Athens News Agency: News in English, 10-03-25

Athens News Agency: News in English Directory - Previous Article - Next Article

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

CONTENTS

[01] PM: Determined to put our house in order

[02] Samaras to EPP: No to IMF involvement

[03] Tourism minister optimistic

[01] PM: Determined to put our house in order

Papandreou told reporters that regardless of the decision to taken by the EU, Greece was on the right path and will continue to do its duty so as to ensure that its economy is viable, proper and transparent, and with prosperity.

The Greek premier also expressed his appreciation to the European leaders that have supported Greece in this difficult period, and especially on the measures being implemented.

"We are on the right path for reduction of the deficit in 2010, and this proves that there is a very positive trend for the Greek economy," he said.

Papandreou further noted that the challenge today was a major one for reinforcing and fortifying the eurozone, so that the appropriate measures may be taken for the stability of the euro and in order to proceed to a Europe with greater prosperity.

Commission chief Barroso made a last-minute appeal for support to Greece, echoing his statements of the past few days, as he went into the critical EU Summit.

The Commission chief noted that this is a very important day for Greece, since it is also the anniversary of the start of the March 25, 1821 revolution for independence.

[02] Samaras to EPP: No to IMF involvement

Leaving the EPP conference, Samaras told reporters that he waged a battle to reduce the cost of borrowing for Greece at a time when the country is fighting for breather measures in order to boost the economy.

"As a politician, I told them that the Greek people cannot handle additional harsh measures. As an economist, I told them that we are in a vicious cycle of recession. New measures will always be needed to achieve the targets. As a European, I told them clearly that I am opposed to the solution of the IMF," Samaras said.

He noted, however, that the majority of the EPP leaders were in favor of IMF involvement.

Samaras said that he would make further comments when a final decision is reached.

[03] Tourism minister optimistic

"I don't wish to make a prediction yet, because I think things are very fluid. The reality is that, when news items come out of Greece, which are not necessarily flattering for us, we worry that this could create problems. However, we maintain a reserved optimism, because many of the messages we have received are positive and, if they are maintained, I believe that we will have a better tourism season than last year," Geroulanos said.

The minister further noted the effort being made to showcase Greece's tourism product.

"The work being done at this time is being done with a minimum of means, but we are using everything we have at our disposal such as, for example, the interest in the cultural happenings in Greece, in order to attract visitors to Greece, and naturally to Crete," he said.

Athens News Agency: News in English Directory - Previous Article - Next Article