The Hellenic Radio (ERA): News in English, 10-03-14

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

CONTENTS

[01] Fake Russian Invasion Spread Panic in Georgia

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A pro-government television station in Georgia spread panic when it broadcast a fake half-hour report about a Russian invasion of the country and President Mikheil Saakashvili dead without running any on screen notes to alert viewers that what they were watching was not real.

Angered citizens tried to occupy installations of the TV network protesting against the report that caused a big concern among the citizens for whom the Soviet invasion in August 2008 remains a fresh memory. President Saakashvili spokeswoman said projects that impact the population of the country expect for oral information must run screen notes.

However, the show did not run any on-screen notes during the half-hour broadcast to alert viewers that what they were watching was not real. Consequently many were alarmed.

Panic was reported in Tbilisi till it was confirmed that TV footage was from 2008 war. Even a Russian radio station interrupted its program to broadcast the news.

With no hint during the 30-minute program that the seemingly genuine news reports were not real, the broadcast led to panic among many viewers, who deluged the station with calls. The broadcast, meant to illustrate how the worst day in the country's history would be , but it apparently chose a wrong way.

Source: NET News item: 34280

[02] Measures Unfair but Necessary

A recent survey indicates that the majority of Greek people considers that implementation of the government's measures, despite being unjust and of dubious effectiveness, is the only option to exit the country from the economic crisis. The opinion poll also shows PASOK in the lead in intention of voting.

Marc opinion poll conducted on behalf of newspaper "Ethnos tis Kyriakis" indicates that 60.2% of respondents believe the measures are a necessary selection compared against 35% of ones who believe that there was room for smoother measures. Of respondents 50,1% say that measures are in the right direction , 41.9% in wrong direction, 65.7% describe measures rather unfair and 30.1% rather fair.

Of respondents, 52.6% believe Greek people sacrifices will not bear fruit against 41,1% who believe the opposite.

After the announcement of measures 28,9% of respondents are angered , 19.3% disappointed, 18.9% concerned about the future, 8.7% show tolerance, 8.1% understanding and 16.1% hope for a new beginning.

In response to the question who you blame more for the present situation of the country and the Greek people, 70% said Karamanlis governments, 52.5% former PASOK governments, 22% Greek tax evaders, 9.4% G. Papandreou government, 8.6% EU stance and 4.8% the way our lenders are treating us.

In reference to intention of voting if elections were held today, PASOK is in the lead with 34.5% followed by ND with 23.2%, GCP 8.5%, LAOS 6.8%, SYRIZA 4.1% and Ecologist-Greens 1.8%.

News item: 34279

[03] DEH Starts Mobilizations on Monday

Public Power Corporation ( DEH) has announced escalation of industrial mobilizations as of Monday within framework of reactions against reforms in social security system and reduction in salaries. Strike mobilizations may cause disruptions in power supply.

Apart from plants in Athens, mobilizations will extend to energy production plants in Megalopolis and Ptolemaida said DEH employees.

DEH trade union (GENOP) has announced dynamic mobilizations nationwide on Monday and a 48-hour strike on Tuesday and Wednesday. GENOP administration board has scheduled a meeting on Wednesday to decided on further actions.

GENOP has decided to start mobilizations in protest against salary cuts, 10% cut in state granting to DEH insurance fund which GENOP says it is illegal and suspension of the hiring of 2.000 people who are at the final stage. News item: 34278

[04] ND Leader Attacks PASOK & Introversion

ND party leader A. Samaras opened the works of ONNED extraordinary congress held at the Peace and Friendship Stadium. In his speech to ND party youth, Mr. Samaras criticized the ruling party's economic measures, referred to his party's prospects but underlined that he would not tolerate introversion.

"I draw a red line in unity both within the youth and the party and what I will not allow and not put up with is return to introversion among the youth and the party" A. Samaras

Mr. Samaras launched attack against PASOK after criticizing the 5-year course of the ND party. "We are giving a difficult battle, ascending an uphill road to overcome weaknesses and mistakes of the past and re-enter into the orbit of victory not to merely manage a system that has collapsed but to change Greece", he stressed.

He went on to say that his party was recovering from a big defeat adding "in a period that Greece is experiencing an unprecedented economic and social crisis, we recognized our mistakes, made our self-criticism and will make our self purging. Ones who offended Greek people's self-honour have no place in our party".

Referring to the ruling PASOK party, Mr. Samaras said it was trying to attribute to the ND the responsibilities for its own mistakes adding "we certainly recognize our share of responsibilities, however, PASOK not the ND created the system that distributed borrowed money, PASOK not the ND produced the over debt of Greece".

He admitted that ND was responsible for not having taken advantage of its opportunity to change the system but he maintained "spreads went sky high due to PASOK administration unbelievable delay and state borrowing with interest over 6% was due to PASOK inconceivable irresponsibility to compare Greece with the Titanic".

Mr. Samaras also blamed PASOK for "lack of common sense and rift in social cohesion". He reminded that he had called the government to take measures to boost economy and not allow recession to "swallow" the country.

ND's biggest mistake was that it did not change PASOK's system which is leading the country into deep recession instead of giving a breath to the market, boosting economy and bringing state deficit down.

Addressing the youth audience he said "a large group of dynamic and experienced people were not used so far but there will be an end to this as the party's new organizational structure will absorb senior youth members and will renew its human resources nationwide".

News item: 34276

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