The Hellenic Radio (ERA): News in English, 05-11-22

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

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

CONTENTS

[01] Exposed on TV Assassin Designs Costumes!

By Mary Lou Tzempelikou

Sources: Reuters

Television is by far the best way for people to become known and famous and this keeps being proven daily. However, for reasons unbeknown to us, a contract killer decided that the best way to escape the police would be to work for a TV show! An assassin who had been hired by the Russian mafia was involved in a bombing attack against the house of coastguard chief on Sakhalin Island, eastern Russia, in 2002, but remained at large. He then got a job working on costumes for a TV show. This method seemed to actually work, since, although his two accomplices had already been arrested, the police continued searching for him to no avail. Maybe because they were not looking in the right places!

Searching Everywhere

The aspiring designer was eventually discovered by the wife of a police investigator involved in the case. One night, as she was watching the show, she decided to take a look at the credits out of curiosity.

Upon reading the names, she screamed in surprise, "Isnt that your man?" You see the name of the costume designer was the same as the name of the contract killer.

The police immediately arrested the designer-assassin, who is now expected to shed some light into the attack against the coastguard chief.

Translated by Vicky Ghionis

[02] One of the Train Drivers Killed Fatal Railroad Accident

Sources: NET

One person was killed and one other was injured lightly this afternoon when a passenger train collided with a truck at a guarded crossing, just outside Thessaloniki. The accident occurred because the truck broke down in the middle of the tracks. On of the two drivers of the train, which was performing the Athens Thessaloniki Sofia route, was killed. The other was injured lightly and transferred to Papageorgiou Hospital. The 15 passengers are all well. The truck driver, who was not in the vehicle at the time of the impact, was not injured, but he was arrested and will undergo an alcohol test, while he will appear before the Prosecutor tomorrow. The passengers will continue their journey on OSE coaches.

Translated by Vicky Ghionis

[03] New Calls over Extrajudicial Ring Sixteen to Testify

By Vagelis Theodorou

Sources: ANA, NET

Sixteen persons 13 lawyers and judges, two businessmen and a judicial worker are called to testify to appeals investigators on involvement in the extrajudicial ring. The accused were reportedly involved in the cases of corrupt judges Antonia Ilia, Evangelos Kalousis and Konstantina Bourboulia. They are being charged of money laundering, inciting abuse of power, bribery of a judge and breach of duty. The investigation is constantly surfacing new evidence and as per sources another four persons will be called to testify in the coming days.

The Accused

The persons who will be found in the investigators offices are the following: Former vice appeals judge Nikos Athanasopoulos, former first instance president Aspasia Basta, as well as judges Olga Darla, Paraskevi Leontos, Georgia Labropoulou and Nikos Potamianos. The lawyers are: Nikos Emmanouilidis, Giorgos Nikolakopoulos, Sakis Kechagioglou, Maria Vracha, Petros Machas, Stavroula Pseira and Nektarios Athanasopoulos. The businessmen are: Giannis Boletsis and Sotiris Kritikos, as well as judicial worker Athanasios Karatzas.

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

Related News:

Kechagioglou Received New Deadline

Testimonies Begin

[04] Gradually and Resulting in Full Integration Political Rights for Immigrants

Sources: NET, ANA

Today, Minister for the Interior Mr Prokopis Pavlooulos referred to immigration and the new immigration law in his address at the two-day transnational conference with the subject matter "European Social Political-Youth Unemployment, Work Financing-Structures of Local Self Government Organisations, Youth, Women and Economic Immigrants," which started today at Zappeion Mansion, and co-organised by the Municipalities of Zografou, Mala, Sweden and Aglatzia, Cyprus.

Greece is a hospitable country which gives equal opportunities to all, noted the Minister for the Interior, referring to the new immigration law, which will be implemented in the beginning of 2006. The Minister underlined that the full integration of immigrants in Greek society will gradually lead to the acquirement of political rights.

As the Minister explained, there should be a political integration and not political digestion. Mr Pavlopoulos referred to a regime for long-term immigrants, the ones that will exceed five years of residence in Greece, who will be able to have political rights, such as participation to Municipal elections; a regime that will complete the political integration of immigrants.

"The Government is practicing its policy and taking the countrys people into account," noted ND Secretary Vaggelis Meimarakis in his speech. Deputy Economy Minister Christos Folias referred to the developmental priorities of Greece for the creation of a viable economic policy. "A viable economic policy aims at finding jobs for all," he noted.

