The Hellenic Radio (ERA): News in English, 08-03-27

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

CONTENTS

[01] Karamanlis Addresses ND Parliamentary Group

27 Mar 2008 11:34:00 (Last updated: 27 Mar 2008 15:16:29)

Sources: ΝΕΤ -ΝΕΤ 105.8

Addressing the ND Parliamentary Group Thursday morning, Mr Karamanlis reiterated the governments determination to continue with its changes and reforms, which will pave the way for opportunities. In parallel, he added that the government is determined to abide by its agreement with citizens. Referring to PASOKs (Socialists) censure of motion, he spoke of another game in the prevailing competition among opposition political parties, which he accused of populism and petty politics. Furthermore, he said that the government is preoccupied with its policy and the promotion of its programme. Referring to the Social Security issue, he stressed that "its resolution is a matter of social justice and solidarity."

Opposition Strongly Criticized

Addressing the ND Parliamentary Group, the prime minister criticized strongly PASOK and SYRIZA (Coalition of Radical Left).

Mr Karamanlis described PASOKs censure of motion a game in the competition of fireworks within the opposition, accusing the main opposition of trying to prove more impressive than SYRIZA.

This proposal, added Mr Karamanlis will not change the governments planning, adding that the New Democracy party will prove the winner in Parliament.

The prime minister referred to SYRIZAs proposal for a referendum on the Social Security issue, describing it a proposal within the opposition with the objective to impress. Furthermore, he added that difficult and complex issues should not be simplified and at the same time we should not ask from the people to decide with a yes or a no.

The prime minister commented that no reform would have proceeded if a referendum had been declared each time.

At the same time, he accused the opposition of populism and irresponsibility, adding that they are mistaken if they think that Greece will be kept hostage.

During his speech, he reiterated several times the governments determination to continue steadfast with its changes and reforms.

Mr Karamanlis also referred to the Social Security reform, stressing the tabled bill would tackle expenses tax evasion.

He finally stressed that the government would continue with its work and great reforms, declaring the streamlining of the wider public sector, the resolution of the Olympic Airlines problem and the privatization of ports.

Translated by John Crystallidis

[02] In Expectance of Ruling

By Anna Kourti

Sources: ΝΕΤ 105.8

The Court of First Instance examined OTE (Hellenic Telecommunications) managements lawsuit against OME-OTE (Federation of OTE Employees) demanding to declare its strike illegal and not allowing to be staged on the same demands. The two sides lawyers will submit their proposals, while the ruling will be issued Thursday evening. GSEE (Confederation of Greek Workers) and EKA (Athens Workers Centre) representatives testified to the court. They stated that they ended their strike as the employees labour relations are not safeguarded at a time when 20% of OTEs shares are to pass to Deutsche Telekom and the German company to undertake the companys management.

They also argued that the dialogue was held on the employees initiative and the law was followed to the letter.

Present at the court were dozens of employees, while PASOK MP Mariliza Xenogiannakopoulou and SYRIZA President Alexis Tsipras expressed their support.

Due to the three-day mobilizations, OTEs telephone service centres will operate on skeleton staff, while about 350 branches across Greece will be understaffed.

Translated by John Crystallidis

[03] Labor Law Specialist in Detention

Labor Law specialist, charged with blackmail attempt in the Zahopoulos case, violation of personal data and involvement in suicide attempt, was led to Korydallos prison today. After his long testimony yesterday, both the interrogator and the prosecutor ordered his detention although he denied all charges, maintaining that he was the scapegoat in the case. According to information, the Labor Law specialist will request to be transferred to the prisons hospital and not to the mental hospital.

Translated by Chrisanthi Sarantis

[04] Discharged from Police Force

Sources: ΝΕΤ-ΝΕΤ 105.8

Two police officers and two special guards depicted in the video of shame shot at the Omonia police station in June 2006, when two foreign detainees had been tortured were discharged from the Police Force. Specifically, a chief officer and a police officer depicted slapping and humiliating the detainees have been discharged, while two special guards, who were present and did not react, were sacked.

Translated by John Crystallidis

[05] Euro-Mediterranean Cooperation

Sources: ΝΕΤ 105.8

The 4th Euro-Mediterranean Parliamentary Meeting opened its sessions on special issues in Kavouri Thursday. The agenda includes womens rights, environment, energy, security, educational affairs, culture and quality of life.

The plenum of the parliamentary representatives of Mediterranean countries will be held Friday in the presence of the prime minister, the President of the Parliament, the President of the European Commission, the President of the European Parliament and other officials.

Translated by John Crystallidis

[06] Lawsuit against OTE Strike Tried

Sources: ΝΕΤ, ΝΕΤ 105.8

The Court of First Instance is hearing OTEs (Hellenic Telecommunications) lawsuit that demands OME-OTEs (Federation of OTE Employees) three-day strike on OTEs selling of 20% of its shares to Deutsche Telekom to be declared illegal an improper. The mobilizations began Wednesday and will continue until Friday.

The government committee focused on the issue, while Finance Minister George Alogoskoufis stated that the balanced cooperation with Deutsche Telekom is being examined.

Due to the three-day mobilizations, OTEs telephone service centres will operate on skeleton staff, while about 350 branches across Greece will be understaffed.

Translated by John Crystallidis

Related Links:

Deutsche Telekom

[07] One Injured in Armed Robbery

Sources: ANA-MPA

Two gunmen stormed into a PRO-PO bet shop on 30, Agios Georgios Street in Ilion Wednesday evening, robbing the owner of his money.

Then, while fleeing they shot against the shop owner and injured him on his thigh. The owner was transferred to Erythros Stavros Hospital. The police has launched a manhunt to arrest the robbers.

Translated by John Crystallidis

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