The Hellenic Radio (ERA): News in English, 08-08-26

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

CONTENTS

[01] Between Karamanlis and Social Partners

26 Αυγ 2008 09:16:00 (Last updated: 26 Αυγ 2008 17:26:00)

Sources: ΝΕΤ, ΝΕΤ 105.8, ANA-MPA

Greeces Prime Minister Kostas Karamanlis met Tuesday with the boards of the Supreme Administration of Greek Civil Servants Trade Unions (ADEDY) and the Northern Greek Industries Association, in view of the Thessaloniki International Fair, where he is to outline the governments revenue policy. ADEDY asked for basic wages of 1,300 euros and minimal wages of 900 euros, as well as a corrective sum compensate the income loss pensioners and employees suffered due to the 2008 inflation. Interior Minister Prokopis Pavlopoulos said that the new law on civil service would be voted in 2009. Giorgos Mylonas, President of the Northern Greek Industries Associations, hailed the stability of the economic policy as positive. The Athens Chamber of Commerce and Industry (EBEA) unveiled a memo of 20 targeted proposals aiming at boosting small and medium sized businesses and low-income earners. Later in the afternoon, Karamanlis will meet with the Central Union of Chambers of Commerce and the Panhellenic Confederation of Union of Agricultural Co-ops.

Contradictory Opinions with ADEDY

Greeces Prime Minister Kostas Karamanlis is meeting Tuesday with the reps of the countrys social partners. He first met with the board of the Supreme Administration of Greek Civil Servants Trade Unions (ADEDY), which asked for basic wages of 1,300 euros and minimal wages of 900 euros. It also requested a corrective sum compensate the income loss pensioners and employees suffered due to the 2008 inflation.

As per the unionists, the Government pledged there would be no surprises and interventions in the pension system. It also assured there would be no VAT hike, while indirect taxes on alcohol and cigars would probably be adjusted.

ADEDY President Spyros Papaspyrou blasted the revenue policy, arguing that when a policy nourishes poverty, it is not a revenue one. We wont settle for benefits, we want more jobs paying stable wages. We want the government policy to meet the government pledges. There are funds, and a fair tax system is the key," commented Papaspyrou after the meeting.

Meetings with EBEA and SVVE

Head of the Northern Greek Industries Association Giorgos Mylonas termed the stability of the economic policy as positive, after meeting with Prime Minister Kostas Karamanlis. Ministers of Finance and Macedonia-Thrace Giorgos Alogoskoufis and Margaritis Tzimas also attended the talks.

Mylonas predicted that emergency measures would be stepped up due to the state budget, further adding that a crackdown on tax evasion and a cut in public spending should precede the measures. We are willing to accept measures that are capable of settling long-standing problems, added Mylonas.

The Macedonia-Thrace Minister, on his part, noted that the Government would address many of the Associations demands in a positive manner.

The Athens Chamber of Commerce and Industry (EBEA) introduced a memo of 20 targeted proposals aiming at boosting small and medium sized businesses and low-income earners.

EBEA head Mr Mihalos said that both the businesses and the citizens cannot handle the additional taxes and that plubic spending should be redistributed and measures should be taken with a view to boosting low-income earners.

The Finance Minister underlined that the economic policy implemented has yielded results and helped economy to cope with the crisis. He touched on the growth rates rise and the unemployment cut.

Reactions

"In view of this years TIF, Greeces economy is in a particularly crucial moment. The neo-liberal policies, which are being implemented in Greece and in the EU, in collaboration with the world economic recession have led to an economic slowdown, since growth is not based on productive investments but on increased consumption and constructions," read an announcement issued by the Coalition of the Radical Left (SYRIZA).

"Of what is leaked from Maximos Mansion, it appears that the Prime Minister will launch a million rockets and cuff a million employees," read an announcement released by the Popular Orthodox Rally (LAOS).

