The Hellenic Radio (ERA): News in English, 05-10-12

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

CONTENTS

[01] Economy Ministrys Circular Released Clarifications Over Oil

By Vicky Keleri

The circular released on Wednesday by the Greek Economy Ministry read that the heating oil distribution is to commence on October 14. Its price is expected to post a 20% rise as opposed to last year. As per the Ministry, the building managers and owners are not obliged to submit a report with the consumed heating fuel quantities to the tax offices. It is only the heating fuel traders that have to submit the invoices and the receipts they have issued. As for the receipts, in case the buyer pays for the oil, his full name, address, tax number, capacity (owner or tenant), oil type and quantity, as well as the time and place to be delivered should be included in the retail receipts. Regarding the apartment blocks, the receipts should include the building managers tax number.

Translated by Areti Christou

Related News:

Fuel Smuggling Broken Out

[02] Pireaus-Based Fuel Smuggling Broken Out

By Vicky Keleri

Sources: NET 105.8

Atticas Special Control Directorate broke up a case of fuel smuggling. As per the findings of the investigation conducted in Piraeus, the fuel company that had set up a fuel trafficking ring providing fictitious and forged invoices. In the meantime, in the wider area of Halkida, the authorities located nine construction machines and trucks that were using heating fuel instead of diesel and their owners were stripped of the plates and licenses.

At the same time, the Atticas Fuel Stations Owners Association voiced its disappointment over the Development Ministrys decision to make public the list with the fuel stations with tampered pumps.

Translated by Areti Christou

[03] A Well-Deserved Finale Thank You European Champions

By Vasilis Kalpinos

The Greek National Football team finished its appearance in the qualifying round of the 2006 FIFA World Cup. The European Champions defeated Georgia 1-0, with Giorgos Papadopoulos scoring in the 17, and bade farewell to the event in the best possible way. Turkey, by defeating Albania, in Tirana, 1-0, earned the win and second place, and will be present in the play-offs, while third place was earned by Denmark, which defeated Kazakhstan 2-1, in an away match.

Referee: Matteo Trefeloni (Italy)

Yellow cards: Basinas, Vryzas/Gogua, Mujiri, Kankava, Kobiashvili, Gakhokidze

Line-ups:

GREECE (Otto Rehhagel): Nikopolidis, Seitaridis, Kapsis, Dellas (64 Anatolakis), Goumas, Katsouranis, Zagorakis (53 Kafes), Basinas, Mantzios (46 Vryzas), Papadopoulos, Salpigidis.

GEORGIA (Gaioz Darsadze): Revishvili, Kaladze, Salukvadze, Khizaneishvili (46 Tsinamdzgvrishvili), Mjavanadze, Ganugrava, Kankava, Kobiashvili, Gogua, Mujiri, Demetradze (86 Gakhokidze).

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

[04] Medicine Amendment Approved

By Mary Lou Tzempelikou

With 147 votes in favour and 120 against, Parliaments Plenary Session approved on Wednesday the governments amendment on the readjustment of the medicine pricing. As per the government, the amendment in question is to lead to a 5% or 7% reduction in medicine prices, while it is to boost the domestic pharmaceutical industry. The Opposition parties voted against the amendment, and underlined that its implementation is expected to result in a sharp rise in prices, burdening the social security funds. During the discussion in Parliament on Tuesday evening, the government and the Main Opposition crossed their swords over the content of the controversial amendment.

Translated by Areti Christou

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Clash Over Medicines

[05] Referendum Not Ruled Out Actions Over Name Issue

By Tina Valaoura

Sources: ANA, NET 105.8

The Greek government reminded the FYROM leadership of its negotiating weapons, since Foreign Minister Petros Molyviatis did not rule out the event of a referendum on the FYROM name issue, while he warned with a veto on the countrys accession in world organisations with a name other than FYROM. Today, Mr Molyviatis briefed European officials on the Greek positions on the issue, while FYROM did not hide its discontent on the Greek warnings. Meanwhile, the National Foreign Policy Council is convening next Tuesday, in order to investigate the developments of the issue. As per UN sources, in the forthcoming time period, a new initiative by UN Mediator Matthew Nimitz is expected, with a probable proposal of an alternant name used by FYROM during the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia. As per the same sources, this will be Mr Nimitzs final initiative, since if there is not compromise, he will resign.

