Macedonian Press Agency: News in English, 05-06-30

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From: The Macedonian Press Agency at http://www.mpa.gr and http://www.hri.org/MPA.

CONTENTS

[01] PARLIAMENT VOTE ON THE SOCIAL SECURITY REFORM

[02] BANKS TO END THEIR STRIKE TOMORROW

[03] PRIME MINISTER KARAMANLIS IN LONDON

[04] HEATWAVE TEMPERATURES IN GREECE

[01] PARLIAMENT VOTE ON THE SOCIAL SECURITY REFORM

Government spokesman Thodoris Rousopoulos stated that since September when dialogue began everybody knew the government's intentions commenting on the position expressed by former New Democracy President Miltiadis Evert according to whom, a private bank was obviously aware of the imminent changes in the bank employees' social security four months in advance.

Evangelos Venizelos, responsible for PASOK's Political Council Employment, Social Policy and Health Sector, stated that the government has a moral responsibility regarding the settlement of the bank employees' social security issue.

Mr. Lafazanis, responsible for the Economic and Social Policy of the Coalition Party, stated that the government once again is heavily and in many ways exposed as a result of the favorable for the bankers legislative reforms, which will put a burden of billions of euros on the Social Security Fund, IKA.

Tensions were high yesterday especially during the confrontation between Mr. Alogoskoufis and Mr. Floridis when both sides launched heavy accusations.

A vote will take place in Parliament this evening, while it is still uncertain if Mr. Evert will continue to support the rider he has submitted to Parliament on the issue.

[02] BANKS TO END THEIR STRIKE TOMORROW

Banks in Greece are expected to reopen tomorrow after a long strike organized by the bank employees' union, OTOE, protesting against a rider to be voted in Parliament today concerning the bank employees' social security.

OTOE members will form a human chain around the Parliament building today, stressing that mobilizations will continue taking up different forms.

The management of the General Confederation of Labor Unions meets today to asses the situation and decide on a new labor strike.

[03] PRIME MINISTER KARAMANLIS IN LONDON

Prime Minister Costas Karamanlis will meet in London with his British counterpart Tony Blair to discuss European developments and issues of bilateral interest.

The Greek Prime Minister is the first European leader to have talks with Mr. Blair within the framework of the British EU Presidency.

Later in the afternoon, Mr. Karamanlis will deliver a speech in City University on Greece's prospect after the Olympic Games.

[04] HEATWAVE TEMPERATURES IN GREECE

Heatwave temperatures are expected to be recorded across Greece today and tomorrow.

According to the National Weather Bureau, temperature will rise to 37 degrees centigrade in the mainland while tomorrow it will be as high as 39 degrees. A drop in temperature will be recorded gradually beginning on Saturday and from the northwest.

The local administration civil protection agencies are in a state of readiness and will open air conditioned halls for the public in case of an emergency. Small children, the elderly and people with health problems are regarded as sensitive groups and should avoid sun exposure, wear light clothing and drink lots of water.

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