The Hellenic Radio (ERA): News in English, 08-06-14

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

CONTENTS

[01] Voters Torn

14 Ιουν 2008 12:52:0

Sources: ΝΕΤ, ΝΕΤ 105.8

At the focus of interest are latest developments in PASOK after Mr. Papandreous decision to oust former Prime Minister Mr. Simitis from the partys parliamentary group. According to gallop conducted for ANT-1 TV channel, PASOK voters seem torn regarding Mr. Simitis ousted. The gallop records that they can not decide whether this movement reinforces the leading profile of Mr. Papandreou and if M. Simitis must withdraw from the political activity. As per voting intention, New Democracy is on the lead, ahead of PASOK with 5,5 points. More specifically, ND received 30% against PASOKs 24,5% . SYRIZA follows with 10,5%, KKE gathered 7,3% and LAOS 5,1%, while undecided voters rose up to 19,4%.

Perplexity and Differentiations

At the same time some of the top members of the opposition party publicly express their disagreement regarding Mr. Simitis ousted from the parliamentary group.

"We have to close this new round of introversion and to try to reach people", PASOK parliamentary member Mr. Magriotis said in NET 105,8 state radio station.

Mr. Papandreou stated that the partys only goal and his only concern are to free the country from a miserable establishment of specific economical and political interests that are protected by the Prime Minister and his government.

"Mr. Papandreou is insulting more vulgar than any other time in order to cover the noise caused by his partys internal problems", governmental spokesman Mr. Roussopoulos said.

On reference to PASOK crisis minister of Transport Mr. Hatzigakis said: "Latest crisis in PASOK reflects the wider crisis of strategy of the opposition party, I have nothing more to say, this PASOKs internal issue".

Deputy minister of education Mr. Andreas Lykourezos stated in NET 105,8: "I believe that Mr. Simitis ousted was wrong". He also underlined that former prime ministers can express their opinions and stressed that PASOK faces a problem of strategy.

Translated by Sofia Gartziou

[02] Prime Minister's Briefing by Minister of Transport

14 Ιουν 2008 13:41:0

By

Sources: ΝΕΤ, ΝΕΤ 105.8, ΑNA-ΜNA

Transport minister after his meeting with the Prime Minister announced the remodeling of bus lines of Western Attika, the creation of bicycle line as well as the provision of new natural gas buses. In addition, Mr. Hatzigakis and C. Karamanlis discussed the issue of Olympic Airways stressing that negotiations with the European Union continue and that the time tables that have already released to public still stand. He also announced that two big bicycle lines will be created in Athens.

"Green Transports", OA and Telecommunication

Transport minister stated that the goal of his plan is to remodel the bus lines so as citizens to be able to use the same ticket for the city center, saving that way 30% of their time.

As per the provision of new buses, Mr. Hatzigakis announced that 200 natural gas buses will be available to the public, so as Athens to become the first country in natural gas buses in Europe.

Discussion also focused at railway train lines and bicycle lines. Transport minister announced that two big bus lines will be contructed in Athens while 15 million euros funds will be used for this purpose in Athens and Thessaloniki.

As per Olympic Airways, Mr. Hatzigakis made clear that negotiations with the European Union continue. But they are technical and extremely difficult as well as time consuming. However, the governments time tables are already known, he added. "We want to come up with a solution in time and we insist on what we have already announced. We wish to preserve the brand name of the company but we want to get rid of its debts", he concluded.

The discussion also included the ministrys agenda per road networks and telecommunications. "What this involves is Egnatia road network and telecommunications", Mr. Hatzigakis said underlying that the government invests not only money but also hopes to this programme which will be innovative in the domain of telecommunications in Europe.

Translated by Sofia Gartziou

[03] Exodus Peaks

Sources: ΝΕΤ, ΝΕΤ 105.8

Vacationers exodus at the occasion of the Celebration of the Holly Spirit (Monday, June 16, 2008) peaks. Traffic in road networks of the country is risen. Traffic police is in alert and has taken extra measures since yesterday, prohibiting lorry traffic until Sunday. Buses and Trains in Greece (KTEL) and Hellenic Railways Organization (OSE) have arranged extra railway train and bus routes. 44 ship lines will depart from Piraeus and Rafina ports. The number of plane flights is also increased. In El. Venizelos airport 530 arrivals and 31 departures have been arranged for today. The good weather is ally for the vacationers. Cloudiness is expected only in the Western part of the country as well as sporadic rainfalls and storms in South. Temperature will reach 30 degrees Celsius. Risen cloudiness, south western strong winds and temperature rising from 31 to 29 degrees Celsius will be the scenery in Athens and Thessaloniki.

