Athens News Agency: News in English, 09-11-27

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

CONTENTS

[01] Economy Minister on liquidity

[02] Discussion on migration policy

[03] SYRIZA on social security

[01] Economy Minister on liquidity

Katseli stressed that the bill which regulates outstanding debts owed to banks after 1/1/2008 is the outcome of consultations that even exceeds the proposals of those interested, while it is possible that until it is tabled in Parliament soon that those subject to its beneficial terms will increase.

Katseli also promised the paying off shortly of the state's obligations towards businessmen who have become subject to the previous development law (that will be abolished on December 31) and the tabling of a bill on the abusive practices of banks in early 2010.

Caption: ANA-MPA file photo of Economy Minister Louka Katseli

[02] Discussion on migration policy

The minister noted that migration and the entry of immigrants into Greece was currently a "national social issue" and that migration in general was both a global and European problem.

Talks on the framework and details of this new policy for migration will he held by an expert committee that began its work on Thursday, with representatives of 11 ministries and other bodies taking part and chaired by the Citizens' Protection Ministry general secretary.

Chryssohoidis said that the ministry's plan would set four targets for the country in relation to migrants and refugees:

Firstly, to secure Greece's borders more efficiently and control the heavy flow of migrants resulting from Greece's geographic position on the outskirts of the EU and its long coastline. To achieve this, Chrysohoidis noted, Greece needed to cooperate with European and the international community, because it was unable to cope with the problem alone.

A second target was to end conditions leading to inhuman treatment of migrants in an overburdened system having to cope with 250,000 people from different countries every year.

A third goal was to change immigration policy so as to incorporate migrants into society and to do this quickly and with equality.

The fourth and final goal would be a radical overhaul of the political asylum system so that it was given to all those entitled to it, instead of just 0.03 percent of applicants as at present.

Caption: ANA-MPA file photo of Citizens' protection Minister Mihalis Chryssohoidis

[03] SYRIZA on social security

Speaking at a press conference, he stressed that "cutting pensions is politically irrational and immoral", adding that "raising the age limit for retirement is an extremely anti-social and counter-effective measure."

He also blamed the governments of New Democracy (ND) and PASOK for what he called a "black hole" in the social insurance finances.

Tsipras underlined that the assets of the social insurance funds need to be protected, contribution evasion should be combated, while all debts to social insurance funds should be paid off.

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