Athens Macedonian News Agency: News in English, 13-12-09

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

CONTENTS

[01] French Minister for European Affairs in Athens

[02] Deflation hits record -2.9 pct in November

[01] French Minister for European Affairs in Athens

"Greece has to play a very important role during its EU presidency, and France will clearly stand by its side in order to succeed," said Repentin, who noted that the Greek government included the immigration issue in its agenda as well as the sea policy for the mare nostrum, which is something that interests everyone.

The French official, who will have a series of meetings with members of the Greek government, referring to Greece and the eurozone's economic course, he said that Greece is going through the last recession year and that the first recovery signs are already visible and the worst have been left behind.

"Greece made an extraordinary effort and the people have made great sacrifices. However, citizens of both Greece and France citizens should not only continue to make sacrifices, they are awaiting to recover the hope they have lost in the last years. Besides fiscal seriousness we need a powerful growth factor and France is commited to following this direction," said Repentin.

Repentin will also address on Monday the event "France's opinion on the EU future" with the participation of diplomats, academics and journalists, organised by the French Embassy in Greece and ELIAMEP (Hellenic Foundation for European and Foreign Policy) at the French Institute in Athens. ELIAMEP president Lucas Tsoukalis will coordinate the panel.

[02] Deflation hits record -2.9 pct in November

According to ELSTAT, the deflation rate increase in November 2013 compared to the same month last year was due to: a drop in the food & beverages price index (-1.2 pct), caused by lower prices for fresh fish and fresh produce prices; a 11.5 pct decline in clothing and footwear prices; a 0.5 pct decline in housing price index due to lower rents; a 3.6 pct slump in the household goods and services price index due to discounts; a 2.7 pct fall in transportation due to lower fuel prices; a 4.2 pct decline in communication; a 3.1 pct reduction in entertainment; a 4.2 pct fall in education; a 2.9 pct decline in hotels/cafes/restaurants prices and a 4.9 pct decline in the other goods and services' index.

These were offset by a 3.5 pct rise in alcohol and tobacco prices and a 0.3 pct rise in the health price index.

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