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Athens Macedonian News Agency: News in English, 16-02-18Athens News Agency: News in English Directory - Previous Article - Next ArticleFrom: The Athens News Agency at <http://www.ana.gr/>CONTENTS
[01] Greece has made progress in the implementation of the program, Eurogroup president Dijsselbloem saysBRUSSELS (ANA-MPA/ M. Aroni) - Greece has made progress in the implementation of the program, Eurogroup president Jeroen Dijsselbloem on Thursday said speaking to the Economic and Monetary Affairs Committee of the European Parliament, noting, however, that the challenges remain.Regarding the first program review, Dijsselbloem said that the discussions are rather constructive and underlined that the main concern of the institutions is to ensure the quality of the reforms to be implemented. He added that the first evaluation includes important reforms on the social security system and fiscal figures, the operation of the privatisations fund, the modernisation of public administration, the combating of tax evasion and others. He admitted that some reforms are politically and socially difficult, but stressed the importance of Greece meeting its commitments based on the 2015 agreement. Regarding Greek banks, Dijsselbloem underlined that 5.4 billion euros was needed for their recapitalisation - much less than the amount initially estimated. "This is also good news for the sustainability of the debt," he added. [02] Economy Min Stathakis sees first program review concluded by end MarchEconomy Minister George Stathakis in statements to Mega TV on Thursday expressed optimism over the conclusion of the first program review by end March.Stathakis said that the first round of negotiations has closed, while four main issues are on the table; the pension system, the public finances until 2018, the privatisations fund and bad loans. He said that the conditions for the negotiations have matured adding that the representatives of the institutions will return in two weeks. As he said, an agreement may have been reached by the Catholic Easter as there is convergence on the main issues. He acknowledged there are still some differences, but underlined that the other side has accepted the basis of the discussion on the four topics. On the social security reforms, the Economy Minister said that the government has room for dialogue and improvements provided that the main idea remains the same. The creditors' request on pension reforms is to ensure the sustainability of the social security system and its cost to be reflected on public finances. [03] Hungarian PM Orban views determine Europe's political identity, says Alt. FM XydakisExtreme-right and xenophobic voices in Europe take advantage of the fact that many countries in Europe are in a pre-election period and dictate Continent's political identity on the refugees' issue, Alternate Foreign Minister Nikos Xydakis on Thursday said speaking to "Praktorio 104.9 FM.""We are at a point that the Hungarian prime minister Viktor Orban, the leader of the most extreme-right and xenophobic of the ruling parties in Europe, dictates Europe's political identity," noted Xydakis and called the migration and refugees issue a "storm in Europe's heart" estimating that if there are no political answers, Europe's cohesion will be at peril. He also said that a number of European countries that are in a pre-election period, such as Austria, succumb to the pressure of an extreme-right rhetoric and their leaders, for internal reasons, change the European agenda and identity. He said that NATO's involvement on the protection of Europe's external borders indicates Europe's weakness and commenting on the postponement of Greece, Germany, Turkey trilateral meeting he said that Ankara has been upgraded to a key-player due to its geographical position. [04] Greek-Russian trade volume down 33.7 pct in 2015The volume of trade between Greece and Russia fell by 33.7 pct to 2.8 billion US dollars in 2015, with Greek exports falling by 54 pct to 229.4 million dollars and Russian exports totaling 2.5 billion dollars, a decline of 31 pct, according to data released by the customs authority of the Russian Federation.Based on these figures, the Greek-Russian trade balance recorded a significant shortfall for the country and reflect the negative impact from the imposition of trade sanctions against Russia by the European Union and other countries and a dramatic devaluation of the Russian currency. [05] Singer Pantelis Pantelidis dies in car accidentPopular Greek singer Pantelis Pantelidis died on Thursday morning in a car accident at the coastal Attica suburb of Elliniko.Pantelidis was driving a jeep that swerved off the road and crashed on the barriers. Two women that were also in the vehicle were seriously injured Athens News Agency: News in English Directory - Previous Article - Next Article |
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