Feverish Diplomatic Preparations

Today, Mr Molyviatis had a contact with British FM Jack Straw and General Secretary and High Representative of CFSP Javier Solana, as well as Secretary European Parliament Foreign Affairs Committee Mr Brok, who he briefed on the latest developments on the issue and the Greek positions.

Meanwhile, Deputy FM Mr Valynakis held a meeting with relevant Enlargement Commissioner Olli Rehn, in Brussels". However, the European Commissioner had a meeting with FYROM PM Vlado Buckovski, and stated that the issue of the name is bilateral, and in which the EU cannot have a constructive role.

Called to answer to the content of the latest proposals by UN Mediator Matthew Nimitz, Mr Rehn insisted on the need for the two countries to maintain a constructive dialogue in finding a solution under the hospice of the United Nations.

Dispute Between Government and Opposition

President of PASOK George Papandreou appeared concerned on the governments handlings. "If it is seriously thinking of a referendum, then it is irresponsible as it cannot transfer its duties to the people," he stated, and mentioned that this can divide the people.

This morning, Konstantinos Mitsotakis questioned on whether the governments decision on a referendum is correct, stated: "When I had to speak about FYROM I did. I will speak again, when needed

The issue caused dispute between governing MPs and Opposition members, during the discussion of the bill on the Higher Military Educational Institutions, in the Foreign Affairs and Defence Committee in Parliament.

PASOK Foreign Affairs steerer Michalis Chrisochoidis accused the government of systematically avoiding the briefing of national issues in Parliament, while at the same time the developments on the FYROM issue are at a crucial turning point after Nimitzs new proposal. Other PASOK MPs claimed that the only thing accomplished by Greece in foreign policy, is to become a strategic partner of the US without any gain.

ND MP Giannis Kefalogiannis reaction was strong, as he accused PASOK of an intermediate agreement signed in 1995, and that it tried to close the issue in a year.

Former SYN President also intervened in the issue saying: "A new dead end is presented in foreign policy in the Balkans. Such pending issues are used for other proceedings, such as the announcement of a referendum and scenarios over early elections."

It is reminded that SYN had supported a mutually accepted solution and the continuation of negotiations within the UN context, while KKE made fierce criticism to the governments handlings.

FYROM: "Veto is Wrong Move"

At the same time FYROM is going through its own diplomatic battle. PM Vlado Buckovski, who is in Brussels, met with Enlargement Commissioner Olli Rehn with the subject of the progress report of the EU Commission, which will be presented on November 9, in view of the decisions to be taken by the EU Summit Meeting on the countrys accession course, in December. Later on, he met with EU High Representative on Foreign Policy Javier Solana, while earlier he held a meeting with NATO Permanent Representatives Council.

Deputy FYROM PM Mrs Radmila Sekerinska made statements on the name issue, referring to the event of a Greek veto on her countrys accession in the EU, and spoke of a "wrong move and policy by the Greek side", which will create problems for Greece as well as FYROM, the broader region and the EU. Referring to the forthcoming decision by the Commission, Mrs Sekerinska voiced the certainty that it will be "positive" for her country.

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

Related News:

Fully Detailed Answers

Message to FYROM

[06] Meeting on NDs Internal Affairs

By Mary Lou Tzempelikou

Sources: NET, NET 105.8

Greek Prime Minister Kostas Karamanlis had a full scale meeting with NDs Secretary General Evangelos Meimarakis on Wednesday at Maximos Mansion. The meeting, which lasted more than an hour, focused on the partys preparations regarding the municipal elections scheduled for the upcoming October. Furthermore, sources reported that Mr Meimarakis expressed his opinion on the much-anticipated new electoral law, which is to be presented in the coming week by Interior Minister Prokopis Pavlopoulos.

