25 June 2001, 11:29  Germany's Mueller says recession talk nonsense, sees 2 pct growth in 2001

FRANKFURT (AFX) - German economics minister Werner Mueller said talk of a recession in Germany is "nonsense" and the chances are good the government's growth estimate of 2 pct will be reached this year. "The economy is going through a downturn, but by the end of the year the economic forces will start to push" he told the mass circulation Bild Zeitung in an interview.
Inflation will also fall back in the second half of this year after showing signs of moderation in figures released so far this month, Mueller said.
Mueller said he is sure the government will be able to reach its target of reducing the number of jobless to 3.5 mln by 2002 and growth should exceed 2 pct next year.
However he added: "My predication for 3.2 mln unemployed by 2002 was probably too ambitious."
Mueller caused controversy earlier this month by saying German growth in the second quarter may be zero and the government's 2 pct goal would thus be "difficult" to attain.

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