The Hellenic Radio (ERA): News in English, 08-06-07

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

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

CONTENTS

[01] Co-hosts Launch EURO

07 Ιουν 2008 17:13:0

Time for football! Co-hosts Austria and Switzerland kick off EURO 2008 while as of today the best attackers in the continent will be competing in the two countries stadiums for a month till June, 29. European Champion Greece is ready to hit the ground running to defend its title in the previous championship while many football teams such as Spain, Germany, France, Holland and World Champion Italy have the best prospects to win the title. Sixteen teams divided in four groups are ready to rise to the big occasion, promising high excitement not only to football fans in Europe but also to the millions of football fans worldwide, who will be watching EURO. Co-host Switzerland against the Czech Republic gets EURO under way and will continue with Turkey-Portugal. NET will cover live both games at 19:00 and 21:45 respectively.

Translated by Chrisanthi Sarantis

[02] Karamanlis-Petralia Cooperation

Sources: ΝΕΤ, ΑNA

Employment Minister Fani Petralia briefed Prime Minister Kostas Karamanlis today on he course of the Social Security Reform. After the meeting, Ms Petralia stated that the three first Social Security Funds have been completed on 1 June, adding that 28 more Funds are to be incorporated as of 1 August.

As for Social Security Fund reserves she reported that merge of S.S.F. will not affect their reserves.

In parallel, she described the high cost of living a very serious development worldwide, adding that the issue will be discussed at the Labour Ministers Meeting due to be held in Luxemburg. Finally, she stressed that the government and the PM are concerned with the high cost of living, adding that Mr Karamanlis had sent a letter to European Commission President Jose Manuel Baroso, requesting the issue to be discussed at the next EU Summit Meeting.

Translated by John Crystallidis

[03] Sarkozy Left Athens

06 Ιουν 2008 13:49:0

By Alexandros Moz

Sources: ΝΕΤ, ΝΕΤ-105.8, ΑNA-ΜPA

French President Nikolas Sarkozy, who paid an official visit to Greece and signed with Mr. Karamanlis a joint declaration on defense and security, left Athens early this morning. Greece and France are entering into a period of a new alliance, as Nikolas Sarkozy underlined in his hearty speech delivered to the Parliament Plenum on Friday. The short but significant visit to Athens of the French President, who was warmly received by the countrys state and political leadership, reconfirmed the strong friendship bonds between the two countries. Mr. Sarkozy repeated his support to Greeces positions on Skopje name dispute while his statement on the Cyprus issue was crystal clear. Both Nikolas Sarkozy and Kostas Karamanlis agreed to cooperate combat price rises in EU member states.

Agenda of Talks

During their meeting, the Greek Prime-minister and the French President reconfirmed coincidence of views on European and bilateral issues and their intention for the furthering of cooperation between the two countries. Their talks centered on bilateral and international issues including Skopje and Turkey issues- in view of Frances EU Presidency in the second half of 2008. They agreed on the setting up of a Mediterranean Union in the role of a coordination organ targeted to deal with emergency situations (quakes, wildfires etc) in the Mediterranean region. They also referred to price rises and agreed to bring up the issue at the EU Summit Meeting in June, an issue already referred in Mr. Karamanlis letter to Mr. Baroso. After the conclusion of talks they signed a joint declaration in the form of two texts. The first was a joint declaration on defence and security between Mr. Karamanlis and Mr. Sarkozy and the other a joint declaration between the two countries Defense Ministers on the flying training sector. Finally the two men gave a press interview.

Kostas Karamanlis spoke of the strong and historical bonds between the two countries and described the French President both his personal friend and compatriot from Thessaloniki, referring to Nikolas Sarkozy Greek roots. "Greece and France share a common vision for Europe and attribute special importance to the policy of European defense and security" stressed the Prime-minister. Greece is ready to cooperate with France regarding immigration issue, top priority of French EU Presidency and repeated Greeces proposal for the creation of European coast guard.

The French President stressed that he fully agrees with the Greek Prime-ministers views and described as a good idea the creation of a Greek-French force to guard sea borders. Nikolas Sarkozy said that he does not exclude Turkey from the Mediterranean Union while he disengaged EU- Turkey prospect from the creation of the Union although he repeated reservations and his proposal for special EU-Turkey relations.

In reference to FYROM, the French president expressed his support to Greece as well as his concern over procedures during the recent snap elections in the neighboring country. Mr. Karamanlis, who for the first time referred to recent elections in FYROM sent a message that Greece will maintain the same stand wherever else it is needed unless there is resolution to the name dispute.

In the afternoon, Foreign Minister Dora Bakoyianni had a meeting with her French counterpart Bernard Kushner and signed a protocol on cultural and artistic relations.

Meeting with Papoulias-Papandreou Letter

Mr. Sarkozy attended a luncheon hosted by the President of the Republic within the protocol of his two-day official visit to Athens. The two Presidents held talks on bilateral and international issues, with the Greek President supporting the proposal for the creation of Mediterranean Union and describing France as strategic ally.

In the meantime, PASOK President sent a letter to the French President in which he proposes the promotion of the European prospect of the Balkan peninsula while regarding the Skopje name dispute, he underlines that it is a top responsibility and obligation of EU member states to support principles and UN resolutions as well as European status quo. Finally he underlines Ankaras high responsibility and obligations regarding the Cyprus issue.

Sarkozy Speech

The French President visited the Parliament where he was received by the President of the Republic, the Prime-minister and the Speaker of the House. In his speech delivered to the Parliament Plenum, he referred to Greeces civilization in the 5th century BC which helped humanity, referred to his origin from Thessaloniki and marked a new era in Greek French relations with the phrase "Hellas-France new alliance." He expressed solidarity regarding FYROM name dispute, adding that France will support whatever is Greeces selection on the name. He made clear France is in favour of FYROMs admission to NATO and the EU but in no case before the name dispute is resolved.

In reference to Cyprus problem, he said that it is high time to bring down Nikosia wall and proceed to the islands reunification after negotiations for a just and viable solution under the UN auspices. On EU-Turkey relations he repeated his known stand for close association but stressed that as EU President he will respect different views. He also supported coordinated European effort for the extinguishment of fires in Greece.

He announced the drawing of a European pact on asylum and immigration, admitting that Greece receives uncontrolled waves of immigrants, which is not only Greeces problem but also the whole Europes. He favors autonomous European defense and security but complementary, not competitive to NATO. Referring to the ME he said he backed peaceful coexistence between Israel-Palestinians with the creation of a Palestinian state with defined borders. He is the fifth head of state to deliver a speech at the Greek Parliament. His speech lasted 28 and was applauded 11 times by the majority of the deputies. Concluding his speech he changed the slogan HELLAS-FRANCE- ALLIANCE to HELLAS-FRANCE - NEW ALLIANCE

Translated by Chrisanthi Sarantis

Related News:

Nicolas Sarkozy in Athens Tomorrow

[04] Hillary to Support Obama

By Anthi Ntaousani

Sources: ΝΕΤ, ΑNA,CNN

Hillary Clinton will announce her support to Barack Obama at 19:00 Greek time. As per a late CNN poll, Democrat voters are in favour of Obama-Clinton cooperation. In this way the Illinois Senator will manage to approach the Hispanics, the elderly and the labour class, who in their majority had supported Hillary Clinton.

However, the vice president issue remains open. It has not been decided yet whether Hillary Clinton will assume this post, although she stated that she would be willing to do so.

On Thursday, the two former rivals met and had an hour talk, which concerned the campaigns future.

In parallel, Barack Obama praised his opponent, stressing that they would be united to face their Republican rival John Mac Cain.

Meanwhile, the Democrats head in the Senate Harry Reid, who had remained neutral until now, expressed his support to Barack Obama.

