The Hellenic Radio (ERA): News in English, 05-05-31

The Hellenic Radio (ERA): News in English Directory - Previous Article - Next Article

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

CONTENTS

[01] OTE, Rousopoulos statements Redundancy at No Cost

By Vagelis Theodorou

A statement from OTE refers to the point of voluntary redundancy, whilst reactions to the agreement between administration and workers continue. It notes that most of the weight for the funding will fall on the firm itself, while the programme is described as expensive, but necessary in order to reorganize OTE. In the meantime, the governments philosophy in dealing with the problem was presented by government spokesman Thodoris Rousopoulos. Mr Rousopoulos clarified that the burden for the state does not exceed 250 million euros, which will be given in the form of government bonds. He described as "unrealistic and false" articles in the Press speaking of an excessive cost to the state. At the same time, PASOKs Political Council, which met to determine the partys position, judged that the OTE agreement disproportionately affects society as a whole and overturns worker relations of young employees. George Papandreou made harsh criticism to the government. "ND has assigned public property to the few, while the cost is paid by the employees," he said. The government spokespersons answer was immediate. "The citizens judge, compare and evaluate. They are not persuaded by bravados against a government that dares to counter problems at their start," stated Thodoros Rousopoulos. "The government, that according to its spokesperson dares all these great things, will it finally able to say something about the situation today, or will it continue pretending to be in the Opposition?" stated PASOK spokesperson, Nikos Athanasakis in relation to the answer of Mr Rousopoulos.

Expensive but Necessary

According to OTEs statement, the agreement regards 6000 employees, the majority of whom are over the age of 50. If they all avail themselves of it, the cost will reach about 1.5 million euros. However, according to the estimations at OTE, about 4000 employees will take the option.

Most of the cost (80%) will be covered by OTE, while the remaining 20% will come from the Greek state, through shares in OTE, which will be transferred to OTEs insurance fund, TAP-OTE. The Greek state holds 37% of the shares and will transfer 4%, while the cost will be spread over eight years. Furthermore, the state aid must be approved by Brussels.

"OTE has about 16,000 permanent employees, more than double the number necessary. Technological advancement in telecommunications imposes a continual reduction in staff, and at the same time recruitment of people with new skills, not currently available to OTE," states the announcement, among other things, whilst it notes that all public telecommunications firms in Europe have already been forced to make great reductions to the staff and reorganize in order to survive.

OME-OTE also gave clarification of the agreement it signed with the Vourloumis administration and the changes in worker relations, following the criticism received from trade unionists and employees.

As it reports, the agreement, overwhelmingly supported (77%) by the 3rd Conference of the Federation, the employment conditions of new recruits in OTE are completely monitored by the OTE Staff Code and the Collective Work Contract.

No Burden

At the same time, Mr Rousopoulos described an article today according to which the cost of public participation in the redundancy programme and the Bank insurance fund amounts to 3 billion euros, as completely false.

Citing a relevant statement by the Minister for the Economy, the government spokesman noted that the cost is not in excess of 250 million euros, and will be paid in the form of OTE shares, while he commented that every time the share increases by 1 euro, the state gains about 185 million euros.

At the same time, Mr Rousopoulos recalled that in the past various motivations had been offered for 8174 employees to leave OTE, and that with Act 2843/2000, the state budget covered the deficit in the TAP-OTE fund, thereby costing the taxpayer 300-400 million euros per year.

In the meantime, by a unanimous decision, PASOKs political council has judged that the OTE agreement disproportionately affects society as a whole and overturns worker relations with young employees. It calls on the members of PASKE in the firm to conform to the party decision.

In a statement, KKE spoke of "anti-worker business contract," signed by the OTE administration with PASKE and DAKE and demands that it be declared void.

Finally, a question to the Commission regarding the voluntary redundancy programme has been submitted by SYN MEP Dimitris Papadimoulis, who calls on the Commission to investigate the case and evaluate the cost to OTE and the workers insurance fund.

