The Hellenic Radio (ERA): News in English, 09-05-12

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

CONTENTS

[01] Tensions Run High

Government spokesman Evangelos Antonaros launched an attack against PASOK (Panhellenic Socialist Movement) on the occasion of the European Elections and the Parliament's closure. He accused it of deploring, appearing certain that at the European Elections the citizens will not vote for those who beatify things are wish to be kind with them. The majority will choose the ND party and turn their back to those who are playing at the gallery, adding that all discussions should be taking place under political terms.

Regarding the Parliament's closure, Mr Antonaros wondered why some do not respect the implementation of the provisions of the Constitution and attacked PASOK saying that some like muck-raking, mud slinging and politicizing the political life in order to degrade the institutions.

We will not collaborate in this agonizing effort he said characteristically, adding that the government acted with absolute respect to the provisions of the Constitution. Some hasted in describing the Parliament's closure a constitutional deviation and then realized they were mistaken, said Mr Antonaros.

At the same time, PASOK spokesman Giorgos Papakonstantinou was accusing the government anew that in view of the European Elections it chooses polarization and tension, adding that PASOK would not do the same.

The Greek citizens know what is at stake at the European Elections, arguing that on the occasion of the government spokesman's statements the government would be judged by the fact that it rejected PASOK's proposal for a debate between Karamanlis and Papandreou.

He spoke of the government's institutional impropriety, stressing that the government despises the institutions in an attempt to cover up and write off the scandals.

Mr Papakonstantinou pointed out that never before had a parliamentary session ended so soon, pointing out in parallel that the Parliament's closure on Friday evening in secret creates several side-effects.

Speaking about the European Elections and about the eventuality for a debate among political leaders, Mr Antonaros stressed he sees no reason why debates should not take place in these elections as well.

He also reported that in view of the European Elections political talk and not parapolitics and the effort of some to disorientate the public opinion should take place.

Regarding tension, he said that he sees no change, stressing that the government is telling the truth to the Greeks.

S. Hatzigakis' Statement on the European Elections Rural Development Minister S. Hatzigakis told journalists that what matters is who will in the Euro Elections and not the order in the ND's electoral list.

He also reported that the ND with its programme and what has done until now will be winner with the European Elections.

K. Stephanopoulos In his speech at the University of Piraeus yesterday, former President of the Hellenic Republic Konstantinos Stephanopoulos spoke of a crisis in the Greek political system and insult of the Democracy. "Our Democracy is being abused and insulted", stressed he.

"The crisis is the result of lack of moral values, the parties only think about their interest, while politicians are not punished," stressed Mr Stephanopoulos, proposing that the number of MPs should decrease to 200.

News item: 22233

[02] E-book and Laptops to Students

According to Special Secretary of digital planning Vassilis Asimakopoulos, a coupon will be distributed to the students' parents, allowing them to buy a computer. They will also be given books in electronic form. 1,200 school books in electronic form are available and can be used. All projects aim at improving the citizens' quality of life and boost Greece's developmental potential.

As per the Finance Ministry, more and more households enjoy the capabilities of the Society and Information, as nine out of 10 children, aged up to 24 use the Internet in Greece. 97 out of 100 enterprises with over 10 employees have access to the Internet, while the 39% of the households have access to the Internet.

Referring to work done in digital strategy, Mr Papathanasiou reported amongst others that infrastructures for broadband have been created and interventions were made in Education and Culture, adding that the progress in the above sectors is unquestionable. In parallel, he argued that broadband connections will reach the EU levels by 2013.

From his side, the special secretary of digital planning stressed that actions are being promoted in relation with the connection of all municipalities and more are being programmed through grants to tourist and export enterprises with objective to improve access to the Internet in general.

The new actions concern Enterprise Digital Security, grants to tourist enteprises and Greek export companies, the financing of digital shops, Digital Entrepreneurship and the creation of digital Funds that will be connected with Pharmacies.

About 300,000 civilians will have benefited by 2013 through digital strategy, while about 80 new projects with an overall cost of 185 million euros have joined ESPA.

Referring to the same issue, government spokesman Evangelos Antonaros said that in March 2004, the programme "Society of Information" was downrated, stressing that the government's choice brought Greece to the first position worldwide in 2006 in the development of broadband and in 2007 in the sixth position worldwide, as well as in the first position in the EU.

Amongst others, he reported that the annual ADSL prices dropped by more than 85% in January 2008 and that the penetration of fast Internet to the population reached 13.4% instead of 0.1% in the beginning of 2004.

News item: 22222

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