Athens Macedonian News Agency: News in English, 13-12-16

Athens News Agency: News in English Directory - Previous Article - Next Article

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

CONTENTS

[01] PM Samaras rules out triple elections, government reshuffle

[02] Citizens asked to limit fireplace use because of smog

[01] PM Samaras rules out triple elections, government reshuffle

false false false

EL X-NONE X-NONE

MicrosoftInternetExplorer4

ANA-MPA -- Prime Minister Antonis Samaras has ruled out the likelihood of triple elections, also making it clear that a government reshuffle is not among his plans. In an interview with Sunday's Kathimerini newspaper, Samaras says that if his concern was merely focused on partisan interests, then it would be to his advantage to hold triple elections. But what is important for him, as he says, is to seamlessly complete the country's course to get through the crisis.

As for the scenarios of forming another government under the present parliament, the premier gave a scathing retort: "I believe, and I'm saying it clearly, these are scenarios of political disorder" and "will lead to chaos."

Samaras says he currently spends his time and all of his energy on ways "to overcome the crisis, to turn deficits into surpluses, to reverse the bad image of the country abroad, to strengthen Greece's position in a increasingly restive international environment, to implement reforms against vested interests that are affected and do everything they can to render them vain, to achieve a further reduction in our debt and to achieve attracting new major investments."

So, if he had to consider such "moves" and "scenarios" of political disorder, he says, he would be doing a favour to those wishing to see the country down to its knees and in absence of government, "and I am not doing this favour to anyone and for no reason".

"I will not keep myself busy with those moving the dark," Samaras underlines, and launches a stinging attack on main opposition Radical Left Coalition (SYRIZA) leader Alexis Tsipras, accusing him of populism.

The Greek premier admits that in 2013 citizens were over-taxed, and reiterates his intention to protect the poor and weak against home foreclosures. He also believes that a deal on the Hellenic Defence Industries (EAS) will soon be agreed upon with the troika of international lenders.

Samaras does not appear worried about the results of crucial votes in parliament, noting that parliaments have shown absolute responsibility and have supported very tough bills that have already passed. "From now on, difficulties will be much smaller," he says, stressing that the government has open ears and minds and listens to deputies of all parties.

He also reiterates his point of view that there are many members of parliament who in spite of opposing the government's policy will not let a cycle of political disorder take over Greece.

"There is also the common sense, a sense of national interest, if you will, that requires the government to complete its work and be judged by results…instead being forced to leave its work in the middle, driving the country back into a lack of government. We are trying to move in top speed away from the brink of destruction, not to be returned there. And this is obvious not only to us in power, but also to many others," he stresses.

The premier says the decision to adjust the Greek debt should be taken by the EU partners no later than the spring, suggesting that there are disagreements within the troika and underlining that there will be no new bailout memorandum.

DefSemiHidden="true" DefQFormat="false" DefPriority="99"

/* Style Definitions */ table.MsoNormalTable {mso-style-name:"Table Normal"; mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-priority:99; mso-style-qformat:yes; mso-style-parent:""; mso-padding-alt:0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; mso-para-margin-top:0cm; mso-para-margin-right:0cm; mso-para-margin-bottom:10.0pt; mso-para-margin-left:0cm; line-height:115%; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:11.0pt; font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast; mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;}

[02] Citizens asked to limit fireplace use because of smog

false false false

EL X-NONE X-NONE

MicrosoftInternetExplorer4

ANA-MPA -- High levels of harmful suspended particles in the air were recorded in the Attica region over the weekend by the air pollution monitoring network of stations, the Environment, Energy and Climate Change ministry announced on Sunday.

Based on forecasts by the National Weather Service, there will be favourable weather conditions for further accumulation of suspended particles in the air until Monday morning, the announcement said.

The ministry appealed on citizens to limit the use of fireplaces, thus contributing to protecting Greek capital residents' health.

DefSemiHidden="true" DefQFormat="false" DefPriority="99"

/* Style Definitions */ table.MsoNormalTable {mso-style-name:"Table Normal"; mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-priority:99; mso-style-qformat:yes; mso-style-parent:""; mso-padding-alt:0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; mso-para-margin-top:0cm; mso-para-margin-right:0cm; mso-para-margin-bottom:10.0pt; mso-para-margin-left:0cm; line-height:115%; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:11.0pt; font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast; mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;}

Athens News Agency: News in English Directory - Previous Article - Next Article