The Hellenic Radio (ERA): News in English, 08-04-29

The Hellenic Radio (ERA): News in English Directory - Previous Article - Next Article

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

CONTENTS

[01] Greece Becomes Energy Hub

29 Apr 2008 17:23:00 (Last updated: 29 Apr 2008 18:25:44)

Sources: ΝΕΤ, ΝΕΤ 105.8, ANA

Greece is to evolve into one of Europes most important energy hubs after the transnational agreement signed on Moscow on the construction and operation of a new natural gas pipeline. The said agreement secures energy supplies for Greece, which is to turn into an international transit centre. More than 10 billion cubic metres of natural gas will be passing through annually, with part of it being pumped into Greece, which will be collecting royalties. Greek Prime Minister Kostas Karamanlis and Russian President Vladimir Putin touched on the strategic ties the two nations enjoy and on the importance of their cooperation in terms of energy. The two leaders also discussed the Kosovo standoff and the FYROM name dispute.

Greek-Russian Strategic Ties

Kostas Karamanlis hailed the South Stream natural gas pipeline as of paramount importance for the Greek energy market, after the signing of the historic agreement with the Russian President. He then went on to add that Putin and he touched on the really good cooperation the two nations had been enjoying over the last years, stressing, "We are laying down the foundations for a further dynamic collaboration on all sectors."

The Russian President termed Greece as a "partner of major importance" and referred to the Greek-Russian strategic ties and the significance of their energy cooperation.

The two leaders also discussed the thorny issues of Kosovo and Cyprus, as well as the FYROM name dispute, for which the Greek Premier thanked the Russian President for his countrys stance.

"We are pursuing an UN-sponsored, mutually acceptable and viable solution," commented Kostas Karamanlis on the pending issue of the name row, while Vladimir Putin confirmed Russias backing to the UN-sponsored talks, claiming that Moscow would adopt the name the two sides agree upon.

Related News:

Greece: Energy Node

[02] After the Commission's Predicitons

29 Apr 2008 08:56:00 (Last updated: 29 Apr 2008 12:02:44)

Sources: ΝΕΤ, ΝΕΤ 105.8, ΑNA-ΜNA

The European Commission publicised its regular six-month assessments on Monday on the state and prospects of the European economies until 2009. On the occasion of the European Commissions six-month assessment, the government stressed: "The government does not plan and does not ask from the European Commission to take any kind of new measures"

The European Commission predicts that inflation in Greece will increase from 3 percent in 2007 to 3.7 in 2008 and to 3.6 in 2009 due to international oil prices and the rise recorded in consumption products. According to data provided by the Commission, economic growth in Greece will be double that of the eurozone average in 2008.

"The predictions of the European Commission confirm the dynamism of the Greek economy compared to other economies in eurozone (). The financial policy which is being applied with consistency during the last years by the government shields the Greek economy to the outmost", representatives of finance announced adding that what is important is to put into effect the state budget as it has been voted by the Greek Parliament".

The assessment of the European Committee confirms with the most official way the failure of the governments financial policy, PASOK commented.

KKE predicts new anti popular measures while SYRIZA estimates that the Commission delayed to acquire awareness of the problem and to take measures.

Translated by Sofia Gartziou

[03] As of 1 May

29 Apr 2008 18:44:00

Sources: ΝΕΤ

A single ticket for all means of transport amounting to 80 cents and new prices in the monthly travel cards will take effect in the Greek capital as of Thursday 1 May. The reduced one will be priced at 50 cents. The monthly travel card for all means of transport currently priced at 38 euros, will drop to 35 euros and the reduced one to 18 euros. The travel card for buses, trolleys and tram, which stands at 17.50 euros, will fall to 15 euros. Taxi fares will also post a 15% rice as of 19 May.

Translated by Areti Christou

[04] Of Easter Holiday Makers

29 Apr 2008 08:36:00

No problems are reported on the return of Easter holiday makers. Traffic police is in alert as the big return is going to last until Friday due to May Day celebration, Thursday. It is estimated that the return is raised compared to last years as about one million cars passed the tolls. However, in spite of the strict measures, 171 car accidents occurred, killing 21 people. The weather is expected to be good today with only slight sporadic rainfalls in the north part of the country. Strong winds of 4 to 6 Beaufort will blow south west. Temperature in Attika prefecture will rise from 10 to 22 C&#730;, while in Thessaloniki temperature will vary from 10 to 19 C&#730;.

Translated by Sofia Gartziou

Related News:

The Return of Easter Holiday Makers

[05] At New York

29 Apr 2008 10:37:00

Sources: ΝΕΤ 105.8

UN envoy Matthew Nimetz called on Athens-Skopje negotiators for unofficial talks regarding FYROM name issue

Today Tuesday he will meet with the Skopje ambassador Nikola Dimitrov and on Friday with the Greek ambassador Admantios Vassilakis

According to Mr. Nimetz announcement there is not going to be submission of a new suggestion.

It must me noted that the UN are pursuing the abrogation of the deadlock until July 9, so as Albania and Croatia can enter NATO.

