The Hellenic Radio (ERA): News in English, 10-08-11

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

CONTENTS

[01] Nine Sick with Encephalitis in Beroia

Another two people suffering from symptoms of encephalitis have been admitted to Beroia hospital bringing the number of patients to nine. The director of Beroia Hospital N. Hatzidimitriou said tests are being conducted for all 9 cases to see whether they have been infected the West Nile Virus-linked to mosquito bites-. Health authorities in northern Greece have taken all necessary measures. In the meantime, Thessaloniki deputy Prefect chaired a meeting on Wednesday attended by sectors involved in the combat of mosquitoes during which need for pesticide spraying till September, 15 was decided.

Source: ÍÅÔ 105.8 - ÁNA - ÌPA

News item: 39334

[02] Kirgizstan Vote for New Constitution

Kirgiztan is holding a referendum on Sunday. Some 2.5 million registered voters are to cast their votes to either approve or reject the new Constitution. The interim government considers the people's mandate crucial after the recent violent clashes between ethnic Uzbeks and Kyrgyz in the south. Authorities have taken strict security measures particularly in the second largest city Osh, the center of clashes where 2.000 people were killed in mid June. The new Constitution provides for significant limitation of the President's authority and strengthens the Parliament's role. The result of the referendum will be out on Monday.

Sources: ÍÅÔ-ÁNA/ÌPA News item: 38014

[03] Rain Gives Moscow a Breather

Moscow is breathing a sigh of relief on Wednesday after winds and rain provided a respite from toxic smog that has shrouded the city. However, experts say residents must be on the alert as ozone level remains high mainly due to the worst heatwave in 1.000 years. Authorities fear outbreaking of pandemics after doubling of gastroenteritis cases and worsening of water quality. In the meantime, firefighters continue fighting against flames. But Russian Ministry of Emergency situations says forest lands burning for two weeks have been reduced to half.

But forecasters say the relief may be temporary, with more high temperatures and wind shifts expected in the coming days.

Source: ÍÅÔ 105.8 - ÁNA - ÌPA

News item: 39328

[04] Ultimatum to Funds' Debtors

Employment Minister A. Loverdos extended till mid October deadline for the enlistment in relevant regulations of the largest possible number of debtors to Social Security funds. He also announced the setting up of a committee to deal with big debts over â¬300.000 to social security funds. In the meantime, a draft-bill will be tabled in the end of August providing for the first time in Greece creation of social economy enterprises by special groups of people hit by either unemployment or social exclusion. State and community funds mounting to 260 million euros will be allocated for the financing of these enterprises and profits will be re-invested.

Social Economy Enterprises

The Employment Ministry will table to the parliament a draft-bill providing for the first time in Greece the creation of social economy enterprises.

Young adults under 35yo, special group people, immigrants, single family parents, unemployed of all ages can found or participate in the social economy enterprises of non-profit character which will be mainly founded in regions with high unemployment.

The activities of the above companies can cover all the business spectrum while the Employment Ministry will allocate 260 million euros for the materialization of the program. Social economy enterprises are eligible for free of interest loans with long pay- off period while the state will guarantee the total capital borrowed from banks.

The target of the program is to enforce employment and social admission of people facing serious difficulties in the access to the labour market.

Ultimatum to Debtors of Contributions to Funds

In the meantime A. Loverdos extended till mid October deadline for the enlistment in relevant regulations of the largest possible number of debtors to Social Security funds. He also clarified that regulations beyond provisions in social security bill can be achieved for big debtors over â¬300.000 in contribution with the special committee to be set up.

A briefing campaign of some 800.000 debtors to social security funds to be enlisted in regulations of relevant bill till October will be launched at the beginning of September.

The target of the Ministry is to jump start cash inflow to Funds in order to deal with the problem of reduced state revenues.

The total debt to Social Security Funds nears 15 billion euros said Employment undersecretary G. Koutroumanis.

Sources: ÍÅÔ - ÍÅÔ 105.8 - ÁNA/ÌPA

News item: 39344

[05] Battle for Increase in Revenues

The economic staff is highly concerned with the gap in July revenues, particularly as great importance is placed in strict observation of the memorandum. Senior officials in the Finance Ministry have centered planning on a central axis for the collection of debts, combat of tax evasion and extension of special tax on high income earners. Finance Ministry data indicate that revenues in the seven last months were not above 4.1% compared against 13.7 which was last year's target.

The General Accounting Office on Wednesday announced that state deficit dropped by 39.7% in the seven month period January- July. The deficit dropped to 12 billion euros from about 20 billion euros in the same period last year. However, Finance Ministry and Bank of Greece data reconfirm significant drop in revenues in July.

In the seven month period, net revenues rose by 4.1% compared against the annual target of 13.7% but expenditures dropped by 10% compared against annual target of 5.5%. The difference in Bank of Greece and Finance Ministry data regarding reduction in state deficit percentage is attributed to the ways the two sectors record expenditures. The Bank of Greece announced that state deficit dropped by 32.5% in the seven month period January-July.

Opposition parties strongly criticized the government for the course of revenues.

Sources: ÍÅÔ News item: 39325

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