The Hellenic Radio (ERA): News in English, 08-09-27

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

CONTENTS

[01] To the "Rebels" from Karamanlis

27 Σεπ 2008 11:04:00 (Last updated: 27 Σεπ 2008 14:57:13)

By Dimitris Alexopoulos

Sources: ΝΕΤ-ΝΕΤ 105.8

Kostas Karamanlis showed the way out to the so-called "rebels" from the podium of the partys Central Committee meeting, adding that he would not tolerate personal strategies by party cadres and unwonted attacks launched outside the party. The prime minister invited those who doubt him to take the responsibility and topple the government. At the same time, he warned party cadres to stop undermining tactics and opportunistic behaviour. He admitted that mistakes had been made, putting an end however to rumors on a government re-shuffle and early elections.

"Introversion Ends Today"

The phrase "introversion ends today" appeared the keynote phrase for the partys policy in the future. In this way the PM wished to invert the prevailing climate within the government lately.

Addressing the ND Central Committee, Mr Karamanlis appeared determined not to tolerate different views made in public by party cadres, calling all who doubt him to overthrow the government. In reply to those demanding a government reshuffle; he stressed that the criteria for such a move are not to impress, admitting that mistakes had been made in the past.

Referring to the Vatopedi monastery case he stated he would not accept state interests to be affected, adding that he has full confidence to Justice.

Furthermore, he defended the governments economic policy, adding that Greece is developing despite the international economic crisis, stressing that now the government will look into social problems. He promised that the unemployed and pensioners would receive a heating oil allowance, while those who had taken loans will be protected by the Social Cohesion Fund. He also argued that audit evidence on tax evasion would be just.

Petros Tatoulis insisted on his criticism, launching barbs against ministers and party cadres. He also asked for an extraordinary party congress to be held, a request rejected by the Central Committee.

Byron Polydoras stated that the ruling party should prove that no anomies exist in its days, while Vassilis Michaloliakos asked for a new start and the participation of cadres, who are not being used presently. Both of them, including Giannis Moralis stated they support Kostas Karamanlis.

The Opposition Criticizes the Government

The opposition criticized the PMs speech.

From New York, PASOK (Socialists) President George Papandreou stated that the people would not tolerate promises, adding they need a sensible government that would not be preoccupied with its deadlocks.

KKE (Communist Party of Greece) pointed out that the PM had not only addressed the party but also businessmen instead of standing by the societys side.

SYN (Coalition of the Left) reported that Mr Karamanlis real problem is the societys reaction to his policy.

LAOS (Popular Orthodox Rally) described the PMs speech short-handed testimony.

Meanwhile, in an interview with Imiresia newspaper, LAOS President George Karatzaferis has proposed his partys cooperation with the ND party.

Translated by John Crystallidis

Related News:

Only Tatoulis Was Biting

Karamanlis Ultimatum

[02] Paul Newman Passed Away

Sources: REUTERS

Famed for his brilliant blue eyes, Hollywood star Paul Newman breathed his last at the age of 83, announced Saturday the "Newmans Own Foundation." "Pauls Newmans craft was acting. His passion was racing. His love was his family and friends. And his heart and soul were dedicated to helping make the world a better place for all," read the Foundations statement. Newman appeared in some 60 movies, including "Cat on a Hot Tin Roof," "The Hustler," "Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid," and "The Sting."

[03] Socialist International Sitting

Sources: ΝΕΤ-ΝΕΤ 105.8-ΑNA/ΜPA

Presiding the Socialist International Convention, the PASOK president spoke of the collapse of Wall Street capitalism and invited the attending leaders to assume national and international initiatives. Mr Papandreou also met with Archbishop of America Dimitrios with whom he discussed the economic crisis. On Saturday, he will deliver a speech to expatriate Hellenes in Astoria and on Sunday he will address the Socialist International Convention.

Mr Papandreou told the meeting "we should secure the rights for pension, work, education and health and combat challenges such as climate change. This is the intention of Socialist International."

Referring to the monetary crises, he spoke of a situation that is threatening the middle and poor classes all over the world, adding that the progressive forces should find solutions for their protection.

Meeting with Archbishop of America

During his meeting with Archbishop of America Dimitrios, Mr Papandreou discussed issues related to the Greek Diaspora, the economic crisis hitting the US, the Cyprus issue, the FYROM name-issue and the Ecumenical Patriarchate.

Mr Papandreou congratulated the Archbishop on his great contribution to the expatriate Hellenes residing in the US and expressed his respect to him. He referred to the Churchs repeated support to the Cyprus issue and the FYROM name-issue. He also referred to the Ecumenical Patriarchate and its struggle to preserve its rights that had been deprived by the neighbouring country.

Archbishop Dimitrios attributed todays economic crisis to the need of a new leadership, as it can prevent a crisis from the beginning. He also described his talks with Mr Papandreou essential.

Translated by John Crystallidis

Related News:

Socialist International Sitting in NY

Papandreou Supports Serb Proposal

Papandreou-Christofias Meeting

[04] McCain-Obama Debate

By Dimitris Alexopoulos

Sources: ΝΕΤ-ΝΕΤ 105.8-ΑNA/ΜPA

The first debate of the two candidates for US presidency concluded at dawn. Obama and McCain expressed their support to President Bushs plan to save the monetary system but disagreed on foreign policy issues. McCain favoured the further deployment of US troops in Iraq, while Obama reiterated his opposition to this war. As for Iran the Republican candidate spoke of and existential threat for Israel, while Obama said diplomacy should take over. Meanwhile, the American Press described the debate good but reported that neither of the candidates prevailed.

