The Hellenic Radio (ERA): News in English, 06-04-04

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

CONTENTS

[01] "Reforms Will Go On" Satisfaction over Deal

By Betty Savourdou

Sources: ΝΕΤ - ΝΕΤ 105.8 - ANA

Greek PM Kostas Karamanlis voiced Tuesday evening his satisfaction over the deal struck between employers and employees, while addressing the Economists 10th Roundtable with the Greek Government, hosted at a central Athens hotel. Kostas Karamanlis underlined that only when the political powers, social partners, businessmen and employees work alongside, will a leap of progress and creativity become a reality, while he championed the reform strategy, noting that it aims to grant all Greeks the chance to succeed. The Greek PM also pointed out that Greece has to turn into SE Europes growth venue, and sent Turkey a message with regard to its European prospects.

Competitiveness and Reforms

While addressing the Economists 10th Roundtable with the Greek Government, the PM voiced his satisfaction over the signing of the new collective work contract and outlined the policy he is to implement, abolishing harsh policies and practices.

Furthermore, he called on both the social partners and political leaders to do away with obsessions and demonstrate the same sense of responsibility for the scheduled reforms, with the bill on DEKO (Public Utilities and Enterprises) being their cornerstone.

Mr Karamanlis maintained that the competitiveness of the Greek Economy does not necessarily mean low labour cost and underlined that it is productivity, quality, new technologies, research and novel practices that will safeguard a high level of competitiveness.

The Greek PM championed his Governments reform strategy, noting that they enjoy the societys support. "Nothing is beyond our powers. We have a well-thought and realistic action plan. We know where we stand, what we want to achieve and how to proceed," he underlined.

Mr Karamanlis also argued that the objective is to stage a quality revolution. He spoke of the implementation of a dynamic energy policy and claimed that the funds coming from the fourth Community Support Framework are directed at pushing forward a dynamic and balanced regional growth, investing in new technologies and human resources, and curtailing unemployment.

Translated by Areti Christou

Related News:

Wrangling over Work Contract

Related Links:

Economist's 10th Roundtable with the Greek Government

[02] Harsh Words Exchanged at the GSEE Wrangling over Work Contract

By Vagelis Theodorou

The Government and the Opposition voiced their satisfaction over the new collective bargaining agreement, which was made on Monday and will be signed on Wednesday. However, the agreement was ratified by the Plenary Session of the GSEE (Greek General Confederation of Labour) on Tuesday amid tension. Members of PAME (All Workers Militant Front) exchanged harsh words with the GSEE leadership, accusing them of compromising and selling out the rights of the employees. GSEE President Christos Polyzogopoulos intervened in the dispute, defended the agreement and described it as "the best possible solution given the specific circumstances." After various recriminations, the PAME representative walked out of the meeting, while the contract was also disputed by SYN-affiliated group Automatic Intervention, which proposed collective actions. In an announcement, GSEE described the new collective bargaining agreement as "a satisfactory, dignified and honest deal, which [] constitutes a very good foundation for departmental contracts."

Satisfaction in the Government

In the meantime, many Cabinet members voiced their satisfaction over the deal that was struck, stressing that the social partners made a very good agreement for employees and society.

Economy Minister Giorgos Alogoskoufis stressed, "It is further proof that the negotiations and the institutions of the country work."

Employment Minister Savvas Tsitouridis statements were along the same lines, as he spoke of a responsible deal among social partners.

Following his meeting with PM Kostas Karamanlis, ND general secretary Lefteris Zagoritis stated, "After a long and painful dialogue, the social partners reached an agreement benefiting the Economy and society."

Finally, Government spokesperson Thodoros Roussopoulos commented, "The Government hails the agreement." He further added that it ensures peace in the labour market and improves the real income of employees.

"It was a positive development, which resulted from hard bargain and the collective actions by the employees," who opposed the initial unacceptable proposals by SEV, said PASOK spokesman Nikos Athanasakis, adding, "The agreement is a good starting point for both the departmental contracts and the negotiations over DEKO (public utilities and enterprises)."

