The Hellenic Radio (ERA): News in English, 08-10-03

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

CONTENTS

[01] Deposits Guaranteed

Sources: ΝΕΤ, ΝΕΤ 105.8, ΑNA-ΜPA

On the occasion of rumours on the edgyness prevailing in all Banks operating in Greece, Economy Minister George Alogoskoufis stated that the depositors' money in Banks is fully guaranteed. He reiterated that the Greek Banking system is safe and reliable. Ireland's decision to guarantee deposits in its Banks and Greece's decision to adopt the Irish model as a political commitment has caused wobbles in Europe. Meanwhile, during their meeting at Maximos Mansion today, the prime minister and the minister of Economy discussed the course of the economy and the government's measures for the relief of low brackets. The meeting was held in view of the draft bill of the budget to be tabled Monday and Eurogroup and Ecofin committees next week. At the same time, the opposition is criticizing the government for its economic policy.

[02] Dailakis Letter to PM

03 Οκτ 2008 12:39:00

Sources: ΝΕΤ, ΑNA

In a letter to Prime-minister, Kostas Karamanlis, independent deputy G. Dailakis asks for his return to ND party Parliamentary group, explaining that he can not function politically outside the group. Apart from apologizing to the Prime-minister, G. Dailakis recently written off from the ruling party Parliamentary Group says that his statements did not aim to offend the Prime-minister but on the contrary to support Mr. Karamanlis and the ND party. Mr. Dailakis also stresses that he will submit his resignation to the benefit of the party if the Prime-minister does not agree with his return to the ND Parliamentary Group. It should be noted that scenario of Mr. Dailakis return or resignation means strengthening of the ND Parliamentary Group by one seat.

Translated by Chrisanthi Sarantis

[03] Giving Property Rights to Batopedi

03 Οκτ 2008 12:58:00

Sources: ΝΕΤ 105.8

In response to SYRIZA party deputies question on Batopedi case, Finance undersecretary, Antonis Bezas said that a ministerial decision with retroactive force recalls all ministerial regulations which have granted property rights to Batopedi Monastery. He also stressed that the government trusts Greek Justice, however, it has taken further actions to safeguard the states interest and will not tolerate any irregularities. SYRIZA deputy, Yiannis Dragasakis asked for the setting up of an inquiry committee and taxation of monasteries and church wealth. Mr. Bezas cited that both the Church and local administration are not taxed for their social work but only for their business activities on the grounds of the constitution and European legislation.

Translated by Chrisanthi Sarantis

[04] 50YO Man Recovered Dead

03 Οκτ 2008 08:57:00

Sources: ΝΕΤ, ΝΕΤ 105.8, ΑNA

A man missing since yesterday was found dead by fire department rescue workers this morning. He and his wife were swept under strong river currents in Potamoula village last night when the river over flooded by heavy storm that hit the region on Thursday. The couple tried to cross the river bridge but their car was swept away by strong currents. Rescue crews are on the site of the accident since yesterday. It should be noted that the couple was returning to their home which is close to the site of the accident. The car was found but the passengers were not in.

Translated by Chrisanthi Sarantis

[05] Multifatality Suicide Attack in S. Ossetia

A car bomb in the capital of S. Ossetia has killed six soldiers and injured four more.

The blast took place near the Russian peacekeeping force headquarters, reported the foreign Media. The victims nationality has not been verified yet.

Translated by John Crystallidis

[06] Papaligouras-Fasoulas Meeting

Sources: NET, ANA-MPA

During their first meeting today, Merchant Marine Minister Anastasis Papaligouras and Pireaus Mayor Panagiotis Fasoulas discussed issues related to the City of Pireaus.

The minister stated that he had the opportunity to discuss with Mr Fasoulas the basic problems the city is facing today and found a good and close cooperation as they will need each other's help.

Mr Fasoulas pointed out that the problems began with SEMPO, describing unacceptable the fact that Pireaus is not connected with the national network. Pireaus cannot accept more long vehicles, as it should become more viable.

Translated by John Crystallidis

[07] Asphyxiation Kills Two

Sources: ΝΕΤ, ΝΕΤ 105.8

Two young people have lost their life most probably of asphyxiation in Samothrace. The 32-year-old man and his 28-year-old girlfriend were found dead by their friend in thick cloud in their home in Loutra, Samothrace.

The two young people came from Athens and were working for a tinned food company.

As per the coroner, they had forgotten a pot on their cooker went to bed and then inhaled the fumes of the burnt pot.

Translated by John Crystallidis

[08] Large Companies

03 Οκτ 2008 14:10:00

Seventeen large companies recalled rises in their products after Development Ministry cost inspection proved price rises unjustifiable said Development undersecretary, G. Blahos on Friday. Mr. Blahos said that 39 companies had announced changes in the prices of 4.500 products from 1-26 September with drops in the prices of only 144 products and rises in all other products. When the companies were called to justify price rises, 17 of them recalled rises. He underlined that the Development Ministry will not agree with any rise in prices without previous inspection and explanations while he also announced the imposition of high fines of 68 and 77 thousand to two food companies for not meeting deadlines between announcement and increase in prices.

Translated by Chrisanthi Sarantis

[09] Government Reshuffle in Britain

By Betty Savourdou

Sources: ΝΕΤ, ΑNA-ΜPA

British Prime-minister, Gordon Brown decided to reshuffle his cabinet after the announcement that Transport Minister Ruth Kelly is to stand down to spend more time with her family and Trade minister Lord Jones has also said he wants to step down. In a surprise move, EU Trade Commissioner, Peter Mandelson has been made Business Secretary. Mandelson had served as minister twice under Tony Blair ruling. Business groups welcomed reports of Mandelsons appointment. The prime minister is expected to announce the formation of a crisis committee to deal with financial turmoil, modelled on a similar group of ministers and officials that meets to deal with security emergencies, media reported. Brown is not proceeding to deep changes in his government as three high ranking officials, the Health Minister, Alan Johnson, the head of the parliamentary group, Geoff Hoon and Foreign SecretaryDavid Miliband announced they want to remain in their current posts.

Translated by Chrisanthi Sarantis

[10] New Poll Shows PASOK 0.7% Lead

03 Οκτ 2008 13:04:00

Sources: ΝΕΤ, ΝΕΤ 105.8

According to KAPA Research poll conducted on behalf of "Sfina" newspaper, ND and PASOK parties are close to their heels with the main opposition party leading by 0.7%. ND party gathers 31.1%, PASOK 31.8%, followed by the GCP with 7.3%, SYRIZA 8.7%, LAOS 4.5% while 12.8% are the undecided. Of respondents 42% believe that the ND party will win in the forthcoming elections against 34.2% for PASOK. Most appropriate for the Premiership post is Kostas Karamanlis according to 41.6% of those questioned while George Papandreou gathers 33.2% points. Nine out of ten citizens consider economy as the major problem of the country while 55.2% of respondents want a majority government.

Translated by Chrisanthi Sarantis

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