The Hellenic Radio (ERA): News in English, 06-02-28

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

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

CONTENTS

[01] Denationalising Emporiki and Agricultural Banks Denationalisation Ahead

By Mary Lou Tzempelikou

Sources: NET, ANA

Denationalising Emporiki and Agricultural banks topped the Cabinet meeting held at Maximos Mansion on Tuesday. Upon exiting the meeting, Economy Minister Giorgos Alogoskoufis pointed out that the denationalisations rank among the most pivotal pillars of the Governments economy policy, aiming to safeguard the more efficient operation of the Economy, growth, employment and competitiveness. He further added that the programme "has been successful," as revenues have amounted to three billion euros since 2004. On his part, Employment Minister Savvas Tsitouridis told the reporters that all Cabinet members agree with the denationalisations.

Furthermore, Mr Alogoskoufis claimed that the Government aims to have revenues for 2006 amounted to 1.6 billion euros, as last year, and added that both banks have been considerably purgated, with the reform on the banks social security having contributed to this direction. He also underlined that procedures will be open and transparent to the benefit of the society, Economy and public sector earnings.

Member of SYNs Political Secretariat Panagiotis Lafazanis stated, "The ND Government, escalating generalised privatisations started by PASOK Government is promoting a new phase of selling off the Private Sector."

What the Programme Provides For

In their recommendation, the Ministers of Economy, Development and Employment, underlined that the denationalisation programme has been on truck, so that the public sector makes the best of its assets, and the more efficient operation of the Economy, the deregulation of the market, attracting investments, expanding activities and curtailing public spending and debt, are achieved.

They, then, made a flashback to the denationalisations carried out in 2004-2005, which exceeded the initial target of 1.6 billion euros, amounting to 2.1 billion euros.

The 2006 programme, which aims to draw 1.6 million euros, includes the Emporiki and Agricultural banks, the Greek Postal Savings Bank, as well as the premises and units of the Hellenic Tourist Properties (ETA) and Public Gas Corporation (DEPA). As for the Emporiki Banks, the Interdepartmental Denationalisations Committee (DEA) will have a legal adviser look into the likelihood of denationalising the total of DEKAs (Public Securities Organisation) shares, which amounts to 9.26%, as well as the 12.3% of shares held by legal persons, including the Greek Manpower Employment Organisation (OAED), Agricultural Insurance Organisation (OGA) and the banking sectors new common pension fund (ETEAM).

At the same time, the Greek Public Sector is ready to give the Agricultural Banks shares to institutional investors via second-round bid to have the shares liquidity boosted. The DEA is to decide on the exact amount of shares to be given.

The DEA recommendation also added that under a decision taken in June 2005, the Greek Postal Savings Bank would be listed to the Athens Stock Exchange, while the number of the shares to be listed will be decided by DEA anew.

[02] New Cases in Sweden Avian Flu Spreads

By Vivian Papastefanou

Sources: ANA

The deadly H5N1 strain was detected for the first time in wild birds in the area of Oskarshamn, on Swedens SE shores. The countys Health Minister announced a Press conference to take part at noon. In the meantime, a part of Odessas zoo was placed under quarantine after the Ukrainian authorities located several dead birds last week. As per Interfax, the Russian news agency, the zoo officials are conducting tests to determine whether the death of parrots and pheasants can be put down to the deadly H5N1 strain. The initial tests showed that several birds were infected with the H5 virus, a zoo official was quoted as saying. Avian flu outbreaks were also located in the Crimean peninsula, 200km off Odessa, last December.

Detected in Domestic Poultry in Romania

At the same time, the Romanian veterinary authorities confirmed the deadly H5N1 avian flu virus in domestic poultry in the village of Topalu. This development prompted the countrys Health Ministry to cull some 15,000 birds in the village.

It is noted that the avian flu virus has been detected in 35 villages and a Black Sea resort since last October, when the virus first appeared in wild birds in the Danube Delta.