Translated by Millie Williams

Related News:

Public Sector Not to be Burdened

[02] Between Public and Private sectors from Cabinet Yes to Joint Ventures

By Athina Saloustrou

The green light for joint ventures between Public and Private sectors for infrastructure works and services, amounting to 200 million euros, came today from the Cabinet, whose meeting today at Maximos Mansion was chaired by PM Kostas Karamanlis. As noted by Economy Minister Giorgos Alogoskoufis, the Bill will give greater support to, and ensure proper and prompt execution of works, and will release funds to be invested in infrastructure works. Furthermore, according to statements by the relevant ministers, the Joint Ventures Bill is a significant step in reform in the Economy, as it will mobilize private capital and contribute to reducing the cost of constructing works of public interest.

Better Quality Works

The Bill, presented by Economy Minister Giorgos Alogoskoufis, provides for joint ventures between private investors and the Public Sector, with a view to gaining better quality in works and services and in order for Greece to acquire a framework that has been in place for some time in the European Union.

Mr Alogoskoufis said that it was the third axis to assist development and investment after the tax reforms and the investment bill.

The Minister for the Economy will later publish the details, while he underlined that a ministerial committee would be created to decide on which works and services can come about with joint ventures between public and private sectors.

Development Minister Dimitris Sioufas stressed that it is a serious structural reform, which, together with the law on awarding contracts for public works and studies for the same, the law on competition, already under discussion in Parliament and the establishment of national opening hours for shops as well as the OTE deal, creates a framework for a new direction for Greece in growth and a new era.

Translated by Millie Williams

[03] Consumers Will Pay their Plastic Carrier Bags Consumers Pay Up

By Annita Paschalinou

In a memorandum submitted to the Ministry of Development, the Association of Super Market Enterprise in Greece (SESME) proposes a packet of measures for the better operation of competition in retail. One measure concerns the consumers, who will be burdened with the cost of the shopping plastic carrier bags. The measures, as the super markets state, will save companies 0.3% of the cost that burdens them yearly. SESME also proposes to limit the number of retail stores per area, given the fact that many retail chains exist in the market.

The Measures

Super markets also propose the following:

The creation of an electronic platform for the purchase and sale of agricultural and other products.

The creation of a central product transporter in order to reduce the cost of logistics.

The creation of transport centers for agricultural products in big cities.

Educational actions in cooperation with industrial and retail chambers for the information of its members over competition and the minimization of tax and advertising costs.

Comments on the Three Violators

At the same time, in an announcement, SESME makes reference to the recent committal of three supermarket chains, Atlantik, Veropoulos and Carrefour Marinopoulos, to the Prosecutor.

On the Carrefour case, it leaves the event of manipulation open, since investigations have indicated that the occurrence of "different shelf and check out prices" was repeated with ten of its products.

On the other hand, on the Atlantik case, it underlined that the occurrence was only found in one product among 35,000 barcodes.

For the Veropoulos chain, that is being accused that it sold a pre-weighted, pre-packaged poultry product of fixed weight, priced per package and not per kilo, SESME has its reservations over the event that the company had intention to do so, since the specific method of pre-weighed packages from the company is enforced in the market for pre-packaged poultry.

Answer by General Secretariat of Trade Answering to SESME, the Ministry of Developments General Secretariat of Trade states that "violations are violations, either it concerns one, ten or 1,000."

The Secretariat said that it will be a good move for SESME to advice all its members to enforce the legislature consistently.

"The time that the market worked lawlessly and without checks has past," concludes the announcement.

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

[04] To Put Your Mind at Ease High Tech Chastity Belt

By Mary Lou Tzempelikou

The problems of men that worry that their partners are cheating on them have been solved. Now, with the help of the latest technology they can put their mind at ease, since a company created female underwear with GPS in order for the interested parties to known where their partner is, at any given time. The underwear is available in four modern designs and we suppose that this will be the only purchase that partners wont mind paying a little extra for. As we read in the companys website, prices range from 100 dollars and reach 1,200 for a set of seven. The name of the product is just as original as the Medieval invention, since they have named it after a flower; "Forget-me-not Panties!"

"Protect the Women of Your Life!"

