after his meeting with United Arab Emirates Foreign Minister, expressed optimism that we will the battle. Speaking with his visitor, the President of the Republic referred to the difficulties Greece is facing, however, underlined "we do not bear full responsibility as there are many other reasons such as speculative mania by some circles".

"Your region also experienced these circles' bad game. But you had many forces and many reserves and managed to overcome it. We are optimistic that we will win with many sacrifices and unfortunately painful sacrifices by the weak", concluded the President of the Republic.

Strengthening Cooperation with UAE

UAE Foreign Minister, Sheikh Abdallah Bin Zayid Al Nahyan referred to his country's cooperation with Greece in the shipping construction field, promoted in the last three months while he expressed satisfaction "that there are investment capital inflowing from his country to Greece and we are ready to welcome this investments".

fter his meeting with the President of the Republic, Sheikh Abdallah visited alternate Foreign Minister D. Droutsas with whom he signed a Cooperation Memorandum.

In his statements , alternate Foreign Minister D. Droutsas cited the President of the Republic Karolos Papoulias recent visit to Abu Dhabi and the two agreements (avoidance of double taxation and flight connections) recently signed by the two parties while he stressed that the third agreement signed on Tuesday concerns political cooperation between the two Foreign Ministries.

Mr. Droutsas also reminded the activities of large Greek companies in UAE and placed particular emphasis on the fact that "the Greek government is accelerating work to develop the necessary legal environment to attract foreign investments".

Sheikh Abdallah Bin Zayid Al Nahyan underlined that his country is promoting economic cooperation where "Greece plays a major role", he underlined "new investment fields are being sought" and within this framework talks focused on culture, tourism and energy, particularly on renewable sources of energy.

Source: NET, NET 105.8, ΑNA-ΜPA News item: 35927

[02] "National Necessity to Turn to Support Mechanism"

Prime-minister, George Papandreou in a dramatic tone expounded to his party's deputies the circumstances and the necessity that made Greek authorities to ask for activation of the joint EU-IMF support mechanism and called them all to unite to brief Greek people. Tuesday's session of PASOK party Parliamentary Group includes an open dialogue and positions of senior deputies and government officials are expected with high interest..

Dramatic Tone in PM's Speech

"Our country is facing the most difficult period after the military coup", stressed Prime-minister G. Papandreou addressing PASOK Parliamentary Group.

The Prime-minister exercised sharp criticism at the former conservative ND government, blaming it for its policies that led the country to the brink of bankruptcy. "We revealed the truth about the economy. Their policies made the country vulnerable to speculators and undermined its credibility. They wanted to hide their sins under the carpet", said the Prime-minister.

"I am personally determined to do whatever necessary to revive the country and ensure security for Greek people, underlined Mr. Papandreou and added "Today is time to work for the country's rebirth. It is now or never. But we will achieve".

"We neither shirk, nor dodge from circumstances", maintained the Prime-minister. Commenting on objections against activation of support mechanism he said "We created a mechanism to avoid bankruptcy", stressing that the support mechanism would provide time and calmness to make the necessary reforms.

"We have been preoccupied with spreads for six months, it's enough, and we now center on big reforms. The session of PASOK Parliamentary Group continues as at least 22 deputies have asked to express their positions.

Source: ΝΕΤ - ΝΕΤ 105.8

Σχετική είδηση: Περαιτέρω μείωση του ελλείματος ζητά ο Γ. Προβόπουλος

Σχετική είδηση: Μέτρα σε βάθος τριετίας ζήτησε η Μέρκελ

News item: 35924

[03] "Kallikratis" Re-establishes Local Administration

The Ministers' Council, during their meeting on Wednesday, will discuss "Kallikratis" draft-bill which will also include the map of all new municipalities and prefectures. Speaking on Monday to state channel NET program "Proskinio", Interior Minister Yiannis Ragousis underlined that "Kallikratis" plan re-establishes local administration with the creation of strong and viable municipalities whose operation would bring multiple benefits to citizens.

Mergers & Strict Inspections

The Ministers' Council, during its meeting on Wednesday, is expected to give green light to Kallikratis map that includes less than 370 municipalities . Apart from municipalities mergers, "Kallikratis" plan also provides mergers of thousand of legal entities and municipal companies.

Reduces to 2.000 the 6.000 municipal companies and legal entities

50% Reduction in Local Administration elected personnel

Reduces to 25.000, the 50.000 positions of mayors, prefects, municipal and prefectural advisors , of which 80% are paid positions.

It is estimated that the Greek state will save over 1.800bl euros . All expenses and revenues of municipalities will undergo strict inspection while a purging program has been worked for debt ridden municipalities.

Source: ΝΕΤ

Σχετική είδηση: Σύσκεψη για τις συγχωνεύσεις στο Δημόσιο

News item: 35918

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