Translated by John Crystallidis

Related News:

Obama Issues Message of Unity

[05] Parents Arrested

Sources: ΝΕΤ 105.8

A new twist on the case of the two brothers who have been reported missing in Orestiada has taken place. As per the police, the childrens parents were arrested Saturday noon because they had sold their children for illegal adoption. The parents had originally told the police that their children had disappeared. Another man, who appears to have received the children from their parents and transferred them to Alexandria, Imathia, was arrested. The mans accomplice, woman is wanted. The children have not been discovered yet, while the three arrestees are being interrogated.

Translated by John Crystallidis

[06] Conference on the Balkans in Thessaloniki

Sources: ΝΕΤ 105.8, ΑNA

The sessions of the two-day conference on the Balkans co-organised by KEA and SYN in Thessaloniki opened with speeches by SYN (Coalition of the Left) President Alexis Tsipras and European Leftist Party President Graciela Masias.

In his speech, Mr Tsipras described the Balkans a high risk region after Kosovo's unilateral independence, adding that his party supports a European prospect for all Balkan countries.

Regarding FYROM (Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia), he reported his party insists on a solution based on a geographic qualifier and as for Turkey he insisted that there is no other option for that country except for dialogue and peace. Furthermore, he insisted that his party supports the disentanglement of Greek-Turkish relations from the Washington, Ankara-Athens triangle that encourages US arbitration.

Participating in the conference are delegations from almost all Balkan countries. AKEL party, two Turkish-Cypriot parties Nea Kypros and Enomeni Kypros will be representing Cyprus.

SYN will also present a proposal on the environment and the idea of a Balkan Ecological Map.

KEA and SYN's objective is that a programme is agreed upon during the conference with the widest possible participation that will boost peace and equal cooperation, as well as social and ecological protection in the Balkans.

Translated by John Crystallidis

[07] Sarkozy in Beirut

Sources: ΑNA,AFP

French President Nicolas Sarkozy, who is accompanied by PM Francois Filion, the Ministers of Foreign Affairs and Defence, as well as party leaders, is flying to Beirut today to express his countrys support to Lebanon. Mr Sarkozy will be received at Beirut airport in the morning by his counterpart Michele Suleiman, who was elected president after long processes that lasted 18 months. Mr Sarkozy and his delegation will meet with leaders of the 14 political parties, including Hezbollah.

Translated by John Crystallidis

[08] Concern over Oil

Sources: ΝΕΤ 105.8, ΑNA

Concern has prevailed following yesterdays surge of oil prices. American light crude reached $US138.54 per barrel and Brent $US137.69. At the same time, Wall Street Indexes recorded an average 3% drop. In parallel, oil prices hit $US139 per barrel Friday night aided by the weak dollar and the rise of unemployment in the USA. The rise was also attributed to the Israeli Transport Ministers statements, as per which an attack against Iran is inevitable, in addition to estimates by Morgan Stanley that oil prices will reach $US150 by 4 July.

At the same time, the Governor of the European Central Bank Jean-Claude Trichet did not rule out an increase of European interest rates in July.

In parallel, OPEC is ready to intervene in order to calm the world on oil prices surges, reporting that an increase in oil production is not necessary. However, OPEC will be monitoring the situation and will intervene if necessary.

Finally, the euro rose against the dollar on Friday with its exchange rate being fixed at 1.5597 dollar. At the same time, unemployment in the US rose by 5.5% in May, recording the highest rise since 1986.

Translated by John Crystallidis

Related News:

Oil Prices Rise again

[09] ΕΡΤ Everywhere & the Environment

ERT activities to mark World Environment Day, entitled "ERT Everywhereand the Environment" and general slogan "Lets Think of the Environment"! concluded with great success on Thursday.

Since 13:00 yesterday, 320 volunteers, ERT employees, distributed 5.000 cloth bags to motorists driving by ERT buildings in Agia Paraskevi, Katehaki and Mourouzi, thus passing a sound message that ERT is not only its program but mainly its people. The bags contained information leaflets on eco-driving and transport, a special issue of Radio-television magazine on climate change entitled "Bio-logic" and a Green Card with practical instructions to save energy and protect the environment.

Yesterdays activity culminated with an outdoor event at ET1 in Katehaki where 21 non-government organizations and other non-profit organizations created an "Open Ecological Park" to brief and sensitize people on the environment and global warming. Over 2.000 people participated in the event which concluded with a live concert with performers Melina Aslanidou, Rallia Hristidou and Manos Pyrobolakis. The concert, presented by Rika bayianni, had live coverage by ET1, the Second Program and 19 ERA regional radio stations.ERT president, Hristos Panagopoulos thanked all volunteers and stressed: " the environment is conscience, we are here and will be everyday near the environment".

In parallel, radio and television studios and multi-media kiosks were open to the public and participating organizations. Specifically, ERT News and the program "Exei Gusto" had live links to events while participants could leave eco-messages through webcam, which will be on ERT website.

Sectors cooperating in yesterdays events are Arktouros, Mediterranean SOS Network, Hellenic Society for the Protection of Nature, Ornithology Society, Helmepa, Ecoweek, POFYZO, AFHS, Alternative Vehicle Management, Appliances Recycling, Hellenic Society Utilizing Recycling, Alternative Accumulators Management, Eco-Elastica, Hellenic Environment Technology, KAPE, MOM, European Commission, European Council, Athens and Agia Paraskevi Municipalities and Hellenic Network EKE.

The event regarded both external and internal Corporate Social Responsibility of ERT and proved the extended dimensions and multiplication of functions of an individual initiative when it is shared with the public.

All these activities will consist the beginning of ERT participation in EBU pan-European initiative leading to a pan-European Environment Week, entitled "Green on Air" to be held in December, 2009

Translated by Chrisanthi Sarantis

[10] Santorini

06 Ιουν 2008 15:27:0

By Anna Kourti

Sources: ΑNA-ΜPA, ΝΕΤ

The two pilots, flying Hellenic Air-Force photographic Phantom which caught fire during emergency landing at Santorini Airport on Friday morning, are safe. The aircraft slid in the runway due to hydraulic failure but the pilots ejected quickly before the aircraft caught fire. They were transferred to 251 Air-Force Hospital for clearly preventive reasons. The RF-4, which took off from 110 Fighter Wing to participate in the naval exercise "Kataigida"(Storm) held in the Aegean, has suffered heavy damage. Group of experts is looking into the causes of the accident.

Translated by Chrisanthi Sarantis

[11] Siemens: Investigations Continue

Sources: ΑNA-ΜNA, ΝΕΤ, ΝΕΤ 105,8

The irresponsible and defamatory scandal talking regarding parties and people is poisoning public life and is forming a hostile political climate which is damaging institutions and democracy, minister of Justice Sotiris Hatzigakis said on reference to the leakage reported on press regarding Siemens provision to PASOK youth for the unfair as he branded it involvement of Mr. Kyriakos Mitsotakis name on the case. In addition, Mr. Hatzigakis added that the battle against corruption and judicial purge of every case or against charges regarding transactions will be incompatible, merciless and constant. However, Mr. Kyriakos Mitsotakis is denying rumors about his involvement in Siemens case making clear that he has paid for his electronic equipment for his office which he bought from the company in summer 2007. New Democracy parliamentary member is expected to visit the prosecutor in order to submit all evidences. Meantime, Supreme Prosecutor, Mr. Panayiotis Athanasiou is expected to further investigate the case. 14 people are expected to testify at the end of the following week. In parallel, prosecutor officer Panayiotis Poulios and competent prosecutor who is investigating the case briefed the Supreme Prosecutor for the course of the investigation. In court prosecutor, Panayiotis Athanassiou, visited the lawyer of Siemens in Greece, Alexandros Lykourezos, with a partner, Pierre Macha, and the representative of the American lawyers company NTEMPEVOUAZ and Plimpton, Charles Zinker. Mr. Zinker submitted to the prosecutor evidence that the US Company gathered after orders given by its affiliated company Siemens. PASOK speaks of not sufficient evidence and explanations given by Kyriakos Mitsotakis. PASOK has nothing to hide and none to be afraid of because it has no debts, PASOK Representative Giorgos Papakostantinou said on reference to the development on the case

"Justice in our Country is Independent"

When asked if there is a moral issue regarding the parliamentary member Kyriakos Mitsotakis on Siemens Case, deputy governmental spokesman Mr. Evaggelos Antonaros said that "Mr. Mitsotakis submitted enough and detailed explanatory evidence on the case. "Justice in our country works independently and todays government is the last one to dispute this independent work of Justice. The government fully respects the Greek justice.

