The Hellenic Radio (ERA): News in English, 06-04-18

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

CONTENTS

[01] All Over the World Oil Prices Hit Record High

By Athina Saloustrou

Oil prices have hit new record high amidst intense concerns of a US-led military operation in Iran. Both US light crude and Brent oil prices reached new historic records today with US crude oil rising to 70.86 dollars per barrel, the highest price since 1983, and Brent exceeding 72 dollars per barrel for the first time since 1988. Since the beginning of 2002, when the USA waged a war in Iraq, oil prices have almost tripled, while fuel demand has rapidly increased due to the season. US President George Bush is worried over the consequences of fuel prices on employees. Traders in the New York Stock Exchange were in a state of panic, continuously buying and selling oil contracts. Analysts said the oil race is due to the tension with Iran and its nuclear programme, as well as to other oil-producing countries. Brent prices have significantly increases over the past year. From 49.37 dollars a barrel on 15 April 2005 it has jumped to 71.98 dollars a barrel on 18 April 2006, thus having increased by 45.80%. In Greece, unleaded gasoline has increased from 0.886 euros/litre on 15 April 2005 to 1.004 euros/litre on 18 April 2006 (13.31% increase). Meanwhile in Athens, the average price of unleaded gasoline has exceeded one euro and prices are even higher in regional Greece.

Inspections Increase

Easter holidaymakers would rather put gasoline in Athens where it is clearly cheaper, while price-difference from fuel station to fuel station rises to 14 cents. Inspections in gas stations along the national highways have increased in view of Easter and panels mainly focus on profiteering and fuel adulteration. Last Friday, the Ministry of Development recorded an average price of 1.004 euros per litre for unleaded gasoline. In statements, the President of the Fuel Station Owners' Federation, D. Makryvellios, said prices would further increase.

The highest prices in Greece have been recorded in:

Rethymno: 1.083 euros/litre Thesprotia: 1.074 euros/litre Chania: 1.074 euros/litre Evritania: 1.072 euros/litre Lasithi: 1.068 euros/litre

Translated by Sofia Soulioti

[02] Greeks First in Good Health

By Athina Saloustrou

Greeks have the highest health expectancy (the partitioning of the demographic measure of life expectancy into healthy and non-healthy years of life) in the European Union. The National Statistical Service of Greece conducted an income and living conditions statistical survey from 1995 to 2003 and proved that point. Health expectancy is the number of years people of certain age are expected to live in average without health problems. The survey was conducted at a sample of 5,000 households and adults aged 16 years and over were interviewed. The results of the 1995-2003 survey are listed below:

Health Expectancy at Birth

-The more life expectancy at birth increases, the more health expectancy decreases.

-The health expectancy indicator at birth dropped by 1.2% for women and by 0.5% for men.

-For women, health expectancy at birth ranged between 69.2 and 68.4 years, while life expectancy at birth ranged between 80.2 and 81.3 years.

-For men, health expectancy at birth ranged between 65.8 and 66.7 years, while life expectancy at birth ranged between 75.0 and 76.5 years

-For women, life expectancy at birth increased by 1.2 years, while health expectancy dropped by 0.8 years.

-For men, life expectancy at birth increased by 1.5 years, while health expectancy increased by 0.9 years.

Health expectancy for men is the highest in the European Union.

Health Expectancy at the Age of 65

-The more life expectancy at the age of 65 increases, the more health expectancy at the age of 65 decreases.

-The health expectancy indicator at the age of 65 dropped by 7.4% for women and by 2.0% for men.

-For women, health expectancy at the age of 65 ranged between 10.5 and 11.6 years, while life expectancy at the age of 65 ranged between 18.4 and 18.7 years.

-For men, health expectancy at the age of 65 ranged between 9.8 and 9.9 years, while life expectancy at the age of 65 ranged between 16.1 and 16.8 years.

-For women, life expectancy at the age of 65 increased by 0.5 years, while health expectancy at the age of 65 dropped by 1.1 years.