Translated by Areti Christou

Related News:

Papandreou-SVVE Meeting

Meeting with ADEDY

[02] New Deadline for Cadastral Registry

By Alexandros Moz

Sources: ΝΕΤ, ΝΕΤ-105.8

Real estate owners were given until 31 October to submit their real estate declarations to the cadastral registration offices, announced the Public Works Minister, Giorgos Souflias. He further stressed that the funds to be raised would be earmarked for the registry project. Souflias apologized for the inconvenience petitioners came up against on 15 August, and voiced his satisfaction over the projects progress. He said that 1,400,000 rights had been declared and 54,000,000 euros had been raised so far.

Translated by Areti Christou

[03] Russia Recognizes Ossetia-Abkhazia

By Dimitris Alexopoulos

Sources: ANA-MPA

Defying the West and Georgia, Moscow recognized the breakaway provinces of South Ossetia and Abkhazia. "That was no easy choice to make, but it is the sole chance of saving peoples lives," Russian President Medvedev said, while the Kremlin stressed that Russia would establish diplomatic ties with the two rebel provinces in the coming days. Russias move amounts to a blatant annexation of Georgian territory, answered Georgia. The leaders of Abkhazia and South Ossetia hailed the Russian decision as a historic one.

Following a vote in both houses of parliament on Monday, which called on Moscow to recognise the rebel regions, the Russian President officially announced the recognition in a televised address.

"That was no easy choice to make, but it is the sole chance of saving peoples lives," said Russian President Medvedev, stressing that he took into account the free will of the people of South Ossetia and Abkhazia, as well as a series of international principles.

"On 8 August, Tbilisi made its own choice. Saakashvili chose genocide to solve his political tasks," Medvedev declared, urging the nations of the world to also recongnise the two regions.

"The peoples of South Ossetia and Abkhazia have more than once spoken in referenda supporting the independence of their republics. We understand that after what had happened...they have the right to decide their fate themselves," stressed the Russian President, who reminded that Russias former drives to find a diplomatic solution to the dispute had been ignored by both the Alliance and the UN.

In the coming days, Russia will establish diplomatic ties with Abkhazia and South Ossetia and sign cooperation agreements, while the Defence Ministry will make sure peace is not disrupted until the treaties are signed.

The leaders of Abkhazia and South Ossetia hailed Russias decision as historic, reported the Interfax news agency

"There Will Be Heavy Political Consequences"

At the same time, Georgia blasted that the recognition of the two separatist regions amounted to a blatant annexation of Georgian territory and that the decision in question would brought about heavy political consequences.

Sweden was the first country to react to Russias move. Foreign Affairs Minister Carl Bildt said that the recognition of the independence of the two separatist Georgian regions was a deliberate violation of international law.

Translated by Areti Christou

Related News:

Separatist Regions a "Thorn"

[04] Democrats' Convention Started

26 Αυγ 2008 09:16:00

By Anthi Ntaousani

Sources: ΑNA, Reuters, AFP, CNN

The convention of Democrats started in the US (Denver) in a festive atmosphere. Obama will be named this week as the first black nominee of a major U.S. political party and, if he defeats Republican John McCain in Novembers election, would be the first African American president. What will play a leading part for the unity party is the stance of Hillary Clintons supporters after Obamas decision not to include her in the vice presidents nomination. Obamas wife Michelle opened the convention with her speech that was broadcasted live by TV channels. Senator Edward Kennedy, a symbolic personality in the progressive liberalism, made a short appearance in front of the delegates. Meantime Colorado TV channel broadcasted that 4 people were arrested in Denver charged with planning to murder Obama.

Clintons: Critical Stance

Hillary Clinton will grab the spotlight at the Democratic convention on Tuesday in a speech designed to mend a lingering party rift and rally her frustrated supporters to Barack Obamas White House bid. Clinton made an appeal yesterday to her supporters to vote for Obama in November elections. "She could not have been clearer today. She could not have been clearer during the last months", Obama said for Hillary. The fact is that we had a hard nominating battle. But we must still convince Hillarys supporters to join us. Clintons love this country and love the Democratic Party", he added.

