The Hellenic Radio (ERA): News in English, 08-09-29

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

CONTENTS

[01] Financial Crisis in Europe's Door-Step

Sources: Reuters

Financial crisis also hit Europe. The UK government said lender Bradford & Bingleys branch network will be sold to Spanish bank Santander and the remainder of the group will be nationalised. Belgian, Dutch and Luxembourg governments proceeded to partial nationalization in order to save financial firm Fortis. Despite the governmental rescue plans and the approval of the US bailout plan, major losses were reported today in stock exchange markets around the world.

State Interventions to Prevent Bankruptcy

Two of the biggest European banks were the latest victims of the spreading financial crisis.

Financial firm Fortis, with million of investors in Belgium, Holland and Luxemberg was saved by the intervention of the Belgian, Dutch and Luxembourg governments that proceeded to a liquidity "injection" of $ 11,2 billion euros. A nationalization plan was also announced for its rescue.

At the same time, Germany is in alert too. German lender Hypo Real Estate reached a last-minute deal with the government and a consortium of banks to resolve a financing collapse. Sources affiliated to Merkel revealed that the crisis in HRE is the biggest that has ever hit Germany after the global financial crisis. However, according to reps of the ministry of finance the German government will not nationalize the company.

The UK government said lender Bradford & Bingleys branch network will be sold to Spanish bank Santander and the remainder of the group will be nationalised. 3.000 employees may loose their jobs while unemployment in Britain is uncontrollable.

Procedures for the Approval of the US Rescue Plan Proceed

U.S. lawmakers were due to vote later on Monday on the $700 rescue plan but they warn that 700 billion is simply not enough to overcome the crisis for the foreseeable future.

US President George W. Bush states that this plan will deal with the crisis radically and will block its spreading in economy. "I am sure that the rescue plan along with other measures taken by ministry of Finance and Economy and Central Bank will restore the stability and power of the financial system of the US and of our economy", Bush said and called on Congress to approve the plan as soon as possible.

However, republican partisans and democratic parliamentary members are doubtful of the plan stating that they are not sure whether this plan is the solution to the international crisis of trust and to the nightmare scenarios heard about the cost of loans.

Translated by Sofia Gartziou

[02] Measures for Low Brackets

Sources: ΝΕΤ-ΝΕΤ 105.8-ΑNA/ΜPA

On the occasion of the repercussions of the economic crisis in the US and its repercussions in Europe, the government is examining to take measures in support of the low brackets. Following his meeting with his Lithuanian counterpart, the prime minister stressed that European countries should do the same, while the government spokesman said that employees would see the results of the governments economic policy in the next months. SYRIZA (Coalition of the Radical Left) Parliamentary Group President Alekos Alavanos requested the Parliament to be briefed by the Economy minister.

Translated by John Crystallidis

[03] Karamanlis-Gediminas Meeting

29 Σεπ 2008 11:53:00 (Last updated: 29 Σεπ 2008 12:44:26)

Sources: NET, NET 105.8

The impasse global economy has plunged in topped the talks held between Greek PM Kostas Karamanlis with his Lithuanian counterpart Kirkilas Gediminas. The two men also touched on the prospect of boosting energy and trade cooperation between the two nations. Karamanlis is currently meeting with Foreign Minister Dora Bakoyannis.

The Greek Premier briefed the Lithuanian head of government on the developments in the FYROM name dispute and the Cyprus row, as well as the situation created after the Caucasus conflict. Commenting on the global financial crisis, Kostas Karamanlis stressed that Europes financial sector is much safer than that of the USA.

However, transparency is required so that crises like the one that hit the US economy can be avoided, he noted.

Focusing on the role of national economies, the Greek Prime Minister underlined that each nation, depending on its fiscal capabilities, should take all necessary initiatives to support the weak.

Translated by Areti Christou

[04] Political Co operations at Focus

Sources: ΝΕΤ-ΝΕΤ 105,8-ΑNA/ΜNA

Political co operations are at focus after the latest gallops. The government made clear that it will not cooperate with LAOS (Popular Orthodox Alarm). A PASOK-SYRIZA potential collaboration remains unclear. The Communist party brands these co-operations alternative solutions that target at preserving the governance of only two political parties.

New Democracy denied LAOS' proposal for Co-Operation

The government does not co-operate with extreme parties, governmental spokesman. Theodoros Roussopoulos repeated.

In addition, the issue of a possible co-operation between the socialist party PASOK and SYRIZA (Coalition of the Radical Left) remains open.

In a non official exchange of proposals, PASOK member Theodoros Pagalos suggested a two years pilot programme of co-operation between the two parties that could later lead to unification.

