Athens Macedonian News Agency: News in English, 16-10-01

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

CONTENTS

[01] Greece will succeed to overcome problems and get on track to recovery, Greece's IMF representative Psalidopoulos says

[02] Final solution for debt settlement is possible after 2018 programme, Economy Min Stathakis estimates

[03] Alternate Environment Min Tsironis assures the current government will not sell water utilities

[01] Greece will succeed to overcome problems and get on track to recovery, Greece's IMF representative Psalidopoulos says

Speaking to ANA after the first day of the three-day event of the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) held from 30 September to 2 October at the Institute of Goethe, in Athens, Psalidopoulos said:

"I am by nature optimistic although I recognize the difficulties and I believe that slowly but surely we will manage to persuade our European partners for the impasse of the unilateral austerity policy. We will manage to overcome the existing problems and get on track to recovery and full employment. It is possible to do that in the upcoming period provided that we are committed to our daily effort and correct any actions that do not lead to the desired result."

[02] Final solution for debt settlement is possible after 2018 programme, Economy Min Stathakis estimates

"The Eurogroup decision outlines an intervention in three stages. The short-term one is already in progress while at the same time discussions on medium-term interventions that will be implemented by the end of the programme have advanced. That is the time when further initiatives will be evaluated so that the debt is rendered sustainable in the long-term. Nothing in that planning has changed," Stathakis underlined.

The minister stated that there are several indices confirming the stabilisation of the economy and its return to positive growth rates. If this is also confirmed in the third quarter of the year, then 2016 will close with positive growth rates, he said and estimated that Greece will have growth rates of 2.5 percent from June 2016 to June 2017.

Stathakis underlined that the conclusion of the first programme review will allow the gradual improvement of liquidity conditions and the repayment of overdue public debts.

Asked on how the second programme review can be concluded as well as on the insistence of the IMF on labour issues, he replied that most of the issues are institutional ones and admitted there are structural weaknesses. However, he estimated that both sides can soon come to an agreement.

[03] Alternate Environment Min Tsironis assures the current government will not sell water utilities

"I can assure you that our government will not sell the water companies," he stated.

Asked about the negotiations and the 'thorny' issue of labour, he said: "Every negotiation with the institutions is a battle as there is lack of convergence in many issues. However, I believe that the firm stance of our government will help us succeed."

On the course of the economy and measures to support weak citizens, he said: "Official figures show a higher than estimated increase in revenues and this is not only the result of VAT but of the efforts to combat tax evasion."

He added that the stabilization of the economy combined with the strengthening of social economy - which is a priority for the government - will give the necessary breath to enhance the Greek society as a whole.

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