Athens News Agency: News in English, 12-02-10

Athens News Agency: News in English Directory - Previous Article - Next Article

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

CONTENTS

[01] Government reshuffle expected on Friday evening

[02] Two LA.O.S ministers tender resignations, back bailout plan

[01] Government reshuffle expected on Friday evening

Speculation over the impending reshuffle, which emerged soon after Popular Orthodox Rally (LAOS) party leader George Karatzaferis announced that he would not support the economic measures demanded as a condition for a new bailout deal, were confirmed later on Friday by government spokesman Pantelis Kapsis in statements to foreign correspondents. www.amna.gr

According to sources, Papademos is now in meetings with close aides at the premier's offices in view of the upcoming cabinet meeting. Three ministers from LAOS, the smallest party in the coalition government, have so far resigned.

Kapsis noted that it made sense for there to be a reshuffle and that LAOS minister could not remain in the government if LAOS did not support the agreement for the bailout loans. AMNA

[02] Two LA.O.S ministers tender resignations, back bailout plan

In spite of the resignations, however, the two men said they intend to vote in favour of an agreement for new economic measures, as demanded by Greece's EU-IMF creditors in order to approve a second 130-billion-euro bailout programme for the debt-plagued country.

Their resignations were offered hours after LAOS leader George Karatzaferis, who founded the right-of-centre party, announced his Parliamentary group will not support the new loan agreement.

In a related development, Alternate Foreign Minister Mariliza Xenoyiannakopoulou submit her resignation to Papademos later on Friday, citing her disagreement with the new economic measures demanded of the Greek government. amna

Athens News Agency: News in English Directory - Previous Article - Next Article