"Lack of majority seat in Parliament in the forthcoming elections will be the solution because it will break the arbitrariness of the two big political parties ruling", SYRIZA president Alekos Alavanos stressed in his interview in "Ta Nea" newspaper.

KKE General Secretary Mrs. Aleka Papariga delivered a speech in Perama area and stressed the need for people to convict the policies adopted by the two big ruling parties in Greece. New Democracy and PASOK will neither change nor improve Mrs. Papariga said noting that she is against political co-operations.

Translated by Sofia Gartziou

[05] Bodies Convene

29 Σεπ 2008 15:39:00

Sources: ΝΕΤ, ΝΕΤ 105,8

A series of rallies were decided at a meeting Monday morning by trade unionists in reaction to the merger of Social Security Funds as of 1st October. GSEE (General Confederation of Greek Workers) President Giannis Panagopoulos stated "we will not stop fighting for the Social Security System", while the Athens Bar Association President D. Paxinos stated "we request a transitional period". In parallel, TEE President Giannis Alavanos reported "we are opposed to a situation that reminds us of chaos." Participating in the meeting were scientists, and Trade Unions such as GSEE, ADEDY (Supreme Administration of Greek Civil Servants Trade Unions), GSEVEE (General Confederation of Small and Medium Sized Business), TEE (Technical Chamber of Greece), ESIEA (Journalists' Union of the Athens Daily Newspapers), POESI (Panhellenic Federation of Journalists' Union), doctors, lawyers, pharmacists and other bodies. After the end of the meeting representatives of the attendees visited the Employment minister to present him with their objections in view of the merger of Social Security Funds. Ms Petralia stressed after the meeting that money would be saved as the 133 Social Security Funds will merge to 13 and the policy holders will be better served. It should be noted that the merger of 81 Funds and social security branches to five and by appointing new managers, the third phase of merger of Social Security Funds will end on 1st October. Finally, the Media will stage a 24-hour strike on Wednesday.

Translated by John Crystallidis

[06] On FYROM Name Issue

29 Σεπ 2008 14:21:00

Sources: NET, ANA

The Prime Minister Costas Karamanlis had a meeting with FM Mrs. Bakoyiannis on FYROM name issue as well as on the contacts Mrs. Bakoyiannis had in the US. The Greek FM will brief the members of the governmental committee that will convene on Tuesday regarding foreign affairs issues. In her statements after her meeting with the Prime Minister she stressed: "I briefed the Prime Minister on my contacts in Brussels, France and the US regarding the route of negotiations. As you see, the issues discussed were of Greek interest, in a difficult international circumstance, and these issues are always in progress. Our efforts continue". When answered if developments in New Democracy were also discussed Mrs. Bakoyiannis answered: "The Greek people have problems and the government has a mandate: To work to solve them and this is what we do. It takes work a lot of work."

Translated by Sofia Gartziou

[07] Pilot Implementation

29 Σεπ 2008 14:08:00

By Nasos Bratsos

Sources: ΝΕΤ 105,8, ΑNA

Ministry of finance acquired "a green roof" of nearly 650 square meters and of 42.000 euros, as part of the pilot programme green zone for Attika prefecture financed by the strategic reference framework ESPA 2007-2013. Estimations of ministry of finance and economy reveal that "Green roofs" help at preserving energy, cooling and heat up to 6% and 2% accordingly. In conditions of fever heat, the benefit in internal temperature is estimated to 8 to 9 degrees. Ministry of Finance is the first ministry that implements this measure and plants special trees that are all weather resistant. Minister of Economy Mr. Giorgos Alogoskoufis and deputy minister Mr. Giannis Papathanasiou presented the new project.

Translated by Sofia Gartziou

[08] Israel: Withdrawal from Nearly all Occupied Territories

Sources: Reuters

Israeli leader Ehud Olmert believes that Israel should withdraw from nearly all territory in the 1967 Middle East war in return for peace with the Palestinians and Syria. Mr. Olmer noted: We should reach an agreement with the Palestinians. We should withdraw from almost all occupied territories including in East Jerusalem and in the Golan Heights." According to Western and Palestinian officials, Olmert has proposed in peace talks with the Palestinians an Israeli withdrawal from some 93 percent of the occupied West Bank, plus all of the Gaza Strip, from which Israel pulled out in 2005.

[09] London: Children's Hospital on Fire

Sources: NET, NET 105.8, ANA

Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children in central London was evacuated for precautionary reasons after a blaze that broke out on Monday morning. As per flash information, the blaze started on the cardiac wing after an explosion had reportedly taken place. The London Fire Brigade said six fire engines and 35 firefighters are tackling the blaze.

