The Hellenic Radio (ERA): News in English, 08-10-06

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

CONTENTS

[01] In the Aftermath of Paris Summit

By Nasos Bratsos

Sources: ANA, AFP

A few days after the Paris summit, European governments are stepping up measures to deal with the financial crisis that made its landfall in European markets, as well. French President Nicolas Sarkozy, his British and Italian counterparts, Gordon Brown and Silvio Berlusconi respectively, and German chancellor Angela Merkel agreed on Saturday to take concerted actions with a view to easing the crisis.

In Denmark, the government and the lenders gave thumbs up for the establishment of a fund to support banks and guarantee bank accounts by channelling 4.37 billion euros in the next two years.

In Germany, the Paris resolutions were translated into moves aiming to rescue ailing HRE lender. In Italy, Unicredits shareholders decided to hold a General Assembly in late October. French lender BNP Paribas confirmed it took over finance group Fortiss operations in Belgium and Luxembourg.

Translated by Areti Christou

[02] By FinMin Giorgos Alogoskoufis

06 Οκτ 2008 10:11:00

Sources: ΝΕΤ 105.8

Greeces Finance Minister Giorgos Alogoskoufis is to outline Monday noon the draft of the 2009 state budget. As per information, the budgets goal is to have fiscal deficit fixed at 1.8% of GDP and growth rate stood at about 3.3 percent or 3.4 percent. The new budget includes the new tax measures that only recently became law.

Speaking on NET radio station, Macedonia-Thrace Minister Margaritis Tzimas said: "The draft budget lives up to the pre-election pledges. In other words, no extra taxes on the low-income earners. The Conservative officials should lash out at the Socialist party (PASOK) alone. The latest moves have a positive impact on society. Our country survived the financial crisis for it had promptly stepped up measures. The polls have suggested a result, but they will suggest another in the future. The government is judged by its effectiveness. The dilemma, Karamanlis or chaos is a real one. I am in favour of independent governments. Elections will take place in 2011."

Also speaking on NET radio station, Socialist deputy Maria Damanaki argued: "The new budget is to weigh down the citizens with extra taxes. It is true that the Prime Minister has increased his public appearances. But, these are not political solutions. It would be a mistake to claim that PASOK has won the game. The challenge is great. PASOK has to convince the society for its reliability, making realistic proposals that it will put into practice when it comes to power. Nothing is stable, everything changes. I am optimistic, though."

Translated by Areti Christou

[03] On Tuesday

06 Οκτ 2008 10:26:00

Sources: ΝΕΤ 105.8

UN envoy Matthew Nimetz will hold talks with the negotiators of Greece and FYROM on Tuesday. As per information, Nimetz will unveil his new proposal on the name dispute.

In the meantime, FYROMs political leaders are meeting Monday to shape their policy. President Branko Crvenkovski, Prime Minister Nikola Gruevski, Foreign Minister Antonio Milososki and negotiator Nikola Dimitrov will touch on the developments in the name row and the forthcoming amendments of the election law advanced by the government. The meeting was called upon the opposition parties request.

[04] Quake in Kyrgyzstan Kills More Than 60

By Athina Saloustrou

The earthquake that hit Sunday Kyrgyzstan claimed more than 60 lives, said government sources. The 6.3 magnitude quake was felt in the area between Kyrgyzstan, Tadzhikistan and Uzbekistan. Rescue operations were underway, argued a government official, further adding that more than 100 people had sustained injuries and that more than 128 houses had been flattened in a village near the border with China.

Translated by Areti Christou

[05] China: Suspects of Food Scare Arrested

By Athina Saloustrou

Police in China arrested six people suspect of producing and saling melamine, the chemical that has recently sparked a food scare in the country. The arrests took place in Hohhot, the capital city of Nei Mongolia province, Chinas major dairy-producing area. The arrests came after a thorough search for melamine taken place in the plants of major dairy companies Yili and Mengniu. However, information on whether the suspects were related to those two companies was sketchy. In the meantime, lab tests in Japan confirmed that melamine had been detected in Chinese-made chocolates.

Translated by Areti Christou

[06] No Deal Reached in Bolivia

Sources: REUTERS

Leftist Bolivian President Evo Morales and a block of opposition governors failed to reach an agreement on Sunday aimed at easing political tensions that sparked deadly clashes last month.

The conflict between Morales, the impoverished countrys first Indian leader, and governors demanding more autonomy and opposed to his anti-capitalist and pro-Indian reforms sparked clashes in which at least 19 people were killed, most of them Morales supporters. The unrest shook four provinces run by rightist politicians where anti-Morales groups raided public buildings, attacked energy facilities and blocked roads.

Agriculture Minister Carlos Romero, speaking after the 10-hour meeting in central Cochabamba province, blamed the governors for failure to reach an agreement, but acknowledged the government had agreed to a few opposition demands for increased autonomy. "That they didnt sign on only means they have a political agenda," he said.

Mario Cossio, the governor of the gas-rich Tarija region who spoke on behalf of the four opposition governors, said he hoped the failed talks would not mark a return to violence.

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