Mr. Antonaros also said that Mr. Mitsotakis answer is clear and can not be misinterpreted. On reference to the issue of Mrs. Bakoyiannis associate resignation, Mr. Antonaros stated that he has no comment to make. As per the governments possibility to order an inquiry committee to investigate the case, Mr. Mitsotakis agrees. On answering question if the Prime Minister had a telephone contact with Giorgos Papandreou on the case, he answered that there is no such information.

Translated by Sofia Gartziou

[12] Oil Prices Rise again

Sources: ΝΕΤ 105.8, ΑNA

Oil prices have been rising again with American crude trading at $US127.90 per barrel in Asian markets Friday morning, while North Sea Brent was trading at $US128.04. Despite fixing its interest rates at 4%, the European Bank left open the eventuality for a rise next month, following estimates for a prolonged economic crisis that boosts inflation. The rise of oil prices will be discussed by the G8 next week in Osaka and in the next EU Summit Meeting.

Translated by John Crystallidis

[13] Oil-Price Drop Continues

By Athina Saloustrou

Due to analysts fears on development retardation, oil prices continue dropping in Asia. Light crude for July deliveries has been dropping by 56 cents at $US121.74 per barrel. The price of Brent oil for July deliveries has been dropping by 45 cents at $US121.65 per barrel. At the same time, the US Energy ministry has announced that the Americans are consuming smaller quantities of fuel compared to last year. Demand for petrol has dropped by 1.4% in the last four weeks.

Translated by John Crystallidis

[14] Inspections Are Intensified

04 Ιουν 2008 15:22:0

Sources: ΝΕΤ, ΝΕΤ 105.8

Five hundred million euros will be granted to those bordering on poverty, as part of the measures promoted by the Greek Government to combat the high cost of living. In the meantime, Prime Minister Kostas Karamanlis sent a letter to the European Commission President, suggesting three areas for actions, as price hikes are a thorny issue for all the EU nations. At the same time, the forecasts of the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) for Greece are rather gloomy, as they foresee a skyrocketing inflation and a gradual economic slowdown for 2008. On its part, the Greek Consumer Centre has called on citizens to join the boycott against fresh milks priced more than 1 euro per litre from 9 to 19 June. "Greece has turned into a paradise for the cartels of major multi-national companies," read the Centres announcement.

Gloomy OECD Forecasts

Government spokesman Theodoros Roussopoulos reconfirmed the Karamanlis administration to step up additional measures within 2008 to support low-income earners. Touching on the Premiers letter to Jos&#233; Manuel Barroso, Roussopoulos noted the forthcoming EU Council will record the EUs reaction to the problem of price hikes with specific measures.

The Government made a communicative move, as soon as it saw the polls, Socialist deputy Anna Diamantopoulou told NET radio station, also terming support measures targeting low-income earners as a positive step.

The Greek Communist Party (KKE) blasted Karmanlis letter as ridicule, counter-proposing, inter alia, minimum wages of 1,400 euros and reduction in the PPC, OTE and EYDAP rates. Alekos Alavanos, head of SYRIZAs parliamentary group, dismissed Karamanlis letter as an alibi for the inability and lack of will to fight cartels and interests, describing the matter of high cost of living as a domestic affair.

Addressing the relevant Parliament Committee, Development Minister Christos Folias ruled out further increases in PPC rates. He also requested market inspection be intensified.

In the meantime, consumer groups have called for a boycott against milk pricing more than 1 euro from 9 to 14 June.

In the meantime, the OECD has forecast a growth slowdown and a rising inflation for Greece in 2008, due to the high oil and food prices. Unemployment will slightly drop to 7.7%, while the deficit will stand at 2.1%. Describing the recent pension reform as positive, suggesting a similar one in the health sector.

Translated by Areti Christou

Related News:

Karamanlis' Letter to Barroso

[15] Greek Households in Debt

By Athina Saloustrou

The findings of a nationwide survey by VPRC on the Greek household financial and social indexes were really important. 70% of the public sector employees owes to banks. 27% of the Greeks found it hard over the last year to pay their DEKO bills, 21% gets help from their families, 13% has a second job, while 11% of the pensioners still works. A GPO survey showed that 75.4% of the respondents believe that the Governments number one problem is the high cost of living. 46.7% blames it on the Government, 22.1% puts it down to the hikes in the global oil prices, while 14.3% holds the businessmen and traders accountable.

Translated by Areti Christou

[16] Contacts on High Cost of Living

Development Minister Christos Folias is to embark a new round of talks in a drive to curb the high cost of living. He is meeting Monday with reps of the food industries and hyper markets. Folias allegedly insists on freezing the prices or even bringing down the prices of widely-consumed goods. Greece is in a state of emergency, because the Government tolerates the uncontrollable interests, stressed Socialist leader George Papandreou at the sitting of PASOKs (Panhellenic Socialist Movement) Political Council. He also added that his party has suggested interventions to have prices in essential goods, as well as the DEKO invoices, trimmed.

Socialist leader George Papandreou requested laws against monopolies and oligopolies be implemented and prices and DEKO invoices be trimmed so that the high cost of living can be combated.

Begging the businessmen will not do, stressed Papandreou, also adding that the reductions announced by some companies proves that there are margins, yet the Government refuses to see it.

Asked whether he views such cuts as ostensible, Government spokesman Theodoros Roussopoulos said that there are rules in a free market, in a free society, while the inspection crews have to be present to avert profiteering phenomena.

"After the expected failure of the governments mock measures against the high cost of living, the Government hopes to ease the employees and youths indignation citing the good will of some companies to reduce or freeze the beyond-reason prices in essential goods. It takes drastic measures and anti-profiteering intervention to break cartels in the market, and not gentlemens agreements," stressed SYN (Coalition of the Radical Left). In the meantime, GSEE (Greek General Confederation of Labour) is considering sending a letter to the Prime Minister requesting low income earners be boosted and high cost of living be combated.

The Confederation intends to ask for additional negotiations with the employers for the payment of an emergency bonus to the low income earners.

Dodoni dairy company announced Monday that it will cut fresh milk prices by 4% as of 5 June.

Translated by Areti Christou

[17] Investigation to Ship Cartels-Freezing of Prices

By

Sources: ΑNA-ΜNA, ΝΕΤ, ΝΕΤ 105,8

The Competition Committee is proceeding to a new investigation on the accusations regarding coastal fares to Crete by Minoan Lines. In Coastal Unions a civil war has broken out after Blue Star Ferries Company of Mr. Vgenopoulos announcement that it will not precede to a rise of prices. Meantime, Minoan Lines will not proceed to any raise of prices starting from June 2008 announcing at the same time discounts in daily ship fares heading to Crete. More specifically, Crete Ship Company announced a discount of 30% in cabins and vehicles, in VIP and deck seats while the discount in motorbikes was set to 50%. It must be noted that a few days before, Blue Star Ferries had announced freezing of prices for this summer.

Translated by Sofia Gartziou

[18] Oil Prices Rebound

By Alexandros Moz

Sources: ANA-MPA, REUTERS

Having slipped to 125 dollars per barrel, oil prices rebounded to 128 dollars per barrel on Friday afternoon, as the investigation carried out by the US Commodity Futures Trading Commission over possible price manipulation by multinational oil companies made investors more cautious.

In the meantime, the strengthening of the dollar over euro has outshined the biggest fall reported since 2004 of the US fuel reserves.

US crude prices for July delivery initially dropped to 124.67 dollars per barrel and then rebounded to 127.70 dollars, 1.08 dollars up compared with Thursdays fixing price. Brent prices for July delivery finally stood at 128.66 dollars after falling at 125 dollars.

