The Hellenic Radio (ERA): News in English, 05-12-13

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

CONTENTS

[01] At the Government Committee Working Hours at Focus

Sources: NET, NET 105.8

The issue of public utilities working hours will be at the focus of todays meeting of the Government Committee at 11am at Maximos Mansion. The proposal of the Ministry for the Interior foresees new working hours, winter and summer, for the Public Sector. It is proposed that the Ministries, legal persons governed by public law the utilities of the Prefectures and Municipalities operate from 8am to 3:30pm, or from 8:30am to 4pm, according to what the bodies themselves will decide, based on their needs. The Government Committee is expected to decide on the start of the implementation of the new working hours.

Meeting over F-16s

Straight after, the Governmental Council on Foreign Affairs and Defence (KYSEA) will convene on the issue of the purchase of 30 F-16s, worth around 1.97 million euros, and the new ten-year equipment programme of the Ministry of National Defence.

The delivery of the F-16s will be made on 2009, while the agreement on their purchase includes the production of aircrafts parts in the Greek Aircraft Industry as well as other countervailing benefits.

The issue of the purchase of 112,000 rifles, worth about 250 million euros, will also be discussed in the meeting.

The rifles will be bought by a German company with a transnational contract.

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

[02] Denied Accusations of Being Secluded "I Do Not Live in a Bubble"

By Athina Saloustrou

US President George W. Bush, in an interview to NBC, denied accusations that he lives "in a bubble" surrounded by security agents and advisers who withhold the reality from him. "I dont have the impression I live in a bubble," noted Bush speaking to US television network NBC, noting that he receives really good advice from very capable persons. He admitted that security measures obstruct him from enjoying small everyday pleasures. "I cant take a walk outside of the gate or go shopping with my wife," he said. US magazine Newsweeks front page showed President Bush in a gigantic bubble, secluded by a wall of security agents and advisers, a view that the US President is trying to change, by saying that he listens to the views of his associates as well as his opponents.

George W. Bush tried to poke fun at the articles, thus rejecting criticism stating that he has lost contact with public opinion, trying to persuade that he is well aware of what is happening outside the White House. On a question of if he watches television or reads newspapers, the US President tried to bring down the myth that he created, when he stated in an interview that the does not read the Press. "I take a look in the newspaper every morning. I cant say that I read all the articles, but I surely know the news," and added jokingly, "Occasionally I watch TV. I dont want to hurt your feelings, but only occasionally."

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

Read the story on other sources:

Newsweek: Bush in the Bubble

Reuters: Bush says he does not live in a bubble

[03] "Die Another Day!"

By Mary Lou Tzempelikou

One of the things we cannot predict is if and when something good or bad will happen to us. Moreover, when will our time come, an event that is quite unavoidable. Well thats what we thought at least. Mayor of Biritiba-Mirim, Brazil, Roberto Pereira da Silva banned his residents to die with a formal announcement entitled: "You are not allowed to die in Biritiba-Mirim." The reason was that the towns cemetery is full and cannot receive any more "underground" tenants. However, another problem is looming, as da Silva stated that 98% of the town is composed of rivers, and the surrounding area is a tropical rainforest protected by law, which disallows the expansion of the cemetery or the creation of another one.

"We are Packed"

The law the Mayor is hoping to enact foresees fines being imposed, or a prison sentence to the relatives of the "early deceased" while sending a message to the residents to take care of themselves.

Thus, not taking care of ones self will be considered a crime for Biritibs-Mirims 28,000 residents.

As per sources, the residents have taken this announcement very seriously, as gym subscriptions and preventive visits to doctors have increased.

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

Read the story on other sources:

E PROIBIDO MORRER EM BIRITIBA MIRIM

Related Links:

Biritiba-Mirim

[04] Telethon Collected One Million Euros Greece Stands by the Children

By Athina Saloustrou

The offerings of the Greek people to Unicefs plea for solidarity to the children of Pakistan, afflicted by the October 8 earthquake, was moving. The telethon, which began yesterday afternoon at ERT and with the contribution of journalists, artists, athletes and politicians calling on the people to donate for the four million children living under terrible conditions in the frozen mountains of central Asia collected more than 1 million euros and finished at 2am.

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

Related News:

Telethon for the Children

[05] A GPO Opinion Poll ND Steadily Ahead

By Dimitris Alexopoulos

A telephone opinion poll by GPO, for television channel MEGA, recorded a lead of ND by 1.3% as opposed to PASOK. The governing party received 32.3% on the intention to vote, as opposed to 31% of PASOK, followed by KKE 7%, LAOS 4.7% and SYN 4%. The opinion poll was conducted in the shadow of Paleokrassas resignation from the PPC Presidency, and the Prime Minister appears as the showcase of the governing party, since 57.5% valued the positive work of the Government, while 54.8% attributed responsibility of Ministers and members for the negative points of the Government. Moreover, 55.1% voiced their support for Kostas Karamanlis, while 43.7% their opposition. The corresponding percentages on the leader of the Main Opposition Party, George Papandreou, are 46.2% and 52%. On the question of who is more suitable for Prime Minister, Kostas Karamanlis is steadily ahead by 45.8% as opposed to 33.2% for George Papandreou.