Translated by Areti Christou

[10] Poll after the PM' Speech at the Central Committee

29 Σεπ 2008 11:06:00 (Last updated: 29 Σεπ 2008 17:02:55)

Sources: ΝΕΤ, ΝΕΤ 105.8

Greeces Prime Minister Kostas Karamanlis next moves are much anticipated after the sitting of the ruling partys Central Committee and in view of the forthcoming session of the partys Parliamentary Group. Karamanlis is to dine with the Conservative lawmakers that take part in the Parliaments. In the meantime, a new survey carried out by KAPA Research on behalf of Apogevmatini daily has suggested that the Socialist have a marginal lead (0.1%) over the ruling Conservatives.

Hazy Political Scenery Remains

The majority of the respondents (55.1 percent) wants the government to run through its four-year term, as opposed to 35.9 percent who opts for snap elections.

On the question, "Which party do you believe it will win the next elections?" ND receives 44.2 percent and PASOK 32.1 percent.

Prime Minister Kostas Karamanlis enjoys a 13.3-point lead over Socialist leader George Papandreou.

The two surveys that appeared in Sunday papers proved once again how hazy things are in Greeces political life.

The VPRC poll conducted for Eleftherotypia suggested that the Socialist party (PASOK) enjoys a two-point lead. ND (New Democracy) garners 32.5percent, PASOK (Panhellenic Socialist Movement) receives 34.5percent, KKE (Greek Communist Party) gets 8percent, SYRIZA (Coalition of the Radical Left) earns 14percent, while LAOS (Popular Orthodox Rally) 4.5percent. Questioned which government is capable of solving the countrys problems, 27 percent of the respondents give a positive rating to Socialist leader George Papandreou and 21percent to Prime Minister Kostas Karamanlis. However, nearly half of those surveyed (47 percent) says none of the two.

The survey conducted by Public Issued for Kathimerini tis Kyriakis paper manifested the profile of the two political leaders. The Prime Minister has the lead over the Socialist President, as 40 percent of the voters believe in him, compared to 16 percent who opt for George Papandreou. With regard to corruption, 34 percent believe that the Socialist leader can do better, while 12 percent give a positive rating to the Prime Minister. Finally, on the question "who comes to mind upon hearing the word honest?" 31 percent of the respondents say no one, 30 percent answer Kostas Karamanlis and 21 percent George Papandreou.

Statements and Comments

"The gap was narrowed down, while Kostas Karamanlis outshined George Papandreou when it comes to the suitability criterion," Conservative MP Giannis Tragakis told NET radio station. He further added that the partys Parliamentary Group never had any problems.

"We wont allow behaviours that harm unity," commented Lefteris Zagoritis, secretary of NDs Central Committee. In his interview with Eleftheros Typos daily, he stressed that all opinions are respected, as long as they respect the peoples mandate. He also hoped that Petros Tatoulis would respect the resolutions of the partys leading body.

"If some fail to receive the message, they will have to claim their responsibilities towards the society and the party," argued ND deputy Kostas Gioulekas.

"Measures in favour of the low-income earners should be stepped up," Conservative deputies Kyriakos Mitsotakis and Adam Regouzas told to NET radio station.

"PASOK has to work hard to cement the gap between the two political parties," Socialist cadre Manos Beglitis told NET radio station, further arguing that his party should take advantage of the evidence emerged from the polls.

Translated by Areti Christou

Related News:

Two New Polls Released

[11] Strikes Scheduled

29 Σεπ 2008 08:28:00

Sources: ΝΕΤ, ΝΕΤ 105.8

Athens Bar Association convened today regarding the reform on the unification of social funds, starting from October 1st. Unionists as well as scientific bodies, GSEE, ADEDY, GSEVEE, TEE, ESHEA, POESY trade unions, lawyers, solicitors, and pharmacists are participating in the meeting.

It must be noted that the third stage of the unification of funds will be completed in October 1st when 81 social funds are going to be unified to 5.

Meantime, judicial employees are staging today a pan Hellenic strike claiming institutional and financial demands. Tram employees have also announced a work stoppage from 13.00 to 17.00 while the tramlines will be open for the public at 18.15.

Translated by Sofia Gartziou

[12] Cadbury Recalls China-Made Chocolate

Sources: ΝΕΤ 105.8

British sweet maker Cadbury announced today that it withdraws 11 brands of China-made chocolates from Australia, Hong Kong and Taiwan on safety for precautionary safety reasons. The products are the latest in an ever-growing list of China-made foods and drinks that have been removed from stores here and across the world since the scandal was first exposed earlier this month. The 11 brands recalled include Cadbury Eclairs and bulk packets of Dairy Milk chocolate, the statement said. No other brands have been affected, it added. The chocolates are only distributed in Taiwan and Hong Kong, as well as one product line that is sold in Australia, the statement said. Four children have died in China after drinking milk or milk products laced with melamine.

Translated by Sofia Gartziou

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