[19] Rally by GSEE

30 Μαϊ 2008 15:22:00

By Nasos Bratsos

Sources: ΝΕΤ, ΝΕΤ 105.8, ANA

The high cost of living was brought up in Parliament when Development Minister Christos Folias answered an interpellation filed by the Popular Orthodox Rally (LAOS) President, George Karatzaferis, on the package of measures against high cost of living. Karatzaferis slammed the Government for being politically weak to put an end to cartels and market monopolies. Folias, on his part, stressed: "The price hikes is not a Greek, but a global problem. It is also a European problem, and thats why the President of the European Commission, Jos&#233; Manuel Barroso, has invited all EU states to provide a joint answer to the global challenge. Fuel prices, as well as a series of other causes related to the rise in demand and climate changes, have led food prices to an unprecedented upward spiraling."

Continuing his speech, the Development Minister said: "The official Eurostat figures have shown that the rise in the food price index, from August 2007 to April 2008, stood at 4.5% for the 17-nation bloc and at 5.4% for the 27-nation bloc. The relative rise in Greece was 4.6%, namely the average of the 15-nation bloc. Greece ranks nine.

Wrapping up his speech, Folias commented: "There are resistances to this shock that concerns the whole globe. And these resistances stem from the Governments policy. We recognize there is a problem, especially for the low-income earners. The Greek market has structural weaknesses that were not addressed in the previous decades. The free market requires rules to be really free. When there are no rules, it goes out of control. Thats is why we took the responsibility to promote a package of 41 measures with a view to consolidating it, covering the gaps of the past and laying down the rules for a really free market. The Government is only interested in permanent results. Results that will allow Greek consumers to feel safe."

Statements by Antonaros

Touching on the issue of high cost of living and the measures in favour of the low-income earners, Deputy Government spokesman Evangelos Antonaros stressed that the Government has significantly brought tax rates down and increased tax relief.

"Wrong impressions should be avoided," Antonaros continued, stressing that the Government has undertaking the initiative to organise a special fund that will offer assistance to this groups.

Asked to comment on Spiliotopoulos statements on the effectiveness of the measures, Antonaros argued that he has no intention commenting on a ministers statements, stating that Folias coupled with Vlahos and their associates have unveiled a package of 41 measures that have started bearing fruits.

"Folias and Vlahos are doing a great job," Antonaros added, while on the matter of the lowest national pension, he said that he will brief the journalist as soon as something new comes up.

Shifting his attention to reports suggesting a 6.2% inflation, he claimed that wrong impressions built upon figures that have nothing to do with reality should be avoided.

Translated by Areti Christou

[20] Oil Prices Slide

By Athina Saloustrou

Oil prices have dropped to $US125 per barrel in international markets today due to the increase of dollar exchange rate with the euro. Analysts expect a fresh drop next week. The price of US light crude for July deliveries dropped to $US124.67 per barrel to reach again later at $US125.21, $US1.41 less compared to yesterday. The price of Brent for July deliveries dropped to $US125 and then rose to $US126.07, 82 cents less than yesterday.

Translated by John Crystallidis

[21] Digitalization and Public Administration

Sources: ΝΕΤ 105.8, ΑNA-ΜNA

Internal minister Mr. Prokopis Pavlopoulos speaking to internal ministrys meeting named "Participating in development": The suggestion for Public Administration-The Challenge of Digital Greece" branded the digitalization of public administration sector a big step for the tackling of bureaucracy. He also stressed that the effort of the ministry had been initiated from 2004 and is already being affective.

On his side, General Inspector of Public Administration Mr. Leandros Rakintzis said that he will restore the law that has to do with place of birth and living and hiring of employees in crucial services like Revenues, Urban Plan Services, Police and Justice Departments.

New Facts

"Karamanlis government has a complete and cohesive suggestion regarding the way Public Administration should respond to the new facts of the digital era and will contribute to the development of the country", Mr. Pavlopoulos said. A suggestion which will be effective in the long run, organized, and unprecedented in dynamic," Internal minister stressed. Mr. Pavlopoulos also underlined that transparency is being shield; the citizens access to public information is being reinforced as well as his participation in public administration of local issues. In addition, citizens service becomes better and more qualitative. He also noted that "Digital Strategic that will be applied until 2013 has a very specific purpose: Our country to make a digital step to productivity, a digital step to quality of life. And this goal transcends the tight limits of a simple access in Administrative bodies in new technologies of information and communication. It targets to the citizens and companies alert for everyones benefit, he concluded.

Translated by Sofia Gartziou

[22] Smoke-Free Living

By Andreas Roditis

Sources: NET 105.8

Protect the worlds youth from tobacco says the slogan of the World Health Organization (WHO) for the World No Tobacco Day, May 31. The Hellenic Cardiological Society has suggested that about 20,000 Greece die of smoke-related diseases on an annual basis. Greek female smokers rank first, while men rank fourth. Anti-tobacco measures will take effect in Greece in 2010.

Translated by Areti Christou

[23] On the Occasion of the World No Tobacco Day

30 Μαϊ 2008 16:44:00

Sources: AFP

The World Health Organisation said Friday that only a total ban on all forms of tobacco advertising can stop the "constantly mutating virus" of the marketing industry and protect vulnerable young people. Tobacco companies are using ever more sophisticated marketing techniques, including the promotion of non-tobacco items like clothing, or sponsorship of concerts and sporting events, to evade what restrictions are already in place, the WHO noted. "The tobacco industry employs predatory marketing strategies to get young people hooked to their addictive drug," said Douglas Bettcher, director of the WHOs Tobacco Free Initiative. These tactics are "very, very precisely focused on catching and snaring young people, in particular as replacement smokers for those who died or quit at an earlier age, so that they can continue to extract their profitability," Bettcher told journalists.

[24] Mediterranean Diet Helps Stop Diabetes

By Athina Saloustrou

A Mediterranean diet rich in fruits and vegetables -- already known to protect against heart disease -- also appears to help ward off diabetes, Spanish researchers said on Friday.

The study published in the British Medical Journal showed that people who stuck closely to the diet were 83 percent less likely to develop type 2 diabetes than those who did not.

"The new thing is that we have been able to assess adherence to a Mediterranean diet and the incidence of diabetes in people who were initially healthy," said Miguel Martinez-Gonzalez, an epidemiologist at the University of Navarra in Spain, who led the study. "We didnt expect such a high reduction" he added.

The World Health Organisation estimates more than 180 million people worldwide have diabetes, a number likely to more than double by 2030 as more nations adopt a Western lifestyle.

Type 2 diabetes accounts for 90 % of all cases and is closely linked to obesity and heart disease. The condition accounts for an estimated 6 % of all global deaths.

Translated by Chrisanthi Sarantis

[25] Talks on Bilateral and European Issues

06 Ιουν 2008 08:31:0 (Last updated: 07 Ιουν 2008 11:15:3)

Sources: NET 105.8, ΑNA-ΜPA

The President of France Republic, Mr. Nikola Sarkozy is attending now working lunch hosted by President of Republic Mr. Karolos Papoulias in the framework of his official two days visit in Athens.

After that, he is going to visit the Prime Minister Mr. Kostas Karamanlis at Maximos Mansion. Bilateral European regional issues will be at the focus of the meeting. Later on they are to sign a joint declaration on defence and security.

Earlier today, the French President visited the Greek Parliament where the President of Parliament Mr. Karolos Papoulias, the Prime Minister and the President of Parliament D. Sioufas welcomed him.

Contacts and Talks

As per alternate government spokesman E. Antonaros, Mr Sarkozys talks with the Greek PM will focus on bilateral, regional and European issues.

Mr Sarkozy, who is arriving in Athens in the afternoon, will lay a wreath at the monument of the Unknown Soldier and then deliver a speech at the Greek Parliament.

