The Hellenic Radio (ERA): News in English, 08-09-25

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

CONTENTS

[01] Bezas-Strikers Meeting Crucial

25 Σεπ 2008 11:00:00 (Last updated: 25 Σεπ 2008 15:33:18)

Sources: ΝΕΤ, ΝΕΤ 105.8, ΑNA

As a result of the customs officers strike, petrol stations have dried up in most of Greece, while shortages have been recorded in the market with foodstuffs. Drivers have been queuing since early Thursday at petrol stations that still have petrol, while long queues with trucks can be seen at customs stations, as customs officers are continuing with their strike.

Meanwhile, todays meeting between the Customs Officers Presidium and Deputy Economy Minister Ant. Bezas has been described crucial, as it will determine the future of the customs officers mobilizations. "It is absurd that that a sector of well-paid public servants is trying to take the Greek economy and society hostage, because they want to be in charge of the special account, at a time when special accounts are to be abolished in all ministries," commented State Minister Theodoros Roussopoulos. He then went on to add that the Government would not back down to practices of the past, further stressing that it would file a petition to have the strike dismissed as illegal. Head of SYRIZAs (Coalition of the Radical Left) parliamentary group Alekos Alavanos called on Economy Minister Giorgos Alogoskoufis to enter into a dialogue with the customs officers.

Thessaloniki Runs Dry

Those wishing to purchase unleaded oil should have coupons in most petrol stations inThessaloniki, while long queues with hundreds of trucks, cars and coaches can be seen at the Evzoni customs station in Kilkis.

In an attempt to serve most consumers, petrol station owners are selling not more than 20 euros of unleaded petrol per vehicle. Long queues of vehicles can be seen in central and western Thessaloniki and shorter ones in the eastern part of the city, with petrol station owners warning that if the supply of petrol does not take immediately, then petrol stations will begin closing Friday.

Finally, the situation has been worsened due to the rain in Evzoni with truck drivers being forced to remain in their vehicles. Many drivers have abandoned their parked trucks at the Evzoni customs station, while the Thessaloniki port is congested.

Related News:

Queuing for Fuel

[02] OSPA Convenes

25 Σεπ 2008 10:01:00

Sources: ΝΕΤ, ΝΕΤ 105.8

The future of Olympic Airlines after the Commission approved its privatization will in the focus of discussion between Prime Minister Kostas Karamanlis and Transport Minister Kostis Hatzidakis. In parallel, the OSPA (Civil Aviation Associations Federation) Presidium will convene to decide whether the employees will participate in the dialogue.

Translated by John Crystallidis

[03] Alitalia: Possible Breakthrough Ahead

Sources: Associated Press

Alitalias four major union confederations have signed off on a rescue plan for the bankrupt Alitalia airline, signalling a possible breakthrough. But the deal still lacks a crucial sign-off from pilots and flight attendants. The powerful CGIL union signed the deal during a meeting with Italian investors at Chigi Palace on Thursday. CGIL was among the unions that refused last week to sign the plan. The investors withdrew their plan in response. The rescue plan wont be secure without the approval of the unions representing most of pilots and flight attendants. They are to meet later Thursday at Romes Leonard da Vinci airport with the rank-and-file.

[04] Letter against Abbot Efraim

Sources: ΝΕΤ, ΑNA

The all-male Greek Orthodox monastic community of Mount Athos sent to MPs state bodies and Mass Media a ten page letter launching accusations against Vatopedi Monasterys abbot Efraim Koutsos. The letter is expected to be released to public today after the completion of the meeting of the second assembly still being in progress.

Monks on Mount Athos accuse Afraim that he has dismissed holly fathers and has expropriated church property and holly heirlooms. They also accuse him of initiating real estate business, of expropriation big amounts of money coming from grants for the restoration of the monasterys cells as well as of creating a securities firm. In addition, according to the letter abbots have been socializing with senior Greek politicians and have been using electronic systems of surveillance.

Translated by Sofia Gartziou

[05] Prigozhin Prize Goes to Greek Mathematician

Sources: ANA

Head of Chaos and Innovation Research Unit at the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Greece, Ioannis Antoniou was awarded the 2008 Prigozhin Prize for his contribution to the theory of chaos and the complex open systems, which was first developed by his mentor and Nobel laureate Ilya Prigozhin. It is a relatively new mathematical model that allows researchers to explain systems that cannot be analysed in simple terms. For example, they can describe the moves of a pendulum, the way life is organized, cloud formation, how an ovum is fertilized, even what triggers earthquakes. Along with other scientific fields, the mathematical model of complex open systems and that of chaos can explain phenomena that cannot be easily predicted. Awarded each year, the prize has been established by the University of Siena, Italy, and the Wessex Institute of Technology.

Translated by Areti Christou

[06] The Press and Public Excluded

25 Σεπ 2008 11:38:00

Sources: ΝΕΤ

The trial on 11-year-old Alex Mechisvili, the son of a Georgian migrant, starts today, in Thessaloniki Minors Court. Alex, a talented pianist, vanished in the town of Veria, on his way home from a basketball game. Five of his schoolmates have been charged with murder while the 17 years old brother of the two Greek brothers (among the accused) has been charged with hiding murderers. According to the police, Alex was chased through the streets of Veria, and ended up having a fight near the town hall. It was claimed that he was killed after he fell down marble steps. The boys are said to have carried his body to a derelict house next to the town hall. Two days later, it is alleged, they wheeled his body in a supermarket trolley through the streets of Veria, and dumped it in the fast-flowing river that runs through the town. Despite a forensic search of the house, and underwater sweeps of the river, no trace of Alex has ever been discovered. Natela, Alexs mother, the most tragic figure in this case will be watching the trial.

Translated by Sofia Gartziou

[07] After Brown's Speech to a Party Conference

25 Σεπ 2008 11:09:00

Sources: ANA

British Premier Gordon Browns speech to a conference of the ruling Labour Party on Tuesday halved the Conservatives lead in the polls, as a survey published on Thursday suggested.

The YouGov survey showed Labour gained seven points compared to previous ones, putting them on 31 percent, ten points behind the Conservatives. Last week the gap was 20 points amid rumours that Brown would step down.

However, there are indications that Browns problems have been surmounted. British dailies have read the Transport Minister was stripped of his duties, as part of Browns campaign to free the government from rebels.

Translated by Areti Christou

[08] 9-11 Work Stoppage at Courts

Judiciary employees of Athens courts are staging a 2 hours work stoppage today, Thursday from 9:00 to11:00, claiming employment, better salaries and improvement in installations.

Translated by Sofia Gartziou

[09] Threatening Phone Call for Bomb

25 Σεπ 2008 10:03:00

Sources: ΝΕΤ, ΑNA

Pakistan authorities have raised security measures in the international airport of Islamabad after the threatening phone call for bomb, a few day after the suicide attack in the citys central hotel that killed 60 people

In the morning, we received a threatening phone call for bomb, an official said. Major security operations developed immediately in the airport which is now called Benazir Bhutto in owner of former Prime Minister who was assassinated last December.

What must be stressed is that in February 2007, a kamikaze opened fire near the airports VIP room, injuring 3 people.

Translated by Sofia Gartziou

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