The Hellenic Radio (ERA): News in English, 10-06-14

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

CONTENTS

[01] Kiltidis Withdraws from ND Party

Former Agriculture Development undersecretary Kostas Kiltidis, whose name was involved in the Batopedi transfer of land scandal announced his withdrawal from ND party Parliamentary Group dropping hints at the ND leadership and its leader. Mr. Kiltidis spoke of an orchestrated attempt to undermine his political future and blamed the ND leader for sweeping operations. "Mr. Kiltidis followed the course he drawn a long time ago", said ND party comment.

Hints against ND Leader

Kostas Kiltidis announced his resignation from the main opposition ND party and notified that he would serve as an independent deputy in the present Parliament.

In his statement, the former undersecretary attacked the ND leader saying that Mr. Samaras and his lobby are making interior reorganizations and cleansings within the frame of a civil war raging among persons not even groups.

He also added that there was an orchestrated effort by his party to damage his political future. He underlined that his move was to protect his personal honour and dignity in these difficult circumstances of reforms in the political system.

He said did not act according to his conscience twice in a 6-month period, giving in to the ND leadership selections, indicating tolerance and patience in the name of the historical party. He let understood that one case he gave in was the draft-bill on forest land and the other voting against PASOK economic measures as described in the Troika memorandum.

ND Party Reaction

"His move did not at all surprise ND. Mr. Kiltidis followed the course he had drawn a long time ago", says ND Press office announcement.

Karatzaferis Statement

"Mr. Kiltidis is big capital for the party. Dynamic and grounded, he protects his principals and values and has never betrayed his friends and his beliefs", said LAOS president.

Sources: ΝΕΤ-ΝΕΤ 105.8-ΑNA/ΜPA

News item: 37629

[02] Crucial Week for Siemens & Batopedi Scandals

This week is expected to be crucial regarding developments on the Siemens case as the Inquiry Committee will look into the Hellenic Railways Company (HRC) file. Konstantinos Yiannakos, HRC chief advisor during the terms in office of Hristos Berelis and Mihalis Liapis( Transport &Communication Ministry) when the controversial suburban railway contract was confirmed and signed . In the meantime, an Inquiry Committee delegation will fly to Germany to meet in the head company with managers of black money funds. Also judicial cooperation is expected for the opening of bank accounts and examination of source of income of former ministers.

In the meantime, the Parliament Plenum on Monday will discuss the Inquiry Committee's report on the Batopedi transfer of land case which includes political parties proposals for further investigation. The debate is considered a crucial test for the ND conservative party as two former ministers during ND ruling Alexandros Kontos and Kostas Kiltidis blame each other. Kostas Kiltidis, however, in a letter to the Speaker of the House Filippos Petsalnikos announced his resignation from the ND party Parliamentary Group.

Ioannis Kapelleris, head of the Financial Crime Investigation Service (SDOE) told state television channel NET persons and offshore companies involved in both Siemens and Batopedi case are being examined

In another development, Siemens appears willing to facilitate investigation in the black money scandal after a letter to the company sent by State Minister Haris PaBoukis following the Prime-minister's instruction.

Mr. Paboukis in his letter calls the company to facilitate investigation procedures with revelation of actions and illegal commissions if it wants to continue its cooperation with the Greek state.

Source: ΝΕΤ 105.8 - ΝΕΤ

Related News: Inquiry Committee to Look into Railway Company File

Related News: Siemens: Skandalidis Testifies to Inquiry Committee

Καυτή εβδομάδα για το σκάνδαλο της Siemens

News item: 37614

[03] Mercury Level "Soars"

The first heat wave is approaching with mercury on Monday touching 39C in continental parts of the country says the National Meteorological Service. Temperature is expected to soar to 40C in the next three days while vulnerable groups of people are advised to stay indoors. Gradual drop in temperature is forecast from Thursday. Power Company (DEH) is on alert to avoid black out due to increased energy consumption due to extensive use of air-conditioners. DEH calls consumers to reduce use of air-conditioners, particularly at peak hours. Hailstones fell in Grevena on Sunday and heavy rainfall in Kozani where basements flooded.

Monday Weather Forecast

Fair weather with temperatures touching 38C and local storms in the afternoon in mountainous continental parts of the country.

Attica, fair weather , changeable winds 2-4 Beaufort force and temperatures ranging from 24C to 37C.

Thessaloniki, fair weather, local clouds developing in the afternoon in mountainous regions. Light winds and temperatures ranging from 23C to 35C.

Source: National Meteorological Srvice

News item: 37626

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