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

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

CONTENTS

[01] Twelfth Night of Unrest French Action Plan

By Tina Valaoura

Sources: ÁNA - Reuters - AFP - BBC

Today, the French Cabinet approved the imposition of a curfew in the areas where the riots are raging, thus enacting a relevant law from 1955, granting permission to the authorities to implement the measure when it is deemed necessary. The measure has already been applied in Amiens, northern France, and in Parisian suburbs. Earlier, speaking at an emergency meeting of the National Assembly, the French Prime Minister clarified that emergency situation will last longer if conditions demand so. At the same time, he announced a series of nee economic measures in favour of the poorer suburbs, which are hit by the riots, mostly to boost employment. Mr de Villepin announced the creation of "15 additional urban zones of free use" to prompt businesses into establishing their headquarters in these districts. However, Interior Minister Nicolas Sarkozy's visit in Toulouse instigated new incidents with dozens of young people setting 10 cars on fires and thus increasing the days on unrest in France into thirteen.

Appeals to Restore Calm

The Governments intentions to impose restrictive measures, while are expected to be implemented as of tomorrow, were announced yesterday by the PM, Dominique de Villepin, but despite this, last night was once again marred by riots.

For the twelfth consecutive night, violence raged in Parisian suburbs, as well as Toulouse and Lille, while the night was turned into day from the fires. A total of 1,173 cars were torched, while damages were caused to ten buildings.

In addition, 330 people were arrested, while 12 police officers were injured. The French Press appeared apprehensive towards the French PMs announcements, while the USA issued a travel warning to any Americans travelling to France. Furthermore, five cars were burnt last night in Belgium.

Hundreds of people gathered in Stains, where they staged a peace rally for the first victim of the riots, a 61-year-old Frenchman, who was beaten and later succumbed to his wounds.

At the same time, a 17-year-old youth, a friend of the two African adults who died of electrocution inside a power plant where they tried to find shelter from the police, addressed a plea for the violence to end. It should be noted that the death of the two Africans was what prompted the riots in the French capital by ethnic minorities. The young man, who is being hospitalised as he had suffered serious burns, asked for the violence to stop. "Violence does not benefit anyone and will not bring my friends back," he said through his lawyer.

In addition, 15 imams and heads of Muslim associations, who met last night in a mosque in Clichy-sous-Bois, tried to calm the situation. The same mosque was targeted during the fourth night of unrest, when teargases were thrown in the prayer room, enraging the locals. Referring to the incidents, the head of the mosque called for calm, while at the same time voicing his disappointment over the lack of apology from the political leadership.

The President of the French Council of the Muslim Faith (CRCM) also condemned the violence and urged the imams to raise public awareness within their congregations and try to deter the riots, especially at night.

The night that followed was once again turbulent, but not as much in Paris, as in Toulouse and Lille. In Toulouse, youths torched one bus and 21 cars in the early hours of the morning. In addition, at least two cars were burnt in Lille and another two in Strasbourg. In the northern part of Lille, a cr&#232;che at a school was burnt down. Furthermore, police announced that 14 cars were torched in Yvelines, west of Paris and 17 in Seine-Saint-Denis. In Auxerre, southeast of the French capital, 15 people were hospitalised with breathing problems, after a blaze in a cellar led to the evacuation of the building. In total, violent incidents have been recorded in 300 areas of France in the last two weeks.

Concerns over the Curfew

The civil unrest has prompted concerns within the French tourist industry, which fears that this would seriously affect them, in view of the upcoming holiday season. The US Embassy issued a new warning to Americans travelling to France, due to the escalating violence and despite the curfew. The measure was already implemented last night in a town east of Paris, while in another area west of the capital, the citizens organised patrols, thus contributing to the polices efforts.

Curfews have not been imposed in France since 1954-1962, during the Algerian war. Today, the relevant decree was approved during an emergency Cabinet meeting in Paris. So, as of tomorrow, curfews will be imposed in regions where it is deemed necessary. This basically means that the local authorities in regions declared in a state of emergency will be able to impose curfews at night, while the police will have the power to block off entire areas.

