The Hellenic Radio (ERA): News in English, 05-06-22

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

CONTENTS

[01] Alogoskoufis Meets With EET Main Points Undisputed

By Despina Hristopoulou

Sources: NET 105.8

Minister of Economy Giorgos Alogoskoufis made it clear when addressing the Hellenic Bank Association (EET) that the government is not willing to further discuss the main points of the reform on the banks social security. Mr Alogoskoufis said that amendments on technical issues are possible only in the context of the discussion held in the Parliament. "Groundless claims are heard. We have made it clear that IKA will not be affected," commented the Economy Minister answering to the criticism voiced concerning IKA due to the reform. Mr Alogoskoufis also stressed that the reform was widely discussed within the government bodies, and he further noted that proportional studies are provisioned the moment a bank submit its petition to be incorporated into the new fund. As for the amendment, which Miltiadis Evert submitted to the Parliament yesterday, the Economy Minister said that it completely falls in line with the bills philosophy.

Translated by Areti Christou

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[02] At Political Leaders' Level Women's Employment

By Betty Savourdou

Sources: NET 105.8

NDs government policy on the womens employment issue is at the focus of the discussion that is currently taking place in the Parliament at political leaders level, with KKEs General Secretary Aleka Paparigas initiative. The dispute is expected to refer to all the governments choices concerning the social security and labour issues. The discussion is broadcast live by ET-1 state channel.

Translated by Areti Christou

[03] Under the Shadow of Violence Eyes on Iraq

By Despina Hristopoulou

Sources: ANA BBC

The proceedings of the international Summit meeting on Iraq commenced in Brussels, under the auspices of UN, EU and the USA, and the participation of 80 countries. UN General Secretary Kofi Annan, and US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice as well as the Foreign Affairs Ministers and delegates from the 80 countries and other international bodies attended the meeting. The Summit will be focusing in employing ways to boost the rebuilding plans in Iraq, to restore the countrys law system and order, and to adopt a new constitution. The Iraqi delegation is expected to present its plans on the countrys future, and will make an appeal requesting the international community share the economic burden of Iraqs reconstruction. At the beginning of the Summits proceedings, Condoleezza Rice called upon the Iraqi government to enhance security, and to open the countrys political system and economy to the world. However, the Iraqi leadership stressed that it is unable to carry out its mission without international support. "We agreed to construct a new international collaboration in favour of Iraq. The brave Iraqi people requests we be on their side, and deserves our full support," said Ms Rice.

Translated by Areti Christou

[04] Tension Eases in Ano Liosia

By Despina Hristopoulou

The ten people who were arrested yesterday as a result of the last nights incidents in the Ano Liosia Refuse Dump were released after midnight without charges being brought against them. Yesterday, during the first day of the sewage sludge transfer to the Ano Liosia Sanitary Landfill, residents and West Attica authorities staged a rally, and marched towards the Refuse Dump trying to break through the police cordon. As a result they clashed with MAT (armed police force). KKE and SYN condemned the incidents. In the meantime, the sewage sludge transfer from Psittalia continues from 5:30 am under police forces scrutiny, which are posted both at the Refuse Dump entrance and the neighbouring streets in Skaramaga. So far, no reactions have taken place on the part of the residents, whereas at 8 pm the Committee composed by the Municipals involved is to hold a meeting anew in order to decide if and when they are going to escalate their mobilizations.

Translated by Areti Christou

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[05] Question on Tsevis' Dismissal Ilias' Dismissal

By Betty Savourdou

Sources: NET 105.8

The Supreme Court Plenary Session unanimously ordered the First Instance Prosecutor Antonia Ilias dismissal. Ms Ilia is accused of being involved in the extrajudicial circuit, with detained Archimandrite Iakovos Giosakis being at the centre, which set up the panel of justices and released drug dealers. The Supreme Court Plenary Session is currently discussing the question upon First Instance Prosecutor Panagiota Tsevis dismissal, who is also involved in the extrajudicial circuit. In the meantime, the trial of former Examiner, Konstantina Bourboulia continues in the Three-Member Appellate Court with the testimony of broker Panagiotis Kontalexis. Ms Bourboulia is accused of the way she handled the main investigation over the Stock Exchange scandal. Lawyer Athanasios Varlamis is also put in the dock for he is accused of giving to the Examiner 120 million drachmas to prevent his client Panagiotis Kontalexis from being remanded in custody.

