The Hellenic Radio (ERA): News in English, 09-08-20

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

CONTENTS

[01] Old Air-conditioner Withdrawal Program Expires

Development Ministry old air-conditioners replacement subsidized program âwhich started at the beginning of June- expires on Saturday. The Development Ministry announced that the program was successful taken that state subsidy went over 43 million euros from 15 million euros initial amount due to the high consumers' demand.

According to data collected daily by the program's information system 131.504 â triple number of initial target 45.000- old air-conditioners were replaced and recycled. energy saving is put to 49.56MW per year compared against initial estimation to 16.96MW per year. Reduction in CO2 emissions is estimated at 43.61thousand tones per year compared to initial estimation 14.9 tones per year.

Average daily sales since the start of the program is about 2.267 air-conditioners, however, average daily sales during the opening of the program was about 4.000 pieces. Integrated planning, peoples' briefing through the Internet and leaflets distributed at shops as well as advertisement and promotion of the program contributed to the program's great success.

There were, however, some reactions. In its announcement SYN party says that the government claims that the program was highly successful surpassing expectations but says nothing about quantities and management of old air- conditioners refrigerants mainly responsible for the green house effect.

News item: 25981

[02] Meeting Centered on Cyprus, Skopje, Greek-Turkish Relations

In her statements after her meeting with Prime-minister K. Karamanlis on Thursday at the Maximos Mansion, Foreign Minister D. Bakoyiannis described as full of challenges the next six months. Their talks focused on negotiations on Cyprus issue, developments in Skopje name dispute after the last meeting of ambassador Adamantios Basilakis with UN special envoy Mathew Nimitz in NY as well as Greek-Turkish relations as the neigbouring country's European prospect will be determined in the coming period. Mrs. Bakoyiannis avoided giving answers on questions regarding early elections and government reshuffle, underlining that Greek people are not concerned over these issues. The government has the peoples' mandate to work.

News item: 25977

[03] Afghanistan Elections in mid of Rocket Attacks

Last Updated on Thursday, 20 August 2009 18:51

Rockets were launched in many cities in Afghanistan on Thursday, day of presidential elections that the Taliban had threatened to disrupt vote. Shops and businesses remained closed and police were out in force to carry inspections on the few cars running in Kabul streets. Some 27.000 observers, including 2.000 foreign nationals are supervising election procedures in 6.500 poll stations.

Afghan police exchanged fire with three suspect Taliban suicide bombers who had seized a building in the east part of the capital Kabul, police said.

Militants launched a string of attacks on the morning of election day. The small rocket attacks happened in cities in Helmand, Kandahar and Ghazni provinces and a small blast occurred in Kabul.

Rockets landed outside the southern city of Kandahar and near the governor's compound in the capital of Wardak province just before polls opened at 7am local time.

Another rocket landed near voters at a polling station in Lashkar Gah, capital of Helmand province, and a convoy carrying election observers was hit by a roadside bomb.

Terrorists attacked from several directions. Fighting has been going on since morning," said the provincial police chief, Mohammad Kabir Andarabi. We have killed 22 terrorists. Most of their bodies are left on the ground."

Taliban intimidation was also seen in the capital, Kabul, where police shot dead two militants after a gun battle in the east of the city.

Chief spokesman for the United Nations' Afghan mission, said: "It's too early to give a clear indication, but people do seem to be turning out." He said initial indications suggested good turn out despite threats for heavy attacks. .

Mr Karzai voted soon after 7am close to his presidential palace.He said: "I ask the Afghan people to come and vote so through their vote, Afghanistan will be more peaceful, more secure and a better place." He said that victory from the first election round serves the nation's interest. Karzai main rival is former Foreign Minister Abdalah Abdalah and some other 30 candidates among them 2 women.

Polls indicate that Karzai is ahead and will achieve absolute majority 50% +1 votes requested to avoid second round of elections in October.

News item: 25960

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