The Hellenic Radio (ERA): News in English, 08-03-14

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

CONTENTS

[01] On Social Security

14 Mar 2008 10:54:00

By Athina Saloustrou

The bill on Social Security Funds will be debated Monday amid a series of strikes. In parallel, PPC (Public Power Corporation) and municipality employees are continuing with their strikes Friday. Bank employees have extended their strike until Tuesday, while lawyers are staging a five-day strike on Monday. On Wednesday, one day before the bill vote takes place, GSEE (General Confederation of Greek Workers) stage a 24-hour strike. Meanwhile, the GENOP-PPC (General Federation of Employees of Public Power Corporation) board is presently holding a meeting to decide on its mobilizations. Meanwhile, PPC President Takis Athanasopoulos has asked from GENOP-PPC to increase its skeleton staff and re-open the lignite plants. Civilians who wish to be briefed on the electric-power cuts schedule can be briefed from the Media or PPCs site. In parallel, POE-OTA (Local Self-Government Organisation) is staging a rally before the Employment Ministry at 11:00. Bank employees will go on strike Monday and Tuesday, while OTOE will meet before the Bank of Greece at 11:00 and then march to Ministry of Finance. At the same time, at h is meeting with GSEE and ADEDY the President of the Hellenic Republic Karolos Papoulias has expressed his concern on the social tension. KKE (Communist Party of Greece) Secretary General Aleka Papariga has asked from employees to sabotage the bill, while Mr Alekos Alavanos held the government responsible for the strikes of PPC and municipality employees. Employment Minister Fani Palli-Petralia will visit Mr Papoulias at noon.

Translated by John Crystallidis

Related News:

In Strike Cordon

[02] Oil-Euro to the Sky

By Athina Saloustrou

Although, oil prices have slightly dropped in the Asian market, oil is presently trading at around US$110 per barrel after yesterdays fresh record of US$111. In the Singapore market light crude for April deliveries dropped by 46 cents to US109.87, when it traded at US$107.88 yesterday. "Oil and other commodities have an intrinsic value so that to the extent that the U.S. dollar depreciates, [oil] becomes relatively cheaper in terms of other currencies, such as the euro," said David Moore, a commodity strategist with the Commonwealth Bank of Australia in Sydney. "So you get an adjustment to compensate for that effect." The U.S. dollar fell below 100 Japanese yen for the first time in 12 years, and the greenback also hit a new low against the euro (1.56 dollar per euro).

Translated by John Crystallidis

Related News:

Oil-Euro Surge Continues

[03] "Green" Meeting in Brussels

By Betty Savourdou

Sources: Reuters, BBC, ÍÅÔ, ÁNA-ÌPA

The EU Summit Meeting, which has focused on employment, energy, environment and climate change, are concluding today. On Thursday, the European leaders have approved a plan on the Mediterranean Union, promoted by France. The plan aimed at boosting cooperation between the EU and Mediterranean countries from Morocco to Turkey. Slovenian PM Janez Jansa, who is chairing the summit meeting, announced that the plan has enjoyed the support of the 27, adding that all should do whatever is necessary for the materialization of the plan. Yesterday's dinner focused on the protection of the environment at a time when Europe is trying to combine development with clean energy.

"Protection of Environment Matter of Safety"

High Commissioner Xavier Solana warns in his report that the protection of the environment is above all a matter of safety. EU leaders will back European Commission targets to cut CO2 emissions by 20%, by 2020, increase the use of renewable sources of energy by 20% and use biofuels in 10% of transport.

However, the EU may re-examine the use of biofuels, as this leads to the increase of food prices and as biofuels harm the environment instead of doing good.

Scientists argue that some kinds of biofuels emit the same quantity of carbon dioxide with conventional fuel.

Translated by John Crystallidis

Read the story on other sources:

BBC: EU set to agree emission cut plan

Related News:

New Message to Skopje

Mr. Karamanlis in Brussels

[04] Methoni Rocked

Sources: ÍÅÔ 105.8

A seaquake measuring 5.2 on the Richter scale was registered in Methoni at 09:10. The epicentre of the quake was located 275 kilometres south-west of Athens off Methoni.

Seismologists consider the new tremor part of the post-seismic activity.

Translated by John Crystallidis

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