The advertising text in the companys site is extremely interesting and reads as follows:

"These panties will monitor the location of your daughter, wife or girlfriend 24 hours a day, and can even monitor their heart rate and body temperature. Based on pioneering research developed by the U.S. military at DARPA (Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency), we have brought this revolutionary technology, previously only available to the military, to you!

These panties can trace the exact location of your woman and send the information, via satellite, to your cell phone, PDA, and PC simultaneously! Use our patented mapping system, pantyMap®, to find the exact location of your loved one 24 hours a day.

The technology is embedded into a piece of fabric so seamlessly she will never know its there!"

The Product Seems to Work!

According to the site, the underwear actually works, since there are two testimonies of men stating their satisfaction over the "Forget-me-not Panties."

The first case is a restless man that could not believe that his little girl had grown up, and the second case a cheated husband that caught his wife in the act. He stated that he will use the evidence from the so-called surveillance but without explaining if the court will accept all the above.

We cannot cross reference the testimonials on the website, since when we attempted to make a trial order we came across an announcement that stated that the panties are sold out.

We also do not know if the company will manufacture mens underwear, while we do not know how useful theyll be after being washed!

As we do not have the capability to cross reference any of the above, we cannot rule out the event that the whole story is an intelligent advertising trick in order to reassure mens insecurities that are derived from the medieval ages and chastity belts.

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

Related Links:

http://forgetmenotpanties.contagiousmedia.org/index.html

[05] Paid a High Price for a Bribe Attempted to Bribe EFET Employee

By Annita Paschalinou

Two women from Thessalonica will face justice as they tried to bribe an employee of the Central Food Control Agency (EFET). More specifically, they offered him an envelope containing 300 euros in order to receive a suitability certificate for their companys products. The employee immediately informed his superior and asked for the intervention of the police. The two women, aged 27 and 66, were arrested and the case was committed to justice.

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

[06] Catharsis in the Church Put Forward

By Vicky Keleri

During its meeting today, the Continuous Holy Synod decided to commit the case of Piraeus Metropolitan Bishop Kallinikos, who is accused by a vicar of sexual harassment, to the Ecclesiastical Court for Hierarchs. As the Holy Synod Press spokesperson, Syros Metropolitan Bishop Dorotheos stated, the pre-hearing process of Thessaliotidos Metropolitan Bishop, Theoklitos has been concluded, and tomorrow a date will be set for the convocation of an Ecclesiastical Court. In the meantime, its was made known that Athens Metropolitan Bishop, Mr Panteleimon has made a demand of exclusion of Karisteia Metropolitan Bishop, Mr Serafeim who was responsible of the pre-hearing process of his case.

Also, during the meeting Archbishop Christodoulos briefed the members of the Holy Synod over the developments in the Jerusalem Patriarchate.

It was also announced, that a strict warning guide will be issued to all Metropolitan Bishops in order to inspect with greater attention the sale of real estate that belong to Churches, and of transparency and legality procedures, in order "for the Church to not be exposed unjustly from ignorance or misinformation."

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

[07] Papadopoulos- Prendergast Meeting Mobilization Over Cypriot Issue

By Vicky Keleri

Today, UN Undersecretary of Political Affairs, Sir Kieran Prendergast met with Cypriot President, Tassos Papadopoulos. Since yesterday, Mr Prendergast is in Cyprus to discuss with relevant contacts, in order to conclude if there is common ground for the recommencement of the discussions. In his statements after the two-hour meeting, Mr Papadopoulos described the dialogue with the UN Undersecretary as very productive, while he added that they agreed that its content would remain confidential.

Satisfaction Over First Contacts

Answering to a question of if the Turkish Cypriot side will enforce the commitment of the confidentiality of the discussions, the Cypriot President stated that this is necessary in Mr Prendergast s contacts, as it will cultivate a climate that will promote the commencement of a new effort.

On his part, Sir Kieran Prendergast described the meeting as productive. He did not make any comments, while he noted that he came for discussions and he will make statements after the conclusion of his contacts. Mr Prendergast will meet with President Papadopoulos tomorrow and once again after his meeting with Turkish Cypriot leader Mehmet Ali Talat on Thursday.

