The Hellenic Radio (ERA): News in English, 08-09-30

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

CONTENTS

[01] Protests over the Pension System

Trade unions are reacting to the third stage of the pension reform that provides for the unification of pension funds. Scientists, freelancers, journalists, engineers, as well as the Greek General Confederation of Labour (GSEE), are to hold protest rallies, while the Panhellenic Federation of Journalists Unions have scheduled a 24-hour strike on 1 October. Employment Minister Fani Palli-Petralia met Tuesday with the head of the new Funds. The Socialist party (PASOK) spoke of an organizational, financial and social security tragedy.

Fani Palli-Petralia was welcomed Tuesday afternoon at Maximos Mansion, where she discussed the unification of the funds with Prime Minister Kostas Karamanlis. Petralia assured the Premier that everything was in place for the imminent third and final phase of the unification process. "The country and the pension system will have a new social security map. Both the boards and the personnel are in their place. "We have seen to a smooth transition from the present-day situation to the unification of the funds, so that services will not be disrupted. I believe that we are about to join forces on a healthier basis and I believe credits should be given to the government, which planned and is carrying out the biggest reform pushed forward in Greece over the last years, always to the benefits of the insured."

Translated by Areti Christou

[02] In Strasburg

30 Σεπ 2008 20:58:00

By Katerina Ioannidou

Sources: ANA-MPA

Cypriot President Demetris Christofias and Turkish-Cypriot leader Mehmet Ali Talat had Tuesday evening a ten-minute meeting in Strasburg. Christofias termed the meeting as friendly, further adding that he exchanged views with Talat whom he briefed on his speech to the Parliamentary Assembly of the European Council. "I was told that Talat was near our office. So, I knocked the door, stepped in and asked whether I was allowed to mount a peaceful invasion. And this is what I did. We sat together and exchanged some views. I briefed him on my speech and told him that I stayed true to what I had told him in our meeting in Nicosia. He had asked me what I intended to say in Strasburg and I told him I intended to say, I love you. In political terms, I am expecting Talats answer tomorrow," said Christofias. Talat, who is to address the Parliament Assembly on Wednesday, held Tuesday a series of talks with EU officials.

[03] He Launches New Political Party

30 Σεπ 2008 19:49:00

By Nasos Bratsos

Sources: REUTERS

Former Soviet ruler Mikhail Gorbachev, 77, joined forces with Russian tycoon Alexander Lebedev to launch a new political party. The last time Gorbachev claimed the presidency, he failed to garner more than 0.5 percent of the vote.

The financial supplier of the new party, although he has denied it arguing that it would be financed by non-state sources, Lebedev outlined the key pillar of the party whose name will be "Independent Democratic Party." He stressed, "He gave our people freedom but we just cant learn how to use it. The party favours less state capitalism, the development of independent media, reform of the justice system and a stronger role for parliament, and it will take part in elections."

Translated by Areti Christou

[04] 10th Annual Information Conference

30 Σεπ 2008 18:50:00

Sources: ANA

Greeces Finance Minister Giorgos Alogoskoufis addressed Tuesday evening the 10th annual Information and Digital Communication Conference. "The Digital Convergence programme, which is to cost two billion euros, is coming into being through the National Strategic Reference Framework (ESPA 2007-2013)," stressed Alogoskoufis.

In the meantime, fibre infrastructures for next generation networks are under way, as they are vital to digital strategy. The Finance Minister said that 12 in 100 Greek citizens have now access to fast Internet, while back in 2004 the ratio was one in one thousand.

In 2007, Greece ranked eight at global level and first at EU level when it comes to the annual broadband growth rate. The governments digital strategy, added the Minister, is to help citizens unleash their creativity.

Translated by Areti Christou

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