"Planned to Murder Obama"

Meantime Colorado TV channel broadcasted that 4 people were arrested in Denver charged with planning the murder of Obama. One of the arrested confessed in authorities that "they were planning to shoot Obama from a high spot, 750 meters distance, using a riffle, Channel CBS 34 announced. The attempt of murder against Barack Obama would take place on Thursday when the Afro American senator is expected to deliver a speech in Denver stadium in front of 75.000 supporters, CBS 34 broadcasted. The conspiracy was revealed after the arrest of a man who was found to carry a gammadion raising suspicions that he had contacts with racist organizations.

Translated by Sofia Gartziou

[05] Two of the Accomplices Detained

By Andreas Roditis

Sources: ANA

Two out of three of V. Paleokostas accomplices, accused of abducting businessman Giorgos Mylonas have been imprisoned after testifying to the Examiner in Thessaloniki

The two accomplices, 30-year old P.G. and 28-year-old V.H. were transferred to the Examiner under tight security measures at noon. Accompanied by their lawyers, they were charged with three felonies and misdemeanors in relation to the abduction of businessman Giorgos Mylonas.

Meanwhile, anarchists expressed their support to the two accused outside the court and attacked state TV crew.

Translated by John Crystallidis

Related News:

Paleokostas Remanded in Custody

[06] High Risk of Fire

By Alexandros Moz

Sources: ANA-MPA

As per the General Secretariat of Political Protection, Athens, eastern and western Attica, Piraeus, Evros, Kavala, Lesvos, Chios, Samos, Magnisia, Evia, Boeotia, Corinthia, Argolida and Laconia are running a high risk of fire Wednesday.

The respective self-governments have been informed by the General Secretariat on the risk of fire and will be on alert. In parallel, people are advised to abstain from outdoor works that might set fire and avoid throwing away lit cigarettes. In case of fire they should call 199.

Translated by John Crystallidis

[07] Greece's Stance Is Firm

26 Αυγ 2008 12:35:00 (Last updated: 26 Αυγ 2008 16:41:39)

Sources: ΝΕΤ, ANA

Speaking on NET state run television, UN envoy Matthew Nimetz literally left the FYROM leadership and Nicola Gruevski exposed, noting that his their talks, Nimetz urged him to go on with the negotiations, irrespective of the disputes. In the meantime, Greeces Foreign Minister Dora Bakoyannis is to call the National Foreign Policy Council on 4 September to discuss the developments in the Balkans, the Cyprus row and the Caucasus crisis. Bakoyannis is also to brief the Parliaments Standing Committee on Defence and Foreign Affairs on the FYROM name dispute. Greeces position on the matter had been firm and consistent, Bakoyannis told Mega private television.

Bakoyannis on FYROM

The only goal of the talks with FYROM is a mutually acceptable solution, so that the game with a temporary name would finally come to an end, Dora Bakoyannis said in her interview with Mega private television.

Referring to FYROM Prime Minister N. Gruevski, she claimed he had been trying to get away by bringing up more issues on the table. She stressed that such attitudes could result in no solution and that Gruevski would be the one to be held accountable for torpedoing his countrys future within the EU and NATO, not Greece.

Asked whether Greece would veto the decision on the opening talks between FYROM and the EU on October, the Greek Foreign Minister said, "We have said so. They also know that there can be no EU and NATO future unless the name row, which constitutes the basis for good neighbourly relations, is resolved."

"I want to reassure that Greece has no intention of changing its policy. It has a firm policy, enjoying the consent of the opposition parties," Bakoyannis underlined. She avoided, however, predicting the outcome of the new campaign undertaken by Nimetz, underscoring that Greece is here, taking part in the negotiations with seriousness, responsibility and consistency.

Translated by Areti Christou

Related News:

FYROM's Answer on Name Issue

[08] Remains in Lipsoi Island

26 Αυγ 2008 11:47:00

Sources: ΝΕΤ 105.8

The damage in the two electric engines of Dimitroula ferries was restored. The ship remains in Lipsoi Island and will shortly depart for Leros, Kalymnos, Kos, Symi and Rhodes islands. The vessel is being inspected now by local inspection crew. 70 out of 139 passengers already on board have departed for Kalymnos and Leros with "ANNA EXPRESS" ferries.

