The Hellenic Radio (ERA): News in English, 05-06-27

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

CONTENTS

[01] Government Takes Measures Social Security in Parliament

By

Sources: NET 105,8

The Parliament Plenary Session will be discussing the reform on the banks social security by Thursday. Economy Minister Giorgos Alogoskoufis spoke of the likelihood that amendments, which do not run contrary to the bills philosophy, on the relevant reform will not be ruled out. Everts amendment will also be at the focus. The ex ND President called upon the Economy Minister to submit a complete accounting study demonstrating the cost of the bank employees incorporation into IKA prior to the discussion aiming at the PMs briefing. He furthermore laid public the data on the contributions each bank submits to the social security funds. Commenting on Mr Everts statement, Economy Ministers sources stressed that issues raised by Mr Evert are dealt with the reform in Parliament. Additionally, according to the General Accounting Offices report attached to the reform, the states budget is not burdened. They also stated that the accounting study will be held for each bank desiring to be incorporated into the unified salary scale. In the meantime, PASOK has already announced that it will certainly vote for Everts amendment, while at the same time PASOKs Political Council will hold a meeting to examine the partys overall stance.

Cash Liquidity Problems

At the same time, cash liquidity problems are intensifying, since the bank employees have decided to extend their strike until Thursday, when the reform in question is to be voted in Parliament. The strike announced by the security guards at delivery/collective securities supplying ATMs with cash is expected to make things more difficult. Their delegation will be meeting with the Minister of Public Order Georgios Voulgarakis.

Speaking on NET radio 105,8 and before meeting with the Public Order Minister, the President of the security guards at delivery/collective services federation Giorgos Pliatsikouris said, "We suspended our collective actions by 30% as a gesture of goodwill. 1/3 of ATMs and banks will be normally supplied."

In the meantime, the Economy Minister stated that there may be a legislative reform making sure that cheques are not stamped and that delinquency interests are not imposed as a result of payment delays due to the continuous strike staged by the bank employees.

Today, Emporiki Bank will discuss the question whether it is going to incorporate its fund into the IKA-ETAM in its General Assembly. At 1.30pm banks employees have scheduled a rally outside Emporikis headquarters at Sophokleous street.

Translated by Areti Christou

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[02] Will Reach 35 Degrees Mercury Rising

By Despina Hristopoulou

Sources: NET- NET 105.8

Temperatures are increasing and thermometers are expected to reach their peak. Today, the temperature reached 35°C in Agrinio. In the center of Athens, the temperature reached 32°C and in Thessaloniki 31°C. Tomorrow, the temperature is expected to lower to the seasons standards, but on Wednesday the mercury will climb up to 38°C. However, experts stated that on hot days we should not ignore the recommendations and take protection from the heat wave. They suggest that many liquids, a light diet, a hat and light colored clothes can protect us from the misadventures of heat. Furthermore, the Ministry of Health has issued a relative instruction in which it is stated that aimless transport and extended sun exposure should be avoided, while sensitive groups such as small children and the elderly should be especially careful.

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

[03] To Arms For Some Vodka!

By Mary Lou Tzempelikou

They were in despair. This is maybe the only phrase that can account for the inconceivable action committed by two young Russian soldiers, who managed to shock a town in Siberia. The two soldiers felt the need to live it up a little and leave their problems aside by drinking some vodka. Since they did not have a car, they thought it would be a good idea to use an armoured vehicle to reach the nearest town and get more vodka. After they decided it, they did it hoping that their ride would escape their superiors notice.

Things Not As Planned

However, things did not go as planned. Of course, it was not only their bad luck to blame, since the two soldiers decided to taste a little on their way back.

So, while going back, their vehicle crashed through a fence into a used car showroom creating chaos.

To their misfortune, after they succeeded in removing the vehicle from the masses of demolished cars, the vehicle broke down on the way back to their military base. As a result, they were arrested by police.

Now, the two daring young soldiers are bound to be severely punished.

