The Hellenic Radio (ERA): News in English, 09-07-07

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From: The Hellenic Radio (ERA) <www.ert.gr/>

CONTENTS

[01] Structural Measures to Bring Deficit down in 2010

EU Commission described as satisfactory the government's measures to cut down state deficit taken in June. Finance Minister, Yiannis Papathanasiou conveyed the government's commitment to include structural measures in 2010 budget to bring deficit down to 3% in a press interview, in Brussels after the conclusion of the Ecofin meeting. Mr. Papathanasiou both admitted it was a difficult target to meet but also underlined that asking in advance for extension of deadline would send a wrong message to both the interior and the EU.

Mr. Papathanasiou characteristically said that correct and responsible selections resolve problems and not postponement, adding that the EU would show understanding if there would be a slight deviation at the end of procedures.

Within efforts to combat tax evasion, cut down state expenditures and increase state revenue, the government is expected to separate health and social security services, review unhealthy âheavy professions list, opening of so âcalled closed professions, merging or abolition of Public sectors, interventions in drugs purchase, new salary list for civil servants, increase of tax scales.

Finally, he ruled out extension of deadline regarding registration fees.

News item: 24538

[02] Search to Locate the Hideout Continues

In particular, DNA material of Apostolos Petrakis and Charalambos Moustakas was found on objects used from the moment Periklis Panagopoulos was kidnapped till his release. As per the indictment, Petrakis and Moustakas are two of the four gang member present in the abduction.

Source: NET

Related news: DNA Tests Identified Two Kidnappers

News item: 24530

[03] Greek Plan to Reduce Deficits in EcoFin

EcoFin is currently processing Greece's plan to bring deficits down by 2010. During the Eurogroup meeting on Monday evening, Greek Finance Minister Giannis Papathanasiou unveiled the Greek government's expectations of the recent tax measures. He also outlined the structural changes that are set to be pushed forwards by the end of the year.

Eurogroip head Jean-Claude Juncker feared that the social crisis would last more than the financial turmoil. He then went on to estimate that the crisis would have long-term influence on the growth rate.

The World Bank termed 2009 a tough year for economy, forecasting that the route to recovery would be uphill despite the promising messages.

Giannis Papathanasiou reiterated that all the measures required for the recovery of the Greek economy would be taken. On the sidelines of the Council, the Greek Finance Minister briefed EU Commissioner Joaquin Almunia on the Greek government's plan to curtail deficits by 2010.

The structural measures, with view to stamping out tax evasion, curtailing public spending and increasing revenues, will be unveiled in autumn.

PASOK (Panhellenic Socialist Movement), on the other hand, accused the government of being unreliable and lacking plan.

Source: NET, NET 105.8

News item: 24527

[04] Ousted Honduran Leader in the USA

Ousted Honduras leader Manuel Zelaya is due in the USA to hold talks with US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton and foreign officials. A State Department spokesman stressed that, favoring the restoration of democracy, the USA would focus their efforts on the resumption of the dialogue. In his interview with CNN espanol, Zelaya said he would retry entry to his homeland, as soon as he concluded his talks in Washington. On Sunday, interim President Roberto Micheletti prohibited Zalaya's plane from landing.

Tensions in Honduras remain high, with the supporters of the deposed President staging street protests in the centre of the capital city, defying the clashes with the police that claimed at least two lives.

A coordinator of the people's bloc that is staging the demonstrations urged trade unions and social groups to massively join the blockades and paralyse economy's key sectors.

Earlier, Panamas had volunteered to intervene in the political crisis plaguing Honduras, reminding that to Panamas Zelaya is the real President of the country.

News item: 24524

[05] Blaze Raging in Aspropyrgos

Wildfire in Grammatiko

A wildfire broke out in Grammatiko. Earlier, tensions had run high, with the residents of the village protesting the creation of a landfill in the area.

News item: 24517

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