"The year 2011 will definitely be a different year, it will be equally difficult and challenging as last year but the goals and priorities set will be different," he stressed, pointing out that this will be the year of major structural reforms that will liberate the forces of production and set the foundations for healthy and viable growth.
He also pointed out that the economic figures for 2010 were better than anticipated considering that the deficit dropped 36.5 percent, compared to the 33.2 percent predicted, while revenues increased 7 percent.
Petalotis stated that the new investment law will be passed before the end of the month, while the draft law on e-governance was placed under consultation on Monday. He also stated that the government will go ahead with the opening of the closed professions and the Kallikratis local government reform has become a reality.
Petalotis announced that Prime Minister George Papandreou will be received on Tuesday by Republic President Karolos Papoulias to brief him on all current issues.
On the "secret diplomacy" allegations by opposition parties, Petalotis stated that "we have proved and continue to prove that there is no element of secret diplomacy and everything said before domestic audiences, we dare to say on Turkish soil as well and in front of a specific audience".
He pointed out that "we want clear cut relations with the neighbouring country", adding that "we are defending our national interests, which are just, and that is why we do not suffer from any phobic syndromes".
Petalotis noted that the Foreign Policy Council will convene on Tuesday under Foreign Minister Dimitris Droutsas and announced that before the end of the month the PM will brief the parliament on the national issues in an off-the-agenda discussion.
ANA
