Athens News Agency: News in English, 08-10-04

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

CONTENTS

[01] PM Karamanlis addresses ONNED Central Committee

[02] Stylianidis at ESN conference

[01] PM Karamanlis addresses ONNED Central Committee

Karamanlis said that the repercussions of the crisis, with the increase in the prices of petroleum products and of foodstuffs are affecting high prices, as well as the revenues and expenditures of the public sector.

The prime minister went on to say that the Greek economy is maintaining growth rates that are more than double those of the eurozone, unemployment has dropped to the lowest levels in years and the banking system is showing resilience and added that weaknesses do exist that can be handled.

"We are going through a difficult era and we are experiencing the greatest crisis in the postwar period," Karamanlis said.

The prime minister criticised the opposition, saying that some are trying to convince the citizens that these increases in international prices do not concern us and that the Greek government is to blame for everything.

"They are out of touch with international reality. It is a display of petty partisanship that is unacceptable for the days that we are experiencing. The citizens are aware of the repercussions," he said.

Appealing to ONNED's young men and women, Karamanlis said "keep the essence of politics, keep the flame of hope and of our joint struggles lighted."

Karamanlis underlined that "I shall not place any expediency above the interests of my country. I do not accept pressures from anyone. I am exercising the policy that my country needs," while adding "no to the levelling doubting of everything. No to opportunism that harms the country. Yes to the principles and the values that unite us."

The prime minister pointed out that reforms will be continued and that the government is working to strengthen the protection net for the sensitive social groups that are the most hard-hit by the repercussions of the international economic crisis.

Karamanlis concluded his address by saying "we are forging ahead without compromises, all of us together determined with optimism and vision."

CAPTION: ANA-MPA file photo of Prime Minister Costas Karamanlis.

[02] Stylianidis at ESN conference

The minister placed emphasis on initiatives taken by young people both for themselves and for society, he termed their contribution to the political agenda constructive and promised to take their proposals into serious consideration in planning the ministry's policy.

Stylianidis also thanked the ESN for its support for the Local Youth Councils that were elected in the country's local administration bodies, giving young people in each local society the opportunity to express their views on every issue of local interest.

CAPTION: ANA-MPA file photo of Education and Religion Minister Evripidis Stylianidis.

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