-For men, life expectancy at the age of 65 increased by 0.7 years, while health expectancy at the age of 65 increased by 0.1 years.

Health expectancy at the age of 65 for men is the highest in the European Union.

Translated by Sofia Soulioti

[03] By the Greek FM to the Cabinet Briefing on Foreign Policy

By Mary Lou Tzempelikou

Sources: NET, ANA

Foreign policy issues were at the focus of the Cabinet, which convened on Tuesday, presided by Prime Minister Kostas Karamanlis. Following the end of the meeting, Mrs Bakoyannis said she briefed the members of the Cabinet on foreign affairs, with emphasis to the Cypriot issue, bilateral relations with the US, Greek-Turkish relations and the course of Turkey in the European Union. The Minister of Foreign Affairs repeated that Greeces stance on Turkeys accession is clear, as it supports a European prospect with the condition that the neighbouring country sticks to its commitments to the EU. Moreover, she stressed that the changes, which have to be made for its accession in the Union, will benefit the Turkish people. Referring to the event of a imminent visit by her US counterpart Condoleeza Rice, Mrs Bakoyannis said that there are no latest news, in relation to the above so far.

Meetings with All Parties

Earlier, in the context of briefing political leaders on national issues, Mrs Bakoyannis held a meeting with SYN President Alekos Alavanos.

Following the meeting, the President of SYN said that his party has a different philosophy from the governing party, however, noting the importance of a dialogue, exchange of views and seeking common points in foreign policy.

On Wednesday, Mrs Bakoyannis will meet with President of the Republic Karolos Papoulias and brief him on current issues of foreign policy, while she will meet with KKE General Secretary Aleka Papariga, who is touring China, after Easter.

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

Related News:

Foreign Policy in Cabinet

Contacts Over National Affairs

[04] Held by Secretary of PASOK's National Council Consecutive Meetings with Employees

By Mary Lou Tzempelikou

Sources: ANA, NET

Following a meeting with representatives of the Sugar Refinery Company at the partys offices, Secretary of PASOKs National Council Mariliza Xenogiannakopoulou spoke of a dramatic situation in the sector. Mrs Xenogiannakopoulou accused the Government of lacking a plan on the sugar refinery sector and avoiding to make a substantial negotiation, when the issue was discussed in the Ministerial Council. Moreover, it called on it to stick to its commitments to the producers and continue negotiating, so that Greece can ensure special national funds. Earlier, Mrs Xenogiannakopoulou met with a delegation of employees of the shipyard in Neorion, Syros and called on the Government to show that it wants to face the problem of mass dismissals, presenting a prospects plan for the shipping industry and its employees.

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

[05] By the Minister of Health 5-Month Deadline to Hospital Directors

By Mary Lou Tzempelikou

Sources: NET, ANA

Minister of Health Dimitris Avramopoulos gave a strict five-month deadline to Greeces hospital Directors for the enforcement of ten rules, aimed at the improvement of hospitals operation. In a Press conference, Mr Avramopoulos presented a circular with specific directions to hospital Directors, among which the upgrade of daily operations, the tidying up of facilities, continual inspections of finances, strict adherence to schedules by the employees, and the best possible facilitation of patients transport to hospitals. Moreover, he said that a complaints office will be created for patients and their relatives, aimed at fixing problems, while another aim is the expansion of appointments via telephone, 1535, in all hospitals in Attica. Following, the Minister visited Agios Savvas Hospital and was briefed on the problems of the cancer treatment unit.

Two Sides of Health Sector

The nursing personnel told Mr Avramopoulos that waiting lists for cancer patients sometimes exceed six months, while the biggest problem of the patients is radiation, as demand is great, resulting in long waiting lists.

On his part, the Minister of Health said that he saw "two sides" in the hospital. One is of a well-trained and high quality of scientific and nursing personnel and the other of "deterioration and abandonment."

