The Hellenic Radio (ERA): News in English, 08-06-13

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

CONTENTS

[01] Top Split in PASOK

13 Ιουν 2008 14:13:0

Sources: ΝΕΤ-ΝΕΤ 105,8-ΑNA/ΜNA

Mr. Papandreous decision to oust former Prime Minister Mr. Simitis from the partys parliamentary group has triggered concerns in PASOKs internal. In his letter to former prime minister, Mr. Papandreou explains that he will not initiate official procedures because he respects the history and contribution of Mr. Simitis. On his side Mr. Simitis noted that PASOK has lost all electoral battles from 2004 and that voting percentages have dropped.

Internal Conflicts

PASOK members speak of a new round of introversion within the opposition party. PASOK secretary Giannis Ragousis called on all members to show restrain.

However, party members expressed their concern for the side effects of the decision.

"I have disagreed and conflicted with Mr. Simitis in the past. But I believe that in former Democracies former Prime Ministers are part of the Constitutions and the History and can not be erased", PASOK parliamentary member Alekos Papadopoulos said.

"We are in a harsh and unpleasant moment for the party but through this cruel and unpleasant moment we must preserve the unity of the party", Petros Egthymiou said in NET 105,8 radio station.

The release to public of Simitis letter as well as the answer given by PASOK Press Office was mistakes. None wants any other mistakes in PASOK", former president of Parliament Apostolos Kaklamanis stated while Nikos Bitsis noted: "the foundation of our party is strong, but there is problem in the "floors" of the building.

Anna Diamntopoulou asked from everybody to be cautious because as she stressed Mr. Simitis contribution can not be erased.

At the same time, the government did not wish to comment on the latest developments in the opposition party.

No comment, was the respond of deputy governmental representative Evaggelos Antonaros, while Minister of Transport Kostas Hatzigakis stated in NET 105,8 that tension in PASOK reflects the general crisis prevailing in the opposition party.

Translated by Sofia Gartziou

[02] Karamanlis in Samos

13 Ιουν 2008 11:36:0

Sources: ΝΕΤ 105.8

In his address at the illegal immigrants reception centre in Vathi, Samos the prime minister stressed that EU member states should adopt a joint policy in combating illegal migration.

Kostas Karamanlis described illegal migration as one of the most serious issues the EU is facing, adding that Greece the sole country to be heavily burdened with the struggle against migration.

The prime minister referred to the Greek initiative to set up a European Coastguard force, appearing optimistic over the adoption of fresh policy, as other countries, including France that will be assuming EU Presidency are adopting the Greek proposals.

Translated by John Crystallidis

[03] To Peloponnese Quake Hit Residents

13 Ιουν 2008 14:58:0 (Last updated: 13 Ιουν 2008 17:04:1)

Sources: ΝΕΤ, ΝΕΤ 105.8, ΑNA-ΜNA

The provision of the financial aid to quake hit residents continues. The situation is smoothed as queues in banks and problems are limited today. Hellenic Organization of Seismic Protection (OASP) OASP president professor Kostantinos Makropoulos after his announcement today, called on quake hit residents to be cautious as there is still chance for a strong earthquake. He suggested that residents should follow the engineers recommendations and should not enter houses which are temporary inappropriate. Meantime, bloggers are collecting today first need things.

Aid and Strict Controls

The problems that came up during the provision of the financial aid will be tackled, Internal Minister Prokopis Pavlopoulos said. He also announced that the plan for the restoration of the two prefectures will be included in the National Planning of Regional Development.

Deputy governmental spokesman said that so far 1.222 quake hit residents have received the financial aid of 3.000 and 15 the allowance of 10.000.

People from all Greece and abroad are collecting first aid things. Bloggers will also meet today in Agios Antonios square in order to collect aid. More information in: http://ellines-energoi-polites.blogspot.com/.

Reconstruction crews of the Institute of Geological and Extractive Controls continue controls in buildings in both prefectures and in water-supply systems

Secondary Education Department decided to proceed to extension of the exam period in Achaia until next week, as many 1st and 2nd grade students refused to enter the school buildings for their oral examinations.