The UN Undersecretary met with President of Parliament, Dimitris Christofias, while at 17:00 he will meet with DYSI President, Nikos Anastasiadis.

Ankara Draws Up Solution Plan

At the same time, according to an article in Turkish Cypriot newspaper Kipris , Turkey is drawing up a new plan for the solution of the Cypriot issue, which it will submit to the UN General Secretary, once it is finalized.

The plan is expected to be discussed on Thursday, during the Summit Meeting in Ankara, which will be attended by the President, PM and Foreign Minister of Turkey and from the Turkish Cypriot side by Mehmet Ali Talat, Ferdi Soyer and Serdar Denktash.

Following, the Turkish Cypriot delegation will meet with Chief of General Staff, General, Hilmi Ozkok.

In the meantime, in statements made yesterday in a Turkish English speaking newspaper, Turkish Foreign Minister, Abdullah Gul gave some points of the main philosophy of the plan. More specifically, he noted that the substantial recognition of the Turkish Cypriot state and its institutions is included in the context of fulfilling Turkeys commitments, based on the Protocol of customs union, that had been signed before the accession negotiations commenced. Also, the Turkish plan suggests, among others, the simultaneous lift of all restrictions on the island, the opening of the ports and airports, and the lift of all economic and other embargos on both sides "as the first step for a overall solution."

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

[08] For Overplaying the Story "The Press is to Blame in Juarez"

By Despina Hristopoulou

In an effort to minimize a tragedy seen as the worst crime outrage in Mexico, President Mexico Vicente Fox accused the media on Monday of rehashing the story of unsolved women's murders in Juarez. Fox's comments came just a few weeks after two girls, 7 and 10, were murdered in Ciudad Juarez, an industrial city across El Paso, Texas. Since 1993, over 340 women and young girls have been abused and murdered in Juarez, including 17 this year. Many of the murders were so horrible that are beyond describing. The victims' families accuse the police of neglect. "We must attend to the case of Juarez and we are, but it must also be seen in its proper dimension. These murder cases have been solved. We are offended by what has happened in Juarez, but nor is it right to be reheating the same 300 or 400 cases," said Fox to reporters, accusing the Press of overplaying the story. On the other hand, women's groups say most of the Juarez murder cases remain unsolved and there are questions about how convictions were obtained in many of the cases already closed.

Translated by Sofia Soulioti

[09] States Iraqi President Jalal Talabani Saddam's Trial in Two Months

By Vicky Keleri

The trial of Iraqi dictator Saddam Hussein is expected to commence during the next two months. Answering a relative question, the new President of Iraq, Jalal Talabani stated the above in a interview broadcast by CNN. Other high-rank Iraqi politicians had expressed the same opinion. However, the lawyers of the former Iraqi dictator and American legal advisers stated that it is quite possible that the trial will commence in 2006 after his Lieutenants are tried. As they state, his associates trials have to commence before, in order for Saddams brief to be built. In the interview, Talabani expressed the view that further investigations will possibly come across chemical and biological weapons factories. However, the Head of Investigations claim that Saddam had destroyed the factories before the U.S. invasion in 2003 or transported the weapons in another country.

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

[10] In the wake of French "Non" to Constitution De Villepin PM of France

By Athina Saloustrou

French President Jacques Chirac gave the order to form a government to his close colleague, career diplomat, aristocrat, occasional poet and until today Interior Minister Dominique de Villepin, in place of Jean Pierre Raffarin, who tendered his resignation two days after the overwhelming victory of the "no" vote in the referendum on the European Constitution. It is unclear how far this will go towards deflating the political crisis, as De Villepin is a non-parliamentarian, while he does not have popular ties, as he comes from an aristocratic family. Sources indicate that the position of Interior Minister in the new government will be undertaken by the leader of the Government Union for a Secular Party and rising political star Nicolas Sarcozy. The composition of the new government is expected to be announced tomorrow.

Hopes of De-Escalation

Dominique de Villepin, whose physical presence in the UN embodied Frances opposition to the war in Iraq, has no experience in domestic politics and will be forced to face a high rate of unemployment (10.2%), economic recession and high public expenditure.

