Athens Macedonian News Agency: News in English, 13-06-03

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

CONTENTS

[01] IMF's Lagarde praises progress in Greece, urges reforms

[02] Greek rower wins gold in European Championships in Spain

[01] IMF's Lagarde praises progress in Greece, urges reforms

"The authorities remain committed to make rapid progress on productivity-enhancing structural reforms and on tax and public administration reforms," Lagarde added.

The IMF chief stressed that Greece was well underway to complete its ambitious fiscal adjustment plan, and that it was on track to meet its 2013 fiscal targets.

However, she set tackling tax evasion as a critical priority "by pressing forward rapidly with reform of the revenue administration to improve operational independence and make the burden of adjustment more equitable."

As far as tax reduction is concerned, Lagarde said that the Greek government should resist the pressures exerted. She noted that "decisive steps are needed to reform public administration, including through targeted staff reductions, to lower costs, improve efficiency, and increase fairness."

Addressing the issue of bank recapitalization, which is near completion, the IMF head said "the authorities must reinforce the governance framework and return to the private sector the stakes in banks that are under the government's control at an early time."

Lagarde concluded by saying that additional measures to reduce Greek debt – which "is projected to remain high well into the next decade" – to levels below 110 pct by 2022, would be welcome by the IMF, provided that the country fully implements all programme conditions. She said it was essential for Greece's European partners to continue their commitment "to provide adequate financial support to Greece during the life of the program and beyond until it has regained market assess, provided that Greece complies fully with the program."

[02] Greek rower wins gold in European Championships in Spain

The Greek rower beat Austria's Michaela Taupe-Traer (who was expected to hold the lead but placed second) with a timing of 8:32.92. Marie-Anne Frenken of the Netherlands placed third.

According to the World Rowing Federation (FISA), Nikolaidou had to fight more seasoned competition and "tough head-wind conditions" but remained in control. "In the final sprint (she) upped her stroke rate to 34 in these tough head-wind conditions. Taupe-Traer had no reply. Nikolaidou had become the European Champion", it said.

The Championship was held May 31 to June 2.

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