Later today, Mr. Sarkozy visited the Parliament and under the presence of President of Republic Mr Papoulias, Mr. Karamanlis and host President of Parliament Mr. Sioufas he delivered a speech. Then he visited Maximos Mansion for his official visit with Presedent of Republic Mr. Papoulias.

Afterwards, he will hold talks with the prime minister at Maximos Mansion and then sign a joint declaration on defence and security and a joint statement of the two countries Defence ministers on flight training. Then, Messrs Sarkozy and Karamanlis will make statements. In the afternoon, Foreign Minister Dora Bakoyannis will hold a private meeting with her French counterpart Bernard Kushner and sign an additional protocol on a Greek-French agreement on spiritual and artistic relations.

Translated by John Crystallidis

[26] Siemens Case & Politicians

By Anna Kourti

Sources: ΝΕΤ 105.8, ΝΕΤ

ND deputy Kyriakos Mitsotakis has categorically denied rumors of his involvement in SIEMENS case. In his announcement, he stresses that he ordered electronic equipment for his political office in summer, 2007. Mr. Mitsotakis maintains that he paid off the full sum on June, 2, underlining that he will submit copies of the bank money transfers to the competent public prosecutor tomorrow.

Government circles described Mr. Mitsotakis statements as satisfactory, underlining that black money and invoices do not go together. According to judicial circles, investigations so far have not indicated any penal involvement of statesmen. Preliminary interrogation indicates that several people among them politicians had received some presents by SIEMENS or had purchased electronic equipment as in the case of ND deputy K. Mitsotakis. According to reports, a witness in his testimony has involved the ND deputy. He handed invoices from the purchase of equipment during the pre-election campaign in September 2007 to the prosecutors office..

Translated by Chrisanthi Sarantis

[27] Kozani: Tsipras Interview

Sources: ΑNA-ΜPA

"Symbolic occupation of Environment, Public Works and City Planning Ministry was an activism action to indicate that Mr. Souflias is Public Works and not Environment Minister and claim the foundation of an Environment Ministry" stressed SYN president Alexis Tsipras in a press interview at the conclusion of his tour of the Kozani prefecture. He also expressed his support to the regions residents, who protest against environmental pollution caused by DEH plants, and ask more job positions for residents of the area who are the victims of pollution. "They ask for clean environment and work. Who exercise violence? Students who demand better education or those who dispatched riot police against occupants of DEH thermal plant in Agios Demetrios, he said characteristically.

Translated by Chrisanthi Sarantis

[28] Nicolas Sarkozy in Athens Tomorrow

By Andreas Roditis

Sources: ANA

French President Nicolas Sarkozy will arrive in Athens at noon tomorrow for talks with Greeces state and political leadership. In response to whether armament issues will be in the agenda of talks between the prime-minister and Nikolas Sarkozy, alternate government spokesman said that talks will focus on bilateral, regional issues as well as European issues in view of Frances EU presidency in the second half of 2008, underlining that the two leaders will give further details in their statements tomorrow.

Nikolas Sarkozy, who will be received by Foreign Minister Dora Bakoyianni, will lay a wreath at the Unknown Soldier Monument and next deliver a speech at the Greek Parliament. Later he will have talks with the President of the Republic, who will host a luncheon in his honour at the Presidential Mansion.

Next the French President will meet with Prime-minister Kostas Karamanlis at the Maximos Mansion where the two leaders will sign a joint declaration on defense and security. Greek and French Defense Ministers will also sign a joint statement on flying training.

Meanwhile, Greek Foreign Minister, Dora Bakoyianni will have a private meeting with her French counterpart during which they will sign an additional protocol on the Greek-French agreement on cultural relations. The French President and delagtion will leave Athens early on Saturday.

Translated by Chrisanthi Sarantis

[29] Greece's Firm Policy

05 Ιουν 2008 15:19:0

Sources: ΝΕΤ, ΝΕΤ 105.8, ΑNA-ΜPA

FYROM President Branko Crvenkovski has cancelled his visit to Athens in order to participate at the Southeastern- Europe state leaders meeting, scheduled for June, 13, according to an announcement by FYROM presidency office. The reason presented is prohibition on landing for the presidential jet with the insignia of the so called "Macedonian Airlines". Foreign Ministry spokesman George Koumoutsakos reminded that Greece has a specific policy regarding landing of aircrafts from the neighbouring country. In the meantime, the leader of the DUI Albanian party Ali Ahmeti is organizing demonstrations today in protest against violence and fraud during Sundays elections.

Rejected Alternative Proposals

FYROM President Branko Crvenkovski cancelled his participation at the Southeastern- Europe state leaders meeting because Greek authorities did not consent to allow landing of presidential jet in Athens according to an announcement of the presidency office "Reasons for refusal to allow the presidential jets landing in Athens are linked with prohibition of FYROM commercial flights over Greek airspace" adds the same announcement.

Greeces Office in Skopje proposed Mr. Crvenkovski alternative means to arrive in Athens, which he rejected. The President of the Republic Karolos Papoulias and UNESCO General Secretary Ko&#239;chiro Matsuura, co-organizer of the meeting- had invited FYROM President to attend the summit meeting in Athens.

In reference to problems arisen from Greeces troops crossing Skopje on their way to Kosovo, Mr. Koumoutsakos stressed that such incidents reconfirm the rightness of Greeces position for a mutually acceptable solution to the name dispute.

Demonstrations against Violence & Fraud

The leader of the Albanian party DUI Ali Ahmeti is staging demonstrations in Skopje today in protest against violence and fraud during Sundays elections. Tension has been furthered triggered by yesterdays arrest of DUI party senior member on charges of involvement in Sundays incidents. In the meantime, 56 objections have been filed to Skopje Electoral Committed in view of re- run elections in at least 25 poll stations, scheduled for June 15.

Translated by Chrisanthi Sarantis

[30] Papariga Visits EYDAP

At her visit to EYDAP, the KKE Secretary General expressed her objection over its privatization

Sources: ΝΕΤ 105.8, ΑNA

KKE (Communist Party of Greece) Secretary General Aleka Papariga visited EYDAP (Athens Water Supply & Sewerage Company) Thursday. Ms Papariga expressed her objection over the privatization of EYDAP, adding the more anti-popular measures are to follow. She also blamed the rest of the political parties, which take these measures or tolerate them.

Translated by John Crystallidis

[31] Alavanos Tours Crete

Sources: ANA

SYRIZA (Coalition of the Radical Left) Parliamentary President Alekos Alavanos is continuing his tour in Crete. On the high cost of living Mr Alavanos proposed an end to uncontrolled pricing in firms in the EU, the setting up of a body that will be controlling the pricing of imported goods, the abolishing of the EU regulation that imposes the harmonization of the VAT and other tax coefficients to unified coefficients. In parallel, he proposed the issuing of special financing by the EU Social Fund and the stock market transactions on EU goods. On the occasion of World Environment Day on 5 June, he said that the policies implemented in Greece have brought it in a difficult position on the Environment issue.

Finally, he denounced the merging of municipalities for the sake of petty partisan reasons.

Translated by John Crystallidis

[32] Focusing on Immigration and Asylum

Sources: NET, ANA-MPA

Greece is to take initiatives in matters pertaining to immigration and asylum, heralded Interior Minister Prokopis Pavlopoulos after his meeting with Prime Minister Kostas Karamanlis. In view of Thursdays Summit of his counterparts in Luxemburg on illegal immigration, Prokopis Pavlopoulos stressed that the EU has to arrive at an agreement on immigration, since, as he estimated, the wave of illegal immigrations will keep mounting. He also noted that the French Presidency has shifted its focus on this sector, with a view to completing an agreement on immigration among the 27-nation bloc by the end of the year.

Pavlopoulos said that such issues concern the EU, which delayed to take initiatives to shape joint rules and joint policies.

He then went on to underline that Greece has a leading role in this sector, as "We are a country that faces the biggest problems, due to its geographical location, when it comes to illegal immigration and asylum, problems that are far more intense and different for Greece than for the northern EU states."

