The Hellenic Radio (ERA): News in English, 08-09-25

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

CONTENTS

[01] ND Central Committee Meeting

25 Óåð 2008 19:13:00

Sources: ÍÅÔ, ÍÅÔ 105.8, ÁNA-ÌPA

ND party Central Committee meeting, to be held on Friday is considered crucial while Prime-minister, Kostas Karamanlis speech is expected with high interest. The Prime-minister is most likely to focus on the materialization of the governments work and in parallel call all high-ranking officials to carry out their responsibilities. According to reports Mr. Karamanlis will stress that above and beyond all is the responsibility to serve the partys interests and particularly the countrys. A question is also raised on whether senior members, recently exercising criticism and calling for replacement of Ministers, will express their views. Government spokesman, Thodoros Roussopoulos repeated today that any criticism and different points of view are respected and freely expressed, adding that importance is placed on the governments work and continuation of reforms. Importance is placed on real politics said the government spokesman and referred as examples, the Olympic Airways company, the purging of the Hellenic Railroads company, the merging of social security funds and efforts to deal with international financial crisis. In parallel, he ruled out early elections and government reshuffle and described rumors for his resignation as imaginary scenarios. In view of the Central Committee meeting, senior party members call for unanimity, escape from introversion and dedication to the battle of real politics.

PASOK Comment

Greek citizens have realized that there can not be change of course with a mere recycling of people said PASOK spokesman, G. Papakonstantinou, adding that the country needs change of course and policy under a new government.

Translated by Chrisanthi Sarantis

[02] Sharply Criticize Head-monk

25 Óåð 2008 17:08:00

Sources: ÍÅÔ, ÍÅÔ 105.8, ÁNA-ÌPA

A 10-page letter, written by respectable monks at the Peribolio Monastery in Mt. Athos Monastery, was sent to the 300 deputies of the Parliament today. They sharply criticize the head monk of Batopedi Monasteri, Efraim Koutsos, speaking of expulsion of old monks and appropriation of their assets, of invaluable heirlooms as well as grants for renovation of monastery cells. The letter also refers to the founding of an investment company by the head monk, involvement and relations of monks with politicians, complicity of Mt. Athos political governors and use of monitoring systems.

In an announcement issued at todays extraordinary Double Holy Meeting, Mt. Athos monks apologize to the Greek people for all the problems created by the Batopedi Monastery case. The Mt. Athos monks did not name head-monk Efraim but made indirect references to his activities. As they said the exchange of properties between the monastery and the Greek state is an issue of Greeces justice competence, however, they clarified that Mt. Athos agrees to all legal procedures for restoration of irregularities concerning economic transactions.

In the meantime, Batopedi Monastery lawyers have sent a letter to the Agricultural Development Ministry asking for the recall of the Bisthonida land sale within efforts to de-escalate tension. In its response, the Agricultural Development Ministry said that the relevant case has been referred to Justice and sent the letter to Supreme Court Prosecutor G. Sanidas and to the Greek Public Real Estate Corporation. In parallel, judicial investigation continues. Xanthi Metropolitan Panteleimon and former president of Xanthi Bar Association, Thanasis Xinidis made their statements to Prosecutor Elias Koliousis today.

Translated by Chrisanthi Sarantis

[03] Karamanlis-Hatzidakis Meeting on OA

25 Óåð 2008 11:01:00

Sources: ÍÅÔ, ÍÅÔ 105.8, ÁNA-ÌPA

Following its meeting today, the Federation of Civil Aviation Unions (OSPA) rejected dialogue proposed by Transport Minister, Kostis Hatzidakis, labeling it as pre-decided. The decision was taken with 14 votes against the dialogue and 4 in favour. Trade unions will meet on Monday to decide whether they will participate in the dialogue with the Transport Minister. Earlier the future of the Olympic Airways Company, after EU approval of its privatization plan, was the focus of talks during the Prime-ministers cooperation meeting with Transport Minister.

As Mr. Hatzidakis stressed, the government is determined to do its duty and find a solution for the OA company, always indicating sensitive towards the employees and taking into consideration Greek taxpayers. In an indirect response to trade union representatives, Mr. Hatzidakis said "employees are not misinformed, they are well aware that the government protects them"

Mr. Hatzidakis stressed that the solution is socially fair not only because it fully covers the rights of employees but also because "low income classes stop paying for a bottomless barrel". Mr. Hatzidakis stressed that Olympic Airways is the most troubled airline in Europe, compared to its size. We are going ahead to resolve a 30 year old problem.

Translated by Chrisanthi Sarantis

[04] In NY

25 Óåð 2008 20:30:00

By Katerina Ioannidou

Sources: ÁNA-ÌPA-ÍÅÔ

Friendly and productive was Foreign Minister, Dora Bakoyianni description of her meeting with US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice in NY on Thursday, on the sidelines of the 63rd UN General Assembly. During the 40 minute meeting issues discussed were of particular interest to Greece but also of the broader region as well. The Greek side brought on FYROM name issue, Cyprus, Greek-Turkish relations as well as regional issues such as Georgia and genral situation in the Caucasus region. They also discussed EU-Russia relations and the ME. Mrs. Bakoyianni said she had the opportunity to inform Mrs. Rice on the Cyprus issue, where negotiations have started after Cyprus President initiative and stressed the importance Greece renders to the achievement of negotiations and its support of the Greek-Cypriot leader. In response to whether the US intend to influence Ankara for a good climate in Cyprus negotiations, Mrs Bakoyianni said that the US is interest in a successful conclusion of negotiations. Regarding any new developments in the FYROM name dispute, she said that the US encourages both sides to proceed with negotiations under Mathew Nimitz and Mrs. Rice clearly stated her support.

Translated by Chrisanthi Sarantis

[05] To Revive Economy

25 Óåð 2008 22:59:00

By Nasos Bratsos

Sources: ÍÅÔ 105.8, ÁNA, German

With Republicans and Democrats cooperation, as well as some changes with which President Bush agreed, Congressional leaders agreed Thursday on a multibillion-dollar bailout plan for Wall Street aimed at staving off a U.S. economic catastrophe. Private talks in Congress ended at midday with the announcement that an agreement in principle had been reached on a $700 billion financial rescue package that the Bush administration wants. It is not yet an agreement, the bill must be approved by the House of Representatives and finally ratified by President George Bush. The agreement lifted world stock markets and sent the dollar higher while G. Bush has called a meeting with the presidential rivals, John MacCain and Barrack Obama.

Translated by Chrisanthi Sarantis

[06] In Ethiopia

25 Óåð 2008 19:25:00

By Nasos Bratsos

Two volunteers for French aid group Doctors of the World have been kidnapped in a rebellious southeastern region of Ethiopia. They were kidnapped on Monday, September, 22 in Ethiopias Ogaden region, an arid stretch of land on the border with Somalia where rebels are fighting for independence, the Paris-based group said. The aid group, in a statement Tuesday, said it is in contact with the authorities, with its other staffers in the Horn of Africa country and with the two volunteers families.

Translated by Chrisanthi Sarantis

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