Answering to Roussopoulos, as well as PASOK, which welcomed the contract, SYNs Dimitris Stratoulis spoke of "degrading raises" that would augment the social inequalities at the expense of employees.

The new collective bargaining agreement, which will be signed on Wednesday at noon, will have a two-year duration and provides for 11.3% raises to be paid out in three 8-monthy installments.

Specifically, a 2.9% raise will be back paid immediately, with the minimum wage being set at 608.32 euros. Another 2.9% raise will be granted on 1 September, and the minimum wage will be set at 625.96. Finally, on 1 May 2007, the minimum wage will increase to 657 euros, following a further 5.1% raise.

Translated by Vicky Ghionis

Related News:

Deal Struck over Contract

[03] On Board an Olympic Airlines Plane Suspense in the Skies

Sources: NET Radio 105.8, NET

The 116 passengers on board an Olympic Airlines plane en route from Athens to Dusseldorf via Thessaloniki were alarmed when the pilot was forced to make an abrupt manoeuvre, because according to the instruments, the plane was on a collision course with two fighter jets. A stewardess was lightly injured on the leg, while two passengers suffered shock. The plane, which landed as normal at 09:30 in Thessaloniki, remained at "Macedonia" airport until the injured stewardess was substituted by one of her colleagues, and then departed for Dusseldorf. Defence Minister Evangelos Meimarakis was informed on the incident while taking part in the Cabinet meeting. He noted the Airforce will thoroughly investigate into the causes, which led to the incident.

The incident occurred when the Traffic Alert and Collision Avoidance System (TCAS) sounded the alarm during the landing process. Olympic Airlines captain Kostas Handrinos reacted promptly and set the plane on an upward course.

The TCAS sounded the alarm when it determined that two fighter jets were flying somewhere over the area between the island of Skyros and Thessaloniki at 18,000 feet, crossed paths over air lane Blue 1, where the passenger plane was traveling on, and came closer than international safety limits. However, there was no actual danger of a collision, announced the Ministry of Defence.

Calm and true professionals, the Boeing crew followed the suggested procedures and landed the plane at the Thessaloniki airport safely.

As per the doctor of the "Macedonia" airport, Giannis Papadopoulos, two female passengers suffered a panic attack and one stewardess was lightly injured on the left ankle. "She sustained a minor injury and I suggested she rest," said Mr Papadopoulos.

The injured stewardess boarded on another plane and returned to Athens, while the two passengers were submitted to cardiogram and then reboarded the plane en route to Dusseldorf.

Translated by Sofia Soulioti

[04] Bakoyannis-Papadopoulos Meeting Joint Stance

By Betty Savourdou

Sources: ΝΕΤ

The shaping of a joint stance on the Cyprus issue, in the light of a new initiative by UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan, is at the focus of Greek FM Dora Bakoyannis contacts in Nicosia, Cyprus, in her first official visit to the island following her appointment to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The cooperation between the Greek and the Cypriot Government is constant and will be further intensified, underlined the Greek FM at the end of her meeting with Cypriot President Tassos Papadopoulos. When asked to comment on the Annan plan, Dora Bakoyannis pointed out the plan in the form that it was presented, has been rejected by the Cypriot people and is now history. Addressing the Greek Parliament Tuesday morning, Mrs Bakoyannis sent Ankara a strict message, calling on it to abandon the practices of tension and questioning. Her agenda for Wednesday includes meetings with political leaders.

Viable and Fair Solution

Upon her arrival at the Larnaca airport, Dora Bakoyannis stressed that Athens and Nicosia have long worked for a final, viable and fair solution to the Cyprus issue, built upon international law, the UN Security Council resolutions and the European acquis.

On his part, her Cypriot counterpart Giorgos Iakovou highlighted the symbolism of Bakoyannis visit to Cyprus, and spoke of constant and unremitting cooperation between Athens and Nicosia, while he termed the relations between the two Governments as brotherly.

Turkish Media Coverage of Greek FM's Visit

Dora Bakoyannis visit to Cyprus received wide coverage by the Turkish Media.

Turkish television network NTV made a reference to Bakoyannis statements, according to which there is a new impetus surrounding the Cyprus issue.