Pavlopoulos also claimed that he brought up the issue in the previous sitting and will bring it up anew on Thursday. Therefore, Greece will take the necessary initiatives, so that it can have an essential say in the shaping of an EU policy on immigration and asylum and to help the EU contribute to the creation of the necessary infrastructure.

Greeces goal is to protect human rights, continued the Interior Minister, further stressing, "Greeces history and culture make us do what we have to, so that all those seeking a better life can get the life they deserve. But this is a joint campaign of all the EU nations."

Translated by Areti Christou

[33] Investigation Continues

06 Ιουν 2008 12:24:0

Sources: NET

The police investigation over N. Sergianopoulos assassination remains in the dark as the fingerprints found in the victims car and house have not been identified with those of a known murderer. The body of the unfortunate actor has been transferred to Drama, where his funeral will be held at 16:00 Friday. As per the coroner, the victim had been stabbed 21 times. The police believe that it was not a premeditated murder and that murderer was not a close friend of Sergianopoulos.

Translated by John Crystallidis

[34] Students Protest over Framework Law

Sources: ΝΕΤ, ΝΕΤ 105.8

University students will hold a rally at the Propylae at 12:00 in protest of the framework law. Meanwhile, on the occasion of the incidents that broke out at Macedonia University Rectors told a Press Conference on Thursday that a bipartisan committee on Education should be set up.

Denouncing the incidents, political parties argued that they are instigating turmoil in Tertiary Education. Rectors are in favour of reforms and against the founding of private Universities.

At the same time, KKE (Communist Party of Greece) MP Giannis Protoulis told NET on Friday that there is a plan for all changes in Tertiary Education to be legitimized, adding that SYN (Coalition of the Left) and Leftist groups are supporting provocative moves.

Translated by John Crystallidis

[35] Jetfighter Makes Emergency Landing

Sources: ΝΕΤ, ΝΕΤ 105.8

An RF 4 Phantom jetfighter parcipating in a military exercise had to make an emergency landing to Santorini airport at around 07:00 due to mechanical failure. The two pilots managed to abandon the aircraft and are safe and sound.

The jetfighter had taken off from Larissa earlier and was participating in "Kategida" military aircraft.

A mechanical failure with pneumatics of the aircraft forced the pilots to make an emergency landing during which the aircraft caught fire.

Translated by John Crystallidis

[36] Rectors Call for InterParty Consent

Sources: NET, NET 105.8, ΑNA-ΜPA

The situation in Education is still tense, following the incidents that broke out at Macedonia University Wednesday. Students forced themselves into the Senate, interrupting the session, something which triggered additional tension. Meanwhile, University administrations will remain closed today due to the turmoil prevailing lately at Universities. During an interview at Zappeio Mansion at noon today, university rectors appealed for inter-party consent to deal with education issues, characteristically stressing that tertiary education is being squashed by minorities. They also underlined that the situation can not be dealt with repressive measures while they attributed responsibilities to all political parties. Finally, TEI (Technological Institutes) professors are staging a 48-hour strike.

"Squashed amid Minorities"

In a joint press interview at the Zappeion Mansion at noon today, rectors xpressed their high concern over the present situation at all state universities and called the government to set up an inter-party committee to resolve the problems. Athens University rector, Hr. Kitas, as head of the teaching staff of the oldest Greek university briefed on the situation and underlined the need for the building of a climate of trust between universities, political parties and the government. "There must be a common effort so the few realize the negative impact of their actions. Violence brings violence, prevention and planning of proper actions are necessary. Mutual trust among universities, political parties and the government is mandatory. Universities and rectors do not exercise politics, the Parliament must find the solution", he stressed. Rectors propose the setting up of an inter-party committee which will decide on the solutions based on consensus procedures, without expediencies and political party confrontations. "When other countries plan the future we are involved with self-evident issues said Mr. Kitas and called on the state to guarantee smooth operation of universities and proceed to inter-party consent through the Parliament soon". Referring to the frame-law on education, Mr. Kitas underlined that it has many positive aspects, however, it has some points of malfunctioning, underlining the need for a simple legislative framework and allow universities to draw interior regulations. "If the government and political parties fail to realize the extremely difficult circumstances we will enter into an extended crisis. We are squashed amid minorities, who are against the law, leading universities to paralysis. We are not here to blame anybody, however, we can not but underline the problems", concluded Mr. Kitas.

Denouncing the Incidents

The Aristotelian University issued an announcement today, in which rectors denounce directly the violent incidents that had taken place at Macedonia University yesterday. In parallel, the announcement states its objection on actions that jeopardize academic liberties, adding that it is in favour of the public nature of Universities.

Meanwhile, TEI Professors have staged a 48-hour strike as of today in protest to the present situation.

At the same time, tension sparked off in Parliament between LAOS (Popular Orthodox Rally) and SYRIZA (Coalition of the Radical Left) on the occasion of the sit-in staged at the Macedonia University Senate.

LAOS accused SYRIZA of giving asylum to barbarians, describing the party fascist and violent.

SYRIZA MP Anna Filini spoke of an incendiary climate in Parliament, describing the allegations lies.

Translated by John Crystallidis

Related News:

Sit-in at Senate Ends

[37] Two Greek Ships Collide in Uruguay

By Athina Saloustrou

Sources: NET 105.8

The crews of the two Greek ships that collided 12 nautical miles off Montevideo, Uruguay are well. As per the Merchant Marine Ministry Greek-registered cargo ship Syros hit the Malta-flagged Greek-registered ship Sea Bird. The oil spill has not spread and is being controlled by the authorities in Uruguay.

Translated by John Crystallidis

[38] Everyone in the Event of June 5th!

05 Ιουν 2008 09:49:0

In the framework of ERT Social Responsibility Policy and at the occasion of the celebration of the Global Day of the Environment, the state television and radio company is organizing. a celebration on briefing, sensitizing and taking action regarding the environment and the climatic changes. The event is entitled "ERT everywhere.to the Environment too!" and carries the slogan "Lets think again about the environment". It is going to take place in Mesogeion 136 and Katehaki Av. The working group of ERT Social Responsibility is organizing the event, targeting at briefing and sensitizing the public but also at developing ecological awareness and action of ERT as well as its employees. The event will start with the volunteering action of ERTs employees and will peak with the concert taking place in the foreyard of Katehaki building. Singers Melina Aslanidou, Rallia Christidou and Manos Priovolakis will perform live.

Translated by Sofia Gartziou

[39] Sergianopoulos Murder Investigated

Sources: ΝΕΤ 105.8

The police are close in detecting the murder of actor Nikos Sergianopoulos. They are examining testimonies and all collected evidence, while all eventualities are open. An important find is the knife the murdered had used to stab 21 times the victim. At the same time, the police discovered a fingerprint on the door inside the flat, as well as drug substances and 40 more fingerprints.

Translated by John Crystallidis

[40] World Environment Day

By Dimitris Alexopoulos

On 15 December 1972, the United Nations has instituted 5 June as World Environment Day, aiming at reminding all that the humanitys future is directly correlated with the ecosystems future. Twenty-six years later, the mankind wishes that everyday were World Environment Day, as it now knows that it must protect the environment and natural resources for its benefit.

Topping the Agenda

Climate change won its place in the political agenda in 2007, with the IPCC reports issued in 2007 urging for measures to be taken immediately.

If the present situation does not change the environment, the society and the economy will suffer, while emission of gases must drop to at least one third of the present levels before the mid of this century.

At the same time, the UN Security Council discussed climate change for the first time, while the G8 held a meeting on the issue. At the same time, climate change constitutes a top priority for the EU.

A green Nobel price was awarded for the first time in 2007, as 47 scientists of the Intergovernmental Committee were awarded with the prize on Climate Change. Former US President Al Gore was also awarded for his world campaign on climate change.

Among the awarded scientists were four Greeks: Christos Zerefos, Alkiviadis Bais, Christos Giannakopoulos and Sevastianos Mirasgendis, as well as 12 scientists of Greek decent, living abroad.

