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

The Hellenic Radio (ERA): News in English Directory - Previous Article - Next Article

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

CONTENTS

[01] Partnerships in Energy and Tourism Aimed at Investments

By Betty Savourdou

Sources: NET, ANA

On Friday, at the dinner hosted in his honour by the Japanese Business Federation (Keindanren), the Prime Minister, during his speech, stated the comparative advantages of Greece for the attraction of Japanese investments. Kostas Karamanlis, who is on an official visit to Japan, noted that Greece is a reference point for the Balkans, the SE Mediterranean, the Black Sea and the European Union, while he gave special emphasis to the opening of the Japanese market to Greek agricultural products such as olive oil, wine and citrus fruits. Moreover, partnerships in departments such as mercantile marine, tourism, energy and windmill farms were discussed. Earlier, Kostas Karamanlis and his wife were welcomed by the imperial couple of Japan, mainly discussing cultural and environmental issues, while following, the Prime Minister met with Japanese counterpart Junichiro Koizumi.

"New Environment"

Speaking at the dinner hosted in his honour, Mr Karamanlis mentioned the geostrategic position of Greece, and stated, "The investment and entrepreneurship opportunities in Greece are very attractive," while saying that a new environment has formed, after the successful organisation of the Olympic Games, as well as discussing the cultural initiatives of the Government.

Moreover, he mentioned, "The comparative advantages of Greece as an EU Member-State," the "penetration" of Greek businesses in Balkan countries, and the experience gained, in combination with the knowledge of historical facts of the area, and the "stable, monetary, political and economic environment, the proficient work personnel, as well as the modern infrastructure in strategic departments, such as combined transport, telecommunications and Energy," among other things.

"If the employment investments in the countries of the Balkans and the Black Sea, Eastern Europe and the Mediterranean are tied with capital investments in Greece, then an important number of business opportunities will arise," noted Mr Karamanlis, and added "Greek businesses constitute the ideal partner, for whoever wishes to operate in the area."

"Infrastructures continue improving and upgrading," noted the Prime Minister and referred to the recent agreements on natural gas and oil ducts, which "turned Greece into an Energy hub."

Moreover, he spoke of a "constant improving investment environment," which together with policies followed by the Government, are aimed at boosting productivity, increasing exports, advancing regional growth and decreasing unemployment.

"We are aimed at the restriction of Public Sector expenditures, in the rationalisation of the Public Investments Programme, the substantial advancement of partnership with the private sector, in order to boost development and increase public incomes," stated Mr Karamanlis.

The Prime Minister, after describing the dangers and opportunities from "an environment of globalisation " noted that "the freeing of markets, the advancement of privatisations, the use of modern technology, as well as the development of entrepreneurship, compose a new context of politicians, capable of advancing the dynamic of every economy and Greeces."

"The primary strategic aim of the Government is a state closer to the investor, the businessman, the employee, as well as every citizen in need," said Mr Karamanlis.

Following, he referred to the departments of tourism and mercantile marine, while on the issue of agricultural products, he said that the Greek agricultural production is described by high-quality products such as olive oil, wine and fruits, which constitute the basis of a balanced and healthy diet. "With the given fact of the importance that your people give to a natural and healthy diet, I am sure that the Greek products can win the trust of Japanese consumers."

As Culture Minister, Mr Karamanlis referred to the collaboration between the two countries, as well as between academic communities.

"The prospect of the operation of the Asian Studies Department in the University of Athens, as well as the advancement of Classical and Modern Greek Studies in Japan, constitutes important collaboration steps," he said, and stated that the prospect of establishing a department of the "Japanese Institute" in Greece should be investigated.

Japanese businessmen asked Mr Karamanlis on the option of a direct air connection with Athens, estimating that the number of Japanese tourists will quadruple, and which ranges from 70,000-100,000 visitors annually.

Culture and Environment

On Friday morning, Prime Minister Kostas Karamanlis, accompanied by his wife Natassa, were welcomed by Emperor of Japan Akihito and Empress Michiko.

Mr Karamanlis and the Japanese Emperor discussed the history of the two countries, their culture and the successful organisation of the Olympic Games, as well as environmental protection issues.

The Greek Prime Minister offered a Macedonian gold myrtle wreath, an original copy from the Benaki Museum and a plaque with an inscription of the Emperors name.

Moreover, Mr Karamanlis met with Speaker of Parliament Yohei Kono and discussed bilateral and international issues.

Tomorrow, Mr Karamanlis will visit the historical town of Nikko and will depart for Athens on Sunday.

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

Related News:

Prime Minister in Tokyo

[02] Strikes Continue

By Despina Hristopoulou

Today, schools, universities and Technological Educational Institutes (TEI) remain closed, due to the strike of educators demanding increases in wages and reinforcement of expenditures for education of 5% of the GDP. In the meantime, hospital doctors are joining in collective actions and strikes, staging a four-hour work stoppage as of 10am with institutional and financial demands. During the work stoppage, hospitals will operate with security personnel. Yesterday, the Supreme Administration of Greek Civil Servants Trade Unions (ADEDY) announced a 24-hour strike, demanding bigger increases in wages and pensions. Employees of Local Self-Government, hospitals, Civil Aviation Authority and educators participated in the strike.

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

Related News:

Public Sector on Strike

[03] "Significant Greek Success" Satisfaction over EU Positions

By Tina Valaoura

Foreign Minister Petros Molyviatis said the Commission's decisions on Turkey's course to the EU and on FYROM is a "significant success" of the Greek foreign policy. Mr Molyviatis, who informed President of the Republic Karolos Papoulias on the matter, said "all affairs concerning Greece and Cyprus were covered in a satisfactory way by the EU's decisions." Mr Papoulias voiced his satisfaction over the EU's documents.

