The Hellenic Radio (ERA): News in English, 10-02-06

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

CONTENTS

[01] Antiauthoritarians and Far-Rightists Demonstrations on Citizenship Draft-bill

Antiauthoritarian groups staged a demonstration in central Athens in protest against racism and xenophobia while they continue occupation of Athens University Dean's Office. Also extreme right organizations objecting to draft-bill on immigrants citizenship are staging a demonstration at noon on Saturday.

Antiauthoritarians threw stones and flares against security forces sparked some tension at Korai square which faded away and situation returned to normal when police left.

Anti authoritarians staged a demonstration at Propylaia in protest against extreme rightists groups who object to draft-bill providing for immigrants citizenship. Extreme right groups had planned a demonstration at 15:00 at Propylaia but they agreed to move the demonstration to Kolokotroni square after police intervention so the two opposite groups are not in the same site. Police are out in force to avert possible incidents among protesters.

Source: NET, NET 105.8 News item: 32989

[02] A. Samaras: "No Blank Check to the Government"

ND party leader, Antonis Samaras, in an interview with newspaper "Kefalaio" strongly criticizes the government's handlings in the field of economy. Mr. Samaras repeats his objection to the government's recent decision to increase duty on fuel and underlines the need for measures to boost growth and not only measures to cut state deficit. He also predicts tougher measures if the government continues moving in the same pace.

"I neither hold balance nor fear falling. I have exercised criticism on the former government's handling of economic issues. We will not keep repeating the same things. Spreads tripled under the ruling of the new government while several trips to Brussels preceded before some measures were implemented with 4 months delay", said ND leader.

"Power is neither granted nor won. Ruling can not be exercised with communication tricks and opposition is not exercised to create impressions. We have a plan, we have the unharmed people, we will win people's mandate", says A. Samaras in another part of the interview. He also reiterated that he will back the government in its decisions to the benefit of the people but he will not give a blank check for imposition of measures which hit people in the sake of the financial crisis.

Source: NET News item: 32987

[03] Farmers' Gradually Lift Roadblocks

Farmers members of 14 blocks of the Panhellenic Coordinating Body are gradually leaving road blocks while their Promahona and Thessaly counterparts continue mobilizations. Access to Korinthos bound traffic is closed due to farmers blockade at Sterna intersection while lanes on both directions at the 17km of Larissa -Kozani highway are also closed. Thessaloniki and Thessaly farmers staged a demonstration at the center of Thessaloniki following an initiative of PASY. Twelve farmers blocks from Thessaloniki and Thessaly are holding a meeting in Tyrnavos on Sunday to decide on the future of mobilizations.

Farmers roadblocks center in Thessaly as Nikaia, Tyrnavos and Mikrothibes intersections remain closed while there was no blockade in Platikambos according to police.

In Central Macedonia, farmers still remain at Promahonas customs station while farmers are gradually leaving Hrisopolis and Strymonas intersections.

In Ebros prefecture, tractors are parked at the Ormenios junction without hampering access of traffic.

In Thessaloniki, tractors are parked in halkidona, Prasina Fanaria (near airport), Malgara and Kilkis-Serres old national road. According to Kilkis police, Evzonoi and Doirani custom stations are open.

Promahonas border crossing remains closed for the third consecutive week. The dubbed "tough" block of the Serres prefecture Non Aligned Farmers Unions, is one of the twenty blocks continuing active mobilizations while it was the last one to leave blockade last year.

Since Saturday early morning farmers open Promahona border crossing every four hours for private cars and buses while emergency cases are allowed to pass.

Πηγή: NET, NET 105.8, AΠΕ

Σχετικό άρθρο: Αγρότες: Αναστολή των κινητοποιήσεων News item: 32986

[04] Concern over Economy-Confidence in Government

A poll conducted by Public Issue on behalf of private television channel SKAI after announcements by Prime-minister, George Papandreou indicates that Greek people are highly concerned over developments in economy but also that they have confidence in the government despite tough measures. Majority of respondents appear supporting government measures for the economy's recovery according to a survey conducted by Metron Analysis for Saturday's issue of newspaper "Hemerisia".

Public Issue Poll

Specifically, 6 in 10 respondents are in favour of the Stability and Growth plan adopted by the government while an equal percentage of respondents sees unlikely possibility of the country's bankruptcy.

On the other hand, 5 in 10 respondents do not believe that Greece alone will manage to deal with its state debt. About 7 in 10 respondents agree with wage cuts and recruitment and wage freeze in the public sector.

Furthermore, 61% objects to increases in retirement age, 69% to increases in fuel duties and 51% to imposition of new taxes.

Of respondents 58% trust Finance Minister George Papakonstantinou, 55% Prime-minister George Papandreou and 42% Minister for Economics Louka Katselis while 58% agree with the stand on economic issues of ND party leader Antonis Samaras.

Metron Analysis Survey: People ready for Sacrifices

Metron Analysis survey indicates that 68.9% of respondents describe the measures necessary and 23.6% extremely tough while 50.2% believe the measures are fair compared against 41.1% who consider them unfair. The government measures have been widely accepted by the supporters of the ruling party as 86.4% agree that they are necessary, 73% fair and 62.7% effective. Of ND party supporters a 57.2% of respondents describe them as necessary. Ready for sacrifices are 71.4% of PASOK supporters and 52.5% of ND. A 62.3% of respondents from upper medium and upper class says yes or rather yes to sacrifices, 58.9% of lower medium class and 56.1% of farmers.

Source: NET 105.8

Relevant Article:

Greek PM: Concerted Attack on Euro Currency

News item: 32981

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