Translated by Sofia Gartziou

[09] Arrested in Athens

26 Αυγ 2008 11:35:00

Sources: ΝΕΤ, ΝΕΤ 105.8

A 40 years old state employee was arrested in Athens by the department of electronic crimes because he published in his blog threatening messages against a 48 years old journalist. In addition he included defamatory comments against him.

More specifically, the blogger called all Internet users to kill the journalist and his family because he did not approve of the journalists work and the way he presented the news. The 40 years old will testify in the prosecutor; he is being charged with slanderous defame through the Internet.

Translated by Sofia Gartziou

[10] In View of the Thessaloniki International Fair

26 Αυγ 2008 11:05:00 (Last updated: 26 Αυγ 2008 13:00:52)

Sources: ΝΕΤ 105.8, ANA

PASOK (Panhellenic Socialist Movement) President George Papandreou welcomed Tuesday morning the board of the Northern Greek Industries Association (SVVE) at his partys headquarters, as part of his talks with the social partners in view of the Thessaloniki International Fair. On Monday, the Socialist leader blasted the government for being unable to realize the extent of the economic crisis.

Prior to the meeting, Papandreou held talks with the Associations head Giorgos Mylonas. "I am glad that your President came back stronger and with no injuries," commented Papandreou. Mylonas thanked him for his concern and said, "As we businessmen say, there is nothing to worry over issues that money can settle."

"But the point is not to have such problems. There are countries where such practices are a common place. The issue of security is crucial," argued Papandreou, further adding, "In Greece, citizens feel rather insecure."

After his meeting with Papandreou, Mylonas requested both the government and the opposition to strike common ground on key matters, leaving party expediencies aside, so that the country can come out of a recession.

Translated by Areti Christou

[11] Fire in Inachori of Chania

Sources: ANA-MNA

The fire that broke out in a mountainous area in Amygdalokefali of Inachorio prefecture is in progress. The fire does not threaten any residential areas. Firefighting planes as well as fire brigade forces are battling with flames in Chania, Kissaimos and Rethymno. Fires in Gargalianous of Messinia, Lakonia and Fokida are abating while the fire that broke out in Ilia has been put under partial control. Today there is high risk of fires in Athens, Eastern Attika and Evoia.

Translated by Sofia Gartziou

[12] In Crete, School of Polytechnics

26 Αυγ 2008 10:22:00

Sources: ΝΕΤ 105.8, ΑNA

The elections for the new university rector were suspended in Crete, school of polytechnics. A group of students that is reacting in the implementation of the new law-framework in universities proceeded to the sit in of the university campus. After this incident, the rector of Polytechnics Ioakeim Gryspolakis made clear that the elections will not be conducted.

Translated by Sofia Gartziou

[13] Crisis in Caucasus

26 Αυγ 2008 11:26:00

Sources: ΝΕΤ 105.8, ΑNA

Both houses of Russias parliament unanimously adopted resolutions on Monday urging Medvedev to recognise the independence of South Ossetia and the second Georgian separatist region of Abkhazia, a move Washington says would be unacceptable. This demand means that Russiand will still attack S. Ossetia and Abkhazia, Georgia claims. Medvedev on Monday said Russia was ready for whatever action NATO might take, up to and including suspending all cooperation. Meantime, Nikola Sarkozy has called for the set up of an immediate summit meeting to discuss the crisis while he also puts pressure so as peace force to be sent in the neutral zone in between Georgia and S. Ossetia. Greece announced that it will participate in the withdrawal from the area taking place tomorrow.

Greek FM, Dora Bakogiannis will convene the National Council of Foreign Policies in September 4 regarding developments in Balkans, the Cypriot issue as well as the crisis in Caucasus. Speaking to Mega channel today, Mrs. Bakoyiannis said that she believes that NATO-Russia should suspend their cooperation.

Translated by Sofia Gartziou

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