Papandreou addresses SI meeting in Mexico

   Greece’s main opposition PASOK leader and Socialist International (SI) president George Papandreou referred to the international economic crisis during the start of the sessions of SI’s Council which is being held in the Mexican city of Nuevo Vallarta.

    Papandreou noted the ?danger? of socialist principles and values becoming a "fashion" as more and more conservative politicians use certain socialist principles when referring to the economic crisis.

    ?For us, this development was a pleasant surprise, but we do not want to become a fashion. We want our principles and values to remain clear and stable. We have a great responsibility to make things clear, as conservative forces have created an upheaval. However, the challenge we are facing is historic,? Papandreou said.

    The SI president presented five proposals for a way out of the economic crisis.

    Firstly, the creation of a fund for social protection in order for social security to be guaranteed, particularly in developing countries.

    Secondly, the establishment of a special fund which will support small and medium-size businesses and the employees working in them. ?This will be an answer to one of the greatest problems of the international economic crisis,? Papandreou said.

    Thirdly, the creation of a special fund which will undertake the support of fluidity in the economy.

    Fourthly, special measures for the support of developing countries and their economies, which must have fluidity so that they do not end up bankrupt.

    Fifthly, the promotion of the necessary reforms in the international organizations, such as the International Monetary Fund, the World Bank and the World Trade Organisation.