The Hellenic Radio (ERA): News in English, 05-10-05

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

CONTENTS

[01] Optimism in the Economy Ministry Almunia in Athens

By Athina Saloustrou

The Greek Economy Ministry appears optimistic that Greece will be granted the green light to proceed with the securitisation of dues to the state following the regulations of the European Statistical Service. This issue along with the 2006 Budget are to top the meeting to be held between Economy Minister Giorgos Alogoskoufis and EU Commissioner for Economic and Monetary Affairs Joaquin Almunia, who is on a two-day visit in Athens. Speaking on NET 105.8, Mr Alogoskoufis voiced his belief that the new budget will lead to higher growth rates and will contribute to dealing with unemployment rates in 2006. He also noted that combating tax evasion is the governments top priority. As for confronting corruption, the Economy Ministry pointed out that important steps have already been taken, while presenting the national reforms programme to the relevant Parliamentary Committee, he described restoring fiscal balance, combating unemployment and enhancing social cohesion as the upcoming three-year periods priorities. The Opposition parties voiced their objections.

Translated by Areti Christou

[02] Piles of Rubbish in Attica Refuse Dump Reopens

By Annita Paschalinou

The workers at the refuse dump intend to suspend their collective actions to put an end to the citizens hassle. "Collective actions are to be suspended, although nothing has changed. We do not wish to hassle the citizens any longer," the vice president of the refuse dump workers union Panagiotis Kouvas told NET radio station 105.8. The workers union is holding a meeting to discuss the future of their collective actions. The refuse dump is to reopen only for rubbish.

Translated by Areti Christou

[03] Interior Minister Spoke to NET 105.8 On Work Hours in Public Services

By Athina Saloustrou

Speaking on NET radio station 105.8, Minister for the Interior Prokopis Pavlopoulos said that he is open to proposals regarding the changes on the working hours in public services. He also made it clear that the continuous working hours will remain, the flexible working-hour scheme will not be forwarded nor will the public services operate in the evening. Mr Pavlopoulos further noted that a single working-hour scheme is suggested, with the services opening an hour later to facilitate the citizens. "No studies preceded the proposal. Opening an hour later does not facilitate the citizens, it rather makes the employees family lives more tedious," replied ADEDY Vice President Ilias Vrettakos.

Translated by Areti Christou

[04] Concert at Zirineio Stadium in Kifisia Message for Life

By Anna Kourti

The Athenians have the chance to experience a grand Greek-Italian concert on Saturday evening at the Zirineio Stadium in Kifisia. The concert is free. Famous Greek singer Kostas Makedonas and Italian composer and performer Gigi d Alessio will sing together on stage to send a message for safe driving. Actor Memos Begnis, particularly popular with the young, was chosen to host the event, while journalist Viki Bafatakis will also participate. The concert is co-organised by the Kifisia association for the pedestrians rights and the Italian club "Meno velocita piu vita."

For Safe Driving

"Meno velocita piu vita" club was created by Italian Elio Celone after the death of his son Silvio in a car accident.

The club organises many concerts with the participation of many famous performers, including Lucio Dalla, Matia Bazar.

The concert at the Zirineio Stadium is to be held upon his initiative and is sponsored by the Municipality of Kifisia.

Opening time: 19:00 Address: 192 Kifisias Avenue Information: +30 6289010-2

Translated by Areti Christou

Related Links:

Σύλλογος "Meno Velocita piu vita"

[05] Meningitis Cases Sound Alarm

By Annita Paschalinou

The increasing meningitis cases have raised concerns among parents. So far, three cases have been reported, with the last being that of an infant in Patra and a teacher. The vice-prefect stated that there is no need for the kindergarten to close, since the virus cannot survive in the environment. However, the cases have sounded the alarm to the Health Ministry. Athens top selling Apogevmatini read that the Ministry is to send a circular to the schools for parents to take precautionary steps. At the same time, informative radio and television ads are on the way.

Translated by Areti Christou

[06] One Dead, Seven Wounded Blast in Istanbul

By Anna Kourti

A blast in a four-storey building in Istanbul claimed the life of one person and wounded seven. The Turkish mass media and the police believe that the explosion occurred as a bomb was being made. One of the wounded lost his arm. There are no indications as to whether the people who were trying to make the bomb belonged to a terrorist group.

Translated by Areti Christou

[07] Death Toll Rose to 66 in Central America Stan Sweeps Through Mexico

By Athina Saloustrou

Heavy downpours hit Mexicos coastline on Tuesday due to hurricane Stan before being downgraded to a tropical storm. The death toll stands at 66 in Central America. The Mexican authorities had to evacuate several areas and shutdown oil plants. The hurricane hit the Mexican coastline 136km southeast of Veracruz. The citys authorities declared a state of an emergency and urged the residents to empty the region and head for the mainland. Oil company Petroleos Mexicanos allowed 270 employees to leave the pumping platforms before Stan hit the area. "No deaths have been reported, but things are tough," said a spokesperson for Mexicos Civil Protection Authority. Stan slammed into the countries of Central America at the weekend and claimed the lives of 49 people in El Salvador, six in Nicaragua, four in Guatemala and two in Honduras. Mexicos authorities closed the ports of Dos Bocas, Cayo Arcas and Coatzacoalcos, where oil is pumped from. The coffee plantations in Veracruz have not yet been reported damaged.

Translated by Areti Christou

[08] Smart Personal Alarm

By Vicky Keleri

Sources: New Scientist

An American company manufactured a personal alarm system that aims to protect passengers on matter the type of vehicle they are on. Its size is not bigger than that of a cell phone allowing its being carried everywhere. An accelerometre built into the device records every crash and compares it with the previous ones to distinguish a safe event, like the device being dropped and a road accident. In the case of an accident, the smart alarm dials the emergency service number and transmits a recorded SOS message.

To Avoid Confusion

The alarm is also equipped with a special mechanism that transmits the location of the user. To avoid confusion, the device is programmed to stop operating when the accident is not serious. In particular, before transmitting the SOS message, the alarm bleeps so that the user can decide whether to cancel its operation or not.

[09] He Charged the Ministry Pizza Sparks Scandal!

By Annita Paschalinou

What could two pizzas have contained to cost 100 euros? Possible caviar, but the Canadian Minister, who had this unusually pricy meal and charged the Ministry, is the most suitable person to answer. Canadian Immigration Minister Joe Volpe triggered a political fuss in Canada, while the ruling Liberals being amid a huge corruption scandal. The Opposition MPs surfaced the case wondering how he managed to spend 100 euros when the most expensive item on the menu does not exceed 25 euros. The Minister said he was having consultations to improve the immigration system over dinner. However, his explanation failed to convince.

Translated by Areti Christou

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