The Hellenic Radio (ERA): News in English, 08-10-20

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

CONTENTS

[01] Political Parties Making Feverish Preparations

20 Οκτ 2008 14:58:00

Sources: ΝΕΤ-ΝΕΤ 105.8-ΑNA/ΜPA

Political parties staff are making feverish preparations in view of the two parliamentary procedures on the Batopedi case. A debate on the ND party proposal for the setting up of an inquiry committee will be held on Wednesday while PASOK has already announced that it will vote in favour. Political confrontation is expected to intensify on Friday during the debate on the main opposition party proposal for the setting up of an investigation committee. Alternate government spokesman today ruled out possibility for postponement of parliamentary procedure on PASOK proposal. PASOK insists debate on its proposal to be held on Friday and asks for the Batopaidi file to be sent to the Parliament. The GCP has decided to vote in favour of proposal for the setting up of inquiry committee while SYRIZA will decide on Monday afternoon. Batopaidi Monastery head monk Efraim and monk Arsenios did not appear before Supreme Court deputy-prosecutor but made their statements through their lawyers.

Translated by Chrisanthi Sarantis

[02] Dora Bakoyianni on Skopje Issue

20 Οκτ 2008 15:57:00

Sources: ΝΕΤ, ΝΕΤ 105.8, ΑNA

"Greeces message is clear" said Foreign Minister, Dora Bakoyianni in reference to "Ethnos tis Kyriakis" newspaper article revealing a secret agreement on FYROM name issue between Skopje leadership and former US ambassador to Skopje. "Greece keeps a firm stance known to all. One single language which is used in the interior and abroad and says that we stay in negotiations procedures and aim at a compound name, including a clear geographical term for all uses" said the Foreign Minister.

Alternate government spokesman, E. Antonaros said that Foreign Minister, D. Bakoyianni holds responsible negotiations following the Prime-ministers instructions. "Greece is holding negotiations within the UN resolutions and has a firm stand known to all- a compound name including a geographical term for all uses" said Mr. Antonaros, stressing that the Foreign Minister holds negotiations adhering to this position.

The spokesmen for US embassies in Athens and Skopje stated that the US continue backing procedures under the UN auspices. On its part, FYROM government has categorically denied any secret plan regarding the name dispute or any other pending issue with Greece.

Translated by Chrisanthi Sarantis

[03] World Markets Rebound

Sources: ΝΕΤ, ΝΕΤ 105.8, ANA-MPA

Europes major markets have reacted positively to the deal brokered between Bush and Sarkozy to step up measures to ease the global financial crisis. In London, the FTSE-100 index was up by 0.79 percent to 4,095.17 points. In Paris, CAC 40 went up by 2.28 percent, standing at 3,405.92 points. DAX in Frankfurt also rose by 2.31 percent, reaching 4,891.76 points. The Athens Market has climbed to 2,126.24 points up by 0.42 percent. In the meantime, Sweden and South Korea decided to boost liquidity.

Things are looking better for banks in Europe, said European Central Bank President Jean-Claude Trichet, making it plain that the 27 EU leaders did not turn down the Stability Pact during the recent meetings held to address the financial crisis. However, investors are still anxious, awaiting the turnover of the major US businesses that will mirror the dimensions of the impact on real economy.

Translated by Areti Christou

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[04] India, Russia Close to Nuclear Pact

By Nasos Bratsos

Sources: ANA, AFP

India and Russia are close to signing a nuclear energy agreement. In view of Russian President Dmitry Medvedevs visit to New Delhi on 5 December, Russian Foreign Affairs Minister Sergei Lavrov arrived Monday in the Indian capital to hold talks with his Indian counterpart Pranab Mukherjee as well as Prime Minister Manmohan Singh. France and the USA have already signed similar pacts with India, while Russia is building a nuclear station to the south of the country. Indias nuclear programme is under surveillance, due to the problems that had been reported between India and the international community. Apart from nuclear cooperation, India and Russia have joined forces in military equipment programmes.

Translated by Areti Christou

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