The Hellenic Radio (ERA): News in English, 08-05-13

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

CONTENTS

[01] The Greek Economy's Objectives

By Nasos Bratsos

Addressing SEVs annual General Assembly, Prime Minister Kostas Karamanlis stressed that mentalities that are turned against the Greeks entrepreneurship are also turned against the Economy and the Society. The heedless waste of natural resources, the increasing pollution and the greenhouse effect are causing adverse climatic changes, which accelerates the destruction of the environment. Thus, a vicious circle is created, which in the long run undermines development, threatens quality in our life, causing uncertainty to Earths future. The rise of world population, the change of the peoples diet and the limitation of cultivations for food have affected the balance of offer and demand, shooting international prices of basic goods to the sky. Moreover, he stated that the rise of oil prices has boosted uncertainty worldwide, with inflation rising and development rates dropping in Europe. Referring to Greece, he reported that the reforms promoted by the government in the last four years have armoured the economy to a great extent, securing high developmental rates. The prime minister proposed the protection of the environment and efforts for keeping prices low, adding that the government will continue with its reforms. Furthermore, he spoke of investments made in Greece, amounting to 9 billion euros, while developmental rates were double of those of the average European rate.

Alogoskoufis on Greek Economy

Economy and Finance Minister George Alogoskoufis stressed amongst others that the development rate for the Greek economy is going to be double of that of the average Eurozone despite international retardation. The development rate for 2008 and 2009 is expected to reach 3.4% and 3.3% respectively, when in the Eurozone it will be 1.7% and 1.5%. Unemployment will drop further in 2008 and 2009. In February, 2008 unemployment was 8%, when in February 2007 it was 9% and 11% in February 2004. The public deficit has dropped below 3% in 2006 and 2007, when it was 7.4% of the GNP in 2004. The Commission forecasts that in 2008 and in 2009 it will drop to 2% of the GNP. As for the public debt, the European Commission forecasts that from 99.4% of the GNP in 2003 it will deescalate to 92.4% in 2008 and 90.2% of the GNP in 2009.

GSEE's Position

GSEE (General Confederation of Greek Workers) President Giannis Panagopoulos reported that the high cost of living and increase of borrowing by households have decreased the consumers purchasing power. Mr Papagopoulos appeared concerned over unemployment, adding that development and social policy have been abandoned, with the government focusing its attention on managing public deficits and tough fiscal discipline, in order so as balanced budgets are achieved as of 2010.

D. Daskalopoulos' Speech

In his speech, SEV President Dimitris Daskalopoulos reported that political party mechanisms subject themselves to populism, obstructing changes promised by their leaderships. As for public administration, he described it uneducated, fearing responsibilities and being unable to materialize reform programmes. The state from its side wastes resources and comes short of rendered services. The Trade Unions neither deals with the expected threats against workers nor the financial despair of the unemployed, especially of the youth, women and middle-aged. As for the Media, Mr Daskalopoulos said that they should charge creatively the society instead of promoting its pathogenesis, having as alibi high TV ratings.

Translated by John Crystallidis

[02] New Doping Case

By Ampelakis Spyros

Sources: ÍÅÔ-ÍÅÔ 105.8-ANA/ÌPA

ESKAN (Greek Anti-Doping Federation) has informed the Swimming Federation that a re-check on 6 March proved that a swimmer had used a banned substance, adding that an additional check will take place. The Greek Swimming Federation verified the event, without however releasing the swimmers name, until a second sample is taken from the athlete.

Translated by John Crystallidis

[03] ND Six Points Ahead

Sources: ÍÅÔ-ÍÅÔ 105.8

As per Public Issue poll, commissioned by SKY and Kathimerini newspaper, the ND-PASOK difference has increased by six percentage points. Thus, the ND ruling party garners 37%, PASOK (Socialists) 31%, SYRIZA (Coalition of the Radical Left) 17.5%, KKE (Greek Communist Party) 7% and LAOS (Popular Orthodox Rally) 4.5%. In reply to a question as to which party is considered as the best opposition, SYRIZA leads, LAOS comes second, PASOK third, followed by KKE. 39% consider Kostas Karamanlis as the most suitable person for premiership, 17% prefer Alexis Tsipras and 13% George Papandreou. George Karatzaferis comes fourth with 4% and Aleka Papariga fifth with 3%. 77% appear dissatisfied with the governments performance, 90% with the oppositions performance, while 83% favours Greek-Russian cooperation.

Translated by John Crystallidis

[04] Ieronymos-Bartholomew Meeting

Sources: ÍÅÔ, ÁNA

Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew visited Archbishop of Athens Ieronymos immediately after his arrival in Athens, where he will stay until 17 May. On Wednesday, he will visit Larissa to attend events in honor of Saint Achillios. Accompanying the Patriarch are Metropolitans Derkon, Constantine; Militos Apostolos; and Kydonia and Apokoronou Damaskinos.

At noon, the two men held a private meeting during which they referred to the importance of the agreement signed in Phanar.

Mr Bartholomew praised Mr Ieronymos, adding that he had known him for many decades. He also appeared certain that with Mr Ieronymos leading the Greek Church relations between the Greek Church and the Ecumenical Patriarchate, as well as with other Autocephalous Churches would be promoted.

Translated by John Crystallidis

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