The Hellenic Radio (ERA): News in English, 05-08-25

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

CONTENTS

[01] By Friday the List Rise in Admission Grades

By Vagelis Theodorou

The Ministry of Education released the admission grades for the countrys Universities and TEI (Technological Education Institutes) on Thursday morning, thus putting and end to the suspense of the candidates. In a total of 338 University departments, rise was reported in 182, while 156 departments presented a drop in their admission grades. As for TEI, admission grades rose in 105 departments and fell in 92 ones. The rise was mainly reported in schools that provide their students with quick vocational rehabilitation. Education Minister Marietta Giannakou welcomed those who succeeded to enter the Academic community and wished them good luck, while to those who failed, she made it clear, "Life has many successes and failures in store for us," and reminded them that they will be given many opportunities in the future. The lists with the names of those who succeeded will have been posted at the high schools nationwide by Friday.

Translated by Areti Christou

[02] Is Superman Alive?

By Vagelis Theodorou

It is not a bird, and it is not a plane. But what was it that hundreds of residents in Ljubovija saw flying above their heads? They said it is Superman! They described seeing a cloaked person flying above their houses, "as if he had an invisible engine on his back," and changing directions while flying. However, none of the residents who saw the superhero can tell what it is about, while police denied commenting on the reports. Unfortunately, Ljubovija does not have a Lois Lane to shed light to the mystery. According to the towns newspaper, the case is under investigation. So, if it was not Superman, the mysterious man who visited the town, perhaps it was Batman!

Translated by Areti Christou

[03] Close to 68 Dollars Per Barrel Oil Hits New Record High

By Vagelis Theodorou

American crude oil hit a new record high in New York market. Crude oil to be delivered in October closed at 67.32 dollars per barrel recording a 1.61-dollar rise, thus sparking more concerns in the international markets, since the rise seems to be never-ending. The rise is due to the release of the US government data, which depict an unexpected fall in the US fuel supplies, as well as to the tropical storm Katrina heading for the Mexico Gulf. International Monetary Fund Managing Director Rodrigo Rato said that the high demands on oil is to maintain the high prices, and he voiced his belief that the price of the black gold will not reach the same levels with two years ago. Mr Rato attributed the rise in oil prices to the high demands for oil recorded in the USA as well as to the developing economies of China and India and made it clear that there are no indications for reduction in the near future.

The Greek Economy Ministry is ready to take all necessary steps towards eradicating fuel smuggling, while the circular explaining the procedures for the issuing of VAT for block of flats it to be sent to the tax offices by the end of the month.

Translated by Areti Christou

[04] Reforms Will Continue Aim to Further Reduce Unemployment

By Vicky Keleri

Sources: ANA - NET - NET 105.8

The assessment of Employment Ministrys course of action topped the meeting held between the Greek Prime Minister and Employment Minister Panos Panagiotopoulos on Thursday morning. Exiting the meeting, Mr Panagiotopoulos announced that, according to the data released by the National Statistical Service of Greece, the 11.3% unemployment rate is now ranging slightly above 10%. He also pointed out that the efforts to further bring down the unemployment rate should continue, since, despite the fall, the rate is still high. Mr Panagiotopoulos made it clear that the government is determined to go on with its policy towards eradicating unemployment. Furthermore, he accused PASOK of letting the unemployment rate reach 11.3%, although it managed to achieve higher growth rates than the average in Europe thanks to the 2004 Olympic Games.

Translated by Areti Christou

[05] From the Floods in Central Europe Unprecedented Catastrophes

By Vicky Keleri

The powerful downpours that hit southern Germany, Switzerland, Austria and other countries in Central Europe have caused unprecedented catastrophes. Mudslides blocked extensive areas and roads with boats being the only means of transport. At the same time, army and police helicopters keep transferring the people who had resorted to the roofs of their houses to save themselves to safer places. In Switcherland and Austria, ten people have lost their lives and many more have been injured.

Authorities and Civilians on Alert

In Switzerland, where the cost of the damages exceeds 600 million, the authorities are on alert, as new powerful rainfalls are expected on the days to come. Lakes burst their banks and cut off roads and power in many towns.

In Austria, the floods have caused 250-million damages. Romania and Bulgaria are also at the mercy of floods. The Romanian government announced that the death toll in Bucharest rose to 28.

Furthermore, in the town Odorheiu Secuiesc, in the Harghita area in central Romania, 800 houses were submerged, while in the wider region, 2,800 houses in 22 towns have been flooded.

Powerful downpours also hit southwest Poland, where the rivers water levels have risen. Rescue teams are on the site to help the residents.

The Austrian government had an emergency meeting and pledged to immediately aid the flood-stricken populations in the provinces of Vorarlberg and Tyrol. "We will not leave anyone alone," Chancellor Wolfgang Schuessel said.

In southern Germany, the rescue teams are building up dykes across the Isar river and the authorities warned the residents of many towns to pack their belongings and be ready to leave.

Translated by Areti Christou

[06] With Dead and Injured Chaos from the Floods

By Vicky Keleri

Austria, Switzerland, Germany, Bulgaria, Croatia, Slovenia and Romania are at the mercy of floods. In Austria, authorities are in a state of alert along the banks of rivers Inn and Danube, which is expected to overflow. What is more, new extensive floods are expected as a consequence of continuous heavy rainfall at the northern part of the Alps. Dams have collapsed, torrents have washed away houses, bridges have closed, while there are also reports on a dead person.

Switzerland is living in a similar nightmare. Helicopters and rescue crews are trying to remove citizens from Verne, while a young woman was killed when a building collapsed and a man is missing. There is no electricity and fresh water has been contaminated in several parts of the country, while all the houses are flooded and the lake has overflowed. The situation in Germany is also tragic. Bavaria has been declared a devastated zone, as most roads have turned into torrents, while entire cities and villages are cut off. Here too, inhabitants are removed with the help of helicopters and rescue crews, while several cities had to be fortified with sacks of sand in order to hold down the water.

In Romania, 28 people have lost their lives over the past week because of the floods. In Hargita and Mures, the waters have destroyed hundreds of houses and many families were forced to lives their homes to save their lives.

Many areas in Slovenia have also flooded from the heavy rainfall, while landslides and water have covered houses, roads and railways. STA news agency broadcast there is chaos in the country and the most afflicted areas are on the east part.

In northern Croatia, authorities are on alert as the level of Mura river continues to rise due to the heavy rainfalls. In many parts, the water level has reached 3.80 metres and villages have flooded, as well as crops and roads. In Knin, 150km south of Zagreb, water has reached 150 litres per square meter because of the rain.

Translated by Sofia Soulioti

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