The matter has also monopolised the front pages of the French newspapers. "From now on, France is in fear. It fears the escalation of the riots, which it has been unable to neutralise in the last 12 days," mentioned Figaro, while France Soir wrote, "Fear is here," in its article entitled "Fear in the Cities." Furthermore, Le Parisien spoke of an "Emergency Situation," referring to the imposition of the curfew based on the 1995 Act.

On its part, Liberation wrote, "Villepin Goes to War," again referring to the 1955 Act, which had last been imposed during the Algerian war. Furthermore, the newspaper noted, "It is being confirmed that Chiracs reign is a tragic farce," adding "Naturally, the main priority is to reinstate the order, but this cannot be done at all costs." When questioned on the issue, Greek Deputy Employment Minister Gerasimos Giakoumatos voiced his belief that Greeces policy on immigrations is on the correct direction. At the same time, he noted that Greece is a multi-cultural society favouring the immigrants.

KKE Press spokesperson Makis Mailis also referred to the issue, estimating that misery and depression of the poorer people lies behind the so-called "European social state."

Read the Story on Other Sources

Le Figaro: Couvre-feu dans les banlieues Le Parisien: Etat durgence Liberation: Villepin d&#233;gaine le couvre-feu BBC: French plan curfews to stop riots

Translated by Vicky Ghionis

Related News:

Cluster of Riots

Out of Control

[02] Prime Minister's Clear Message War Against Corruption

By Dimitris Alexopoulos

Sources: ANA, NET

"We are on a head-on collision with corruption phenomena" was Mr Karamanlis' clear message, while speaking at the 16th annual convention of the Greek-American Commercial Chamber on Greek Economy. "Such phenomena are handled with determination and are finally starting to subside," added the Prime Minister, addressing the members of the Greek business world. Mr Karamanlis made special reference to the bold, as he described them, reforms and structural changes promoted by the Government, while on the issue with Olympic Airlines, he underlined the government is proceeding to a viable solution with social responsibility. Referring to the Public Sector and the new DEKO (public enterprises) operational framework, he underlined the relevant Bill is drawn up aiming at putting an end to the uncontrollable creation of deficits and at improving the quality of offered services.

We Move Ahead

In his speech, the Prime Minister noted that despite international adversities, despite the weaknesses of the past, which have been passed on to the state and the Economy, and despite the reactions of conservatives, the privileged and those who support stagnancy, the Government will stick to its "plan of action."

On that matter, he stressed a viable solution will be given to Olympic Airlines and underlined the Government "is proceeding with its policy to re-establish the State and improve citizens' everyday life.

The Prime Minister also underlined, "We implement programmes for the proper operation of the stare machine, in order to limit bureaucracy, promote electronic governing, reinforce inspection mechanisms, impose transparency and stamp out illegal trade and tax evasion." Mr Karamanlis also underlined that changes are promoted in the wider public sector to "improve productivity and limit expenditures in its operation."

Mr Karamanlis underlined the need to attract foreign investments, increase exports, reinforce mercantile marine, enlarge the tourist industry and support Greeks' international business activity.

Lastly, he stressed, "Greece has the potential to produce, absorb, enrich, renew and mainly compose. The new era is a challenge and an opportunity to set high goals. Our choice is granted and won't change."

Next Targets

Speaking at the convention earlier, Government executives referred to the growth of Economy and Greece's new crucial role in the wider Balkan area.

The Government's political planning to upgrade the country on the international energy scene is coming to an end, underlined Deputy Development Minister Giorgos Salagoudis on the occasion of signing the agreement to build the Greek-Italian natural gas pipeline.

As per Mr Salagoudis, the electric connection between Greece-Turkey is also promoted and should be ready for use by the end of 2007, thus allowing the exchange of electric power between the two countries and helping the safety of supply and stability of their electronic systems.

