The Hellenic Radio (ERA): News in English, 06-04-13

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

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

CONTENTS

[01] Between the Government and Opposition Debate over Economy

By Dimitris Alexopoulos

Sources: NET, NET 105.8, ANA

On Thursday, the discussion over the economy presided by political leaders was made amid raised voices in Parliament. It is noted that President of PASOK George Papandreou had requested the discussion. In his speech, the Prime Minister defended the reforms policy, stating that they will continue, aimed at growth and better competitiveness of Greek products, and based on a revolution of quality. The Governments priority is the boost of employment and the support of underprivileged citizens. On the other hand, Mr Papandreou attributed Mr Karamanlis persistence on announcements and talks about the past and invited him to join him in a tour of regional areas, where they will answer to residents face-to-face. Meanwhile, KKE General Secretary Aleka Papariga criticised the two big parties. In closing, SYN President Alekos Alavanos accused the Government of deregulating the market, of an unfair tax policy and decomposing the Public Sector.

"A Secret Programme"

The Prime Minister fiercely criticised Mr Papandreou and the work of the previous governments, speaking of a "secret programme" by PASOK for the economy.

"Some are counting backwards. It is not the Government that proposed for uninsured employment in Lavrio, the supposed Scandinavian model of dismissals and high taxation," said Mr Karamanlis referring to the revelations by former PASOK Economics Coordinator Giorgos Floridis and the positions of Mr Papandreous advisor Mr Polemarchaki of incentives for raising age limits.

All the above, continued the Prime Minister, revealed the economic frustration of PASOK, its double identity and secret plans and called on George Papandreou to claim responsibility of making proposals, instead of submitting inaccuracies, distortions and exaggerations.

Referring to competitiveness, he noted that it cannot be achieved with low labour cost, but the utilisation of new technologies, strengthening of productivity and a "Greek revolution of quality."

Mr Karamanlis described the winding-up of the broader Public Sector and the law on DEKOs as a crucial and important change, while he hailed the agreement reached by FGI and GSEE on the Collective Work Contract, voicing the Governments satisfaction on the development.

"Take Off the Mask"

"New Democracy is implementing its own secret programme, taking off the mask of the centre-right, which it used to claim power," answered PASOK President George Papandreou to the PM and called on Kostas Karamanlis to join him in a tour of the Greek regions.

"Lets go to Imathia, Pieria, Kilkis, lets visit Macedonia, which is being inflicted by unemployment and tell its residents that unemployment has decreased during your rule. And there, we can talk about my proposals in Lavrio and see who is promoting uninsured employment," said the leader of the Main Opposition.

In his speech, Mr Papandreou referred to the financial state of the citizens and consumers, accusing the Government of fooling the employees and pensioners with increases which are spent on increases in heating oil, gas and transport.

The centre-right wing is not about gifts to bankers, arrogance and the return of police forces but is a tough new-right wing noted Mr Papandreou and answering to the criticism on uninsured employment and the Swedish model, said that he will use the experience of all socialist parties around the world, including the Scandinavian model, but certainly not Karamanlis model.

Rejoinders

"Before I take you on the tour of Greece you should acquire real and not vague and contradicting proposals and decide if you are for or against the uninsured employment of youth, open dismissals and the Scandinavian model with 60% taxation paid by citizens," answered Prime Minister K. Karamanlis to Mr Papandreou.

He also called on Mr Papandreou to not forget to bring along the members and ministers who promised wealth and at the same time committed crimes against the economy.

The PM fiercely criticised Mr Papandreou on lacking positions and proposals, noting that from the 34 minutes of his initial comments he dedicated less than 90 seconds on generalised proposals.

The President of PASOK answered to all that was mentioned by Kostas Karamanlis saying: "When you decide to leave Maximos Mansion we shall tour Greece under whichever conditions you choose."

Regarding the partys governmental past, he observed "we will be judged by what we said and done, by our programme. Stop talking about what you inherited and start working," said Mr Papandreou to the PM and his Government.

The wiretaps case was also debated by the Prime Minister and the President of PASOK. George Papandreou returned to the wiretaps issue and asked the Prime Minister to reassure Parliament members that Government officials and bodies did not make use of the wiretaps material.

