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The Hellenic Radio (ERA): News in English, 08-07-18

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

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

CONTENTS

  • [01] Mr. Karamanlis' Harsh Answer
  • [02] Rises and Reduction on Medicine Prices
  • [03] Cartel in Ship Line Companies
  • [04] "Shield against Money Laundering"
  • [05] Gore Asks for Renewable Sources
  • [06] France: Uranium Leak
  • [07] 4.700 Traffic Code Violations
  • [08] PASOK National Council Convenes
  • [09] Kaisariani Park Fire under Control
  • [10] Mentally Ill Albanian Took Policeman's Gun
  • [11] Clashes between Foreigners
  • [12] Killed his Parents with Oil Stick
  • [13] Mass Exodus for July Vacationers
  • [14] "Religion Force of Unity"

  • [01] Mr. Karamanlis' Harsh Answer

    18 Ιουλ 2008 08:27:0 (Last updated: 18 Ιουλ 2008 12:39:1)

    Sources: ΝΕΤ, ΝΕΤ 105.8, ΑNA-ΜNA

    Prime Minister Kostas Karamanlis sent his harsh answer to the provocative letter sent a few days before by Skopje Prime Minister Mr. Nikola Gruevski who spoke of the existence of a "Macedonia" minority in Greece. The Prime Minister in his two page letter stresses that there never has been a "Macedonia" minority in Greece.. In this respect, any allegations regarding the existence of such a minority are totally unfounded, politically motivated and disrespectful of the historic realities of the Region. Mr. Karamanlis also stressed that the letter does not promote negotiations and relations of good neighboring; it raises non-existing and totally unfounded issues which block the efforts of our country, targets at intervening our internal relations and deviates from the goals of the negotiations which are in progress. Mr. Karamanlis concluded that the future of Balkan countries lies in the European and Euro Atlantic institution and not to national rationales, in an era which has passed by and must stay in the past.

    The Content of the Letter

    Mr. Prime Minister,

    As you are aware for the last fifteen years Greece and your country, pursuant to the relevant decisions of the UN Security Council, have committed themselves to negotiations in the framework of the United Nations regarding the name issue which ?needs to be resolved in the interest of the maintenance of peaceful and good neighbourly relations in the region? as stipulated by the Security Council in Resolution 817.

    In the past few weeks the Special Envoy of the United Nations Mr. Matthew Nimetz presented some ideas that could move the negotiations forward. I regret that it is precisely at this critical moment in the negotiating effort that you have chosen to send your letter dated July 10th, 2008.

    I take this opportunity to underline Greeces firm commitment to the promotion of friendly and good relations with all its neighbouring countries, especially with the countries of the Western Balkans, and the creation of the necessary conditions that will allow them to join, in the near future, the Euro-Atlantic and European families.

    Greece, since 1993 has demonstrated good will, under the auspices of the U.N., to find a mutually acceptable solution on the name issue, which would take into consideration the legitimate interests and sensitivities of both our countries. This is within the mandate of the relevant U.N. Security Council Resolutions, but also the wish of all countries participating in the Euro-atlantic and European institutions as was also unequivocally stated in the Bucharest NATO Summit and in the EU European Council in Brussels respectively.

    Mr. Prime Minister, your letter far from promoting the negotiations and the good neighbourly relations with my country raises a number of non-existent and unsubstantiated issues that militate against the strenuous efforts made by Greece .It also aims at interfering in the domestic affairs of a neighbouring state and deviates from the objectives of the ongoing negotiations.

    There is no Macedonian minority in Greece. There never has been. In this respect, any allegations regarding the existence of such a minority are totally unfounded, politically motivated and disrespectful of the historic realities of the Region. As for any properties issue, any individual could make use of any legal recourse before the Courts, including the European Court of Human Rights in Strasbourg.

    Mr. Prime Minister,

    Times have changed. I am convinced that the future of the Balkan countries lies within the European and Euroatlantic institutions and not in nationalist formulas of a bygone era which must be left behind once and for all. Greece remains firmly committed to working towards that goal.

    History judges leaders by how they rise to the challenge and assume their responsibilities. Much will depend on your positive attitude and constructive spirit».

    [02] Approved by Ministry of Development

    Rises and Reduction on Medicine Prices

    18 Ιουλ 2008 14:27:0

    Sources: NET, ANA

    Ministry of Development will release on Monday, July 21 the new official list of prices in medicines which will include 9,81% to 54,76% reduction of prices in I.F.E.T. (Institute of Pharmaceutical Research and Technology S.A.) experimental medicines.

    The new medicines will benefit citizens and social security funds as profits will rise to 1.194.482 euros being in accordance with the amount of medicines sold in 2007 and the reduced prices of medicines included in the new list.

    Ministry of Development in its announcement says that the ministry "continues with speed paces its effort to restrain prices in the sensitive domain of pharmaceutics so as to secure peoples access on medicines, as they constitute an important social good directly linked with peoples health."

