The Hellenic Radio (ERA): News in English, 10-02-11

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

CONTENTS

[01] Probe in Siemens Case Continues

It was journalist Aristea Bougatsou's turn to testify Wednesday to the parliamentary committee probing the Siemens case. Bougatsou said that the company used a ring consisting of advertisement and communication companies for money laundering. At the same time, a session of an inquiry committee on the Vatopedi case will be repeated Wednesday. The Socialist deputies, Argyris Lafazanis and Dimitris Papoutsis, walked out of the committee. They will be replaced by Dinos Rovlias and Nadia Giannakopoulou.

Citing information derived from the testimonies of Siemens officials in Germany, Bougatsou said the parent company was aware of the Alogoskoufis bill on capital repatriation, which as soon as it was voted, they transferred 20.9 million euros to Societe Generale in Kifisia, a northern Athenian suburb.

She also said that apart from the one million marks given to Theodoros Tsoukatos, close aid to former Socialist Prime Minister Kostas Simitis, there are two bank accounts in Switzerland, which, according to Christoforakos, were meant to be given to a political party.

Source: NET, NET 105.8 News item: 33153

[02] Farmers Suspend their Protests

Traffic on Greek highways returned back to normal, since farmers decided to suspend their protests and leave the roadblocks. The roadblock in Nikea, central Greece, and in Promachonas, the crossing in the border with Bulgaria, will open on Thursday morning. The farmers think that their protests proved their gloomy economical situation they are in and are waiting for the government to commit itself to its pledges.

Giorgos Kasapides, Conservative deputy and section head for agricultural affairs: "If the Agricultural Minister wishes to upgrade her presence at the Ministry and gain the farmers' respect, she has to deal with the farmers' serious problems. We have had enough with her just criticizing ND's work, expressing wishes and good intentions."

Source: NET 105.8, NET, ANA/MPA

News item: 33157

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