The Hellenic Radio (ERA): News in English, 10-05-23

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

CONTENTS

[01] Batopedi: Inquiry Committee to Resume on Tuesday

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Parliament Inquiry Committee on the Batopedi case resumes its works on Tuesday while developments have sparked disputes between the government and the opposition.

In an interview with state television channel NET, government spokesman George Petalotis asked for the return of the land to the state.

The Secretary of ND party Parliamentary Group, K. Tasoulas expressed his objection to the content of the Inquiry Committee's report, maintaining that it is dictated by the Justice Minister.

YN president, Alexis Tsipras, in an interview with newspaper "Avgi tis Kyriakis", says that major scandals subjects of investigation by Inquiry Committees will end up subjects of exchange between the two large political parties.

In the meantime the statement of Stamatina Mantelis, former Agriculture Development Ministry director, who named specific ministers during ND ruling involved in the exchanges of property between the Batopedi Monastery and the State have given a new dimension to the case.

As revealed by journalist Yianna Papadakou in state channel NET program "Savatokyriako sti NET", Stamatina Mantelis in her statement before the interrogator claimed that she was made to write a hand written note dictated by Dimitrios Iatridis, director of former Minister Alexandros Kontos office. In the note she had to belie an article saying that she received political pressure to accelerate the exchange of land case with the Batopedi Monastery. Mrs. Mantelis said that it crossed her mind to keep the initial text and ask Mr. Iatridis to add that the text was handed to her and sign it.

Minister for Justice and Transparency, Haris Kastanidis in an interview with REAL NEWS newspaper expresses his objection to the five reports of the Inquiry Committee, maintaining continuation to issue as many reports as the number of political parties would end up in undermining the institution. The leader of the ND party A. Samaras and its vice-president Dimitris Abramopoulos object to summoning former Prime-minister K. Karamanlis in the Inquiry Committees.

Source: ÍÅÔ

News item: 36841

[02] Samaras-Bakoyianni Cross Swords

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ND leader A. Samaras and former Foreign Minister D. Bakoyiannis crossed swords once again. In an interview with newspaper "Kyriakatiki Eleftherotypia" Mr. Samaras appears certain that Mrs. Bakoyiannis decision to vote in favour of the ruling socialist PASOK party measures would affect herself. On her part, the independent deputy now, in an interview with "Radio Crete" left open possibility for creation of a new political party and tried to keep a distance from the period of K. Karamanlis ruling.

Samaras: "Ones, who voted in favour of measures, bear the responsibility"

"The ND is now holding talks with the entire spectrum of political forces, an exclusive privilege of PASOK till present", ND leader A. Samaras said in his interview referring to his meeting with leaders of leftist parties.

Mr. Samaras underlined that he voted against the economic measures because he practices politics looking forward the future, giving an alternative option beyond the vicious circle of recession to Greece's economy as well as an alternative option to political life so to rely somewhere and keep hope.

"Mrs. Bakoyiannis decision to vote in favour of PASOK positions has certainly annoyed ND supporters. But also ones who demand practice of substantial opposition.(...) Not only we but the entire political system would have lost should we had voted in favour of the economic measures. Because we would all have shared responsibility in PASOK deadlock Now exclusively responsible are the ones who voted in favour of measures... And they will bear the responsibility till the end", said A. Samaras.Á. Samaras

Referring to Mrs. Bakoyiannis expulsion, A. Samaras said her decision to vote in favour of the economic measures annoyed ND party supporters and ones who demanded substantial opposition. "Now exclusively responsible are the ones who voted in favour of measures and they will bear the responsibility till the end.

The ND party leader also referred to the Assessment Committee that will evaluate all members on the grounds of meritocratic criteria.

In the meantime, A. Samaras fully covered K. Karamanlis decision to keep silent so far saying: Explanations should be given by the one who shouted that there was money during the pre-election campaign. K. Karamanlis had called early enough for measures that would have been sufficient. His critics are taking measures more painful and may take even tougher measures, they should give explanations.

In response to participation in a coalition government, he said "the country needs implementation of a completely different program and not delicate balances within the framework of a fragile government".

"Local communities on the grounds of local administration criteria decide" was his response regarding cooperation with LAOS in municipal elections.

D. Bakoyianni Leaves Open Possibility for Creation of New Political Party

On her part, D. Bakoyianni told "Radio Crete" she doubted the effectiveness of the existing political parties, leaving open possibility for creation of a new political party.

The independent deputy said this could be a future move, placing priority to the country at this stage.

Notable is her attempt to keep a distance from developments during K. Karamanlis ruling. She maintained she had no clear picture of proceeding s, despite being a top official then, because of her frequent trips abroad .

Sources: ÍÅÔ, ÍÅÔ 105.8, ÁNA-ÌPA News item: 36828

[03] Atrocious Murder in Kalithea

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A young Albanian national was murdered in a cafeteria in Kalithea suburb, on Saturday evening. Albanian nationals shot the victim almost in direct contact. Police speak of settling differences.

Contact Shot

The atrocious incident occurred at 20:30 in a cafeteria in Thiseos Av. in Kalithea. The two culprits entered the cafeteria and after strong worded talk with the victim, most probably about settling differences, shot him on contact.

The murderers escaped in a car while the victim was transferred to hospital where he died shortly after arrival Police are carrying investigation into the case.

Source: ÍÅÔ, ÍÅÔ 105.8, ÁNA-ÌPA News item: 36819

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