The Hellenic Radio (ERA): News in English, 08-09-18

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

CONTENTS

[01] According to ALCO Fresh Gallop

18 Óåð 2008 20:05:00

By Katerina Ioannidou

Sources: ÁNA-ÌPA-ÍÅÔ

A fresh gallop conducted by ALCO on behalf of ALTER television channel indicates that in intention of voting PASOK is 1.8% ahead of the ND party. Specifically, the result of the telephone gallop from 15-18 September on a sample of 1000 respondents shows that ND gathers 26.1%, PASOK 27.9%, GCP 6.6%, SYRIZA 8.3%, LAOS 5%, Ecologists Greens 2.1% and unclear vote 15.9%. Regarding the question who is the most appropriate for the post of Prime-minister, PASOK leader George Papandreou is ahead with 34.5%, Prime-minister, Kostas Karamanlis gathers 30.7%, 22.2% of respondents have same opinion for both candidates while 9.9% did not answer.

In reference to which party will win elections, the ND party is ahead with 37.6% against 27.8% of PASOK while 19.8% of respondents said neither of the two major parties.

With regards negative and positive criticism, 51.4% of respondents expressed negative criticism about Mr. Karamanlis against 44.2% who expressed favourable criticism while Mr. Papandreou received 47.1% negative criticism and 44.5% positive.

Translated by Chrisanthi Sarantis

[02] Threat of Bankruptcy

18 Óåð 2008 18:53:00

By Nasos Bratsos

Sources: ÁNA, Reuters, French

The future of Italian Airways company is hanging by a thread after the withdrawal of CAI consortium offer to buy Alitalia. The offer was seen as the last hope for the near-bankrupt Italian airline to avoid collapse. In his statements, Prime-minister Sylvio Berlusconi stressed that the situation is dramatic and blamed unions for this development as only 3 out of 9 unions had agreed with the Italian governments and CIA plan. Mr. Berlusconi attributed high responsibilities to CGIL and the pilots unions. Demonstrators welcomed news of withdrawal of CAI consortium offer, stating that they rather go home instead of working for those conscienceless buyers.

Translated by Chrisanthi Sarantis

[03] Paris -France

18 Óåð 2008 21:39:00

By Katerina Ioannidou

Sources: ÁNA-ÌPA

Greece laid the ground for the opening of relations with Central Asia countries on the sidelines of the EU- Central Asia Forum on Security issues held in Paris at ministers level. Greek Foreign Minister, Dora Bakoyianni said "Greeces relations with Central Asia countries will be the top priority in 2009. We must invest on our relations with energy producer countries, where a large part of our compatriots live and act as the bridge for our cooperation with them. The Greek government has decided that 2009 is the year for the furthering of our relations with countries where people speak about Alexander the Great and Greeces cultural influence on them from the very first moment they meet you. Talks during the EU- Central Asia Forum on Security focused on cooperation with Central Asia countries on the fields of security, energy as well as the combat of terrorism and drug trafficking. From Central Asia, attending the forum were the Foreign Ministers of 5 guest countries, Kazakhstan, Kirgizia, Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan and Tajikistan.

Translated by Chrisanthi Sarantis

[04] Meeting on Skopje Name Issue

18 Óåð 2008 21:22:00

By Katerina Ioannidou

Sources: ÁNA-ÌPA-ÍÅÔ

On the sidelines of the UN general assembly in NY, Greek Foreign Minister, Dora Bakoyianni will meet with her Skopjan counterpart, Antonio Milososki. Mrs. Bakoyianni met with Mr. Milososki in Paris today on the sidelines of the EU conference with Central Asia countries and agreed to meet on Friday afternoon, in Paris to discuss the name issue. Earlier, she will have a work meeting with her French counterpart, Bernard Kouchner during which she will have a substantial discussion on many open issues such as Europe-Turkey relations, Cyprus developments, the Skopje issue as well as Greece-France initiatives.

Translated by Chrisanthi Sarantis

[05] Takeovers & Mergings

18 Óåð 2008 15:37:00

Sources: ÁNA, Reuters, AFP

Despite signs of recovery in European stock markets, international financial crisis continues as Asian stocks plunged overnight. Athens Stock market dropped 0.95% to 2.929.82 points.

British bank Lloyds TSB took advantage of the market turmoil to achieve a long-held ambition by scooping up the countrys biggest mortgage lender, HBOS, in a 15.4 billion ($22 billion) all-share deal. The value of the new bank organization will mount up to 28 billion pounds and have control of 1/3 mortgage loans and savings in Britain.

British Prime-minister, Gordon Brown is likely to have played a leading role in negotiations between the two banks. Investors having liquidity take advantage of opportunities in bank shares. Central Banks pumped in $180 billion of extra liquidity to calm panicked stock and money markets.

Bailout of insurance giant American International Group Inc (AIG) did not bring the expected results with the Dow Jones industrial average dropping 4%. Concern now is focused on which financial firm will follow Leman bankruptcy. Morgan Stanley and larger rival Goldman Sachs Group Inc, the largest surviving independent Wall Street investment banks, are facing concern that the credit crunch could constrict the short-term funding theyve traditionally relied on. Goldman Sachs Group Inc suffered the heaviest daily loss while Morgan Stanley the heaviest in 15 years.

The international credit crisis, however, appears to have favoured Barrack Obama, as fresh gallops indicate that he is gaining ground over his rival McCain with 48% against 43%.

Translated by Chrisanthi Sarantis

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