The Hellenic Radio (ERA): News in English, 09-03-18

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

CONTENTS

[01] Spiliotopoulos: Aiming at Cementing Campus Asylum

"The government's objective is to cement asylum as an asylum of ideas, thinking, teaching and researching. But it is clear that the law that cements the asylum exists," stressed Wednesday the Education Minister. He noted, though, that the legislation in force is not implemented and did not rule out any changes, provided that they are set to improve the existing framework.

He also urged all political parties to work together for the implementation of the law. "The law in question resulted from the cooperation of all the parties and the authorized bodies, it resulted from dialogue. Therefore, since it is a recent law that resulted from consensus, it would be wise to see it being implemented."

In the meantime, the Education Minister repeated a proposal that may help defuse tensions. He proposed all university schools be removed from central Athens.

Professor Giannis Panoussis, in his first appearance after the assault on him, agreed with the Minister's proposals, expressing, at the same time, his skepticism.

Rectors estimated that abolishing the campus asylum will be a wrong decision to make, the requested all sides, though, to implement the law.

News item: 20268

[02] Bakoyannis: OECD Aims at Peace in Caucasus

Foreign Minister Dora Bakoyannis briefed Wednesday morning the President of the Hellenic Republic on the latest developments with regard to Greece's foreign affairs. Bakoyannis also briefed him on the initiatives of the Greek OECD Presidency, as they are to come into being in the months to come. Exiting the Presidential Mansion, Dora Bakoyannis stressed that the Greek Presidency aims at safeguarding peace and stability in the extremely sensitive region of the Caucasus and central Asia, as well as at facilitating the dialogue on the proposals made by the Presidents of France and Russia on EU stability and security.

News item: 20261

[03] Compensation for Shop Damages

A relevant regulation incorporated in draft-bill on dematerialized securities submitted by Finance undersecretary Athanasios Bouras provides for compensation of shop-owners whose shops were destroyed by recent attacks by hooded gangs. To get compensation, shop owners need to submit the relevant bills with the sums they paid for restoration of damages and a certificate from the Commerce Chamber to the Agriculture Bank.

Source: ÍÅÔ 105.8 - ÁNA

News item: 20257

[04] Tough Response to Violence

The government is promoting stricter measures to combat violent incidents by hooded gangs. Two rapid action forces, comprised of policemen and special guards, would be soon out patrolling on motorcycles the broader Athens central area. Furthermore, tougher sentences would be issued for assailants with face covering hoods. Regional police chiefs are attending a meeting at the Attika General Police Secretariat to be briefed by the Head of Hellas Police on the common line to combat increased crime rate, terrorism and hooded gangs' attacks.

New Action Plan

In response to uncontrollable hooded gangs' attacks, Hellas Police are to put into effect the following new operational action plan in the next two weeks:

A. Setting up of 30 rapid action groups, comprised of 11 policemen each. B. Setting up of mixed groups comprised of both policemen in uniform and undercover C. Reactivation of information network D. Reorganization and enforcement of police forces in the Athens center . Policemen in the rapid action group will ride motorcycles and arrive at the site of incident in 5 minutes after call. They will be wearing bullet proof vests, carry sound grenades.

The Inner Cabinet also discussed more severe punishment up to double of sentence for assailants covering face in hoods.

Opposition Reactions

Opposition political parties have launched strong criticism against government handlings. PASOK spoke of ineffective measures which could prove dangerous. The GCP said that the ND and PASOK parties capitalizing hooded gangs' attacks are putting into effect new pre-decided prevention measures. Alekos Alabanos did not rule out several circles expediencies behind the increase in violence and called for the setting up of inter-party committee to discuss reorganization of police. LAOS said that despite delay the government has acceded to our proposals. Speaking to NET 105.8, Konsatntinos Mihalos, presidentof Athens Commerce &Industry Chamber said that effectiveness of new measures remain to be proved and expressed satisfaction at motorcycle patrols. According to Mr. Mihalos there is a coordination center which gives orders to hooded gangs, this is where police should focus investigations.

News item: 20252

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