The Hellenic Radio (ERA): News in English, 08-06-10

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

CONTENTS

[01] Fears of Sequence of Quakes

10 Ιουν 2008 15:01:0 (Last updated: 10 Ιουν 2008 19:31:1)

By Anna Kourti

Sources: ΑNA-ΜNA, ΝΕΤ 105,8

Achaia and Ilia prefectures residents lived a dramatic night yesterday as there were fears for sequence of quakes after Sundays 6,5 Richter earthquake. Three villages in Achaia, Charavgi, Portes and Sandameri were evacuated for precautionary reasons during the night. Engineers of the Ministry of Environment are recording damages in houses that can not be inhabited while the first trailer houses have arrived at the area. 200 will be distributed in Valmi and 15 in Fostana the two villages that were severely hit by the earthquake. In Fostana problems are big as the quake destroyed many houses while residents are also now called to face landslides. DEH technicians are battling to restore power cuts.

Mr. Roussoploulos' Briefing

"The governments first priority is the recovery of the quake hit residents. 20 trailer houses have been transported in the area and another ten will be distributed every day," governmental spokesman Mr. Theodoros Roussopoulos said while he also referred to the damages caused in old houses on Nissi and Valmi villages. In another 3 villages houses can not be inhabited and for that reason the mayor has ordered hotels to host the resident and tents to be distributed.

What is important to stress is that in Ilia prefecture, 45 groups of engineers have conducted 621 autopsies in buildings from which 264 can not be inhabited, 80 must be demolishes and 184 must be repaired. In Achaia prefecture the number of destroyed schools rises to 9 and in Ilia to 8.

The governmental spokesman referred to the contribution of ministries of Health, National Defense and Agricultural Development and added that Ministry of Culture has issued orders for inspections to take place to archaeological sites for damages.

As per the debate between seismologists, Mr. Roussopoulos commented that his announcement yesterday at Maximos Mansion covers the issue.

On reference to the measures of relief of the fire afflicted people, the governmental spokesman said that they will be provided from the state budget. As per the provision of the allowance of 3.000 euros, Mr. Rousopoulos said that this amount is being granted for the residents first needs while for house repairs a 10.000 euros allowance will be given. He also added that there will be briefing regarding the agricultural production while investigation has already been ordered for the restoration of the damages.

KEDKE Economic Aid

KEDKE will distribute 2,000 euros to each inhabitant of the Achaia and Ilia prefecture struck by the 8 June quake provided his home was completely destroyed. Moreover, the house should constitute a permanent residence for the quake-hit family.

Meanwhile, 1,200 bottles of mineral water were distributed to the municipalities of Andravida, Vouprasia, Vartholomio, Pinia and Lechaina. On 10-11-12 June 1,000 rations of food will be distributed in Dimi Achaia.

[02] Support to the Low-Income Earners

10 Ιουν 2008 10:31:0

By Alexandros Moz

Sources: NET, ANA-MPA

Prime Minister Kostas Karamanlis and Finance Minister Giorgos Alogoskoufis met Tuesday at Maximos Mansion. The price hikes ran high on the agenda, as the Finance Minister said that the stock volatility and the soaring oil and food prices affect inflation, as well as the low-income earners.

Along with the initiatives taken at international level, Alogoskoufis underlined that Greece is also taking initiatives to better control prices and support the low-income earners.

The Finance Minister said that there have been rises in the EKAS and OGA pensions, and tax relief to medium-income earners.

Translated by Areti Christou

[03] The Time of the Champions

Sources: ANA

Premiere today for Greece that is facing Sweden in Salzburg (21:45 NET). The champions of Europe will be supported by about 10.000 Greek funs. The Greek team does not have any losses as Giorgos Karagounis returned to the training of the team. The Greek midfielder put a big effort during the last days in order to play in todays premiere game. Otto Rehhagel is probably going to apply the 5-4-1 system. On the other side Lars Lagerb&#228;cks Sweden is expected to face problems as Elmander will not play and Ibrahimovi&#263; is not ready to participate during the whole game. The two teams have played 5 times in the past with our national team achieving 3 wins and 2 draws.