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

[06] Bill on DEKOs to Parliament Amid Continuing Strikes

By Dimitris Alexopoulos

Today, the discussion on the bill of DEKOs begins at Parliaments Plenary Session amid collective actions. Tomorrow, the private and Public Sector will operate with disruptions due to the 24-hour strike announced by the Greek General Confederation of Labour (GSEE) and the Supreme Administration of Greek Civil Servants Trade Unions (ADEDY), while the strike in Public Utilities will continue until Thursday. The following two days passengers transport will take place with problems, since only the metro and electric trains will operate from 11am to 6pm on Wednesday, while all Means of Public Transport will be immobilised on Thursday. Flights will be disrupted, while the Greek Railways Organisation (OSE) will not operate on Wednesday and Thursday. The Panhellenic Federation of Editor Unions (POESY) is also participating in the strike, with a work stoppage on all Mass Media from 11am to 4pm on Wednesday. The Greek Broadcasting Workers Federation (POSPERT) has planned a ten-hour work stoppage from 7:30am to 19:30pm and a five-hour one from 1pm to 6pm on Thursday.

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

[07] Papandreou Meets with ESIEA

By Dimitris Alexopoulos

This morning, George Papandreou held a meeting with the Presidency of ESIEA. As the Unions President, Panos Sobolos, noted he briefed the President of PASOK over issues concerning the law of civil liability, pensions, social security and other demands of the sector and invited all journalists to participate in the four-hour work stoppage, from 11am to 3pm, and the rally at Pedion tou Areos. Answering to a question concerning the "dissatisfaction" that Mr Papandreou has voiced at times the way PASOK events are covered by the Mass Media Mr Sobolos said the Mr Papandreou did not refer to such issues.

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

[08] At the Fuel Depots in North London Extinguishing with Difficulties

By Dimitris Alexopoulos

The difficult work of extinguishing the blazing fire at the fuel depots in north London will be repeated by fire crews in Great Britain. Last night, the fire fighters were forced to halt their efforts, since a depot nearly collapsed. The fire is burning in only three depots and the fire fighters believe it will be put out until nighttime. "The night has been difficult but important progress has been made," noted a Fire Brigade official. The Buncefield depots, the fifth largest in the country, have been burning since last Sunday due to an unidentified blast, which injured 43 persons, while one being hospitalised.

Cloud of Smoke

Apart from the damages, the fire has also caused a thick black smoke cloud, which is gradually spreading to southern Great Britain, as well as France, while is expected to reach Spain.

The Meteorological Service reassured that the menacing-looking cloud is nothing more than smoke and it is non-toxic.

Moreover, they estimated that the cloud will start dispersing, while Sanitation Service officials believe that it will not cause health problems to residents.

Dr Jane Halpin noted that the ones who could be facing breathing problems are the elderly and small children.

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

Read the story on other sources:

BBC: Fire crews hoping to douse blaze

Related News:

Extinguishing has Started

Blasts near London

[09] For the Investigation of Political Murders Lebanon Asks for UN's Help

By Athina Saloustrou

The Lebanese Government asked for the UNs contribution to the investigation of murders and attempted murders, from 2004, against countrys figures, who voiced their opposition to Syria. "The Government will ask the UN Security Council to either broaden its investigative committees mission, which was created based on Resolution 1595, and concerns the murder of former PM Rafik Hariri, or create a new independent committee to assist the Lebanese Authorities investigation on the multitude of terrorist crimes afflicting the country," announced Minister of Information Ghazi Aridi speaking to journalists following the four-hour emergency Cabinet meeting, convened after the murder of Gebran Tueni. In an announcement, the UN Security Council condemned Tuenis murder "in the strongest terms," whom it described as "a patriot and herald of freedom, sovereignty and independence in Lebanon" and repeated its deep concern over the destabilising consequence of political murders and terrorist actions in Lebanon.

The Council reiterated the warning to the perpetrators of the last attempt and previous ones, aimed at subjugating Lebanon to Syrian domination and silencing the Lebanese press with yet another act of violence.

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

[10] Four Goals for Olympiacos

By Vasilis Kalpinos

Generally playing good football, Olympiacos prevailed over Larissa 4-0 at the match that completed round 13 of the A National Football Championship and thus reinstated themselves at the top of the scoreboard, one point ahead of AEK. Dabizas opened the score for Sollied's team with an own-goal in the 19'. Okkas in the 39', Djordjevic in the 70' and Babaginda in the 80' scored the other three goals for Olympiacos, thus ending the match 4-0. Larissa on the other hand, had nothing good to show for themselves, as they even lacked the strength to answer back and bring the match around. This was Olympiacos' sixth consecutive win.

Referee: Detsis (Athens)

Yellow cards: Rivaldo, Kyparissis

LINEUPS

OLYMPIACOS: Nikopolidis, Schurrer, Mavrogenidis, Bulut, Anatolakis, Stoltidis (86' Georgatos), Toure, Rivaldo, Djordjevic, Okkas (86' Castillo), Danny (57' Babaginda)

LARISSA: Kotsolis, Simos, Galitsios, Dabizas, Bachramis (46' Sicic), Aloneftis (72' Gkikas), Tsiatsios, Digozis, Sherban, Papakostas (54' Spacic), Kyparissis

Translated by Sofia Soulioti

[11] Emergency Forecast by the HNMS Rain and Thunderstorms on the Way

By Dimitris Alexopoulos

The weather will take a turn for the worst with thunderstorms and gales, as foreseen for tomorrow by the Hellenic National Meteorological Service (HNMS). As per an emergency forecast over extreme weather conditions by the Meteorological Service showers and thunderstorms will be apparent in Peloponnisos, mainland Greece (including Attica), Thessaly, Cyclades, eastern Aegean islands and quite possibly Crete and the Dodecanese. Moreover, gales will be blowing in the south and east of the country. The conditions will be extreme and will begin subsiding as of Thursday noon.

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

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