Translated by Areti Christou

[07] Sunnis Will Vote

The Sunnis agreed to participate in the referendum on the Iraqi draft Constitution. The referendum is scheduled for October 15. The accord was preceded by a meeting chaired by Jalal Talabani. The meeting was called to approve a string of amendments aiming at securing the wider possible backing of the countrys new Constitutional Treaty. The Sunnis decision was enthusiastically welcomed by the White House, with Press Secretary Scott McClellan stating that it is a positive step towards Iraqs democratisation.

New Suicide Attack in Tal Afar

However, three days prior to the referendum, bloody suicide attacks keep rocking Iraq. At least 30 people were killed and 35 were wounded in a suicide attack in the city of Tal Afar.

The attack occurred on Wednesday outside a military base, where nearly 500 Iraqi civilians had gather to enlist. The suicide bomber detonated spreading death.

On Tuesday, a car bomb exploded in a crowded market killing 30 and wounding further 45 people.

Translated by Areti Christou

[08] Two Journalists Kidnapped

Sources: Reuterr - ANA

A US journalist and a British reporter were abducted near the town of Khan Younis, south of the Gaza Strip. The Palestinian Interior Ministry announced it has launched a manhunt to locate and liberate the two men. Six Palestinian gunmen took hostages the two Westerners, who were travelling by car along with their Palestinian translator. Their motives still remain to be investigating. The translator, who was released, said that the captives were taken to the Rafah settlements.

Citing the Palestinian translator Ziad Abu Mustafa, Reuters said that the US journalist is called Dion Nissenbaum, while the Briton is known only by his first name, Adam. Both the journalist and the reporter were working for Knight Ridder. As per military sources, the gunmen that seized the two Westerners belonged to a breakaway group from President Mahmoud Abbass Fatah group.

[09] Syrian Minister Committed Suicide

By Mary Lou Tzempelikou

Sources: ANA, BBC

On Wednesday, Minister for the Interior and former intelligence chief Ghazi Kanaan was found dead in his office in the Syrian Ministry for the Interior, in Lebanon. A few hours previous to his death, Kanaan had spoken to radio station Voice of Lebanon, denying that he had presented UN investigators cheques, which he reportedly was paid by murdered former Lebanon PM Rafik Hariri, in the 2000 elections. It is noted that the Lebanese Mass Media had accused Kanaan of receiving money from Hariri, while he had chief of intelligence, a position held from 1982 to 2002. In his latest statements to Voice of Lebanon, he had said that the relations between Syria and Lebanon were based on mutual respect while he noted: "I am speaking to your radio station as I known it is objective. I hope that all my statements will be distributed to all Lebanese stations [] as they are my last ones". The Syrian Authorities are carrying out an investigation on the suicide.

Kanaan returned to Damascus in 2002 as intelligence chief and became Minister on October 2004. Two weeks ago, he has questioned by UN officials who are carrying out investigations on Hariris murder.

The UN findings on Hariris murder last February, are expected to be released on October, while as per political analysts, the investigations findings will quite likely prove the participation of Syrian forces in the bomb attacks which cost the lives of 20 persons.

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

[10] Wide Personal Data Exchange Immediate Access

By Tina Valaoura

The European Commission presented on Wednesday in Brussels a proposal regarding the enhancement and expansion of information exchange among the law enforcement agencies of the Member-States in an attempt to combat criminal offences. The European Commission suggested personal data, including DNA, finger prints, plate numbers, telephone numbers and the names of those registered in family records, be accessed. The measure in question aims at enhancing cooperation between the police and judicial forces, and it is part of a string of measures that have already been approved at a EU level since November 2004. In the meantime, Luxemburg also hosted on Wednesday a meeting among the EU Justice Ministers, who failed to reach an accord on the rather controversial issue of storing electronic communication data. The failure means that a decision is highly unlikely before the end of the year.

