Athens News Agency: News in English, 05-03-07

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From: The Athens News Agency at <http://www.ana.gr/>

CONTENTS

[01] Gov't points to successful Olympics, series of measures as top achievements of first year in power

[02] Health minister, political parties issue messages on World Women's Day

[03] Greece calls for feasible Lisbon strategy goals

[04] President Stephanopoulos gives awards to overseas Greek media

[01] Gov't points to successful Olympics, series of measures as top achievements of first year in power

In citing what he called the government's top achievements in its first 12 months, government spokesman and Minister of State Thodoris Roussopoulos first referred to the utterly successful hosting of the 2004 Summer Olympic Games of Athens.

In quick order, moreover, he cited bank sector legislation abolishing certain forms of penalty interest rates -- especially ones aimed at individual borrowers -- terminating the much-vilified LAFKA contributions by pensioners, quicker payments for crop damages, efforts to find a permanent resolution to the long-standing issue of thousands of public sector contract employees' status, a new development law, abolition of the so-called "mathematical formula" for awarding public works projects and the high-profile "primary shareholder" law aimed at curbing state contractors' influence in the broadcast media field.

Roussopoulos, who briefed reporters at a regular press briefing, also underlined the government's efforts at fighting state waste and red tape, both part of ND's "banner" pre-election promises.

Asked about a series of opinion polls to see the light of day recently, the government spokesman stressed that "citizens know the poor economic situation has been caused by PASOK's policies over the past 10 years. The current government has begun the effort to tidy up the economy in favor of Greek citizens," Roussopoulos said.

The latest opinion poll, published a day earlier by the "Eleftherotypia" daily, gives ruling ND 36.1 percent of respondents' votes, a 4.1-percent lead over PASOK (32 percent). ND leader Costas Karamanlis garnered a 49-percent figure on the question of "most capable for the post of premier", with one-time foreign minister and PASOK leader George Papandreou trailing with 32.3 percent.

In comments on the controversial LAFKA (an acronym that in Greek is short for 'Solidarity Account of Social Security Entities') contributions and last week's announcement by Prime Minister Costas Karamanlis himself that he government will refund contributions taken from pensioners -- between 1998 and July 1, 2004 -- Roussopoulos reminded that ND made good on its promise to abolish the regime employed by the previous two Simitis governments.

[02] Health minister, political parties issue messages on World Women's Day

Health Minister Nikitas Kaklamanis said "woman is a symbol made to create and provide. It is time for her to enjoy the fruit of her offering. The first step in this direction is the absolute safeguarding of her 'well being' through care for her own health."

The Communist Party of Greece (KKE) said in its message on the occasion that what capitalism provides for the woman is "unemployment, part-time work, volatility and flexibility in employment, training, programmes, black labour, 'enterprise', 'active aging', terrorism in the workplace, violence and abuse, prostitution, drugs, as well as quotas in decision-making centres and watches to measure her impoverishment."

The Coalition of the Left, Movements and Ecology said an essential element in the struggle for equality among the genders is the unified action of the multiform and multicoloured feminist movement, its alliance with the radical movements which are struggling for "another world which is feasible", meaning alignment with the movement against neo-liberal globalisation.

[03] Greece calls for feasible Lisbon strategy goals

"The targets set at the Lisbon summit in 2000 were extremely high, which has meant that the whole of Europe has fallen below the measure. Steps to achieve all of these targets must be implementable and realistic, and should be assessed every year," Development Minister Dimitris Sioufas told an EU competitiveness ministers meeting in Brussels.

The meeting was called to prepare for a spring council that will debate the Lisbon Agenda, the bloc's economic reform plan forged in 2000.

[04] President Stephanopoulos gives awards to overseas Greek media

The president praised the role played by overseas Greek media which support Hellenism and prolong its life since we no longer have immigrants who renew Greek communities in the world.

Minister of State and government spokesman Theodoros Roussopoulos said the overseas Greek media keep the flame of Hellenism alive, strengthening corridors of communication between overseas Greeks and between Greek communities and the metropolis.

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