Two suspect cases were located in Bavaria, Germany. Bavarias Agricultural Ministry announced that the flu was detected in wild birds on the banks of Lake Constance, near the border with Austria. The announcement failed to clarify whether it was the highly pathogenic avian flu virus originated from Asia, or some less pathogenic form.

Consequently, five of the 13 German states have been affected by the H5N1 virus. The confirmed number of wild birds infected in Germany reached 129, while 121 if those were recorded Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, NE Germany.

H5N1 Fears in Ethiopia

In the meantime, since February 16, some 6,000 birds have died of an avian flu-like disease in Ethiopia. According to the Ethiopian Agricultural Ministry, samples from the dead birds will be sent to a Padova laboratory in Italy. The tests conducted in Ethiopia point to the avian flu virus, however, the samples should be sent to Italy to have the results confirmed," argued Sileshi Zewde, head of the Ethiopian veterinary service. However, it was not made public when the lab tests from Padova are due. As per Sileshi Zewde, 6,082 birds have been culled at the Gubere centre, some 175km off the capital city of Addis Ababa. Examinations of 49 of them had confirmed the presence of a bird flu-like disease. Some 9,000 chickens in the affected Gubere Poultry Center will be killed starting on Tuesday. Agricultural Ministry spokesman Mulugeta Debalkew said measures were being taken to prevent the disease from spreading, including a ban on the sale of the poultry and poultry products in a 60-kilometer radius of Gubere.

In December, the initial tests on 60 dead pigeons and poultry, possible avian flu cases, found mostly in SE Ethiopia, were negative.

Translated by Areti Christou

[03] At the Political Council G. Papandreou Assigned Immediate Aims

By Dimitris Alexopoulos

Sources: ANA

As per George Papandreou, who spoke today at the partys Political Council, the Main Oppositions tactic in the following time period will focus on the open political fronts of the wiretaps, "Kapodistrias" and the Economy. The President of PASOK referring to the wiretaps issue attributed responsibility of concealment to the Government, underlining that it is an issue of democracy connected with the protection of the citizens rights.

Mr Papandreou raised his voice on the issue of "Kapodistrias", accusing the Government of turning the citizen against the citizen and the registered against the registered with its policy. "Not only are we resisting the clientele-like and irresponsible policy of New Democracy, but we are also speaking of "Kapodistrias II", noted the President of PASOK, who added that the issue isnt for more and powerless municipalities to exist, but bigger and more powerful ones.

In relation to the Economy, Mr Papandreou noted that PASOK will continue pushing forward the dead-end of the Governments economic policy, aimed at defending the citizens income.

Mr Papandreou referred to the recent ALCO opinion poll and noted that people are turning more and more to PASOK. He added that New Democracy is at a dead end, which cannot be overcome with communication tricks.

During the meeting, a proposal by the Public Administration Sector was discussed, which will be one of the issues at the focus of the National Council meeting on 17 and 18 March. Moreover, the formation of the Three-Member Committee was decided by Messrs Venizelos, Pagalos and Papoutsis, which will take up compiling a draft bill for the adjustment of the legislatures allowing the political mobilisation of strikers, a proposal that will be submitted at Parliament with the cooperation of Synaspismos. Mr Papandreou referred to the issue in his speech at Parliament yesterday.

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

[04] In Local Self Government Elections PASOK Announced Candidates

PASOK announced its candidates in the forthcoming municipal and prefectural elections in 30 regions of Greece. Among the candidates are current Mayors and Prefects, as well as new figures, who, as per the partys President of Electoral Procedures Committee Alekos Papadopoulos, emerged by an "unprecedented democratic discussion procedures." In an announcement, PASOK described the forthcoming Local Self Government elections as "a crucial political showdown, which condenses the political messages of citizens" and accused ND of unpopular policies, adding that the aim of its candidates is for a battle to be fought for the citizens and their regions growth. The remaining candidacies will be announced in the coming days.

