The Hellenic Radio (ERA): News in English, 06-04-19

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

CONTENTS

[01] Oil Fever and War Threats Rising Oil Prices

Sources: ΝΕΤ

The slight ease in Wednesdays international oil prices is viewed as temporary and a new hike is feared, after US President George W. Bush did not rule out a nuclear hit against Tehran in case diplomacy falls through. In the meantime, Iran shut off the Basra port, limiting the oil flow to the USA, while the civil war raging in Nigeria has prompted the country to produce less. Oil prices have reported a 10-dollar rise in the last month only, while prices have nearly tripled since early 2002. International markets were in a state of frenzy Wednesday. In New York, US crude exceeded 70 dollars per barrel for the seventh day running, while analysts estimate that it may stand at 80 dollars. The London market proved more nervous. Brent hit a new record high, skyrocketing to 72.42 dollars a barrel. British Chancellor Gordon Brown called on the Group of Seven (G7) to step up emergency measures, since the domino effect is looming. The German Government also voiced its grave concerns regarding the increasing fuel prices across Europe.

Mounting International Concerns

The international economy is monitoring the developments in Iran on a tightrope, being unable to resist to the oil rush. The rising oil prices increased the US inflation rate by 0.4%, while the prices have risen by 17% in the last 12 months.

In Greece, the price of unleaded has long exceeded one euro per litre, while there are some fuel stations in Athens that are selling it cheaper. Just in the last year in Greece, the price of unleaded increased by 13.31%, while Brent shot up by 40.53%.

As a result, quite a few motorists are travelling over 20km to find cheap fuel. The cheaper prices in Athens were recorded in:

Peristeri (0.905 euros) Gerakas and Agia Paraskevi (0.925 euros) Agios Dimitrios (0.928 euros) Piraeus (0.929 euros) Moschato (0.935 euros)

As per oil markets experts, the prices for fuel in Greece will not be dropping soon because of the international oil prices frenzy. However, although the average price for unleaded in Greece is at 1.004 euros, the average price in Portugal is 1.27 euros, Italy 1.31 euros and the Netherlands 1.48 euros.

Disagreement among the Security Council Member

Irans aspirations to turn into a nuclear power is feared to pose a risk to investments and termed as unacceptable by French President Jacques Chirac. The US Media reported that the White House has not ruled out using nuclear weapons against Tehran.

US President George W. Bush is to discuss the Iran case with the Chinese President, who is on a four-day visit to the USA. Besides, yet another meeting between the five permanent Security Council Member States held in Moscow bore no fruit. The Russian diplomacy argued it will provide its definite decision for or against the military campaign against Tehran after the UN experts on atomic energy release their report.

Related News:

Chinese President Visits the USA

Oil Prices Hit Record High

[02] Prodi Officially the Winner

By Betty Savourdou

Sources: NET - ANA - AFP

On Wednesday, the Italian Supreme Court officially ended the electoral thriller in the country, after confirming the centre-left collations victory, thus paving the way for Romano Prodi to form a government. The leader of the centre-left collation voiced his joy over the fact that the Italians will no longer doubt his victory in the 9-10 April elections. "Finally this electoral story is over. After the court ruling, Italians have no further doubts about our victory," Prodi said in a Press conference in Rome. However, some of Silvio Berslusconis associates and members of his coalition are still refusing to accept the results.

Marginal Difference

According to the final results:

In the Lower House, Romano Prodis coalition received 348 seats, as opposed to 281 for Silvio Berlusconi. In the Senate, the centre-left coalition received 158 seats, as opposed to 156 for the centre-right coalition.

According to the Courts announcement, Prodis Union received 19,002,598 votes and Berlusconis House of Freedoms received 18,977,843 votes. The difference is 24,755 votes, i.e. 0.1%.

Moreover, the House of Liberties had filed an appeal, asking that Lega Lombardas votes not count towards the Union, but the appeal was rejected.

In addition, Union members commented that Berlusconis allegations of vote rigging were false, voicing the hope that Berlusconi would recognise their victory.

From the centre-right collation, the Christian Democrat party acknowledged the centre-left coalitions victory. As per their leader, Lornzo Cesa, "I had already declared that results would not be changing, even after the checks. The Union won the elections."

