Athens News Agency: News in English, 05-10-07

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

CONTENTS

[01] Greek FinMin defends economic policy choice

[02] National soccer team completes preparations ahead of Saturday's World Cup qualifier against Denmark

[01] Greek FinMin defends economic policy choice

Speaking to reporters, Alogoskoufis said the government took over a tragic situation which had to be dealt with to avoid a fiscal imbalance and missing the goals of a Stability and Growth Pact. The Greek minister stressed the government consciously opted for a mild adjustment policy, a policy leading to growth, more employment and supporting social cohesion.

Greece's fiscal deficit is falling from 6.6 pct of GDP in 2004 to 3.6 pct this year and it is expected to fall to 2.8 pct in 2006, while economic growth was 3.6 pct and unemployment fell by one percentage point, Alogoskoufis said.

The Greek minister stressed that a 2006 draft budget plan reflected a government success in achieving fiscal restructuring through a reduction of deficits and promotion of structural measures.

Alogoskoufis underlined that a debt securitization plan would proceed according to Eurostat's regulations and noted that any differences over securitization plan in 2006 would be resolved by the EU Economy and Finance ministers' council.

Main opposition PASOK spokesman Nikos Athanassakis on his part accused the government of subjecting the country through "yet another humiliation" after its general economic audit through the new draft budget submitted by Finance Minister George Alogoskoufis, which Athanassakis described as being "up in the air".

[02] National soccer team completes preparations ahead of Saturday's World Cup qualifier against Denmark

Striker Charisteas and defender Fyssas, both on the injury list, had a less strenuous training session than the rest of the players but they completed their training programme. Defender Dellas and midfielder Karagounis also participated in the regular training session, with the latter considered certain to play, even if he has to have an injection to help him along.

As regards the other three players (Charisteas, Dellas and Fyssas), it is up to German coach Otto Rehhagel to use them or not.

Greece will have to beat both Denmark and Georgia at home on Wednesday to win second place in its group and contest a place in the summer World Cup finals in Germany through playoffs.

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