On his part, Deputy Employment Minister Gerasimos Giakoumatos referred to the Governments aim to decrease unemployment.

The proceedings of the seminar on social policy was moderated by ERTs General Director of Information Broadcasts Giannis Papoutsanis.

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

[05] Abolition of Private Negotiated Contract Defence Equipment at Focus

By Tina Valaoura

Sources: ANA, NET

The bill on the purchase of defence equipment for the Armed Forces was approved by the Governmental Committee, which convened at noon and presided by the Prime Minister. The bills main points are to abolish private negotiated contracts and establish two ways of purchase: an open competition and transnational agreements. Moreover security is foreseen for the quality of the equipment and transparency of the procedures.

"This is the first time that such a bill is being advanced, exclusively for defence equipment, aimed at strengthening transparency, as well as competitiveness and the effective inspection of Armed Forces equipment. Of course, the substantial participation of the domestic defence industry is foreseen, benefiting the country, the Greek citizens and public money," stated Minister of Defence Spilios Spiliotopoulos, after the end of the Governmental Committee meeting.

The Defence Minister said that a detailed announcement, describing the clauses of the bill, will be issued, while the Parliamentary Defence and Foreign Affairs Committee will be briefed and a discussion will follow in Parliament.

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

[06] First Female Chancellor Merkel Sworn In

By Dimitris Alexopoulos

Sources: ANA, NET

The leader of the Conservatives and head of the "grand coalition" between the Christian Democrats and the Social Democrats, Angela Merkel, was sworn in as Chancellor of Germany, while earlier the countys Parliament and its Speaker, Horst Kohler, had elected her. On the other hand, 50 MPs of the parties participating in the Government voted against her election. In total, Mrs Merkel received 397 votes for, 202 against, while 12 MPs did not participate in the vote.

Difficulties Straight Ahead

Former Chancellor Gerhard Schroeder was the first to congratulate her, while the Christian union and SPD parties MPs stood up to applaud her. The Speaker of Bundestag, Norbert Lammert, said to Mrs Merkel: "I wish you strength, Gods blessing and also some enjoyment in your high office. That is a strong signal for women and certainly for some men, too."

The new Government is the second formed in the history of Germany by a coalition of parties, after the Government of Kurt Georg Kiesinger (1966-1969).

The first female Chancellor in the countrys history is expected to face difficulties in the interior of the country, as she has already announced strict measures.

However, tomorrow she will take her first diplomatic steps.

Her first visit abroad will be in Paris, where she will accept a proposal by French President Jacques Chirac on maintaining the privileged relation, connected with her predecessor, Gerhard Schroeder, a month before the Brussels Summit Meeting with the subject matter of the Unions Budget for 2007-2013,

The issue of the Budget, which deeply concerns Germany as it is in a terrible economic position, will be at the focus of the discussions in the European Commission at the same day in Brussels.

On Thursday evening, she will arrive in London and meet with PM Tony Blair, the President of the European Union, whose proposals, which will be estimated on the modernisation and review of the community Budget, voiced during his speech at the European Parliament last July.

Angela Merkel has pledged to respect the agreement between SPD and CDU-CSU, which foresees that Germany remains committed by the October 2002 agreement on the review of the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP). Consequently, there is no issue of agreement with London for the review of the above.

After her meeting with PM of Luxemburg Jean-Claude Juncker in Berlin, the PM foresaw the continuity in Germanys European policy and predicted that the French-German duet will maintain the role of a driving force for the growth of Europe.

However, the new Interior Minister, Wolfgang Schaeuble had warned that the Government of Germany cannot make drastic cuts in its economy and at the same time increase its payments to the European Budget.

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

Read the story on other sources:

BBC: Merkel elected German chancellor

CNN: Merkel voted in as Chancellor

Related News:

Merkel Elected

[07] Traces of Hazardous Substance Found Formula Milk Recalled in Italy

By Athina Saloustrou

Today, Italian Justice ordered the recall of some 30 million litres of unfit for human consumption formula milk produced by food giant Nestle. As per the Italian media, competent agencies have been posted around the country since morning to seize the milk. Citing Italian Justice sources, the media support the above order concerns all Nestle formula milk quantities in the Italian market, as a substance in the packaging contaminated the milk. A statement by Nestles Italian subsidiary, dated November 21, said the company had decided on the "immediate recall of all the products indicated by the authorities" containing traces of a product, ITX, used in the manufacturing of packaging.