As Romano Prodi noted, the party holds a vast majority in the Lower House and an adequate majority in the Senate, which would ensure the countrys stability. "Now we are working for a strong government and to resolve the problems of Italian society," he added.

Translated by Vicky Ghionis

Read the story on other sources:

BBC: Italy confirms Prodi poll victory

The Times: Prodi victory confirmed by Italian Supreme Court

Related News:

Confirmed Prodi's Win

[03] Measuring 5.3 New Quake on Zakynthos

Sources: ANA - NET 105.8

A quake measuring 5.3 on the Richter scale was recorded at 6:15pm with the epicentre located south of the island, at the same spot as the previous tremors. The earthquake was felt in parts of western Greece, Patras and Ilia. The seismologists do not appear concerned, placing the quake in the so-called earthquake swarm that has been affecting the area over the last 20 days. "The phenomenon is progressing and we cannot make any assumptions," noted seismologist Kostas Papazachos of the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki. It should be noted that at least ten strong quakes, registering over 5, as well as dozens of smaller tremors, have been recorded at the same epicentre since the beginning of April.

Translated by Vicky Ghionis

Related News:

Another Quake on Zakynthos

[04] Traffic Police on Alert Excursionists on the Go

By Vivian Papastefanou

Sources: NET - NET 105.8 - ANA

The Easter holidaymakers have started leaving the urban centres without any hitches, while the bulk of the excursionists are expected to depart on Holy Saturday. The Traffic Police is on alert, while policing on the national highways has increased by order of the ministers of Public Order and Transport. On Maundy Thursday, the Traffic Police will implement measures on the Athens-Corinth and Athens-Lamia national highways, depending on the traffic, while added measures have also been planned for the return trip, in order to deal with the traffic jams associated with massive getaways.

Specifically, the following measures will apply in Kakia Skala, on the Athens-Corinth Highway:

On Easter Monday and St Thomas Sunday, one extra inbound lane will be made available to private cars and emergency vehicles. The cars heading towards Corinth will either use the remaining outbound lanes or be redirected to the old Athens-Corinth Highway.

In addition, traffic restrictions will apply for all trucks travelling on the national highways, from 3pm to 10pm Maundy Thursday, from 8am to 1pm Good Friday, and from 3pm to 11pm Easter Monday. The restrictions will not apply on Easter Sunday and St Thomas Sunday. Furthermore, the restrictions do not apply for roadside assistance vehicles, postal trucks, trucks carrying perishable goods and trucks carrying newspapers.

Moreover, the Traffic Police has been distributing leaflets at toll booths, containing recommendations and advice to the drivers, while they also include a map with the dangerous spots on the national highways where most accidents occur.

Translated by Vicky Ghionis

[05] Market Inspections Continue Easter Shopping Rush

Sources: ΝΕΤ - ΝΕΤ 105.8 - ANA

The shopping rush is continuing, as Orthodox Easter is approaching. After doing their market research, the consumers have started buying meat and all the necessary delicacies for the traditional feast, opting for Varvakios Market, where the prices are considerably lower. Prefecture, Development Ministry and SDOE (Economic Frau Squad) panels continue performing inspections to check the quality of products and stamp out profiteering. Speaking on NET 105.8, Deputy Development Minister Giannis Papathanasiou acknowledged that in some products, there is quite a gap between the prices paid to producers and the prices paid by consumers, attributing the incidents to lack of competitiveness. Papathanasiou accused PASOK of distorting the truth, describing the party as extremely audacious. KKE candidate for the municipal elections Spyros Chalvatzis visited Varvakios Market on Wednesday morning and spoke of high prices and profiteering that are affecting the incomes of workers and small producers.

Visits by Politicians

Minister of Macedonia-Thrace Giorgos Kalatzis, Thessaloniki Mayor Vassilis Papageorgopoulos and PASOK MP Giannis Magriotis visited Thessalonikis central market on Wednesday morning.

Giorgos Kalatzis spoke with merchants and consumers, while he voiced his satisfaction over the abundance and price of goods.