The Names

Prefectures:

Achaia: Katsikopoulos Dimitrios, current Prefect Viotia: Klearchos Pergantas, current Prefect Euboea: Athanasios Bouradas, current Prefect Thesprotia: Ilias Liakos, current Prefect Cyclades: Dimitrios Bailas, current Prefect Lasithi: Antonios Stratakis, current Prefect Preveza: Vasilios Ioannou, current Prefect Rethymno: Giorgos Papadakis, current Prefect Pella: Michalis Karamanis, candidate in 2002 Ilia: Charalabos Kafyras, new candidacy Pieria: Giorgos Papathanasiou, new candidacy Etoloakarnania: Efthimios Sokos, new candidacy Evrytania: Giannis Papadopoulos, new candidacy Corinthia: Nikos Papaioannou, new candidacy Arcadia: Robertos Spyropoulos, new candidacy Messinia: Christos Malapanis, new candidacy

Municipalities

Edessa: Ioannis Sontras, current Mayor Katerini: Ioannis Amiridis, current Mayor Arta: Panagiotis Oikonimidis, current Mayor Preveza: Miltiadis Ilias Klapas, current Mayor Karpenisi: Vasilios Karabas, current Mayor Chalkida: Dimitris Anagnostakis, current Mayor Ermoupolis: Ioannis Dekavalas, current Mayor Heraklion: Ioannis Kourakis, current Mayor Veroia: Charoula Georgiadou-Ousoultzoglou, candidate in 2002 Patras: Andreas Fouras, new candidacy Kavala: Kostis Simitzis, new candidacy Lamia: Fotis Seretis, new candidacy Rethymno: Giorgos Marinakis, new candidacy Larissa: Ioannis Sapkas, new candidacy

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

[05] ADAE at Ericsson's Offices Assimilation of Wiretaps System

Sources: NET

The assimilation of wiretaps, which was conducted at the central facilities of Ericsson today, under the observation of the Hellenic Authority for the Information and Communication Security and Privacy (ADAE), lasted for approximately ten hours. During the procedure, in which Vodafone and Ericsson technicians participated, a reinstallation of the illegal software was made next to the legal listening-in software of Ericsson. The members of ADAE attempted to figure out how the foreign software activated the legal software and how it disappeared its traces afterwards.

During the re-enactment the telephone conversations of persons participating in the procedure were wiretapped, in order to conclude how the system operated under normal conditions.

As per sources, the members of ADAE concluded that the person who made the illegal software had a high level of know-how, which cannot be learned in Greece.

The specific person, after making the illegal software, must have known the activation code of the legal software.

Moreover, the event of a hacker breaking the code is also being examined.

However, as per sources, following, the members of ADAE estimated that in order for the illegal software to reprogram and renew its operation an accomplice must have existed in Greece and who had access to Ericsson and Vodafone.

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

[06] As of 1 March Rises in Transit Tariffs

New tariffs in transit and taxis of Athens will be enforced as of 1 March. Specifically, single tickets for buses and trolley buses will cost 0.50 eurocents and reduced tickets 0.25 eurocents, while the ticket price for buses servicing Eleftherios Venizelos Airport is 3.20 euros and reduced at 1.60 euros. The Athens-Piraeus Electric Railway (HSAP) single tickets will cost 0.70 eurocents and reduced at 1.60 euros, while in the metro train the ticket will cost 0.80 eurocents with a right to reboard on HSAP trains. The prices of tickets of the tram train and Suburban Railway remain the same, as do the prices of a day pass, weekly pass and travelcards.

The starting rate of taxi fares is at 1 euro and the minimum fare rate for Athens is 2.5 euros, while for other regions of Greece the starting rate is 2.70 euros.

Moreover, ticket prices of the Hellenic Railways Organisation (OSE) for the axis of Athens-Thessaloniki and Piraeus-Chalkida are increased by 7%.