Deputy Finance Minister Petros Doukas referred to the very good image of Greek Economy, voicing his optimism that each year will be better than the last. He also stressed the main goals of economic policy are the reinforcement of the financial weaker, the tidying-up of the Economy, the improvement of Greece's competitiveness and the growth of the private sector.

Deputy Tourism Minister Anastasios Liaskos underlined that tourism grows into a pillar of Greek Economy, as tourist movement for 2006 is expected to increase by 30-35% in relation to 2005, while tourism revenues are expected to reach 25% of the GDP.

Translated by Sofia Soulioti

[03] Alekos Alexandrakis Passed Away

By Betty Savourdou

The great Greek theatrical and film actor, Alekos Alexandrakis, lost the battle for life. As per the medical announcement, the popular jeune premier passed away at 18:15 CET on Tuesday in Sotiria hospital from kidney and circulatory failure. He had been admitted to hospital on October 9 suffering from serious respiratory problems. However, a few days ago, his health condition deteriorated gravely and as a result he passed away.

Translated by Sofia Soulioti

[04] By EU Commissioner Joaquin Almunia Positive Estimations on Economy

By Mary Lou Tzempelikou

Sources: NET, ANA

EU Commissioner for Economic and Monetary Affairs Joaquin Almunia estimated that Greeces fiscal adjustment based on the 2005 budget is running smoothly. This is what he said following his meeting with the Greek Economy Minister, Giorgos Alogoskoufis, on Tuesday in Brussels. Referring to the 2006 budget, Mr Almunia stated that the European Commission had underlined that the deficit reduction should be forwarded through structural measures. As for the securitisation of debts, the EU Commissioner noted that Eurostat is expected to rule on the issue of its compatibility with the European logistic models by the end of the year. However, he added that he himself is in favour of the deficit reduction through structural measures.

Competitiveness

Mr Alogoskoufis stressed that based on the current EU data, is it rare to achieve such a big fiscal adjustment and added that the Government's economic policy has proved to be satisfactory.

At the same time, he said structural changes are promoted, as they reinforce growth perspectives, employment and effectiveness of the Public Sector, which will help deal with the problems of competitiveness and fiscal balance. He also stressed that the structural measures to limit expenditures and deal with tax evasion will continue in 2006.

PASOK President George Papandreou criticised the Government for the course of the economy, stressing the 2006 budget is in the air and the Government is not capable of drawing up a budget draft. He also asked for the Parliament's immediate briefing on the Government's commitments against the EU.

In the meantime, international credit house Standard and Poors noted that the Greek economy keeps improving at a fast pace, while it suggested further measures be taken until the reduction in the fiscal deficit drops below 3% of the GDP.

At the same time, the international house pointed out that there are major deviations from the budget during the first quarter of the year and estimated that the deficit will remain above 3% of the GDP until 2008 unless additional measures of permanent nature are taken.

Translated by Areti Christou

[05] Between Government and Opposition Parliamentarian Clash over High Prices

By Mary Lou Tzempelikou

New clash between the Government and the Main Opposition on Tuesday in Parliament over high prices in the Greek market. Development Minister Dimitris Sioufas said the Main Opposition is living outside reality, while Deputy Minister Giannis Papathanasiou accused PASOK Parliamentarians of supplying the Media with selective data on product prices. As for PASOK MP Christos Protopapas, he said the campaign against high prices will go on, while he accused the Government of performing alchemies in order to show that revaluation in products does not exceed 2.5%. Mr Papathanasiou used a hard language when answering to Mr Protopapas, stressing he repeats false allegations and distorts data. In fact, he supported that the PASOK MP chose 90 stores to show that high prices are raging, when there over 150,000 in the Greek market.

Translated by Sofia Soulioti

[06] Lymberis Answers Back

By Tina Valaoura

Sources: NET

Former head of Joint Chiefs of Staff, Admiral Christos Lymberis issued a statement answering to former Prime Minister Kostas Simitis accusations with regard to the Imia crisis.

