The Hellenic Radio (ERA): News in English, 06-04-09

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

CONTENTS

[01] Fixed Limits and Pensions

Sources: ΝΕΤ - ΝΕΤ 105.8 - ANA - Kathimerini

Speaking at a Rotarian event in Thessaloniki, Employment Minister Savvas Tsitouridis repeated the Governments decision to readdress the social security issue after Easter. Tsitouridis confirmed that the limits for age pension would not be changing, the amounts would not be reduced and the contributions would not increase. He also stressed that the social security system would not lose its public character. At the same time, in an interview to Sunday paper Kathimerini tis Kyrakis, he announced that the Government will take on the initiative of uniting the social security funds and better utilising their assets before Easter. He also noted that he is collaborating with the Bank of Greece to secure the best possible management of the funds reserves.

During the event hosted by the Rotary Club of Thessaloniki, the Minister presented the Greek growth model, which was selected and moulded based on the values, needs and particularities of the Greek economy.

"We have an obligation to participate in the development of this growth model," he noted, adding, "The Economys effort for competitiveness cannot be based on low labour costs or uninsured youth labour and the possibility of arbitrary and mass dismissals."

With regard to the "unemployment front," he underlined that the messages were positive, mentioning that the new jobs created in 2005 and 2006 were significantly higher than the number of jobs lost.

Referring to the DEKOs (public enterprises and utilities), the Minister described the decision for 3% rises as generous, considering the revenue policy being followed, while he defended the reforms, noting that they resulted in the modernisation and purgation of the DEKOs.

Translated by Vicky Ghionis

Related News:

Dialogue on Social Security after Easter

[02] New Governance Model

Sources: ΝΕΤ - ΝΕT 105.8 - ANA

Speaking at PASOKs conference on Local Government, George Papandreou voiced his optimism that the party will soon be called upon to govern Greece. PASOKs leader promised a new Kapodistrias Plan for municipalities, accusing New Democracy of being unable to provide solutions as it forms part of the problem. In addition, for the second time in 24 hours, he publicly declared his trust in Fofi Genimmata and the Prefects of Athens and Piraeus, who will run once again.

Power to the People

Papandreou also noted that his party is open to the changes being implemented at an international level and claimed that the Government is trapped in a conservative old-fashioned model of governance, as opposed to PASOK, which considers that regional restructuring constitutes the main pillar of growth for the country.

"As a Government, we will support the triptych decentralisation, open society and coordinated Government," he mentioned, noting, "In 1981, PASOK was elected to power with the motto People in Power; now we are claiming power with the motto Power to the People".

"In order to achieve all this, we have to proceed with a new Kapodistrias Plan in order to form powerful local governments and support them with responsibilities and funds," he added.

At the same time, he accused ND of always being absent when PASOK was advancing with changes in Local Government, while now "it is trying to destroy our efforts by abolishing the Kapodistrias Plan.

Furthermore, Papandreou accused the Government of failing to understand the significance of international changes and lacking faith in a strong regional state, as this would set boundaries in the uncontrollable market and limit the right wings ability to control what is happening.

Upon concluding, Papandreou officially nominated Fofi Gennimata for the position of Athens-Piraeus Prefect, as well as Giannis Sgouros and Giannis Michas for the Prefectures of Athens and Piraeus respectively.

Upon arriving at the conference, Gennimata referred to the unofficial nomination last night during her meeting with the PASOK leader in Kastri, stressing, "All three of us will start our battle for the Athens-Piraeus Prefecture, trying to gain the trust of the citizens so as to continue on our creative path."

Commenting on the rumours concerning problems in her relationship with Sgouros, she noted that their common attendance at the two-day conference was the best response to all those who tried to split up the team.

Reactions

"The PASOK President, more or less, is asking the citizens to allow the country [Greece] and the local government to take steps backwards," answered Government spokesman Theodoros Roussopoulos, underlining that George Papandreou admitted today that PASOKs governments failed to bring the state close to the needs of the citizens. He then blasted the Main Opposition leader for not having yielded a single proposal, which he systematically avoids to do so.