Translated by Areti Christou

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[06] No Damages Reported Earthquake Shakes Zakynthos

By Despina Hristopoulou

Sources: NET 105,8

A mild earthquake measuring 4.8 on the Richter scale shook Zakynthos today at 02.06 am as seismologists recorded. The earthquake was underwater with its epicentre being located southwest of Zakynthos, 280 km southwest of Athens. No damages have been reported.

Translated by Areti Christou

[07] More Than 21 Died Deadly Rainfalls in China

By Despina Hristopoulou

Sources: ANA

Floods and landslides triggered by the heavy rainfalls that have swept through the south Chinese provinces have left at least 21 people dead behind. As per state media sources, rainfalls were so heavy that disrupted traffic on a rail line linking the Chinese mainland with Hong Kong. More specifically, nine people have been killed in Guangdong. In south Fujian province, floods and landslides killed 12 people whereas five more are missing. Many more regions south of China face serious problems due to the severe weather conditions, while Chinese PM Wen Jiabao called upon the local authorities to intensify their efforts towards dealing with the floods which cost the lives of hundreds of Chinese people annually. Earlier this month, a flood swept through a school in northeastern Heilongjiang province, killing117 people, 105 of them children.

Translated by Areti Christou

[08] LAFKA Retrospective Payment Legal

By Betty Savourdou

The payment of the retrospective contributions to pensioners that had been deducted in favour of LAFKA (supplementary pension contribution) is legal. The Court of Auditors held a meeting in camera, and decided on the legality of the legislative reform, after processing the draft bill conducted by the Ministers of Economy and Employment. The reform, which has already been submitted to the Parliament, regards the LAFKA payment to pensioners in six-months instalments and in lump sum.

Translated by Areti Christou

[09] Rehhagel Answers to his Critics

By Dimitris Alexopoulos

Today, Otto Rehhagel answered to all his critics, both in Greece and overseas, who rushed to deliver their venom concerning the poor performances by the Greek National team during the last four games (three losses and one draw, but no goals scored) immediately after the loss against Japan. Defending his choices, the German coach claimed that he took the best with him, while he hinted that he might be proceeding with changes and a team revival as of September. "The team that is here won the European Championship. The players are Greeces best and I would choose them again. However, I will be considering everything that happened here over the holidays and I will see who I will be calling for the next game," claimed Mr Rehhagel.

Changes against Mexico

Otto Rehhagel was also asked to comment on the articles in the Press, which mentioned that he would not be continuing with the Greek team, but he refused to answer. "I do not answer to those types of questions. I have said time and again that the only thing that concerns me is the game itself," he underlined, while he also refused to comment on the criticism he received. "Today, I only read the Bild and spoke to them. Many people called me and were very friendly, while they told me that they did not expect the Greek team to be winning all the games."

Finally, speaking about tomorrows opponent, Mexico, the head coach did not have much to say about Lavolpes squad. "You saw the Brazil-Mexico match. The Mexicans are very good. There is no difference between Mexico and Brazil. They are both great teams. They havent lost in 18 games [20 Mr Rehhagel], they are fast and masters at the game. The Brazilians did not rate them that highly and they played very well. I told my players that although we have been disqualified, we have to play hard. I will be bale to use players whom I had not used in the previous matches."

Zagorakis: "We Have not Forgotten How to Play"

The captain of the Greek team, Thodoris Zagorakis, spoke on behalf of the players. He referred to the criticism received by the team following the loss against Japan. "We are disappointed, because the team won the European Championship and I think that it does not deserve negative criticism. We are not using excuses; as the coach said, we just happened to play badly. I think that we are not indifferent. We wanted to perform well for the expatriate Greeks who came to see us. We thank them; but that is the way football goes. Sometimes you are good and others you are not. These guys did not forget how to play football just like that. And some people have to consider that if they want the team to go well once, we want it even more." Finally, he added, "It is very important for the team to be participating in such an event. We would have liked to perform better, but that did not happen and we do not like excuses. We only have one more game left, against a very good team, Mexico. We will try our best and aim at coming here again next year."

Translated by Vicky Ghionis

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