Former head of Joint Chiefs of Staff underlined that at that time, the lack of mutual trust on the part of the political leadership coupled with the anti-military feelings of certain groups deprived the country of straightforward political guidelines and coordination.

Mr Lymberis argued that the occupation of one Imia islet by the Turkish commandos does not at all questions the fighting qualities of the Greek Army Forces and does not justify the allegations made against him either.

"Washington and London had instructed the status quo antes solution to weather the crisis on January 30. Mr Simitis followed the instruction irrespective of the cost. The allegations against the head of Joint Chiefs of Staff are altogether inaccurate. The real incidents prove Mr Simitis wrong. Let him resort to the head of Joint Chiefs of Staffs confidential order report," he claimed.

Translated by Areti Christou

Related News:

Reactions to Simitis' Book

[07] Naval Schools Upgraded

By Mary Lou Tzempelikou

Sources: NET

On Tuesday, the Cabinet meeting focused on upgrading naval schools into universities. As per Mercantile Marine Minister Manolis Kefalogiannis, submitting the Bill, which received the green light from the Cabinet, would help upgrade studies in Mercantile Marine and as a result, graduate students will have all necessary specialized knowledge to staff all Shipping fields. Mr Kefalogiannis also referred to the important role of the human factor in mercantile marine, which he described as the pillar of Greek Economy. Lastly, answering a reporter's question, the Minister said the Government is following opinion polls and added, "The best poll is that of handshaking. And New Democracy is doing excellent in that department."

Translated by Sofia Soulioti

[08] 16 Suspects Charged With Terror Anti-Terror Raids in Australia

By Athina Saloustrou

Police forces made mass arrests of terror suspects across Sydney and Melbourne, Australia. Policemen opened fire at an individual who is being treated in a critical condition. Australian officers claimed that the police raid targeted to foil a terrorist attack that was ready to be mounted. The police raid occurred a few days after Australia approved the new anti-terror legislation. Extremist Muslim cleric Abu Bakr is among the detainees.

He Called Bin Laden "Great Man"

Abu Bakr is believed to be the spiritual leader of an extremist Islamic group with young disciples in Melbourne. 16 members of his group are charged with planning to mount a terrorist attack in Australia. The Australian authorities had been monitoring Abu Bakr for quite some time, since the latter voiced his admiration to Osama bin Laden praising hin as a "great man."

Some of his disciples had received a military training in Asia, told the local Media. Following the police raids across Sydney and Melbourne on Tuesday, the authorities pressed charges against Abu Bakr on the grounds that he masterminded the actions of the terrorists. However, Abu Bakr, who is both an Australian and Algerian subject and has been living in Melbourne since 1989, denies posing a treat to Australias safety.

I am not involved in anything here. I am teaching my brothers here the Koran and the Sunna, and I am trying my best to keep myself, my family, my kids and the Muslims close to this religion," he said.

Read the Story on Other Sources

BBC: Australia foils "terror attack" CNN: 17 held in Australia terror swoop ABC news online (Australia): Suspects in custody after anti-terror raids The Sydney Morning Herald (daily press): Another Sydney home raided

Translated by Areti Christou

[09] "No Reforms on Social Security"

By Mary Lou Tzempelikou

During a press conference on granting 87 houses to the beneficiaries of the Workers Social Benefits Organisation, Employment Minister Panos Panagiotopoulos attested once more there will be no reforms on social security, regarding age limits, pension reductions and benefits. "There is no reason for fear and concern," he said and reiterated that the dialogue on social security will last long and exceed the governments four-year term. In the meantime, GSEE (Greek General Confederation of Labour) and DAKE (Democratic Independent Workers Movement) asked for an immediate dialogue with the Government. Workers representatives disagree with the intervention of the Economic and Social Committee, which is to draw up a report on Social Security problems.

Mr Panagiotopoulos met with OTOE's (Hellenic Federation of Bank Employees Unions) presidium, as the Federation has scheduled a strike today over banks' social security status. The Employment Minister said there is no issue of freezing the implementation of the law on banks' Social Security, but said there could be dialogue for improvements.