Commenting on Mr Papandreous speech, SYN member Evangelos Apostolou said that only specific proposal will bring power to people and not hollow pledges. He further accused Mrs Gennimata for being absent.

Translated by Vicky Ghionis

Related News:

Candidates are Gennimata, Sgouros and Michas

[03] Speech at the Democracy Institute in Agrinio Roussopoulos Blasted PASOK

Sources: ΝΕΤ, ΝΕΤ 105.8, ANA

While addressing an event staged at the Democracy Institute in Agrinio, State Minister Theodoros Roussopoulos accused PASOK leader George Papandreou of costless populism. Mr Roussopoulos underlined that the Government will proceed with the reforms, arguing, "The reforms are a river that does not flow back." Referring to the dismissal of PASOK MP Mr Floridis, section head for Economy, he noted, "PASOK either have a secret agenda on the labour issues or they are at a loss," describing them as irresponsible and dangerous for Greece. As Mr Roussopoulos said, the alternative path Mr Papandreou promises is the path of irresponsibility, populism, wrangling and slander. "We have long awaited for the slander attacks they have resorted to," claimed Mr Roussopoulos and further added, "We are to have a conflict of arguments and a comparison of works and results."

"They Are Fighting the Reforms"

While reviewing the two years of the ND administration, Mr Roussopoulos pointed out the Government is trying to implement the reforms amid fierce attacks mounted by those who wish no changes, since they no longer enjoy the privileges they had earned by devious ways.

As for the collective work contracts, he claimed that the Government helped so that the wage rises given will exceed inflation.

Regarding the talks on the funds from the fourth Community Support Framework, he stated that it was thanks to the negotiations held by the Government and the Prime Minister that Greece received more than 20 billions.

He further added that the EU has approved Greeces policy and praised the country for the credibility and efficiency of its economy programme.

Mr Roussopoulos admitted that Greece is facing problems has a long way ahead to fulfil the vision speaking of an efficient and reliable state that will be by the citizens side.

Translated by Areti Christou

[04] Announced by Public Order Minister Radical Changes in the NIS

Sources: NET 105.8 - ANA

In an interview to Sunday paper Kyrakatiki Eleftherotypia, Public Order Minister Byron Polidoras announced radical changes in the National Intelligence Service (NIS). Polidoras noted that under the new Bill to be tabled, the NIS would become more democratic and would be subject to parliamentary inspections, stressing he would not tolerate incidents of introversion from agency employees. At the same time, he categorically refused the possibility of the Service being technically capable of tapping phone. Referring to the "list of reporters" whose phones were allegedly bugged, he repeated that after meeting with the heads of the NIS, whom he personally interrogated, he received convincing and solid answers and explanations for everything, leaving no margins for doubt. He also underlined that the Government handled the wiretapping case with responsibility and gravity, and revealed everything it knew, while he pointed to Vodafone as the scene of the crime, with the Government being the victim. Finally, referring to the case of Tsalikidis, he mentioned that both versions of the crime i.e. murder and coerced suicide would have to be thoroughly investigated.

Translated by Vicky Ghionis

[05] Recovered Late Saturday Night Happy End for Two Castaways

Sources: NET - ANA

The two men who were onboard the high-speed boat that sank Saturday off the shore of Attica, between Saronida and Poros, were recovered late at night, after having spent four hours in the water. A Super Puma helicopter located the boat and the two castaways swimming close by. A little later, a Port Authority craft transferred them to Galatas, where they were taken to hospital by ambulance.

At around 17:30, the two men onboard Ante Geia had sent out an SOS, as water was rushing into the boat, which was about to sink. The Port Authority moved quickly and started searching the area with four patrol boats, while a Super Puma helicopter and an Air Force C-130 also assisted in the operation. In addition, all the ships in the area were alerted to be on the lookout.

