The Hellenic Radio (ERA): News in English, 10-09-09

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

CONTENTS

[01] ND Intensifies Preps in view of ITF

ND party intensifies preparations in view of ITF. ND president A. Samaras is having meetings with representatives of production forces, regional members competent on economic issues are formulating their stands while discussions and proposals of candidates for the forthcoming local administration elections are continuing. Kostis Hatzidakis, ND deputy competent on development issues gave a press interview two days before the inauguration of ITF. In the meantime, Baggelis Meimarakis, president of "Konstantinos Karamanlis Foundation" in his fresh statements called on ND party supporters to give their response in the forthcoming elections.

Criticism against the Government

ND spokesman Panos Panagiotopoulos criticized the government reshuffle and warned of problems arising among members of the government unless their responsibilities are cleared. He blamed the government for confusion which blocks possibility for production of substantial work in crucial sectors.

In the meantime, ND party candidate B. Kikilas for Attika governor, announced that S. Spiridonas will be in his list running for deputy governor of Islands.

ND party also supports G. Papanastasiou, electrical engineer and former president of Aitoloacarnania Technical Chamber. candidacy for Western Greece governor

"Big Delay in Investments and Liquidity"

Kostis Hatzidakis, ND deputy competent on development issues, in a press interview on Thursday, presented specific proposals in the Development and Competitiveness sector. He criticized the government reshuffle citing that recycle of the same persons further delays the government work. He also expressed his objection to the increase of heating oil underlining that the government could impose VAT outside refineries in order to combat fuel smuggling.

Sources: ���, ��� 105.8, �NA-�PA News item: 40679

[02] Rapid Developments in SYRIZA

Synaspismos-SYRIZA relations have reached borderline following Alecos Alavanos decision to announce his candidacy for the post of Attica governor with the Solidarity and Reversal Front. Monday's meeting of SYRIZA Political Secretariat ended in deadlock as each side remained firm in its position. Synaspismos announcement issued today underlines that Alecos Alavanos candidacy :"comes to weaken the unity of the renewal and radical Left at a moment when strong unity is required to fight against the policy of the memorandum". Concluding its says that it will adhere to the Central Political Committee decision after having exhausted all efforts for a common candidate of the Radical Left. Synaspismos central committee last night approved Alexis Tsipras proposal for the candidacy of Alexis Miropoulos.

Source: ��� 105.8, �NA/�PA News item: 40678

[03] Prime-minister in Thessaloniki

Prime-minister G. Papandreou, who arrived in Thessaloniki on Thursday, met with representatives of production and social sectors and expressed his determination to proceed to reforms that will change the country. Mr. Papandreou will chair the first meeting of the new Ministers' Council to be held on Friday. On Saturday he will inaugurate the 75th ITF and next will deliver a speech to production sectors at Bellideio Conference Center. meeting arrived in Thessaloniki on Thursday and his agenda in the country's second largest city includes morning for the inauguration of the.

On Thursday noon, the Prime-minister met with PASOK party candidates for Central Macedonia governor and Thessaloniki mayor Mr. Bolaris and Mr. Butaris respectively. Leaderships of labour unions are also in Thessaloniki to prepare mobilizations against the government's economic policy.

Papandreou: �Necessary Reform with Coordinated Action�

During his meeting with representatives of production and social sectors, the Prime-minister stressed the government's determination to proceed to the necessary reforms that will change the country. He once again repeated that the country's progress- with the cooperation of all sectors in a national strategy that will exit Greece from the difficult situation- is at risk and not the government.

The Prime-minister, in his speech, admitted the big recession an high unemployment . He underlined the government's willingness to take measures to upgrade education, health and combat tax evasion.

He underlined the vital importance for national economy of Northern Greece's growth and referred to the multiple positive results from "Kallikratis" plan which will transfer authorities from the central administration to regional administration .

Referring to criticism against the memorandum, the Prime-minister underlined that it was the only answer to continue paying salaries and pensions .

Source: ��� 105.8 - �NA - �PA

News item: 40665

[04] Low-tax Heating Oil till the end of 2010

The economic staff has decided to postpone regulation providing for equal taxes on fuel and heating oil. Reports say that the relevant regulation will be in force from January, 1, 2010. Therefore heating oil will be available from October, 15 till the end of December at reduced tax of �21 per one thousand liters.

According to reports , the above regulation was postponed to January, 1 as a reliable system to pay heating allowance to low income groups could not be ensured till October , 15 when low tax heating oil becomes available.

Source: ��� 105.8 News item: 40666

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