Translated by Areti Christou

[04] They Were Kidnapped From School Thriller With Students in Nepal

By Vicky Keleri

Communist rebels have kidnapped 90 Secondary school students in Nepals isolated mountainous village. So far, there has been no information on the students condition. The kidnap occurred last week, However, there has not been an official briefing by the countrys Army Forces until today. As per the announcement, the rebels invaded the school in a village which is located 300km west of Kathmandu, Nepals capital, on June 22. Children kidnapping by rebels is not a rare phenomenon in the region. The rebels hold the students for approximately two or three days aiming at overthrowing the countrys current regime. On June 15, 250 students were kidnapped from a nearby village and were released three days later. The latest kidnap, however, raised concerns to the government, for it has lasted more than usual and there is no information about the students condition.

Lack of Information

Special rescue forces have not yet been sent to the region, which is described as a dangerous zone, while there is also a lack of police and army bases.

On his part, the police commander of the region expressed his belief that the children will be released, as it is always the case. He also added that the village from where they were kidnapped lies in an isolated area, making thus communication and information collection difficult.

It is noteworthy that Maoist rebels launched their fighting in1996 in their effort to end Nepals constitutional monarchy and impose a revolutionary regime. The numerous clashes held so far have raised the death toll to 11,500 people.

Translated by Areti Christou

[05] From Torrent Rainfalls Tragic Death Toll in China

By Vicky Keleri

Since June 18, the dead have reached 730 from the torrent rainfalls that literally drowned the mountainous areas of China. According to data by the Center for Counter of Drought and Floods, 7,700,000 people have been stricken by the fury of the weather conditions. During the past hours, in the area of Guangdong, of southern Chinak, 65 people have lost their lives. Meanwhile, in the area of Guangxi, the waters of the river Zhujiang have reached the highest level of the last 90 years, while meteorologists predict new severe rainfalls starting from Wednesday.

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

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[06] Armed Men Attack Baghdad Hair Salon Bloody Attack in Iraq

By Vicky Keleri

The attacks in Iraq are continuing. Today, from the attack of armed men in a hair salon in the neighborhood of al-Jadida in Baghdad, three people lost their lives. More specifically, the owner, a policeman and a child were killed from the fire of the insurgents, as a spokesperson of the Iraqi Interior Ministry stated. In the meantime, the dead have exceeded 40 from yesterdays bloody suicide attacks around the country, while 25 of them were killed in three suicide attacks against the Iraqi Security Forces in Mosul. Meanwhile, in statements made to an American television network, Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld evaluated that many years will be needed in order for the continuous attacks in Iraq to end. However, he seemed certain that in the end the Alliance forces will counter the insurgents.

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

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[07] Special Tax Unification is Expected Aiming at Fighting Adulteration

By Despina Hristopoulou

Sources: NET 105,8

The government is working on an institutional intervention on the petroleum products market aiming at fighting adulteration and trafficking, and at improving the fuel quality to the benefit of the consumers. Ministries of Economy and Development have put forward the unification of a special consumption tax on diesel and gas. This is expected to have been completed by the end of the next month. Furthermore, Development Minister Dimitris Souflias stated that all necessary measures will be taken to protect the consumers. He also said that he is seriously thinking to fix a maximum price regarding oil prices in certain prefectures, where biggest price rises have been noticed. At the same time, the Development Ministry has the intention to re-submit its proposal on the reduction in the special consumption tax to the EU. On their part, petrol station owners ask for a common sell price to fight trafficking, as the president of their federation Dimitris Makryvelios commented on NET radio 105,8. "We proposed government adopt a common sell price and a unified tax on diesel and gas so as to fight fuel trafficking," said Mr Makryvelios.

It Exceeds 60 Dollars a Barrel

In the meantime, an unprecedented increase in the black golds prices has been recorded. In fact, in Singapores market its price "flew to 60.47 dollars a barrel due to the increased demand in the USA. Brent price also increased by 56 cents reaching 58.92 dollars a barrel, which is also a new record. Over the last two weeks oil prices have increased by 12% and by 39% since last January. OPEC member-states are considering the likelihood to proceed with a new production rise in an attempt to hold down the prices.

Translated by Areti Christou

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