Mayor Vassilis Papageorgopoulos appeared optimistic that major ventures will commence in Thessaloniki after Easter, thus creating job opportunities and reducing unemployment, which has affected many households.

Giannis Magriotis said that this years Easter feast will cost 10% more than last years. He also noted that the inspections performed by the Prefecture of Thessaloniki were insufficient, due to the lack of staff.

Spoiled Meats in Salamina

In the meantime, on Tuesday, Prefecture of Piraeus inspectors confiscated 270kg of spoiled meats from the butcher shop (Ioannis Boutos) on the island of Salamina.

In statements he made, Piraeus Prefect Giannis Michas stressed, "Our inspection panels are always on alert so that only products that are fit for consumption will end up on the dinner table. We want consumers and we are all consumers to feel safe, especially during days when there is a rush in the market."

Related News:

Continual Market Inspections

[06] Over Danube's Water Levels Romania on Alert

Romania is still in a state of alert, although the Danube has started subsiding, since meteorologists forecast heavy rainfalls and inclement weather conditions for Wednesday and Thursday. Dozens of villages have been hit and hundreds of corps have flooded, while hundreds of people have been left homeless, as they had to flee their houses. In the province of Dolj, more than 1,200 people were forced to flee their houses late on Tuesday, after the areas dam failed to stop the water flow. In the province of Constanta, some 30 families abandoned their houses over the last twelve hours, while authorities in Galati, a city along the Danube, have been on alert, for they are expecting water levers to surge within Wednesday. On Tuesday, the Romanian authorities cut the power in some flood-stricken areas to avoid any short-circuit.

Translated by Areti Christou

[07] For Greece and another 5 EU Countries Referral for Breach of EU Directive

Sources: Europa

The European Commission has decided to refer Germany, Greece, France, Malta, Spain and Portugal to the European Court of Justice over non-communication of national measures implementing certain Directives regarding the Insurance Mediation Directive. Specifically, the Commission has decided to refer the countries for not having written Directive 2002/92/EC regarding Insurance Mediation into their national law, when the Directive should have been transposed by all Member States by 15 January 2005. As per the Commission, Germany, Greece and Portugal have informed the Commission that the legislative process is on-going, but not yet finalised. The Insurance Mediation Directive is part of the Financial Services Action Plan and has improved choice and reinforced protection for customers while helping insurance intermediaries, such as insurance brokers, to market their services across borders.

The Directive requires all intermediaries to be registered in their home Member State. To obtain that registration, they have to meet strict requirements. Once registered in their home Member State, insurance intermediaries are free to sell their services anywhere in the EU.

The current asymmetric state of implementation distorts the market and prevents insurance intermediaries from providing their services on equal terms within the Internal Market.

Commenting on the Commissions decision, Internal Market and Services Commissioner Charlie McCreevy said: "Member States recent progress in implementing single market laws has been impressive, as the results of the latest Internal Market Scoreboard show. However, some Member States still lag behind on certain Directives and are effectively denying citizens and businesses across Europe the full benefit of the single market and of measures their governments have themselves agreed. The Commission will do all it can to help Member States implement laws on time, but will continue to take remedial action where necessary."

[08] To the National Association of Insurers Mandatory Membership on File

Sources: Europa

The European Commission decided to close the case concerning the mandatory membership of the Greek National Association of Insurers for all undertakings providing motor insurance services in Greece. In the Commissions view, this mandatory membership was contrary to the rules of the Non-Life Insurance Directives which have established the principle of home state control over insurance undertakings. Moreover, the Greek rule restricted the fundamental principles of freedom of establishment and free provision of services as regulated by Articles 43 and 49 EC. Given that Greece has now adopted legislation abolishing the mandatory membership requirement, the case could be closed.

[09] Along with Spain and France Greece before the European Court

Sources: Europa

The European Commission has threatened to refer Greece, Spain and France to the European Court for breaches of EU legislation on recognition of professional qualifications. Specifically, in the case of Greece, the European Commission has decided to send to the country a further reasoned opinion requesting it to comply immediately with the 2004 judgment of the Court on the recognition of architecture qualifications. In the letter, it reminds that in 2004, the Court of Justice had ruled that Greece violated Directive 85/384/EEC on mutual recognition of qualifications in architecture between Member States. In its judgment, the Court declared that Greece only recognised architecture diplomas of other Member States published in Greek legislation and not those published according to Directive 85/384/EEC.

