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The Hellenic Radio (ERA): News in English, 06-04-14

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

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

CONTENTS

  • [01] Reforms are Proceeding
  • [02] Searching for the Pilot
  • [03] Halted at Financial Matters
  • [04] US Toughens its Stance
  • [05] Government-PASOK Dispute
  • [06] Green Light to School Construction
  • [07] Suspicions of International Ring
  • [08] Confirmed Prodi's Win
  • [09] New Wave of Attacks
  • [10] Inspections in Market
  • [11] Permission with Debates
  • [12] Solution Ahead for Phosphate Fertilisers
  • [13] Meeting on Culture
  • [14] Easter Candles with Dangerous Toy

  • [01] Regional Areas at the Focus Reforms are Proceeding

    14 Apr 2006 20:05:00 (Last updated: 14 Apr 2006 23:18:51)

    Sources: NET, ANA

    On Friday evening, speaking at an open assembly in Kilkis, the Prime Minister voiced the belief that reforms and changes will proceed and benefit Greece. Kostas Karamanlis stressed that the Government will not follow the rationale of artificial acerbity and accused PASOK of populism. The Prime Minister referred to a series of works materialising in Macedonia and repeated that no obstacles or reactions will affect the Governments decisiveness. Earlier, Mr Karamanlis visited the towns General Hospital, where he announced recruitments for nursing personnel and that the auction of a chronic illness treatment centre is beginning.

    "We Have no Dependencies"

    In Kilkis, the Prime Minister lashed out against PASOK on recent statements made by its officials over the Scandinavian model, while accusing it of populism.

    Speaking to the inhabitants of Kilkis at the Indoors Sports Hall, Mr Karamanlis appeared firm on the strategy of reforms, saying "we are in the most difficult phase of our course but we are doing well and will do better."

    Referring to the works in central Macedonia, the Prime Minister noted that the absorption of community funds from 15% in March 2004 has exceeded 41%.

    "We put an end to the regime of mutual concealment and impunity, which bred occurrences of corruption and vested interest. We are establishing and implementing common rules for all. No pressures, no reactions, no obstacles will affect our decisiveness. We are strong as we do not have commitments. We do not have dependencies. We do not owe bonds. We are strong as we are supported by the broad alliance of citizens," he said.

    Moreover, the Prime Minister stated that the Government will fully adhere to its commitments. Actually, he confirmed that by the end of the four-year term the Pensioners Social Solidarity Supplement (EKAS) will reach 230 euros a month and the pensions of the Agricultural Insurance Organisation (OGA) 330 euros, while announcing that the Government is preparing the completion of the tax reform for the gradual decrease of tax rates for all natural figures by 2007.

    Moreover, he underlined that compensations for damage, caused by the hail in the region, will be given to the fullest.

    "Quality of Life for All Greek Citizens"

    Earlier, the Prime Minister visited the Kilkis Hospital and toured the under-construction new wing, while he also visited one of the oldest in operation, where he talked with patients and wished them a speedy recovery.

    The Prime Minister was briefed on the course of the new wings construction, which is expected to be ready in December and stated that the General Hospital of Kilkis will be able to provide modern and state of the art health services to citizens, following its equipping and the staffing of personnel.

    Moreover, he noted that the auction of a chronic illness treatment centre is beginning, while the expansion works of Drosato Health Centre are being completed.

    "There is a great effort being made to cover regional inequalities inherited by the past. Our aim is to ensure the same feeling of security and the same quality of life for all Greek citizens wherever they may be. The focus of our policies has always been regional areas," underlined the Prime Minister.

    Following, Mr Karamanlis visited Kilkis Prefect Evangelos Balaskas and was briefed on the prefectures problems.

    Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

    Related News:

    Greek-Bulgarian Agreement

    [02] Efforts So Far are Fruitless Searching for the Pilot

    14 Apr 2006 19:11:00

    Sources: NET 105.8, NET, ANA

    The efforts for locating the Mirage 2000 are in development, however, without result. The fighter plane disappeared from the radar, while flying between Alkyonides Islands and Galaxidi, at 9am on Friday morning. The investigations are focused on the triangle of Yliki-Elikonas-Galaxidi and are made by four helicopters, a C-130, a Naval Force surveying craft, a torpedo-boat, as well as Coast Guard vessels. During nighttime investigations will continue, while aircrafts will be employed in the morning. Meanwhile, Air Force officials are awaiting the analysis of aerial photographs taken by Fantom aircrafts, so that they can locate any debris of the one-seater aircraft.

    Adverse Conditions

    The Mirage 2000 aircraft had taken off from the Tanagra base and en route to Italy, so to participate in an exercise. As per initial information the pilot reported a technical problem after take-off.