KTEL buses, trucks and public use tank-wagons fares are increased by 7%.

Passengers who have already purchased a yearly travelcard can use it for the transit means it was intended for, while tickets with previous prices must be used until 31 May 2006.

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

[07] GSEE-ADEDY Work Stoppage, OTOE Strike Work Stoppage Prompts Disruptions

By Vagelis Theodorou

Sources: ANA-NET

Disruptions were reported in the operation of public sector services, the transport system and the banks, due to the four-hour work stoppage called by GSEE (Greek General Federation of Labour) and ADEDY (Supreme Administration of Greek Civil Servants Trade Unions), from 11 to 3pm, and the 24-hour strike staged by OTOE (Hellenic Federation of Bank Employee Unions). Defending the institution of collective working contracts and demanding substantial wage rises, the employees gathered at Klafthmonos Square in Athens, and at the Venizelos statue in Thessaloniki. Furthermore, members of PAME (All Workers Militant Front) staged a protest outside Eurobanks central branch on Kallirois St and marched towards the headquarters of the Federation of Greek Industries. The Panhellenic Federation of Employee Associations in the Radio and Television Sector (POSPERT) participated with a two-hour work stoppage from 1 to 3pm, while 12 domestic flights of the Olympic Airlines were cancelled. "The Government respects and supports the institution of collective working contracts," underlined Economy Minister Giorgos Alogoskoufis, after his meeting with the unions delegations.

Demonstrations in Athens and Thessaloniki

Speaking at Klafthmonos Square, GSEE President Christos Polyzogopoulos urged the Government and the employers to change their stance and called on the employees to participate in the 24-hour strike scheduled for March 15.

On his part, ADEDY President Ilias Vretakos blasted the Government, arguing that it is using the pretext of reforms to abolish the collective working contracts and undermine the unions.

OTOE President Dimitris Tsoukalas accused the Government of tuning with the bankers and went on to make a reference to the mass strikes staged by the bank employees in 79 and 82.

Upon exiting Maximos Mansion, Mr Alogoskoufis described the strikes as the employees right, adding that the Government is obliged to apply a social and political policy that will settle the problems and create a better future.

While answering a relevant question, deputy Government spokesman Evangelos Antonaros reiterated the Governments stance that the dialogue with the social partners on the social security issue has opened. He further added that the dialogue has to continue so that all problems emerge and solutions are found.

On his arrival to Klafthmonos Square, SYN President Alekos Alavanos expressed his partys support to the employees and concluded, "The Government is responsible for the chaos it is creating."

In the meantime, Employment Minister Savvas Tsitouridis is to have a meeting on Wednesday with the GSEE presidency for a full-scale discussion.

Translated by Areti Christou

Related News:

GSEE-ADEDY Work Stoppage

[08] For the Resolution of the Cypriot Conflict Open for Dialogue

Sources: NET, ANA

A year following their previous meeting, UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan and President of Cyprus Tassos Papadopoulos investigated a way of reactivating discussions on the Cypriot conflict, in a meeting in Paris. The discussions took place in a climate of reserved optimism, while the joint announcement stated that there is an agreement concerning the continuation of the dialogue in development and voiced the hope that the discussions will assist the reinstatement of trust between the two communities.

Mr Annan also noted that he has received the reassurances of the Turkish-Cypriot community Mr Talat on the latter and that he shares the same expectations.

The two men also agreed that it will be beneficial for all, if progress was achieved in the further disengagement of forces and the demilitarisation on the island, the full mine clearance of Cyprus and the Famagusta issue.

In closing they stated that the EUs recent decision to release the expected funds is for the benefit of the Turkish-Cypriot community.

The meeting lasted more than the one-hour scheduled and as per sources Mr Papadopoulos presented Mr Annan a verbal proposal with the aims, procedures and climate that has to be formed in order for the negotiations to start anew.

