The Hellenic Radio (ERA): News in English, 10-06-07

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

CONTENTS

[01] Suspension of A. Tsohatzopoulos Political Identity

Former PASOK minister Akis Tsohatzopoulos appeared before PASOK Transparency Committee on Monday to respond to questions regarding sources of income for the purchase of his real estate property. The Committee proposed suspension of his political identity. In his statement, Mr. Tsohatzopoulos spoke of centers fabricating his political, moral and physical liquidation and announced that he would refer to justice.

PASOK Transparency Committee proposed to the Ethics Committee suspension of Akis Tsohatzopoulos political identity regardless of the judicial outcome.

The Transparency Committee evaluating all data released unanimously agrees to refer the case to EKAP and proposes suspension of his identity as PASOK member regardless of the outcome of the judicial case and prejudging the result of the judicial investigation, says the statement.

A two hour statement by Akis Tsohatzopoulos preceded. In his statements, former PASOK minister spoke of an unprecedented attack against him aimed at his political and moral liquidation and repeated that he would refer to Justice.

Sources: ΝΕΤ-ΝΕΤ 105.8-ΑNA/ΜPA

News item: 37361

[02] Awaiting Report on Batopedi Case

The Inquiry Committee is meeting to issue a report on Batopedi case. In the meantime, ND and PASOK crossed their swords on the grounds of a newspaper article involving PASOK secretary Kostas Xynidis in the transferring of a piece of land in Porto Lagos to the Batopedi Monastery. ND requested summoning of Sokratis Xynidis to the Inquiry Committee. Both Mr. Xynidis and government spokesman said that PASOK secretary was prepared to give a statement.

ND Requests Xynidis to Appear before the Inquiry Committee

ND spokesman Panos Panagiotopoulos, referring to the newspaper article involving Sokratis Xynidis, spoke of a major political issue touching PASOK leadership. Specifically, the article in "Kathimerini tis Kyriakis" newspaper says that S. Xynidis in his capacities of Lagos Port Committee and representative of Xanthi Bar Association signed in 2001 a document with which the Committee agreed on the declassification of piece of land reserved for the port in Porto Lagos and its transfer to the Batopedi Monastery.

"This is a major political issue touching PASOK leadership and it is mandatory for the Prime-minister and PASOK leader to give the necessary explanations and assume his share of big responsibilities". He also described the ruling party as hostage of prosecutor's syndrome and added that today's plaintiffs could easily turn into tomorrow's defendants.

Xynidis will make statement if asked

Sokratis Xynidis , in an interview with radio station "THEMA 98.9" said he would go the Parliament in the afternoon and expressed hope that he would be called to appear before the Inquiry Committee, maintaining that he would not allow any room for delays in the investigation of the Batopedi scandal.

Government spokesman G. Petalotis said that S. Xynidis was open to make statement before the Inquiry Committee, and answer all kinds of questions concerning the case. Sources: ΝΕΤ-ΝΕΤ 105.8-ΑNA/ΜPA News item: 37358

[03] Positive Development -Misunderstandings Resolved

Employment Minister A. Loberdos expressed satisfaction at the positive developments- as he described the EU's clarification- concerning the amount of pension. The European Commission in a letter says that the average replacement percentage of 48% concerns only the contributory system to which the basic national pension is added. The Employment Ministry concentrates now on issues still open to negotiations such as retirement age for mothers of underaged and heavy & unhealthy professions. In the meantime, Troika inspectors arrive in Athens tomorrow for talks with the Employment Ministry leadership. Final inspection on whether targets have been achieved and Memorandum observed will be held on June, 16.

New Circle of Negotiations

The next days are crucial for developments in the social security system as all reforms are expected to conclude. Troika inspectors arrive in Athens on Tuesday for deliberations with the leadership of the Employment Ministry while the final inspection on the progress of targets so far will be held in June, 16.

In the meantime, the European Commission after several statements and exchange of letters clarified that the memorandum signed did not provide pensions cut to half. The spokesman for European Commissioner for Monetary Affairs Olli Rehn said that the basic pension would be added to the 48% replacement rate. The final target is to hold pension budget under 2.5% of GDP until 2060.

Employment Minister A. Loberdos said the question was definitely clarified and expressed satisfaction at the positive development. According to fresh data, the rate of contributory pension after 40 years of work is 51% and it is disengaged from the basic pension of 360 euros at the age of 65. An answer regarding supplementary (epikouriki) pension-not referred in the memorandum- is expected

Petalotis:D/B on Social Security to Be Tabled Soon

In response to a relevant question, government spokesman, George Petalotis stressed: "the government obviously knew what it was signing in the memorandum and this was proved by the statements of EU representatives saying in force is what is included in the memorandum".

"The significant point is that the EU Commission itself dismissed pension cut to 48%", underlined Mr. Petalotis adding "at last we will have a guaranteed insurance system for the present and future generations".

ND Criticizes the Government

ND party spokesman Panos Panagiotopoulos attributed huge responsibilities to the government regarding its handling of a major issue such as the social security system, underlining also that its was not an issue for communication games.

"It is shame for the country's political system to talk about cuts in 400, 500, 600 euros pensions" noting that cuts should be made where they can be made "but not the weak to pay for the marble"

Sources: ΝΕΤ, ΝΕΤ 105.8, ΑNA/ΜPA

News item: 37346

[04] Discussing D/B on Abolition of Cabotage

Vice-president Theodoros Pangalos chairs an Interministerial Commitee meeting on the abolition of cabotage, held at the Maximos Mansion, on Monday. According to reports among others the draft-bill provides for employment of a specific number of Greek seamen in under foreign flag ships calling at Greek ports. The Panhellenic Maritime Federation (PNO)- that objects to the abolition of cabotage- did not stop cruise ship "Zenith" from calling at Piraeus port on Monday and allowed passengers to disembark.

PNO Fresh Mobilizations

The draft-bill among others provides for employment for a certain number of Greek seamen in under foreign flag ships with ports of call in Greece and a special tax paid by passengers which will finance a new sea men employment organization.

Attending the meeting are State Minister Haris Paboukis and competent ministers. In the meantime, PNO that objects to the abolition of cabotage, is staging a demonstration in Piraeus. However, they did not stop cruise ship "Zenith" from calling at Piraeus port on Monday and allowed passengers to disembark.

Source: ΝΕΤ, ΝΕΤ 105.8

News item: 37337

[05] Eurogroup New Crucial Meeting

Finance Ministers' Council of Euro region (Eurogroup) meet on Monday to discuss technical details of European support mechanism mounting to 450 billion euros, developments in Hungary's economy and the course of euro currency. Eurogroup will also discuss European commission proposal for stricter inspection of rating agencies and more transparency in the financial system. Jean Claude Yuncker, Eurogroup chairman, dismissed concerns that Hungary would face a debt crisis and played down fears for the euro currency. The EU Finance Ministers council will hold a meeting on Tuesday to examine issues related to reforms in the Stability Plan and stricter fiscal regulations.

"There is slight shortfall in revenues, however, we are better compared against last year. Government measures will bear results", said Finance Ministry general secretary Dimitris Georgakopoulos in an interview with NET 105.8.

Euro currency on Monday fell to $1.19, a 4 year low against the dollar while European markets suffered heavy losses. Athens stock market recorded an over 4% dive, also Far East markets recorded loses.

Πηγές: ΝΕΤ, ΝΕΤ 105,8, ΑΠΕ-ΜΠΕ

Σχετικές ειδήσεις: Προς ένα αυστηρότερο Πρόγραμμα Σταθερότητας, Κατηγορηματική διάψευση από την ΕΕ News item: 37336

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