The Hellenic Radio (ERA): News in English, 08-07-10

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

CONTENTS

[01] Papandreou Letter to Prime-minister

10 Ιουλ 2008 14:35:0

Sources: ΝΕΤ-ΝΕΤ 105,8-ΑNA/ΜNA

In a letter to the Prime-minister, PASOK President requests convention of the Parliament Plenum on the Siemens case and the setting up of an Inquiry Committee. Mr. Papandreou apportions responsibilities to both himself and the Prime-minister, characteristically adding: "we either agree to clear up the situation or resign from our share of responsibilities" Earlier, in his speech in the Parliament, Mr. Papandreou launched a strong criticism against the government saying that it is hostage of big interests and unable to deliver transparency. In a strong counterattack, Interios Minister, Prokopis Pavlopoulos blamed PASOK for hypocrisy while he refused the setting up of an Inquiry Committee before justice concludes its procedures. Strong confrontation also followed between Justice Minister, Sotiris Hatzidakis and PASOK deputy, Ntinos Roblias. In response to Mr. Roblias question speaking of the governments intervention in the work of justice and the abolition of courts self administration with regards pending issues, Mr. Hatzidakis accused both PASOK and SYRIZA parties of creating scandals and of lacking political and ideological identity. SYRIZA called for reforms in the bill regarding responsibility of ministers and political parties funding.

[02] Jose Luis Rodriguez Zapatero in Athens

10 Ιουλ 2008 14:55:0 (Last updated: 10 Ιουλ 2008 19:19:2)

By Athina Saloustrou

Sources: ΝΕΤ - ΝΕΤ 105,8

Spains Prime Minister Jos&#233; Luis Rodriguez Zapatero is on an official visit to Greece. The meeting with Greek Prime Minister at Maximos Mansion was held in a friendly atmosphere. Mr. Karamanlis is hosting a working lunch now in honor of the Spanish Prime Minister. The two men discussed and agreed on issues of illegal emigration and both stressed that developmental help to countries where emigrants come from must be provided immediately. They also underlined the need for the creation of a European coastguard. The two Prime Minister concluded that the European Union will not become a fortress but it will secure the protection of human rights while they branded the European Unions agreement on immigration quite balanced.

Targeted Measures for Weak Social Groups

The Spanish Prime Minister underlined that Spain has supported and will continue to support Greece in its positions and visions regarding Balkans. Spain shares the Greek views on security and peace in the area, he stated.

Mr. Karamanlis referred on the need of targeted measures for the support of weaker social groups and the copy of inflation. The two Prime Ministers discussed thoroughly the international financial crisis and its effect in society. "The problem of expensiveness concerns everybody and it is not only financial by social that affects those who suffer the most. We have the obligation to support them. European Unions initiatives to Ecofin aim at targeted measures for the weaker and put emphasis on the tackle of inflation", the Greek Prime Minister said stressing that talk on the issue must continue and more proposals must be suggested.

Both men stressed the need for reinforcement of bilateral relations especially for co operation regarding renew sources of energy.

Earlier today, the Spanish prime minister had a meeting with President of Republic Mr. Karolos Papoulias and will also meet with PASOK president Mr. Giorgos Papandreou.

Zapatero, who arrived in Athens along with his wife on Wednesday, toured the Acropolis, walked down the Areopagitou Str, made a stop at the Spanish embassy located there and then visited the New Acropolis Museum.

Translated by Sofia Gartziou

[03] Over the Economic Developments in the Eurozone

10 Ιουλ 2008 12:35:0

Sources: ΝΕΤ 105.8, ANA

The implications brought about by the recession of the economic indicators in the Eurozone topped the 90-minute meeting held between Greek Premier Kostas Karamanlis and FinMin Giorgos Alogoskoufis.

Commenting on the initiatives the Government is to undertake as of September, Alogoskoufis said that the initiatives aim at supporting the social groups that are threatened the most by the world economic crisis. "There is no doubt we are experiencing a tough condition worldwide and the Greek Government will do its best to ease the implications on Greece as much as possible," added Alogoskoufis.

