The Hellenic Radio (ERA): News in English, 08-09-10

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

CONTENTS

[01] Karamanlis Message to Ministers'

10 Σεπ 2008 09:57:00

Sources: ΝΕΤ ΝΕΤ 105.8, ΑNA-ΜPA

During todays meeting of the Inner Cabinet, Prime-minister, Kostas Karamanlis categorically called for a commitment of complete dedication to targets and substance of politics as well as tangible proof of work. According to reports, at the beginning of his speech, Mr. Karamanlis stressed that the governments target is strictly linked with the countrys future and referred to initiatives taken and to be taken regarding both the economy and daily life, repeating that these are the initiatives of the real field of politics on which the government has placed its focus. Seven new Supreme Court deputy-chief judges and a new Court of Audit deputy-chief were selected today during the Inner Cabinet meeting. The new Supreme Court deputy-chief judges are: Dimitrios Kanelopoulos, Dimitrios Dalianis, Konstantinos Kouklis, Elias Yiannakis, Grigorios Mamalis, Emmanuil Kaloudis and George Konstantas. Earlier, the Government Committee held a meeting centered on ratification of judgments of Justice Ministry leadership.

Translated by Chrisanthi Sarantis

[02] Under way since 10:00 this Morning

10 Σεπ 2008 10:45:00

Sources: ΝΕΤ, ΝΕΤ 105.8

Ten thousand international scientists, among them Greek scientists will attempt to recreate the "Big Ban" in the hope that new sub-atomic particles will emerge, revealing fundamental insights into the nature of the cosmos and unlock many of the remaining secrets of particle physics. The power up of the Large Hadron Collider (LHC) which will seek to collide two beams of particles at nearly the speed of light will be covered live by CERN Research Center website and many European television channels. The experiment started shortly after 10:00 despite some small technical problems. Scientists are anxious explain the origins of the universe and how it came to harbor life. The experiment has given rise to destruction of the Earth scenarios, CERN, however, has re-assured that the Large Hadron Collider is safe. The experiment will be carried on for at least 10 years while first results are expected at Christmas.

Translated by Chrisanthi Sarantis

Read the story on other sources:

The Large Hadron Collider - CERN

[03] Tensions Run High in Parliament

10 Σεπ 2008 15:23:00 (Last updated: 10 Σεπ 2008 17:23:30)

Sources: ΝΕΤ, ΝΕΤ 105.8, ANA-MPA

Day two of the debate on the new tax draft-bill, which is to be put to a vote on Thursday, was marked by high tensions. The wrangling between Finance Minister Giorgos Alogoskoufis and Socialist section head for economy affairs L. Katseli dominated the debate, while Conservative lawmaker I. Manolis distanced himself from the amendment on freelancers, speaking of "ethical considerations." The opposition parties blasted the provision reintroducing tax relief for freelancers up to 30 years old, arguing that it must not be reduced to that age threshold only. They also slammed the provisions foreseen equal tax treatment for all. In the meantime, protesting the new tax system, the Bar Associations of Athens, Piraeus and Thessaloniki decided on continuing their actions until Thursday. Pharmacists, tourism industry employees and the Transport Ministry personnel are also on strike.

The amendment that concerns the so-called "700-euro generation" raises ethical considerations, argued Conservative lawmaker Giannis Manolis. Alogoskoufis initial pledge to have all freelancers awarded the 10,500 euro tax relief turned into an "unacceptable" provision that puts a "racist" age threshold, said Manolis.

"The 700-euro generation does not only include the youths aged 20-25 but also those who have been made redundant at the age of 40 up to 45 and lack stamps," continued Manolis. "You [Finance Ministry] can be inconsistent with what you told the Conservative lawmakers and the relevant Parliamentary Committee if you wish, but no one can call us [Conservative lawmakers] inconsistent. I will be the first to back the ruling partys programme, which does not mention that the 700-euro generation has to be taxed. And if you think that we vote for the serious draft-bills because of party conscience, okay, but there are ethical considerations. We cannot hide behind binding vote," said Manolis.

Deputy Finance Minister Antonis Bezas denied the Government being inconsistent and defended the provisions that impose a fairer taxation system and stamp out tax evasion.

Opposition Lashes Out

Representing KKE (Greek Communist Party), Achilleas Katartzis branded the tax policy as socially unfair, arguing that it hits those who are employed in arduous and unhealthy occupations, while the accumulated debts were created by both the Conservative and Socialist governments that promoted capital-favourable policies.

"You should tax the Ministers off shore companies instead of taxing the youth as soon as they turn 30," commented Alekos Alavanos, head of SYRIZAs (Coalition of the Radical Left) parliamentary group. LAOS (Popular Orthodox Rally) President Giorgos Karatzaferis stressed that the Ministers are making fortunes enjoying the Prime Ministers backing. He then went on to speak of bribed journalists and a fixed press conference in Thessaloniki.

Responding to the criticism, Conservative parliamentary spokesman Panos Panagiotopoulos dismissed the attacks on the Prime Minister, arguing that Karamanlis remains the only reliable solution.

