The Hellenic Radio (ERA): News in English, 08-06-28

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

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

CONTENTS

[01] "I Was Left on My Own"

28 Ιουν 2008 10:55:0 (Last updated: 28 Ιουν 2008 17:21:1)

Sources: ANA, MNA

Theodoros Tsoukatos, former high ranking Socialist party executive and a close confidant of ex Prime Minister Kostas Simitis, testified Saturday to the Prosecutor. Escorted by his lawyer Dionysis Gouskos, Tsoukatos claimed he did not get a single euro from the 1 million Deutsche Marks allegedly given by Siemens. The money, he said, was transferred to the party coffers and that those involved in the transfer have no responsibility. He said he feels calm for telling the truth, strong for doing something for his partys sake, yet sad for being abandoned by his party.

Testimonies Continue

Dionysis Gouskos dismissed accusations of money laundering, since, as he said, no one back in 1998 had any idea about Siemens black funds and Tsoukatos was just a party executive holding no government post.

In the meantime, in their statements, eight Government members called for immediate changes in legislation on public money, so that transparency can be guaranteed and hypocrisy in the funding of parties and politicians can come to an end.

Prompted by press reports involving former and acting ministers in the Siemens scandal, First Instance Court Prosecutor Panagiotis Athanasiou said that no evidence has come up from the investigation so far. Yesterday, business consultant of SAIK Greece testified regarding the C-41 case. The administrator of the off shore company who handled money of the black funds of the German colossus received new deadline to testify on Monday. Mr. Tsoukatos former associate was also called to testify as he appears to be join holder in the seven bank accounts Siemens "black money" was transferred. Another two suspect stockbrokers who received illegal money by two off shore companies are to testify on Monday.

Siemens' Triggered Debate in Parliament

The prime minister stated that an inquiry committee would be set up after Justice concludes its work. In parallel, he invited all parties to set up a bi-party committee that it would boost transparency on issues related to the functioning of parties, expences and their financing. George Papandreou said that Costas Karamanlis lost the battle against corruption and manipulation of political view by big interests although he had promised PASOK support in this issue. KKE general secretary Mrs. Aleka Papariga stated that she is favoring the set up of an inquiry committee before justice completes its work. SYRIZA parliamentary group president Mr. Alekos Alavanos also asked for the setting up of a committee. He spoke of "annulment and decay of the political system which drifts defenders along with innocent people.

[02] Police Lieutenant Arrested

28 Ιουν 2008 12:37:0 (Last updated: 28 Ιουν 2008 18:13:3)

By Katerina Ioannidou

Sources: ANA-MNA-NET

The thriller with a police lieutenant from Karditsa who came in Athens threatening to kill his sister-in-law ended at 12:00. The officer was suspended. The adventurous pursuit started early this morning when the man fought with his wife in Karditsa and when she left home, he phoned his sister-in-law and threatened to come to Athens to kill her. The woman called the police and reported the incident. Then, police officers traced the mans car in Athens-Lamia national highway where his colleagues called him to step out of the car, but he denied. He locked the car doors turned back and drove off, but was spotted in Afidnes toll. A special negotiator tried to persuade him to surrender but the police lieutenant who was holding a gun came out of his car and tried to escape using one of the cars that were stopped in the area. Finally he found a police car and got off heading to Lamia. EKAM (Greece Special forces) men chased him and arrested him. According to police, the lieutenant who is facing psychological problems is being interrogated now in Attiki Security Department.

Translated by Sofia Gartziou

[03] Wave of Running-Down of Stocks

28 Ιουν 2008 12:15:0

By Katerina Ioannidou

Sources: ΝΕΤ-ΝΕΤ 105,8

Concern over the crisis reported in international economy rises after the new record high of oil settling at $ 140 and the predictions that it will exceed $ 170 a barrel. This issue triggered debate in Parliament within political leaders. Greek economy is negatively affected by high oil prices but it will have a better performance in the European average Greek Finance Minister Mr. Alogoskoufis said. He estimates that the crisis will end in the second semester of 2009. Opposition party accused the government for incapacity to control the wild race of basic foods prices which have led many Greek people to suffocation. Prime Minister Mr. Costas Karamanlis attributed the situation to the international circumstances prevailing today and stated that measures will be taken soon.

Translated by Sofia Gartziou

[04] In Sounio

28 Ιουν 2008 11:31:0

By Katerina Ioannidou

Sources: ΝΕΤ-ΝΕΤ 105,8

The fight in the battle for Democracy is an every day fight, PASOK president stressed in the 19th Congress of Womens International Socialist under the theme "Womens rights are human rights" taking place today in Sounio, Athens. PASOK president Mr. Papandreou addressed the attendees: "We need you to take the lead and create a new global civilization. You will have our support. Together we will turn the world into a fairer world", Mr. Papandreou stressed underling that humanity faces the dilemma whether to create a civilization of peace or to enter an era of violence. The effects of climatic changes, crisis in products, inequalities, corruption, wars, violation of rights will lead to violence, racism and xenophobia if international problems are not resolved democratically and peacefully, he added.

