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Athens News Agency: News in English, 09-01-14
CONTENTS
[01] Govt on election speculation, state utilities, OA
[02] OTE 'optimistic' over '09 course
[01] Govt on election speculation, state utilities, OA
The government spokesman on Wednesday reiterated that he does not
comment on issues raised by Parliament deputies, when asked about the
criticism launched by ruling New Democracy (ND) MPs regarding so-called
"golden boys", a recently coined euphemism for lavishly paid executives
in public utility companies or state-affiliated corporations.
Regarding statements by ND parliamentary spokesman Panos
Panagiotopoulos targeting Public Power Corporation S.A. (PPC) President
Takis Athanassopoulos, the government spokesman said he will make a
comment when he has something to say regarding public utilities. In
answer to the ubiquitous early election question, Antonaros said those
responsible are trying to pull attention away from their own political
dead-end and are not members of the government. Referring to the
imminent dialogue on education, the government spokesman stressed that
it will be open and all sides are invited to present their positions.
Regarding debt-burdened national carrier Olympic Airlines (OA),
Antonaros stressed that Development Minister Costis Hatzidakis -- up
until recently the transport minister -- has accumulated knowledge and
experience on the issue, however, it now falls under the jurisdiction
of the new Transport Minister Evripides Stylianidis.
[02] OTE 'optimistic' over '09 course
Hellenic Telecommunications Organisation's (OTE) chairman and chief
executive, Panagis Vourloumis, on Wednesday expressed optimism over the
group's course, both domestic and abroad, despite an international
financial crisis currently underway.
Speaking to reporters, Vourloumis said his cooperation with Deutsche
Telekom (DT) was good, reiterated that Cosmote remained the group's
"strong card" and criticised the market regulator's policy, especially
towards OTE.
Vourloumis announced that there would be a new round of voluntary
retirement of employees in the group, although he noted that it would
cover a limited number of staff. He confirmed that the group would hire
specialised staff (probably around 700) and said that state
organisations and ministries owed around 70 million euros to the
group.
He said a financial crisis would not hit hard the telecommunications
sector and announced that an extraordinary general shareholders'
meeting would be held February 6. Vourloumis said he intended to remain
at his post as head of the organization by next June, "unless" he was
forced to leave earlier. The climate of cooperation with Deutsche
Telekok was good, he said, adding that cooperation would begin this
year in certain sectors, such as procurement.
Vourloumis said binding offers in the sale of Cosmofon, Cosmote's
subsidiary in FYROM, were expected to be submitted in February and
noted that there were currently six candidates in the tender.
Caption: ANA-MPA file photo of OTE CEO Panagis Vourloumis.
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