ATHENS (MNI) – The Greek Parliament Thursday approved the
government’s 30 billion euro austerity plan in a 172-121 vote with three
abstentions, to reduce government spending over the next three years.

The government released the following statment on Greek Prime
Minister George Papandreou’s address to Parliament prior to the vote:

– The Prime Minister pointed out the tragic consequences of
yesterday’s events and called for a unified condemnation of violence and
the isolation of violent acts.

– The Prime Minister strongly condemned the spending policies of
the previous administration under New Democracy and labelled them
irresponsible.

– The Prime Minister said “either we vote in favor of the measures
or we condemn Greece to failure.”

– The Prime Minister said that “patriotism today is putting an end
to the harmful side of the country and the mistakes of decades past.”

– The Prime Minster revealed that from 2004 to 2009, under the
previous government, spending increased from 80 billion (euros) to 120
billion (euros).

– Papandreou reminded Parliament that two days before October’s
national elections, the incumbent New Democracy party had advised Europe
that the Greek deficit was 6%.

– The Prime Minister acknowledged, however, that responsibility for
the current situation lies with everyone who has ruled the country over
the years.

– Prime Minister Papandreou commented, “we all are responsible for
having left democracy to be captured by a strong special interest
groups- That is why change is a question of democracy.”

– The Prime Minister called for swift action, noting “today,
whoever is not contributing to our change, is working against the
country. This applies to all of us.”

– Papandreou asked the opposition to be brave, to assume
responsibilities, and to help attempt to save the country.

– The Prime Minister said that it would be unfair for the Greece to
miss this opportunity to change the country.

– Papandreou stated that he is determined to move forward and
change the country, regardless of the personal political cost.

** Market News International **

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