MESSAGE
PRIME MINISTER, PRESIDENT OF PASOK
AND PRESIDENT OF THE SOCIALIST INTERNATIONAL
George A. Papandreou
THE BUREAU OF THE SOCIALIST INTERNATIONAL
(NEW YORK, SEPTEMBER 23)
Dear friends, comrades and companions,
As every year and this year planned to be here in New York to preside at our meeting. Emergency obligations in Greece and ongoing negotiations, unfortunately, forced to stay in Athens.
It is the fourth consecutive year that our Bureau meet during the UN General Assembly in New York. It is important that we can turn this annual meeting at the institution. It is an important opportunity to exchange views at the right time and place, on a hot global issues.
Once again, the main issue in today's agenda will be the global economic crisis and its impact. From the first moment of crisis, our organization has prepared an array of specific ideas and initiatives could be disruptive. Unfortunately, both the international community and the EU seemed very slow and divided in their reaction. Today the world economic situation is becoming increasingly fragile and the crisis still seems far away. threatens the banking sector, the stability of developed economies and dynamites international efforts to achieve the Goals Millennium UN
As you know, Greece is in the eye of the storm. My government and the Greek citizens are facing huge challenges. In this extremely difficult economic environment, we implement a very strict constraint program while promoting a series of unprecedented reforms. In response to all those who contest our efforts, we are proud because we can say that in 2010 we achieved the largest deficit reduction in the Eurozone, reduction of 5%, from 36 billion euros to 24. The primary government expenditure fell by 10 billion euros.
Nevertheless, much remains to be done. Not only in terms of fiscal consolidation and structural reforms that will make our country competitive again and will allow us to achieve development, sustainable debt and create new jobs.
But the Greek settlement of debt is not sufficient to address the broader implications for the real causes of the financial crisis in Europe. Greece represents only 3% of public debt in the eurozone and just 2.5% of GDP in the Eurozone. There is an urgent need for strategic decisions that will shield the member states of EU from similar future crises. To achieve this requires radical institutional reforms that will gradually lead to deeper financial, economic and political union. We need permanent stabilization mechanisms and new financial tools to promote solidarity and social justice.
In this context, increasingly growing belief that we can achieve sustainable and equitable development, using innovative tools such as the Eurobond or financial transaction tax. This is due largely to the massive campaign carried out by our political family.
The financial transaction tax is on the agenda of the next meeting of the G20. Hopefully there will be some progress in this debate. There is no doubt that the financial crisis can not be solved without radical changes in global economic architecture and the absence active involvement of all major international players. Until now, the G20 has been unable to obtain the necessary consents to take specific steps in this direction.
The countdown has begun and when it comes to climate change. We must act now if we want to protect future generations. Much remains to be done until the next COP 17 to be held in Durban, South Africa. Among the unfinished business remains Agreement to extend the Kyoto Protocol and the activation of new institutions, such as technical mechanisms and the Green Fund. The Socialist International Commission for Sustainable Global Society is closely monitoring developments in this area and will soon introduce a new set of priorities.
In recent years, the Socialist International played a positive and constructive role in conflict areas, in difficult elections, and international forums to promote democracy, peace, justice and equal opportunities. The Socialist International is an example of collective action by a group of political parties with different histories, origins and culture. This is perhaps our differences are our greatest asset, even if sometimes makes our work more complicated.
The forces of maintenance realize very well the value of the Socialist International. So I feel uncomfortable with our achievements. In the coming months we will intensify our efforts for a more humane globalization and promote our common values. We stand by our members in every corner of the world and I'm sure we can make a difference in this era of big challenges.