    It must be noted that the new list will include among other things, medicines for the treatment of serious medical cases which have to do with immune deficiency, pulmonary arterial hypertension, category III, HIV, Parkinsons disease and breast cancer.

    Translated by Sofia Gartziou

    [03] Inquiry by the Committee of Competitiveness

    Cartel in Ship Line Companies

    18 Ιουλ 2008 12:04:0

    By

    Sources: ΝΕΤ-ΝΕΤ 105,8

    General administration of the committee of competitiveness found cartels and serious offences in 14 ship line companies that were following the same invoice policy. They are being charged with providing the same prices in tickets, reducing productivity and ship route disposal. The case will be investigated in October. But the competent committee will be briefed first. In addition, the Union of Business Navigation is meeting.

    [04] Opposition Denounces Zorbas "Decapitation"

    "Shield against Money Laundering"

    18 Ιουλ 2008 18:00:0

    Sources: ΝΕΤ, ΝΕΤ 105.8

    Institutional intervention aims at upgrading and effective operation of the committee to combat money laundering as well as protection of the country against illegal activities, underlines the Government. On its part the opposition has reacted to George Zorbas relief of his duties, speaking of his decapitation and efforts to fully control the institution.

    Dispute over Abolition of Authority

    "Someone can not be replaced prior to completion of his work, there was something they did not like", said Aleka Papariga in an interview with NET 105.8. In his announcement, SYNASPISMOS speaks of the governments untrustworthiness on issues concerning transparency and combat of money laundering while LAOS speaks of Zorbas decapitation.

    In response to political party reactions against abolition of Authority to combat money laundering and replacement of G. Zorbas, alternate government spokesman, Evangelos Antonaros underlined that institutional reforms do not concern persons but the countrys shielding against black economy. He added that the new draft-bill expands responsibilities and upgrades state mechanisms for the prevention of illegal activities while it incorporates observations by international organizations, which had detected malfunctions and ineffectiveness of the Authority.

    In an interview with Mega today, Finance Minister, George Alogoskoufis said that reforms in the authority to combat money laundering is not a personal issue with Mr. Zorbas

    Translated by Chrisanthi Sarantis

    [05] Gore Asks for Renewable Sources

    18 Ιουλ 2008 10:10:0

    Sources: Reuters

    Al Gore, the Nobel Prize-winning crusader on climate change, challenged the United States on Thursday to commit to producing all U.S. electricity from renewable sources like solar and wind power in 10 years. "Our dangerous over-reliance on carbon-based fuels is at the core of all three of these challenges -- the economic, environmental and national security crises," the former Democratic vice president and presidential candidate in 2000 told a meeting in Washington.

    " Moving Our National Interest"

    Gore, who faced a smattering of protesters rallying against big government outside the hall, likened the fight against climate change to the successful challenge in the 1960s to send humans to the Moon within the decade.

    "A political promise to do something 40 years from now is universally ignored because everyone knows its totally meaningless. Ten years is about the maximum time that we as a nation can hold a steady aim and hit our target."

    "It is a great error to say that the United States must wait for others to join us in this matter," he said. "In fact, we must move first, because that is the key to getting others to follow; and because moving first is in our own national interest."

    [06] France: Uranium Leak

    18 Ιουλ 2008 16:29:0

    By Anna Kourti

    Sources: Reuters, ΑNA-ΜPA

    French nuclear firm Areva has detected a uranium leak that could date back several years at a factory in south-eastern France, the French safety authority said. The nuclear watchdog of Europes biggest atomic energy nation said it had dispatched a team of experts to check the site in Romans-sur-Isere, but did not give any indication about the size of the leak, which was revealed on Thursday. Areva, a state-controlled company which makes nuclear reactors and deals with uranium, said the leak was confined to its FBFC site and did not pose a danger to the environment." The defective pipe was shut by our teams," Areva said in a statement, adding that the pipe linked a workshop making fuel to a uranium treatment station. Areva told the nuclear safety authority ASN that the latest leak came from a buried pipe transporting liquid uranium and that the crack in the tubing was "several years old".

    Translated by Chrisanthi Sarantis

    [07] In Three-days

    4.700 Traffic Code Violations

    18 Ιουλ 2008 16:20:0

    By Anna Kourti

    Sources: ΑNA-ΜPA

    Some 4.700 Traffic Code violations were confirmed by the 153 Traffic Police patrols dispatched on July 12, 14 and 16 to inspect weather traffic code regulations on use of emergency lane and driving under alcohol influence were observed. From the total number of violations 42 regarded use of emergency lanes, 66 driving under influence of alcohol while the others concerned other regulations of the Traffic code.