Procedurally, it was decided for the meetings to begin on a technical level observed by Mr Michael Moller, who is a special representative for Cyprus in the United Nations.

A short Press conference followed the meeting, in which Mr Annan left open the possibility of meeting leader of Turkish-Cypriots Mehmet Ali Talat, whilst wishing him a speedy recovery as he underwent open-heart surgery.

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

Related News:

Annan-Papadopoulos Meeting

[09] Three Scenarios Speak of Tough Bargain Ultimatum for Mladic

By Vicky Keleri

Sources: ΝΕΤ

The EU is warning of putting Serbias bid to join the 25-nation bloc on ice, unless Serbia delivers war crime fugitive general Ratko Mladic by the end of March. In the meantime, although no one officially knows his whereabouts, a hard off-the-record bargain seems to be underway between Belgrade and Mladic, who is believed to have asked for a reward and his family members be protected, before he turns himself in. In fact, three are the prevalent scenarios, regarding the aforementioned talks.

Scenario one claims that Mladic is asking 4.5 million dollars and security guarantees for his family, before he is brought to justice.

Scenario two speaks of an amount of money reaching 10 million dollars, and his direct transfer to the Hague.

Scenario three, the most extreme one, wants Mladic not to negotiate his turn-in. Instead, he is guarded by well-trained and trusted paramilitia.

Belgrade in Ignorance

As per the Serbian Mass Media, Mladic, along with also wanted Radovan Karadzic, keep moving under the protection of their former paramilitary comrades.

On its part, Belgrade has refuted rumours that the wanted general is hiding in the countrys military units.

In case Mladic is turned in, a new circle of talks between the EU and Serbia and Montenegro is to commence on April 4. If not, Serbia, Europes black ship, will lose any chance of keeping Kosovo under its control.

Translated by Areti Christou

[10] 6.2 Quake in Southern Iran

Sources: ANA

An earthquake measuring 6.2 on the Richter scale was recorded at 7:31am (Greenwich time) in southern Iran, close to the city of Bam, as announced by Strasburgs Geodynamic Institute, eastern France. Some 31,000 people were killed when an earthquake shook Bam in 2003. However, citing Tehrans Geophysics Centre, Iranian news agency ISNA, broadcast that the quakes magnitude was 5.6 on the Richter scale. There are no reports on victims or damages yet from the quake on borders of the Orzuyieh and Kerman provinces.

[11] 60 Killed, 130 Injured Series of Attacks in Baghdad

Sources: BBC - Reuters

Iraq is in turmoil, just one day after the curfew was lifted. At least 60 people were killed and 130 were injured during hostilities. Ten people were killed and 30 were injured in three car bomb explosions in Karada market, in the centre of Baghdad, in Jadida, close to a post office, and in the suburb of al-Amin. The bloodiest attack, which killed 20 and injured 100, was recorded east of New Baghdad, when a suicide bomber blew up a petrol station. On Thursday afternoon, a new explosion rocked the Iraqi capital: at least 21 persons lost their lives and 40 injured by explosions near a Shiite mosque.

More Incidents

-The bodies of nine Iraqis, including an Arab Sunni leader, were found south of Baquba.

-Two British soldiers were killed and a third was injured following a bomb explosion in Amara, southern Iraq.

-One American soldier was killed during hostilities west of Baghdad.

-The tomb of Saddam Husseins father in the town of Tikrit was destroyed by a bomb, just a few hours before the former Iraqi leader was due to reappear in court.

Read the story on other sources:

BBC: Iraqi capital hit by three blasts

Reuters: Saddam trial to resume amid sectarian violence

[12] Annually Until 2013 New CAP Funding

Sources: NET, NET 105.8

Facts are changing on the funding of all European farmers for a series of agricultural products and beef meat. As of 2006 until 2013, 1,105,000 Greek farmers will not be funded on the quantity produced, but will receive a specific amount of money by the EU annually. The exact amount they are entitled to was calculated based on the average of funding received the previous years, a complex procedure already been completed. If the farmers cultivate all hectares they declared in the past, even with a different product, they will receive the grant. Persons can transfer their rights to a family member or fallow their fields. In any case, if the persons rent their fields for 3 consecutive years they will not receive the grant.

