The Hellenic Radio (ERA): News in English, 05-04-07

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

CONTENTS

[01] Karamanlis-Sioufas Meeting at Maximos Mansion Merciless on Speculators

By Despina Hristopoulou

Sources: NET radio 105.8, NET, ANA

The issues of the Development Ministry were at the focus of today's meeting between PM Kostas Karamanlis and Dimitris Sioufas. The Minister of Development reassured that the government will be merciless against profiteering, fraud and corruption phenomena. Mr Sioufas also stressed that with the new Growth Bill "we are aiming at bringing development everywhere and to everyone and mainly in regional Greece, about which the Prime Minister is especially interested." In the meantime, commenting on SESME's attitude and their statements on super market owners' threats on product revaluations in order to cover the penalty imposed by the Competition Committee, Development Ministry sources underlined that "nobody can be pigheaded when it comes to the State, because they will be isolated."

Priority to Consumers

As Mr Dimitris Sioufas stated while exiting the Maximos Mansion, he also informed Mr Karamanlis on what happened last week with the nutritional issues and the existing responsibilities, noting however there was no danger for public health. What is more, he underlined that with the new EFET administration all required measures will be applied so there won't be any problems in the future.

Furthermore, he informed the PM on the submission process of investment plans, based on the new law, for releasing the natural gas market as well as the entrepreneurship programmes to modernize commerce.

Regarding the SESME announcement that products will be revaluated and consumers will eventually pay the penalties imposed by the Competition Committee, he underlined that SESME's statements were misinterpreted, a fact which SESME confirmed in a later announcement.

"I believe that SESME is a responsible body," stressed Mr Sioufas and went on to add that the Competition Committee will be reinforced with a new Bill that will be submitted to Parliament in the following days.

However, Mr Sioufas stressed that the ministry's priority is "the protection of consumers, the smooth operation of the market and fair competition."

Answering another question regarding fuel prices, Mr Sioufas underlined that Greek citizens are paying the lowest prices in Europe after negotiations of the ministry with all competent bodies, despite the fact that in the previous days fuel prices worldwide were the highest of the past 30 years.

Translated by Sofia Soulioti

[02] Under Guerrilla Attacks The Caravan of Peace Has Started

By Despina Hristopoulou

Sources: ANA, BBC

The Srinagar- Muzaffarabad route, ie from the Indian to the Pakistani side of Kashmir, is not a usual one. The reason is simple: it hasn't been performed since 1947. Today, both sides of Kashmir were united, even if this happened through a plain bus route, which is expected to unite families who had been separated for more than 60 years. The atmosphere in Srinagar, despite the bad weather, was festive. In the presence of Indian PM Manmohan Singh, the orange flower-decorated bus departed for Muzaffarabad with 24 passengers on board, members of families who had been separated back in 1947. Mr Singh flagged off the bus describing it as a "caravan of peace." "Nothing can stop it." Half an hour later, another bus carrying 30 passengers left Muzaffarabad bound for Jelum river, which constitutes the border of the two Kashmir areas. The total of 54 passengers on board both buses were to cross the bridge linking the two areas on foot and then go on board different buses to be taken to Srinagar and Muzaffarabad respectively. " "The start of the bus service is an historic step," said the PM of the Pakistani part of Kashmir, Sikandar Hayat.

Guerrillas Launched Attacks

However, Islamic separatist guerrillas had sworn not to let the route be performed in peace and turn the caravan of peace into a "coffin." In fact, as per the Indian television, separatist militants opened fire against the bus bound for the Pakistani side of Kashmir. Television reported that gunmen tossed grenades and opened fire with automatic rifles against the bus, although it was escorted by police forces. According to a high ranking police official at the village of Salamabad in Indian Kashmir, "a grenade was tossed and shots followed from a distance."

All passengers are safe and sound and the bus was not damaged. During the departure of the second bus, before the guerrilla attack, the Pakistani Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mohammed Kassuri, said that Pakistan condemns any attack against innocent civilians. "What crime have they committed? They simply want to see their relatives." The new service is being seen as a symbol of improving relations between India and Pakistan, who both claim Kashmir in its entirety. In fact, the Indian Prime Minister stated that both routes and the peace process will continue.

Translated by Sofia Soulioti

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