The Hellenic Radio (ERA): News in English, 09-09-11

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

CONTENTS

[01] Car Sales Surge in August

Last Updated on Friday, 11 September 2009 16:32

Despite the prolonged financial turmoil, the incentives given to consumers helped car sales to increase on the Greek market by 15.3% in August compared to the same month last year.

In particular, the reduced registration tax helped car dealers, who were hit by the global credit crisis, to regain their profits. August 2009 was by far the most productive month of the last decade, since as many as 22,845 cars were sold.

News item: 26646

[02] USA Commemorates 11 September Hits

Last Updated on Friday, 11 September 2009 16:38

Eight years after the hijacked plane attacks of 11 September 2001, the USA remembers the scenes that shocked the whole world. As many as 2,751 people died when the four planes crashed in New York, at the Pentagon and in a Pennsylvania field. This year's remembrance services are dedicated to offering.

Eight year after the hit on the twin towers of the World Trade Center and the Pentagon, the Americans cannot forget the tragedy that socked their nation and are paying tribute to the victims.

Thousands of people gathered in a square near the Ground Zero site in New York, where the central commemoration ceremony is taking place.

The ceremony, in which moments of silence are being observed, reminding the times when the two towers were hit and collapse, was also attended by US Vice President Jo Biden.

US President Barack Obama also observed a moment of silence in the memory of the victims. He also met with families of the victims in a ceremony held in Pentagon.

Source: NET

News item: 26637

[03] Former PM K. Simitis Won't Be a Candidate

Former Prime Minister Kostas Simitis was excluded from PASOK's (Panhellenic Socialist Movement) list of candidates, since he failed to reach an agreement on his candidacy with PASOK leader. George Papandreou suggested he lead the list of candidates either in the first constituency of Athens or that of Piraeus, while Simitis had asked to lead the list of candidate state parliamentarians, which George Papandreou refused. In the meantime, although Giorgos Paschalides' candidacy had been announced, he decided to withdraw it. After his meetings with Thessaloniki's producers, George Papandreou stressed that based on the current situation in the northern Greek city, their slogan âWe either change or sinkâ fits the country's overall condition.

Former Prime Minister Kostas Simitis rejected the PASOK's President proposal to lead the list of candidates either in the first constituency of Athens or that of Piraeus, since he wanted to be placed atop the list of candidate state parliamentarians.

The statement issued by PASOK's Press office read that the President's proposal was not accepted by the former prime minister.

Kostas Simitis said in black and white that in his talks with the PASOK President they failed to reach an agreement regarding his candidacy and wished the party the best of luck in the forthcoming general elections.

Commenting on Simitis' withdrawal from the political landscape, the ruling ND party spokesman Giorgos Koumoutsakos and LAOS (Popular Orthodox Rally) head said:

After noting that he does not comment domestic issues of other political parties, Koumoutsakos stressed that in a crucial economic period, Simitis' experience would be useful.

âIt is a great loss for the Greek House. They are out not because the people of Greece did not vote for them, but because of their leaders' games. I believe that our era requires more courage and understanding. Our era requires experience and not experimentations,â stressed Karatzaferis.

In the meantime, although former minister Giorgos Paschalides' candidacy had been announced, he decided to withdraw it.

In his letter, after thanking the PASOK President, Paschalides said he would not abstain from the political struggle in favour of the PASOK positions.

News item: 26634

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