At the same time, Turkish Foreign Minister Abdullah Gul said the Commission's positions regarding the Cypriot issue are unacceptable. However, he stressed a far more careful language was used in these documents. Referring to the total of texts, he admitted that Turkey needs to proceed with political and democratic reforms.

It is reminded that in its report the EU asked Turkey for the first time to lift casus belli against Greece, to ensure the rights of the Ecumenical Patriarchate, as well as to allow the reopening of the Theological School of Halki.

Regarding Cyprus, Ankara is called to implement the Customs Union Protocol, thus opening amongst other things, its ports to Cypriot ships.

Deputy Foreign Minister Giannis Valinakis stressed that Turkey needs to proceed with all necessary changes.

Karamanlis' Government insists on exercising its foreign policy based on its communication needs, commented PASOK. "Instead of resting in narcissism, the Government should take all necessary initiatives to ensure our national interests in December's European Council Meeting," said PASOK Foreign department head Christos Papoutsis.

Report on FYROM Positive

The Government stressed the report on FYROM's European prospect is positive. Enlargement Commissioner Olli Rehn, who visited Skopje, stressed the name issue is bilateral and will be solved in the context of the United Nations, underlining at the same time the importance of Greek investments in the neighboring country.

Mr Rehn said the two countries should show a constructive disposition to solve this difference, a fact which would help develop their political and financial relations, taking under consideration that Greece is the top foreign country to have made investments in the Former Yugoslavian Republic of Macedonia.

Translated by Sofia Soulioti

[04] Torching of Vehicles Decreased Violence in France Subsides

By Despina Hristopoulou

Sources: ANA, NET, BBC, Reuters

Yesterday was another night of uprisings in France, even if incidents, in comparison to previous nights, were limited. For the 15th night, groups of youths torched cars, and in some areas scuffles occurred with policemen. As per the Polices toll, until 3am local Greek time, 207 cars had been torched and 101 arrests made. The torching of cars continued, but only in a few areas, while the incidents have decreased in the provinces mostly affected by rioters. It is descriptive that on the 5 out of 30 areas, which declared a state of emergency, the Law of 1955 was imposed. The first indications of the tension subsiding took place on the Armistice Day weekend. "The trend continues downwards," said a Police spokesperson to Reuters, adding that for the 15th day there is no serious incident worth mentioning. However, the French Police fear that the rioters are planning a powerful comeback, maybe even in the centre of Paris. Furthermore, Chief of Paris Police Pierre Mutz said that SMS and emails are circulating, calling on persons to join demonstrations in the city centre, aimed at causing damage.

Policemen Beat Young Man

In the meantime, images were broadcast by television channel France 2, showing two policemen, surrounded by their co-workers, kicking and punching a young man arrested in La Courneuve, in the northern suburbs of Paris, last Monday. The Ministry for the Interior announced that the two policemen involved in the incident and another six, have been suspended.

Measures for Combating Unemployment

In the meantime, the decision of French Interior Minister Nicola Sarkozy on the immediate deportation of 120 young immigrants, charged of participating in the riots, has caused new reactions.

On his part, Minister of Economy Thierry Breton, in statements made to British newspaper The Financial Times, said that the French Government is investigating measures for the creation of new employments seats in underprivileged areas. Mr Breton said, "We gave a lot of money to these suburbs during the previous 20 years. Obviously, it wasnt enough." He also stated that the relevant proposals will be submitted to PM Dominique de Villipin, and if they are approved they will be immediately implemented. Furthermore, he estimated that the incidents are not a deterrent factor for foreign investors, as in reality the situation is better than what is broadcast by global Mass Media.

Moreover, French President Jacques Chirac speaking for the second time since the start of the incidents acknowledged that the country has problems in underprivileged areas and should immediately react. "Wherever we may come from; we are all children of the French Republic and we should all have equal rights," he said.

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

Read the story on other sources:

Reuters: France starts holiday weekend as violence wanes

BBC: Chirac troubled by city violence

Related News:

Relative Calm in France

[05] Seven Persons Injured Deadly Explosion in Spain

By Despina Hristopoulou

Sources: Newspapers El Pais, El Mundo

Two children, aged three and five, and their 37-year-old mother lost their lives by an explosion in a four-story apartment building in the city of Tarragon, in northeastern Spain. From the explosion, which quite likely occurred from a gas leak, seven persons were injured, two of which are in a critical condition, while one is missing and firemen are trying to locate him. The two critically injured is an infant, a sibling of the dead children, and a German tourist, a passerby. Up to now, it has not been made known if the injured are tenants of the building or just passerbys, since the street where the building is located is very busy. The explosion occurred at 11pm local time on the third floor and caused serious damage to three stories of the building.

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

Read the story on other sources:

El Pais: Una madre y sus dos hijos fallecen en una explosion de gas en Tarragona

El Mundo:Dos ninos y su madre mueren tras una explosion de gas en un edificio de Tarragona

[06] At a Checkpoint in Baquba Bloody Attack

By Anna Kourti

Sources: AFP, ANA

Three policemen lost their lives and another two injured by an attack of unidentified men at a checkpoint in Baquka. A spokesperson for the Police stated, "Seven armed men aboard a small bus, approached the checkpoint and opened fire against the policemen." In the meantime, the head of US Diplomacy, Condoleeza Rice, made an unscheduled visit to Iraq. As per an AFP news agency correspondent, the Secretary of State arrived in Mosul, southern Iraq, today.

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

Read the story on other sources:

AFP: Rice makes surprise visit to Iraq

The Hellenic Radio (ERA): News in English Directory - Previous Article - Next Article