Athens Macedonian News Agency: News in English, 16-05-26

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

CONTENTS

[01] Greek issue has been solved, says Jean-Claude Juncker

[02] A series of contracts and cooperation protocols will be signed during President Putin's visit

[03] Greece has a brilliant future, ECB's Nowotny tells ANA-MPA

[04] German FinMin Schaeuble does not rule out further measures in 2018

[01] Greek issue has been solved, says Jean-Claude Juncker

"We are pleased that the Eurogroup reached an agreement not only among the 19 members but also with the IMF" stated Juncker and reminded that last year at the Elmau Summit, Greece was the most dramatic issue in the agenda adding that this issue has now been solved and the measures for the Greek debt, that the Eurogroup announced, have started to be highly considered.

On his part, Tusk said that the Eurogroup's agreement sent a "strong message of stability" for Greece and for the eurozone as well as for the international economy. "I would like to thank the Greek people and particularly prime minister Alexis Tsipras for their determination to put an end to this crisis by reforming the country. The Greek tragedy will not return," stated Tusk.

[02] A series of contracts and cooperation protocols will be signed during President Putin's visit

A series of contracts and cooperation protocols in a series of sectors will be signed, said to ANA-MPA and underlined. Referring to the Russian side, he expressed his certainty that Vladimir Putin's visit will bring results.

On the Greece-Russia's cooperation in the energy sector he noted that "the cooperation with Russia in the energy sector in part of a multidimensional policy that Greece is following" adding that "there can be energy security in Europe as well as in Greece without Russia's participation".

Velanis also estimated that "the construction of the Russian pipeline is very close".

[03] Greece has a brilliant future, ECB's Nowotny tells ANA-MPA

Nowotny explained that Greece has a plethora of intelligent, hardworking people and significant tourist potential as well as potential in the economic sector.

Moreover, he stressed the importance of creating the appropriate basis adding that "several things are now on the right track." He also noted that "Greece's agreement with the European Union and the ECB sets the foundations for a long-term, stable development."

"I believe that it is important that these developments are not only healthy in the short-term, but render a lengthy and stable recovery possible," he underlined.

[04] German FinMin Schaeuble does not rule out further measures in 2018

However, he expressed the hope that this will not happen. Schaeuble stressed that Greece has made great efforts and expressed confidence that the IMF will participate in the Greek program and reiterated that there is no disagreement between Berlin and the Fund.

Schaeuble said during a press conference that the eurozone Finance ministers agreed that if there is a fiscal gap after the completion of the program in 2018, "additional measures" will be taken if necessary. He reiterated that the measures taken this week were for 2016, while those for 2018 will be taken at the appropriate time.

The German Finance minister also stressed that Greece has made "great efforts", and admitted once again that he could not impose such reforms on Germany. He stated however that Athens should continue on that difficult road if it wants to count on the European solidarity. The situation is "extremely difficult" for Greece, he added, stressing that it is not easy either for Europe or the IMF.

Referring to the previous programme, Schaeuble said that Greece could have come out of the support mechanism in 2014, but this was impossible due to Syriza's promises to stay in the eurozone without reforms. However, he stated that since last summer things have been 'moving forward', and noted that the decision of the Eurogroup is a result of very good cooperation with Finance Minister Euclid Tsakalotos.

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