The Hellenic Radio (ERA): News in English, 08-07-28

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

CONTENTS

[01] "Economy with Endurance"

Sources: ΝΕΤ 105.8

After his meeting with Prime Minister Kostas Karamanlis this morning, Economy and Finance Minister George Alogoskoufis appeared optimistic over the Greek economy, adding that it endures pressure despite the international economic situation. During their meeting, Messrs Karamanlis and Alogoskoufis examined the next phase of tax reform, setting as the governments next goal the increase of revenue and low expenditure.

Limited Repercussions

After his meeting with the PM, Mr Alogoskoufis stated that despite the international economic crisis, which has affected prices and inflation, the Greek economy is enduring.

The government intends to continue with its reforms in the next months and in 2009 and its policy on fiscal purification, securing powerful development for the economy.

Meanwhile, GSEE (General Confederation of Greek Workers) Secretary General Kostas Poupakis told Eleftheros Typos newspaper that he wishes the withdrawal of the amendment on Public Utilities.

Translated by John Crystallidis

[02] Reactions Continue

Sources: ΝΕΤ-ΝΕΤ 105.8

Economy and Finance Minister George Alogoskoufis idea on ND-PASOK cooperation with the objective to promote specific reforms in case of a coalition government has stirred discussion within the ND party and in other political parties. After his meeting with the prime minister, Mr Alogoskoufis stressed that the government will continue ruling as a one-party government. At the same time, PASOK cadres have rejected the idea of cooperation with the ND party.

"Objective a One-Party Government"

At a Press Conference after his meeting with the PM, Mr Alogoskoufis stated that the ND partys objective is to rule as a one-party government.

In parallel, in an interview with NET 105.8, ND MP Giorgos Orphanos ruled out any cooperation with PASOK.

Meanwhile, PASOK MP Christos Papoutsis told NET radio that PASOK would not cooperate with the ND party.

Finally, PASOK MP Maria Damanaki has proposed PASOKs cooperation with SYN (Coalition of the Left), adding that as per polls if they cooperated the two parties would win the next elections.

Translated by John Crystallidis

[03] Rhodes:Assessment & First Measures

The Public Prosecutor has ordered a preliminary inquiry into possible responsibilities and omissions in coordination of firefighting efforts during the 5-day wildfires which caused a huge ecological destruction on the island of Rhodes. The first government delegation, headed by Prokopis Pavlopoulos arrived in the island this morning and announced a 750.000 euros aid to fire hit municipalities for anti-flooding projects. OLGA crews will start recording damages to cultivations as of tomorrow, Tuesday in order to compensate farmers.

Financial Aid

A government delegation, headed by Prokopis Pavlopoulos arrived in Rhodes this morning. A broad meeting in Genadi, chaired by the Interior Minister, decided a 750.000 euros aid to fire-hit municipalities for the financing of anti-flooding projects. OLGA crews will start recording damage to farm lands for the compensation of farmers.

Rhodes Prosecutor ordered a preliminary inquiry into possible responsibilities and omissions in fire fighting efforts during the 5-day wildfires that burned down about 13.000 acres of forest land causing a huge dimension ecological destruction on the island of Rhodes.

The president of Rhodes Bar Association, Kostas Kousoulidis belied statements about banning creation of fire security zones. In the meantime, a restaurant owner, faced public prosecutor today on charges of arson by negligence. He managed to put out a fire, he lit by mistake next to his restaurant and spread to a small distance.

Translated by Chrisanthi Sarantis

[04] In Parliament

28 Ιουλ 2008 16:45:0

Debate on reforms in DEKO sector (Public Utilities and services) opens in the Parliament on Tuesday. Despite strong reactions to reforms by political parties and unionists, Economics Minister, George Alogoskoufis made clear that the government will proceed to reforms since tax payers are called to pay for huge deficits resulting from arbitral decisions which did not take into consideration general economic and social impact. DAKE President and general secretary of the Confederation of Greek Labor, Kostas Poupakis called for the withdrawal of draft-bill.