2007 ended with the UNFCCC Conference in Bali on the climate, during which a Road Map was set and as per which negotiations should last for two years and be completed in Copenhagen in 2009. The agreement on the reduction of world emissions should be implemented as of 2013.

The Road Map was also adopted at the last minute by the US.

Nightmarish Scenarios for Greece

The three heat waves and fires that hit Greece in 2007 prove that climate change has already affecting our lives.

Scientists believe that more heat waves are to follow in the Mediterranean in the next years.

The temperature in the mainland will rise to 40 Celsius and on the islands to 25, while rains are expected to drop by 20%-30% in 2100.

Athens will become warmer with less water reserves, while the water level in the Mediterranean will rise due to the melting of ice by 20-60 cm by 2100. Thessaloniki, Amvrakikos Gulf and Nestos Delta will face the most serious problems from the rise of the water level.

Translated by John Crystallidis

[41] Journalists Meet in Samothraki

Sources: ANA

The 16th Panhellenic Journalists Conference will be held in Samothraki from 19-22 June. Attending will be about 400 journalists from Greece, Cyprus, Bulgaria, Turkey and Russia, as well as foreign correspondents and Professors. The Conference will focus on "Briefing in Digital Paths: Challenges, Changes, problems". Moreover, other issues to be discussed will be the problems traditional Media are facing in the digital era, flexible forms of employment, social security rights and employers arbitrariness.

Translated by John Crystallidis

[42] Obama Issues Message of Unity

By Anthi Ntaousani

Sources: ΑNA, CNN

Barack Obama paid praised Hillary Clinton with whom he met on Thursday, within the framework of talks on vice presidency. He stressed that the Democrats will be united to face their Republican rival John McCain. Mr Obama stressed from Chicago that the former First Lady had written history there, one of the Rupblicans strongholds. Before 25,000 of his supporters he described Ms Clinton one of the smartest and most dedicated women, adding that the party will remain united in the Presidential elections.

Translated by John Crystallidis

[43] Multi-fatality Attack in Sri Lanka

Exploded in a packed bus in Colombo

Sources: ANA

At least 21 people were killed and over 50 injured on Friday when a claymore mine explosion set off by suspected LTTE militants ripped apart a packed bus during the morning rush hour in south of Sri Lankan capital.

A police spokesman reported that 21 people had been killed, among whom eight women, adding that the injured number 50.

On Wednesday, 18 people were injured in another blast at a railway line. On 26 May, nine people lost their life in a similar attack, attributed by the authorities to the same organization.

Translated by John Crystallidis

[44] Slovenia

05 Ιουν 2008 18:34:0

Sources: ΑNA

The accident at the Krsko nuclear plant in south-western Slovenia yesterday-on the eve of Environment day- was registered at the lowest of four-stage scale of emergency, said the International Atomic Energy Agency(IAEA) in Vienna today. IAEA called it a "minor water leak" as there was no risk of radioactive contamination or leakage.

Following Slovenias request, IAEA has informed neighbouring countries Austria, Croatia, Hungary and Italy and will continue monitoring the situation. Slovenia, however, does not intend to ask IAEA experts to inspect Krsko nuclear plant as the situation is under control according to Slovenian delegation to IAEA.

A faulty valve caused the water leak that raised alarms across Europe a day earlier, officials said today. Repairs will be carried out on Friday and the plant could restart early next week, said Stane Rozman, chief manager of the Krsko plant near Slovenias border with Croatia.«Everything is normal,» he said. Officials had shut down the plant late Wednesday. Experts said the leak was confined to the plant building and caused no damage to the surrounding population or the environment.

Translated by Chrisanthi Sarantis

[45] Hillary Clinton Withdraws

By Nasos Bratsos

Sources: ΑNA, AFP, REUTERS

Hillary Clinton will suspend her campaign for the presidency and "express her support for Senator Barack Obama and party unity" as per ABC News. The announcement does not refer to Ms Clintons wider targets, that is whether she will terminate her campaign officially or suspend her involvement in politics. Barack Obamas side has announced that Caroline Kennedy will join a tripartite committee that aims at organising the selection of a candidate Vice President for the Democratic Party in Novembers Presidential elections.

Translated by John Crystallidis

[46] Struggle against Food Crisis

Sources: ΝΕΤ 105.8

UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon appealed at the Food and Agriculture Organisation Congress of the UN in Rome for an end to food crisis. It has been decided that $US3.5billion will be spent on the struggle against food crisis. From the Greek side, Rural Development Minister Alexandros Kontos referred to the production rate in Agriculture, the aid to poor countries and the production of bio-fuel, which must constitute the international communitys priority that will tackle the food crisis. Furthermore, Mr Kontos added that policies that will combat climate change and manage food crises are necessary for rural production to continue.

Translated by John Crystallidis

[47] By the Military Rule

04 Ιουν 2008 12:26:0

Sources: ANA, Reuters

Docked off Myanmars coast since 13 May, four US warships carrying aid supplies will leave on Thursday, after the countrys military rule refused permission for the delivery of the US aid to the cyclone victims, said a US official.

Commander of US forces in the Pacific Admiral Timothy Keating said they had tried at least 15 time in the past three weeks to talk the Burmese rulers to allow US troops, ships and helicopters to offer help to the people of Myanmar.

Several aircrafts will remain, though, in Thailand in case humanitarian groups need help. The four warships, on the other hand, will sail away on Thursday, but they may sail back to Myanmar in case the military junta decides otherwise, said Keating.

French warship Le Mistral left the area the last week after delivering the aid supplies.

Several nations, including the USA, as well as non-profitable organisations have pledged financial aid to Myanmar. However, the Burmese junta did not allow the US army to distribute the aid to the cyclone-stricken areas, fearing that a major international campaign would weaken the control it gained after the 1962 coup.

The Thai Prime Minister told US Defence Secretary Robert Gates, who visited Bangkok on Sunday, that Myanmars junta turned down the delivery of aid supplies by foreign military forces, fearing that it could be taken as an invasion.

Translated by Areti Christou

[48] In the US

04 Ιουν 2008 11:53:0

Sources: Reuters

Barack Obama achieved a historic victory as he captured the Presidential Democratic nomination yesterday, Tuesday

Barack Obama achieved a historic victory as he captured the Presidential Democratic nomination, yesterday Tuesday. Democratic Sen. Barack Obama became the first black to lead a major U.S. party into a race for the White House. Voters are now called to choose between a new politician Obama and John Mac Cain, 71 veteran in the Vietnam War and politics.

In total, Obama won 2,154 delegates even though Clinton achieved her last victory in S. Dakota (55%-45%, winning 89% of electoral centers). Obama gave his last battle in Montana (56%-41%, to 10%).

According to USA Today/Gallup released to public on Tuesday, 5 months before the presidential elections, Obama is on the lead, 49% while Mc Cain follows with 44% in vote intention.

The 46 years old from Illinois triumphed after a long and expensive battle that has ever taken place in his country. Yesterday the picture was clear as Obama managed to gather the necessary number of delegates in the presidential race.

Tonight, I can stand before you and say that I will be the Democratic nominee for president of the United States," he told 17,000 cheering supporters. Another 15,000 gathered outside the arena.

"Tonight, we mark the end of one historic journey with the beginning of another," Obama told a victory celebration in St. Paul, Minnesota, at the site of the Republican convention in September.

Clinton told New York members of Congress she would be open to becoming Obamas vice presidential running mate, and her backers turned up the pressure on Obama to pick her as his No.

"This has been a long campaign and I will make no decisionstonight," Clinton said. "In the coming days Ill be consulting with supporters and party leaders to determine how to move forward with the best interests of our party and my country guiding my way."

Obamas beliefs for change and hope in a country which seems divided and concerned regarding the war in Iraq and the financial recession ended Clintons 16 years old dominance in the Democratic party. His elections in a country where racial tension still prevails will mark a remarkable conflict.

