The Hellenic Radio (ERA): News in English, 08-07-15

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

CONTENTS

[01] To FYROM's Provocation

15 Ιουλ 2008 14:37:0 (Last updated: 15 Ιουλ 2008 16:35:0)

Sources: ΝΕΤ, ΝΕΤ 105.8

The Greek government and opposition parties strongly reacted to the provocative letter FYROM Prime Minister Nikolas Gruevski sent to Greek Premier Kostas Karamanlis. The letter rose minority issues in Greece. Government spokesman Theodoros Roussopoulos stressed that Greece would not leave Skopjes provocation go unnoticed, while Greek Foreign Minister Dora Bakoyannis underlined that the FYROM head of government was consciously undermining the talks. The Government is expected to respond to the Gruevski letter within the week. Apart from raising minority issued, Gruevski even demanded properties taken from those who left, as he claimed, Greece be returned to them.

Kostas Karamanlis would send an answering letter to the FYROM Prime Minister, confirmed Tuesday Government spokesman Theodoros Roussopoulos, who also said that the UN would be briefed on any development in the matter, including the issue raised. Asked to comment on Socialist MP Andreas Loverdos, who called on the Prime Minister to give an answer through the UN, Roussopoulos said that leaving such a provocation go unnoticed means that Greece will leave questions towards History go unanswered. He further added that Greece has strong arguments to answer both for the present and the historic future.

Drilled to explain why claims on "Macedonia minority" and "Macedonian language" have not been clearly addressed, given that US officials have repeatedly used them in the past, Roussopoulos argued that there is always an answer.

"Allow the Greek Government to handle the matter with seriousness, respect and the method required in such cases," added he.

Questioned whether the Greek Government would finally make it clear whether there is a "Macedonian minority" and a "Macedonian language," the Government spokesman stressed, "If I had to say it now, I would repeat it, of course. But what really matter is the way and the means one employs to express their positions and settle the issued brought up."

Roussopoulos also noted that Greece is one of the older EU member states, it has incorporated the EU law into its own, therefore, it has nothing to fear when it comes to matter Greece knows is damn right.

Translated by Areti Christou

Related News:

Skopje Fresh Provocation

[02] Major Wildfire Burning in Oinoi

By Anna Kourti

Sources: ANA-MPA

A wildfire that broke out Tuesday morning near the town of Oinoi, central Greece, has been burning pine trees ever since. It is heading NE, said the Fire Service, towards the village of Panakton, threatening built-up areas. Some 30 fire engines with 70 firefighters, seven air tankers and three helicopters have been deployed in the area to contain the fire. The strong winds blowing in the area are hampering the firefighters painstaking efforts to put out the fire. In the meantime, another blaze broke out in the area of Ninies, near the Kefalonia airports. Fire Service is operating in the area.

[03] Exchanges Plunge Worldwide

By Athina Saloustrou

The economic and financial crisis has spooked exchanges worldwide. Investors are hastily selling their shares, while US President George W. Bush had to give an unscheduled press conference on the risks threatening the US economy. Besides, the chief of the US Federal Bank described the prevailing situation as bleak. The Athens Exchange lost more than 4%, while oil prices stood at $146 per barrel ahead of a strong storm in the Atlantic Ocean and a rumoured Israel-Iran conflict. Inflations has been rising faster over the last 25 years, while the dollar currency is losing ground against the euro. On Tuesday, the dollar lost 1,60 against the euro, as the oil prices started rising anew.

Translated by Areti Christou

[04] Inner Cabinet Holds talks

15 Ιουλ 2008 11:35:0

Sources: ΝΕΤ, ΝΕΤ 105.8

The Inner Cabinet, chaired by Prime-minister Kostas Karamanlis, is meeting at the Maximos Mansion this morning to examine the last details of draft-bill concerning regulations for the operation of private colleges. Regulations regarding both operation and selection of teaching staff are expected to be particularly strict. Colleges will offer post-lyceum education and will be under the competence of the Education Ministry and not the Development Ministry.

Translated by Chrisanthi Sarantis

[05] Leterme Submitted Resignation

By Betty Savourdou

Sources: French News Agency, ΑNA-ΜPA

Prime Minister Yves Leterme submitted the resignation of his government to King Albert II Monday after it failed to rally around constitutional reforms designed to grant more self-rule to Belgiums Dutch- and French-speaking camps. It depends on whether King Albert will accept it said government spokesman. On his part, Belgium King has not responded, meaning that Albert II will either try to convince the Christian Democrat prime-minister to remain in his post or his successor has not been found yet and negotiations continue.

Translated by Chrisanthi Sarantis

[06] To $144.77 & Brent $143.68

15 Ιουλ 2008 08:51:0

By Alexandros Moz

Sources: ΑNA-ΜPA, French

Crude oil prices slightly dropped in Asian markets on Tuesday, however, there is high concern over market supply according to analysts. In early transactions for August delivery contracts light crude oil dropped 41 cents to $144.77 per barrel and Brent oil 24 cents to $143.68 per barrel.

A slight rise in oil prices was recorded in NY market yesterday as there was high concern over market supply due to a strike in Brasilian petrol company "Petrobras" and geopolitical tensions in ME. Purvin and Gertz analysts do not expect drop in oil prices in the coming weeks.

A 5-day strike by workers at Petrobas offshore rigs, which supplies 80% of Brazil oil needs, has fueled concerns of further oil price increases on international markets. On its part, the state-run company said temporary hiring of employees will balance part of the impact from the strike.

Translated by Chrisanthi Sarantis

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