NTV also re-broadcast a PIK opinion poll, which recorded how the Greek-Cypriot community sees the possible recommencement of the talks on the Cyprus issue.

As per the poll, 56 per cent of the respondents think a solution is harder to reach in relation to last year, while 50 per cent of those asked wish for a radical new plan.

Translated by Areti Christou

Related News:

Cypriot Issue at Focus

[05] High Turnout France Hit by Mass Rallies

By Vicky Keleri

Sources: Reuters- Le Monde- ANA

Hundreds of thousand of French citizens participated in Tuesdays mass street protests across France, voicing yet another loud "no" to the First Employment Contract (CPE). Union and student groups also turned out in large numbers. "No to temporary employment," chanted more than 700,000 Parisians who took to the streets in the larger protest ever staged in the history of the French capital city. Similarly, mass demonstrations were staged in more than 200 French cities.

Turnout was pretty high. In Grenoble, the participants amounted to 60,000 in a total of 150,000 people living there.

In Paux, the protesters numbered 40,000 in a total of 78,000 residents and in Clermont-Ferrand, the number of the protesters stood at 50,000 in a total of 137,000 residents.

As per the union trades, some 3,000,000 people joined the rallies staged against the CPE law.

Related News:

Mass Protests in France

[06] Cabinet Adopts Relevant Bill Changes in Fire Service

Sources: NET, NET Radio 105.8

The Ministry of Public Order is proceeding with restructuring the Fire Service. Minister Byron Polidoras presented the changes to be included in the Bill, which was approved by the Cabinet during Tuesdays meeting at Maximos Mansion, chaired by PM Kostas Karamanlis. Polidoras underlined that fire prevention will be redesigned to include volunteers, seasonal employees and training, as well as collaboration with the Civil Protection Authority. According to sources, the bill establishes the operation of the Fire Service, based on the Police model. The position of 2nd Deputy Chief will be abolished, while a position of Chief of Staff will be created. In addition, two councils will be formed (for staff planning and crisis management), while the Officers School will become the Fire Academy and will be running educational fire safety programmes for students and citizens.

Modernisation and Restructuring

In essence, the Bill is trying to restructure the Fire Service so it can fight fires in the best possible way.

The Public Order Minister stressed the Fire Service also deals with natural disasters, noting, "When everyone flees, firefighters come to the rescue."

Asked whether more people will be hired to cover key posts, Polidoras responded, "We are working on it," while noting that the fleet and technical infrastructure of the Fire Department will be upgraded.

Lastly, Defence Minister Vangelis Meimarakis informed the Cabinet of a new law regarding the restructuring of the Ministry, stressing that flexible and strong armed forces, with significant presence in all international organisations, will have better results for Greeces presence abroad.

[07] Relic to Remain at Agathonos Monastery Vissarion Discussed at Holy Synod

By Vagelis Theodorou

Sources: ΑNA - ΝΕΤ - ΝΕΤ 105.8

After a long discussion, the Continuous Holy Synod decided that the relic of monk Vissarion is to remain unburied at the Agathonos Monastery. The Synod described the pristine condition of the relic and the testimonies concerning his Christian life as "a sign from the Heavens." Metropolitan Bishop Nikolaos of Fthiotida, whose jurisdiction the Monastery comes under, attended the Synod meeting and pledged to use the money collected from the worshippers to establish a public welfare institution, to be named after the Monk, which would provide assistance to poor families and people with special needs, while it would also grant scholarships to students. In addition, the Synod appointed Nikolaos to safeguard the prestige of the Church and the memory of the Monk by ensuring that the relic is not financially exploited.

Translated by Vicky Ghionis

Read the story on other sources:

Church of Greece

[08] Cross-Examination Clarifications to ADAE

By Dimitris Alexopoulos

Sources: ΝΕΤ

The discrepancies that had come up between Vodafone and Ericsson on crucial issues during the investigation process topped the four-hour cross-examination of Vodafones Technology Director, Nikos Mastorakis, and Ericssons Technical Department Director, Christos Xanthopoulos, before the members of the Hellenic Authority for the Information and Communication Security and Privacy (ADAE). As per information, ADAE experts requested they clarify how the fourth bugged centre on Piraeus Str was located, why two different listed with bugged phones resulted and how many antennas covered the bugged areas.