One of Jacques Chiracs closest colleagues, he played a major role in shaping the policy implemented in 1997 with the early dissolution of Parliament before the elections, which brought the Socialist Party to power. He owes the nickname "Nero" to this disaster.

Jean Pierre Raffarin completed his three-year term as PM. During this time, he did not manage to reduce the high level of unemployment or to overturn the fall in his popularity. In a short statement after tendering his resignation, he clarified "I took this decision regardless of the result of the referendum on the European Constitution," while after the appointment of his replacement, he stated "he will be assisted by his experience."

Translated by Millie Williams

[11] On July 2 in London's Hyde Park Live 8: Make Poverty History

By Tina Valaoura

Sources: BBC, Reuters, Associated Press

The first Live Aid events, the great concerts that took place after Bob Geldof's initiative in Wembley, London, and JFK, Philadelphia, on June 13 1985, made history turning all eyes on the drama of African countries and gathering 100 million dollars for famine relief. This year, after many talks, history is about to repeat itself once more thanks to tireless Bod Geldof, who decided to repeat the Live Aid event on July 2 in London's Hyde Park, which he decided to name "Live 8." The entire effort is part of Geldof's "Make Poverty History" campaign, whose main aim goes beyond raising funds. Live 8 will be a show of strength to apply pressure on richest nations to cancel debt and increase aid to developing countries. Hence the date of the concert is July 2 to coincide with the G8 Summit, due to take place from 6 to 8 July in Scotland. More details on the big event, as well the artists who will participate in the concerts, will be given next Thursday.

All Eyes on Africa

"What started 20 years ago is coming to a political point in a few weeks. There is more than a chance that the boys and girls with guitars finally get to tilt the world on its axis," said Geldof.

The British government is backing the project and so is Prime Minister Tony Blair, who is on a tour of major world capitals (Washington, Paris, Berlin, Moscow) aiming to convince his partners to set the problems of African countries at the top of their agenda in June. Supporting that Africa is "the only continent anywhere in the world that has gone backwards in the last 30 years," Blair went on to add that "if we do not do it this year, it will not be done, in my view. So, this is the moment for decision." Blair wants the world's richest countries to stump up an extra $25 billion in aid a year and is pushing 100 percent debt write-offs for the poorest nations.

As for Bob Geldof, he has repeatedly proven in the past his loyalty to the fight of eliminating poverty in he much-afflicted African continent. And the "Live 8" is yet another proof. Hyde Park could have a capacity of 150,000 and acts tipped to play include U2, the Rolling Stones, Sir Paul McCartney, Coldplay, Madonna, Sting and Robbie Williams, Oasis and the Scissor Sisters, while a Spice Girls reunion has been rumoured just for the occasion.

Translated by Sofia Soulioti

[12] Unconditional release Road Fine for Hen!

By Mary Lou Tzempelikou

It all started when the black, Polish hen, which lives in the State of California, and is known by the name of Ophelia, decided to explore the area around the henhouse and see what was on the other side of the road. As it turned out, however, Ophelias simple outing created problems and troubles in the neighbourhood. When the local sheriff realized that the hen had crossed the road, he awarded a 45 dollar fine on its owners, as in California it is illegal for livestock to wander on the roads. The matter went to court, as Ophelias owners, Mr and Mrs Moore, considered that they had been unfairly fined and put the matter in the hands of their lawyers.

The Moores lawyers managed to get them off the hook, claiming that Ophelia was a pet and not livestock. Californias laws only apply to livestock and not to pets, and so Ophelia was granted an unconditional release!

However, it would seem that there is more to the story than meets the eye. The Moores claim that they were fined because they frequently complain that the sheriff does not do enough about off-road cars.

"In the last two and a half years, no one has managed to stop children riding bikes down the middle of the road or neighbours dogs from running wildly, but our hen crossed the road and it became a major issue," say the Moores.

The Sheriffs office has rejected the accusations, but the Moores are prepared to sue the sheriff for harassment.

