The Hellenic Radio (ERA): News in English, 05-08-05

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

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

CONTENTS

[01] State Services on Alert Rain Follows Heatwave

By Vagelis Theodorou

According to an emergency forecast by the Hellenic National Meteorological Service (EMY) on Thursday, the weather scenery changes rapidly as rain will follow the suffocating heat. According to EMY, rain, strong rainstorms and gales are expected mainly in the areas of Macedonia, Ipiros, northern Ionian, Thessaly and the Western Mainland, while temperature will drop. The change in weather has already been evident in many areas of Macedonia, where rain fell on Thursday night, while in Athens rain and storms are expected during the evening and nighttime. State Services are on alert in order to counter problems that will arise from the bad weather, while the Civil Protection General Secretariat suggests that citizens take precautionary protective measures. According to meteorologists the weather will improve from Sunday, while temperatures will return to their normal season levels next week. Meanwhile, since this morning August holidaymakers are exiting city centers, while the problems of the past days with ships delays in Piraeus Port have not reoccurred. Trains, ships and airplanes are departing aboard with thousands of passengers, while traffic in National Highways is taking place without problems.

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

[02] Fire in Nevrokopi Recedes

By Vivian Papastefanou

The fire that has been blazing through the inaccessible forested area of Tsolias near Nevrokopi in northern Greece, was brought under partial control early on Friday morning. As per Fire Service, 32 firefighters with five fire engines are trying to put the fire under control. So far, the fire has destroyed approximately 200 square metres of pine forests. Last nights heavy showers significantly helped the efforts of the firefighters to put out the fire.

Translated by Areti Christou

[03] Over the 21 July Attacks in London Two Sisters on Terror List

By Tina Valaoura

Two young women, Yeshshiembet Girma, 28, and Muluemebet Girma, 21, of Stockwell, were added in the London July 21 suspects list together with 23-year-old Ismael Abdurahman. The two women were charged with disclosure of evidence in relation with suspected bombers in the recent attacks.

They will appear at the Court Magistrate later today, while yesterday in a brief hearing lasting just under 10 minutes, Abdurahman only gave his name. After the end of the procedure he was remanded in custody until July 11 when procedures will recommence.

The British police have arrested 14 people in the context of investigations over July 21. Among them are the three perpetrators of the failed attacks, Yasin Hassan Omar, Muktar Said Ibrahim and Ramzi Mohammed. The fourth suspect Ethiopian Hamdi Issac, who is said to be involved in one of the attacks, was arrested on 29 July in Rome where he will be extradited in Great Britain on August 17. For the time being, he was charged with " association with the aim of international terrorism and possession of forged documents."

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

[04] "Measure is Unconstitutional" Complaint over Searches

By Tina Valaoura

Sources: ANA, AFP

The July terrorist attacks in London initiated the reinforcement of security measures on the other side of the Atlantic. In New York the authorities have started random searches of personal items of persons riding in the NY subway.

The measure caused the reaction of many citizens and resulted in a complaint filed today by the Civil Liberties Union of New York against Police Commissioner Raymond Kelly and the city.

"To daily search thousands of innocent passengers bags, without proof, is unheard of, ineffective and unconstitutional," noted executive director of the New York Civil Liberties Union Donna Lieberman, who placed a complaint on the behalf of five citizens.

On their part, the American authorities were not concerned over the above incidents. The searches are tedious but necessary said Mayor Michael Bloomberg.

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

[05] SOS by Mini-Sub

By Tina Valaoura

Sources: ANA, AFP, DPA

The seven crewmembers of a mini submarine are fighting a battle against time, as their vessel is immobilized on the ocean floor, in a depth of 190m, near the Kamtsatka Peninsula.

According to Itar-Tass news agency all the crewmembers are well in their health, and the rescuers have placed a bet against time, since it is unknown if there is sufficient air supply.

The 13.5m mini submarine was stuck at the ocean floor possibly because it got entangled in nets or some underwater cable as it was performing a military rescue exercise in the Berezovaya Gulf.

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

[06] Hire of 1,800 Unemployed

By Tina Valaoura

Sources: OAED

Greek Manpower and Employment Organisation (OAED) begins a new programme of hiring of 1,800 unemployed being that are near retirement but do not fulfill requirements over a primary pension, as they lack 1,500 work stamps and up to 5 years for the completion of the age limit.

The submission of applications has started and all businesses of the Private Sector are allowed to participate, with the exception of those restricted by Bill 2190/1994.

The grant sum is 22 euros for the first 24 months and 26 euros for the following 35. For part-time employment for 4 hours daily the sum is 11 euros for the first 24 months and 13 for the next. The grant sum will increase by &#188; for every extra hour over the 4-hour work time. The duration of the grant will be formed by one month to 60 months maximum.

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

[07] Economy Ministry Clarifies No Changes on First House

By Annita Paschalinou

Sources: NET 105.8

The Greek Economy Ministry issued an announcement with which it clarified that the VAT relief for the purchase of first house is not to be revoked. The announcement was prompted by publications citing reactions on the part of the EU regarding the implementation of VAT for the purchase of first house. As per the announcement, "To reorganize the construction sector and to achieve fair competition conditions, the Economy Ministry briefed the EU about the implementation of 19% VAT to new constructions as of January 1, 2006 with the exception of the purchase of first house." At the same time, it is noted that the Ministry maintains an unhindered cooperation with the EU bodies about the issues as a whole. Meanwhile, the Ministry made it clear that the parental donations and transfers are incorporated into the favourable regime that governs inheritances and donations, since they are also viewed as donations on the part of the parent towards the child. It is also noted that, while the old regime burdened a parent with a 2,000 euros tax if the parental transfer amounted to 80,000 euros, the new tax relief will be burden-free.

Translated by Areti Christou

Related News:

Modest Adjustment

Taxation Reforms

[08] On August 9 Lord of The Rings at Herodion

By

A spectacular concert, which promises to travels us to the magical world of the Lord of the Rings comes to the Odeon of Herodes Atticus on Tuesday 9.The Oscar-awarded epic music by Howard Shore will be performed by 11 symphony orchestras and choirs from all over Greece: ERT Symphony Orchestra, Soloist Sissel, the choirs of ERT State Radio & TV, the Athens Municipality, the Athens Festival, Macedonia, PSAPFA of the Mytilene Municipality, the Rhodes Municipality Experimental and a childrens choir. The concert is sponsored by the Athens Municipality, and all visual effects have the signature of Alan Lee.

The tickets cost 100 euros for the distinguished zone, 85 euros for Zone A, 65 euros for Zone B, 45 euros for Zone C and 35 euros for the Upper Tier.

Tickets are available at the central box offices of the Hellenic Festival (39 Panepistimiou St. Mon-Fri 8:30-16:00 and Sat 9:00-14:30), at the Odeon of Herodes Atticus (daily 9:00-14:00 and 18:00-21:00).

Translated by Areti Christou

Related Links:

Ελληνικό Φεστιβάλ

[09] Iran on The Offensive Iran Lashed out Threats

By Annita Paschalinou

Tehran officials lashed out threats in case inspectors of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) arrive in Tehran to hold checks on Irans nuclear activity. "Seals will be removed and the uranium plant in Isfahan will resume work," stated Hussein Mussavian, spokesman of Irans nuclear delegation team. The threats came as a respond to the pressures exerted on the part of the EU so that an emergency meeting of the IAEAs governors on Tehrans nuclear work is called. The emergency Summit is scheduled for Tuesday.

Translated by Areti Christou

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