The Hellenic Radio (ERA): News in English, 06-05-10

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

CONTENTS

[01] Greek Cup and Championship 2005-6 Olympiacos Won the Double

By Vasilis Kalpinos

Olympiacos was the grand winner of the Greek Cup Final, defeating AEK 3-0 at Pankritio Stadium, in Crete. The "red and whites" completed their efforts in this years marathon Championship and Cup in the best of ways, conquering the trophy in both events and earning the double. The leading role was held by the teams captain, Predrag Djordjevic, who filled in Rivaldos absence with an excellent performance, while Michalis Konstantinou was proclaimed Most Valuable Player. The goals of the triumphant winners were scored by Konstantinou in the 71, AEKs Ivic by an own goal in the 61 and Castillo with a superb personal effort in the 89 of the game. In addition, Olympiacos became the first team to earn a second consecutive double since Division 1 was established.

Referee: Terovitsas (Etoloakarnania)

Yellow cards: Tourre, Konstantinou, Kafes-Cirillo, Georgeas, Dellas, Katsouranis

Team line-ups:

OLYMPIACOS: Nikopolidis, Mavrogenidis, Bulut, Schurrer, Anatolakis, Stoltidis, Tourre (67 Maric), Kafes, Okkas (78 Castillo), Konstantinou (92 Dani), Djordjevic.

AEK: Sorrentino, Georgeas, Tziortzopoulos, Dellas (70 Soares), Cirillo, Emerson, Katsouranis, Ivic, Lakis, Lyberopoulos (84 Alexopoulos), Julio Cesar (78 Kapetanos).

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

[02] On the Social Security Issue Consensual Dialogue

Sources: NET 105.8, ANA

In a climate of consensus by the Government and Main Opposition, the dialogue on the social security issue begun in the Economics and Social Affairs Committee, at Parliament. KKE will not be participating in the procedure, while SYN described the dialogue as "undermined" and stated that "it will listen to all views," holding reservations on its presence depending on the course of the discussion. Ministers of Economy and Employment Messrs Giorgos Alogoskoufis and Savvas Tsitouridis reassured that the Governments intention is to shape a "fair, economic rationale, viable and enduring" system of social security, which will maintain its public, mandatory and redistributing character by trilateral funding by the State, employers and employees.

"Reforms are Fair and Gradual"

Mr Alogoskoufis outlined the extent of the problem, noting that based on studies the proportional deficit in the social security system exceeds 400 million euros, 200% of GDP, while in 2050 expenditures for pensions will come up to 25% of GDP from 13% currently. "Even if many will say the problem is not immediate, the reality is that it is quickly approaching and we are decided to take action," stated the Minister of Economy. In addition, he attributed responsibility over the inflated deficit mainly to the "generous promises" of the 1980s as well as the reluctance of PASOK governments in 1993-2004 to continue reforms in social security started by the Mitsotkais government, in combination with the demographic problem.

Mr Alogoskoufis accusations drove SYN MP Giannis Dragasakis to state "this analysis leads to the limitation of social security rights." "If Greeks had more children, with 18% of youth unemployment, will the social security issue be better off?" queried Mr Dragasakis and later explained that if the dialogue takes place based on the specific analysis, his party will not participate in it. "The social security issue is a political and social problem not a technical or metaphysical one," he said.

Minister of Employment Savvas Tsitouridis thought that curbing the phobic and panicky climate cultivated in Greek society by specific sides was necessary. "The bomb will not go off tomorrow, nor do we feel that the issue is a hot potato that we want to pass to others," he said. In addition, he reassured that "the Governments intention is not to enforce solutions, not now and not during the next four-year term," and noted that "whatever changes will be made will not be surprising; they will be fair and gradual." "The reform is being implemented based on the reasoning of social justice, as we believe that the current system burdens those for whom it was created for, the underprivileged. It will be concerning and benefiting the underprivileged," reassured Mr Tsitouridis.

On behalf of PASOK, head of Social Affairs Evangelos Venizelos stated that the Main Opposition considers that "the aim of full-time employment is interwoven with viability and the distributive operation of the pension system." Mr Venizelos posed seven preconditions for PASOKs participation in the dialogue for social security, which are the adherence to the duties of the current social security legislature, activation of the National Actuarial Authority with guarantees of independence and transparency, ending acts of intentional and systematic burdening of IKA and other funds so that business profitability is assisted, the detailed briefing of Parliament on the political framework of governmental proposals, the recognition of the crucial role played by social partners and the encouragement of dialogue, instead of undermining it with wrong messages sent to the employers, as well as the end of uncontrollable and intentional dangerous talk about social security rights creating cases of early retirement.

Giorgos Alogoskoufis described the intention by PASOK to participate in the dialogue as positive. "We accept clear preconditions in good spirit and hope that they are not used ostensibly during the development of the dialogue," the Minister said. "I believe that when Ministers accepted our preconditions they understand what they mean," replied Mr Venizelos.

On his part, SYN MP Giannis Dragasakis commenting on the issue said "the Government is looking to see if it can organise an alliance of the willing thus the warm climate an alliance in development."

