Athens Macedonian News Agency: News in English, 16-12-20

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

CONTENTS

[01] PM pledges support for farmers, says recovery can't depend on tourism alone

[02] No unanimous agreement on Greek measures at EWG, European official says

[03] IKA-ETAM revenues up 4.77 pct in Jan-Nov 2016

[01] PM pledges support for farmers, says recovery can't depend on tourism alone

"Our main concern is a reconstruction of production but this cannot proceed unless we talk about a new model for the rural economy and if this is not linked to a growth model for exploiting the country's comparative advantages," he said.

"I am well aware that farmers have shouldered the greatest burden in this crisis and want to say that support of farmers is a moral obligation, and not just because this will improve the prospects of the economy," Tsipras said in Moires, where he was warmly greeted.

The prime minister listened to the demands and problems faced by residents in the area, noting that the main reason for his visit "was to listen, not to talk."

"A sincere dialogue with the citizens, organisations and local government on the problems that we are all aware of and on the possibility of having a prospect for solving them, is what has the greatest importance at this time," he noted.

Tsipras referred to the country's advantages, especially its human resources, noting that these had been sidelined in the "skewed model" that had led to the crisis. It was important to have a discussion now on how to put these advantages to work and start generated wealth, he added. In this context, he added, his visit to Mesara was not a chance decision.

Greece's agricultural economy had shown resilience during the years of crisis, in spite of the difficulties, increasing exports by 12 pct in 2015 and was set to record a similar performance in 2016, he noted. The prime minister also referred to the government's efforts and the tools at its disposal to carry out its plans for a reconstruction of the farming sector.

Among them he listed the Rural Development Programme for 2014-2020, which included 4.7 billion euros in Community funds and targeted young people, organic farming, processing and other projects, including water resources management works. Another goal was to link local farm production and food products with tourism, with 9.5 million euros earmarked for advertising and promotion.

The wager in the years to come was to ensure that these numbers were not "empty words," Tsipras added, which was why the government was aiming for "equitable growth" that produced a dividend, a social redistribution to those that needed it most and had been paying the cost of the crisis all these years.

[02] No unanimous agreement on Greek measures at EWG, European official says

The deliberations between the member-states will continue until Wednesday afternoon "when a final decision will be made on the process that will be followed in the future," the official said.

The same source noted that the exchange of views at the EWG was conducted "constructively" and that the discussion had focused on the possible options for 'unfreezing' the implementation of the short-term measures for Greek debt.

[03] IKA-ETAM revenues up 4.77 pct in Jan-Nov 2016

The fund also announced the installation of a number of electronic applications designed to assist those applying for disability pensions and benefits, to assist them in the process of having their disability certified and help them track the progress of their application.

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