The Hellenic Radio (ERA): News in English, 08-07-07

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

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

CONTENTS

[01] Business Awards

By Nasos Bratsos

Sources: ΝΕΤ 105.8, ΑNA

During his address at the EBEA (Athens Chamber of Commerce and Industries) award ceremony Prime Minister Kostas Karamanlis stressed amongst others that as the development rate in Europe is receding and inflation rising, we should mobilize the societys available powers and secure what we had achieved. In parallel, he stated that the situation would have been even worse if the government had not proceed with reforms, such as fiscal adjustment, the reduction of tax coefficients for enterprises and civilians, the new developmental and investing law, the cooperation between the public and private sector and the utilization of new development tools. Furthermore, he reported the government is against bureaucracy, the lack of transparency, corruption and mentalities that undermine Greeces future, adding that the government will continue implementing its programme, but at the same time enterprises should show respect to laws, civilians and consumers on a daily basis. In parallel, the government is determined to see to the smooth operation of the market, protecting competition and combating profiteering.

Translated by John Crystallidis

[02] G8 Crucial Meeting

By Nasos Bratsos

Sources: ΝΕΤ, ΝΕΤ 105.8, ΑNA

The world economic and food crisis, climate change and the critical situation in Zimbabwe are on the focus of the G8 meeting being held in Hokkaido, Japan amid protest rallies. French President Nicolas Sarkozy proposed fast developing countries such as China, India, Brazil, Mexico and South Africa to join the G8, so as these countries can adopt the measures to be adopted during the meeting. UN Secretary General Ban Ki Moon stressed that the US should make the first step in helping combat overheating. The EU is expected to step up its pressures against the US, so that the latter adopts the objective for the reduction of carbon dioxide emissions by 50% by 2050. German Chancellor Angela Merkel committed herself to offer financial aid amounting to 600 million euros for the increase of rural production to poor countries. At the same time, it has been estimated that the EU will offer one billion dollars to African farmers in order to combat the food crisis.

Translated by John Crystallidis

[03] Deadly Attack in Kabul

By Katerina Ioannidou

Sources: ΑNA-ΜPA-ΝΕΤ 105.8-REUTERS

Afghanistan's Interior Ministry said a suicide attack on the Indian Embassy in Kabul which killed 41 people and injured 141 was carried out in coordination with "a regional intelligence service". "The Interior Ministry believes this attack was carried out in coordination and consultation with an active intelligence service in the region," the ministry said in a statement. Afghanistan has previously accused Pakistani agents of being behind a number of attacks on its soil.

Translated by John Crystallidis

[04] Bloodbath in Pakistan

By Katerina Ioannidou

Sources: ΑNA-ΜPA-AFP-REUTERS

As per local government and hospital sources, at least five small bombs went off on streets in the southern city of Karachi, Pakistans biggest city and its commercial capital, killing one and wounding about 30 people. No organization has assumed responsibility for the blasts until now. Violent actions in Karachi are something common, attributed to tribal differences. Provincial interior minister Zulfiqar Mirza said five of the bombs had gone off in ethnic Pashtun neighbourhoods and they appeared aimed at destabilising the provinces coalition government, led by Bhuttos party.

Translated by John Crystallidis

Read the story on other sources:

Reuters:Pakistani police hunt bomb clues; blasts in Karachi

[05] In Support of the Fire-Hit in Evia

By Nasos Bratsos

The "Iris" mobile ophthalmologic unit of the Doctors of the World will offer its help to the fire hit in Nea Stira, Evia from 8-9 July 2008. The unit will visit Nea Stira at the invitation of Mayor Sofia Moustou, with two ophthalmologists examining the inhabitants of the area.

Translated by John Crystallidis

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