Answering, the Prime Minister said he is not afraid, as he has not does not practice such methods and called on Mr Papandreou to say is he has specific evidence or suspicions and submit them to Parliament.

Critique by KKE and SYN

KKE General Secretary Aleka Papariga was critical of the two big parties.

ND and PASOK, as she said, do not disagree on the economic policy and are simply accuse one another of lack of transparency and messy handlings. "The dispute and differences between the two big parties are insignificant," noted Mrs Papariga and referred to the policy followed for small-middle sized businesses by ND and PASOK, which, as she said, is the same.

For us, noted Mrs Papariga, policy on economy and financial management are two different things.

On his part, SYN President Alekos Alavanos accused the Government of deregulating the market, of a tax policy that does not redistribute income towards the underprivileged and is decomposing the Public Sector.

"We believe that the Governments policies are on the same lines as the previous one. The speeches of both leaders showed a lack of commitments so that a turn can be made in economic policy. We believe that France gives us a great lesson that another road can open regardless of age," noted Mr Alavanos.

Invitation for Consensus

"In contrast to the allegations made by the President of PASOK the economy is steadily progressing and in satisfactory rates," noted Minister of Economy Giorgos Alogoskouifis in his speech.

The Minister of Economy spoke of a decrease of deficits and public expenditures during the two-year rule of ND, control of inflation, increase of private investments by 3.8%, as opposed to George Papandreou who spoke of a decrease, and increase of exports.

"We are changing the wrong and old development model based on the continuous expansion of the Public Sector, overspending of community funds, recruitments," said the Minister of Economy and made a plea to the Main Opposition for consensus so that the country moves forwards.

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

Related News:

Economy at the Focus

[02] Art Smuggling Ring Broken Up Archaic Temple inside a Mansion

By Vagelis Theodorou

An entire ancient Greek temple and several antiquities of exceptionally high archaeological and financial value were recovered by police officers on the Cycladic island of Shinoussa. Police officers of the Athens Department of Smuggling of Antiquities stormed into a luxurious mansion, owned by a Greek ship-owner, and located and confiscated thousands of artefacts of Egyptian, Byzantine and prehistoric era, as well as an archaic temple cut in pieces inside a container. Antiquities were also located in her house she has in Psyhiko, Athens. Police have launched an inquiry, led by Prosecutor Ioannis Diotis, since the case seems to relate to other cases of art smuggling. Search warrants are likely to be issued for other houses, as well. The Culture Ministry announced that the competent authorities have taken over, while archaeologists have started recording and classifying the antiquities.

Police sources said that the woman in question lives in London and the house on Schinoussa belongs to an off shore company.

Translated by Areti Christou

[03] New 24-Hour Strike by POE-OTA Refuse Collectors Insist on Strike

By Vivian Papastefanou

Sources: NET

The executive committee of the Federation of Workers Associations of the Local Government (POE-OTA) convened Thursday noon and decided to go on with their strike on Friday. The Federation is to hold a meeting Friday at 4pm to evaluate the situation and further decide on the future of their collective actions, while they will meet with PASOK secretary Mariliza Xenogiannakopoulou at the partys headquarters at 10. In the meantime, the rubbish collection from central Athens, as well as other areas of Greece, is still underway. After the decision for the new strike was announced, Interior Minister Prokopis Pavlopoulos once again invited the Federation to enter a dialogue, while he termed the continuing strike as ostensible, harming, as he said, those who should be included in the heavy and health hazardous occupations as soon as possible. Speaking on NET television, Athens Mayor Theodoros Behrakis noted that the collection will have concluded by coming Monday and that Athens will have been cleaned up by then.

New Call for Dialogue by Pavlopoulos

In his announcement, the Interior Minister described the inclusion of the permanent OTA employees in the heavy and health hazardous occupations as fair, noting that PASOKs government never touched on that issue for 18 years.

"This Government, after meeting at least 11 claims, decided to commence a dialogue to deal with the issue of heavy and health hazardous occupations," added Mr Pavlopoulos, reiterating that a two-month deadline has been requested to settle all details.