[10] Farewell to the 2012 Dream

By Stathis Petropoulos

Greeces bid for the hosting of EURO 2012 was rejected, as UEFAs Executive Committee decided to eliminate the Greek proposal a little before the meeting in Malta, while only three countries were shortlisted. From the countries that will continue in the bidding process, it looks like Italy will eventually host EURO 2012, given that the other two are Croatia/Hungary (joint bid) and Ukraine/Poland (joint bid).

Staged Attack

Despite the great hopes and the optimistic climate, the staged attack launched by the international Press, just one day before the Executive Committee meeting, seems to have played a crucial role. Articles, such as the one in British magazine Four Four Two about the violence in Greek football, as well as another one in German magazine Der Spiegel, which commented on the wrangling between AEK President Demis Nikoalidis and the clubs fans, marred Greeces image at a very crucial time. In addition, Turkeys elimination from the bidding process was a great surprise as well, since the Turks had great chances of rivaling Italy. The final decision will be taken in December 2006.

Gagatsis' Statements

Hellenic Football Federation President Vassilis Gagatsis supported the Greek candidacy was eliminated from the EURO 2012 process, because of UEFA's political interests in the eastern European countries. Mr Gagatsis stressed Greece was one of the top three countries to host the 2012 event, but the European Confederation is after the East's support and therefore eliminated Greece. "UEFA's decision to leave Greece and Turkey out of the bidding process was made despite the fact that Greece was among the top three candidates and despite affirmations of objective evaluations," stressed Vassilis Gagatsis and added, "I think this was a purely political decision, aiming at supporting Eastern European countries. I wish UEFA is proved right with this choice. I want to stress that Greece presented a very good candidacy. Now, it is time to review our mistakes. This experience will contribute positively in a more successful course."

Few Votes for Greece

The Greek candidacy received just two votes for hosting the EURO 2012. This was posted on UEFA's website, regarding the executive committee voting process, which indicated the final three candidates for the event. Italy ranked first with 11 votes, followed b Hungary-Croatia with 9 votes and Poland-Ukraine with 7 votes, one vote more than Turkey.

Translated by Vicky Ghionis

[11] Difficult Times for A. Alexandrakis

By Mary Lou Tzempelikou

On Tuesday, the health condition of Greek popular actor Alekos Alexandrakis deteriorated gravely. Mr Alexandrakis is hospitalised in Sotiria hospital since October 9 with a respiratory infection. As per the medical announcement, which was issued at 14:25, the condition of his health is described as highly critical and the patients vital functions are supported mechanically.

Translated by Sofia Soulioti

[12] They Could Not Believe Their Eyes! The Naked Truth!

By Annita Paschalinou

While waiting for the evening English-language news bulletin, truth came out naked on their TV screens! The Indian viewers of a local television station could not believe their eyes, when, instead of the news report, they ended up watching a Russian porn movie. We cannot tell the exact number of those who actually watched it to the end. What we do know is that the residents of the town of Kailaras experienced a social drama that take them to the streets demanding those held accountable be fired. They were not few those who attributed the mistake to the technicians blaming them for using the stations facilities to watch porn movies. A TV station official stated that a probe is underway and reassured the public that those accountable will be punished.

Translated by Areti Christou

[13] Thin Women Give her the Creeps!

By Annita Paschalinou

Katherine Zeta Jones took a stand against the sick Hollywood practices that invite famous women, who have just given birth to their child, to enter an informal contest on who is to regain her shape faster. When asked on how she manages to stay fit after giving birth to her two children, the famous actress said that being a dancer really helped and made it clear that she did not go out of line. "I grew up along with dancers, who were prone to anorexia and other related diseases, so I learned how to be on a diet without going out of line," she claimed and added, "The skinny-women syndrome is really frightening." Katherine Zeta Jones was also questioned on her relationship with Michael Douglas. As she said, she is not jealous when other women hit on her husband, but when men do so, she sees red!

Translated by Areti Christou

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