The Hellenic Radio (ERA): News in English, 08-03-05

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

CONTENTS

[01] Nimetz's Contacts in Skopje-Thessaloniki

05 Mar 2008 15:09:00 (Last updated: 05 Mar 2008 17:03:00)

Sources: ΝΕΤ-ΝΕΤ 105.8-ANA/MPA

Greeces head of government sent a fresh message to FYROM. Exiting the meeting with Cypriot President Demetris Christofias, Kostas Karamanlis touched on the talks on the FYROM name dispute and stressed that he is under no pressure. He then went on to blast the neighbouring country for its intransigence. A NATO enlargement requires the consent of all the NATO member states, argued a NATO spokesman. EU Commissioner for Enlargement Olli Rehn called on FYROM to intensify its efforts towards a solution to the name issue. In the meantime, the outcome of UN envoy Matthew Nimetzs talks with FYROMs state and political leaders is much anticipated, as they are taking place today, a day prior to the NATO Foreign Ministers Summit in Brussels. Nimetz is also due in the Greek northern city of Thessaloniki to meet with Greek negotiator Adamantios Vassilakis. In the meantime, two rallies are taking place Wednesday evening in Thessaloniki.

Crystal Clear Stance

While UN envoy Matthew Nimetz is in Skopje for a new round of talks with FYROMs leaders, Greek Prime Minister Kostas Karamanlis sent a new message to the neighbouring country.

"We [Greece] are under no pressure on the FYROM issue. Our positions have been made crystal clears to allies and partners," stressed the Greek Premier, underlining that although Greece is willing to go for a compromise, it will not give its consent to FYROMs NATO bid, unless FYROM does its share.

US ambassador to Greece Daniel V. Speckhard also touched on the matter, following his meeting with the Greek Culture Minister, Michael Liapis. Asked whether Greeces veto to FYROMs NATO bid would influence the Greek-US ties, he said that was not what they discussed. Hoping that there would be an agreement, Speckhard argued that his talks with his Greek counterparts had shown that Greece wishes for a breakthrough in the talks.

Liapis, on the other hand, stressed: "Greece answers to FYROMs intransigence with realism, determination and unprecedented national unanimity. When united, nothing intimidates us [Greeks]."

Diplomatic Deliberations

In the meantime, diplomatic talks in Athens and Skopje are in full swing.

UN mediator Matthew Nimetz is currently holding talks with the FYROM leaders. He will then travel to Thessaloniki to meet with Greek negotiator Adamantios Vassilakis.

A day prior to the informal meeting of the Alliances Foreign Ministers, both NATO and Brussels indirectly urged FYROM to give up on its intransigent attitude.

Resolutions regarding enlargement should be unanimous, commented EU Commissioner for Enlargement Olli Rehn. Being on the same page, NATO Spokesman James Appathurai argued that only the 26-nation bloc could decide for or against enlargement. After his meeting with his Bulgarian counterpart, FYROM President Branko Crvenkovski said, "If Greece blocks our [FYROMs] NATO accession, then this would amount to blatant violation of the interim agreement on the part of Greece."

In the meantime, Government deputy spokesman Evangelos Antonaros dismissed the statements by FYROMs Foreign Minister as clumsy. The FYROM FM had claimed that the Greek Prime Minister was concerned over stability within his party and not in the Balkans.

"Greece has proved in practice who is interested and who is contributing to cementing stability in the region," commented Antonaros.

Rallies in Thessaloniki

In the meantime, two rallies will be taking place Wednesday evening in Thessaloniki.

The first one is scheduled for 6.30pm at the Alexandrion Sports Hall. Organised by the Macedonian Struggle Committee, the gathering will be addressed by Bishop Anthinos of Thessaloniki.

Half an hour later, the Popular Orthodox Rally (LAOS) will be staging a rally at the statue of Alexander the Great.

"We have to give priority to logic and national interest over popularism and exploitation of a national affair," argued Thessaloniki Mayor Vassilis Papageorgiou after meeting with Foreign Minister Dora Bakoyannis.

"I will certainly not attend the two rallies taking place in Thessaloniki, for they do not enjoy the backing of Greeces four major political parties," commented Papageorgopoulos.

Translated by Areti Christou

[02] Strike Actions

05 Mar 2008 10:22:00 (Last updated: 05 Mar 2008 17:14:53)

Sources: ΝΕΤ-ΝΕΤ 105.8

The pension bill is bound to earn the Cabinets approval, while Employment Minister Fani Palli-Petralia will be unveiling its provisions on Thursday. Information has it that the reforms include Fund integrations, rises in retirement age limits for working mothers and drastic cuts in early retirements. At the same time, GSEE and ADEDY, the private and public sector unions, are staging a rally a few metres off Maximos Mansion, claiming that the Governments pension plans will fall flat. GSEE has scheduled a 24-hour strike for the same day the pension bill will be tabled in Parliament, whereas one trade union after the other is to start industrial actions.