Implications on Personal Data Protection Are Looming

According to the European Commission proposal that speaks of a more effective implementation of the repressive measures in cases of criminal offences, access to information should be unrestricted for the Member-States authorities either by direct access or by a relevant application filed by the interested Member-State. The application is projected to be met within a twelve-hour period under certain circumstances.

The European Commission admitted that such an exchange programme might have serious implications on the issue of personal data protection. Therefore, it pointed out that the previous decision taken on October 4 had already recommended measures on avoiding any improper exploitation of the data.

Still Pending

The vast majority of the EU Members seemed to be favouring the European Commission proposal on storing telecommunication and fax data for at least a year, irrespective of the fact that the Justice Ministers Council failed to reach an accord.

British Home Secretary Charles Clarke, whose country is current holder of the EU Presidency, applied pressure to his counterparts to agree with storing these data for a much longer period of time, so that the intelligence services can process them.

Germany, on the other hand, pointed out that it wishes the matter be brought up again when its newly elected Parliament resume operation in mid November.

Translated by Areti Christou

[11] Solution Based on European Universals Anans Proposal Contrary to Law

By Dimitris Alexopoulos

The Committee for a Solution to Cyprus, which organized a special summit in Brussels, with University scholars and European Parliamentarians attending it, described the Anan proposal as running contrary to the international and European law. The Committee. Presenting its proposal, the Committee suggested the Cypriot Republics Constitution be reformed. The reform should rely on the democratic and European universals and should result from the free will of the both the Greek-Cypriot and Turkish-Cypriot side.

The Committees President Mr Doritis was the first to deliver a speech. He referred to the Committees objectives putting emphasis on settling the issue without interventions from third parties. It takes two to tango, he noted, implying the Greek-Cypriots and the Turk-Cypriots without the intervention of Turkey, Greece and Britain.

Translated by Areti Christou

[12] Alogoskoufis Met with Prime Minister At Maximos Over Ecofin and Eurogroup

By Athina Saloustrou

The Prime Minister met this morning with the Economy Minister at Maximos Mansion. Mr Alogoskoufis informed Kostas Karamanlis on the Ecofin and Eurogroup meetings, in which he participated yesterday and the day before. Answering reporters questions after the meeting, the Minister excluded the possibility of imposing new taxes or increasing indirect taxes, while he said the economic situation in Europe is taking a turn towards improvement, although there is stagnancy for the time being. He also voiced his concern over the oil prices and their consequences on development, income and inflation. Mr Alogoskoufis underlined that given the situation, the Greek Economy is on a positive track, as growth increases and deficits reduce without increasing unemployment. He also mentioned it is very important for Greece to fiscally adjust without consequences on unemployment, while he underlined it is very positive to have a steady Government in Germany.

Discussion at Parliaments Committee

Speaking on Parliaments standing committee on economic affairs, Economy Minister Giorgos Alogoskoufis underlined that the new budget reflects the governments determination to proceed with fiscal reorganisation noting that the deficit reduction by 0.8 units will be achieved through structural measures.

On the issue of securitisation, Mr Alogoskoufis pointed out that it is to be materialized in complete accord with the Eurostat rules, and should any discrepancies arise, they will be settled by the Economy Ministers Council.

NDs rapporteur Savas Tsitouridis described the 2006 draft budget as reliable, effective and socially fair and he added that it speaks for the governments intention to enhance stability and trust.

Regarding the issue of securitisation, Mr Tsitouridis made it clear that the government aims at setting right the states economy without imposing new taxes on the employees.

PASOK rapporteur Andreas Makrypidis spoke of a draft budget that is in the air.

On his part, KKE parliamentarian Agelos Tsekis stated that NDs government is repeating the logistics alchemies of the previous government, while SYN requested a minimum guaranteed income be introduced.