Translated by Sofia Soulioti

Read the story on other sources:

Corriere della Sera: Latte per bambini sequestrato in tutta Italia

La Repubblica: Maxi sequestro di latte avariato

RAI: Infanzia. Ritirati dal commercio 30 milioni di litri di latte per neonati della Nestle

[08] Serb-Bosnian Leaders Urge for his Surrender Ultimatum to Karadzic

By Athina Saloustrou

The leaders of the Bosnian Serbs will make a plea to Radovan Karadzic to surrender to The Hague International Criminal Court in order to stand trial. As US Undersecretary of State Nicholas Burns stated, the plea will be made during the ceremony organised on the occasion of the 10-year anniversary since the signing of the Deyton agreements, which ended the war in Bosnia. "This is an important step forwards," said Nicholas Burns referring to the agreement of the Bosnian Serbs leaders. Moreover, he added that the leaders of the three parties of the Bosnian Serb community agreed to warn Karadzic "if he does not surrender on his own, he will be arrested." As per Nicholas Burns, Karadzic is surrounded by a "support network" which allows him to remain undercover and away from the International Criminal Court.

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

[09] Conference on European Patent

By Tina Valaoura

On Tuesday morning, in a central Athens hotel, the proceedings of the two-day conference of the European Patent Office (EPOLINE) will commence with a speech by Minister of Development Dimitris Sioufas. The conference is co-organised by the Greek Industrial Property Organisation (OBI) with the subject matter "The future of Infrastructure of Intellectual Property in Europe."

A welcoming address will be made by OBI President Athanasios Kaisis and the President of the European Patent Office Alain Pompidou. Moreover, in the context of proceedings at the InterContinental Hotel, Mr Desantes, Vice President of EPOLINE, will make a presentation entitled "Encouragement of Innovation with the Development of Local Industrial Property Infrastructures in Europe." Among the speakers will be former PM of Sweden Carl Bildt, who will make a presentation entitled "Europe in a World of Innovation and Development." BBC journalist Tim Sebastian will be the moderator of a discussion focused on the achievements of EPOLINE during the last two years. Moreover, presentations by representatives of Eli Lilly & Company and Hewlett-Packard will be made, in reference to the way the companies have incorporated EPOLINEs services to their daily procedures.

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

Related Links:

EPOLINE

[10] 2006: Crucial Year for the Greek Economy Reliable Budget

The Budget submitted to Greek Parliament yesterday provides for smooth fiscal adjustment, without added tax burdens. The Economy Minister described 2006 as a crucial year, noting, however, that the focus lies on social expenditures and the largest possible increase in wages and pensions, while the rise in OGA (Agricultural Insurance Organisation) and EKAS (Pensioners Social Solidarity Allowance) will be higher. In addition, the Government counts on revenues from combating tax evasion, increasing the objective value of properties and denationalisations. The new Budget also includes benefits to families with 3 children, and new tax-free thresholds for parental gifts and inheritances.

Specifically, public servants will receive increases ranging from 2.5% to 3%, according to their educational level. Security forces personnel will receive the highest increases, as they will start receiving hazardous-duty pay as of September. Public sector, IKA and other private sector fund pensions will receive rises to the order of 3%.

For armed forces pensioners, the increase will be 5%, since those who retired with the rank of colonel will receive the third part of the 176-euro benefit, while those who retired with the rank of brigadier and higher will continue receiving the benefit for holding a high-ranking post.

OGA and EKAS pensions will increase by 6%, while the first two instalments of the LAFKA (Social Insurance Organisations Solidarity Account) back payments will be granted to 900,000 pensioners.

Public sector employees and pensioners will receive the third instalment of due family benefits in February 2006, while families with 4+ children will receive a lump sum of 2,000 euros in 2006, which will increase to 2,500 euros in 2007.

With regard to the new tax-free thresholds for 2006, they will increase between 20% and 30% for the purchase of a first home, and from 20,000 euros to 80,000 euros for parental gifts and inheritances.