Greece not Fulfilling its Obligations

Furthermore, by accepting that the TEE (Greek Technical Board), with which a person must be registered in order to pursue the profession of architect in Greece, carries out, with significant delays, the processing of the files and the registration of Community nationals holding foreign diplomas which ought to be recognised under the Directive in question, Greece had also failed to fulfil its obligations.

Greece informed the Commission of the measures taken to remedy these failures. The Commission considered, however, that they were inadequate for the purpose. It thus sent Greece a formal notice for failure to comply with the judgment. In its reply Greece maintained that the measures taken were adequate to implement the judgment in question, but this is disputed by the Commission. It has thus decided to proceed with a reasoned opinion, threatening to refer the country to the European Court. In addition, if Greece does not comply, the Commission can ask the Court to impose daily fines.

Finally, the Commission noted that if European law and European Court of Justice judgments on the recognition of professional qualifications are not respected, qualified persons run the risk of not being able to exercise their right to practise their profession in any of the Member States.

[10] Biministerial Committee Convened 4rth CSF at the Focus

Regional growth and unemployment boost are the basic pillars upon which the fourth Community Support Framework will be based, underlined Greek Economy Minister Giorgos Alogoskoufis, following the meeting of the competent biministerial committee on Coordination and Drafting of a Development Programme Policy for 2007-2013. Mr Alogoskoufis said that Greece will be able to receive advance payments from the Fourth Community Support Frameworks funds as of January 1, 2007, provided that no delays are reported and that the European Commission approves the EUs guidelines in July. He added the draft plan would be ready in June. The Economy Minister described the National Benchmark Strategic Framework as a major growth opportunity and further claimed that the Government is determined to avoid the mistakes of the past.

Main Points

As per the directives of the EU, the National Strategic Reference Framework will consist of the following points:

-Boosting regional Greece by allocating 80% of the funds, amounting to 20.1 billion euros

-Developing the skills of human resources

-Developing new technologies to boost competitiveness and productiveness

Either 12 or 13 programmes will be submitted to the EU. Six-seven of those will be sectional (ministries) and five regional.

Some regions, which were highly funded by the 3rd CSF, will be funded with lower amounts in 2007, as they have exceeded 75% of the average revenues set by the EU. Those regions are Attica, Central and Western Macedonia, Central Greece, and the Southern Aegean.

Moreover, Deputy Economy Minister Christos Folias noted that the framework for allocating expenditures will be more transparent and the final beneficiaries will be in the hundreds, and not 6,000, as is the case now. In addition, he hoped that the programmes will run as of 1 January 2007.Answering to a question about the progress and absorption of funds through the 3rd CSF, he noted, "It is not higher than in the past."

Responsibilities

The responsibilities of the Biministerial Committee on Coordination and Drafting of a Development Programme Policy for 2007-2013 (4th CSF) include:

-Coordinating the planning and drafting of the development programme for 2007-1003, as well as the sectional and regional development programmes.

-Formulating a proposal for the development framework, the development priorities and the aims of the 2007-2013 programme.

-Formulating alternative proposals for distributing the funds for 2007-2013 among development priorities and other programmes. Those funds amount to 20.1 billion euros.

-Formulating a proposal for the necessary institutional, administrative and organisational regulations for effective management, monitoring, implementation, evaluation and control of the programmes for the period 2007-2013

The President of the Committee is Economy Minister Giorgos Alogoskoufis, while it also includes Deputy Economy Minister Christos Folias; the general secretary for Investments and Growth of the Economy Ministry, Konstantinos Mousouroulis; the general secretary of the Economy Ministry, Giorgos Mergos; the President of the Economic Experts Committee, Ploutarchos Sakellaris; and representatives of the ministries of the Interior, Development, Employment, Public Works, Transport, Rural Development.

