Athens Macedonian News Agency: News in English, 16-04-19

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

CONTENTS

[01] Public finances in 2016 will be better than expected, Gov't VP Dragasakis says

[02] EU Commissioner Stylianides approves financial aid for improvement of refugees living conditions in Greece

[03] Opening hours of Athens' stores during Easter holidays

[01] Public finances in 2016 will be better than expected, Gov't VP Dragasakis says

Asked on the course of the negotiations with the institutions and the possibility of an additional package of measures, Dragasakis said that it is questionable whether it will be requested and that this will be proved by the primary surplus figures that Eurostat will release on Thursday.

He noted that additional measures are foreseen in the agreement if the planned targets are not met.

Dragasakis clarified that the government aims the Greek programme's review to be completed as soon as possible with the existing package of measures and afterwards the discussion on the debt to open in order after its conclusion to examine if any additional measures are necessary.

Moreover, he noted IMF's wrong estimations in the past regarding the course of the Greek economy as well as the differences between the institutions.

He referred to Germany's wish IMF to remain in the Greek programme as well as its opposition over the opening of a discussion on the Greek debt. "A problem in their relations can't become our problem" he said.

Finally, Dragasakis ruled out the possibility of early elections.

[02] EU Commissioner Stylianides approves financial aid for improvement of refugees living conditions in Greece

The financial assistance will be immediately granted to UNHCR, to the Red Cross and to six international NGOs. These partners will cooperate with Greek NGOs that are well aware of the prevailing condition in Greece.

European Commissioner for Humanitarian Aid and Crisis Management Christos Stylianides signed on Tuesday the first contracts in Athens "We must restore, as soon as possible, decent living conditions for the refugees and migrants in Europe. The financial assistance will be allocated to the humanitarian aid partners that are closely cooperating with the Greek government and the the domestic NGOs in order to safeguard that the assistance will be offered through a coordinated and comprehensive way to reach as many as possible areas." stated Stylianides.

The financial aid will cover healthcare, nutritional needs and construction of facilities to host refugees and special facilities for children.

[03] Opening hours of Athens' stores during Easter holidays

According to the announcement, shops in Athens will be open Thursday 21 and Friday 22 April from 09:00-21:00.

Saturday 23 April from 09:00-18:00

Sunday 24 April from 11:00-18:00

Holy Monday to Holy Thursday from 09:00-21:00

Holy Friday from 13:00-19:00 and

Holy Saturday from 09:00 to 15:00

All stores in Athens will remain closed on Easter Sunday, Easter Monday and Tuesday following the government decision to transfer May 1 (Labour Day) holiday that coincides with Easter Sunday to Tuesday.

The shops will open again on Wednesday 4 May and will follow the ordinary opening hours.

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