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

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

CONTENTS

[01] P. Efthimiou President of OSCE Parliamentary Assembly

PASOK deputy Petros Efthimiou was elected new president of the OSCE (Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe) Parliamentary Assembly. The Greek deputy received 130 votes compared against 66 of his Canadian rival. Alternate Foreign Minister D. Droutsas congratulated Petros Efthimiou on his election. Mr. Droutsas, who was in Dubrovnik, in Croatia to attend "Croatia Summit 2010", contacted with Petros Efthimiou on the phone to extend his congratulations on his election to this very important post, which was a difficult case as the candidate said.

Shortly before the elections, Mr. Efthimiou had expressed optimism his candidacy to enjoy the support of all Greek political parties not as an individual but as a country.

Source: ÍÅÔ, ÁNA-ÌPA News item: 38336

[02] Proclamation on Attack against M. Hrisohoidis Office

"Eleftherotypia" newspaper in its Saturday issue carries a weird 4-page proclamation concerning the attack that killed George Basilakis, 50yo top aide of Citizen Protection Minister Mihalis Hrisohoidis. The organization does

"Eleftherotypia" newspaper in its Saturday issue carries a weird 4-page proclamation concerning the attack that killed George Basilakis, 50yo top aide of Citizen Protection Minister Mihalis Hrisohoidis. The organization does not reveal its name but says it will do it in the next terrorist attacks. An unknown person signs the proclamation with the name "Thanasis Klaras"- the real name of Aris Veluhiotis- and writes home address "Agoniston 40". The envelope, sent to the newspaper, contained a 4-page proclamation and its last page bears a printed star with the head of Rigas Ferreos.

Sources: ÍÅÔ, ÍÅÔ 105.8 News item: 38331

[03] F. Kouvelis Interim President of DL Party

The Democratic Left Political Committee, in its first meeting held on Saturday, has unanimously elected Fotis Kouvelis as interim president in view of its first congress at the end of 2010. In his speech, Mr. Kouvelis said the Democratic Left was a contemporary party that wants to make its position "politics to citizens and citizens in politics" daily deed. He also said that the Democratic Left should take an initiative for social, scientific and political dialogue for the country's exit from the crisis while he blamed the government for imposing abrupt adoption to new pension system and opening the road for reforms in labour relations that broaden social injustices.

"We know we have basic objections with the ND party regarding selections for the country's future and the combat of the crisis". Fotis Kouvelis also added the Democratic Left would not exercise similar policy with the other political forces of the Left wing and would not exhaust in intra-leftist parties disputes.

Referring to local administration elections, he said the Democratic Left would support those forces that would take Local Administration ahead.

The Executive Committee and the committees that would draw the party's positions and chart to be approved in the 1st congress were set up.

Source: ÁNA-ÌPA, ÍÅÔ News item: 38328

[04] Homemade Explosive in Abandoned Hotel in Parnitha

A homemade explosive, that had not gone off, was found in an abandoned former "Xenia" hotel, in Parnitha, on Saturday morning. Police said the explosive device was inside a plastic barrel . It was made of a 12.2 liters gas bottle, a 12 vault car battery connected with wires and electronic receptor. The homemade device could be set to explode by remote control from a distance. An experts group on explosive devices went to the site and transferred it to the Criminal Service laboratory for investigation. Police arrived at the site after specific information.

Experts believe that culprits failed to set the device to explode because the gas bottle was open .

It is the first time such a device was found and police are carrying out investigations to find which was the target and the motive.

Source: ÁNA-ÌPA News item: 38338

[05] New Social Security Bill

The new social security bill passed by the Parliament brings reversals in retirement age and calculation of pension in the private and civil sectors as well as DEKO, banks and scientists. Forty years of work and retirement age 65yo are requirements for full pension while there is a provision for recognition of up to 7 nominal years with reduction in amount for the purchase of military service, years of studies and years not covered by social security for the self-employed. Reforms in social security system will be gradually in force as of 2011 with exemption the special tax on pensioners ( pensions over â¬1.400) ranging from 3-10% that starts on August, 1, 2010.

Same Retirement Terms for Private &Civil Sectors

As of 2015 forty contribution years -with a provision for recognition of 7 nominal years- and turn 65yo are requirements for full pension for employees in the private sector.

65yo for full pension

60 for reduced pension if contribution years are under 40

exemptions:

Employees with contributions in heavy and unhealthy professions qualify for retirement at the age of 60yo from present 55yo till

Also not affected are:

Women with 5.500 stamps or (18,3 contribution years) with underage child till 31/12/2010. This group of mothers are qualified to retire at the age of 50yo and get reduced pension or at the age 55yo and get full pension.

Also not affected are:

Ones who have 10.500 contribution stamps till 31/12/2010, who can retire at the age of 58yo.

New social security system neither affects the following:

Ones who have established retirement eligibility till 31/12/2010. (Civil sector, DEKO etc) whose pensions will be calculated according to regulations in force and age

Regulation in force retirement after 35 contribution years regardless of age remain unchanged for employees in the civil sector, banks, DEKO and mass media.

The new bill affects all other groups as of 2013 with a drop in the 2% rate for each year.

Calculation of Pension

Pensions will be calculated according to the old social security system till 31/12/2010 and with a new percentage rate from 0.8% to 1.5% from 2011 till 2014.

The Employment Ministry maintains that pension rate is 64% for 35 contribution years while trade unions speak of losses approaching 30%. The Employment Minister actually says the new system is beneficial to pensions up to 1,500 euros.

From 2015 guaranteed and proportional pension comes in force. The guaranteed pension has been determined to ⬠360.

Survivors can get the pension after 3 years of marriage with exemption:

Ones who died in a work or other accident

Ones who had a child or adopted a child and

Women who were pregnant when legal partner died.

Source: ÍÅÔ

News item: 38337

[06] Tax Evasion Mounting to â¬6.7 Euros- Closure of Shops

Cross examination in real estate properties of 990 tax debtors with past due payments mounting to 6.7 million euros conducted by the Information Systems Secretariat has revealed that the value of their real estate property mounts to 568 million euros. In the meantime, the Finance Ministry has ordered the closure for a week of 10 (restaurants & night clubs) in Athens and Thessaloniki due to tax violations.

Sources: ÍÅÔ-ÍÅÔ 105.8-ÁNA/ÌPA News item: 38302

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