Athens Macedonian News Agency: News in English, 15-12-24

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

CONTENTS

[01] IMF's Thomsen wants Fund to withdraw from Greek program - paper

[02] Changes in a treaty cannot hide behind changes in rules, says Kotzias on Frontex operation

[01] IMF's Thomsen wants Fund to withdraw from Greek program - paper

"The IMF should not give a new loan, but must leave the Greek program," Thomsen is reported to have proposed, according to the newspaper.

Thomsen, who oversees IMF's programs in Greece and Portugal, is allegedly insisting on the Fund disengaging itself from Greece as, in his view, country's program doesn't meet the conditions set forth in the Fund's Statute for its participation in a support program.

According to the paper, Thomsen's view is shared by many other technocrats of the IMF involved in the Greek program, who are suggesting a "velvet divorce" with Athens in a way that will allow the Fund to remain as a technical adviser without participating with a new loan.

The news report also noted the political pressures placed by European governments and the US on the head of IMF to keep the Fund in the Greek program.

[02] Changes in a treaty cannot hide behind changes in rules, says Kotzias on Frontex operation

"The changes in treaties take place with different procedures that the changes or rules, like those of Frontex," the minister was quoted as saying. "And what cannot happen is to hide a change in a treaty - which requires unanimity and an intergovernmental conference – behind a change in regulations," he added.

Asked whether Greece is willing to veto a theoretical proposal by its partners to agree in allowing interventions by border of coast guard without the consent of a member-state, Kotzias said that "Greece has always supported the development of a democratic EU with a common border" and reminded that any measure in this direction is welcome, "provided that it is well-prepared and does not violate the EU treaties – in this case articles 72 and 79 of the Lisbon Treaty".

Asked if the tripartite meeting between Germany, Turkey and Greece on the island of Chios would eventually take place, Kotzias said that in a meeting which deals with the refugee flows, it's good for the EU to participate at the highest possible level.

He also urged FYROM to fulfill the requirement of the Interim Agreement of 1995 and contribute to solving the name issue with courage, consistency and more meaningful dialogue.

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