No New Taxes

Government spokesperson Thodoros Roussopoulos referred to the matter of revenue increases through taxation, stressing that no new taxes will be imposed in 2006, while the increase will stem from the payment of overdue taxes owed by businesses, companies and in some cases individuals.

Answering to a reporters question concerning the statements made by the Economy Minister, i.e. the possibility of public utilities bills increasing, Mr Roussopoulos repeated that the 2006 Budget "does not provide for any type of tax increases."

In addition, in a question about the increases in EKAS and OGA pensions, the Government spokesperson noted that they will equal double the inflation rate, while he clarified, "Traditionally, any matters relating to increases are set in January, after the inflation rate of the previous year is finalised." Continuing on the same subject, he repeated, "In any case, the pledge that EKAS pensions will reach 230 euros and OGA 330 euros by the end of the 4-year term in office will be fulfilled."

Answering to reporters on the sidelines of the European social policy convention, Deputy Economy Minister Christos Folias described the Budget as a difficult and uphill ride. He also noted that the Government managed to reduce unemployment and increase the growth rates.

"It is a reliable budget," commented Deputy Development Minister Gerasimos Giakoumatos. "The people will benefit when the country is out of debt: This is the message," he added.

Criticism

The new budget prompted intense reactions from the Opposition parties and the Greek unions.

In a Press conference, Vasso Papandreou, PASOKs section head for Economy, described it as a "storm" that will lead the country to very negative consequences and dead-ends. The budget is "up in the air," she added, claiming that it cannot be implemented without taking emergency measures, while she accused the Government of "deceiving the Greek people."

The reactions from GSEE (Greek General Confederation of Labour) were along the same lines. In a Press conference today it was stated that the budget will intensify the revenue, tax and social inequalities in Greece. It was also noted that the increases for income earners and pensioner will be lower than expected. As per the Confederation, the rise for the lower IKA pensions will be 0.50 euros daily, while for low-income earners it will be 0.60 euros daily.

Finally, in its announcement, ADEDY (Supreme Administration of Greek Civil Savants Trade Unions) spoke of onerous and long-term austerity with zero increases. At the same time, it accused the Government of underfinancing education, health and social security, which, combined with the unfair tax system, keeps eroding the income of employees daily.

Translated by Vicky Ghionis

Related News:

Smooth Adjustment

[11] As per a US Study Meditation Makes Us Smarter

By Vicky Keleri

Sources: New Scientist

It is not just a method for calming down and feeling better, it is also a natural enhancer for the brain and intelligence! A group of researchers from the University of Kentucky in Lexington, USA, support so for meditation and to prove their point, they proceeded with an experiment. Using the "psychomotor vigilance task", which was so far used to quantify the effects of sleepiness on mental acuity, they put 10 volunteers to the test. They were asked to stare at a screen and press a button as soon as an imaged popped up. Before doing so, the volunteers had either meditated, slept, read a book or conversed for 40 minutes. It is noted that the 40-minute nap is known to improve performance, but only at least an hour after the person has woken up.

Brain Structure Changes

As the study showed, meditation was the only intervention that immediately led to superior mental performance, although most of the volunteers were meditating for the first time.

As research head Bruce O'Hara underlined, "Every single subject showed improvement, and it was even more dramatic after a night without sleep. Why it improves performance we do not know." The team will now focus on experienced meditators in an effort to solve the riddle.

In the meantime, another research team from the Massachusetts General Hospital used MRIs to study the effects of meditation on the structure of the brain.

To do so, they studied 15 experienced meditators, with experience ranging from 1 to 30 years, and 15 non-meditators.

They found that meditating increases the thickness of the cortex, especially in areas involved in attention and sensory processing.

These results are in line with studies showing that accomplished musicians, athletes and linguists all have thickening in relevant areas of the cortex.

[12] Formula Milk Withdrawn in Greece

By Mary Lou Tzempelikou

Following the havoc created in Italy over Nestles formula milk, which was unfit for consumption, the company Nestle Greece issued an announcement briefing the pubic that a similar product, which was available in the Greek market in half-litre green packages, namely NANI 2, stopped being distributed as of the end of October. In addition, it noted that any quantities already available in the market will be withdrawn as a precaution and a matter of principle. Nestle Greece asked consumers who have already purchased the product to contact the company on +30210 6884488, so that it can be replaced. Furthermore, the company noted that there are no risks involved, since the chemical substance ITX that was detected in it relates to the printing material used on the label and it is not toxic, as per the European Food Safety Authority.