Answer by Athanasakis

Earlier, on the occasion of the Minister of Economys statements, the PASOK spokesperson accused the government of being incapable of compiling a budget that will have any luck on being executed, for the second year running, blaming the PM personally on the burdens piled up on the countrys economy.

He also stated that the budget should be re-compiled, while he noted that all that is going on with the ND government had reoccurred during 1990-1993, with the Mitsotakis government and the stability and growth programme.

Speaking on NET radio station 105.8, PASOK parliamentarian responsible for Economy issues Vaso Papandreou demanded a new budget be drawn up for 2006 and noted that the 100% of the deficit can be covered by the securitisation, a procedure PASOK had applied at a limited scale.

SYN parliamentarian responsible for economy Panagiotis Lafazanis voiced his opposition to the securitisation of debts and added that the 2006 budget is fictitious

OKE's Opinion

On Wednesday morning, the Economic and Social Committees opinion on the National Reform Programme was in favour of a fairer allocation of taxes and of the implementation of a system assessing the productivity levels of the public services.

Finally, the Economic and Social Committee criticized the policies that had been applied over the last years and underlined that growth failed to reach many parts of Greece, thus resulting in high unemployment levels and income inequalities.

Translated by Sofia Soulioti

[13] 263 Businesses Financed

By Mary Lou Tzempelikou

Sources: ANA, NET

Greek Development Minister Dimitris Sioufas approved the financing of 263 businesses with the amount of 8.5 million euros in order to complete the works that had been incorporated in stages A and B of the e-business programme. The works involve investments that stand at 21.2 million euros on the part of small and medium sized businesses. The investments aim at modernizing the available information systems and improving competitiveness. The e-business programme is the most extensive state enhancement programme.

Translated by Areti Christou

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Επιχειρείτε Ηλεκτρονικά

[14] Pacifiers Save Lives

By Annita Paschalinou

The American Academy of Paediatrics has issued new directions for combating cot death. American paediatricians are recommending the use of pacifiers as a way to prevent Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS), as well as putting babies to sleep in the parents rooms, but not in the same bed. They also issued new directions on how infants under the age of one should be put to sleep. So, while up until now they recommended side-sleeping, they are now suggesting that babies should be trained to sleep on their backs.

Do's and Don'ts

According to the new recommendations of the American Academy of Paediatrics:

Dos

Pacifiers should be used at nap time and bedtime during the first year Babies cribs should be placed in parents bedrooms, which can also facilitate nighttime feeding Infants should be trained to sleep on their backs

Donts

Pacifiers should not be used during the first month for breast-fed babies Pacifiers should not be forced on babies who refuse them Pacifiers should not be reinserted if they fall out during sleep and should not be coated in sweet substances Babies should not be allowed to sleep in adults beds Side-sleeping should be avoided, as it is unstable

Translated by Vicky Ghionis

[15] Evaluating the Course of Reforms George Papandreou in Turkey

By Tina Valaoura

Sources: ANA

As head of the High Advisory Committee of the European Socialist Party, President of PASOK George Papandreou, accompanied by former Prime Minister of Finland Paavo Lipponen, is in Istanbul. The aim of the visit is the evaluation, on the account of the European Socialist Party, of the course of reforms of the neighbouring country in the context of accession negotiations.

Mr Papandreou held a constructive meeting, as he described it, with Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew, in the presence of members of the delegation, with the subject of the Ecumenical Patriarchates problems, which as he reminded, also concern the EU.

Later on he met with delegations of Workers Unions and Non-Governmental Organisations, which are involved in issues concerning human rights and women, while after he will depart for Ankara where he will attend a dinner hosted by the Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung Foundation.

Tomorrow, October 13, the European Advisory Committee will meet with Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan, Foreign Minister Abdullah Gul and hold contacts with the leaderships of the Socialist Parties of Deniz Baykal (CHP) and Tuncer Bakirhan (DEHAP). After the completion of the visit in the neighbouring country, the two men will hold a Press conference and present their conclusions.

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

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