The Hellenic Radio (ERA): News in English, 08-06-18

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

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

CONTENTS

[01] In View of the EU Summit

18 Ιουν 2008 17:27:0 (Last updated: 18 Ιουν 2008 16:56:5)

Sources: ΝΕΤ, ΝΕΤ 105.8, ANA-MPA

Joining forces in a Pan-European protest against the skyrocketing fuel and food prices, trade unions have pledged to meet in Brussels. Tractors, lorries and cabs are flocking Brussels by thousands, aiming to wreak havoc in the centre of the city on Thursday, the opening day of the EU Summit. The surging fuel prices, the rise in inflation and the taking of measures against the high cost of living plaguing Europe are to run high on the agenda of the 27-nation bloc. The preparation of the Summit was the key work of the European Parliament Plenum on Wednesday, during which European Commission President Jos&#233; Manuel Barroso reiterated that Europe has to answer to the citizens concerns. In the meantime, Greek Prime Minister Kostas Karamanlis met with Foreign Minister Dora Bakoyannis to work on Greeces stance in the Summit.

Mass Demonstrations

More than 120 lorries blocked off Brussels central roads, while hundreds of tractors were entering the Belgian capital city from the south.

Tractors and lorries had gathered on the outskirts of the area, hosting the two-day Summit, which will mainly focus on the surging oil prices.

"With the barrel reaching 140 and maybe 200 dollars, we can no longer make ends meet," said a transport company chief.

With the food prices making foodstuffs a luxury and oil prices nearing to break the $150 threshold, thousands of drivers demand emergency measures.

Lorries drivers want the government increase their customers rates so that they can address the rise in oil prices, while farmers, who suffer from the implications brought about by the rising oil prices, have put down the trimming of their income to the low prices they sell their products.

Police are trying to keep farmers in the regional roads. The demonstrator, however, have warned they are ready to wreak havoc in central Brussels.

The EU Is Considering Package of Emergency Measures

The EU Summit has to give answers to the citizens concerns, which stem from the skyrocketing oils prices, argued European Commission President Jos&#233; Manuel Barroso on the eve of the Summit.

The Brussels Summit will draw its attention to the rising fuel and food prices that weigh down house budgets and economic activities, said Barroso. He further added that the Summit has to live up to the citizens expectations.

The European Commission President also spoke of a package of emergency measures meaning to help people in dire need.

Translated by Areti Christou

Related News:

Karamanlis-Bakoyannis Cooperation

[02] Mini Heat-wave Expected till Friday

Sources: NET

It appears that heat has begun prevailing in Greece as the temperature today reached 39 Celsius. In an attempt to face the high temperature, which hit 25 C in Syntagma at 08:00 today, Athenians circulate with a bottle of water, using hats and sunglasses. The weather is expected to improve as of Friday.

Last June was very hot. Temperatures from 26-27/6/2007 were very high, while the following temperatures were recorded this June:

Athens: 46 (07) 39 (08) Thessaloniki: 41 (07) 37 (08) Argos: 46 (07) 39 (08) Anchialos: 45 (07) 38 (08) Larissa: 45 (07) 38 (08) Mitylini: 42 (07) 34 (08) Serres: 41 (07) 37 (08)

Translated by John Crystallidis

[03] Karamanlis-Bakoyannis Cooperation

Sources: ΝΕΤ, ΝΕΤ 105.8, ΑNA

Minister of Foreign Affairs Dora Bakoyannis briefed Prime Minister Kostas Karamanlis on her trip to Cyprus and the talks she had the heads of state. Moreover, they discussed preparations on the EU Summit Meeting due to be held Thursday and which will focus on the high cost of living. They also discussed about the situation after Irelands "no" to the Reform Treaty. In a Press Conference she gave at noon, Ms Bakoyannis stressed that the Greek side would continue striving for a mutually accepted solution on FYROM name issue, hoping that the new government in Skopje will avoid an extreme nationalistic stance.

Eyes Turned to EU Summit Meeting

Ms Bakoyannis expressed her concern over the EUs future after Irelands "no", adding that the EU should not end up in a state of introvert passivity.

The Foreign minister stated that the next step should be the ratification of the Lisbon Treaty by the next eight member-states.

She also spoke of a state of fluidity within the EU, adding that the EU should find its pace and become more self-confident and effective in the present competitive globalized environment.

Regarding the Balkans, Ms Bakoyannis stressed the importance of developments in Kosovo in the future after its unilateral declaration of independence, as well as Serbias course to the EU and NATO.