Burden on Greek Tax Payer

In an interview with "Eleftheros Typos" newspaper, GSEE general secretary, Kostas Poupakis called for withdrawal of draft-bill on DEKO reforms and relief of incompetent general directors, who can not cooperate with him. In response to a relevant question, Economics Minister, George Alogoskoufis clarified that the government will proceed to reforms to alleviate the burden on Greek tax payers from large increase in DEKO deficits in the last years. The President of SYRIZA Parliamentary Group, Alekos Alavanos described as unacceptable reforms that "harm rights either regarding salaries and collective labor contracts or work stability particularly of the youth", adding "the sooner elections are held, the better for the country to be relieved from ND party ruling". In its announcement, the Civil Servants Union (ADEDY) labeled draft-bill on DEKO as attack against labor rights. Trade Unions have announced mobilizations against draft-bill.

Translated by Chrisanthi Sarantis

[05] On Wednesday

28 Ιουλ 2008 17:59:0

By Anna Kourti

Sources: ΑNA-ΜPA, ΝΕΤ 108.5

Within the frame of mobilizations, HSAP (Electric Railway) employees are staging a 4-hour work stoppage on Wednesday, July, 30 from the beginning of the shift which means that the first trains will start running after 09:00 in the morning. In the meantime HLPAP Adninistration board ( Athens-Piraeus Trolley Buses) has filed a law suit against 3 employees, embezzlement of 125.000 euros from selling of tickets since September, 2007.

Translated by Chrisanthi Sarantis

[06] To Name Issue

28 Ιουλ 2008 15:36:0

Sources: ΝΕΤ-ΝΕΤ 105.8-ΑNA/ΜPA

The Greek government stresses that the one and only aim of negotiations with Skopje is a mutually acceptable solution to name issue. Greeces response came one day after FYROM Foreign Minister sent a letter to European Commission- asking it to intervene to support the so called Macedonian language- and provocatively called on Greece to show greater understanding for the consolidation of relations between the two countries. The government describes Skopjes leadership successive irredentism letters to the EU as an attempt to mislead negotiations. PASOK President, in an interview with "Eleftherotypia" newspaper, labeled as mistake the Greek Prime-ministers letter in response to FYROMs Prime-minister.

Translated by Chrisanthi Sarantis

[07] Papandreou Supports Christofias-Talat Talks

In an interview with the Eleftherotypia newspaper, PASOK (Panhellenic Socialist Movement) President George Papandreou refers to the Cyprus issue, the new Serbian government and Karadzics arrest, as well as the FYROM (Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia) name issue. In parallel, he describes Prime Minister Kostas Karamanlis reply letter to the FYROM PM a mistake.

"Karamanlis' Reply to Gruevski a Mistake"

In the interview, Mr Papandreou states that he supports the Christofias-Talat face-to-face talks, calling on Ankara to let the Turkish-Cypriots express themselves freely.

Referring to Karadzics arrest, he describes it a message for the Serbian government to proceed to its European course that will help the Balkans.

Regarding Karamanlis reply letter to Gruevski, he points out that with his reply he has accepted that bilateral talks can focus on other issues as well, adding that Greece should only discuss the FYROM name issue. The new name should include a geographic qualifier and be a name for all uses.

Translated by John Crystallidis

[08] Suicide Attacks in Baghdad

By Betty Savourdou

Sources: Reuters, ΑNA-ΜPA

At least 25 have been killed and 52 injured in three suicide attacks in Baghdad today. The attacks targeted Shia Muslims heading for the Kadhimiya shrine in the north of the city for annual ceremonies. As per the police, the attacks appear to have been launched by women suicide bombers.

At least one million pilgrims are expected to visit the Kadhimiya shrine in north-west Baghdad. The pilgrimage, which commemorates the death of the revered eighth-century imam Musa al-Kadhim, will reach a climax on Tuesday.

Translated by John Crystallidis

[09] Testimonies on Perama Tragedy

Sources: ΝΕΤ 105.8

Employees at Perama shipyards are staging a protest rally, following the tragic accident on Friendship Gas that killed eight of their colleagues. On Thursday, they will hold a protest rally at the Ministry of Labour.

Meanwhile, the security technician will testify today and the captain of the ship on Wednesday. Both are charged with homicide by negligence.

Addressing workers in Perama, she said that some should go to prison

Reactions

At the same time, PASOK spokesman Giannis Papakonstantinou stated that safety is not included in the governments priorities, while KKE Secretary General Aleka Papariga held responsible for the accident the former and present Mercantile Marine ministers.

In parallel, SYRIZA (Coalition of the Radical Left) MP Panagiotis Lafazanis asked for the setting up of an inquiry committee that will examine working conditions in Perama.

Translated by John Crystallidis

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