    Alternate Government spokesperson Evangelos Antonaros noted that the investigations are continuing with all means available, underlining that the conditions are adverse, due to the thick and low cloudiness in the area.

    Moreover, Mr Antonaros said that Minister of Defence Vangelis Meimarakis, who watched "Operation Storm" on frigate Hydra, immediately returned to Athens once he learned about the incident.

    Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

    Related News:

    Mirage 2000 Missing

    [03] POE-OTA and KEDKE Halted at Financial Matters

    14 Apr 2006 21:23:00 (Last updated: 14 Apr 2006 22:06:39)

    By Dimitris Alexopoulos

    Sources: NET, NET 105.8

    The meeting of POE-OTA unions with General Secretary for the Ministry of the Interior Thanasis Vezyrgiannis, over the strike in the refuse collection sector, reached a dead end. The representatives of the employees asked for a monthly benefit of 60 euros, which KEDKE rejected, as the Mayors stated that they are not able to afford the cost. POE-OTA representatives are meeting anew as to determine their further stance.

    Earlier, hope for finding a solution that would lead to the end of the employees strike was given by the POE-OTA Presidency, which stopped its meeting so that it could meet with Mr Vezyrgiannis.

    The cause was the statement by Minister for the Interior Prokopis Pavlopoulos, who said that he is ready to start a dialogue with them immediately, as well as the decision of the Ministry for the formation of a three-body committee, which will examine the issue of heavy and health hazardous occupations for permanent status employees in Local Self Government.

    Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

    Related News:

    Efforts for Resolution

    [04] Ahmadinejad not Backing Down US Toughens its Stance

    14 Apr 2006 20:14:00

    By Betty Savourdou

    Sources: Reuters, BBC, NET, ANA

    Washington, through Condoleeza Rice, issued a strict warning to Iran, a day after the fruitless visit of the Chief of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) to Tehran, in an effort to convince Iranian officials to suspend uranium enrichment by 28 April, as ordered by the UN Security Council. In particular, the US Secretary of State called on the Security Council to investigate all possible forms of action, in the case that Iran does not suspend its nuclear programme, forcing its conformation. However, Tehran is not backing down and stated that it is in a powerful position. It is reminded that IAEA Chief Mohamed ElBaradei is expected to submit his latest report on the Iranian nuclear programme to the Security Council and the IAEA by the end of April

    Use of Violence Insinuations

    Regarding Rices statements, political analysts estimated that this is a clear insinuation by the US Secretary for the use of violence, at the time when the President of Iran stated that Teheran is in a powerful position, as opposed to western forces in the nuclear programme dispute.

    "Today the Iranian nation has become a great power and we will talk with the world from this position of power," stated Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, who is touring the northeast regions of the country.

    "All that we have belongs to Allah and some persons cannot act against the Iranian nation," he added directed to western powers.

    China Appeared Troubled

    China, troubled by the developments and the fruitless visit of the IAEA Chief to Tehran, is sending a special envoy to Moscow and its Deputy Interior Minister to Iran.

    Moreover, within the next week, the five permanent members of the UN Security Council, as well as Germany, will discuss the issue in Moscow.

    Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

    Read the story on other sources:

    BBC: US in warning to 'defiant' Iran

    Washington Post: Rice says U.N. must adopt tough Iran resolution

    Related News:

    Tehran Rebuffs New Calls

    [05] Government-PASOK Dispute

    14 Apr 2006 17:45:00

    Sources: ΝΕΤ, ANA

    PASOK parliamentarian Sokratis Kosmidis released a list of contract workers that were illegally hired to the public and wider public sector, sparking off a dispute between the Government and PASOK. Answering to PASOKs announcement, State Minister and Government spokesman Theodoros Roussopoulos replied, "PASOKs announcement includes 7,461 lies regarding the 7,461 so-called hirings [] should PASOKs announcement also refer to ERT, then it obviously includes the 2,000 contract workers that PASOK governments had hired".

    Answering to Sokratis Kosmidis, the Interior Ministry spoke of distortion of reality. The overwhelming majority of the authorisations the PASOK MP cited relate to the renewal of contracts, which had been singed by PASOK governments, concluded the announcement issued by the Ministry.