Regarding FYROM (Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia) she hoped that the new government would prove more cooperative and not adopt an extremist position. Moreover, she reported that Greece would continue striving for a mutually accepted solution on the FYROM name issue, to the benefit of bilateral relations, regional stability and the neighbours European and Euro Atlantic ambitions.

As for Turkey, she stressed that Turkeys European prospect needs a boost and only Turkey can see to that.

She spoke about a good climate between the two communities in Cyprus that allow some optimism. However, she forecast that the course to a just and viable solution on the basis of a bicommunal bizonal federation would prove difficult.

Regarding the USA she said that the American administration would change after the elections. As regards the Middle East she stressed that tension and distrust continues prevailing despite some good signs of improvement.

Translated by John Crystallidis

[04] Last Euro Game for Greece

By Ampelakis Spyros

Sources: ANA

Greece is giving Wednesday night its last game at the 13th Euro tournament, taking on Spain on match day three of Group D. The only aim of the former European Champs is at least a tie or if possible scoring a goal, lest it should leave Salzburg without garnering any points or scoring any goals.

The Spaniards, on the other side, have already advanced to the next round of the tournament and tonight, the teams coach is willing to throw to the pitch several players who have not played yet.

Otto Rehhagel of Greece is most likely to do the same. The encounter starts at 21:45 (Greek local time) and will be broadcast by NET state-run television.

Translated by Areti Christou

[05] Plenum Discusses the Contract with Deutsch Telekom

18 Ιουν 2008 17:37:0

Sources: ΝΕΤ, ΝΕΤ 105.8, ANA-MPA

The debate on the ratification of the contract signed between the Greeks state and Deutsche Telekom over the Hellenic Telecommunications Organisation (OTE) continues in the Parliaments Plenum. Finance Minister Giorgos Alogoskoufis reiterated it is a successful agreement of strategic importance in the interest of the consumers. The opposition parties, on the other hand, labelled it as third-world and colonial. In fact, Socialist deputy Evangelos Venizelos held the government politically and legally responsible. Head of SYRIZAs (Coalition of the Radical Left) parliamentary group Alekos Alavanos, on his part, sent a letter to the Speaker requesting the documents regarding the contract be tabled and examined before the ratification of the contract.

The first sitting of the Parliaments Plenum was wrapped up with the Finance Minister defending the "strategic agreement" and the opposition blasting the government for "selling off OTE with a third-world contract.

The morning session was marked by the acrimonious wrangling between Finance Minister Giorgos Alogoskoufis and PASOK (Panhellenic Socialist Movement) spokesman Evangelos Venizelos.

Alogoskoufis reiterated, "The Government has not deceived anyone" and that the plan to have more OTE shares sold and look for a strategic investor had been NDs (New Democracy) pre-election pledges, which the people of Greece backed with their vote.

The Finance Minister underlined that the agreement is in the interest not only of the Organization but also of the consumers and the Greek economy. He then went on to blast the main opposition party for employing an "ostensible tactic," since, as he said, it was too looking for a strategic investor, but it failed.

Evangelos Venizelos, on the other hand, spoke of "an obscure, long-running and illegal settlement that proves the governments both legal and political responsibility."

"OTEs further denationalization is the governments political decision. It announced it in two election encounters and received the positive vote of the Greek people. I can understand the reactions of the rest opposition parties, but I cannot understand the main oppositions accusations. PASOK had the same policy. It was working on OTEs denationalization for years and intended to broker a strategic alliance. It just failed to do so, and it was the ND government that managed to accomplish it," noted Alogoskoufis.

"The government is pushing forth this obscure, illegal and long-running settlement and is asking the House to ratify it, being under the illusion that it can wash away its legal and political responsibilities. You have been exposed both politically and legally. You have committed a crime. This proves your inefficiency and guilt, because you masterminded this plan at the expense of the Greek state," claimed Venizelos.

Conservative cadre Giannis Manolis maintained he would vote for the contract for a strategic investor, adding, however, that he would disagree in the future if the states control fell below 25%.

KKE (Greek Communist Party) rapporteur Nikos Karathanasopoulos said, "KKE will fight to have the agreement scrapped so that OTE remains under state control in the best interest of both the consumers and the OTE staff."

SYRIZA (Coalition of the Radical Left) spokesman Giannis Dragasakis dismissed the agreement with Deutsche Telekom as shameful and unacceptable.