Obama is called to bridge the gap between the Democratic. His grueling battle with Clinton split the party, with blacks, young people and more educated and higher-income voters backing Obama, while Hispanics, older voters and white working-class voters backed Clinton.

[49] Meeting on Food Crisis

Sources: ΝΕΤ, ANA-MPA, BBC

A three-day summit on food crisis opened Tuesday in Rome, signalling a "historic opportunity," as the UN stressed, to revitalize agriculture as a way of battling the food crisis. Several heads of state, government and reps of 196 FAO member states are attending the summit in a drive to tackle problems, including the skyrocketing food prices, the implications of the climate changes and biofuels. UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon urged the participants to strike a unanimous decision on biofuels, one of the key factors held accountable for the dramatic rise in food prices, underlining the need to have agriculture revitalized worldwide.

Translated by Areti Christou

[50] Air Raid in Gaza

By Betty Savourdou

Sources: ANA-MPA

Palestinian medical sources have announced that at least ten people were wounded in an air raid launched against Hamas in the northern part of the Gaza Strip Thursday night.

The raid, which was targeted against a Hamas building in Beit Lahiya, wounded many civilians, medical sources reported.

An Israeli army spokesman explained the raid came as retaliation for a mortar attack that killed an Israeli civilian on Thursday.

Translated by John Crystallidis

[51] Olmert: Stop Iranian Nuke Programme

Sources: REUTERS

Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert said on Tuesday Irans nuclear program must be stopped by "all possible means" and Tehran must be made to see it would suffer devastating repercussions if it pursued atomic weapons.

"The Iranian threat must be stopped by all possible means," Olmert said in a speech during a visit to Washington. "The international community has a duty and responsibility to clarify to Iran, through drastic measures, that the repercussions of their continued pursuit of nuclear weapons will be devastating."

[52] On High Cost of Living

03 Ιουν 2008 18:00:0

Sources: ΑNA-ΜNA

The Prime Minister intervened with the letter he send to the president of the Commission Jose Manuel Barroso on the issue of high cost of living which is causing wobbles to the economies of European countries and is putting into danger the progress and the social cohesion. Mr. Costas Karamanlis stressed that the European Union must focus at a further improvement of competitiveness with targeted social actions for vulnerable social groups and at a better coordination against international inflation.

Mr. Karamanlis' Letter

Mr. Karamanlis is asking for the international economical circumstance to be included to the agenda of the European Council (19-20 June) and suggested 3 axons for an effective European policy for the tackling of the consequences of high cost of living in every day life. "Global economy is facing a series of big and extended wobbles regarding rises in oil and basic food products prices. According to estimations, real food prices have risen to 47,3% during the last two years. Rises in oil and fossil fuels have risen to 39,7% and 46,8% and put in danger the stability of prices, the financial expand and progress in the sectors of employment and social cohesion. The social dimension of these developments is putting pressure: price rises affect vulnerable social groups out of proportion. As tendencies feeding these rises are expected to remain, it is very important State Leaders and European Union Governments to find the answer so as to abate the negative affects of these affects in the living level of our citizens. It is important the policies we are going to undertake as an answer not to distort our economies and not to put into danger the financial development, the stability and employment. We owe to focus to an answer which will combine 3 elements: a) further improvement of competitiveness and effectiveness in the product markets of the European Union b) targeted social transmissions of vulnerable groups c) better international co operation with our commercial partners for the tackling of the breeding causes of inflation. I really hope that we will have the chance to discuss these evidences during the forthcoming European Council. A series of suggestions and choices of policies adopted by the Committee will be necessary for such a discussion. Our citizens are fairly expecting us to find an effective answer to this difficult circumstance. I hope that the forthcoming European Council will give us the possibility to agree on the general principles that compose such an answer.

Translated by Sofia Gartziou

[53] Prevails at the Ecofin Summit

03 Ιουν 2008 15:12:0 (Last updated: 03 Ιουν 2008 19:18:0)

By Anna Kourti

Sources: ANA-MPA

The skyrocketing food and oil prices run high on the Ecofin Summit. The EU Finance Ministers said that Europe has to adjust its economy to tackle these two major problems. In the meantime, French President Nicolas Sarkozys proposal to have VAT on fuels reduced was not viewed as the appropriate measure to address the upward spiral of fuel prices. Evidence has suggested that the problems are more long-term ones than initially thought of, commented the President of the Ecofin Summit.

Translated by Areti Christou

[54] By Ministers of Economy of Eurozone

03 Ιουν 2008 15:12:0

By

Sources: ΑNA-ΜNA

Ministers of Economy decided in the summit meeting of Ecofin in Bushels on the co ordination of actions in order to copy with food and oil high prices. In parallel, they decided to proceed to the reinforcement of vulnerable citizens while they rejected Sarkozis proposal for VAT reduction in fuels. After the completion of Ecofin meeting, minister of Economy Mr. Giorgos Alogoskoufis stressed that "the European community is affected by the global developments such as the crisis recorded in stock markets, first material, food and oil prices a fact that has serious consequences in the EU inflation and in the inflation of specific countries taking as granted the structural differences among them. The discussion between ministers of economy was conducted in accordance with the relative analysis released by the European Union and the Slovenian presidency and constitutes the contribution of Ecofin Council in the EU Summit Meeting 19-29 June.

Sarkozy's Proposal not supported

Finance minister Mr. Alogoskoufis announced that there are 3 directions in the initiatives of Europe for the tackle of the affects in the international inflation

1. Efforts for the reinforcement of competitiveness for better buying of foods, oil and other consumption products must be intensified. He noted that emphasis must be given to the buying of first material where profiteering is reported.

2. According to Mr. Alogoskoufis, all effects in international inflation and vulnerable social groups have been taken into consideration and it has been agreed that social and revenue interventions must take place which must be in accordance with the fiscal goals. On reference to Greece, Finance minister referred to the foundation of the Poverty Fund. He stressed that planning was about to start from 2008 and underlined that the implementation of measures is more urgent now as problems are intense caused by the speed up of the international inflation. These measures will contribute to the cope of the consequences from international inflation. More specifically, EKAS (income benefit for pensioners) will rise up to 22%, farming pensions up to 20% and unemployment benefits up to 18% while he added that the government will also look into other supplementary "targeted" measures.

3. According to finance minister Europe must focus at proceeding to interventions and co operation with commercial partners around the world so as a rise of production and management of demand can be achieved.

In addition, they decided that the procedure regarding the over deficit of Czech, Italy, Portugal and Slovakia must be put to an end.

Todays Ecofin meeting is expected to look into the prospective of Slovenias entrance to Eurozone by 2009, the fluidity of insurance companies and social insurances VAT, as well as the exchange of views regarding the rise reported in food prices.

According to Eurostat, food prices rose up to 7,1% in the European Union in April. Recent protestations in the European Union on fuel prices, urged the French president to suggest freezing of VAT in fuels. "We must absorb foreign vibrations.. I hope that the next G7 meeting in Japan, April to look into this issue and to decide on the co operation of all the countries involved" European Commissioner Joaquin Almunia said.

Sarkozys proposal is not expected to find many supporters. Economy ministers said that they will insist on Manchester 2005 agreement. "I believe that my colleagues view is that tax policies are not the appropriate tool to copy with such issues", Mr. Andrei Bagiouk said.

Translated by Sofia Gartziou

[55] Campaign to Raise Awareness

Sources: ANA-MPA

Brussels being its first leg, the cycling tour that started from Lille, France, will finish in Olympia, Greece. The fathers of this initiative, five students of the Lille University and members of student union Citoyens de lEurope, breathed life into this campaign, with a view to raising awareness among the Europeans and contribute to the afforestation of the areas in the Peloponnese that were ravaged from last years devastating blazes. The initiative, which has the backing of L Elan nouveau des Citoyens under the auspices of well-known member of the French Academy Jacqueline de Romilly, aspires to convey its message to the other European nations.

Translated by Areti Christou

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