Finally, Mr Pavlopoulos underlined that the strike is hassling the society and bears no benefits to the employees, since it keeps the issue pending, while he thanked those employees who do not participate in the strike.

Related News:

Unbearable Situation

[04] Greek PM in Bulgaria

By Tina Valaoura

Sources: ANA

The signing of an agreement on the opening of a new cross border at the Greek town of Kyprinos, with a view to facilitating the movement of natural persons between Greece and Bulgaria, will seal Friday Greek PM Kostas Karamanlis two-day visit to Bulgaria. The Greek PM was officially welcomed Thursday evening in the Bulgarian capital city by his Bulgarian counterpart Sergei Stanishev, who then gave an official dinner in honour of the Greek PM.

The talks scheduled for Friday will draw their attention to several bilateral issues, while the issue of better cooperation when water level of Evros River rises is most likely to be touched on. Mr Karamanlis is expected to confirm the long establish belief of the Greek Government in Bulgarias EU prospects, while the bilateral relations are to give a substantial boost to further better the close ties Greece and Bulgaria enjoy.

The Greek PM is escorted by FM Dora Bakoyannis, State Minister Theodoros Roussopoulos and Deputy FM Evripidis Stilianidis.

Translated by Areti Christou

Related News:

Greek PM's Visit to Sofia-N. Greece

[05] Baradei's Talks on Nuclear Fell Flat Tehran Rebuffs New Calls

By Vagelis Theodorou

Iran keeps standing firm on the nuclear issue, although sanctions and military action against it are looming. Following the successful uranium enrichment it announced, Tehran stated it has no intention of halting its nuclear programme, while the drive by International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) chief Mohamed ElBaradei to break the deadlock fell through. Mr Baradei flew to the Iranian capital city to hold talks, which were dashed to the ground, since the Iranian officials dismissed the IAEA call to halt uranium enrichment. In the meantime, the USA and EU asked for measures against Iran. China and Russia, on the other hand, underlined that all diplomatic means should be employed.

"We Won't Backed Down"

Speaking on state-run television, Iranian Vice-President and atomic energy chief Gholam Reza Aghazadeh clarified that the talks with Mr Baradei focused on the latest developments and touched on the report the head of the UN atomic watchdog will present. "The talks were serious and we also voiced our complaints over IAEAs stance on Iran," Mr Aghazadeh added.

On his part, the head of the UN atomic watchdog underscored that he could not yet confirm if Iran had enriched uranium to 3.3%, as authorities in Iran claimed. . "Our inspectors have taken samples. They will report to the (IAEA) board," he said.

Later, Mr Baradei met with Chief Iranian negotiator Ali Larijani. However, nothing came out from this meeting, either. Mr Larijani rebuffed anew the call by the IAEA chief to halt uranium enrichment.

The USA Called on Security Council

In the meantime, the USA called on the UN Security Council to step up additional measures against Iran, without making a clear-cut reference to sanctions.

It is about time the Security Council took supplementary measures should Iran keep defying international calls, White House spokesman Scott McClellan was quoted as saying. He further voiced the USA and its allies concerns and maintained that the uranium enrichment will distance Tehran from the international community.

On its part, China announced that it will send its Deputy FM to Iran and Russian to help ease off the crisis.

It is noted that the Security Council had given Iran a deadline until April 28 to come to terms with IAEAs call to halt its nuclear activities. Furthermore, Mr Baradei is due to submit his latest report on Irans nuclear file to the Security Council and to the 25 IAEA member states.

Translated by Areti Christou

Read the story on other sources:

Reuters: Iran rebuffs new calls to halt atomic work

Le Monde: L'AIEA echoue a convaincre Teheran de renoncer a l'enrichissement de l'uranium

Related News:

IAEA Chief in Tehran

[06] Expected to Ask for a Recount Berlusconi not Backing Down

By Betty Savourdou

Sources: Reuters, ANA

While Romano Prodi is celebrating his victory in the Italian election, Silvio Berlusconi continues to not acknowledge his defeat, with the difference of the two coalitions being just 25,000 votes. A spokesperson of Berlusconi noted that he does not want to attribute responsibility to anyone in particular, but wants all irregularities that might have taken place investigated. In fact, the Italian television announced that Berlusconi is going to ask for the recount of 1,000,000 disputed ballots. "Berlusconi, stop poisoning Italy and delegitimising the Italians vote," said Piero Fassino, leder of the Democratic Left Party addressing the Italian Prime Minister. "Did you think you would be free of me?" stated Silvio Berlusconi following a meeting with Italian President Carlo Azeglio Ciampi. It is noted that the new President of Italy, who will be elected in a month, will order Romano Prodi to form Government.