Translated by Areti Christou

[03] Alogoskouis-Garganas Meeting

05 Mar 2008 14:10:00 (Last updated: 05 Mar 2008 15:24:28)

Sources: ΝΕΤ-ΝΕΤ 105.8-ANA/MPA

Greek FinMin George Alogoskoufis urged Wednesday morning Governor of the Bank of Greece Nikos Garganas to undertake all initiatives need that would allow Greeces payment system to run smoothly. Although he stressed that the right to strike is respected, Alogoskoufis claimed that the rules governing strikes had been blatantly breached, further adding that the strikers demand to bar skeleton personnel from entering the building was beyond comprehension. "What happened is inconceivable," and added that the Ministry of Finance stepped up all actions needed to safeguard the legitimacy of transactions.

Focusing on ECOFIN and MARFIN

Touching on ECOFIN, the meeting of the EU Economy and Finance ministers held in Brussels on 3 and 4 March, Alogoskoufis stressed that it assessed the updated stability and growth programmes of Greece and other nations, while the Greek side accepted the Councils outcome and recommendations.

The Council also voiced its concern over the exchange rate, while the EU Finance Ministers came to the conclusion that, contrary to initial expectations, there would be slower growth rates and higher inflation.

Prompted by the amendment that blocked MARFINs plans to expand to the Hellenic Telecommunications Organisation (OTE), Alogoskoufis argued that the European Commissions proposal on state investment funds was more or less in alignment with Greeces stance.

He made it clear, though, that no decision on a joint policy on that matter had yet been made. "We wish to lay out EU rules capable of governing the behaviour of state investment funds, as well as funds that operate as such," he said.

Finally, asked on former Greek Finance Minister Giannos Papantonious bid to be named governor of the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development, Alogoskoufis claimed that although the Greek Government backed his candidacy, it was so difficult a task.

"As soon as we realized Mr Papantoniou had poor chances of winning, he offered our backing to the German candidacy," commented Alogoskoufis.

Translated by Areti Christou

Related News:

Pension Bill to Be Unveiled

[04] Strike Causes Power Cuts

Sources: ΝΕΤ, ΝΕΤ 105.8, ANA-MPA

Power supply throughout Greece has been seriously disrupted due to power cuts by rotation caused by the ongoing strike of the PPC (Public Power Corporation) personnel. Power cuts have been reported in western Attica, while PPC has started importing energy from neighbouring nations. With 19 plant shut down, energy output has been reduced by half. The PPC Board called on consumers to be rather cautious with energy spending. Earlier, the PPC staff had decided to remain on strike up until coming Wednesday. At the same time, it will be holding a rally on 12 March in central Athens. The PPC employees have gone out on a strike due to the imminent pension reforms.

Translated by Areti Christou

Related News:

Electric-Power Cuts Due to Strike

[05] For the Democratic Nomination

05 Mar 2008 10:09:00 (Last updated: 05 Mar 2008 13:55:16)

Sources: Reuters

Senator Hillary Clinton established an important victory yesterday in Ohio, Texas and Rhode Island keeping the presidential bid alive with John MacCain who won the Republican Nomination, being her main rival. Barack Obama managed to take the lead only in Vermont. "Were going on, were going strong, and were going all the way," Clinton, 60, told roaring supporters in Columbus, Ohio. "Were just getting started." "People of Ohio spoke clearly and loudly to continue until the end" Hillary also stressed speaking to Columbus supporters. She also reminded everyone that no candidate, Democratic or Republican has ever entered the White House without wining Ohio". With 88% of votes counted in Ohio, Clinton is on the lead gathering 55% over Barack Obamas 43%. Hillary also captured Texas with (51%) with Obama following (47%). In Rhodes Island Hillary achieved victory (58%). Obama came second (40%) while he scored an easy victory in Vermont (60%). An MSNBC count gave Obama 1,194 delegates to Clintons 1,037 before Tuesdays showdowns, short of the 2,025 needed to win the nomination. The delegate apportionment from Tuesdays contests was still unclear.

Translated by Sofia Gartziou

[06] More Dangerous Meat Confiscated

By Andreas Roditis

Sources: ANA

The authorities of Piraeus prefecture have confiscated and additional ton of dangerous meat at Rendis meat market one day after the confiscation of another tone of meat and other foodstuffs in Salamina. Specifically, 400 kilos of packed chicken meat from Italy were confiscated in Greven AEVE as it had expired, and an additional 680 kilos of lamb meat from FYROM were also confiscated because their suitability stamps were not clear. The authorities in Athens, eastern Attica, Euboea, Viotia and the Cyclades, where the lamp had been forwarded were informed.