[04] S. Kladas to Testify

Sources: ΝΕΤ 105.8, ΑNA-ΜNA

Prosecutor Maria Gane has called former head of Special Revenue Control Service, Mr. Kladas to testify on Monday 14/7. Mr Kaldas will testify in the framework of the investigation conducted by the prosecutor after journalists Mr. Triantafyllopoulos accusations that the independent parliamentary member of New Democracy Mr. Koukodimos asked from Mr. Kaldas to handle favorably journalist Athanasiadis 5,5 million euros. Mr. Triantafyllopoulos testified yesterday. According to information the judicial inquiry on the issue will close with the testimony of Mr. Kladas.

Translated by Sofia Gartziou

[05] Fires in Progress

Sources: ΝΕΤ 105.8

A big fire is in progress in Rethimno, Crete. Another fire is burning in forestall area in Preveza while fire fronts in Astakos, Aitolokarnania, Karpenisi and Mainalo are abating, Authorities have issued warnings about high risk of fires today, Thursday in Evoia, Eastern Attiki, Samos, Ikaria while for tomorrow Friday, Athens, East Attiki, Evoia, Crete, Cyclades Islands, Lesvos, Chios Samos and Ikaria are considered dangerous areas for fire break outs. Meantime, the 23 years old from Arkadia is charged with deliberate arson for the 4 fires that broke out in Skyritida prefecture. According to information, the young man is facing physiological problems.

Translated by Sofia Gartziou

[06] 1 Billion Euros Aid in Fire Hit Areas

Sources: ΝΕΤ, ΝΕΤ 105.8

Minister of agricultural development, Mr. Alexandros Kontos said that the restoration of damages in the 7 fire hit prefecture will cost at least 1 billion euros. Mr. Kontos and state minister Mr. Theodoros Roussopoulos presented the progress of restoration works and the study for the development of agricultural areas.

Within the next months, emphasis will be put on the restoration of damages and on the construction of installations which are expected to change the infrastructure of the fire hit areas.

So far compensations of 61 billion euros have been submitted to 38.000 producers. Another 300 million will be provided to farmers. Funds for protection and improvement works are expected to rise to 600 million euros.

Translated by Sofia Gartziou

[07] New Round of Contacts on Skopje

Sources: ΝΕΤ 105.8

UN special envoy Mr. Matthew Nimetz will initiate a new round of contacts on Skopje name issue in New York. On Thursday Mr. Nimetz will meet with the negotiator of Skopje Mr. Dimitrov and on Monday he will have talks with the Greek nagotiator A. Vassilakis

Diplomatic sources report that the new suggestions Mr. Nimetz proposed in his last visit in Athens and Skopje mostly favor the Greek side.

According to information there are four different versions for the terms "North Macedonia" and "Upper Macedonia", while the international name will be put into effect and will be indicated in passports and all official documents of the neighboring country.

Skopje on its side insists on the "Macedonian" identity and language while the Greek side rejects such reference.

On Wednesday discussion between FROM FM Antonio Milosoki and Theodoros Pangalos was intense. Mr. Pagalos responded strongly on Mr. Milososkis reference on the issue of minorities in Greece. Mr. Pagalos commented: "If Mr. Milososki remains a minister theres going to be a broad crisis with unknown results".

Translated by Sofia Gartziou

[08] Instigator a Drug Dealer

10 Ιουλ 2008 12:21:0

Sources: ΝΕΤ 105,8

A 34 years old man was savagely murdered for reasons of revenge by 6 drug addicted people, four months ago. A drug dealer is considered the instigator. The murderers had kidnapped the 34 years old Panayiotis Kantaras and drove him to Parnitha. Then they crossed, closed his eyes and mouth and then murdered him throwing stones. The victim along with a friend of him had stolen 250 grams of heroine by the drug dealer and after using a small quantity he sold the rest. When the dealers younger son realized the theft he notified his father. 4 criminals have been arrested so far, 2 are in jail waiting for trial while the drug dealer is wanted.

Translated by Sofia Gartziou

[09] Court Ruling Forces PPC to Pay Damages

Sources: ΝΕΤ 105.8

A court in Crete awarded a more than one million euro damages against the Greek Public Power Corp (PPC), for the death of two youths by electrocution some four years ago. The court put down their death to the poor maintenance works of the power network.

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