Translated by Vicky Ghionis

Related News:

Formula Milk Recalled in Italy

[13] By POESY and ESIEA Event for BBC-Greek

By Dimitris Alexopoulos

Sources: ANA

Representatives of Greek political parties and academics voiced their sorrow over the closure of BBCs Greek service at an event hosted by POESY (Panhellenic Federation of Journalists Unions) and ESIEA (Journalists Union of Athens Daily Newspapers), in collaboration with Athens and Panteio Universities, at the offices of ESIEA. In her speech, Speaker of Parliament Anna Psarouda-Benaki stressed, "The Greek service should not close down, due to the symbolic reasons for the role BBC played during the difficult years of the dictatorship regime. A way has to be found so that a voice from history, with objectivity and status, can continue to be heard."

On behalf of the Government, alternate spokesperson Evangelos Antonaraos thanked BBCs Greek service for providing objective and reliable news, while he wished that societies being tested by illiberal regimes be benefited by BBC, as was the case with Greece.

PASOKs former government spokesperson, Tilemachos Chytiris, described the passage of Greek journalists from BBC as positive, while he thanked the Greek service and the Greek reporters who worked hard. In addition, although he voiced the opinion that the decision will not be altered, he agreed that letters by the Parliament, journalistic unions and universities be sent to the British Embassy.

On behalf of SYN, Nikos Konstantopoulos described the decision to close down the service as one that constitutes an insult to the historical memory and a threat to objective news. He also added that BBCs Greeks service has written history and it constitutes a valuable testament to liberal, free and fighting journalism, especially during tough times.

Translated by Vicky Ghionis

[14] For the Illegal Antiquities Trading Case on Kythir Giosakis Stands Trial

By Vagelis Theodorou

The trial of Iakovos Giosakis, who is charged with illegally trading antiquities from the monastery of Osios Theodoros on the Greek island of Kythira, will recommence tomorrow, Wednesday, as normal with witnesses testimonies, after the court denied all the motions filed by his lawyers. During the first day of proceedings, the defence asked that the trial of the former Archimandrite and his co-defendants, Kyrilos Stavropoulos and Kostas No, be stopped, by filing a motion to declare the bill of indictment void, based on a pervious acquittal ruling. Actually, Giosakis lawyers spoke of "juridical schemes" aimed at harming their client, while the defendant claimed "the decision outlines the view of the examiner, not with wild talk concerning the charges, but with her well-founded evaluation." In addition, the court denied the defences motion to televise the trial. Twenty witnesses for the prosecution and two for the defence will be called to testify tomorrow.

Translated by Vicky Ghionis

Related News:

Giosakis' Trial Begins

[15] Over High Prices and Unemployment Discontentment and Patience

By Dimitris Alexopoulos

Sources: NET

The majority of the Greek citizens are waiting for the Governments choices on burning financial issues, despite the high levels of discontentment, as per an opinion poll conducted by Metron Analysis on behalf of GSEE (Greek General Confederation of Labour) from 24 October to 17 November. Furthermore, the figures relating to unionism and demonstrations, which gathered the most negative responses, were also quite interesting.

Survey Results

The thorniest subjects in the everyday lives of the citizens seem to be high prices, and rises in pensions and wages.

According to the results, 63% of the citizens declared that they were not satisfied at all by the way the Government handled the issue of unemployment, 25.5% were not that satisfied and 9.8 were very satisfied.

In addition, 59.5% of those asked were not satisfied at all with the high prices, 30.3% were not that satisfied, while 9.5% were somewhat or very satisfied.

The rises in pensions and wages did not satisfy at all 57.4%, while 30.4% declared not that satisfied and 8.7% somewhat or very satisfied. Moreover, the Governments choices for contract workers did not satisfy 50.6% of those asked, while 24.5% were not that satisfied and 14.9% were somewhat or very satisfied.

The responses concerning the level of satisfaction for ideologies, values and institutions were quite interesting, as demonstrations gathered the most negative responses, with 20.7%, followed by the European Union with 13.6% and unionism with 13.4%.

However, the responses indicated higher levels of satisfaction over issues such as public security, compared to the opinion poll conducted last February.

The responses constitute points of discussion and self-criticism for unionists, in view of the 24-hour strike scheduled for 14 December.