    [06] Green Light to School Construction

    14 Apr 2006 16:39:00

    Sources: NET, ANA

    Giorgos Alogoskoufis described the decision by the Biministerial Committee for the construction and restoration of 27 schools in Attica as a landmark. On Friday, the Biministerial Committee convened, presided by Giorgos Alogoskoufis. The abolishment of double-shifts in schools and the upgrade of school units were the issues, among others, discussed in the meeting. As the Minister of Economy noted, the decision for the construction and restoration of 27 schools will strengthen the States role for better infrastructures in the economy and society. The construction of 27 schools in Attica is the first work by the cooperation of the private and Public Sector. The works of construction and restoration will be made by private companies, based on the technical specifications set by the Organisation of School Buildings (OSK). The Public Sector will pay rent for the usage of the buildings for 25 years, which it will later on acquire. The contract for the selection of advisers is expected within April, while two more tenders for the selection of contractors will follow. There will also be a second cycle of contracts for the construction of school units in Macedonia, while proposals are being advanced for the construction of correctional institutes, fire stations and student dormitories.

    Minister of Development Dimitris Sioufas said that this is an important decision being materialised, as well as the effort of creating infrastructures in a short time period.

    On her part, Minister of Education Marietta Giannakou said that the Governments priority is the creation of school buildings. Moreover, she noted that there is a four-year programme and the pace of the construction of school buildings will be sped up.

    Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

    Related News:

    Biministerial Meeting on Partnerships

    [07] Behind the Case of Illicit Antiquities Trade Suspicions of International Ring

    14 Apr 2006 19:21:00 (Last updated: 14 Apr 2006 20:39:37)

    Sources: NET, ANA

    The Athens Police Directorate is carefully investigating the event of an international illicit antiquities trade ring involved in the case in Schinousa. Policemen of the illicit antiquities trade department, together with archaeologists of the Ministry of Culture and under the observation of Supreme Court Prosecutor Ioannis Diotis finished recording the great archaeological treasure found in a villa of a ship- owning family on the Cyclades Island. On Saturday the objects are expected to be taken to Naxos. More objects were found following an investigation by policemen in Papadimitriou house in Psychiko.

    Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

    Related News:

    Archaic Temple inside a Mansion

    [08] Disputed Ballots Confirmed Prodi's Win

    14 Apr 2006 20:54:00 (Last updated: 14 Apr 2006 23:06:48)

    By Dimitris Alexopoulos

    Sources: ANA, BBC, Reuters

    The last hopes of Silvio Berlusconi to change the electoral result in his favour, have died. The formal announcement by the Ministry for the Interior stated that the disputed ballots are not enough as to overturn the electoral result in the former PMs favour. Regardless of the above, the Italian Prime Minister refused to admit his defeat and in a letter sent to Corriere della Serra, which will be published on Saturday, called on Romano Prodi "to jointly seek new solutions" so to face the "immediate institutional, economic and international" issues of the country. "A strange comedy is ending," answered the leader of the centre-left coalition. Greek Prime Minister Kostas Karamanlis sent a congratulatory letter to Romano Prodi, noting that he is looking forward to cooperation both on a bilateral and EU level. President of PASOK George Papandreou held a telephone conversation with the new Italian PM, repeating his intention to meet once again and discuss issues concerning the two countries, the broader region and Europe.

    Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

    Read the story on other sources:

    BBC: Italian poll result set to stand

    Related News:

    Berlusconi Isolated

    [09] New Wave of Attacks

    14 Apr 2006 16:04:00

    By Anna Kourti

    Sources: Reuters, ANA

    Three Afghan police officers were killed and some six were wounded in separate attacks that rocked Afghanistan on Friday. As per officials, two UK soldiers are listed among the wounded. The attacks against government and foreign troops have been running high, since the Taliban militants announced last month that they started a new wave of attacks.

    The three police officers were killed when a roadside bomb went off in SE Afghanistan, police sources reported. Three more police officers, including a high-ranking one, were wounded.

    Earlier, two British troops were injured in a suicide attack. The suicide bomber, who was killed, drove his car near the entrance of a military base used by foreign troops. The UK Foreign Affairs Ministry announced that the three injured run no risk. A Taliban spokesman said the suicide bomber was one of them.

    Last week, another suicide bomber wounded three US soldiers, while further three British soldiers were injured when a roadside bomb detonated.

    The US army announced that the ally troops and the Afghan soldiers killed two insurgents and arrested two more. Finally, the announcement also read that the insurgents were recruiting suicide bombers to mount attacks against government and ally troops.

    [10] To Protect the Consumers Inspections in Market

    14 Apr 2006 15:19:00 (Last updated: 14 Apr 2006 19:05:35)

    By Anna Kourti

    Sources: ANA, ΝΕΤ

    A wide-ranging meeting was held Friday noon among Development Minister Dimitris Sioufas, the competent authorities, aiming to coordinate and intensify inspections in the market. "Those insisting on illegal practices are the ones to worry," warned Mr Dimitris Sioufas after the end of the meeting. The Minister also underlined that inspections will be intensified and that the consumers should assist the Ministry in its effort. On her part, Athens-Piraeus Prefect Fofi Gennimata argued that the inspections will be intensified. Deputy Development Minister Giannis Papathanasiou, Athens-Piraeus Prefect Fofi Gennimata, Athens Prefect Ioannis Sgouros, Piraeus Prefect Ioannis Mihas, West Attica Prefect Aristidis Arkoudaris, Eastern Attica Prefect Leonidas Kouris, EFET President Ioannis Vlemmas and Vice-President Evangelos Lazos, also attended the meeting.

