The Hellenic Radio (ERA): News in English, 08-03-31

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

CONTENTS

[01] Zyl Dassen "Passed Away"

Sources: ÍÅÔ, ÍÅÔ 105.8

Zyl Dassen, the man, who fell in love with Melina Mercouri and Greece, passed away at the age of 97 at the hospital, were he was treated.

He was born in 1911, in Connecticut, US and was the 8th child of a Jewish- Rusian immigrant. He lived in Harlem, New York and Hollywood from where he was forced to leave during the dark era of McCarthianism and to seek his fate in Paris and London. He married Melina Mercouri in 1966 and since then he adopted the Greek citizenship and shared his wifes vision for the return of the Parthenon Marbles to Greece. He impressed with his skills as movie and play director. Melina Mercouri starred in his movies "Never on Sunday", the first movie he shot in Greece, in 1960, "Top Kapi" and "Faedra". He was awarded at the Cannes Festival for his film "Rififi", one of the best film noir, of the world cinema.

Since his wife died, he founded the Melina Mercouri Foundation aimed at the creation of the new Acropolis Museum and the projection of Greek culture.

Translated by Chrisanthi Sarantis

[02] The Parliament

31 Mar 2008 20:37:00

By Tina Valaoura

Sources: NET, NET 105.8, ÁNA-ÌNA

In its todays session, the Parliament over-voted Employment Ministry draft bill on social security system reforms. Following a roll- call vote, requested by PASOK party, the bill was passed with 151 votes in favour and 146 votes against with 297 deputies present. Absent were ND party deputy, Miltiadis Evert, PASOK, Ahmet Hatziosman and LAOS b. Apostolatos. In a letter, Mr. Evert had informed the Parliament that he would have voted in favour of the bill. Immediately after, opposition parties submitted separate requests for the hoding of referendum according to Constitutional article 44. The speaker of the House, Dimitris Sioufas announced that the relevant debate will begin at 18:30, on Tuesday afternoon. According to Parliament regulations the relevant debate concludes in three days and is followed by a roll call vote. On their part, trade unions are scheduling to stage a protest demonstration outside the Parliament, on Wednesday while they continue collecting signatures in favour of the holding of referendum.

Four Requests for Referendum

Voting of draft bill was held with a half-hour delay as a road accident on the national road had prevented some deputies from arriving on time. After roll call voting, the four opposition party deputies submitted their proposals for the holding of referendum. The relevant letters to the speaker of the House are signed by the total number of deputies of each partys parliamentary group ( PASOK 102, GCP 24, SYRIZA 14, LAOS 10) with the number of deputies being above the requested one fifth(120) of the total number of deputies(300) for the debate of the proposal, however approval of proposal requests a majority of two thirds(180).

From the Ioannina University, GCP general secretary, Aleka Papariga described as "political show" the content of the referendum on the social security as presented by the PASOK and SYRIZA parties. Coalition party president, Alexis Tsipras speaking to Law School students in Komotini blamed the government for intentional attempt to abrogate workers rights while he described the government as sinking ship

Mobilizations

On their part, trade unions are scheduling to stage a protest demonstration outside the Parliament, on Wednesday while they continue collecting signatures in favour of the holding of referendum.

Athens and Piraeus lawyers abstain from their duties today and tomorrow while Piraeus lawyers have announced two 24-hour strikes, on 8 and 16 April. Bank of Greece employees are staging a new 24-hour strike on Tuesday.

Translated by Chrisanthi Sarantis

[03] Meningitis Victim

Sources: ÍÅÔ-ÍÅÔ 105.8

According to doctors, health of 17-year old student, victim of viral meningitis, is stable but critical. The student is being treated at Rio University Hospital. Health crews have disinfected the premises of the school he attended while the young-boys relatives have denounced a delay in the diagnosis of the disease. Health Ministry has ordered an inquiry into the reasons of the delay in the diagnosis.

Translated by Chrisanthi Sarantis

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