The Hellenic Radio (ERA): News in English, 10-11-03

The Hellenic Radio (ERA): News in English Directory - Previous Article - Next Article

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

CONTENTS

[01] K. Papoulias Intervention on Terrorism

The President of the Republic Karolos Papoulias in his intervention, after the arrest of two young men involved in the delivery of parcel bombs to foreign leaders and embassies, spoke of "paralogism of terrorism". The Greek President said it could threaten the country's painful effort for stabilization of its economy and congratulated all who contributed to avert terrorist actions. In the same line was the Prime-minister's new intervention who stressed that democracy can not be threatened.

Paralogism of terrorism can threaten the country's stabilization efforts.

The President of the Republic called for the consent of all political forces to avert unpleasant circumstances.

"Condemnation of any form of violence is self-evident and strong. Also political parties consent on issues above party division lines should be self-evident and strong", said Mr. Papoulias. He spoke of "paralogism of terrorism" that could threaten the country's painful effort for stabilization and upgrading its picture abroad. He expressed certainty that the Greek state is in a position to defend its democratic status and consolidate security measures for its citizenry. He added that an unmesurable factor could have dramatic impacts at a crucial period for our country's future.

The President of the Republic congratulated all who contributed to avert terrorist actions.

The Prime-minister sent a new message from the cemetery where a memorial for his grandfather George Papandreou was held. He said "Democracy can not be threatened . Irresponsible and illogical actions aimed to halt Greek people big effort to achieve economic recovery and regain its credibility will fail".

Minister for the Protection of Citizens Hristos Papoutsis expressed satisfaction at the reaction of authorities and called on people and the state to be on the alert as security is a matter of the state but also of each citizen separately.

Government spokesman George Petalotis disengaged incidents in Greece from international terrorist organizations.

Sources: ΝΕΤ - ΝΕΤ 105.8 - ΑNA/ΜPA

News item: 45562

[02] PM Briefed on Electronic Prescriptions

Prime-minister G. Papandreou, who visited the Free Lance Professionals' Insurance Fund(OAEE) on Wednesday to be briefed on the electronic prescription system in force since October, 18, launched a fresh attack against the ND party. It is the first visit of a Greek Prime-minister since the organization(former TEBE) was founded 80 years.

Papandreou: Revolution of the self-evident

Prime-minister George Papandreou was briefed on the new electronic prescription system introduced at the Free Lance Professionals' Insurance Fund, on October, 18.

Taking the opportunity of implementation of the new measure, Mr. Papandreou launched an attack against the ND party, stressing that introduction of such measures years ago would have prevented state deficits, debts, cuts in salaries and expenses and need of the Memorandum to enable us to borrow from our partners.

Mr. Papandreou spoke of revolution of the self-evident and underlined the government's strong willingness, determination and sobriety to promote big reforms that the country needs.

He also launched an attack against opposition parties wondering if the so called progressive and pro popular political parties do not vote in favour of measures that crack down on interests and save funds when will they do it. Mr. Papandreou said that effuse expense in drug prescriptions have also contributed to the increase of state deficit and debt citing that Greece spent on drugs as much as a country with Spain's population.

According to data 90% of doctors and pharmacists have joined the new system which indicates the maturity of Greek society and the resistance of just a small minority. He called for faster introduction of the new system to the other insurance funds to save resources which would be given back to people.

On its part, the Employment Ministry leadership expressed satisfaction at the implementation of the electronic prescription system. The new measure will be introduced to IKA insurance fund till the end of the year which will save 1.1 billion euros till 2011.

Sources: ΝΕΤ - ΝΕΤ 105.8 - ΑNA/ΜPA

News item: 45555

[03] Panagiotis Argiros Detained

Prev

Next

Panagiotis Argiros aged 22 , one of the two men arrested in Pagrati, was detained for participation in the Conspiracy of the Cells of Fire" organization. An arrest warrant on charges of supply, possession and production of explosives was pending . He is also blamed for the explosions at the office of Employment Minister, L. Katselis, the house of former undersecretary for Interior, P. Hinofotis and Macedonia- Thrace Ministry premises

Argiros & Tsakalos to Face Interrogator on Thursday

Panagiotis Argiros, 22 denied to answer any questions on the parcel bombs case. On Thursday, P. Argiros and G. Tsakalos will be brought before the interrogator to make their statements on four felony and four misdemeanor charges regarding the parcels containing explosives.

It is believed that release of pictures of members of "Conspiracy of Fire Cells" organization will lead either to another member wanted or the organization's hide out.

In the meantime, results of tests later in the day will indicate the explosive material used in the 13 parcel bombs.

Sources: ΝΕΤ 105.8 - ΑNA - ΜPA

News item: 45537

[04] Athens on Alert for Suspect Parcels

Greek police are on alert following deliveries of parcel bombs to foreign leaders and embassies. Overseas mail has been halted for 48 hours. The move came after police defused two makeshift explosive devices at Athens International Airport El. Benizelos. and at least three other packages around the city. No injuries or damage were reported. A package addressed to Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi ignited when authorities tried to open it yesterday at Bologna airport. A package containing explosives was also sent to German Chancellor Angela Merkel office in Berlin.

Defused Parcel Bomb Addressed to Berlusconi

Italian police defused the parcel bomb addressed to Silvio Berlusconi. The suspicious package was transported by an aircraft that took off at 21:40, on Tuesday from Athens International Airport.

Greek authorities notified Italian police who ordered the pilot to make an emergency landing at Bologna airport in order to defuse the parcel bomb.

The parcel bomb was exactly the same with the other 12 sent by members of "Conspiracy of the Cells of Fire".

Police defused two makeshift explosive devices at Athens International Airport , on Tuesday. The parcels were addressed to European Court, in Luxemburg and Europol in the Netherlands.

Source: ΝΕΤ 105.8 - ΑNA - ΜPA

Σχετικές ειδήσεις: ο»ΏΜπαράζ παγιδευμένων δεμάτων

News item: 45369

The Hellenic Radio (ERA): News in English Directory - Previous Article - Next Article