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Saturday, 21 December 2024
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Athens News Agency: News in English, 08-07-29Athens News Agency: News in English Directory - Previous Article - Next ArticleFrom: The Athens News Agency at <http://www.ana.gr/>CONTENTS
[01] Inner cabinet discusses spatial planningThe inner cabinet meeting chaired by Prime Minister Costas Karamanlis on Tuesday focused on spatial planning issues. Environment, Town Planning and Public Works Minister George Souflias stated that the National Spatial Plan has been approved in parliament, pointing out that Greece had lacked a basic tool that promotes rational development and environmental protection. He stressed that spatial planning will soon be completed with the enactment of specific spatial framework for renewable energy sources, tourism, industry, the mainland and coastal regions and the revision of regional programmes. The special spatial framework for renewable sources and industry will be enacted following a joint ministerial decision during the month of September, the minister announced. A national consultation on tourism has already been made and the enactment of a spatial framework will be preceded by a discussion in the special council, Souflias stated, adding that the spatial framework for the mainland and coastal regions will be given to publicity for consultation by mid September. Souflias stated that this is the most important reform promoted in the last decades aimed at Greece's comprehensive spatial development and sustainable organization while providing security for investments by setting specific rules. Caption: ANA-MPA file photograph of the inner cabinet in session.[02] Papandreou slams new pension fund lawsMain opposition PASOK party leader George Papandreou on Tuesday described the government's new social insurance legislation as "a threat to craftsmen that put their pension at risk" during his meeting with the board of the General Confederation of Greek Small Businesses and Trades (GSEVEE), which focused on problems faced by the insurance organization for the self-employed (OAEE). Papandreou called on the government to resume the dialogue for the solution of the fund's problem. GSEVEE President Dimitris Asimakopoulos stressed that OAEE was "already past the precipice" and not merely threatened with imminent collapse but actually in the process of collapsing due to underfunding and the government's indifference. "We consider it certain that the scene has been set for passing laws to drastically lower pensions in the next four months," Asimakopoulos added. In a press conference given by GSEVEE after the meeting with Papandreou, its board announced nationwide action on September 3 and October 13, during which shops and businesses would close and large rallies will be held in Athens and Thessaloniki.[03] 'Friendshipgas' explosion examinedThe two contractors in charge of carrying out repairs on the liquid gas carrier "Friendshipgas" on Tuesday testified before the 5th Examining Magistrate in Piraeus regarding the explosion that killed eight workers at the Perama shipyard repair zone last week.The testimony given by George and Ilias Sourlis, the two brothers given the contract for the extensive repairs on the ship, lasted four hours. The magistrate is due to question the foreman, the ship's safety technician and the Filipino captain of the vessel on Wednesday. The Sourlis brothers told the magistrate that, while they had taken on the contract, they had then passed this on to sub-contractor and shipyard plater H. Konstantaras, after which they were no longer responsible for safety conditions in the storage tanks of the Maltese-flagged vessel. Concurrently with the magistrate's investigation, the public prosecutor in charge of supervising an investigation by experts on board the ship itself is carefully checking whether the certificate issued for the "Friendshipgas" declaring it safe for work involving use of flame in tank 3 was genuine. Authorities have pressed charges of repeated counts of manslaughter through negligence and repeated counts of causing bodily harm on a number of people accused in connection with the fatal accident. Workers at the Perama Shipyard Repair Zone have planned a 24-hour strike on Thursday and a march to the employment ministry to protest against slipshod safety measures at the shipyard. Meanwhile, Merchant Marine and Island Policy Minister George Voulgarakis on Tuesday announced that jobs in the coast guard or at the ministry would be offered to one member of each of the victims' families, based on their qualifications, while they would also receive financial assistance to cover their immediate needs. He also ordered the posting of additional staff at the Perama coast guard headquarters. Athens News Agency: News in English Directory - Previous Article - Next Article |
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