Athens Macedonian News Agency: News in English, 16-10-07

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

CONTENTS

[01] Fifteen pct of public sector jobs to be filled by persons with disabilities, PM says

[02] Greek exports grew by an average annual growth rate of 1.45 pct in 2001-2005

[03] Pokemon Go entails serious risks, says Greek Awareness Center Saferinternet.gr

[01] Fifteen pct of public sector jobs to be filled by persons with disabilities, PM says

Tsipras announced that the relevant bill will be tabled in parliament in the next few days.

Addressing the athletes with disabilities, the prime minister underlined that the measure served as "tangible support to your daily struggle, but also a constant reminder to society that you are not second-class citizens," adding that the quality and the morals of a country are primarily reflected in the treatment of its weakest members, so as to make them even stronger.

[02] Greek exports grew by an average annual growth rate of 1.45 pct in 2001-2005

The report said that the value of Greek exports totaled 42.6 billion euros in 2015, from 36.8 billion 2001, an increase of 15.6 pct, but down from 49.6 billion euros in 2010 (a decline of 14.16 pct). Accumulated exports in the 2001-2015 period was 715.26 billion euros, for an average annual growth rate of 1.45 pct.

The report noted that in the period from 2001 until 2008 exports grew steadily with the exception of 2005, while in the period 2009-2013 exports fell sharply. Export trends were volatile in the last two years as from 2012 onwards both exports and imports showed signs of stabilization.

Greek imports fell by 15.99 pct in the last 15 years, leaving the country's accumulated trade deficit at 348 billion euros, almost equal to the country's public debt of 338 billion, of which 219 billion euros were formed in the 2001-2008 period. However, since 2011, Greece records better trade balance performance compared with the period before its inclusion in the Eurozone, a development which -on conditions- could be seen as an improvement of its economic competitiveness.

The report stressed that a Greek economic recession hit particularly imports of vehicle, building materials and farm production, even pharmaceuticals and food. On the other hand, imports of high technology products showed strong resistance to economic pressure. The report showed that only three countries outside the EU (China, South Korea and the US) were among the top-10 of importers in Greece during the last 15 years.

[03] Pokemon Go entails serious risks, says Greek Awareness Center Saferinternet.gr

The game is based on the popular animation series Pokemon and the user tries to collect all 250 pokemon in the 'real' streets. The application uses the virtual reality technology as well as the GPS satellite system and in combination with the smartphone's camera forms a map in which the user can discover and catch Pokémon.

The Greek center of safe internet sounds the alarm over children's safety because this application encourages children to explore different areas in real time.

"This fact can possibly become dangerous while injuries may occur. Additionally, nobody should overlook the possibility that users may come in contact with foreigners and what this may entail. A way to minimise the danger is parents to discuss with their children and to inform them over the threats and the right use of the Pokemon Go application."

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