As per the same information, the technical directors claimed that Vodafone located the fourth centre, while as for the lists, they noted that there were no differences among them, but it was a later investigation by Ericsson that revealed three more phone numbers.

Finally, they argued that the surveillance antennas were at least four or five.

The Authoritys members termed the answers given by the technical directors as particularly important and underlined that no inconsistencies came up.

This evidence along with the results of the cross examination of Vodafone and Ericssons technical directors before the Parliaments Standing Committee on Institutions and Transparency scheduled for Thursday will be taken into account before the Authority releases the first report at the end of week.

Translated by Areti Christou

Related News:

Technical Directors to ADAE

[09] To Face New Trial Saddam Charged with Genocide

By Vagelis Theodorou

Former Iraqi President Saddam Hussein and six of his co-defendants are facing charges of genocide and committing war crimes. As per the spokesperson of the court currently trying Hussein for the murder of 48 Shiites in the village of Dujail, the case of the seven defendants was referred to a penal court, where they will also be tried for genocide and crimes against humanity. However, Raid Juhi did not specify the date of the new trial, which is expected to start sometime next month and will run at the same time as the current hearing. In a Press conference Iraqi President Jalal Talabani stressed, "I believe the court is working on a plan whereby he [Hussein] will be tried for all the crimes and then a verdict will be handed down."

Gassing in Halabja

The new charges pertain to the so-called Operation Anfal, which took place between 1987 and 1998, when a gas attack was launched against Kurds in the village of Halabja, resulting in the death of 5,000 people. Thousands of villages were destroyed by air raids during the operation.

As a matter of fact, human rights groups consider the Halabja attack one of the gravest atrocities allegedly committed by Husseins regime.

Apart from the former Iraqi leader, the other defendants are: his cousin Ali Hassan Majid, also known as "Chemical Ali" because of his role in the Halabja attack; former Defence Minister Sultan Hashim Ahmad; former intelligence chief Saber Abdul Aziz al-Douri; former Republican Guard commander Hussein al-Tirkiti; former Nineveh provincial Gov. Taher Tafwiq al-Ani; and former top military commander Farhan Mutlaq al-Jubouri.

Translated by Vicky Ghionis

Read the story on other sources:

Al Jazeera: Saddam to face new charges

CNN: Hussein charged with genocide

[10] Of the NBG's Acquisition of Finansbank International Approval

By Dimitris Alexopoulos

Economic analysts and the international Media hailed the National Bank of Greeces acquisition of an initial 46 per cent stake in Turkeys Finansbank. Bank of Greece Governor Nikos Garganas voiced his contentment, underlining the great prospects of Turkeys market. More takeovers in the Turkish banking sector are expected, Mr Garganas told Reuters. On its part, the Greek Government welcomed the deal, while the Government spokesman stated that such efforts should be endorsed, as they boost the dynamic presence of Greek businesses to SE Europe. PASOK spokesman Nikos Athanasakis termed the takeover as an important move of outward looking policy. The deal also had a rather positive impact on the investors, since the NBG shares posted a 3.76% hike.

International investors and economic analysts gave a "vote of confidence" to the NBGs move to expand in Turkey.

Bloomberg pointed out, "Turkey is at the very early stages of growth, so theres huge potential. Finansbank is growing very profitably.

Merril Lynch and Deutsche Bank also voiced their contentment.

Turkish television networks NTV and CNN Turk welcomed the takeover in the most glowing terms, including it among their top stories.

The international economic press made a rather extensive reference to the defeat of the leading US financial services company Citigroup.

The triumph of the National Bank of Greece has struck a blow to Citigroup, cited the Financial Times, further underscoring that the deal may contribute to the improvement of the bilateral relations between Greece and Turkey and boost trade and investments.

Wall Street Journal pointed out that it was probably the flexibility demonstrated by the NBG in its talks with Finansbank and its primary shareholders that helped the Greek lender to outdo Citigroup.