LAOS (Popular Orthodox Rally) rapporteur Makis Vorides touched on crucial questions that have not received convincing answers by the government, while his colleague Asterios Rontoulis argued that the government clearly wants to give OTEs management to the Germans.

Deputy Finance Minister Nikos Legas blasted the opposition parties for creating conspiracy theories and imaginative scenarios. "The government is implementing its pre-election pledges to the full. This agreement is binding and the states percentage will not fall below 5%," underlined Legas.

Translated by Areti Christou

[06] EU Ruling on Illegal Immigrants

Sources: Reuters

EU lawmakers approved Wednesday a directive on illegal immigrants, with 369 voting for, 197 against and 106 abstaining. Under the new directive, illegal immigrants can be detained for up to 18 months and face a re-entry ban of up to five years. Children can also be detained, according to the new text, which says that this should be for the shortest appropriate period of time, while illegal immigrants are given the right to appeal their deportation ruling.

Human rights groups have already voiced their grave concern over the new developments, arguing the above measure could encourage authorities to detain more illegal immigrants.

"We believe that the text approved today by the European Parliament does not guarantee the return of irregular migrants in safety and dignity," Amnesty International said in a statement. "It sets an extremely bad example."

According to figures, of the about eight million illegal immigrants living in Europe, 200,000 were arrested in the first half of 2007 with less than 90,000 deported

[07] Kosovo Establishes Its First Embassies

Sources: AFP

Kosovo President Fatmir Sejdiu, wielding new powers after the newly independent states constitution came into force, on Wednesday approved the establishment of its first embassies in nine countries. "The Kosovo president decreed the establishment of diplomatic institutions" in the capitals of the United States, Albania, Austria, Belgium, Britain, France, Germany, Italy and Switzerland, said a statement from his office. "These diplomatic missions will be established at the embassy level," it added without saying when they might be opened. Ethnic Albanian-majority Kosovo unilaterally proclaimed independence from Serbia on February 17. Belgrade, backed by its powerful ally Russia, rejected the move as illegal, but Kosovo since has been recognised by more than 40 countries including the nine in which it plans to open the embassies.

[08] On the Crisis in Zimbabwe

18 Ιουν 2008 19:10:0

Sources: REUTERS

U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice will chair an informal Security Council meeting on Thursday to discuss the crisis in Zimbabwe, council diplomats said on Wednesday.

Rice will be in New York to chair a formal meeting of the council on the same day to debate a resolution aimed at combating violence against women.

The United States holds the rotating council presidency for this month. South African Foreign Minister Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma and several other foreign ministers are expected to take part in both, diplomats said, though no formal outcome was expected from the Zimbabwe discussions.

Zimbabwean President Robert Mugabe faces opposition challenger Morgan Tsvangirai on June 27 in a run-off presidential election.

The opposition, Western countries and human rights groups have accused Mugabes supporters of carrying out a systematic campaign of violence and intimidation ahead of the vote.

[09] Between Hamas and Israel

18 Ιουν 2008 18:02:0

By Anthi Ntaousani

Sources: ΝΕΤ 105.8, ANA

Israel accepted the Egyptian-brokered ceasefire agreement with Hamas in the Gaza Strip, said Wednesday morning a spokesman of Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert. The latter, however, warned that the ceasefire, which is due to take effect on Thursday morning, could be proved short-lived, underlining that the Israeli army would take actions in case the truce is violated. Both Europe and the USA hailed the ceasefire agreement.

Translated by Areti Christou

[10] Conflicting Estimations on Black Gold

Oil prices have been on an upward spiral, after it was announced that the personnel of Nigerias oil industry is ready to go out on a strike. US crude oil has stood at $134.57 and Brent at $135.15.

In a drive to ease markets, Saudi Arabia is considering increasing oil output as of the coming month.

Investors are focusing their attention to the Energy Information Administrations weekly figures of the US fuel stockpiles. The figures are expected to show a new reduction.

German Economy Minister Michael Glos, who is taking part in the meeting of the oil-producing and consumer countries at the weekend, said governments appear weak to address the skyrocketing oil prices.

Translated by Areti Christou

[11] Siemens Case: Awaiting New Testimonies

Sources: ΝΕΤ 105.8, ANA

Prosecutor Panagiotis Athanasiou, who is probing the Siemens case, is expected to call new suspects, allegedly implicated in the scandal, to testify.

In a memo submitted on Wednesday morning by a Siemens representative, who had been called to testify as a suspect since money had allegedly been deposited to his account, he argued everything was legal.

