Athens News Agency: News in English, 07-04-24

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

CONTENTS

[01] Changes and reforms strong and steadfast commitment, PM says

[02] Tension in prisons eases

[01] Changes and reforms strong and steadfast commitment, PM says

Karamanlis said that the government has shaped the terms and preconditions for a reformist cycle with continuity and escalation, adding that "there can be no concessions and discounts on this path because only with changes and reforms can Greece assimilate the vibrations of the new era and turn them into advantages."

The prime minister referred to economic policy, saying that the initial results of the new economic and development policy confirm the correctness of the government's options and inspire optimism. He mentioned in particular that the deficit has been reduced to 2.6 percent of GDP and is continuing to fall with sure and firm steps.

Karamanlis further noted that growth rates are among the highest in the eurozone, the competitiveness of the economy has begun to improve, as is ascertained with the increase in investments, exports and the tourist influx, total investments are increasing considerably, tourism is registering a strong momentum and inflation, despite the increase in international oil prices, is following a downward trend, while employment fell to levels below 9 percent after many years.

The prime minister also focused on the country's foreign relations, referring in particular to Turkey and the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (FYROM).

As regards neighbouring Turkey, Karamanlis said that the government is following a strategy of good neigbourliness and supports its European adjustment, but made it clear that "its full response to the principles and prerequisites of the European Union also means its full accession for us. The wager is up to itself and it must, if indeed it wants to move towards Europe, move along the lines set by the European Union."

On the question of FYROM, the prime minister said that modern-day Greece, exercising a policy of open horizons, is encouraging the European prospects of neighbouring countries and supporting their adjustment to European models.

"We make it clear that FYROM, in its course towards Euroatlantic institutions, must and should contribute to the achievement of a mutually acceptable solution to the pending issue of its name," he concluded.

[02] Tension in prisons eases

The inmates were finally obliged to return to their cells in both these prisons.

The Secretary General of the Justice Ministry went to Malandrino, so as to exhaust all the margins for understanding with the inmates.

Justice Minister Anastasios Papaligouras on Tuesday afternoon did not exclude the intervention of police forces in the prisons where upheaval exists.

To reporters' questions whether police forces will intervene in the event that the crisis in the prisons does not ease, Papaligouras replied that "At this moment the Secretary General of the Justice Ministry is heading towards Malandrino, so as to exhaust all the margins for understanding with the inmates." He noted that "the public prosecutor and the directors of the prisons, where upheaval continues to be observed, have asked for the contribution of the police for the restoration of order, as has already happened at Korydallos prison." He added that "the state with responsibility will act accordingly for the restoration of the climate of calm in these prisons as well."

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