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

Read the story on other sources:

Corriere della Sera: "Tanti brogli, il risultato deve cambiare"

La Repubblica: Berlusconi: "Brogli a non finire". Prodi: "Basta, deve andare a casa"

Related News:

Order to Prodi in May

[07] Reality for Would-Be Priests "God or the Girl?"

By Mary Lou Tzempelikou

A lot of things have changed in the TV business since the Dutch TV launched the first reality show under the title "Big Brother" in 1999. Seven years later, TV channels from all corners of the globe came up with some pretty novel ideas to attract the viewers. So, we have watched reality shows taking place in dangerous and inhospitable islands miles away from civilisation, reality shows for the obese, aiming to lose weight, talent shows, as well as shows where spouses exchange families. This time, it was the USA and channel A&E that decided to take reality shows a step further and launch a totally fresh idea. It is about a show titled "God or the Girl," in which four would-be priests will land the leading roles. The aim is of the show it to make them undergo certain tests to see whether they are meant to enter priesthood or not.

Translated by Areti Christou

[08] Act One on September in Larissa Vavilis' Trial in Fall

By Tina Valaoura

The person with the "thousand faces" has five months at his disposal to prepare his defence, since his trial was scheduled to commence on September 5. Following his extradition from Italy, notorious Apostolos Vavilis rests with the Greek Justices jurisdiction. He will be brought before the Three-Member Court of Felony Appeals in Larissa, central Greece, charged with drug trafficking, since he is accused of selling drugs to Volos prison and elsewhere between 1988 and 1991. The trial had been initially set to take place on February 5, 1997, but due to his escape, the case was brought to a halt.

Translated by Areti Christou

[09] PPC Employees also on Strike KEPs still on Strike

By Tina Valaoura

Sources: ANA-ΝΕΤ 105.8

Citizens Service Centres (KEP) wont operate on Friday either, due to the 48-hour strike staged by the contract workers, demanding permanent status for all contract workers.

On Thursday noon, they marched towards the Interior Ministry. Earlier, some 300 of them had gathered outside the Supreme Court.

Attica hospital doctors staged a work stoppage from 12pm to 2pm, while the National Centre for Emergency Medical (EKAV) personnel was on strike from 9am to 1pm.

The Public Power Corporation (PPC) personnel will be the next to jump Friday into the string of strikes. They have announced a 24-hour strike, claiming wage rises above inflation levels.

Thessaloniki hospital doctors are directed at staging collective actions within May. The Thessaloniki Hospital Doctors Association convened Thursday to decide on the form of their collective actions scheduled for May 15 to 19.

Translated by Areti Christou

[10] To Prosecutor Ioannis Diotis Report on Tsalikidis Case Submitted

Sources: ΝΕΤ-ΝΕΤ 105.8

The experts assigned by Kostas Tsalikidis family to examine his two notebooks submitted their report to Prosecutor Ioannis Diotis and to the Hellenic Authority for the Information and Communication Security and Privacy (ADAE). The report appears to be giving the phone-tapping case new dimensions, since as per initial indications, Tsalikidis was the one who traced the operation of the illegal software, while upgrading Vodafones network. The experts also claimed that the bugged mobile phones and the shadow-mobiles were much more than those that have been made public. At the same time, they requested the Prosecutor allow them to check Kostas Tsalikidis emails, as well as the content of the hard disc of his corporate PC, evidence that Vodafone has submitted to the Prosecutor. Mr Diotis is due to study the report in the coming days and then call Vodafones technicians to testify.

Related News:

ADAE before Parliamentary Committee

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