"Long waiting lists will belong to the past in a short time," noted Mr Avramopoulos and committed to reinforce the hospital in personnel and the renovation of facilities.

It is noted that on Holy Wednesday, Mr Avramopoulos will visit Agia Sofia Childrens Hospital and the National Institution for the Rehabilitation of the Disabled in Agious Anargyrous.

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

[06] With a Discussion in Parliament Social Security Issue after Easter

Sources: NET, NET 105.8, ANA

The dialogue on the social security issue will begin with a proposal submission in Parliament after Easter. This was announced in a Press conference by Minister of Employment Savvas Tsitouridis, who stated that he will invite social partners and commence a social dialogue. Moreover, two committees will be formed, which will discuss the issue of heavy and health hazardous occupations and the utilisation of the Social Security Funds, while an actuarial study will be made by an international company. However, as Mr Tsitouridis explained, the Governments intentions are not a rise in age limit or cuts in pensions. However, the Minister transferred decisions and implementation of measures to the next four-year term.

Mr Tsitouridis underlined that the decision, over the new list of occupations that will be integrated in heavy and health hazardous social security stamps (VAE) and will concern the newly employed, will be finalised within the year.

Moreover, he noted that the Government is examining measures that will abolish dismissals of employees of a VAE regime and their substitution by youth, who will be exempted from the above.

Moreover, a committee will be formed that will examine the proposal for utilising movable and immovable property of funds, thus, not confirming Press articles speaking of radical changes in the utilisation regulations, with a bigger entrance of funds reserves in the Stock Exchange.

The Minister of Employment estimated that the policy for sorting out funds will bear results in 2006, while he added that the Government is investigating the extension of deadlines for employers debts to IKA.

In closing, regarding OTOEs demand for forming a three-member negotiating committee for sectoral work contracts in banks, Mr Tsitouridis stated that the Government supports collective negotiations and the enforced legislature, repeating the position that it perform its duties.

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

[07] Greek Cup Final at 18:30

By Stathis Petropoulos

On Tuesday, the Hellenic Football Federation (HFF) announced that the Greek Cup final between Olympiacos and AEK will begin at 18:30. The "red and whites" and the "yellow and blacks" will fight for the trophy and title in a game that will take place on 6 May, in Pankritio Stadium.

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

[08] Detained over a Debt to the Public Sector 82yo Woman Released from Prison

By Athina Saloustrou

The 82-year-old woman, who was detained in Korydallos Prison on Monday, over debts to the Public Sector, was released on Tuesday. The elderly woman was released after an adjustment on paying the debt of 9,600 euros, which was made by her children in the relevant tax office. A 15-month sentence was pending against the 82-year-old for cutting pines and building a house in a forested region.

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

Related News:

82yo Woman in Prison

[09] Enforced in Summer of 2006 New Driving Code Foresees Strict Fines

By Anna Kourti

Sources: ANA, NET

The decrease of traffic accidents and the improvement of road safety, in view of excursions during Easter, were at the focus of the meeting between Ministers of Public Order Byron Polidoras and Transport Michael Liapis on Tuesday. The reinforcement of policing in national highways was decided on, as well as distributing the driving code, with useful information and advice for safe driving, at the exits of the National Highways. In the meantime, the new driving code, which will be enforced in the summer of 2006, foresees the multiplication of fines in serious violations, such as running a red traffic light and driving under the influence of alcohol. Actually, the Municipal Police of the City of Athens is returning license plates, removed by 14 April 2006, to their owners, so that their transport can be facilitated. The owners will have to pay the minimum fine. The Public Means of Transport are fully booked for the Easter holidays. Extra routes have been scheduled in ships, airplanes and trains for better facilitating passengers. As of Tuesday, the Traffic Police implemented measures in both national highways. As per the Hellenic National Meteorological Service (HMNS) the excursion of the holidaymakers is expected to be made with good weather conditions, while the weather on Easter Sunday will be unsettled with local showers in the mainland. The temperature will range at normal seasonal levels.

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

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