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

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

CONTENTS

[01] Law Suit against Pavlidis Associate

By Katerina Ioannidou

Sources: ÍÅÔ-ÍÅÔ 105.8

A law suit on charges of blackmailing was filed against Panagiotis Zahariou, chief of political office of former Minister for the Aegean, Aristotelis Pavlidis. Ship owner, Fotis Manousis said P. Zahariou demanded 1 million euros to allow his ships to do non profit sea routes. Prosecutor Isidoros Doyiakos carried out preliminary investigation while former Minister for the Aegean had earlier sent a letter to Supreme Court Prosecutor, George Sanidas. In his letter, former Minister for the Aegean, has taken legal action against Mr. Manousis maintaining that he exercised strong pressure and threatened him that he would reveal suspicious transactions regarding non-profit sea lines. In their statements both Mr. Pavlidis and Mr. Zahariou denied charges, maintaining that it is scheming. Among other the interrogator in charge of the case will also investigate whether there is involvement of Mr. Pavlidis.

In his interview with NET, Mr. Pavlidis said that he called for judicial investigation of the case. PASOK party deputy, Elpida Tsouri spoke of a major political and moral issue and called the government to assume its responsibilities.

Translated by Chrisanthi Sarantis

[02] Beijing Olympicsby far the Most Expensive!

Sources: NET

China has promised the most spectacular Olympic Games opening ceremony. The majority of money accounts have been spent on permanent mass transport infrastructure such as highways, airports and metro. It has implemented methods and policies to reduce pollution. It is a fact that Chinas aim is Beijing Olympic Games to be recorded in history not only as the best organized games but also the most expensive games. According to official estimations Beijing Olympic Games are by far the most costly with the majority of the money allocated for greenery projects. According to analysts, the total cost of the games should be around $40 billion at least 20 times the cost of Atlanta Olympic Games and with the previous record held by Athens which paid $16 billion. Sidney spent $1.5 and Atlanta $1.7.

"Spectacular Ceremony"

China a roaring economy can certainly afford its lavish spending, however, some critics speak of extravagant spending such as the 40 million flowers, planted in the streets, money which could offer relief to millions of Chinese living under the poverty line. The $40 billion cost of the Olympic Games is 4 times higher to the $9.7 billion budget allocated for health and three times higher to the $15.7 billion budget for education.

"The government's priority is to guarantee a spectacular event which will impress the audience. This is rather linked to power and legality than to meet the country's needs" said Nikolas Bekelin of Human Rights Watch organization. The total 13 companies sponsoring the games have spent $900 million.

Despite the huge amount of money only 4 in 10 Chinese can name even one of the sponsors! The sponsor companies, however, do not give up. Chief manager of CEO LENOVO, the company in charge of the games informatics characteristically said: "If our clients believe we can participate in the Olympic Games, they can only imagine what we can do for them".

Translated by Chrisanthi Sarantis

Related News:

Final Countdown

[03] Gaza, Palestinian Territory

07 Áõã 2008 21:36:00

By Katerina Ioannidou

Sources: ÁNA-ÌPA-French Agency

Hamas released 150 Fatah members, including a senior leader today. The Fatah members had been arrested in the Gaza Strip after a deadly July beachside bombing, an official said. "Hamas security forces released some 150 prisoners who had been arrested in recent days," Hamas interior ministry spokesperson Ihab al-Hussein said in a statement. The group included Abdallah Abu Samhadana, a senior member of Palestinian president Mahmud Abbass Fatah movement which was routed from Gaza after Hamas violently seized power there in June 2007, the statement said. A Fatah official said another 150 of their members were still in Hamas prisons after being arrested as part of a sweep following the July 25 bombing that killed five senior Hamas fighters and a little girl.

Translated by Chrisanthi Sarantis

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