Athens News Agency: News in English, 05-04-27

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

CONTENTS

[01] Greek defence minister meets U.S. Deputy National Security Adviser Jack Crouch

[02] Economy and employment ministers discuss social security dialogue

[01] Greek defence minister meets U.S. Deputy National Security Adviser Jack Crouch

According to Greek sources, the American side appeared to have detailed knowledge of the situation and to be treating it with due concern. The Greek argument centred on pointing out that the stance of the neighbouring country not only obstructed the further development of Greek-Turkish relations but was also not compatible with the safeguarding stability in the broader region.

On his departure from the White House, the Greek defence minister termed his meeting with Crouch as "very useful and interesting" and stressed that during the course of their discussion a broad spectrum of issues concerning Greece were brought up.

On Wednesday, the Greek minister will be received by his U.S. counterpart Donald Rumsfeld at the Pentagon.

[02] Economy and employment ministers discuss social security dialogue

Speaking after the meeting, Alogoskoufis said OKE was called on to carry out this dialogue because it is the relevant agency enacted by the constitution. He added that the dialogue on the social security issue will have a long duration to enable this major issue to be addressed.

The minister further said that separate meetings will take place later with labour unions, while the next meeting with OKE will take place at its offices.

Alogoskoufis stressed that the government is not in a hurry to legislate and that a solution to the social security problem will be given beyond the four-year tenure and without tension.

Panayiotopoulos said on his part that no working person and no insured person has anything to fear, adding that the government guarantees the smooth payment of pensions. He also said that pensioning age limits will not change, nor will the payable lump sum.

OKE President Nikos Analytis said the Committee considers it an obligation to have the issue discussed and that there is special sensitivity on the social security issue.

The next meeting with OKE will take place after Easter and the dialogue will take place without government interventions, as Alogoskoufis said.

During the meeting between the ministers and OKE at the economy ministry, representatives of the Greek Communist Party (KKE) affiliated labour group PAME held a protest gathering outside.

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