Translated by John Crystallidis

[07] Serbia's EU Future in Parliament

Sources: REUTERS

The European Union urged Serbia on Wednesday to make clear it saw its future with Europe and laid out incentives on visas, education and transport to try to boost the blocs image in the Balkans. The appeal came after the party of Serbian Prime Minister Vojislav Kostunica called for a rejection of ties with the EU until the bloc withdraws its backing for an independent Kosovo, which seceded from Serbia last month.

The Serb parliament is expected to adopt a resolution within days saying further steps towards Serbias accession to the EU can take place only if the bloc acts to "clearly and unequivocally affirm the entirety of Serbias territory." The draft is backed by Kostunicas party and the Socialists of late President Slobodan Milosevic, who together hold 144 of the assemblys 250 seats.

[08] M. Giannakou Better Today

By Andreas Roditis

Sources: ΝΕΤ-ΝΕΤ 105.8

Former Education Minister Marietta Giannakou, who is in the intensive care unit of Errikos Dynan Hospital, will be disengaged from the life support mechanism by dawn. The former minister had had her leg amputated for the second time three days ago.

Rejecting rumors that Ms Giannakous life was in danger today, the Hospital President told journalists, that amoralism has its limits.

Translated by John Crystallidis

[09] 16 Years Old Found Dead in School Yard

Sources: ΝΕΤ

A 16 years old student of the 1st grade of high school died in Thessaloniki. According to the medical examiner, the young boy was suffering from hyperplasia of the mycrocardium.

Translated by Sofia Gartziou

[10] Last Farewell to Elena Nathanael

By Andreas Roditis

Famed Greek actress Elena Nathanael was laid to rest at the Kokkinos Mylos Cemetery. Suffering from lung cancer, she breathed her last at the Metropolitan Hospital on Tuesday evening. One of the Greek cinemas most celebrated divas, Nathanael scored many successes both on the big screen and on stage. Over the past years, she had been living in Evia, making rare television appearances.

Translated by Areti Christou

Related News:

Elena Nathanael "Passed Away"

[11] Ieronymos-Stylianidis Meeting

Sources: ΝΕΤ 105.8-ANA

Ecclesiastical education and pending matters pertaining to the Church of Greece topped the meeting between Archbishop Ieronymos and Education Minister Evrypidis Stylianidis. After the 50-minute meeting, the Archbishop said it was a constructive one that touched on matters of mutual interest. The Education Minister, on his part, wished all the best to the new head of the Church of Greece, adding that they drew their attention to matters relating to ecclesiastical education, and voicing his conviction that they will enjoy a close cooperation. He also stressed that the State and the Church have distinct roles that complement each other to the best interests of the people.

Translated by Areti Christou

[12] Mr. Christofias' Contacts in Athens

Sources: ΝΕΤ - ΝΕΤ 105,8

During his meeting with Parliament president Mr. Sioufas, Dimitris Christofias expressed his suggestion for a two zoning and a two community federation in Cyprus. The new president of Cyprus stressed that he honors the agreement his predecessor had established and suggest friendly relations with Mehmet Ali Talat. As he said "the issue is not the signature but the will- in heart and in mind- to put in effect all those that have been mutually been decided". Mr. Sioufas wished Mr. Christofias success in his new duties and to celebrate soon the reunification of the Republic of Cyprus with a more democratic, functional and sustainable solution. Mr. Christofias will meet the President of Republic Mr. Karolos Papoulias today at 11.30.

Translated by Sofia Gartziou

[13] On Skopje

05 Mar 2008 09:23:00

Sources: ΝΕΤ-ΝΕΤ 105.8

Diplomatic procedures are in progress in Athens and Skopje. Matthew Nimetz meeting with FYROM (Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia) leadership is expected today with interest in view of the NATO Foreign Ministers meeting in Brussels on Thursday. According to UN announcement, Mr. Nimetz will meet with the Greek ambassador Adamantios Vassilakis today or tomorrow in Thessaloniki. Greek Foreign Affairs minister Mrs. Dora Bakoyiannis called FYROM to abandon its intransitive stance and to effectively face the situation so as the whole region to be benefited and repeated that without a mutual accepted solution Skopje can not enter NATO. Greek FM will develop thoroughly the Greek positions tomorrow during the unofficial meeting of her counterparts in NATO. Meantime, two protestation rallies will take place in Thessaloniki on Skopje; the first one at 6.30 in Alexandreio Melathro by the Committee of Macedonian Fight. Metropolitan bishop of Thessaloniki Anthimos will be the main speaker. Half an hour later another rally will be organized by LAOS (Popular Orthodox Rally) in the statue of Alexander the Great.

Translated by Sofia Gartziou

[14] Car Accident in Peru

By Vivian Papastefanou

19 people were killed and another 30 were injured in the Northern part of Peru when their car fell in a cliff. Radio station RPR reported: "Death toll rose from 12 to 19 during the last hours after the police discovered another 5 bodies at the spot of the accident", in Andes area. 5 injured are in critical condition and were transferred to the local hospital.

Translated by Sofia Gartziou

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