Translated by Areti Christou

Related News:

Wrangling in Parliament

[04] G.Papandreou at 73rd ITF

By Athina Saloustrou

PASOK President, George Papandreou arrived in Thessaloniki today within the framework of his visit to the 73rd International Thessaloniki Fair. He will deliver a speech at the Bellidios Conference Center on Saturday and give the customary press interview on Sunday. Mr. Papandreou had successive meetings with the boards of the Labor Center and the Thessaloniki Professional- Small Companies Chamber. In an interview with ΝΕΤ 105.8, PASOK spokesman, George Papakonstantinou maintained "George Papandreou will give prospect to citizens, without pre-election announcements, but proving that there is a convincing alternative proposal". Mr. Papandreou program today includes a visit at 13:30 to the Byzantine Culture Museum Exhibition on the history of the City of Thessaloniki housed at the White Tower and a visit to Technopolis, in Pylaia at 19:00 this afternoon.

Translated by Chrisanthi Sarantis

[05] H. Taigaridis Made World Record

10 Σεπ 2008 13:21:00

Haralambos Taigaridis won gold medal in Beijing Paralympics Games S13 class 100m freestyle. He made a new world record 53.37 improving his personal record 53.96, he had achieved on December, 3, 2006 at the World Championship in Darban. Ukrainian Oleksii Fedyna came second place (54.11) to win silver medal and his compatriot Danylo Chufarov came third place (54.26) to receive bronze.

Translated by Chrisanthi Sarantis

[06] Cyprus Row: Direct Talks Open Thursday

Sources: ANA-MPA, ΝΕΤ 105.8

UN envoy Alexander Downer is about to engage in talks in Ankara on the negotiations that commenced in Cyprus on 3 September for a solution to the Cyprus standoff. Escorted by a UN delegation, Downer, will meet with Turkeys President, Prime Minister and Foreign Minister. He will also hold talks with top-ranking officials of the Turkish Foreign Ministry.

In the meantime, Athens is in contact with Nicosia in view of the meeting between Cypriot President Demetris Christofias and Turkish-Cypriot leader Mehmet Ali Mehmet on 11 September. In fact, Greeces Foreign Minister Dora Bakoyannis briefed Wednesday noon the President of the Hellenic Republic on the talks with Downer.

Talat reiterated Wednesday his commitment to an overall solution to the row before the European Policy Centre in Brussels, favouring a specific timeline and hoping that a solution could be found before June 2009. He also appeared optimistic about the outcome of the talks despite the opposing opinions of the two sides, because, as he said, "They can be bridged as long as there is good will and flexibility."

He championed a bizonal federation, underlining the importance of political equality between two communities that are of different population numbers. Asked to comment on the presence of Turkish troops on the island, Talat claimed he is in constant talks with the Turkish government, which is after a solution to the problem.

Finally, of all the matters to be brought up during the talks with the Cypriot President, that of real estates is the thorniest of all, he said.

Turkish Foreign Minister Babacan also appeared optimistic about the course of the negotiations. Drilled on Turkeys guarantees, Babacan argued that they are necessary for security and stability in the eastern Mediterranean.

Translated by Areti Christou

[07] "Need for Re-organization of Popular Movement"

10 Σεπ 2008 14:42:00

Sources: ΝΕΤ 105.8, ΑNA

In a press interview in Thessaloniki, within the frame of her visit to ITF, GCP general secretary, Aleka Papariga launched strong criticism against the two large political parties. She said that the Prime-ministers speech at the 73rd ITF was predictable, underlining that September brings nothing new as it happened during PASOK party rulings- since anti-labor policies are in effect 365 days a year. She also underlined the need for re-organization of the popular movement, stressing that defeating ND and PASOK, not only as political formations but also defeating the bourgeoisie and monopolios, is to the benefit of the labor class. Mrs. Papariga stressed that rift and reversal could not but be a one-way road for the working class while she placed high political importance to forthcoming euro-elections. She ruled out party coalitions with the present political forces and under the existing circumstances. She called on citizens to overcome fears that nothing can change and strongly criticized SYRIZA and LAOS parties for both serving bipartisanship although they dont have same ideological background. On the grounds of Batopedio Monastery issue, she repeated GCP firm stand of non recognition of the Church ownership of forests, mountains and coasts regardless of ownership titles.

Translated by Chrisanthi Sarantis

[08] Fires in Northern Greece

A fire is burning a pine forest at an inaccessible mountainous region in Bergotida municipality, in Pella. Strong firefighting force, enforced by Larissa and Bolos fire departments are in the region battling with flames. In the meantime, another fire is still raging in forest region in Kitka, in Aridaia, Pella. Land force of 50 firemen is trying to put fire in fir-tree forest on Mt. Belles, Kilkis, which broke out on Sunday.

Seventy firefighters and 14 fire engines are trying to contain fire raging for 4 days in Prespes municipality, Florina. A fire that broke out in Hasia municipality, in Grevena burned down some 40 acres of forest land before being brought under partial control. Fire in Papranitsa, in Aridaia, Pellas has also been brought under partial control.

Translated by Chrisanthi Sarantis

[09] OPEC Lowers Oil Production

By Athina Saloustrou

OPEC member states on Wednesday agreed to lower output targets by 520.000 barrels a day said Algerian Oil Minister, who is presiding over the Vienna conference. Ministers of the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) had been widely expected to stick to existing production allocations, which have been in place all year. According to the Algerian Oil Minister, production will return to September, 2007 output, except for three OPEC members, Indonesia, Angola Iraq. The new target will be 28.8 million barrels a day. In the meantime, Brent oil dropped below $100 at $99.30 per barrel and US crude at 103,26 for the first time since April as some voiced concern about a growing surplus of oil on the market. Ahead of the conference, Venezuela Oil Minister said he was in favour of present production levels.OPEC will further review its production policy at a meeting in Algeria in December.

Translated by Chrisanthi Sarantis

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