Sweden: Issakson, Alexandersson, Nilsson, Hansson, Mellberg, Wilhelmsson, Ljunberg, Svensson, Linderoth, Ibrahimovic, Larsson

Greece: Nikopolidis, Seitaridis, Torosidis, Kyrgiakos, Dellas, Katsouranis, Basinas, Karagounis, Charisteas, Gekas and Amanatidis

Translated by Sofia Gartziou

[04] Fresh Oil Price Rise

Sources: ΑNA-ΜPA

Oil prices reached again Fridays record prices, with the American light crude rising by 3.30 dollar per barrel to $US137.65. Besides, Brent in London rose by 3.48 dollars reaching $US137.39.

From its side, OPEC has reiterated that the rapid rise of price is irrelevant to the demand and offer, appealing for calm.

Translated by John Crystallidis

[05] Fresh Talks in New York

Sources: ΝΕΤ-ΝΕΤ 105.8-ΑNA/ΜPA

The new round of US-sponsored talks on the FYROM (Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia) name issue is commencing in New York Tuesday afternoon. Mediator Matthew Nimetz will meet with Greek negotiator Adamantios Vassilakis today and with FYROM representative Ambassador Nicola Dimitrov on Wednesday.

Dnevnik newspaper in Skopje reports today that as per diplomatic sources it is unlikely that a solution is reached by 9 July that will allow FYROM to join NATO with Croatia and Albania.

Diplomatic sources told the newspaper that however optimistic they are a new Parliament and government should be formed after the elections in FYROM.

FYROM Foreign Minister Antonio Milososki told a Press Conference that a solution could be reached much easier if Greece stopped objecting to FYROMs proposal for a name and the existence of a Macedonian identity and language.

He also reiterated that his country meets all Copenhagen criteria, adding that the name issue should not constitute an obstacle for FYROM to hold talks with the EU.

Asked to comment on the French stance on the issue, he hoped that France, which assuming EU Presidency next month, would respect the European values.

Translated by John Crystallidis

[06] 3,5 Lead for ND

10 Ιουν 2008 13:15:0

Sources: ΝΕΤ, ΝΕΤ 105,8

According to Public Issues gallop conducted for "Kathymerini" newspaper and SKAI channel, ND is on the lead with 35% ahead of PASOK that follows along with SYN gathering 18%. KKE is third 8% and LAOS preserves 4,5%. According to the results of the gallop, if Greece went on elections today, the government elected would not obtain the majority. As per the most suitable prime minister, Costas Karamanlis occupies the first place while G. Papandreou comes second loosing 15 points (40% against 25%). What rises interest is the fact that 35% of people asked answer that "none of them" is appropriate. Finally, high cost of living is considered by 48% of citizens the most important problem of the country. Actually 68% think that the problem will get worst within the following 12 months.

Translated by Sofia Gartziou

[07] Piraeus Financial Issues at Parliament

10 Ιουν 2008 11:39:0

By Alexandros Moz

Sources: ΝΕΤ, ΑNA-ΜNA

PASOK president Mr. Giorgos Papandrou committed to Piraeus mayor Mr. Panayiotis Fasoulas to bring to Parliament for discussion the financial issue Piraeus municipality is facing. Mr. Papandreou had a meeting today with Mr. Fasoulas in PASOK central offices on the protestation staged in Piraeus on Friday.

"I want to stress that New Democracy's policy regarding the local administration and local government is unacceptable and affects the citizens interests", Mr. Papandreou said.

"I want to remind everyone that the financial provisions to the municipality reach 52 million euros per year while state revenues and duties paid by ways of fees come up to 50 million euros. Piraeus municipality needs 25 million euros," Mr Fasoulas stressed. " in order for the municipality not to be lead to depreciation, at a time when the government announced that it will turn into a maritime center".

Piraeus mayor also stressed that "a maritime center can not exist without road networks and financing", and called on the government to look into the issue again while he expressed the hope that until Thursday night, reason sense will prevail.

He also underlined that "the government is not going to do whatever it wants, that is to provide bad loans to Piraeus municipality in order to pay its employees. Mr. Fasoulas explained that current mobilizations are taking place in order for the problem to be highlighted.

Translated by Sofia Gartziou

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