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

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

CONTENTS

[01] After Theofilos Running Aground

28 Ιουν 2008 21:05:0 (Last updated: 28 Ιουν 2008 23:09:1)

Sources: ΝΕΤ-ΝΕΤ 105.8-ANA/MPA

The 500 passengers aboard passenger ship Theofilos were transferred to the port of the island of Oinousses on small local boats. The ship, which was en route from Lesvos to Chios, ran aground sustaining a crack on its left side. Initially, the passengers had been decided to evacuate the ship. They put on their life jackets and embarked on life boats. However, the decision to abandon the ship was recalled, as it could head for the nearest port at a slow speed. The Ministries of Mercantile Marine and National Defence promptly responded to the emergency, sending rescue teams to the site. Port vessels, two Super Puma helicopters and fishing boats sailing in its vicinity rushed to the site, while a C-130 aircraft was on standby. Experts will inspect the ship and should they find it seaworthy, the ship will continue its trip. If not, the passengers will travel to their destination on another ship.

Translated by Areti Christou

[02] In Voting Intention for the EU Parliament

28 Ιουν 2008 20:32:0 (Last updated: 28 Ιουν 2008 21:33:5)

Sources: ΝΕΤ-ΝΕΤ 105.8

The Conservatives are 3.7% ahead of the Socialists, a survey of Kapa Research for Vima tis Kyriakis paper has suggested. In voting intention for the elections for the EU Parliament, the ruling party of ND (New Democracy) garnered 24.7%. PASOK (Panhellenic Socialist Movement) trailed with 21%, KKE (Greek Communist Party) 7.1%, SYRIZA (Coalition of the Radical Left) 11.7% and LAOS (Popular Orthodox Rally) 3.6%. As for who is the most appropriate for Prime Minister, 38.2% of the respondents opted for Prime Minister Kostas Karamanlis, as opposed to 19.2% for George Papandreou. However, about 27.7% of those surveyed answered "none." On a question on the Siemens scandal, the overwhelming majority of the respondents (80.2%) believe that the scandal will be covered up, while only 13.8% think that light will be shed and the guilty will be sanctioned.

Translated by Areti Christou

[03] "Charter of Wise Water Resources Management"

28 Ιουν 2008 18:05:0 (Last updated: 28 Ιουν 2008 21:34:2)

By Vivian Papastefanou

Sources: ΝΕΤ -ΝΕΤ 105.8-ANA/MPA

Drought, the inappropriate irrigation network, as well as the wrong way of watering crops, waste up to 60% of water in Greece. The plains of Thessaly, Macedonia and central Greece are in danger. The unions of the local governments, the union of farm cooperatives (PASEGES), the Rural Development Ministry and universities signed a charter committing themselves to water saving measures. Rural Development Minister Alexandros Kontos placed emphasis on a "Charter of Wise Water Resources Management," stressing that it is the farmers that use about 85% of water in Greece. Kontos clarified that, although Greece has adequate water resources, the amount of water required to cover other needs is on the decline for several reasons. Kontos did not miss touching on the initiatives taken by the Ministry, arguing that a campaign has been underway to raise awareness among the Greek farmers. Concluding, he outlined the irrigation works the Ministry has already started.

Translated by Areti Christou

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