Internal Debate on FYROM Continues

FYROM president Branko Crvenkovski in his interview in a private Skopje TV channel said that he had already been briefed about Mr. Nimetz new meetings with the representatives of Skopje and Greece and asked for talks before the meetings took place. However, as he added Nikola Gruevskis office has not answered yet. Consequently he met only with Mr. Dimitrov before his departure for New York.

It must be noted that two weeks before, Mr Gruevski had publicly disputed Mr. Dimitrov on his suggestion for a mutual stance adopted by all political parties of Skopje implying that way that there is not a mutually agreed position adopted yet.

Translated by Sofia Gartziou

[06] In the Presence of Serbian President Tadic

29 Apr 2008 18:28:00

Sources: ANA

Brussels and Belgrade signed on Tuesday afternoon a long-delayed pact on closer ties, in the hope of landing the pro-EU political powers a victory over the nationalists in Serbias 11 May vote.

Slovenian Foreign Minister Dimitrij Rupel, whose country is at the helm of the EU Presidency, EU Commissioner for EU Enlargement Olli Rehn and Serbias deputy Prime Minister for European Integration, Bozidar Djelic, signed the agreement, in the presence of President Boris Tadic.

As part of a compromise offered earlier by the Netherlands and Belgium, the EU nations agreed to sign the pact provided that it would be ratified only if they were convinced that Serbia fully cooperates in the war crimes suspects hunt. Only then, will Belgrade start reaping the trade and other benefits foreseen by the pact.

Translated by Areti Christou

Related News:

EU-Serbia Agreement

[07] Crawly Feelings for "The House of Terror"

Sources: ANA, MNA

The absolute horror was hidden in 4 walls 3 meters underground for 34 years. The news that a 72 years old Austrian was keeping a prisoner his daughter and was sexually abusing her shocked the whole world. Police say 73-year-old Fritzl confessed Monday to holding his daughter - now 42 -in a windowless cell beneath the familys apartment in the town of Amstetten, west of Vienna.

Translated by Sofia Gartziou

[08] Bank Robbery in Kifissia

Unidentified robbers robbed EUROBANK bank branch today in Kifissia area, 270 Kifissia Av., stealing uncertain amount of money. The robbers planned the robbery from previous Friday. They entered the bank from the window behind the building and after they deactivated the alarm system they broke the safe and many counters stealing an up to now uncertain amount of money. Athens department of Property and Security Crimes is conducting investigation.

Translated by Sofia Gartziou

[09] Moscow Expected to Sign the Agreement

29 Apr 2008 12:16:00

Sources: ΝΕΤ, ΝΕΤ 105.8, ΑΠΕ-ΜΠΕ

Greece and Russia plan to sign an agreement on the former countrys participation in the South Stream natural gas pipeline project, at the end of Tuesdays talks between Russian President Vladimir Putin and visiting Greek Prime Minister Costas Karamanlis. This agreement is making Greece an important energy node while the security of our energy sources is being boosted. Prime Minister Costas Karamanlis will be carrying out a working visit to Moscow on Tuesday for talks with outgoing President Vladimir Putin on Kosovo situation as well as FYROM name issue and with his successor Dmitri Medvedev. FM Dora Bakoyiannis as well as State Minister Theodoros Roussopoulos who are accompanying the Prime Minister will also participate in the discussions.

Important Part of the Net Supplied

The natural gas pipeline South Stream will start form the Greek-Bulgarian frontier and will carry natural gas to Italy through Greece. The agreement is expected to have effect for 30 years and through the pipeline 10 billion cubic meters of natural gas will be transferred yearly. Part of this amount will be supplied in our country while Greece will also collect passing taxes.

Through the pipeline Turkey Greece Italy, 11,6 billion cubic meters of natural gas will be supplied from Turkey to Komotini and from Thesprotia coasts through the sub sea part in Toronto of Italy.

Through the South Stream pipeline 30 billion cubic meters of Russian natural gas will come cross the Black Sea and will supply Central Europe through the north branch while the south branch will end in Italy.

At the same time, Nabucco pipeline is expected to transfer 31 cubic meters of natural gas form Caspian through Turkey and Bulgaria with final destination Austria.

Consumption of natural gas is rising in our country where 4,7 billion of cubic meters are expected in 2008.

Translated by Sofia Gartziou

[10] Stabilisation and Association Agreement

29 Apr 2008 14:55:00 (Last updated: 29 Apr 2008 18:54:43)

Sources: ΝΕΤ 105.8, ANA

Serbia and EU are to sign Tuesday evening the Stabilisation and Association Agreement, after the Netherlands and Belgium accepted the signing of the SAA, said the Slovenian Presidency.

An EU diplomat said that the 27 Foreign Ministers had agreed on certain conditions, without naming them, and the pro-European Serbian President, Boris Tadic had been invited to sign the agreement in Luxemburg.

Earlier, a Dutch representative had said that the conditions agreed meant that the ratification of the treaty would commence provided that the EU were convinced that Belgrade fully cooperates in the war crimes suspects hunt.

Serbian Foreign Minister Vuk Jeremic argued that Belgrade would sign the deal foreseen closer ties with the EU irrespective of the harsh conditions set by the Netherlands and Belgium, and went on to hail the forthcoming treaty as a major political step.

Translated by Areti Christou

The Hellenic Radio (ERA): News in English Directory - Previous Article - Next Article