Athens Macedonian News Agency: News in English, 17-04-04

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

CONTENTS

[01] Economic and political rationale to conclude the programme review remains the same, senior eurozone official says

[02] Parliament President Voutsis express optimism over conclusion of second review

[03] Tsakalotos, Achtsioglou and Chouliarakis to leave for Brussels on Tuesday

[04] Around 1 mln tourists to visit Thessaloniki in 2017, estimates Greek ambassador to Poland

[05] Doukissis Plakentias metro station to close at 21:00 on Wed; trains to airport will continue normally

[01] Economic and political rationale to conclude the programme review remains the same, senior eurozone official says

"The economic and political rationale behind the need to swiftly conclude the programme review remains the same," the same official said adding that it is fruitless to make assumptions that the review is delayed as a result of the elections in Europe or the existence of enough cash that allow the country to meet its loan obligations in July.

"Following an accounting method will not help the situation. That would be disastrous for the country's economic situation, and would affect the tax, consumer and business confidence," he noted, adding that the country's economics would dramatically change and everything should be redefined from scratch.

The official reiterated that the agreement on the measures is "technically easy" but some "politically sensitive" issues such as tax reforms and pension issues remain open. However, he stressed that "significant progress" has been achieved compared to the previous month.

Regarding the arrival of Greek ministers in Brussels on Tuesday, he said that it is an "important step" made towards the settlement of the open issues, adding however that miracles are not expected.

What can be agreed by the Eurogroup on Friday, he stated, is the return of the heads of the quartet in Athens.

[02] Parliament President Voutsis express optimism over conclusion of second review

Voutsis pointed out that there are huge differences between the IMF and the European institutions and attributed the delay to the reapparance of major issues such as the social security issue that were allegedly solved.

Referring to the measures and the offset measures, Voutsis said that there will be a strong social package that will counterbalance the losses.

[03] Tsakalotos, Achtsioglou and Chouliarakis to leave for Brussels on Tuesday

According to government sources, the meetings are part of the deliberations at all levels currently in progress.

[04] Around 1 mln tourists to visit Thessaloniki in 2017, estimates Greek ambassador to Poland

This is the reason why the initiative "City Diplomacy" included Warsaw in its programme and held a special event to present the region to Poles as well as its business opportunities.

"The Poles needs to learn more about Thessaloniki and what that amazing city can offer," he underlined.

On his part, the Vice President of the Greek-Polish Chamber of Commerce Giorgos Athanassiadis stressed the importance of connecting the city with the religious element and more specifically the Catholic church, adding that Thessaloniki's Catholic church has been organised by Polish priests.

[05] Doukissis Plakentias metro station to close at 21:00 on Wed; trains to airport will continue normally

During the works, trains will pass through the station without stop, however the company clarified that trains to Athens International Airport will reach their destination normally. All other trains with final destination Doukissis Plakentias will end their route at Halandri metro station.

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