The Hellenic Radio (ERA): News in English, 05-09-15

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

CONTENTS

[01] Scenarios and Reactios O.A. Grounded

By Athina Saloustrou

The OA issue will top the agenda at the Biministerial Committee meeting, which will go over all the alternatives, after the Commissions decision that state subsidies to the company, exceeding 500 million euros, for the period 2002-2004 were opposing Community Legislation and should be repaid. However, the exact sum of the penalty is negotiable. Government spokesperson Thodoros Roussopoulos stressed that the Biministerial Committee would focus on evaluating the course and privatisation of Olympic Airlines. The European Union gave a two-month notice to the Greek government to take measures, while as per NET information, the existing competition, expected to end in two weeks, will be declared of no result and OA will fall under a special liquidation regime and a new competition will open for selling the companys assets. The government is looking into early retirement programmes, motives and transfers to the wider Public Sector, or even subsidised training programmes, while it has went over a plan to keep the company in operation for as long as it will take before any decisions are materialised. However, any final decisions would be announced by the Prime Minister in the following week.

Scenarios

However, despite the serious problems faced by the company, it seems that the two main claimers of the last competition for its sale keep their interest alive. The consortium Olympic Investors- York Capital has already signed a Memorandum of Agreement for buying Olympic Airlines and has not withdrawn its offer, while Klesch & Company reaffirmed its interest.

As per NET's exclusive information, the Government has already drawn up a plan, which it is most likely to follow, regarding the future of Olympic Airlines. Within the next ten days, the competition and negotiations with interested parties will come to an end. Due to OA's debts, the competition could be declared of no result. Then, a special liquidation will follow to open the way for a new competition. A bank will assume the role of the liquidator, recording all assets and liabilities of Olympic Airlines.

The company's net worth, ie its name, lines and aircrafts, will be sold in the new competition and the buyer, which could be the Greek Public Sector, will hire employees' of the current company, but under a new pay check.

The next step would be the announcement of a new complete plan for all personnel. Those who will not be hired, will either be transferred to the wider Public Sector, or be included in an early retirement plan, while some will attend subsidised training programmes. Nevertheless, until the company operates in its new form, it will continue flying.

Reactions

Last night, a delegation of OA employees submitted a resolution to the Speaker of Parliament and political parties.

The resolution calls the national delegation to make all those necessary decisions that will establish the survival and growth prospect of OA's public group. PASOK's Labour Department is also expected to focus on the issue of Olympic Airlines.

"No decision has been made yet. The only sure thing is that employees' labour rights will be ensured and the same principle applies for contract workers," stressed Deputy Employment Minister Gerasimos Giakoumatos on NET radio 105.8. On the other hand, PASOK parliamentarian Evangelos Venizelos underlined, "the Government needs to abandon the plan of liquidation while the company is in operation, as well as the non-transparent privatisation. Further more, it should stop spreading the false impression that the country should pay a fine to the EU. This decision is about OA's obligations to the Greek Public Sector. The Government should go after a transparent privatisation in an organised way so as to have a viable solution."

PASOK European parliamentarian Panos Beglitis said, "the Government did nothing to defend Greek interests in the Court of Justice of the European Communities."

Translated by Sofia Soulioti

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Countdown

[02] With Rains and Storms Autumn Scenery

By Vicky Keleri

Autumn weather today in most parts of the country with cloud cover, rain and storms. Last night, northern Greece, the northern Aegean sea and the Peloponnese experienced heavy rainfall, while bad weather will gradually extend throughout the country. In Nafpio, torrential rain turned roads into rivers, while the Fire Service received dozens of calls to pump water from basements. The September rainfalls reached Attica in the morning, while storms are expected as of the afternoon. The Civil Protection Authority is on alert for problems that might occur. The temperature has slightly dropped and is expected to reach 25 degrees in Athens and 24 in Thessaloniki. Bad weather will subside as of tomorrow noon.

Translated by Sofia Soulioti

[03] In Croatia Reality Against Realities

By Annita Paschalinou

A new reality show, starring sheep instead of people, has created havoc in Croatia. As per the organisers, the concept of the show goes deeper, aiming at targeting reality shows that are converting more and more people into sheep daily. The animal rights groups, however, do not share the same view, reporting animal abuse to local veterinary inspectors.

