Athens News Agency: News in English, 10-12-03

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

CONTENTS

[01] PM addresses Euro Socialists in Warsaw

[01] PM addresses Euro Socialists in Warsaw

He was addressing the Party of European Socialists (PES) council taking place in Warsaw on Thursday and Friday, days before EU leaders convene to discuss a permanent crisis-resolution mechanism for the Eurozone.

Papandreou stressed that "conservatives speak of an austerity policy, we refer to a policy of responsibility," while defining the main lines for "the future and prospects of modern socialdemocracy."

"The conservatives saw the crisis as a golden opportunity to weaken the social state, to reduce the labour rights that were achieved after tough struggles. It is our responsibility to safeguard them at all cost. We must help the millions of unemployed young Europeans who live in poverty," the Greek premier noted, adding that "rescuing banks at the expense of the poorer citizens is not only not viable economically, it is socially and morally unacceptable."

Referring to the Greek welfare state, he said a rationalisation must take place for state expenditures to be cut wherever necessary. "We must respect the money of the taxpayers," he said but noted that major expenditures in Greece were not for the poor. They serve special interests.

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