The Hellenic Radio (ERA): News in English, 00-09-29

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From: The Hellenic Radio (ERA) <www.ert.gr/>

CONTENTS

29/9/2000 11:07:36 рм

[01] Express Samina tragedy

The acting government spokesman, Tilemachos Hytiris said yesterday that criminal charges have already been filed against any parties found responsible, on the orders of the Prime minister and of Justice minister Michalis Stathopoulos. Mr. Hytiris also stressed that the vessel ran aground and sank not because it was unseaworthy, but because it was not heading in the right direction.

According to the chief of the coastguard and representatives of the ship's oweners- Minoan Flying Dolphins - the number of missing persons currently stands at 11. However, some reports indicate that another 6 people - 4 Australians and 2 Greeks - who boarded at the last minute, are still unaccounted for.

During the testimony of surving crew members last night, the ship's mate, Tasos Psychotgios was the only one to admit the responsibility for the accident. Together with the ship's captain, trainnee captain, radio operator and seaman, he was arrested and charged with manslaughter.

At a press conference yesterday afternoon, Merchant Marine minister Christos Papoutsis described the shipwreck as incomprehensible, unprecedented and incredible. He emphasized that all efforts were made to save lives, through the coordinated efforts of the ministry, the navy and the airforce, and expressed the view that ships should be scrapped before reaching the age of 35.

In the meantime, main opposition New Democracy accused the government of not finding those responsible and not blaming them for the accident, while government spokesman Dimitris Reppas accused the New Democracy party of political expediency.

At the same time, Culture minister Theodoros Pangalos called on the services of his ministry to postponed all scheduled events organised until October 8. Addionally, the General Confederation of the Greek workers has staged a 24 hour strike in the mercant marine, demanding for safety measures to be taken for passengers.

At the Sydney Olympics, the winner of the 200m sprint Greek runner Costas Kenteris, dedicated his gold medal to Greece, as he mourned the maritime tragedy.

[02] Verelis meets with truckers' representatives

At the meeting, the truckers assured that minister that they would not block access to state oil refineries. The truckers, who were joined on Tuesday by owners and drivers of small vans, want the government to decrease its fuel tax and recall a decision to deregulate the industry.

[03] High oil prices cause strikes

In the meantime, protest ralies are scheduled for today by taxi drivers, who have also anounced a 24-hour strike beginning at 4am. They are demanding stabilization of fuel prices, lower taxes, and fare levels that correspond to the cost of operating their vehicles.

[04] 0,24% drop in Athens Stock Exchange yesterday

[05] Cyprus issue

In the meantime, a delegation of the Turkish Foreign ministry is in Athens for the meeting of the Greek-Turkish "Direction-Committee" which is monitoring the implementation of the nine agreements signed the Greek and Turkish Foreign ministers last February.

Labour minister Tasos Yannitsis met with the board of industrialists and discussed labour relations and ways to deal with unemployment. After the meeting, Mr Yannitsis stated that the dialogue will end by October 30th, while the Federation of Greek Industries urged that the reduced working hours not be applied.

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