Lambs to Slaughter

The name of the new show is Stado (herd) and it is not aired on TV, but on the Internet. Those voted out of the seven-member herd will be led to the slaughterhouse.

Users can watch the sheep live 24hours a day. They can see what the animals eat, whether they are lively or how they interact with each other.

Up until now, three sheep are doomed, while the other four, unbeknown to them, are giving a battle to stay alive. The winner will be announced on 17 September.

The Prize? A poem written exclusively in its honour.

The new show, though, has stirred up wild reactions.

Animal protection groups are reporting that the sheep are being abused and exploited.

On the other hand, the organisers are refuting the allegations, claiming that that animals are under constant veterinary supervision and noting that the aim of the game is to demonstrate the grim reality of these types of shows, which convert people to sheep daily.

Translated by Vicky Ghionis

Related Links:

The Show

[04] After Zarqawi Launched Threats New Blood Bath in Iraq

By Vicky Keleri

Sources: BBC

After Wednesday's massacre, which cost the lives of 150 people, new suicide attacks are reported in Iraq today. This time, Baghdad is at focus with 14 dead and 21 injured in a suicide attack with a booby-trapped car. The blast occurred south of the Iraqi capital, in Dora, near a police convoy, resulting in the death of 10 policemen. In another bomb assault in Kirkuk, two policemen lost their lives and another four were injured. The attacks were reported a few hours after al Qaeda leader in Irqi Abu Musab al Zarqawi launched new threats for blasts around the country.

Zarqawi Declared War on the Shias

In particular, in a recorded message, al Zarqawi declared war against the Shia Muslims in retaliation for the attack American and Iraqi forces have launched against Tal Afar, where Sunni rebels are prevailing.

"You have begun and started the attacks and you won't see mercy from us," said the Jordan terrorist, adding, "days pass and battles are numbered and the goal is one: the Crusader-Shia war against Sunnis."

It is noted that prior to Zarqawi's message, al Qaeda had launched threats for suicide attacks around Iraq.

Translated by Sofia Soulioti

[05] War of Statements

By Betty Savourdou

Sources: NET 105.8, ANA

Opposition spokesperson Nikos Athanasakis made fierce criticism on the issues of the heating benefit, the new statements by Kokkinoulis on the eradication of small farmers, the share floating of OTE and government spokesperson Thodoris Rousopoulos statements over the article in Apogevmatini, on a partisan state during the rule of PASOK. "The fireworks launched occasionally by Mr Athanasakis prove the identity of the persons lacking views and proposals, desperately trying to rewrite history according to their interests," stated Thodoris Rousopoulos and received an answer by Mr Athanasakis. "We remind the government spokesperson that he should give answers to very specific questions and he does not, leaving the government exposed. We await his answers to specific questions, such as todays answers". The Secretary of the Greek General Confederation of Labour (GSEE) and leader of the Democratic Independent Workers Movement (DAKE), Kostas Poupakis also criticised PASOK governments.

Answers Sought After

The PASOK spokesperson accused the government of chameleonism on the issue of the heating benefit, and called on the government spokesperson to give answers and the government to proceed to its granting.

Moreover, Mr Athanasakis called the government to answer to the accusations by ND agrarian unionist Athanasios Kokkinoulis, that there is a danger of small farmers being eradicated as the reforms on added interest were not implemented by banks, with interventions by superiors.

Furthermore, he announced that PASOK will submit a question in Parliament tomorrow, in order for the Minister of Economy to give specific answers on the issue of the sale of 10% of OTE shares.

Commenting on Rousopoulos statements on the Apogevmatini article about a partisan state during PASOK rule, Mr Athanasakis spoke of a huge mistake by the government spokesperson, and revealed a document of the ND Local Committee of Leros, which asked and placed a doctor belonging the governing party in the Organisational Council of the local Leros infirmary.

Attack by Poupakis

With an announcement, General Secretary of GSEE and leader of DAKE Kostas Poupakis lashed out at PASOK governments on the current state of many businesses.

