The Hellenic Radio (ERA): News in English, 10-03-02

The Hellenic Radio (ERA): News in English Directory - Previous Article - Next Article

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

CONTENTS

[01] ND Draws "Red Line" on Pensions

Employment Minister, A. Loberdos spoke of climate of consent after his meeting with ND leader A. Samaras. Mr. Loberdos underlined the need for consent on major issues while ND member Yiannis Broutsis, competent on employment issues underlined ND party objection on freeze of low pensions and a number of issues which will be brought on during Parliament debate of relevant draft-bill. Mr, Broutsis proposed Social Security deficits to be funded by State Budget

Climate of Consent

Employment Minister Andreas Loverdos and main opposition New Democracy leader Antonis Samaras discussed Tuesday the pension system. Loverdos unveiled the government's initiatives, while Samaras offered his backing to the measures provided they are towards the right direction. He drew, however, some "red lines" with which his party totally disagrees with. "We exchanged opinions within a climate of consensus, as national matters require," commented the Employment Minister.

ND deputy and section head for employment affairs Giannis Vroutsis stressed, 'ND will take part in the dialogue on that crucial matter. It will unveil its proposals when the matter is brought up at the House."

Source: ÍÅÔ, ÍÅÔ 105.8, ÁNA-ÌPA

News item: 33924

[02] OTE's Legal Advisor Testifies on Siemens Case

OTE's legal advisor Paris Pasias is testifying Tuesday before the inquiry committee investigating the Siemens scandal. He is expected to elaborate on legal matters with regard to OTE CEO Panagiotis Vourloumis' deposition. Another two board members have also been called to testify. On Wednesday, magistrate Nikos Zagorianos and prosecutor Panagiotis Athanasiou are to testify.

Source: ANA/MPA News item: 33916

[03] "Alert" in EU over Spain and Britain

After Greece, analysts are highly concerned over Spain and Britain's economy. With public finances having gone into the red Britain announced that its currency dropped to its lowest in 12 months while in Spain unemployment rate has risen to 19%, the highest in eurozone member states.

British deficit is on the same track as Greece as both are over 12% writes British daily "Telegraph".

After deep recession, anaemic recovery of British economy gives rise to concern among its Europeans partners.

British currency losses against the dollar are higher compared against 5.4% losses of the euro currency. Data showed speculators' negative sterling bets against the dollar.

From Annovero technological exhibition, German Chancellor Angela Merkel appealed for support to euro currency. Span's Prime-minister was attending the event while world mass media writes about the economy of Spain.

Economists high concern is that Spain is not a small economy as Greece. Problems in euro will be apparent if crisis is not faced in Greece but in the case of Spain experts speak of destruction. Spain's deficit is the sixth highest at global level while unemployment rate has risen to 18.8% and number of unemployed over 4.1 million people.

Source: ÍÅÔ News item: 33934

[04] ADEDY Schedules New Strike for 16 March

The ADEDY public sector union announced it would go out on strike on 16 March. Speaking on NET radio station, ADEDY head Spyros Papaspyros said that 13th and 14th salaries are a fundamental conquest and that in case they are abolished, reactions will be strong. "The measures taken now mean to save money and not to promote growth. This means we will not overcome recession. As soon as they are implemented, they will deliver a blow to the low-income earners and tourism," noted Papaspyros. "The government should have discussed them with ADEDY and GSEE before announcing them," added he.

Source: NET 105.8

News item: 33917

The Hellenic Radio (ERA): News in English Directory - Previous Article - Next Article