Grants as of December

The single grants, totalling 2.1 billion euros, will be received until 2013 for farmers producing olive oil, cotton, tobacco, cereals and beef meat.

As per Minister of Rural Development Evangelos Basiakos, Greece has the most qualifying persons in relation to its population; out of the 15 EU Member-States and our country calculated it quicker than the others.

The Organisation for Subsidies Payments and Controls (OPEKEPE) has already started electronically sending off data to agricultural unions.

All qualifying persons should submit an application, in order to receive their grants, declaring what will be cultivated and in which area, until 15 May.

On his part, Deputy Minister of Rural Development Alexandros Kontos noted: "We consider that the Greek producers are satisfied and the calculation is fair."

Grants will be paid in December.

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

Related Links:

Ministry of Rural Development and Food

[13] Greece Defeated Belarus

By Ilias Papaioannou

Following the international tournament "LG Cup" in Saudi Arabia, the Greek Mens National Football Team returned to their winning streak, even on a friendly level. The reigning European Champions defeated Belarus 1-0, in the premier of the 10th International Tournament of the Cypriot Football Association. The only goal of the game was scored by Manchester City player Giannis Samaras in the 15. It is noted that this is the first appearance, which left the best impressions, by Samaras in the Greek team. Tomorrow the Greek players will play against Kazakhstan at 19:00 at the GSP Stadium.

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

[14] Were Held by Dora Bakoyannis in Brussels Contacts with Solana and Scheffer

By Vicky Keleri

Sources: NET

Minister of Foreign Affairs Dora Bakoyannis held meetings with EU High Representative Javier Solana, as well as NATO Secretary-General Jaap de Hoop Scheffer, in Brussels. In the contacts with Messrs Solana and Scheffer, she voiced Greeces special interest on the developments in the western Balkans. Moreover, the reactions in the Muslim world, over the publication of cartoons depicting Prophet Muhammad, were also at the focus of the meetings. Actually, Mrs Bakoyanni voiced Greeces close relations with the Arab world to her interlocutors, relations that can convey the European Unions message of reconciliation.

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

[15] Opinion Poll on Social Security Issue In Support of an Immediate Solution

Sources: NET

An opinion poll by Rass, presented in NETs show Proskinio hosted by Giannis Politis, recorded the Greek societys views and trends on the labour issue. As per the opinion poll, 77.7% believed that the social security issue should be immediately resolved, as it will get worse as time goes by, while on collective work contracts 49.7% believed that the Government should intervene in the negotiations, as opposed to 42.9% who claimed that the discussions should only be made between employers and employees. The opinion poll was conducted by telephone from 22 to 24 February to 1,004 citizens.

On the issue of salaries, 44.9% of the persons questioned believed that they should be agreed on based on collective contracts, while 34.4% with contracts between the employer and employee. In closing, only 13.5% supported separate contracts in each business.

80.4% of the citizens believed that in the previous years employees have made many compromises and there are no limits for further discussions.

In closing, 50.6% estimated that unions can help employees, even if 87.1% believed that unionists bodies identify with parties and respond, somewhat or none at all, to the employees needs.

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

[16] Fines Amount to 10,300 Euros Unfit Foodstuffs Confiscated

By Vicky Keleri

Sources: NET

Following inspections, panels of the Athens Prefecture confiscated some 419 kilos of foodstuffs unfit for human consumption, for their shelf life had expired and they had gone off. In particular, amounts of meat, frozen octopuses, shell-fish, rabbits and cheese, were confiscated. Fines amounting to 10,300 euros were imposed on offenders.

Translated by Areti Christou

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