Athens Macedonian News Agency: News in English, 16-04-11

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

CONTENTS

[01] Europe needs to leave behind austerity policies, PM Tsipras says

[02] National Bank's chairman presents policy priorities

[03] US envoy Pearce: I'm impressed by the Greek people's generosity

[04] 53,117 identified refugees and migrants in Greece on Monday

[05] Refugees and migrants arrivals on Greek islands at low levels

[01] Europe needs to leave behind austerity policies, PM Tsipras says

"We seek a democratic, progressive Europe with social justice and social cohesion," he added."We are facing a multi-faceted crisis in the economy, security and migration," Tsipras said on Monday while welcoming his Portuguese.

"Therefore I believe that all these difficulties force us to move ahead in order to promote an alternative agenda," he stated.

[02] National Bank's chairman presents policy priorities

Referring to the funding of the Greek economy, Katseli focused on a programme -to be announced soon- to fund small- and medium-sized enterprises "Chain Value", a new innovative funding tool for all enterprises included in production chain value, starting with the shipbuilding sector.

Leonidas Fragiadakis, chief executive of National Bank, addressing the meeting, said that 2016 will be a profitable year for National Bank and said that a voluntary exit programme will begin in the summer. Our aim is not just the exit of workers but new hirings as well to promote new ideas, Fragiadakis said. He reiterated that the bank's strategic plan focused on improving productivity, portfolio quality, raising revenue and digital upgrade.

[03] US envoy Pearce: I'm impressed by the Greek people's generosity

"This latest donation demonstrates the US government's commitment to helping Greece address the emergency needs of migrants and refugees, and comes on top of last week's announcement of our additional 20 million US dollars contribution to UNHCR and other groups caring for migrants in the region." said US Ambassador to Greece David Pearce and added, "We have been impressed by the generosity of the Greek people who, even in the midst of the severe economic crisis, have offered food, shelter, and medicine to those in need."

Major La'Tasha Watson, the Chief of Contracting for the 409th CSB said, "It's so deeply gratifying to be part of the process – to be able to help people. When I saw the news of the sheer number of individuals, leaving everything behind, I knew I wanted to be part of the relief effort."

"We've had immense support in this endeavour, from U.S. officials stateside, U.S. European Command, to the Hellenic National Defense General Staff – everyone wants to help," noted Colonel Jay Gardner of the Office of Defense Cooperation in Greece. Colonel Gardner added that U.S. authorities are also coordinating delivery of other items from excess property stocks.

[04] 53,117 identified refugees and migrants in Greece on Monday

According to the Refugee Crisis Management Coordination Body's figures, 29,429 of the refugees are in northern Greece, 11,194 of them are in Idomeni camp, 14,387 are hosted in the region of Attica (4,510 at Piraeus port), 6,976 on the Greek islands and 2,325 are hosted in different areas in Central Greece.

[05] Refugees and migrants arrivals on Greek islands at low levels

Despite the excellent weather conditions prevailing in the area, only 176 arrivals were recorded from Friday to early Monday.

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