Independent MP Stefanos Manos submitted a proposal for the postponement of the dialogue for a few months, so that the computerisation of social security bodies is completed and the insured persons registered. Mr Manos referred to the UNs estimations, based on which proportionate debt is not 200% of GDP but 700%. "When there is such large divergence the extent of work is obvious. The Governments responsibilities are immense, as after 26 months is has not registered the insured persons or computerised all funds. Before we rush and open small-talk discussions without data, the Government should use what is in its disposal and speed up the presentation of data so that we are aware of the real situation," underlined Mr Manos.

The discussion in the Economics and Social Affairs Committee was completed and will continue in regular time intervals for the next two years with the hearings of social bodies.

Related News:

Dialogue Amid Strikes

[03] Olympiacos and Panathinaikos on ERT

By Vasilis Kalpinos

Sources: ANA

As of next season, the Greek Football Championship will bear the seal of the Hellenic Broadcasting Corporation. ERT SA announced a deal with Olympiacos FC and Panathinaikos FC. In particular, ERT SA acquired the television rights of Olympiacos FC for the Greek Football Championship for season 2006-1007 and 2007-2008 with the option of one extra year. In addition, it also acquired the television rights of Panathinaikos FC for seasons 2007-2008 and 2008-2009 with the option of one extra year.

Reds On 2006, Greens as of Next Year

ERT will hold the exclusive rights for broadcasting the home games of Olympiacos and Panathinaikos. For the "red and whites," the two-year deal, with the option for one extra year, will be immediately enforced and will begin as of next season, which means that the game against Ionikos will be the last broadcast by Alpha TV on Sunday.

Regarding the "greens," which are committed to a contract for one more year with Netmed and the subscription channel, they will broadcast for seasons 2007-2008 and 2008-2009 on ERT. However, as of next season the public television network will broadcast the "greens" away games for the UEFA Cup; that is if there isnt a dramatic differentiation in the rankings in the final round of the Championship.

The amount of money received by the two most popular football clubs in Greece was not publicised by ERT SA.

The issue is expected to be discussed in the Super Leagues Plenary Session. Based on the declaration of establishment, the League foresees central management of the television rights starting from 2008/2009 the latest.

[04] GSEE-ADEDY 24-hour Strike State Brought to a Halt

Sources: ANA, NET

The Public Sector, DEKOs, banks and means of transport are under-operating Wednesday because of GSEE (Greek General Confederation of Labour)-ADEDYs (Supreme Administration of Greek Civil Servants Trade Unions) 24-hour strike. Traffic jams were reported around the Greek capital, because many roads were blocked off due to rallies. Teachers and professors also took part in collective actions. Hospitals and National Centres for Emergency Medical Care (EKAV) are running on emergency personnel, while courtrooms were also understaffed, because judicial employees were on strike. What is more, Olympic Airlines cancelled 101 domestic-international flights. POSPERT (Panhellenic Federation of Employee Associations in the Radio and Television Sector) held a work stoppage from 11:00 until 14:00, while three rallies were staged in Athens in the morning.

Protests and Rallies

ADEDY demonstrated in Propylaia, while DEKOs (public enterprises and utilities) and Banks were staging a rally at Dimarhio Square. Earlier, PAME (All Workers Militant Front) had demonstrated in Omonoia.

ADEDY went on strike demanding for significant wage raises and the establishment of a new scale of payments with a minimum wage of 1,200 euros, as well as the enforcement of heavy and health hazardous occupations in the Public Sector. As for DEKOs and Banks, their demands focused on collective labour contracts.

The rallies staged by ADEDY, DEKOs and Banks were united at a point and marched together towards the Ministry of Economy, where they submitted their demands in written.

Thessaloniki

Two separate rallies were staged in Thessaloniki with the participation of teachers and professors, employees in Banks, OTE, PPC, EKAV, hospitals and general-interest services.

Translated by Sofia Soulioti

[05] By PASOK Proposals on Constitutional Review

Sources: NET, NET 105.8

In view of the dialogue on the Constitutional Review, President of PASOK George Papandreou proposed the immediate election of the President of the Republic by the people, whilst voicing the need of a solution, aimed at disassociating the election from the dissolving of Parliament. Speaking at the celebratory meeting of PASOKs Committee for the Review of the Constitution, Mr Papandreou accused the Government and the Prime Minister personally, of disrespecting the Constitution and set as examples the reactions by ND members to the candidacy of Mrs Karahasan and the wiretaps issue. "NDs aim through the review is the concentration and control of power, as opposed to PASOK, which aims at a review made by the citizens for the citizens, distanced from notions of tricks and populist tactics," said Mr Papandreou. Presenting PASOKs proposals, he referred to the establishment of private Universities, the start of parties dialogue for the change of the electoral system, reinforcement of decentralisation, establishment of referendums and the Constitutional establishment of guaranteed dignified living conditions for all.