Stock markets are looking forward to the NBGs new business plan, which will have been presented by July.

Translated by Areti Christou

Related News:

NBG Spreads its Wings

NBG Enters Turkey's Market

[11] Another Victim in Indonesia New H5N1 Case in Burkina Faso

By Athina Saloustrou

Burkina Fasos Livestock Minister Tiemoko Konate announced that three cases of avian flu were detected in a poultry farm. Out of the 65 samples from various parts of the country, sent to an Italian lab for testing, three, all coming from the suburb Gambela, in the capital Ouagadougou, were positive to the H5N1 virus, said the Minister on state radio. Burkina Faso became the fifth African country, following Nigeria, Niger, Cameroon and Egypt, where the virus was located. The Minister addressed a plea for calmness, urging citizens to report any suspect cases to the authorities and clarifying that the Government has ordered the culling of all the birds in the specific poultry farm.

In the meantime, the World Health Organisation (WHO) confirmed yet another avian flu death, the 24th, in Indonesia. The victim, an 8-year-old girl, died last year, but the samples had been delayed in being sent to the WHO-affiliated lab in Hong Kong. As per Runizar Ruesin, head of the ministrys bird flu information centre, initially, the countrys health authorities had thought that the girl had passed away of heart failure, but one of the employees had kept samples, which tested positive to avian flu.

He also added that the girls father, who died last July, had also tested positive to the virus, while another sister, who also died in the same month, had manifested avian flu symptoms, but was never tested.

Translated by Vicky Ghionis

Related News:

New Human Cases of Avian Flu

[12] Granted by the European Commission Two-Month Extension to OA

Sources: ANA - NET 105.8

On Tuesday, the European Commission granted Greece a two-month extension to comply with the European Courts decision to retrieve the state aid given to Olympic Airlines for the period 1998-2002, amounting to 161 million euros. As per the relevant announcement, if the response of the Greek authorities is not deemed satisfactory, then the Commission will refer to case to the European Court and propose the imposition of fines. A delegation of company employees filed a petition to the President of the EC, Jose Manuel Barroso, speaking of "an unfavourable and unfair decision, which is tantamount to the company closing."

To Be Discussed by the Ministers

At the same time, in statements he made on radio station NET 105.8, Economy Minister Giorgos Alogoskoufis announced the Governments intention to incorporate Olympic Airlines in the law pertaining to DEKOs (public utilities and enterprises).

As he noted, the matter will be discussed at the Biministerial Committee meeting on Wednesday, when the law will be reviewed.

Answering to a relevant question, however, Government spokesperson Thodoros Roussopoulos confirmed that the company will be operating as normal in summer.

In the meantime, reports from Brussels, whereby the closing down of the national air carrier is only a matter of time, prompted reactions from OAs administration.

In an announcement, OA noted, "The reports by no means reflect reality, while they serve foreign objectives." It further reassured passengers that the company will continue performing the announced flight schedule.

Translated by Vicky Ghionis

[13] Objective Fully Met Greek Revenues on the Increase

The Budget revenues posted a 13% rise in March, since the earnings stood at 3.4 billion euros, compared to 3 billion euros last March. As per the figures the Greek Ministry of Economy released, there has been a quarterly 15.5% rise, as opposed to the annual objective of 10.3%. In particular, the VAT paid to Revenue Offices brought in a 14.2% rise in March, while the revenues from the customs offices had a 9.8% rise. Other revenue categories, including dividends, increased by 148.7%.

Translated by Areti Christou

[14] Following the Decision of the Court of Paroles Kanas Discharged from Prison

By Dimitris Alexopoulos

Sources: NET

Aggeletos Kanas, who was sentenced to prison for participation in terrorist group ELA, was released Tuesday, after his sentence was suspended for personal and financial reasons. The Five-Member Appellate Court of Paroles accepted his appeal, despite the Prosecutors differing opinion, as it was decided that the prisoner is unlikely to flee the country. Kanas paid a 3,000-euros bail before being discharged, while he has been banned from leaving country until his case is heard at the Appellate Court.

Translated by Vicky Ghionis

Related News:

Aggeletos Kanas Released

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