Translated by Sofia Gartziou

[04] Strong Quake Hit Japan

people, injuring more than 100 and sparking huge landslides that blocked roads and isolated residents

Sources: Reuters

A powerful earthquake rocked rural northern Japan on Saturday, killing at least six people, injuring more than 100 and sparking huge landslides that blocked roads and isolated residents. The 7.2 magnitude quake struck at 8:43 a.m. (2343 GMT Friday) in Iwate, a sparsely populated, scenic area around 300 km (190 miles) north of Tokyo, where buildings also shook. More than 160 aftershocks rocked the northern area and officials warned more strong quakes might be in store. Water containing a small amount of radiation leaked within a Tokyo Electric Power Co nuclear power facility in the region. Major destructions were reported in road networks and buildings.

Major Destructions and Human Losses

NHK said a total of 12 people were missing as aftershocks jolted the region, hampering rescue efforts. More than 300 people were cut off in remote areas,media reports said. TV footage showed huge cracks in some roads, while others were swamped by landslides. Water containing a small amount of radiation leaked within a Tokyo Electric Power Co nuclear power facility in the region, but there was no leakage outside, a spokesman for Japans biggest utility said. Tohoku Electric Power said its nuclear plants at Onagawa and Higashidori were running as usual. In October 2004, an earthquake with a magnitude of 6.8 struck the Niigata region in northern Japan, killing 65 people and injuring more than 3,000.

[05] After Ireland's "No"

14 Ιουν 2008 16:55:0

Sources: NET, ANA/MPA

Europe is gravely concerned over Irelands "no" to the Lisbon Treaty. European Commission President Jos&#233; Manuel Barroso voiced his sorrow over the result of the Irish referendum, he required, though, the procedures for the ratification of the Treaty go on until all 27 member-states take a stand on the issue. Britain has already announced it will go on with the ratification process despite Irelands negative vote. Political analysts speak of an impasse, while others claim that a single vote, that of Ireland, cannot have an influence on the future of 400 million European citizens.

Greek Reactions

Greek Foreign Minister Dora Bakoyannis, who is on an official visit to Cyprus, called the negative vote of the people of Ireland sad, yet she assured that Europe will move ahead.

PASOK (Panhellenic Socialist Movement) President George Papandreou stressed that the "no" demonstrated that that the powers for a democratic and social Europe are hiding, with those of conservatism and Europhobia prevailing.

The Greek people should celebrated the Irish no and struggle for a referendum [in Greece] to turn into a blow to the EU Constitution and the EU choices, commented Aleka Papariga, KKE (Greek Communist Party) secretary general.

"I hope the EU leaders will stop being arrogant and listen to the message sent by the people," SYN (Coalition of the Radical Left) MEP Dimitris Papadimoulis told NET state run radio station.

The proud people of Ireland saved Europes honour, argued LAOS (Popular Orthodox Rally) Giorgos Karatzaferis.

Uncertainty and Scenarios for the Day After

The resounding victory of the campaign against a negative vote in Ireland stemmed from the mounting frustration of the working class voters, who feel isolated by the Dublin and Brussels political elites, from those citizens who feel they are being distanced more and more from an EU that used to do a lot to support the nations economic growth.

As was the case in 2005, when the French and the Dutch turned down the European Constitutional Treaty, the results manifested that what played a key role was the working class scepticism.

The bulk of Irelands political world had championed the Treaty, which had been designed to give more international influence to the EU and simplify its operation following its enlargement. However, the Treaty, which has to be given thumbs up by all the EU nations, was rejected by Ireland with 53.4% against 46.6%.

French President Nicolas Sarkozy reiterated Saturday that the ratification procedures have to continue lest the outcome of the Irish referendum should result in an impasse. In a joint press conference with US President George W. Bush, Sarkozy said that Irelands "no" is yet another obstacle.

Cypriot Minister Markos Kyprianou, who termed the referendums result as a negative development, ruled out the possibility of Ireland being left out of the EU, since, as he explained, that would cause serious malfunctions to the EU. "Ireland should insist holding a new referendum, as was the case with the Nice Treaty," stressed Kyrpianou.

Another scenario currently being examined wants the Lisbon Treaty to be put on hold or there will be a legal settlement excluding Dublin from certain EU policy sectors. A new round of talks with a view to leading to a new treaty is the most unlikely scenario.

Translated by Areti Christou

Related News:

Ireland Says "No" to Lisbon Treaty

[06] US President Tours Europe

14 Ιουν 2008 16:28:0 (Last updated: 14 Ιουν 2008 17:48:2)

By Nasos Bratsos

Sources: ΝΕΤ 105.8, ANA, AFP

US President George W. Bush, who is visiting Paris as part of his tour in Europe, addressed the OECD stressing that never before will Afghanistan become a terrorism bastion. Reminding that the USA and Europe had a different stand on Iraq five years ago, Bush said that the ties between them have grown wider than ever. The US President also hailed Sarkozys decision to beef up the French troops in Afghanistan. With regard to Iran, both the US President and his French counterpart said they were disappointed that Iran rejected a package of incentives offered to Iran by western nations as long as it halted its uranium enrichment.