Given emphasis on wars, Mr. Papandreou asked for "a code of principles" so as in a period of fights women who are experiencing war violence not to experience rape too. President of International socialist said that humanity has the means to resolve big problems, stressing that the pre condition for their resolution is the political will and the creation of a civilization of peace where women can offer many things as they are the ones who mostly face violence in earth. Mr. Papandreou concluded that if women ruled the world peace would prevail in Middle East and the world would have more sensitivity.

Translated by Sofia Gartziou

[05] Trespassers' Pronounce

28 Ιουν 2008 12:29:0

By Katerina Ioannidou

Sources: NET

General Secretary of Civil Protection is in alert as there is danger of fire broke outs today in Attika, Evoia, Argolida, Corinth Eastern Islands, Cyclades, Dodecannese, Heraklion and Lasithi of Crete. Fire fronts in Aidipsos, Stamata and Kythira have been put under control. During the previous 48 hours 22 fires broke out caused by negligence or by mistake. It must be noted that most fires that broke out in residential areas within Attika prefecture such as Immitos, Patima of Vrilissia and Stamata are considered to be arsons.

Translated by Sofia Gartziou

[06] Scottish Labour Chief Steps Down

Scottish Labour chief Wendy Alexander stepped down Saturday over a funding scandal. Alexander stressed that after the report of the committee that examined the matters, she could no longer remain at the helm of the Labour party. Although Alexander failed to declare one of the donations to her campaign, the committee of the local House did not strip her of her parliamentary seat.

Testifying before the above committee, Alexander, sister of Britains minister for international development Douglas Alexander said she acted in good faith, while referring to the controversial donation, she claimed that she had not been informed on what she had to do.

Translated by Areti Christou

[07] In the Vatican

28 Ιουν 2008 16:38:0

By Vivian Papastefanou

"The ceremony in memory of Apostles Peter and Paul offers a chance to seal the pledge of the two Churches for reconciliation and solidarity," stressed leader of the worlds Orthodox Christians, Patriarch Bartholomew I in his meeting with Pope Benedict at the Vatican on Saturday.

At the end of the talks, the two spiritual leaders exchanged gifts, with Bartholomew introducing his escort to the Pope.

Later on Saturday, Benedict will declare the special Jubilee Year dedicated to Apostle Paul at the San Paolo Church before the Ecumenical Patriarch.

In his statements with a Catholic paper, Cardinal Walter Casper, the head of the Pontifical Council for Promoting Christian Unity, argued the Jubilee Year dedicated to Apostle Paul is to pave the way for a new dynamic dialogue.

Italys Orthodox Bishop Genadios underlined that a universal vision founded on Apostle Paul should be backed

Translated by Areti Christou

[08] Rice Arrives in Seoul

By Katerina Ioannidou

Sources: ANA-MPA

Leading a US diplomatic mission, US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice arrived Saturday in Seoul to exchange views with the South Korean government on North Koreas nuclear programme.

The defence cooperation between Seoul and Washington will also be brought up in the talks Rice will have with South Korean officials, sources said.

Rice is due in China on Sunday, said a close associate of hers. China, along with Japan, the USA, Russia, South and North Korean, are monitoring North Koreas nuclear programme.

Translated by Areti Christou

[09] Blast in Lebanon

Sources: REUTERS

A bomb killed a man and wounded 27 other people at an apartment block in Lebanons northern city of Tripoli on Saturday, medical and security sources said. The blast at dawn caused heavy damage to the building in the Bab Tibbaneh area, close to the frontline of clashes on Sunday between Sunni supporters of the government and Alawite followers of the opposition. Nine people were killed in the fighting. Rescue workers picked through debris left by the blast and took the wounded to hospital. Residents carried belongings from their badly damaged homes. The dead man was named as Mohammad Aloush, a Sunni. Tripoli is dominated by Lebanons anti-Syrian, Sunni-led majority coalition. The Alawites, whose faith is an offshoot of Shiite Islam, have close ties to Syria and the Lebanese opposition, which is led by the Shiite Hezbollah group. The Arab Democratic Party, an Alawite group, called on the security forces to bring the situation under control. In a phone call with Prime Minister-designate Fouad Siniora, Sheikh Malek al-Shaar, the Sunni mufti of Tripoli, called for more troops to maintain peace in the city, the National News Agency reported. A Qatari-mediated accord in May ended 18 months of political conflict between the governing coalition and the opposition. The standoff led to a violent showdown that threatened a new civil war. Since then there have been frequent minor security incidents.

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