The Hellenic Radio (ERA): News in English, 08-03-18

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

CONTENTS

[01] On Social Security Pension System

18 Mar 2008 19:20:00

Sources: ANA

Discussion of social security pension bill continues in Parliament Plenum. In her speech Employment Minister Mrs. Fani Palli Petralia stressed that the question raised is: "Do we or dont we want to find a solution to the pension problem. Do we or dont we want to secure the prospect and guarantee security to pensioners and to future generations. That is the real issue. And there is no room for any alibi, any suspension, from anyone. The problem is here. Either we face it and we give solutions or we skip it as previous governments did. And we can proceed to mild and effective changes adopting a necessary transitory time so as nobody to be taken by surprise. This has to be done now because pensioners and working peoples needs can not wait."

As per the bill Mrs. Petralia said that pensions will not be reduced, insurance contributions will not be affected as well as the retirement age. On reference to unification of funds she stated: "The bill fully describes and allow me to say that this is a big change that is the transition of the 133 insurance bodies monitored by the Ministry of Employment and Social Protection to 13 bodies. The unification will be achieved by the following basic principles: Funds of professions of the same kind will be unified. Each fund will by logistically and financially autonomous. In the new Administrative Boards, representatives of pensioners, employees and retired people will have the majority. The new boards will not be assigned by the state but by institutional bodies. Mrs. Petralia also added that additional survivorship annuities are not going to be reduced.

Last but not least, Employment Minister said that a new very meaningful institution will be created: the Pension Capital of Generations Solidarity. According to Mrs. Petralia, it will be instituted by the reform bill and it will guarantee the retirement pensions of younger generations. On closing her speech she said: "The government has taken the big step. We hope that you will follow".

Criticism on the Government

President of the parliamentary group of SYRIZA (Coalition of Radical Left) Mr. Alekos Alavanos branded the pension bill non applicable saying that the fight for its annulment is starting now. LAOS (Popular Orthodox Rally) president Mr. Giorgos Karatzaferis stated that the bill ravages additional survivorship annuities. In addition, working years for mothers rise to 17.

Translated by Sofia Gartziou

[02] Kappa Research

18 Mar 2008 22:21:00

By

Sources: ΝΕΤ 105,8

According to Kappa research gallop New Democracy is on the lead while SYRIZA (Coalition of the Radical Left) records rise in voting intention. More specifically, New Democracy gathers 29,1% , PASOK (The Panhellenic Socialist Movement 23,2%, SYN (Coalition of the Radical Left )18,4%, KKE (Communist Party of Greece) 7,5% and LAOS (Popular Orthodox Rally) 5,1%. On reference to the question if the government can go on with its work, 51% answered that it can proceed. When people questioned were asked if PASOK is ready to be a government, 54,7% answered negatively, 9,5% positively, 13,4% said that it could be while 21,4% answered "no".

Translated by Sofia Gartziou

[03] Gaza, Palestinian Territory

18 Mar 2008 20:10:00

By Katerina Ioannidou

Sources: Reuters

Israeli forces fired a missile at a group of Islamic Jihad militants in the northern Gaza Strip on Tuesday, wounding four, the Palestinian militant faction said. An Israeli military spokesman had no immediate comment on Tuesdays incident in the town of Beit Lahiya, which hospital officials said had left two militants in critical condition. Islamic Jihad last week resumed cross-border rocket salvoes after Israeli troops killed four of its members in the occupied West Bank. Hamas, an Islamist faction which runs Gaza, has largely held its fire as Egypt tries to broker a truce following a bloody Israeli sweep of north Gaza this month. Israel has denied being in ceasefire talks but said it would only operate against Gaza in response to Palestinian rockets.

[04] In Baghdad

18 Mar 2008 17:09:00

By Andreas Roditis

Sources: ANA

According to information released by security forces, 7 people were killed today in Iraqi attacks 4 of which occurred in Baghdad. Ministry of Defense and Internal Affairs announced that 3 people among who 2 police officers were killed in a trapped car explosion Northeast of Baghdad. In addition, a bomb explosion killed 13 in Al Saab area, north of Baghdad. In Mussulli city, 370 Km.According to US army, 3 civilians died and 40 suffered injuries when a trapped car also exploded north of Baghdad, totally destroying a four floor building.

Translated by Sofia Gartziou

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