Athens News Agency: News in English, 06-09-10

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

CONTENTS

[01] Reform is a 'one-way street', PM says

[01] Reform is a 'one-way street', PM says

"There are not many roads to success, although there may be differing opinions and tactics, but reform is a one-way street," Karamanlis told the premier's annual across-the-board news conference at Thessaloniki international trade fair.

"I don't believe in talk of the political cost, and it is has no relevance to me," he stated.

As Greece was lagging in productivity and efficiency, improvement would lead to a rise in wealth and output, benefitting the public's standard of living.

"The country has to move forward and it needs change and reform," the prime minister underlined.

He also ruled out early national elections. "In my (economic policy) speech yesterday you will have ascertained that we have a full agenda for this coming period of time, and I have no other thought (early polls) in my mind."

In addition, the economy would not be held hostage to concessions before local elections in October, which would lead to a vicious circle.

"I have no political or moral right to mortgage the country's future, and at a time when we lean towards tidying up the economy," Karamanlis noted.

"The government is keeping its pledges (from March 2004 elections) and will continue to do so. Adhering to pledges is one thing and election concessions are another. The country has paid dearly for this phenomenon, and we must show that we are mature enough to take a step forward," he added.

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