Athens News Agency: News in English, 07-06-11

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

CONTENTS

[01] PM confers with former premier Mitsotakis, State Dept.'s Burns

[01] PM confers with former premier Mitsotakis, State Dept.'s Burns

Asked by reporters after the meeting on whether there was US pressure for an immediate solution of the FYROM 'name issue', Mitsotakis said that "I don't understand what you are saying, nor have I perceived such pressure by the Americans".

"That which I want to say is that the country is now approaching elections. As for when they will take place, that will be decided by the prime minister," Mitsotakis added.

The former premier said that ND was preparing itself, and would definitely win the elections, adding that "Mr. Papandreou (main opposition PASOK leader) is taking care to ensure the victory for us, with his extreme positions and street jargon".

"Unfortunately, the level of our political life has fallen very low. I, as a veteran politician, shudder when I hear that which is being said, when the main opposition leader comes out and says that a party with the history and contribution to the land such as ND became government in order to steal. This is no longer politics. This, even for a brothel or the streets, is foul-mouthed".

Mitsotakis opined that ND would form a self-sufficient government, stressing at the same time that the elections would not be held "with benefits as the slogan".

"There are no margins for benefits. These elections must be held under the slogan of the reforms. The necessary changes -- some were made during the first four-year term -- must be realised decisively and quickly in the next four years. Because ND must not suffer that whch was suffered by (preceding PASOK prime minister Costas) Simitis with the second four-year term,since it is our party and we care about it, but chiefly because the country has no more reserves. It is a one-way street. ND's second term in office must be successful and give solutions to the major problems," Mitsotakis said.

The former prime minister declined response to a question on what would happen in PASOK after the elections, saying that he does not make prophecies regarding the main opposition party.

Karamanlis later met with visiting US Undersecretary of State for political affairs Nicholas Burns. No statements were made after the meeting.

Caption: ANA-MPA photo of PM Karamanlis.

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