G. Papandreou Visits Quake Hit Areas

PASOK president is visiting today Achaia and Ilia areas that were recently hit by quake. Mr. Papandreou stated and congratulated at the same time the local administration and volunteers for their efforts. In his statements he spoke of the governments unacceptable delay to declare the two prefectures quake hit areas which would have facilitated the immediate and affective aid to the residents, as he said.

Translated by Sofia Gartziou

[04] On Lisbon Treaty

13 Ιουν 2008 16:16:0 (Last updated: 13 Ιουν 2008 19:27:1)

Sources: ΝΕΤ, ΑNA-ΜPA

The people of Ireland rejected the European Lisbon Treaty in the referendum that took place on Wednesday. Irish Minister of Justice Dermot Ahern admitted the victory of "no". "Finally peoples spoke for thousand of reasons", he stated. According to up to so far counted results "no" is on the lead gathering 53,66% against 46,34% in favour of "yes". According to German News Agencys unofficial results, the prefectures that voted in favour of the Treaty are Dublin and Leinster province, East Ireland one of the most densely populated part of the country, while agricultural and labour areas voted against the treaty. Ireland is the only country among the EU state members where a referendum took place for the approval of the treaty which has been approved by 27 countries among which Greece.

EU Gravely Concerned

France, which is taking over the reigns of the rotating EU Presidency on 1 July, and Germany are considering having a shared reaction to the Irish referendum. French European Affairs Minister Jean-Pierre Jouyet said that the ratification procedure should go undisturbed in the rest nation, also adding that a legal settlement should be struck between Ireland and the rest 26 EU nations.

The EU states should find a mutual solution to break the deadlock in which Europe is sinking, argued Portugals Foreign Minister Luis Amado.

Being among the EU states that have already ratified the treaty, Lithuania said that Dublin will have to come up with a solution. In neighbouring Estonia, whose House ratified the Lisbon Treaty on Wednesday, Toomas Hendrik Ilves described the result of the Irish referendum as "sad." The Irish no blocked the EUs development, affecting everyone, claimed Ilves.

Dane Foreign Minister Per Stig Moeller voiced his sorrow over the negative result, which, as he said, creates uncertainty in the EU. He then advised everyone not to jump to conclusions.

[05] Double Tragedy

Dehydration seems to be what killed the two brothers from the northern Greek city of Orestiada. Having been reported missing since 28 May, the two toddlers were found inside an elevator in an uninhabited block of flat in central Orestiada. The new dramatic twist of their disappearance has given rise to several questions on the way authorities handled the case. Police did not confirm a statement by a woman, whereby she had seen the two brothers a day after their disappearance. However, an inquiry is likely to take place to investigate why police thought the illegal adoption scenario was most probable instead of combing the wider area thoroughly. Senior police officials stressed that all activities were supervised by a prosecutor.

Translated by Areti Christou

Related News:

Little Brothers Found Dead

[06] Greek FM's Contacts in Cyprus

By Anna Kourti

Sources: ANA-MPA, ΝΕΤ 105.8

Being on a visit to Cyprus, Greek Foreign Minister Dora Bakoyannis held separate talks with Cypriot Speaker Marios Karoyian, former Cypriot President Tassos Papadopoulos and former President Giorgos Vasileiou and Glavkos Klirides. "The path ahead us is not a rosy one. We all have to struggle for the much-coveted result for Cyprus," commented the Greek Foreign Minister. "We exchanged views, thoughts and concerns over the course of the Cyprus issue and the wider developments in Europe," stressed Bakoyannis after her meeting with former head of state Tassos Papadopoulos, which lasted for more than an hour. Papadopoulos, on his part, touched on the close and effective cooperation he had with the Greek Foreign Minister during his term, and when asked whether their concerns coincide, he said: "Concerns always coincide."

At the same time, Speaker of the Cypriot House Marios Karoyian underlined that his meeting with Bakoyannis witnessed similar goals and handlings on the Cyprus dispute. Karoyian said that matters pertaining to the EU, as well as matters of mutual interest were also brought up at the meeting.

Former President Giorgos Vasileiou stated that Bakoyannis confirmed him that Greece will not only monitor, but it will also be ready to contribute to the drive towards striking a solution in any way it can.

Cypriot President Demetris Christofias has invited Bakoyannis to a dinner at his cottage.