Mr Poupakis spoke of "appropriation during the last decade of social funds from well- off businesses which has resulted in a continuous enlargement of transfers, hundreds of businesses suddenly closing down, with industrialists and their huge incomes not taking account anyone and anything. The victims are the employees, who pay the wrong choices others have made for them."

Moreover, Mr Poupakis stated that during 2000-2004, dismissals reached record highs, and as he added this situation has to change. In closing, he mentions DAKEs demand for a new security net for employees based on Support-Reinforcement and Re-promotion in the employment market.

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

[06] Collective Actions Postponed

By Betty Savourdou

Blue buses will be performing their routes as per normal today, as OASA workers postponed their demonstrations after the collective bargaining agreement was signed. Employees had announced collective actions for today, Thursday, as well as for September 20 and 22.

Translated by Sofia Soulioti

[07] Measuring 4.4 on the Richter Scale Quake in Giannena

By Vicky Keleri

Seismic activity, measuring 4.4 on the Richter scale, was reported at 06:30 today northeast of the city of Giannena. So far, there have been no reports on injuries or damages. Seismologists are totally reassuring, describing the phenomenon as normal, as the particular area has experienced similar quakes in the past.

Translated by Sofia Soulioti

[08] Italian Party

By Vasilis Kalpinos

Today, Panathinaikos was crushed by Udinese in Friuli stadium, and made a bad start in the great event of Champions League. Alberto Malesanis team once again was mediocre in its performance, and was sorely reflected in the game. On the other hand Udinese had top player Vincenzo Iaquinta in its dispensation, who scored the three goals of his team (28, 73 and 76).

Heavy Pace, One Goal

From the beginning it was obvious that the game will be mediocre. On one hand, Udinese, a beginner in the event, and on the other Panathinaikos which is not giving its best for a long time and with two important players absent, Flavio Conceicao and Emmanuel Olisadebe. It was only natural that the goal opportunities were few, and Vincenzo Iaquinta opening the score in the 28.

Even if Panathinaikos was not very good with its attacks, in the 38 it nearly reached a tie. Gonzales executed an exceptional foul kick, but it only touched De Sanvtis goalpost. However, the Italian team performed more attacks and there were many times it neared a second goal, Di Natale (34) and Muntari (38) but Galinovic saving the ball and keeping the score at the end of the first half.

Iaquinta Puts On a Show

In the second half, Panathinaikos seemed to have a better grasp in the stadium. This was only because Udinese left room to the "greens" to counterattack. PAO was not lacking in the attacks, however Wooter (55) and Torghelle (65) lost two good opportunities.

There is a saying that goes "if you do not score then someone else will" and this is exactly what happened. Iaquinta within three minutes scored another two goals and placed a tombstone on Panathinaikos dreams for a positive result. First, the Italian attacker of Udinese passed Galinovic and kicked the ball in the empty nets scoring 2-0 in the 73, and in the 76 with an excellent kick from the left sent the ball in the corner of Galinovics nets scoring the final 3-0.

Referee: Olegario Benquerenca (Portugal)

Lineups:

UDINESE: De Sanctis, Zenoni, Obodo (68 Pinzi), Felipe, Candela, Juarez (86 Sensini), Muntari, Natali, Di Natale (80 Di Michele), Vidigal, Iaquinta.

PANATHINAIKOS: Galinovic, Morris, Goumas, Kotsios, Nilsson, Seric, Biscan, Gonzales, Wooter (76 Leontiou), Charalabidis (70 Gekas), Torghelle.

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

[09] Reported US Weekly Britney Spears Becomes Mom

By Vicky Keleri

American pop star Britney Spears gave birth to a healthy baby boy, reported US Weekly in its website. As per the article posted on the Internet, Britney delivered her son via Caesarian section at the Santa Monica UCLA Medical Centre. The young singer arrived at the hospital with a police escort shortly before 6 a.m. on Wednesday with her husband Kevin Federline, 27, by her side. However, neither Britney's representatives nor the hospital have proceeded with an official announcement.

Translated by Sofia Soulioti

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