    Translated by Chrisanthi Sarantis

    [08] In Thessaloniki

    PASOK National Council Convenes

    18 Ιουλ 2008 16:17:0

    Sources: ΝΕΤ, ΝΕΤ 105.8

    PASOK President, George Papandreou speech at 18:00 on Friday afternoon will open the works of the partys National Council in Thessaloniki. Mr. Papandreou speech is expected to center on proposals for transparency within the party, economic measures to boost low-income earners and pensioners and the partys positions on the development of northern Greece.

    In an interview with NET 105.8, Pantelis Oikonomou said that since the party can not go ahead under its present composition some members must leave, the better if they are senior members.

    Papandreou Visits Mt. Athos

    PASOK President visited Osios Xenofontas Monastery in Mt. Athos where he was warmly welcomed. Abbot Alexios thanked the PASOK leader for his long-standing interest and his contribution to the monastic community. Mr. Papandreou stressed that himself and PASOK will be always on the side of the Holy Community, underlining their significant contribution of monks in the preservation of cultural heritage.

    Translated by Chrisanthi Sarantis

    [09] Kaisariani Park Fire under Control

    18 Ιουλ 2008 16:07:0

    By Anna Kourti

    Sources: ΑNA-ΜPA

    Fire in Kaisariani Forest Park has been brought under control after strong efforts by air and land firefighting forces. The fire broke out at 15:10 below the Ymittos Ring Road, between Kaisariani and Byrona. Ten fire engines, 30 firefighters and two water bomber helicopters battled to contain the flames. At the same time, 6 fire engines, 18 firefighters and one helicopter brought under control a fire that broke out at 15:00 in Pikermi( Marathonos Av. 210km).

    Translated by Chrisanthi Sarantis

    [10] Kypseli Police Station

    Mentally Ill Albanian Took Policeman's Gun

    18 Ιουλ 2008 14:48:0

    By Anna Kourti

    Sources: ΝΕΤ 105,8

    A police gun was found on a mentally ill Albanian, who was transferred to Dafni. The Albanian was taken to Kypseli Police station in order to be admitted to Rehabilitation hospital following public prosecutors order. A policeman, who left urgently due to a problem with a relative of his, left his gun in an unlocked cabinet. It seems that the Albanian had seen this move and took the gun without being seen by the other policemen in the station.

    Translated by Chrisanthi Sarantis

    [11] For Religious Reasons

    Clashes between Foreigners

    18 Ιουλ 2008 14:37:0

    Sources: ΝΕΤ

    Serious incidents were reported in a gust house in Acharnes district, Athens between Iranian and Kurdish for religious reasons. About 120 emigrants clashed using globs, wood sticks and bottles causing serious damage to the guest house, stopped cars and buildings in Agiou Meletiou St. This is the second incident as a few weeks before a man was slightly injured while 7 suspects were arrested and are to testify to the prosecutor in violent clashes.

    Translated by Sofia Gartziou

    [12] Faces Physiological Problems

    Killed his Parents with Oil Stick

    18 Ιουλ 2008 12:52:0

    By

    A 42 years old man killed his parents, 86 and 80, in Panagia village, Crete yesterday with an oil stick. According to police information, the man beat his parents savagely first. The unfortunate couple was transferred to Araklochori Health Center and then to Venizeleio Hospital of Heraklon but passed away. The criminal who is facing psychological problems and had been hospitalized in psychiatric clinics in the past, was arrested by police.

    [13] Traffic Police in Alert

    Mass Exodus for July Vacationers

    18 Ιουλ 2008 11:37:0

    Sources: ΝΕΤ-ΝΕΤ 105,8

    The second wave of July vacationers started today. Athenians abandoned the city by cars, trains and buses. Traffic in ports is risen as many vacationers chose the Greek islands as their holiday destination. 36 extra ship routes have been scheduled for today departing from Piraeus, Rafina and Lavrio ports. In Kifisos KTEL (Buses and Trains in Greece) traffic is expected to peak at noon. 100 extra routes have also been scheduled for today. Traffic polices measure of curfew of lorries carrying more than 1.5 tones in national highways is going to be applied today at 4:00 until 10:00. What must be stressed is that complement of passengers in trains reached 100% during the weekend.

    Translated by Sofia Gartziou

    [14] "Religion Force of Unity"

    18 Ιουλ 2008 09:38:0

    Sources: Reuters

    Pope Benedict called for all religions to unite against terrorism and resolve conflicts peacefully on Friday and heard an Islamic leader urge Christians to overcome "misconceptions and prejudices" about Muslims. "In a world threatened by sinister and indiscriminate forms of violence, the unified voice of religious people urges nations and communities to resolve conflict through peaceful means and with full regard for human dignity," Benedict said.

    The Pope also said that the Catholic Church is open to learn from other religions- a comment that reflects the Vaticans intention to improve relations with the Islamic world.

    He also added that he is aware of the multi-cultural respect of Australia in religious freedom and stressed that religion is the force of unity and not division.

    The pope, in Australia for the Churchs World Youth Day, sent a message for the salvation of the planet and attacked the tendency of over consumption prevailing today.


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