Translated by Areti Christou

Related News:

Greek FM in Cyprus

[07] Heavy Charges

13 Ιουν 2008 15:03:0

Sources: ΝΕΤ, ΝΕΤ 105.8, ΑNA-ΜNA

Journalist Themos Anastasiadis who is charged with DVD trafficking in Zahopoulos case received new deadline to testify until July 30. Mr. Anastasiadis is accused of being the DVD carrier breaking that way the law per personal data. He is also charged with stealing and processing personal information in order to financially benefit himself. It must be noted that Mr. Anastasiadis has asked from the Special Revenue Service to conduct investigation in his personal assets and bank accounts. In addition, the journalist is being accused of intentionally hurting Mr. Zahopoulos as after the case was released to public his personality was slandered. Mr. Anastasiadis counselor commented: "Human beings can not be convicted with words only".

Translated by Sofia Gartziou

[08] Cruise Ferry Stuck in Syros Port

Sources: ANA/MNA

EASY CRUISE LIFE cruiser ferry carrying 353 passengers stuck in sand shallow in Syros port at 11.35 in the morning during its 7 days cruise in the Greek islands and Turkey. The ship-owner is Stelios Hatzioannou. The ship was hauled and was transferred to Syros port safely. EASY CRUISER departed from Piraeus port last Saturday. It was heading to Kalymnos, Bodrum (Turkey), Kos, Paros, Mykonos, Syros and was to return to Piraeus port tomorrow.

Translated by Sofia Gartziou

[09] G. Papandreou in Quake Hit Areas

By Athina Saloustrou

PASOK president is visiting today Achaia and Ilia areas that were recently hit by quake. In the morning Mr. Papandreou visited "Agios Andreas" hospital which was evacuated yesterday Thursday. "We are here with PASOK group to support the areas which were by quakes hit and by fires last year", Mr. Papandreou stated and congratulated at the same time the local administration and volunteers for their efforts. In his statements he spoke of the governments unacceptable delay to declare the two prefectures quake hit areas which would have facilitated the immediate and affective aid to the residents, as he said.

In addition, Mr. Papandreou said that it is "unacceptable to think that with a tip like the 3.000 aid provided by the government we can resolve the problem. A plan of immediate action is necessary as well as a sustainable development plan for the area", PASOK president stressed while he also referred on PASOK proposals for the rebirth of Peloponnese submitted before the earthquakes stressing that if this plan is enriched with small details it can contribute to the recovery of recent destructions caused by quakes.

Translated by Sofia Gartziou

[10] Picasso's Works Stolen

By Betty Savourdou

Sources: ANA-MPA-Reuters

Armed robbers stole two Pablo Picasso prints and two works by Brazilian artists from Sao Paulo's Pinacoteca Museum on Thursday, officials said, the second major art theft in the Brazilian city in six months. The three robbers entered the museum in broad daylight and threatened security guards. They made off with the Spanish artist's 1963 print "The Painter and the Model" and "Minotaur, Drinker and Women" from 1933, the state culture secretariat said. They also snatched the print "Couple" by Brazilian artist Lasar Segall (1891-1957) and the painting "Women in a Window" by fellow Brazilian Emiliano Di Cavalcanti (1897-1976). The artworks, belonging to the Jose and Paulina Nemirovsky Foundation and worth in total about 1 million reais ($613,000), were on display in the Pinacoteca Station annex of the museum. It was the second theft of works by Picasso, who lived from 1881 to 1973, in Sao Paulo in recent months.

Read the story on other sources:

BBC: Two Picassos stolen in Brazil

[11] Of the Crucial Referendum

13 Ιουν 2008 09:30:0

By

The results of the crucial referendum for Lisbon Treaty are going to be released today. French Prime Minister estimated "that there is not going to be a Lisbon Treaty" in the case that Irish reject it unless dialogue with the Irish people starts again".

Ballot centers closed at midnight leaving about 500 million Europeans waiting for the results which are to be released to public on Friday. Up to this moment there are no official evidence regarding the participation to the elections. According to estimations by the Irish radio television network RTE, it is to reach 40%.

It must be noted that in order for the treaty which was formed to replace Euro Constitution, which was rejected by French and Dutch voters- to be approved it must be voted by the 27 countries members of the European Union. Ireland is the only country that proceeded to a referendum. In the other countries Lisbon Treaty was approved in Parliament.

Translated by Sofia Gartziou

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