A journalist, who wrote about an account in a Geneva-based Canadian bank, also testified as a witness.

Asked on the implication in the Siemens scandal of Dora Bakoyannis former associate, who had missed paying off a Siemens invoice, the Foreign Minister said that she had answered to the matter, referring to her interview with Kathimerini paper on 8 February. Bakoyannis voiced her sorrow over her associates involvement, who, as she said, claimed his responsibility.

She reiterated that she wants both the Greek and German Justice to get to the bottom of the case. "Light must be shed, because it is a matter that relates to the honour of the Greek political world," commented she.

Translated by Areti Christou

[12] Big Fire Breaks out in Cyprus

Sources: ΝΕΤ, ΝΕΤ 105.8

A fire that has broken out between Lemesos and Larnaka in Cyprus is out of control. The fire was put under control Tuesday, but rekindled at dawn and soon picked up. The authorities ordered the evacuation of three villages, as the fire is threatening houses. The fire has burnt houses and thick vegetation until now. However, work for firemen is not easy as the wind is continuously changing direction. Greece is sending two fire-fighting aircrafts to help the Cypriots in putting out the fire.

Translated by John Crystallidis

[13] Digital TV Inaugurated

Sources: ANA-MPA

Archbishop of Athens Ieronymos inaugurated the offices of ERTs Digital TV at noon in the presence of Minister of State Theodoros Roussopoulos. After the inauguration ceremony, ERT President Christos Panagopoulos showed the two men the new offices, briefing on the way Digital TV functions. In his statement, Mr Roussopoulos stressed that from now on Digital TV is heritage for ERT, adding although late; soon civilians will enjoy a complete interactive relation with the one who transmits the signal.

Translated by John Crystallidis

[14] Grp C: Netherlands 2-0 Romania

Sources: ASSOCIATED PRESS

Second-choice striker Klaas-Jan Huntelaar made sure a makeshift Netherlands sent Romania out of the European Championship on Tuesday with a 2-0 win, a result which allowed Italy to join the Dutch in the quarterfinals. Huntelaar, the replacement for Ruud van Nistelrooy, killed off much of the suspense hanging over the game by tapping in a left-field cross from Ibrahim Afellay in the 54th minute. Robin van Persie added the other in the 87th when he took a deep cross, shook off a defender and rifled past Bogdan Lobont.

Lineups

Netherlands: Maarten Stekelenburg, Khalid Boulahrouz (Mario Melchiot, 58), John Heitinga, Wilfred Bouma, Tim de Cler, Demi de Zeeuw, Orlando Engelaar, Arjen Robben (Dirk Kuyt, 61), Ibrahim Afellay, Robin van Persie, Klaas-Jan Huntelaar (Jan Vennegoor of Hesselink, 82).

Romania: Bogdan Lobont, Cosmin Contra, Gabriel Tamas, Sorin Ghionea, Razvan Rat, Banel Nicolita (Florentin Petre, 82), Cristian Chivu, Paul Codrea (Nicolae Dica, 72), Adrian Mutu, Razvan Cocis, Marius Nicolae (Daniel Niculae, 59).

[15] Grp C: France 0-2 Italy

Sources: ASSOCIATED PRESS

Italy finally made it through to the quarterfinals of the European Championship on Tuesday and sent 10-man France home with a 2-0 win. Andrea Pirlo put Italy in front at Letzigrund Stadium with a penalty in the 25th minute after Eric Abidal was sent off for a foul on Luca Toni, and Daniele De Rossi made it 2-0 with a deflected free kick in the 62nd. Italy will next face Group D winner Spain on Sunday in Vienna, although its attempt to improve on an occasionally unconvincing performance will be hampered by the absence of key midfielders Pirlo and Gennaro Gattuso. The pair are suspended after getting their second yellow cards of the tournament.

Lineups

France: Gregory Coupet, Francois Clerc, Eric Abidal, William Gallas, Patrice Evra, Sidney Govou (Nicolas Anelka, 66), Claude Makelele, Jeremy Toulalan, Franck Ribery (Samir Nasri, 10; Jean-Alain Boumsong, 26), Thierry Henry, Karim Benzema.

Italy: Gianluigi Buffon, Gianluca Zambrotta, Christian Panucci, Giorgio Chiellini, Fabio Grosso, Daniele De Rossi, Andrea Pirlo (Massimo Ambrosini, 55), Gennaro Gattuso (Alberto Aquilani, 82), Simone Perrotta (Mauro Camoranesi, 64), Antonio Cassano, Luca Toni.