Bushs visit to France, though, was met with protests in the French capital, with the demonstrators condemning the choices of the US foreign policy and demanding war on Iraq and Afghanistan be stopped and foreign troops be withdrawn from these countries.

Translated by Areti Christou

[07] On 14 June

14 Ιουν 2008 16:07:0

Sources: ΝΕΤ 105.8

Blood is not an industrial product, but an invaluable good offered from a man to his fellow man. On the occasion of the World Blood Donor Day, Greek Deputy Interior Minister Christos Zois said: "Today it is a day of hope, sensitivity and offer to our fellowmen in need. A day of responsibility, solidarity and altruism. A day honouring the anonymous blood donor." Zois stressed, "The establishment of the celebration is certain to play a key role so that prejudice, fear and ignorance about blood donation can be fought, new blood donors can be encouraged and the idea of blood donation and social offer can be passed on to the new generation. Unfortunately, Greece is in dire need of blood, mostly in the summertime. It is common knowledge that blood donation covers only 50% of the needs. At the same time, the rise in car crashes has to raise awareness, pushing people to resort to blood donation." Only concerted moves can help Greece acquire blood sufficiency and increase the number of the regular blood donors, concluded Christos Zois.

Translated by Areti Christou

[08] World Day Fertility

Sources: ΝΕΤ 105.8, ΑNA-ΜNA

Organization of Health stresses that 10% of men and 12% of women face problems of infertility

In 1 to 5 cases the problem can not be explained while 1 out of two incidents indicate that men suffer from infertility.

According to evidence released recently to public by the Union of obstetricians-gynecologists in Greece 1 out of six couple faces problems of infertility. Eurostat reports that according to 2005 statistics, the lowest rates of infertility in Europe are recorded in Greece as Greek women give birth to 1,28% children

As per the causes of the problem they have to do with womens transfer of fertility age and to the reduction of mens sperm due to environmental reasons such as industrial waste that become mixed with the nutrition circle.

Translated by Sofia Gartziou

[09] Hunter Killed in Arkadia

Sources: ANA-MNA

A hunter was killed mistakenly by his companion in hunting who shot him because he mistook him for a wild pig. The incident was reported in a forestall area, Mainalos of Arkadia where the two men were illegally hunting wild pigs. The unfortunate hunter was transferred to hospital but it was too late. The illegal hunter was arrested and will testify to Prosecution. Tripolis Security Department has ordered investigation. What must be noted is that a few months before the brother of former deputy minister of defense Mr. G.Lampropoulos was also killed during pig hunting.

Translated by Sofia Gartziou

[10] G8: Price Rises a Serious Threat

Sources: ΑΠΕ-ΜΠΕ-Reuters-AFP

According to G8 ministers of economy in a meeting held in Osaka, Japan, rises in oil and food prices constitute serious threat for global economy. "High prices in food and mainly oil are a serious threat for global economy, have serious affects in the development of more vulnerable economies and may even contribute to the increase of inflation pressures internationally", the announcement of G8 ministers makes clear.

Ministers have also asked for raise in oil production and investigation launched by the International Monetary Fund (FMI).

"We call FMI and AIE (International Energy Service) to co operate with the competent national authorities in order to analyze the factors which have lead in the rise of oil prices and in the affects caused in global economy", the announcement adds.

G8 ministers (US, Japan, Britain, France, Italy, Canada and Russia) asked from FMI to hand them over a report on the issue in their next meeting in December.

They also asked for "reduction of funding" by some countries like Asia in fuel prices and expressed the hope for extra measures will be taken in order poorer countries to be able to tackle risen oil prices.

Translated by Sofia Gartziou

[11] Grp C: Netherlands 4-1 France

Sources: ASSOCIATED PRESS

Substitute Arjen Robben set up one goal and scored another Friday to lead the Netherlands to a 4-1 victory over France and a place in the quarterfinals of the European Championship. While the Dutch clinched first place in Group C, the result left France needing a win over World Cup champion Italy in its last match to stand a good chance of advancement. With a second classic performance in as many games, the Dutch again produced the sparkle any championship craves, compiling a total of seven goals against World Cup finalists Italy and France.

Lineups

Netherlands: Edwin van der Sar, Khalid Boulahrouz, Andre Ooijer, Joris Mathijsen, Giovanni van Bronckhorst, Orlando Engelaar (Arjen Robben, 46), Nigel de Jong, Dirk Kuyt (Robin Van Persie, 55), Wesley Sneijder, Rafael van der Vaart (Wilfred Bouma, 78), Ruud van Nistelrooy.

France: Gregory Coupet, Willy Sagnol, Lilian Thuram, William Gallas, Patrice Evra, Franck Ribery, Claude Makelele, Jeremy Toulalan, Florent Malouda (Bafetimbi Gomis, 60), Sidney Govou (Nicolas Anelka, 75), Thierry Henry.

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