Translated by Vicky Ghionis

[16] At the Thessaloniki School of Theology Assault during School Take Over

By Dimitris Alexopoulos

Sources: ANA - NET - ERA

Two of the students who were physically assaulted this morning on the grounds of the School of Theology of Aristotle University Thessaloniki by unknown perpetrators who took over the School last night are being hospitalised at Ippokratio, but have escaped danger. The two students, one of whom was admitted suffering head injuries, will remain in hospital until tomorrow, as a precaution.

The Theology students tried to enter the building this morning, unaware of the fact that it had been taken over during the night, and were physically assaulted and beaten. The Dean of the School, Christos Economou, condemned the incident, while, referring to the perpetrators, he spoke of people who belong on the sidelines and who were not anarchists. He also mentioned that they caused serious damages.

The perpetrators are claiming that they took over the School in protest for the killing of a young man, who was allegedly beaten to death by police officers on the anniversary of the Polytechnic School uprising.

However, Coroner Matheos Tsougas, who performed the autopsy, reported that the death was due to pulmonary oedema, while his parents also declared that the young man was a drug user.

In addition, Thessaloniki Police announced that they never arrested or detained any man by the same name.

Translated by Vicky Ghionis

[17] Officially the New Patriarch of Jerusalem Patriarch Theophilus III Enthroned

By Dimitris Alexopoulos

The enthronement of the new Patriarch Theophilus III was officially concluded in Jerusalems Church of the Resurrection, in a ceremonious atmosphere and in front of hundreds of followers. The ceremony was attended by the President of the Hellenic Republic, Karolos Papoulias, representatives of the Greek Government and the political world, as well as leaders of Orthodox Churches and Arab states. In his speech, the new Patriarch referred to the recent problems experienced by the Patriarchate, stressing, "We went though fire and water. During a period that rocked the Orthodox Church and the Christian flock, we are summoned to respond as Greeks, in the spirit of abatement for the nation and respect for the laws of the three countries. We will rescue the Patriarchate from the sea of corruption and fraudulence, only under the tutelage of our theophoric fathers and the Holy Spirit." The Patriarch concluded by pointing out the burden of the mission he is assuming.

New Path and New Start

On his part, the Greek President stressed the historic significance of this day for the Patriarchate, noting that it signals the beginning of a new path.

At the same time, he described the ceremony both as austere and glorious, befitting the personality and noble objectives of the Patriarch.

Mr Papoulias made a special mention to the role of the Patriarchate, describing it as a peace and stability factor in the area. Finally, he stressed that it will always have Greeces assistance in its struggles.

A little later, in the throne room, Archbishop Christodoulos of Athens pointed out the difficulties experienced recently by the Patriarchate and stressed that the new Patriarch is "Gods chosen, who will bear a cross on his shoulders, just like all other primuses of autocephalous churches."

"The task undertaken by the new Patriarch is difficult and arduous," he noted, while at the same time voicing the optimism that Theophilus beliefs, experience and nobility will contribute towards peace and the unity of the Church.

Finally, Deputy Foreign Minister Panagiotis Skandalakis declared, "Todays austere and at the same time glorious enthronement ceremony of the Primus of the Church of Sion puts an end to a long and tough period of disruption, which rocked the brotherhood and the followers recently."

Its should be noted that former Patriarch Eirinaios, who remains confined in his apartment at the Patriarchate, chose this day to declare to newspaper Jerusalem Post that he is the real Patriarch.

Translated by Vicky Ghionis

Related News:

New Patriarch to Be Enthroned

[18] Collective Actions in Olympic and DEI

By Dimitris Alexopoulos

Sources: NET - ERA

Olympic Airlines employees are proceeding with a four-hour work stoppage on Wednesday 23/11/05, from 11am to 2pm, demanding the recommencement of the dialogue on the formation of a new company with Transport Minister Michael Liapis. The employees are organising a rally at Athens Eleftherios Venizelos Airport at 11am, while they reassured the public that flights will depart on schedule. In the meantime, GFE/PPC (General Federation of Employees of Electric Energy Sector/Public Power Corporation) is commencing rolling 24-hour strikes as of tomorrow, reacting to the Development Ministry bill on the deregulation of the electric energy market, for which discussions will start in Parliament tomorrow.

Translated by Vicky Ghionis

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