[16] Oil Prices Slide

By Alexandros Moz

Sources: ΑNA-ΜPA, Reuters, AFP, BΤΑ

Oil prices have begun dropping as of today in Asian markets when Saudi Arabia announced that it will step up daily output immediately. Light crude for July delivery dropped in the morning by 65 cents to $US133.36 per barrel, while Brent for August deliveries also has been dropping by 72 cents to $US133 per barrel. Following Saudi Arabias announcement yesterday that it will boost daily output, light crude dropped yesterday by 60 cents to close at $US134.01 per barrel in New York. Saudi Arabia is expected to increase daily output from 200,000 to 750,000 barrels.

Offshore Oil Drilling

President Bush plans to make a renewed push Wednesday to get Congress to end a long-standing ban on offshore oil and gas drilling.

With oil prices soaring and motorists paying US$4 a gallon for gasoline, political pressures have been growing for more domestic oil and gas production. "The president believes Congress shouldnt waste any more time," White House press secretary Dana Perino told The Associated Press on Tuesday.

Translated by John Crystallidis

[17] Directive on Illegal Migration Approved

Sources: ANA-MPA

The Euro Deputies who approved the controversial directive on the basis of which illegal immigrants will be detained for over 18 months and will not be allowed to return to the country they had been deported from. Many believe that this measure violates human rights. 369 Euro Deputies voted for the directive, 197 against and 106 abstained.

Controversial Directive

An 18-month detention is longer than the present maximum period presently valid in two thirds of the 27 EU member-states. Despite the fact that EU countries can make use of shorter period of time, human rights organizations are afraid that this measure will encourage the authorities to detain more illegal immigrants.

In its announcement, Amnesty International stresses that it believes that the approved text does not guarantee the return of illegal immigrants with safety and dignity, constituting a very bad example.

The European Commission believes that there are over eight million illegal immigrants in the EU. Over 200,000 were arrested in the EU during the first six months of 2007 and fewer that 90,000 were deported.

On the basis of the new directive, although children will also be detained this will cover a shorter period.

The new text, which the 27 EU member-states must implement within two years also determines the illegal immigrants rights, among which their right to appeal against their deportation.

Britain and Ireland, which do not belong to the Segen zone, will not put into force this directive. Denmark will decide within six months whether it will implement it or not.

Translated by John Crystallidis

[18] Bakoyannis at Maximos Mansion

By Athina Saloustrou

Foreign Minister Dora Bakoyannis met with Prime Minister Kostas Karamanlis at Maximos Mansion in the morning, briefing him on her recent trip to Cyprus and EU Summit Meeting agenda of talks due to be held in Brussels Thursday. Toping the agenda of talks will be the high cost of living, following Irelands "No" the Lisbon Treaty. Ms Bakoyannis will give a Press Conference on Foreign policy issues at noon.

Translated by John Crystallidis

[19] In Support of Simitis

Sources: ΝΕΤ 105.8

Although Costas Simitis was expected to present his positions in Parliament, 159 men of Letters and Arts, as well as PASOK cadres, who were members of the Simitis government in the past, expressed their support to him in Parliament. In a text signed by all of them, they describe his ousting from the partys Parliamentary Group a blow to Greeces Parliamentary institutions and political life. Among the cadres who have signed the text are former ministers Nikos Christodoulakis and Dimitris Kremastinos, as well as former Eurodeputies Paraskevas Avgerinos, Dimitris Tsatsos and Anna Karamani.

Translated by John Crystallidis

Related News:

"I Have not Chosen Controversy"

[20] Noisy Teenagers Shot at by 70yo Man

By Athina Saloustrou

Sources: ΝΕΤ 105.8

A 70-year-old man shot against a group of teenagers in Dravisko, Serres because they were making noise. The man argued that he shot against the youngsters in order to intimidate them. However, the pellets were distracted, injuring a 17-year-old boy on his and abdominal regions. The boy was transferred to Serres General Hospital. The old man was arrested and taken to the Prosecutor.

Translated by John Crystallidis

[21] Electrocuted 14yo in Intensive Care Unit

By Athina Saloustrou

Sources: ΝΕΤ 105.8

A 14-year-old boy is in a critical condition in the Heraklion Hospital intensive care unit after being electrocuted Tuesday afternoon. As per information, the boy was on the roof of his house in Bali, Rethymno, where a water heater was being installed. However, a metal object touched the PPC (Public Power Corporation) cables and the boy was electrocuted.

Translated by John Crystallidis

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