The Hellenic Radio (ERA): News in English, 10-08-28

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

CONTENTS

[01] Tsipras Strongly Criticizes Memorandum

From the island of Mitilini, the president of SYRIZA parliamentary group Alexis Tsipras launched strong criticism against the memorandum. In his statements to reporters, Mr. Tsipras proposed "to exit from the memorandum and the Troika".

During his visit to Kalloni market on the island of Mitilini, Mr. Tsipras denounced that the government's policy "of cuts in salaries and pensions, tax attack against middle-sized businessmen and plenty of money granted to banking sector will not lead to recovery from the financial crisis but deeper sinking into recession".

"There is a different path and this is the path of growth, redistribution of wealth, support of employment, re-foundation of pension system. This path, however, demands breaking the plaster of the memorandum", SYRIZA president concluded.

Sources: ÍÅÔ, ÁNA-ÌPA News item: 39848

[02] Deliberations in View of Local elections

Political parties are holding frequent deliberations in view of local elections. ND party parliamentary spokesman amid raised tension blamed former Foreign Minister Dora Bakoyianni of giving instructions to senior members to follow a different path from the party's official line. On its part, PASOK is awaiting for the announcement of candidates next Sunday. Furthermore, scenarios of broad government reshuffle was ruled out.

Reshuffle Scenarios Ruled out

Government reshuffle issue has closed said Interior Minister Yiannis Ragusis. "The question is not to appoint a super minister but common effort" said Mr. Ragusis in an interview with private television channel MEGA.

Mr. Ragusis repeated the government's commitment to change the electoral law, underlining that it would strengthen the role and autonomy of deputies. In response to a relevant question, the Interior Minister backed the Prime-minister's decision to hire special advisors.

LAOS president George Karatzaferis maintained "the Prime-minister's disappointment at his government is apparent", and predicted "he will change it in less than a year" while he maintained "he is creating a para government of 20 advisors in the government headquarters because he has no confidence in his staff".

Furthermore he forecast that the only solution laid on the formation of Ecumenical government which would sooner or later occur.

"All data will be posted on the Internet. Whoever launches such criticism has not realized the country's situation", commented government spokesman G. Petalotis.

Mr. Petalotis also criticized the opposition parties stance to launch local election campaign based on anti memorandum rationale.

E. Papadimitriou Stance Sparks Concern

Despite ND leader A. Samaras strict message that he would not tolerate introversion, ND deputy Elsa Papadimitriou, in an interview with television channel MEGA, did not clarify her stand in relation to the party's official candidate for the Peloponnese region. There was no party comment on Mrs. Papadimitriou interview.

In the meantime, ND announced several candidates for the post of mayors nationwide.

George Karatzaferis received Petros Mantuvalos at LAOS party offices and portrayed him as a good friend of his party.

Sources: ÍÅÔ, ÍÅÔ 105.8

News item: 39845

[03] Pilot in Critical Condition

The funeral of Air Force flight lieutenant Anastasios Balatsukas was held on Saturday, at 17:30 in his hometown, in Arta. He was killed in the crash of the two F-16 war palnes south of Heraklio , on Thursday.

In the meantime, Iosif Anastasakis, one of the two pilots of the other F-16 involved in the crash, is in critical condition. The other pilot is out danger. Air Force experts are conducting investigations to find the cause of the accident.

Sources: ÍÅÔ, ÍÅÔ 105.8 News item: 39838

[04] IMF Positive Comments on Reforms

Greek economy purging program has made a strong start led by vigorous implementation of significant reforms, and in fact some important reforms are ahead of schedule said Gerry Rice, Deputy Director of the IMF's External Relations Department. In the meantime, Hristos Papoutsis secretary of PASOK party Parliamentary group, in an interview with newspaper "Hemerisia" ruled out new memorandum and blamed the opposition for attempting to alter the substance of the big national effort.

"Strong Start"

The Greek government will find the means to strengthen the Greek banking sector said Mr. Rice in response to the question on whether the IMF considers the option of non-Greek banks entering into the equity capital of Greek banks in order to boost their capital adequacy.

The IMF official said that the fiscal program had a strong start due to implementation of important reforms such as pension reform and labour market which are ahead of schedule.

He underlined that the target is to strengthen competitiveness and growth, but he said that important challenges and risks remain.

Finally he stressed that authorities have placed a strong emphasis on the social fairness of the program and on protecting the most vulnerable groups in the measures that are being undertaken.

Sources: ÍÅÔ 105.8, ÁNA-ÌPA News item: 39835

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