Translated by Millie Williams

[13] Karamanlis Meets Ethnic Greek Journalists

By Betty Savourdou

Sources: NET 105.8

Forty ethnic Greek journalists from other countries, who work for foreign media enterprises, are currently in Greece. On Tuesday morning, they had a meeting with PM Kostas Karamanlis, who asked them to help Greece to become an attractive place for foreign investment. Earlier, the reporters met with the President of the Hellenic Republic Karolos Papoulias, who referred to the recent French referendum and to his role as political leader. They also met with the President of PASOK, George Papandreou.

New Economic Policy

Mr Karamanlis stressed that in Greece a new economic policy is being implemented that concurrently heals yesterdays wounds and establishes solid basis for a new, better prospect for growth, increased production and increased employment.

The Prime Minister thanked the reporters for their contribution regarding the hosting of the Olympic Games and noted "a country like Greece, that aims to be in the forefront internationally, that constantly sets the standard higher in its efforts, that never rests, is always faced with new and greater challenges."

Responding to a question on the Main Shareholder, he stressed that the Bill helps towards transparency and expressed the certainty that mutual ground would be found with the EU, while he expressed his satisfaction with the ongoing government work.

Asked to comment on a journalist who stated that people are talking about inactivity on the part of the government, Karamanlis answered immediately. "Count the governments legislative initiatives, a lot of work has been done in one year, things will get better, I am most satisfied," said the PM.

Translated by Millie Williams

[14] Solution Sought for Effluents

By Tina Valaoura

Sources: NET 105.8, NET, ANA

The Ministry of Public Works is cancelling plans to transport thousands of tones of effluents from Psytalleia to Mousama old quarry, after intense protests by the residents of Petroupoli and Kamateros. In a meeting today between the Minister of Public Works Giorgos Souflias and the Prefect of Western Attica Mr Aristeidis Arkoudaris, it was decided to abandon the idea proposed by the Ministry as part of the solution to Psytalleias problem. The effluents will now be transported only to Ano Liosia rubbish tip, where it will be buried. "There must be a national plan, without simply transferring the problem," noted Mr Arkoudaris, after the meeting. At the same time, he stressed that he disagrees with transferring the effluents to Ano Liosia tip and that he is persisting with his appeal against the decision by the Supreme Administration Court. Yesterdays meeting of Ano Liosia Municipal Council saw clashes between local residents and councillors, as the former demanded immediate closure for the tip. The tip was finally closed today, following an order by the Mayor, and it will remain closed until tomorrow morning.

Translated by Millie Williams

[15] Greece remains in the worst place in EU Fewer Traffic Deaths

By Vagelis Theodorou

Sources: ANA, NET 105.8

A significant decrease of 22% in the number of deaths in traffic accidents has developed since 2001, which is when the strategic plan for improving road safety started. This was announced in a Press conference granted by the Hellenic Transport Association and the University of Patra, in the context of the III Panhellenic Conference, which will be held on 10 and 11 October in Patra. However, Greece remains in the worst place amongst EU member states, with 39 deaths per 100,000 cars, while the EU average is 14. Furthermore, according to the National Statistics Office, in March 2005, there was a 15.8% increase in accidents, with no change in the number of deaths, while the numbers of seriously injured increased by 9%, with light injuries by 14.3%. As deputy Minister of Public Works Themistoklis Xanthopoulos stated, the dangerous points on the national road network, where attention is needed, have already been determined in relevant studies, to be announced in the coming days.

Sad First Place

According to the National Office of Statistics, in March 2005, 117 people lost their lives, 158 were seriously injured and 1550 lightly injured, while during the same time period in 2004, there were 1154 accidents with 117 dead, 145 seriously injured and 1356 lightly injured.

Besides this, from January to March 2005, 343 Greek citizens died and 451 were seriously injured, while during the same time period in 2004, there were 331 dead and 426 seriously injured.

The most deaths in traffic accidents occur in the Prefecture of Attica, the rest of Sterea Ellada and Evia.

Translated by Millie Williams

The Hellenic Radio (ERA): News in English Directory - Previous Article - Next Article