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] Hatzidakis meets OA pilots

[02] Pavlopoulos on local administration

[03] Tsipras visits Koropi

[01] Hatzidakis meets OA pilots

The minister presented to the representatives the dialogue framework that is being promoted by the ministry and that concerns the pilots in particular.

Hatzidakis reiterated the government's determination for a social package of measures for all of Olympic's employees which, as he said, provides an ultimate protection net.

CAPTION: ANA-MPA file photo of Transport and Communications Minister Kostis Hatzidakis.

[02] Pavlopoulos on local administration

The minister said that the next reckoning for local administration first and second stage representatives in 2010 will be taking place with the administrative reform, on condition and with the precondition that the necessary funds and infrastructures will have been secured.

Pavlopoulos also reassured the first and second stage representatives that "no reform will take place unless the economic problems are resolved first" and referred to the first reformist Kapodistrias plan, saying that the mistakes and omissions of the past will not be repeated, when local administration officials had been expecting at least three billion drachmas and had received only 1.7 billion.

Lastly, Pavlopoulos referred to the new administrative period of the 4th Community Support Framework (CSF), reiterating that funds that will be channeled into regions will be increasing (nearing 80 percent) and expressed satisfaction over the rates with which European Union funds are being absorbed.

CAPTION: ANA-MPA file photo of Interior Minister Prokopis Pavlopoulos.

[03] Tsipras visits Koropi

"We are seeing a government under demolition in the past days, a government reminiscent of yards for old materials, that is sinking in scandals, disrepute and crude selfishness," he said.

Tsipras also referred to the main opposition PASOK party, saying that public corporations are under the control of the Stock Exchange due to the policy of its own governments, while also criticising the policy of PASOK governments in the sectors of education and labour relations as well.

The Coalition leader stressed the need "for a new correlation of forces to emerge from the present two-party setting, that is tottering, that is collapsing" and concluded by saying "we are confident that the next election, whenever it may take place, will be an election of hope for a great change, for a great reversal in the country's political affairs."

CAPTION: ANA-MPA file photo of Coalition of the Left, Movements and Ecology President Alexis Tsipras.

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