Iraq and Economy

Although both contestants disagreed on the war in Iraq, they criticized Bush for "mismanaging" the war in Iraq after overthrowing Saddam Hussein.

Regarding Iran, McCain stated he would not allow a second holocaust, speaking of an "existential threat" against Israel. Obama from his side spoke of a steady and immediate diplomacy with Iran.

As for Russia, McCain used harsh expressions describing it a country that is government by the KGB. Obama described Russia a threat to peace, describing what it had done in Georgia unacceptable. Both men supported Georgia and Ukraines entry to NATO.

The two contestants also agreed with Bushs plan to save banks and monetary institutions.

However, they disagreed on the economy several times, with McCain accusing Obama of being an "extreme liberal", who favours big public expenditure. Obama from his side accused McCain of supporting Bushs unsuccessful policies for years.

They also disagreed radically on the issue of taxation with Obama proposing a reduction of taxes by 95% for working families and with MacCain favouring low taxation.

The Press

Analysts believe that the two candidates have not made any serious mistakes.

However, CNNs latest poll shows that 51% of the Americans believe Obama is the winner of the first debate, with McCain garnering 38%.

As per the American Press neither of the men prevailed.

The New York Times believes that Obama prevailed in the economy issue and at the same time refused to declare and winner of the debate.

The Wall Stree Journal believes the debate developed without any surprises.

Για την Washington Post η αναμέτρηση παραδόξως επέτρεψε την ανάδειξη των σημείων σύγκλισης των δύο υποψηφίων.

Only Chicago Tribune risked declaring McCain as the winner of the debate. The newspaper believes that the debate focused on foreign policy and military intervention issues, which McCain knew better.

Translated by John Crystallidis

[05] Solution for Alitalia Secured

Sources: ANA-MPA

After the end of negotiations that lasted 15 hours, participating in which were the biggest Trade Unions, the Italian pilots signed the privatization plan for Alitalia. The new company will hire 1,550 of them, while 139 of them will sign part time contracts. 870 will be made redundant. The pilots contract will be considered a guarantee, securing an equal role to that of the new companys executives. Moreover, the employers have committed themselves to cover any of its future needs by hiring a number of pilots who will join the unemployment Fund.

Lufthansa Proposal

As Lufthansa has expressed interest in purchasing part of Alitalias shares, observers believe that Berlusconis government and the new employers will most probably choose Lufthansa instead of Air France-KLM.

Finally, as per the Canale 5 Channel the new companys aircrafts will be taking off for Athens from Napoli airport instead of Rome.

Translated by John Crystallidis

[06] Bomb Goes off in New Delhi

Sources: REUTERS

A bomb exploded in a crowded market in Indias capital New Delhi on Saturday, killing a young boy and wounding 22 others, police said. The explosion comes days after a series of bombs in the capital that killed 23 people and wounded more than 100 others. Those attacks had put New Delhi on alert and police were raiding Muslims quarters and criminal hideouts.

[07] Typhoon in Vietnam Kills 21

Sources: ANA-MPA

At least 21 people have lost their life and 30 were injured from flash floods caused by a typhoon in Vietnam. Four people are reported missing. The typhoon had swept through the Philippines and China earlier in the week, destroying thousands of homes. The Vietnamese armed forces sent 5,300 men to help in the rescue operations in the most vulnerable areas. The tropical storms that hit Vietnam each year from July to November always cause casualties.

Translated by John Crystallidis

[08] Fire Breaks out in Veria

A fire that broke out at the old Metropolis area in Veria in the early morning hours caused material damage to buildings. The fire caused serious damage to two old buildings. The one was hosting an abandoned grocery shop and the other the Aris FC fans club. The fire then extended to the part of the roof of the old Metropolis in Veria and one tavern, the customers of which abandoned it immediately. Eight fire engines and 30 firemen combated the fire.

Translated by John Crystallidis

[09] Efforts to Approve the Plan

In the US, the government and the Congress are continuing with their efforts to approve the plan that is considered the only solution to halt the economic crisis by channeling 700 billion dollars to the market. The proposal may stand vote even in the weekend, stated the President of the Senates Bank Committee, while US President George Bush assured the British Prime Minister Gordon Brown that the plan would be adopted.

If the US governments rescue plan does not pass, all sides believe the American economy will experience serious turbulence. Obviously irritated by some of his partys "rebels" the US president stated "We are going to get a package passed. We will rise to the occasion. Republicans and Democrats will come together and pass a substantial rescue plan."

Meanwhile, after eight days of talks, Nancy Pelosi, the House Speaker argues that there has been progress. She said the House would see that the plan is approved and signed by the president in the weekend.

At the same time, Mr Bush told the UK PM that the plan would be approved, while Mr Brown said that Britain supports the plan as it will offer a way out from the difficult situation.

Finally, despite the politicians optimism one day after the collapse of Mutual, the New York Times reports that talks are under way for the merger of Wachovia Corp with Citigroup.

Translated by John Crystallidis

[10] Multi-fatality Suicide Attack

By Dimitris Alexopoulos

Sources: NET, ANA-MPA

Seventeen people have been killed and 14 injured in a suicide attack in a suburb in Damascus. The car bomb, which contained about 200kg of explosives, went off near a security post in the Sidi Qada district near the airport road Saturday morning. The state TV reported that all victims were civilians. The bombing occurred at an intersection leading to Saydah Zeinab, a holy shrine for Shia Muslims that is visited by Iranian and Iraqi pilgrims. This is the first blast to take place in Syria after the assassination of Imad Mughniyah, who was killed on February 12, 2008 by a car bomb blast.

Translated by John Crystallidis

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