The Hellenic Radio (ERA): News in English, 08-02-28

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

CONTENTS

[01] To the Parliament

28 Feb 2008 17:54:00

Sources: ���, ��� 105.8, �NA

Merchant Marine Ministry submitted draftbill ratifying privatizations of Piraeus and Thessaloniki ports to the Parliament on Thursday. According to report, the draftbill provides for regulations to safeguard employees rights.

OLP-Dock- workers Case

Dock workers staged a demonstration outside Piraeus Court this morning in protest against privatization of ports. In the meantime, the Piraeus court was examining OLP administration case asking the court to declare dock workers mobilizations illegal.

"Dock workers defend public interest, which demands ports to remain under state control. For this reason, their struggle needs the support of the whole society, their strike is not illegal. Illegal is the governments intention to privatize strategic infranstructure" said the SYRIZA president, Alexis Tsipras, who described postponement of trial till Monday, as a " small victory of dockworkers".

Translated by Chrisanthi Sarantis

[02] PASOK Proposals on Education

Sources: ���-��� 105.8-�NA/�PA

Head of PASOK party coordination organ on the education sector, A. Diamantopoulou and the head of the partys parliamentary group responsible for education, Kostas Kartalis presented PASOK proposals for reforms in elementary and secondary education. On Monday, the PASOK party commences a campaign to promote its positions on education with visits to grammar and high schools and Lyceums.

High Quality Free Education

In a press interview today, A. Diamantopoulou and K. Karatlis referred to the problems in education and PASOK party policy program on education, underlining that George Papandreou relative question will be debated during the "prime-ministers hour" tomorrow. The debate will be focused on quality of state education and cost of education for the Greek family.

Mrs. Diamantopoulou described situation at elementary and secondary education schools as the worst in the last years as there is shortage of teachers, rises in expenses for education, problems in kindergardens and technical education and shortages in books.

According to Mrs. Diamantopoulou, PASOK aims to bring to surface all problems in education and proceed to reforms in education within the context of an integrated proposal which will include all stages in education from kindergarden to postgraduate studies. She also added that PASOK aims to extend day schools and strengthen teaching in grammar and high schools so students at graduation from high school will also have certificates in one foreign language and computer use. In refence to admission to tertiary education, she said that PASOK will submit a proposal for new admission system, combining Lyceum second and third year grades which will be evaluated from university schools.

In response to review of constitutional article 16, Mrs. Diamantopoulou said that PASOK positions are clear and questions addressed to the government regard the sector of education in general. "I do not comment on dogmatic approaches" was Mrs. Diamantopoulou response when asked to comment on Mr. Alabanos statement that the two parties could cooperate only if review of article 16 is abandoned.

Translated by Chrisanthi Sarantis

[03] Cyprus

28 Feb 2008 17:39:00

By Andreas Roditis

Sources: �NA

Newly elected Cyprus President, D. Hristofias, who was sworn in before the House of Representatives today, said that the top priority of his government is to resolve the Cyprus issue. Mr. Hristofias said that his presidency aims to achieve a just, viable and operational solution which will put an end to occupation and settlement and restore sovereignty, independence, territorial integrity and unity of Cyprus and abolish all rights of foreign forces for military intervention in domestic issues. He also underlined that this solution will reunite the countrys territory, people, institutions and economy within the framework of a bizonal, bicommunal federation, as provided for by high level Makarios-Dektash agreement in 1977 and Kyprianou-Dektash 1979 agreement in 1979. The solution must be based on UN resolutions on Cyprus and be in accordance with international and community law as well as international treaties on human rights. He also stressed that the solution of Cyprus issue should provide for withdrawal of Turkish troops with final aim demilitarization of the whole island.

Furthermore he referred that the EU could play a very significant role in the resolution of the Cyprus issue and called for the cooperation and solidarity of European partners while he said that Turkey is the key for the solution, adding that Ankara must decide to cooperate. He also said that he will also work for unity and collectiveness in the domestic front which will facilitate all handlings and efforts.

He also said that taking into consideration that vision of social Europe is based on unity through acceptance and respect of differences and not equalization and alienation of peoples and cultures we will promote education cultural values, traditions and sports to strengthen our resistance to harmful influences.Concluding, Mr. Hristofias said that his presidency will be for all Cypriots and the people will be the final judge.

Translated by Chrisanthi Sarantis

[04] Difficult Hours for Former Education Minister

28 Feb 2008 17:04:00

Sources: ���, ��� 105.8

Former Education Minister, Marietta Yiannakou is recovering from heart surgery she underwent on Wednesday after acute myocardial infarction. The cardiologists group at Errikos Dynan Hospital implanted stent in the left coronary artery. Mrs. Yiannakou is in the intensive care ward. Although the operation was successful Mrs. Koutsikou health condition is difficult due to her problem with diabetes.

Translated by Chrisanthi Sarantis

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