The Hellenic Radio (ERA): News in English, 08-07-24

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

CONTENTS

[01] Strong Firefighting Force in the area

24 Ιουλ 2008 17:59:0

Sources: ΝΕΤ, ΝΕΤ 105.8

An explosion occurred shortly after 16:00 during works at the engine compartment of Panama flagged tanker, "Friendship Gas" anchored for repairs at the Perama Shipyard. Three people injured-two suffered slight burns and one fractures- have been transferred to Thriasio hospital. According to reports the explosion occurred during works with the use of flame. Three fire engines, one fireboat and three tugboats have sped to the area and are trying to put the fire out. According to reports the tanker was transporting gas while Port Authority officials are conducting preliminary interrogation to identify workers in order to confirm whether there are any workers missing or not.

Translated by Chrisanthi Sarantis

[02] Nimetz Statements to NET

24 Ιουλ 2008 12:07:0 (Last updated: 24 Ιουλ 2008 14:53:0)

Sources: NET

In an exclusive interview with NET, UN mediator Matthew Nimetz stresses that the UN-sponsored talks will focus on the name issue. His statement came as a reply to a question on the alleged "Macedonian minority" issue raised by Skopje. Mr Nimetz is urging indirectly Skopje to diffuse tension, stressing that calm and lucidity should prevail. Moreover, he reports that additional work is needed until a solution is reached.

Mr Nimetz reports that the two sides have raised a big number of issues during the UN-sponsored talks, with the UN focusing on the name issue, as designated by the relevant Security Council resolutions and the 1995 Interim Agreement.

Furthermore, he states that a number of solutions on the name issue have been discussed so far, adding that a lot of work remains to be made.

Commenting on Mr Nimetzs statements, government spokesman Evangelos Antonaros stated that Greeces stance is known and fixed. "We strive for a mutually accepted solution, within the frameworks of the negotiations, taking place under the UN auspices. This is our position and we remain dedicated to that, participating in a constructive way in this procedure."

Referring to the minority issue FYROM (Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia) has raised, German Chancellor Angela Merkel has pointed out that priority should be given to the name issue. Moreover, she said that the minority issue should be referred to the Charter of Fundamental Rights.

Meanwhile, as per information, the President of the European Commission Jos&#233; Manuel Barroso will answer to FYROM PM Nicola Gruevskis letter in 24 hours.

As per diplomatic circles, the reply will refer to the EU Summit Meeting decisions, which constitute Greeces fixed position.

Translated by John Crystallidis

[03] Koukodimos Re-Joins the ND

Sources: ΝΕΤ, ΝΕΤ-105.8

Independent MP Kostas Koukodimos is now a full member of the ND (Conservatives) Parliamentary Group. Mr Koukodimos visited the President of the Parliament Dimitris Sioufas in the afternoon, informing him about his wish to return to the ND Parliamentary Group. The Pieria MP had requested to leave the ND party on 31 in order until the fuss on his name died down.

After his visit to the President of the Parliament, he sent a letter to Prime Minister Kostas Karamanlis, who approved his request to return back to the party.

Translated by John Crystallidis

[04] Campaign against Tax Evasion

Sources: ΝΕΤ, ΑNA-ΜPA

At a National Council meeting on tax evasion, Mr Alogoskoufis presented a system to combat contraband maritime oil. Referring to tax evasion, he pointed out that as per existing evidence there is extensive tax evasion from enterprises and free-lance entrepreneurs, adding that if it had not existed we would have a better social state.

Economy & Finance Minister George Alogoskoufis described tax evasion a deep anti-social behaviour, adding that a campaign to inform civilians on that problem will commence in autumn.

He also said at National Council meeting that many measures against tax evasion have been implanted until now, assuring that efforts should continue.

Mr Alogoskoufis referred extensively to the tax reform, adding however that the tax system is still not as effective and just as it should be.

He also referred to the extensive tax evasion, adding also that taxation in Greece is the lowest from the average of the EU.

The total percentage of immediate and indirect taxation in Greece is 31.4%, when in the EU it is 39.9%. Employees and pensioners cover 79% of the total taxation.

Mr Alogoskoufis said that the tax system should become more just and effective; adding however that the initiatives on the tax reform taken until now have already bore fruit.

Although he said the economy appears to be holding, he spoke of deceleration. In parallel, he pointed out that if tax evasion had not existed then tax coefficients would be lower.

Referring to checks on oil traffic he described them effective, adding that employees are also tax evading.

The combating of tax evasion is among the government s top priorities, adding that the deficit should not only remain under 3%, but also gradually be zeroed.

The public debt should also be dealt with the tax basis being extended.

Deputy Economy & Finance Minister Antonis Bezas, who also attended the meeting referred to the measures against contraband oil, presenting additional measures against contraband maritime oil. A new system under the name "Posidonas" will be monitoring electronically oil traffic.

Translated by John Crystallidis

[05] 34 Taliban Killed in Exchange of Fire

By Andreas Roditis

province of Zabul on Thursday, the defence ministry said in a statement

Sources: ANA

Afghan soldiers have killed at least 34 Taliban in an intense battle in the southern province of Zabul on Thursday, the defence ministry said in a statement.

An eyewitness told the AFP that dozens of rebels had been wounded or arrested during the battle. Violent incidents have over-doubled in the last two years despite the presence of about 70,000 NATO and other country soldiers.

Translated by John Crystallidis

[06] New Radio & Television Digital Frequencies Chart

Sources: ΝΕΤ, ΝΕΤ-105.8, ΑNA-ΜPA

The new radio and television digital frequencies chart will go a trial period as of 1 November 2008, stated the Ministers of State and Communications at a joint Press Conference. In this way order will be restored in the sector.

Although the closing date of the agreement ends in 2015, the EU is urging its member-states to complete the digitalization of frequencies by 2012.

National Technical University of Athens Christos Kapsalis, who is behind the above venture, presented the technical details characteristics of the Radio and Television Digital Frequencies.

Translated by John Crystallidis

[07] Renault Announces Job Cuts

Sources: ANA-MPA

Renault has confirmed it is to reduce its European workforce by 5,000 through voluntary redundancies. The French car maker blamed the deteriorating economic outlook and said this far exceeded the worst-case scenarios envisaged when it commenced a profit recovery plan in 2006. The measures concerning the job cuts will be discussed between the company and employees.

Translated by John Crystallidis

[08] On OSE and OA

24 Ιουλ 2008 10:02:0 (Last updated: 24 Ιουλ 2008 15:10:2)

By Vivian Papastefanou

Sources: ΝΕΤ -ΝΕΤ 105.8

The Governments commitment to have the Hellenic Railways Organisation (OSE) modernised was yet again reconfirmed in the meeting held Thursday between Transport Minister Kostis Hatzidakis and Prime Minister Kostas Karamanlis at Maximos Mansion. The standoff regarding the Greek national air carrier, OA, was also brought up in the meeting. Hatzidakis said that the OSE modernisation plan would be unveiled in the first fortnight of September and that decisive measures should be stepped up, as OSE is a rather loss-making organisation.

Commenting on the recent corruption cases, Hatzidakis argued that the Governments decision is "not to hesitate." He further added that the Financial Crimes Unit investigation would go on and that his Ministry would offer its contribution. He then called on OSE unionists and personnel to do the same.

Touching on the OA issue, the Transport Minister stressed that the Government remains committed to settling it once and for all by the end of the year, terming November and December are crucial.

Translated by Areti Christou

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