The Hellenic Radio (ERA): News in English, 06-01-29

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

CONTENTS

[01] PM's Speech in ND's Central Committee Citizens Come First

By Vivian Papastefanou

Prime Minister Kostas Karamanlis address at 10am opened the assembly of NDs Central Committee, in view of the municipal and perfectural elections. In his address, the Prime Minister referred to his partys strategy on the municipal and prefectural elections, pointing out that local governments are to top the agenda. Furthermore, he noted that the Governments keynote objective is to bolster up Local Governments and turn them into a strong political institution that will operate to the benefit of the citizens. Mr Karamanlis also hailed 2006 as a much decisive year for the countrys economy, while emphasis will be laid upon the changes and reforms the Government has pledged meant to suit the needs of the citizens. He then made a reference to the review of the Constitution and the Governments main axis, underscoring that everyone has a say in the dialogue. With regard to the wave of bitter cold, he praised the response of the state bodies and citizens alike. The Prime Minister did not miss congratulating PASOK leader George Papandreou on his being elected to the presidency of Socialist International and wished him luck.

Translated by Areti Christou

[02] Caused by Bitter Cold Problems Settling Down

By Vivian Papastefanou

Sources: NET-ANA

Life is still hindered on the islands of Kefalonia and Ithaca, since the power supply has not yet fully reinstated. On Kefalonia, some 150 PPC (Public Power Corporation) technicians keep working non-stop to repair the damaged pylons, while 30 power generators have already been dispatched to the island, contributing to the power output. Deputy Development Minister Giorgos Salagoudis, who is on the island, stated that power will have been fully restored by Monday. In the rest of the country, the problems caused by the wave of bitter cold have been reduced to the mountainous regions in the Prefectures of Evrytania, Fthiotida and Thessaly. The lakes of Doirani, Kilkis, and Pamvotida, Ioannina, have turned icy, thus giving a hard time to fishermen.

In the meantime, drivers heading for the ski resorts of Kaimaktsalan (from 10km all the way up to the resort), Seli and Vasilitsa, should be equipped with snow chains, whose need is also imperative for those travelling on Florina-Kastoria regional road via Vitsi, Kastoria-Ioannina regional road (from the 28km to 40km), and on the old Thessaloniki-Arnea National Highway via Holomon (from 70km to 80km).

Translated by Areti Christou

Related News:

Weather Problems Subside

[03] Heavy Snow Weighed Down a Roof Tragedy in Poland

By Vivian Papastefanou

Sources: NET-ANA

Death toll rose to 60, while some 141 sustained injuries, due to the roof collapse of a trade hall in the town of Chorzow, Poland. Rescue crews are making painstaking efforts to pull hundreds of people trapped under the ruins to safety, however, a fire department official stated that hopes of finding any more survivors are fading. "The chances of finding someone alive are rather slim. This catastrophe has left at least 60 deads and 141 injured in its wake," argued the head of the regional fire department. He also admitted that the rescue teams have yet to access some of the victims found.

It is noted that the building, whose size equals that of a football pitch, hosted an international exhibition attended by hundreds of Europeans, mostly from central and northern Europe, while it is the third similar accident within a year, following those in Germany and Czech Republic.

Translated by Areti Christou

Related News:

Bitter Cold Hampers Central Europe

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