The Hellenic Radio (ERA): News in English, 05-08-11

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

CONTENTS

[01] For the Departure of Holidaymakers Emergency Measures

By Vivian Papastefanou

During the next days the departure of holidaymakers for the celebration of August 15 is expected to escalate. Authorities are on alert in order for the departure to take place smoothly and without any problems. Emergency measures have been taken at the Piraeus and Rafina ports, while all port authorities are on alert. Actually, in Piraeus the port authority has been reinforced with the break of leave of 50 Coast Guards. Thirty-two ship routes have been planned for today, which will transport 40,000 passengers. As of tomorrow, extra ship routes are planned for the Cyclades Islands, Paros and Tinos in particular.

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

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[02] Remains Above Alert Limits Evros Water Level Falls

By Despina Hristopoulou

Sources: NET 105.8

The water level of Evros has fallen by 10cm, and the relevant bodies of the Prefecture estimate that in the next hours there will be a further decrease. However, they remain on alert for the third day, since the water level in Pythio measured at 5.33 with an alert limit of 4.70m. Moreover, the railroad track in Marasia-Dilofo, as well as Orestiada Dikaion has been closed down, and transport is taking place with OSE busses. Meanwhile, the Steering Prefecture Body is convening over the anti-flood actions, while as of yesterday ELGA crews are recording the damage to 500 hectares of crops.

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

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Water Level in Evros Rises

[03] Peach Growers Decide on Thursday Abandoning Roadblocks

By Mary Lou Tzempelikou

Sources: NET, NET 105.8

Late on Thursday night, the 5-hour three-party meeting between peach growers representatives, industrialists, and the leadership of the Ministry of Rural Development over the price of peaches ended, without a final solution being found. The Pella peach growers are expected to take their final decisions, in relation to the course of their collective actions, on Thursday. However they decided to lift the blockade in the Thessaloniki-Edessa National Road and to line up their tractors at the side of the road until the results of the industrialists are publicized. The latter will meet in order to decide if they will increase the sale price of peaches by one cent or cover the producers transport expenses. Furthermore, all parties decided to ask from the Employment and Vocational Training Fund (LAEK) further assistance for the producers from the 2.5 million euros that have been already approved. Minister Evangelos Basiakos appeared optimistic over the final result of the issue, speaking of a constructive meeting and a reintroduction of social peace.

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

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Critical Meeting in Development

Peach Growers on Roads

[04] Meeting Between Karamanlis-Avramopoulos Positive Messages Over Tourism

By Despina Hristopoulou

This morning, Prime Minister Kostas Karamanlis and Minister of Tourism Dimitris Avramopoulos discussed the course of Greek tourism over the year, at Maximos Mansion. "We are doing well," stated Mr Avramopoulos, and added that the positive outcome is due to good strategy and planning, while he mentioned that the preparation for next year has already began. However, he noted that great changes are needed for the quality upgrade of Greek tourism. Actually, the Minister noted that there is cooperation with the private sector.

Ad Campaign a Priority

As per global and independent bodies estimations, the increase of tourism this year will exceed 10%, mainly due to the timely preparation of the advertising campaign. Furthermore, the Ministry will begin its advertising campaign early. Also, within its main priorities is the submission of a bill concerning therapeutic tourism, quite possibly in September.

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

[05] For Discussions with Kostas Karamanlis Tassos Papadopoulos in Athens

By Vivian Papastefanou

As per diplomatic sources, President of the Cypriot Republic Tassos Papadopoulos is expected to arrive in Athens on August 17 for discussions with the Prime Minister, Kostas Karamanlis. The meeting will take place in view of the EU Permanent Representatives Council meeting after August 20 in Brussels. At the focus of the discussions between the PM and the Cypriot President will be the European future of Turkey and the Customs Union Protocol. Furthermore, the stance of France and Denmark on the issue of the accession future of Turkey is expected to be evaluated.

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

[06] Olympia Fire Under Control

By Despina Hristopoulou

As of early this morning, the fire that broke out in a pinewood area near Ancient Olympia, on Wednesday, has been put under control. The fire that had three fronts broke out early in the afternoon. Forces of the Fire Service immediately rushed to the scene for the prevention of the fire expanding to the village of Alfeiousa. Ninety firemen with 30 vehicles, seven airplanes and three helicopters put the fire under control.

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

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[07] Valeria Arrives in Paleochora

By Mary Lou Tzempelikou

All went well for 96 passengers aboard the ship Valeria, that early on Wednesday noon sent out an SOS due to mechanical problems. At 21:00, the ship arrived in the port of Paleochora, in Chania, tugged by ISARTAL, and under the presence of the Coast Guard. The passengers were transported to a special building in the town, and first aid was given by the Health Center of the town of Kantanos. As per sources, the ship was ungoverned due to the problem, while 5-6 Beaufort winds were blowing in the area, a fact that made the work of the Coast Guard exceptionally difficult.

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

[08] Alexandros Kontos to Kavala Farmers Immediate and Fair Compensations

By Annita Paschalinou

The Deputy Minister of Rural Development visited the areas of Kavala stricken by the recent bad weather. Alexandros Kontos reassured that the compensations will be given within a trimester from the crop season and that they will be fair and objective. As he said, where there will be doubts over ELGA estimations the farmers will always be justified. For compensations for animals, the Deputy Minister stated they will be given within a year. Meanwhile, the procedures for the reconstruction of the rural and forest road network will be sped up. As Panagiotis Fourlas stated, the Ministry for the Interior has ordered the Civil Protection Secretariat for the immediate money dispensation for the reconstruction of damage.

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

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Recording the Damages

Counting their Wounds

[09] By Kontominas Against Giorgos Kouris Complaints and Lawsuits

By Mary Lou Tzempelikou

Sources: NET

The owner of Alpha group, Dimitris Kontominas placed five complaints and six lawsuits against editor of Avriani newspaper Giorgos Kouris for defamation of character and revilement. The reason was Avrianis articles, according to which Mr Kontominas deceived Greek immigrants and received more than 1.5 billion euros. Actually, over the specific issue, on Tuesday Mr Kouris submitted evidence that supports his claims to the First Instance Prosecutor Panagiotis Poulios, who is conducting a preliminary investigation. As compensation to what has been published in Avriani, Mr Kontominas asks for 15 million euros, while he describes the articles as false and claims that the intention was blackmail.

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

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