Athens News Agency: News in English, 09-03-14

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

CONTENTS

[01] PM addresses youth group conference

[02] PASOK on PM's comments

[03] Event held in Kavala for European parliament

[04] FM: ND a large democratic party

[05] KKE on political developments

[01] PM addresses youth group conference

Karamanlis praised ONNED cadres on their decision to start their conference from a provincial town, stressing that it is an "act of symbolism and significance".

"We have received your message; the new generation is our country's major advantage. You are showing us the way to the future; the way of dialogue and cooperation; the way of national unanimity; the way that sets aside petty politics to join all young people's common visions".

Regarding government's policy on environment, Karamanlis said that from 2004 the government has been implemented a new developmental model, adding that "We are implementing a strategy that combines development with environmental protection. The fact that the National Framework Package grants 4.9 billion euros for works and actions for environment's protection is a major example of our efforts."

Earlier, he spoke at the Aetoloakarnania prefecture's Industrial Chamber, where he noted that "we are proceeding with responsibility, calmness and seriousness. We are determined to transform the international challenge into a national opportunity; all together, and determined to win this battle for the sake of all Greek citizens".

Karamanlis also noted that the international economic crisis exerts pressure on all financial institutions, and that nobody can ignore this reality.

"Nobody can act as an outside observer; nobody can involuntarily harm the collective interest. Conditions do not permit petty politics. They do not allow divisive practices and, furthermore, do not permit any relaxation".

The prime minister called business owners to show greater social responsibility and the due respect to their employees.

Referring to government's plan to exit the crisis, he said that it is based on development, even with low rates of growth during this difficult year, "the gradual reduction of the fiscal deficit and support to the weaker incomes, within the limits of our economy."

Karamanlis also referred to the government's plan to cope with unemployment. "We are implementing coordinated actions aimed to help 200,000 unemployed to find jobs by the end of the year."

Caption: ANA-MPA file photo of Prime Minister Costas Karamanlis

[02] PASOK on PM's comments

"Society has turned its back to Prime Minister Costas Karamanlis. His visit to the local hospital reminds Greek people the dysfunction and degradation of the National Health System. His visit to a construction site of Ionia highway reminds them of the cutbacks in state's investments and the abandoning of the region during his governance. His speech to producer groups makes it clear that he doesn't have a plan against the crisis and of course his presence at New Democracy's youth organisation reminds us that entire he prefers his party's audience."

Concerning the last poll results, Papaconstantinou said they indicate citizens' disapproval of Karamanlis' governance.

[03] Event held in Kavala for European parliament

The event, which was entitled "European elections: An opportunity for Social Europe and Europe of principles," was held at the Archaeological Museum of Kavala.

European Parliament vice president Rodi Kratsa, the head of main opposition PASOK Euro-parliament group Stavros Lambrinidis and the head of Communist Party of Greece parliament group Giorgos Toussas were the main speakers of the event.

[04] FM: ND a large democratic party

She was answering a press question referring the Popular Orthodox Party (LA.OS).

Referring to the vandalism against stores, banks and cars in Athens and Thessaloniki, a day earlier, she stressed: "We are really worried and we are determined not to permit to such groups to destroy people's property and to devastate the image of the country".

The statements were made after the conclusion of Bakoyannis' meeting with the members of ND's coordinating committee in Thessaloniki in the presence of Macedonia and Thrace Minister Stavros Kalafatis, Deputy Interior Ministers Costas Gioulekas, Yannis Ioannidis and other officials.

Bakoyannis at noon will tour Pella prefecture and in the evening will address ND supporters in Edessa.

Caption: ANA-MPA file photo of Foreign Minister Dora Bakoyannis

[05] KKE on political developments

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