[06] From Saturday's Arrestees Three Rioters Remanded in Custody

Sources: ΝΕΤ-ΝΕΤ 105.8

Three of the arrestees for the clashes that marred the demonstration rally the European Social Forum held in Athens last Saturday were taken to Korydallos prison. A Ukraine national, who denies his involvement in the clashes, is among them. The deposition of the 12 defendants ran its stretch late on Tuesday night, while five more ones are to deposit on Wednesday. Of the rest arrestees, four were dismissed, but they have to report to their neighbours police station, one was freed on a 2,000 euros bail and further four were set free without any conditions.

[07] According to Provisional Count in Parliament Napolitano New Italian President

By Athina Saloustrou

Sources: Reuters

Giorgio Napolitano, 80, has won enough votes to be elected Italys president, according to a provisional ballot count that was still under way on Wednesday in Parliament. Lawmakers applauded as the votes for Napolitano, read by the lower house speaker, passed the 505-vote mark, the minimum required for the centre lefts candidate to be elected head of state. Prodis candidate, a former communist and World War Two resistance fighter, secured 543 votes from the "grand electors", parliamentarians and regional representatives, 38 more than the absolute majority needed. Counting continued and the official final result will be announced later.

[08] Outlined in his Annual Address to the Nation Vladimir Putin's Aims

By Athina Saloustrou

Russia can play a positive role in adopting "a single European energy strategy" and will respect its obligations towards its traditional partners," stressed Russian President Vladimir Putin in his annual address to the nation. He also outlined the measures necessary for acquiring a "long-term leading role in energy markets." "We must conquer other possible markets. We must fully meet interior demands and fulfil our obligations towards our traditional partners," added Putin. He further added that countries should not use Russias World Trade Organization accession negotiations as a vehicle to make unrelated demands on his nation. "The negotiations for letting Russia into the WTO should not become an instrument for bargaining over questions that have nothing in common with the activities of this organization."

The Russian President also spoke of corruption in the country, saying it constitutes one of the main obstacles for Russia's economic growth. "One of the main features of living in Russia is the citizens' minor trust in certain state bodies and businesses."

Putin added that the Russian Economy, which was so far based on raw materials, needs to differentiate and become a pioneer economy. The Russian President is in favour of applying specific measures to change the structure of economy without affecting monetary stability. He also predicted a rise in investments.

Putin, unchallenged at home and due to step down in 2008 after two terms in office, zeroed in instead on Russia's catastrophic demographic situation, saying the population of the country was falling by 700,000 people every year. To wild applause from officials, he said a special programme would be set up in the 2007 state budget that would make 1,500 roubles ($55.39) monthly payouts to families for their first baby and double that sum for a second child. "The problem of low birth rates cannot be resolved without a change in the attitude of our society towards the issue of family and family values," he said.

Translated by Sofia Soulioti

[09] PAOK and Maroussi Tie

By Vasilis Kalpinos

PAOK and Maroussi set up another date, so to determine the winner for the semifinal play-offs. Following a great counterattack in the 4th period, PAOK defeated Maroussi 69-66, in Pylaia, and tied in the preliminary phase of play-offs. The golden ticket to the qualification in the semifinals will be ruled in the third game at the Indoor Hall of Agios Thomas next Saturday. The score of the ten-minute periods: 11-14, 32-37, 46-57, 69-66.

[10] Aris BC Qualified to Semifinal

By Vasilis Kalpinos

Aris BC are the first team to have qualified to the semifinal round of the basketball play-offs. They prevailed over Panellinios BC with a score of 74-78 in an away match, thus claiming their second victory in two games and making it to the semifinals. Aris BC, which managed to come this far after many years, will play versus the winner of the Panathinaikos-Panionios showdown. Panellinios BC ranked 5th overall for the season. The score per period: 22-12, 29-33, 45-50, 74-78.

Translated by Sofia Soulioti

[11] Unveiling of K. Karamanlis' Bust Annual Memorial Service

Sources: NET, ANA

In the afternoon, the annual memorial service for Konstantinos Karamanlis took place at the area of the Foundation, named after the founder of New Democracy, in Filothei. Following, the unveiling of Konstantinos Karamanlis bust took place at the square on the junction of Eleftherios Venizelos and 25 March Streets, in Filothei. Mayor Theofrastos Oikonomidis unveiled the bust and referred to the political personality of Konstantinos Karamanlis, while Mr Achilleas Karamanlis thanked sculptor Tassos Vikelas, who was a friend of the deceased and artist Michalis Vafiadis, who designed the area hosting the bust. The memorial service and unveiling of the bust was attended by Prime Minister Kostas Karamanlis, accompanied by his wife Natassa and his mother, former President of the Republic Kostis Stefanopoulos and many Ministers, among whom Messrs Prokopis Pavlopoulos, Michael Liapis, Anastasis Papaligouras, ND Secretary Lefteris Zagoritis and former Minister Petros Molyviatis.

[12] The Aegean at the Focus Karamanlis-Pavlidis Meeting

Sources: ANA

Greek PM Kostas Karamanlis met Aegean & Island Policy Minister Aristotelis Pavlidis Wednesday morning at Maximos Mansions. Mr Pavlidis briefed the PM on the programmes that are underway, and especially the programme for the reinforcement of small islands. The programme in question will be funded by the EU. They also discussed the developments regarding the programmes on health and education

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