Bachelet on economic crisis: "We are doing everything we have to do"

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SANTIAGO.- The President of the Republic, Michelle Bachelet, stated today that the government is putting forth all efforts to minimize as much as possible the effects that the international financial crisis may have on the Chilean economy.

"We are doing everything we have to do", the President told Radio ADN, while asserting, "we know that we are not isolated from the impact, but we believe that with everything out of our hands, such as this international situation, we are in the best possible position to be able to respond".

The Chief of State also maintained that citizens should remain confident that the Executive Branch is taking all measures necessary to cushion the effects that the crisis will have on Chilean pockets.

"We are reasonably optimistic", Bachelet stated while calling for people to remain calm.  The President also acknowledged however, that financial risks do exist, declaring, "I would urge Chileans to remain calm (…)  It is a flu virus and no one is immune, but we are doing what has to be done".