The Hellenic Radio (ERA): News in English, 05-06-26

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

CONTENTS

[01] Government Is Reviewing Measures ATMs Running out of Cash

By Annita Paschalinou

The problems with cash liquidity in the market are intensifying, since apart from the ongoing bank employees strike, which has been extended until Tuesday, the security guards at delivery/collection services have joined in the collective actions. As a result, ATMs throughout the country will not be refilled. After his meeting with the Greek PM on Saturday, Giorgos Alogoskoufis declared that the liquidity problems in the market are already huge, while the Government, in collaboration with the Union of Greek Banks, is examining measures to facilitate banking transactions. Furthermore, to avoid the danger of having cheques stamped and charged with default interest, the Minister of Economy and Finance is looking at implementing measures, which will be announced on Tuesday.

Lack of Cash

The last resorts for cash, the ATMs, are starting to run out of money. On Saturday, only one in every four ATMs was refilled with cash.

Long queues have been formed in front of ATMs, while some opted for machines in the centre of Athens, which are still stocked.

The problems are expected to intensify over the next few hours, in view of the strike called by the security guards working for delivery/collection services.

At the same time, the bank employees have not ruled out the possibility of extending their strike until Thursday, which is when the voting session for the banks social security will take place in Parliament.

Translated by Vicky Ghionis

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[02] International Day against Drug Abuse Collective Self-Criticism

By Annita Paschalinou

Todays International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking is an opportunity for collective self-criticism. As per the President of the Hellenic Republic, this day is not offered for loud declarations and wishful scenarios, but it requires reflecting over the causes of the problem that threatens young people, who are considered the backbone of society. Mr Karolos Papoulias stressed that this plague can only be combated with political courage and social solidarity. Courage is needed to pinpoint the problem and punish the merchants of death, while solidarity is needed for the victims who are trying to return to everyday life and escape segregation and isolation.

Sharing Part of the Blame

PASOK President George Papandreou also referred to self-criticism. "States, governments, societies, international bodies and everyday citizens, we all have a duty to share part of the blame in order to deal with the problem," he stressed, noting that the State needs to demonstrate firmness towards the dealers, as well as sensitivity, humaneness and solidarity towards the users.

At the same time, he urged the Government to fully implement the national action plan 2000-2006, which includes the operation of 83 Prevention Centres, in order to secure the smooth operation of the existing centers, which have been abandoned, and to proceed with hiring staff for OKANA (drug rehabilitation centre).

In its message, KKE underlined that the only reliable plan to combat drugs would be the one that connects the problem to the fight against social decline, which eats away at ones consciousness and prepares the ground for trafficking illusions.

Translated by Vicky Ghionis

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[03] All 44 Passengers Escaped Injury Train Derails in Aspropyrgos

By Annita Paschalinou

The 44 passengers onboard OSEs train 2568 on the Athens-Argos route were extremely lucky. A little before 5am, the train derailed close to Aspropyrgos, when two of its wheels went over rubber tyres that had been placed on the railway lines by unknowns. None of the passengers were injured, while they departed for their destination a little while later on another train. OSE crews arrived at the scene and brought the train back in the lines, reinstating traffic. It is not the first time that an incident like this occurs, so OSE, in collaboration with the police, will look into the case.

Translated by Vicky Ghionis

[04] In Western Ukraine Tragedy in Coal Mine

By Annita Paschalinou

New tragedy in a Ukrainian colliery in less than a year. A methane explosion in at the Lesnaya mine, west of the country, resulted in the death of five miners. Three of the miners were killed instantly, while the other two died later in hospital. Accidents are frequent occurrences in Ukraines ageing and generally loss-making mines, many dating from the 19th century. Last July, more than 30 were killed in a methane explosion in Donetsk region, the heart of Ukraines coal-producing area.

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