The Hellenic Radio (ERA): News in English, 09-02-24

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

CONTENTS

[01] Crucial Questions and Trials in Charged Atmosphere

They Received Help from Inside Prison

Minister of Justice Nikos Dendias stated that the escape would not have been successful if the fugitives hadn't been received help from inside prison.

At the same time, a stricter legal framework for the smooth operation of prisons is being promoted that includes audit control to all penitentiary employees, abrogation of anonymity of mobile phone holders and employment of national security consultants.

Minister of internal affairs Mr. Prokopis Pavlopoulos spoke to NET state TV station and supported the view that there is a black hole in the penitentiary institutions in Greece. All people held responsible for the escape will be punished exemplary.

Opposition party president Mr. Giorgos Papandreou said that the government is not only inefficient but slanders the country internationally affecting that way severely its economy and credibility in international markets.

PASOK PM Dinos Rovlias and Giorgos Karatzaferis submitted questions on the case in Parliament. Alekos Alavanos spoke of tragicomic events and asked for the set up of an Inter ministerial committee and for early elections.

Tension at the Trials of the Arrestees

Piraeus prosecutor pressed charges against the pilot of the helicopter and against the penitentiary employees. Minister of internal justice Mr. Dendias asked for criminal proceeding against the director of ministry of internal affairs responsible for penitentiary policies Mr. Koutsoukis who was suspended from duties.

The union of penitentiary employees staged a protestation rally today underlying that the government is exhausting all its strictness to prison guards. External guards referred on a document that recorded certain shortages that had to be resolved before the escape.

At the same time, investigation for the arrest of the criminal continues. Police has released to public photos of the two wanted fugitives. If you have seen these men or know something please contact 210 6411111 or address Attiki Security Department.

News item: 19309

[02] Suppliers Threaten to Remove Orthopedic Material from Hospitals

Society

State hospitals are facing immediate shortage of orthopedic materials to meet daily needs for first aid and treatment of patients as suppliers are threatening not only to stop provision of materials but also to take back orthopedic material in hospitals' warehouses.

News item: 19313

[03] PASOK Leads in New Poll

According to GPO survey for private television channel MEGA, PASOK is 4.2% ahead of the ruling ND party in intention of voting. It gathers 33.6% of votes against 20.4% of the ND party. Following are the GCP with 7.7%, SYRIZA with 7.2%, LAOS with 5.7% and Ecologists with 3%. Fresh poll also indicates that Prime-minister Kostas Karamanlis is the most appropriate for the post of premiership with 43.7% percentage points against 36.3% for PASOK leader George Papandreou while regarding question on elections victory PASOK is ahead with 55.2% against 31.2% for ND. Seven out of 10 respondents are against early elections while 55.6% stated in favour of European Commission and the Bank of Greece proposals on the economy compared to 33.6% who objected to their proposals.

In reference to euro-elections, GPO poll indicates that PASOK gathers 32.1%, ND 29%, SYRIZA 10.1%,GCP 9% and LAOS 6.9%.

News item: 19310

[04] Wednesday: Public Sector on Strike

Society

Civil Servants Union ADEDY is staging a 24-hour strike on Wednesday requesting resolution of problems regarding its Welfare Fund and medical-pharmaceutical coverage after a fruitless meeting of its presidium with Prime-minister Kostas Karamanlis on Monday. Civil servants are to stage a rally at 11:00, on Wednesday, at Klathmonos Square. Grammar and high-school teachers are participating in the strike while state hospitals will operate with skeleton staff. There will also be problems with Olympic Airways flights as Civil Aviation employees are staging work stoppages. Finally civil services will be closed tomorrow.

Civil servants demand protection of employment and employees purchasing power and not transfer of burden to exit from the financial crisis to employees and pensioners. On his part, Mr. Karamanlis called them to show restrain in their claims and demands during his meeting with the union's representatives. Interior Minister Prokopis Pavlopoulos also said that within efforts to meet institutional demands of employees with indefinite contracts, a draft-bill would be soon tabled to the Parliament providing for their inclusion in hierarchy and social security coverage. The Civil Servants presidium will meet with PASOK leader George Papandreou at noon today to expound the requests of employees regarding protection of employment.

News item: 19306

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