Translated by Vicky Ghionis

[06] 29 Deads, 100 Injured Tragedy in Pakistan

By Despina Hristopoulou

Sources: BBC, Reuters

At least 29 women and children died in a stampede in the Pakistani city of Karachi, after a religious gathering attended only by women. The stampede occurred at the end of the gathering to mark the Prophet Muhammads birthday, when thousands of worshippers started to run out of the mosque in the streets of Karachi, witnesses said. As per hospital sources, some 100 have been injured, with several of them being hospitalised in a critical condition. Witnesses reported that the stampede occurred when a girl tripped from the mosques staircase on her way out. Some women rushed to help her, but the crowds behind started forcing their way out, resulting in several women and children falling to the ground and being crushed under the feet of hundreds of people.

Many victims died of suffocation. Nearly 20,000 women with her children were at the place where the religious gathering was taking place.

The citys authorities spoke of an emergency situation and are constantly making appeals for blood.

Initially, it was rumoured that it was a call warning of a bomb that wreaked havoc among the worshippers, but the police dismissed it.

[07] Nine Killed in Israeli Attacks Violence Escalates in Gaza

By Dimitris Alexopoulos

Sources: ANA - Reuters

Nine Palestinians were killed and at least 12 were injured in the Gaza Strip over the last 24 hours, following continuous attacks by Israelis targeting rebel hideouts from where it is believed that the rocket attacks against Israel originate. The Palestinian Authority condemned the attacks and asked the UN Security Council to convene urgently in order to stop this escalation of Israeli violence. The armed faction of Hamas, which is in power, threatened Israel with retaliation.

Translated by Vicky Ghionis

[08] As per an Article in "Apogevmatini" Greek-Turkish Bank in the Making

Sources: NET 105.8 - Apogevmatini

According to an article in newspaper Apogevmatini, 470 businessmen from both countries are expected to proceed with forming the first Greek-Turkish bank, under the name Business Aegean Bank, within the year. The headquarters will be located in Athens, while 26 branches will operate in Greece and Turkey, with the first one opening in Izmir. The initial capital will range between 60 and 100 million euros. In addition, as per the same sources, Eurobank and Alpha Bank have also expressed interest in buying out Turkish banks.

Translated by Vicky Ghionis

[09] Gov't Ready to Pay the Money Farming Indemnities and Subsidies

Sources: NET - ANA

All the indemnities for the crops that were destroyed in Imathia by the recent wave of bad weather will be paid by 15 April. This was declared by Rural Development Minister Evangelos Basiakos, following the wide-ranging meeting in Veria with growers representatives. In the meantime, in an interview to Sunday paper Typos tis Kyrakis, Basiakos announced that the farming subsidies will start being paid as of 1 December 2006, claiming that they are secure, and calculated based on objective and irreproachable methods. The Minister also repeated that market inspections have intensified in view of Easter, so as to protect consumes.

Translated by Vicky Ghionis

[10] AEK Closer to Playoffs

By Vasilis Kalpinos

After defeating Maroussi 80-77 on match day 22 of the Greek A1 basketball championship, AEK are now a step closer to the playoffs. This was the second win in a row for AEK, which landed sixth place in the standings. The score per period: 18-14, 34-35, 60-52, 80-77.

Translated by Areti Christou

[11] Panathinaikos Closer to 2nd Place

By Vasilis Kalpinos

Panathinaikos is flirting with second place in the standings, meaning that they took the lead over AEK in the battle for the participation in the Champions League, just three rounds before the end of the Greek A1 football championship. After an exciting and spectacular encounter, Panathinaikos scored a 4-3 home win over Atromitos for match day 27. Following AEKs loss to PAOK, Panathinaikos landed second place in the standings. Gekas (21, 80), Papadopoulos (23) and Haralambidis (28) scored for Panathinaikos, while Merino (3) and Djebbour (29, 77) scored for Atromitos.

Referee: Kalopoulos (Thessaloniki)

Yellow Cards: Biscan, Halaris, Katemis, Dimos, Seric

PANATHINAIKOS: Galinovic, Kotsios, Goumas (86` Andric), Seric, Tziolis, Gonzales, Haralambidis, Biscan, Nilsson, Gekas (87` Torghelle), Papadopoulos (+90΄ Leontiou).