[11] Gymnastikos in Danger Zone

By Stathis Petropoulos

Gymnastikos Larissa entered the danger zone following its victory over Panellinions with 82-78 in the match for round 24 of the Greek A1 basketball championship. It is now in second last place, along with another three teams, renewing the squads hopes of avoiding relegation. On the other hand, Panellinios remained in fourth place, but is only one point ahead of Aris, after the latters victory over Apollon Patras. Chris Garner scored 20 points for the home team, while the decisive blows were delivered by Dragan Ceramic, who scored 17 points in his debut with the team, and Simon Petrov, who scored 11 points in the final period. The score per period: 24-7, 39-30, 55-53, 82-78.

Translated by Vicky Ghionis

[12] AEK Remains in Sixth Spot

By Stathis Petropoulos

AEK scored a victory over Makedonikos in the match for round 24 of the Greek A1 basketball championship and remained in sixth spot in the rakings. The team won by 84-67, and made a comeback after the unexpected loss to Iraklis in the previous round. On the other hand, Makedonikos is in danger of relegation, since it has the same amount of points as another three teams, all in second last place. AEK charged ahead right from the start, leaving no room for the guests to react. Thanks to Papaioakims successive rebounds, AEK set the court on fire, winning the game with a two-digit difference over its opponents. The score per period: 24-16, 48-36, 62-58, 84-67.

Translated by Vicky Ghionis

[13] Olympiacos Secures Second Place

By Stathis Petropoulos

Playing in front of some 2,000 Panionios fans, Olympiacos managed to wake up in the last period, scoring a victory in the match for round 24 of the Greek A1 basketball championship. The Piraeus tram defeated Panionios by 85-78, while it also secured the second spot in the rankings thanks to Panathinaikos victory over Maroussi. On the other hand, Nikos Linardos team dropped to eighth spot, but has secured a place in the playoffs. Although Panionios played very well, it missed a great opportunity to win, since it ran out of fuel in the last period, paving the way for Olympiacos. The score per period: 23-18, 41-39, 64-61, 78-85.

Translated by Vicky Ghionis

[14] PAOK Scores Victory

By Stathis Petropoulos

Following the loss to Maroussi, PAOK scored a victory on Wednesday, although it had a tough time against Iraklis in the match for round 24 of the Greek A1 basketball championship. PAOK looks set on finishing in the top six, thanks to the 29 points scored by Mavrokefalidis and the 19 by Vasiliadis, who just started playing after his injury. As for Iraklis, its relegation depends on the remaining two rounds, since it has the same amount of points as Gymnastikos Larissa, Makedonikos and Apollon Patras, in second last place. The score per period: 29-32, 51-55, 72-61, 91-88.

Translated by Vicky Ghionis

[15] Tough Victory for Panathinaikos

By Stathis Petropoulos

Panathinaikos managed to settle the match against Maroussi in the last period, since Panagiotis Yannakis squad loomed threatening, as it wanted to secure the second spot in the rankings and displace Olympiacos. The 78-73 score gave Panathinaikos yet another victory, while Maroussi looks almost certain of finishing in third place. The game came down to the errors made by Yannakis boys, since they were in lead up until five minutes before the end, but collapsed after that, giving Panathinaikos Lakovic and Tsartsaris the chance to snatch the victory. The score per period: 21-12, 41-36, 59-59, 78-73.

Translated by Vicky Ghionis

[16] Attempted to Snatch a Boy for Ransom Aspiring Kidnapper in Custody

By Athina Saloustrou

The Thessaloniki Misdemeanour Council decided on remanding in custody the 53-year-old man who attempted to snatch an 18-month boy in exchange for 1,500,000 euros in ransom, following a dispute between the Examiner and the Prosecutor. The Council ordered the arrest and detention of the defendant, as he was deemed dangerous of committing crimes if released. As per the decree, the way the man acted, having planned the kidnapping in detail, demonstrates that he is a calculating culprit, determined on acquiring the huge amount of money at any cost. It should be noted that the aspirating kidnapper has been charged with attempted kidnapping, assault and disturbance of domestic peace, while the man had been released after testifying to the 5th Regular Examiner, following a dispute between her and the Prosecutor.

Translated by Vicky Ghionis

Related News:

Kidnapping Averted

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