    Busyness in Varvakios Market

    "The price of lamb will reach 12.5 euros per kilo," noted Piraeus Prefect Ioannis Michas, while Deputy Minister of Development Giannis Papathanasiou spoke of low prices in the Easter market, at the levels of 2005, adding "the checks will intensify during the Holy Week."

    On Friday, the Varvakios Market was busy, while consumers seem to prefer seafood as this is a fasting week.

    Prices on lamb and kid start from 5.99 euros.

    Coordination and Intensification of Checks

    Secretariat General for Consumer Affairs Thanassis Skodras has contacted all the Prefects of the country and asked them to coordinate their actions and make the best of the mechanisms they have at their disposal, by intensifying inspections in the markets that rest with their jurisdiction.

    In the context of the same drive, Mr Skodras will fly to Kavala, northern Greece, to meet with the Kavalas prefectoral and municipal authorities. On Saturday, he will deliver a speech at a one-day event organised by Kavalas Consumer Association. In the meantime, Secretariat General for Commerce Manoussos Voloudakis is in Herakleion, Crete, where he met with all interested parties to coordinate and intensify inspections across Crete.

    [11] Permission with Debates

    14 Apr 2006 20:15:00

    On Friday, President of GSEE Christos Polyzogopoulos requested and received permission from the Confederations General Council for announcing new collective actions in DEKOs and banks. The new collective actions are planned over claiming satisfactory rises and personnel regulations in the broader Public Sector. During the Councils meeting the President of the Confederation and PAME members fiercely debated.

    Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

    [12] Solution Ahead for Phosphate Fertilisers

    14 Apr 2006 17:29:00 (Last updated: 14 Apr 2006 18:33:41)

    By Dimitris Alexopoulos

    Sources: ΝΕΤ -ANA

    Employment Minister Savvas Tsitouridis met with the employees of the Thessaloniki Phosphate Fertilisers Industry and assured them to safeguard the running of the Thessaloniki Phosphate Fertilisers Industry, so long as they ensure the viability of the plant. Head of the employees Giorgos Mihailidis said he is fully satisfied over the Ministers statement, yet he requested Mr Tsitouridis intervene so that they hold a meeting with the PM to brief them on the developments.

    Furthermore, a new committee is to be set up to study the viability proposal the employees will submit. The new body will adopt a stance that will safeguard jobs creation in Thessaloniki.

    With regard to the composition of the body, Mr Tsitouridis underlined that the employers and the employees will decide on that.

    As per information, the organisation announced by Mr Tsitouridis will be made up of representatives of social bodies, as well as a high-ranking official of public administration, who will supervise the process.

    The Thessaloniki Phosphate Fertilisers Industry personnel will meet with the plants management on Holy Monday to submit their proposal.

    [13] In Patras Meeting on Culture

    14 Apr 2006 18:56:00

    By Anna Kourti

    Sources: ANA

    Following an invitation by Greek Minister of Culture Giorgos Voulgarakis, south-eastern European countries met in Patras, the Culture Capital for Europe in 2006. The subject of the Ministerial Meeting was "Prospects for Modern Cultural Creation in SE Europe." The Ministers of Culture voiced their satisfaction over this first meeting in Greece, a country rich in tradition and culture. On his part, Greek Minister of Culture Giorgos Voulgarakis said "important steps have been made since 2004, such as the progress recorded in programmes aimed at presenting and developing joint cultural heritage, as well as the work of modern creators in the region." It is noted that the 25 Culture Ministers will watch a play starring French actor Jean-Louis Trintignant in the new Theatre of Patras on Saturday.

    Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

    [14] Easter Candles with Dangerous Toy

    14 Apr 2006 17:37:00

    Sources: NET

    16,000 Mattel Hot Wheels Easter candles with a skateboard are recalled from stores. The recall was made following a complaint that the trucks of the skateboard break. The Mattel Hot Wheels skateboard is included in an Easter candle package with the code K-5427 and was sold in stores from 16 March to 12 April. The General Secretariat of the Consumer advised carefulness by the citizens, as it is estimated that 1,500 Easter candle packages have been sold. In an announcement, the manufacturing company, Mattel, advised parents to not let children use the skateboard.

    Translated by Eirene Nisiriou


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