The Hellenic Radio (ERA): News in English, 10-12-07

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From: The Hellenic Radio (ERA) <www.ert.gr/>

CONTENTS

[01] Support from Straus Khan

Extension of repayment period of β¬110 billion loan is the focus of talks of IMF chief Dominique Straus Khan with the state and political leadership as well as social partners. Mr. Straus will deliver a speech at a session of the Parliament Economic Committee which GCP deputies will not attend in protest against the memorandum. The International Monetary Fund chief was received by the President of the Republic Karolos Papoulias, who underlined that Greek people are giving a difficult battle, particularly the weak groups and expressed hope that Greece would exit from the financial crisis, which is not only Greek but European as well. On his part, Mr. Khan said that the aim of IMF is to not to heavily affect weak social groups but to place emphasis on collection of taxes from the more wealthy social groups. "Greece's big effort is recognized", said the Prime-minister after his meeting with Straus Khan. On his part, IMF chief said "we are impressed at Greek people efforts" and underlined the need for restoration of growth.

"Greek People Are Giving a Difficult Battle"

The President of the Republic Karolos Papoulias, receiving IMF chief, underlined that Greek people were giving a difficult battle, particularly the weak groups and expressed hope that Greece would exit from the financial crisis, which is not only Greek but European as well.

Mr. Papoulias thanked his guest for understanding the big problem Greece was facing.

"I will listen to you carefully because many things happened yesterday and because Germany has expressed strong objections", said the President of the Republic.

In response, Mr. Straus Khan underlined that IMF basic aim is to help its members, which is not always obvious since the Fund intervenes at difficult circumstances, in other words when a member state faces difficulties, therefore it is painful.

"You are absolutely right Mr. President when you say that out top priority should be not to heavily affect weak social groups. This, however, is not always feasible as all society must participate. On the other hand, among others we are interested in collection of taxes, therefore we expect the most robust social groups to participate and contribute a larger share. Certainly you are right when you stress that this is not only a Greek problem but a European problem", said Straus Khan.

Papandreou-Straus Khan Meeting

Extension of repayment period of β¬110 billion loan is the focus of talks of IMF chief Dominique Straus Khan with the state and political leadership as well as social partners. Mr. Straus will deliver a speech at a session of the Parliament Economic Committee which GCP deputies will not attend in protest against the memorandum. The International Monetary Fund chief was received by the President of the Republic Karolos Papoulias, who underlined that Greek people are giving a difficult battle, particularly the weak groups and expressed hope that Greece would exit from the financial crisis, which is not only Greek but European as well. On his part, Mr. Khan said that the aim of IMF is to not to heavily affect weak social groups but to place emphasis on collection of taxes from the more wealthy social groups. "Greece's big effort is recognized", said the Prime-minister after his meeting with Straus Khan. On his part, IMF chief said "we are impressed at Greek people efforts" and underlined the need for restoration of growth.

In the afternoon, Mr. Khan will address the Parliament Economic Affairs Committee which will not be attended by GCP deputies in protest against IMF chief visit to Athens. He will also meet with ND party leader Antonis Samaras at 20:00.

Demonstrations against IMF Chief Visit to Athens

Civil Servants Union (ADEDY), trade unions and SYRIZA party have organized demonstrations in the afternoon in protest against Straus Khan visit to Athens.

Sources: ΝΕΤ, ΝΕΤ 105.8, ΑNA-ΜPA

Related News: Straus Khan Contacts in Athens

News item: 51051

[02] Straus Khan Contacts in Athens

Talks of International Monetary Fund chief, Dominique Straus Khan , who arrived in Athens today, will focus on extension of repayment period of β¬110 billion as well as the course of the Economic Stability Program. He will be received by the President of the Republic Karolos Papoulias and will meet with ND president Antonis Samaras and social partners. In the afternoon, Mr. Khan will address the Parliament Economic Affairs Committee. In the meantime, EU Commissioner for Monetary Affairs Olli Rehn will visit Athens on Thursday.

Protest Demonstrations

GCP deputies will not attend the session of the Parliament Economic Affairs Committee in protest against the memorandum.

IMF chief is likely to meet ND party leader Antonis Samaras at 20:00 on Tuesday while the meeting was initially scheduled for Wednesday morning.

Reports say that Mr. Samaras will expound his arguments on the memorandum's growth policy implemented by the government and underlined the need for measures to stimulate growth.

Dominique Straus Khan will also meet with the head of the Bank of Greece George Provopoulos tonight while he will have comprehensive discussion with the Finance Minister G. Papakonstantinou on Wednesday morning.

Civil Servants Union (ADEDY), trade unions and SYRIZA party have organized demonstrations in the afternoon in protest against Straus Khan visit to Athens.

Source: ΝΕΤ 105.8 - ΑNA - ΜPA

Related News: Baroso Positive Recommendation for Greece Eurogroup and Ecofin Crucial Meetings

News item: 50847

[03] Evidence Examined- Formal Interrogation of Two Suspects

Fake ID's found in memory stick and hard disc , expected to be released today, open new roads in investigations. Ballistic test on weapons found in Agrinio hide out indicate that they had not been used in a previous terrorist action. A search warrant was issued for an apartment in Glyfada but reports say no weapons were found. The six people arrested on Sunday will face interrogator today. Forty-two people involved in Monday's incidents were brought before the Public prosecutor today.

Formal Interrogation of Two Suspects

Six people arrested on charges of participation in terrorist organization, possession of weapons and supply and possession of explosive materials faced interrogator on Tuesday.

Two of them were formally interrogated today while interrogation of the other 4 was postponed for Thursday.

Intensive Investigations

In the meantime, tens of hard discs, handwritten notes, copies of court reports, calendars, copies from announcements of Fire Conspiracy Cells are among the findings in the hands of the interrogator.

Authorities have also found fake ID's , which they estimate are going to lead to new revelations.

Sources: ΝΕΤ - ΝΕΤ 105.8 - ΑNA/ΜPA

News item: 51053

[04] "Battle for Euro-Bond"

Issue of common euro-bond aimed at euro currency stability was among issues discussed during Eurogroup meeting in Brussels, on Monday. The willingness of several European states , however, is hampered by Germany's objection that maintains the existing framework is sufficient. Ecofin is having a meeting in Brussels today while diplomats announced that EU Finance Ministers have approved Ireland's rescue package worth 85 billion euros. Ireland's rescue plan was initially approved 9 days ago while Ireland was given time till 2015 to control its fiscal deficit said officials. Previously the EU had requested settlement of the deficit till 2014.

To buy common euro-bonds with its European partners for Germany, that enjoys the lowest borrowing interest rate in the eurozone, would mean paying higher interest rate.

Yunker Stark maintains that the most important thing is to enforce eurozone member states respect to European Stability Pact with automatic sanctions in cases of fiscal deviation. "We are facing financial not monetary crisis", he said. Therefore, the European Central Bank expects more from European political leaderships for the strengthening of stability criteria in the eurozone. "Whatever proposed so far could not be the last word".

Source: ΝΕΤ 105.8 - ΝΕΤ - ΑNA-ΜPA

RELATED NEWS : Straus Khan Contacts in Athens

Σχετική είδηση: Κρίσιμες συνεδριάσεις Eurogroup και Ecofin

News item: 50950

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