ATROMITOS: Mihailidis, Geladaris, Dagas, Dimos (84` Marinos), Georgiou, Katemis, Sotirchos (85` Karadimos), Merino, Raguel, Djebbour, Halaris (59` Zaharopoulos).

Translated by Areti Christou

[12] Levadiakos Flirts with Salvation

By Stathis Petropoulos

Playing against Larissa, Takis Lemonis boys proved Sunday how badly they want to remain in A1 and how determined they are to achieve it. Passionate from the very beginning of the encounter, Levadiakos took Larissa by surprise and at no point did they allow their opponents to claim a better result. Bushi and Alex scored the goals.

Referee: Kasnaferis (Athens) Yellow Cards: Dimitropoulos (2nd yellow card)

LEVADIAKOS: Zafiropoulos, Dimitropoulos, Anderson, Maheras, Theodosiadis, Andralas, Vitali, Sisic, Rusev, Alex, Bushi. LARISSA: Kotsolis, Helder, Dabizas, Galitsios, Katsiaros, Tsatsios, Gikas, Guga (23` Spasic), Digozis, Gavrilopoulos (14` Kyparissis), Kalantzis.

Translated by Areti Christou

[13] Easy Win for Xanthi

By Stathis Petropoulos

Without encountering any difficulties playing against Panionios, Xanthi scored a home 1-0 victory and still stands good chances to earn their participation in the UEFA Cup. The home side performed better in the first half mostly, when they scored the winning goal and lost many chances for more, while the guests were pretty unsuccessful in the offensive. Garpozis scored the winning goal in the 10.

Referee: Fotiadis (Thessaloniki) Yellow Cards: Spiropoulos, Sikov, Torosidis, Makos, Maniatis, Papadimitriou.

XANTHI: Pizanowski, Papadimitriou, Torosidis, Paviot, Sikov, Zuela, Delgado (80΄ Baykara), Garpozis (89΄ Kazakis), Barkoglou, Quintana (+90΄ Fliskas), Labriakos. PANIONIOS: Vaniac, Goundoulakis, Giannopoulos (46΄ Maniatis), Gaspar, Spiropoulos, Makos, Fernantes, Zografakis (62΄ Koutsopoulos), Exouzidis, Luciano, Dimitriadis (68΄ Kabantais).

Translated by Areti Christou

[14] By Decision of Giorgos Voulgarakis Summer Opening Hours for Sites

Sources: NET

The extended summer opening hours for Greek archaeological sites and museums will commence earlier this year, by decision of Culture Minister Giorgos Voulgarakis. Specifically, the measure will be implemented as of 12April, i.e. two months earlier in comparison to previous years, and will last until 31 October 2006. The more popular archaeological sites and museums will open at 8am and close at 7:30pm. Meanwhile the Culture Ministry secured the necessary funds, amounting to 5 million euros, in order to deal with the increased tourist traffic during Easter and promote the lesser known archaeological sites and museums, which were renovated or created recently.

Translated by Vicky Ghionis

[15] Returning from Space

Sources: NET - ANA

Spacecraft Soyuz landed safely in the steppes of Kazakhstan on Sunday. The spacecraft was on a 10-day mission, carrying the first Brazilian astronaut to Space. The Russian-American crew of the International Space Station, who had stayed at the ISS for six months, also returned with him. The Soyuzs mission was to transfer a Russian cosmonaut and an American astronaut to the ISS, to replace the previous crew and in turn stay for six months.

The re-entry of the two astronauts and the cosmonaut lasted three and a half hours, and despite the fact that they were crammed in the small capsule, they appeared happy and satisfied.

The star of the mission was newcomer Brazilian Marcos Pontes, a former officer of the Air Force. He spent just nine days in Space, as opposed to his Russian and American colleagues, who had stayed at the ISS for 189 days.

His training in the USA cost his country some $10 million. The initial plans were for him to travel in a US space shuttle, but this was cancelled after the accident with the Columbia, which grounded the American fleet and passed the baton for space exploration on to the Russians.

Translated by Vicky Ghionis

Related News:

A Brazilian in Space

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