Athens News Agency: News in English, 05-03-30

Athens News Agency: News in English Directory - Previous Article - Next Article

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

CONTENTS

[01] Gov't defends new tax package, points directly to 'inherited deficit' of 6.1%

[02] Tourism nets 7.4 bln euros in 2003

[03] Olympic venues bill to boost economic growth, transparency Alternate Culture Minister says

[04] 'Euro-bus' campaign launched in Greece

[01] Gov't defends new tax package, points directly to 'inherited deficit' of 6.1%

"The government was called on to face problems that had been accumulated by its predecessors, and it chose the policy of a mild adaptation, something it announced from the very first," government spokesman Thodoris Roussopoulos told reporters, while again referring to the "non-shock" economic policies the Karamanlis government has repeated cited since assuming power a year ago.

"The fiscal audit recorded dramatically negative results, and this government was obliged to deal with a deficit of 6.1 percent ... this difference, roughly eight billion euros, which was either due to under-estimation or hidden deficits, must be covered," Roussopoulos, who is also the Minister of State, said.

Moreover, the spokesman downplayed the prospect of increased tax evasion, saying the government is "conveying" a message of strict fines and increased market checks.

"It is not pleasant to take measures that burden the Greek citizen -- thankfully in the least possible degree -- however, this is the truth (regarding the deficit), one known to our European partners," Roussopoulos added.

In reaction to Tuesday's announcement, 34 main opposition PASOK deputies on Wednesday tabled a Parliament question towards the development minister charging increased inflation, reduction in consumers' buying power, and what they termed the retail market's "asphyxiation".

[02] Tourism nets 7.4 bln euros in 2003

Greeks travelling abroad spent 2.2 billion euros, Eurostat said.

The net income figure was the fourth largest in the European Union's 25 members, in a ranking led by Spain at 29.5 billion euros, France (11.6 billion euros), and Italy (9.4 billion euros), according to the data.

Total revenue from tourism in the EU-25 in 2003 was 213.4 billion euros, Eurostat said.

[03] Olympic venues bill to boost economic growth, transparency Alternate Culture Minister says

Palli-Petralia said that the bill clearly defines the role of the state, individuals and regional authorities, emphasising that the bill does not have any grey areas that are open to interpretation. She also reiterated the government's position that "nothing [of the Olympic venues] will be sold."

The alternate minister also explained that the bill calls for the creation of green zones and the development of theme parks, while there will be no further construction on Olympic sites.

She said that interest from private investors has been great, as witnessed by her and by her colleagues. Additionally, she clarified that there have not been any specific proposals regarding long-term leasing of the sites, but said that such a possibility will be considered.

[04] 'Euro-bus' campaign launched in Greece

The vehicle will distribute informational materials around the country.

During a brief ceremony, Transport Minister Mihalis Liapis emphasized that "Greece gains by being in the European Union, and also better serves its national interests."

Deputy FM Yiannis Valynakis was also on hand for the "Euro-Bus" debut.

Conversely, Coalition of the Left (Synaspismos) leader Alekos Alavanos, in a later statement, called for a "brake" to be put on the vehicle, underlining his party's campaign for a nationwide referendum to ratify the draft Euro-Constitution.

Athens News Agency: News in English Directory - Previous Article - Next Article