Programme review must be completed quickly, gov’t spokeswoman says




“Our firm position is that the program review must be completed in a short time because neither Greece nor Europe have time to waste,” government spokeswoman Olga Gerovassili said on Tuesday during a press briefing.

“Any differences need to be bridged; the ball is now on the institutions’ court, that need to show a constructive stance,” Gerovassili underlined.

On pension reforms, she stated that the new proposal of the government supports the low and middle incomers, while there are gradual increases to the high incomes.

She also said that the government is open to dialogue with the farmers. “Our aim is to find the best possible solution,” she stressed.

The government spokeswoman noted that Greece will be ready ahead of the European Council meeting on February 18, but what matters is that EU countries meet their commitments since this is the key to reducing refugee flows.
She said that Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras had a phone contact with German Chancellor Angela Merkel in order to be briefed on her visit to Turkey.

Tsipras made clear that any involvement of the NATO will concern the Turkish territorial waters and should by no means affect Greece’s sovereign rights, she underlined.

Gerovassili also stated than the issue of joint patrols in the Aegean has not been raised.

Referring to Tsipras’ visit to Iran, the government spokeswoman said that it is part of a wider framework of initiatives for upgrading Greece’s international relations. Gerovassili said the visit to Iran was successful and strong investment interest was expressed from both sides, especially in the technology sector, oil, manufacturing, energy and transport adding that significant agreements have already been signed between Greek and Iranian businessmen.

ANA-MPA, Athens

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