The Hellenic Radio (ERA): News in English, 08-06-09

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

CONTENTS

[01] To the Achaia & Ilia Quake-Stricken

09 Ιουν 2008 21:24:0 (Last updated: 09 Ιουν 2008 23:03:2)

Sources: ΝΕΤ, ΝΕΤ 105.8, ΑNA

Achaia and Ilia inhabitants, who experienced the 6.5-magnitude quake, are afraid that powerful aftershocks will follow. The Sunday quake derived from a non-mapped fault. Damages were recorded in Arcadia and Aitoloakarnania. Meanwhile, the homeless and victims are receiving medical aid and tents, while Regional Chief Spyros Spyridon ordered the evacuation of Santameri, Portes and Haravgi at the prefecture of Achaia in 48 hours due to the risk of landslides. Two people were killed from the quake and 178 were injured in Achaia and 49 in Ilia. Until now, 150 houses in Ilia and Achaia will have to be demolished, while from an additional 264 houses in Ilia 80 will have to be demolished and 184 repaired. Moreover, in the prefecture of Achaia 70 houses will have to be demolished and 170 repaired.

Meeting at Maximos Mansion

A meeting on the restoration of damages was chaired at Maximos Mansion by Prime Minister Kostas Karamanlis in the presence of ministers. It was decided that repairs of damaged houses would be made for free, while those demolished would be rebuilt for free. Referring to VAN group Environment Minister George Souflias stated that they had not informed the authorities about the imminent quake, adding that the only seismologist who have provided the authorities with data was Mr Papazahos. In parallel, Employment Minister said from Luxemburg that her ministry is examining measures it will take to the relief of the quake-stricken, while the competent organizations will see that allowances are given to the victims and houses repaired.

Instructions to the Citizens

After the meeting, government spokesman Theodoros Roussopoulos said that to receive the 3,000-euro allowance the quake-hit should refer to the Agricultural Bank carrying with them their ID. In addition, they should carry documents that prove their house is not safe to live in. The 3,000-euro allowance will be followed by a 10,000-euro allowance for their household stuff.

In parallel, the Interior ministry will distribute economic aid amounting to 200,000 euros to each of the prefectures of Achaia and Ilia and 150,000 euros to each of t he quake-hit municipalities.

Translated by John Crystallidis

Related News:

The Day After

[02] Focus on High Cost of Living

Sources: ΝΕΤ, ΑNA-ΜPA

Employment Minister Fani Petralia will raise the issue of the high cost of living at the EU Employment Ministers meeting in Luxemburg. Meanwhile, the Panhellenic Federation of Consumers Associations has called Greeks to boycott milk that is sold over one euro per litre, stressing that the price of milk is 45% over that in other European countries. At the same time, GSEE (General Confederation of Greek Workers) met today and decided to launch a protest rally on 19 against the high cost of living. GSEE President Giannis Panagopoulos stressed amongst others that he has called ADEDY (Supreme Administration of Greek Civil Servants Trade Unions), PASEGES (Panhellenic Confederation of Union of Agricultural Co-ops) and self government organizations in Attica to take part in the rally.

In its meeting, GSEE also decided that measures should be taken against cartels and monopolies, demanding in parallel the freezing of rates in public utilities, toll posts, as well as the freezing of oil prices and public sector services.

Translated by John Crystallidis

[03] Cadres Visit Achaia and Ilia

Sources: ΝΕΤ, ΝΕΤ 105.8, ΑNA

Opposition party cadres are touring the quake-hit Achaia and Ilia proposing measures.

PASOK (Socialists) President George Papandreou expressed his condolences to the families of the victims, accusing the government of abandoning the Peloponnese after last years fires, while party spokesman Giannis Ragousis proposed army forces to be sent to the Peloponnese.

KKE (Greek Communist Party) proposed anti-seismic armouring and protection measures to be taken in the biggest countries, demanding checks of all buildings in Ilia and full restoration of damages and measures in support of the quake-stricken and unemployed.

SYRIZA (Coalition of the Radical Left) Parliamentary Group President Alekos Alavanos expressed his support to the quake-hit people, demanding compensations to the victims of the quake. At the same time, the party will hold a meeting on Tuesday in support of the quake-hit people.

LAOS (Popular Orthodox Rally) President George Karatzaferis visited the quake-hit yesterday, stressing that what matters now is support to the victims.

Translated by John Crystallidis

[04] Slight Drop

By Katerina Ioannidou

Sources: ΑNZ-ΜPA-REUTERS

The oil price dropped slightly today from Fridays $US139 per barrel. US light crude dropped by $US1.36 to $US137.18 per barrel. British Brent for July delivery dropped by $US1.47 to $US136.22. The oil price rose partly because of Morgan Stanleys report as per which oil will reach $US150 per barrel until 4 July and partly to the weak dollar.

Furthermore, European Central Bank President Jean-Claude Trichets statement that European interest rates might go up next month boosted the euro against the dollar. Meanwhile, the high oil prices have triggered price hikes in products and staging of rallies. Spanish truck owners have launched a strike today, protesting to the high prices of fuel. Finally, the euro rose against the dollar today. It was trading at 1.5665 1.5845 dollars when on Friday night the rate was 1.5778 dollars.

Translated by John Crystallidis

Related News:

Inflation Hike, Oil Prices Fall

[05] Tsipras-Fasoulas Meeting

By Katerina Ioannidou

Sources: ΝΕΤ 105.8

In his morning meeting with Piraeus Mayor Panagiotis Fasoulas, SYN (Coalition of the Left) President Alexis Tsipras the Piraeus Mayor presented the municipalitys problems, adding that the municipality is "on the brink of a precipice". Mr Fasoulas asked the political leaderships aid, expressing his satisfaction over Mr Tsipras support. Mr Tsipras stated that the present situation reflects the self-governments failed policy, attributing it to the policy implemented by the recent governments. He also reported that he would support the rally organized by Mr Fasoulas on 13 June. Finally, he said that money owed to municipalities should be given to them.

Translated by John Crystallidis

[06] New Round of Talks

Sources: ΝΕΤ 105.8, ΑNA

Special UN mediator Matthew Nimetz is to chair a new round of talks on the FYROM (Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia) name issue in New York Tuesday. He will hold separate talks with the two sides ambassadors Messrs Vasilakis and Dimitrov on Tuesday and Wednesday respectively. A tripartite meeting may also be held on 12 June. Meanwhile, Prime Minister Kostas Karamanlis reiterated that if a mutually accepted solution on the FYROM name is not reached, then FYROM will not join NATO. In parallel, PASOK president George Papandreou presented his positions on the same issue at EU meeting under the Slovenian presidency.

Translated by John Crystallidis

[07] In Support of the Quake-Hit

Sources: ΝΕΤ, ΝΕΤ 105.8, ΑNA-ΜPA

Political party cadres visited quake-stricken Peloponnese, demanding the immediate support of the quake-hit people.

PASOK (Socialists) President George Papandreou expressed his condolences to the families of the victims, accusing the government of abandoning the Peloponnese after last years fires.

KKE (Greek Communist Party) proposed anti-seismic armouring and protection measures to be taken in the biggest countries, demanding checks of all buildings in Ilia and full restoration of damages and measures in support of the quake-stricken and unemployed.

SYRIZA (Coalition of the Radical Left) Parliamentary Group President Alekos Alavanos expressed his support to the quake-hit people, demanding compensations to the victims of the quake.

LAOS (Popular Orthodox Rally) President George Karatzaferis visited the quake-hit yesterday, stressing that what matters now is support to the victims.

Translated by John Crystallidis

Related News:

The Day After

"Dancing with the Quakes"

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