The Hellenic Radio (ERA): News in English, 05-08-12

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

CONTENTS

[01] Convened by Deputy Development Minister Emergency Meeting

By Mary Lou Tzempelikou

This morning, Deputy Minister of Development Giorgos Salagoudis presided over a meeting with the participation of all involved bodies in fuel trade on the occasion of the global price rises. Representatives of oil refineries, trade companies and gas station owners attended the meeting. In the meantime, in New York, crude oil closed at 65.80 dollars a barrel, while Brent in London neared 65.60 before falling. In the Singapore market, US crude was at 66 dollars. Analysts express fears that the never ending increase of prices oil is expected to reach 70 dollars a barrel, while yesterdays announcement by the International Energy Committee also extended the above fear, as it spoke of an important restraint of produced quantities by the non OPEC countries. It is noted that since the beginning of the year the price rise exceeds 45%, while since the end of 2003 nears 100%.

Reasons Behind Oil Price Rise

As per analysts, a series of different factors are responsible for the upward spiral of black gold.

Previous to the announcement by the International Energy Committee, oil price increases were fired by fears over an eminent terrorist hit against US and British targets in Saudi Arabia, and the uncertain condition in Iran after the re-operation of the Isfahan nuclear plant. Tehran threatened with a decrease of oil production in the case it is referred to the UN Security Council over the above matter.

Moreover, the decrease of US oil resources and the inability of the American oil refineries to respond to the continuous demand for fuel, create an explosive situation with uncertain results.

Meanwhile, an important restriction in Russias oil production is recorded, while countries such as Norway and Mexico face difficulties due to the dismal weather conditions.

Thus, the main supplier of the global market is the cartel, the members of which state that they are approaching the peak of their productive ability. The only exception is Saudi Arabia that states that it can increase production if needed.

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

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[02] Escalation of Departures Citizens Exit City Centres

By Mary Lou Tzempelikou

Sources: NET,NET 105.8

Traffic Police and Port Authorities are on alert in order to facilitate the mass departure of holidaymakers for the three-day weekend of August. In the National Highways and ports emergency measures have been taken, while special attention has been given to the hassle-free transport of holidaymakers destined for Tinos and Paros. Extra ship routes have been planned from Piraeus and Rafina, while passengers can be informed for the exact departure time of ships and any delays or changes in routes by calling 1440. The Ministry of Mercantile Marine has reinforced Port Authorities around the country, while checks in ships continue. Actually, as per Tinos Mayor Konstantinos Athinaios, around 20,000 pilgrims are expected to arrive on the island. It is noted that on Thursday the consecutive problems in many ships hassled thousands of passengers and brought on the Prosecutors intervention. Traffic in Eleftherios Venizelos is also increased, while flights are being performed without any problems.

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

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Intervention by Prosecutor

[03] Hassle for 70,000 Passengers Chaos in Heathrow Airport

By Mary Lou Tzempelikou

Sources: BBC, ANA

More than 70,000 passengers, planning to travel with British Airways, are stranded in Heathrow Airport in Great Britain, due to an unofficial strike by the companys ground personnel, which began on Thursday afternoon. According to the airports Managing Director, Mick Temple, the problems are expected to continue in the coming days, regardless of the fact that British Airways flights have only been cancelled until Friday at 18:00. The hassle of thousands of passengers is due to the strike of ground personnel in support to 600 employees dismissed by Gate Gourmet Company that provides meals to BA flights. Around 100 aircrafts and 1,000 of the British companys crewmembers are grounded due to the strikes, while problems have been caused in the flights of another five airline companies serviced by BA personnel.

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

Related Links:

British Airways

Heathrow Airport

[04] Two in One Sunblocking Swimsuit

By Mary Lou Tzempelikou

It could become one of the most important summer accessories, since it incorporates two of the main items used in the beach: a swimsuit and sunblock. British manufacturers have designed a "two in one" bikini that warns the wearer when the sun gets too hot to handle. Its name is Tan-Timer Bikini and it is equipped with a special timer that rings every 15 minutes, reminding the wearer to either turn around, in the case that they are sun tanning, or to sit under shade if they have fallen asleep or forgotten where they are. Its manufacturers hope that the patent will appeal to sunbathers, 59% of who admit that they tend to fall asleep on the beach and ending up with sunburn and all the relevant side effects. Up to the moment, the product is only available for women in Great Britain, priced at 30 euros, but the company has immediate plans to design mens swimsuits as well.

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

[05] States the Ministry of Economy No New Property Taxes

By Mary Lou Tzempelikou

In an announcement, the Ministry of Economy and Finance strongly denies articles that speak of new taxes being imposed on property. The announcement of the Ministry notes that similar information has been denied in the past, and speaks of "a disturbance and deceit of citizens" caused by the articles. Moreover, it is noted that the draft bill for the Capital Taxation made public after the discussion, foresees the reorganisation of property purchase, while tax relief for parental transfer of full ownership is quadrupled, and tax installments are doubled. "Everyone should think of their duties concerning the factual informing of the Greek people," the Ministrys announcement ends.

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

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