The Hellenic Radio (ERA): News in English, 08-07-02

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

CONTENTS

[01] On Siemens Case

02 ���� 2008 14:58:0 (Last updated: 02 ���� 2008 18:52:4)

Sources: ���-��� 105.8-�NA/�PA

Culture Minister Michalis Liapis is taking recourse to Justice to face publications and rumours whereby Siemens had scheduled his trip to Germany, in order to watch the Greek national soccer team play against Brazil. Mr Liapis announced that he would sue Eleftherotypia newspaper, demanding two million euros as compensation for defamation of character. Mr Liapis described his trip with his son to Germany as private, adding that he himself had paid for his expenses, adding that he has respective receipts for them. Meanwhile, the government covered fully Mr Liapis through its spokesman Theodoros Roussopoulos. In the meantime, PASOK (Panhellenic Socialist Movement) George Papandreou unleashed a fierce attack on the Government, speaking of concerted efforts to have the scandal covered up. At the same time, Mr Nikos Zagorianos was assigned to investigate the Siemens and C-41 cases.

The Government is Satisfied with the Statement"

Elefthertoypia newspaper carries an article presenting Mr Michalis Christoforakos correspondence in German in which he asks for a trip to be organized for himself and his family, as well as for six more persons and a minister.

Mr Liapis from his side argues that publications prove that at that time he was in Germany, adding that his political opponents are trying to sustain a blow to himself and the government.

In parallel, government spokesman Theodoros Roussopoulos stated that the government is covered by Mr Liapis statement.

At the same time, PASOK spokesman Giorgos Papakonstantinou reiterated his party's request for the setting up of an inquiry committee that would examine the Siemens case.

Related News:

Rumour Whirl

[02] To Address Inflation

02 ���� 2008 17:42:0

Sources: ���-��� 105.8

The European Central Bank is likely to announce Thursday a hike in interest rates. Inflation could hit a new record high unless the Bank acts decisively, feared ECB head head Jean-Claude Trichet confirming the expected hike. The fresh interest rates surge is believed to hit those who have taken out housing and consuming loans, since the borrowing cost will go up. Touching on the issue, EU Commissioner for Economic and Monetary Affairs Joaquin Almunia stressed that EU has to study its mistakes and make the fight against inflation its number one priority.

Translated by Areti Christou

[03] Sarkozy's Letter to FYROM on Name Issue

Sources: ��� 105.8, �NA-�PA

In his letter to FYROM (Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia) President Branko Crvenkovski, French President Nicolas Sarkozy stresses that except for the FYROM name issue, the above country meets the criteria for it entry to NATO. Moreover, he stresses that France is ready to boost bilateral relations with Skopje and promote efforts for the resolution of the name issue when it assumes the EU Presidency. Finally, he calls on FYROM to double its efforts in finding a mutually accepted solution with Greece.

Meanwhile, special UN mediator Matthew Nimetz is planning to meet with the Greek and FYROM representatives. However, no dates have been fixed.

Milososki: Athens Widens 'agenda'

FYROM Foreign Minister Antonio Milososki stated today that his country wishes to continue negotiating with Greece, adding that no fresh proposals have been made during the UN sponsored talks.

He also accused Athens of widening of the agenda of talks in every session, adding that under these circumstances all issues that might cause misunderstanding in the future should be settled. This includes the return of properties to the refugees descendants, who are Macedonian citizens and have right to acquire the Greek citizenship since they had been born there.

Translated by John Crystallidis

[04] Penalty on Shipyards by the Commission

Sources: ���, ��� 105.8, �NA-�PA

The European Commission has described the state subsidies, amounting to 230 million euros, to the Greek Shipyards S.A. from 1996-2002 illegal. After an investigation, the Commission discovered that many subsidies had not been approved and when not compatible with the rules on state subsidies. As a result, it issued an announcement requiring the above amount to be returned.

As per the Ministry of Economy, the Commissions verdict concerns only the commercial part of the Greek Shipyards activities, as the total amount of state subsidies it had examined was over one billion euros.

A relevant announcement reports that the Greek government managed after long and hard negotiations with the European Commission to prove that 75% of the Greek Shipyards activities concerned military activities and thus do not come under the relevant provisions of the EC Treaty (articles 87-88).

Translated by John Crystallidis

[05] In Lagonisi

02 ���� 2008 16:29:0

By Nasos Bratsos

Sources: ��� 105.8, �NA

The sessions of the 23rd International Socialist Conference concluded in Lagonisi today. The agenda focused on climate change, migration, world peace and crisis on foodstuffs. After the end of the conference PASOK (Socialists) President George Papandreou stated that the Socialists would lead the efforts to combat the repercussions from climate change, adding that the attendants agreed on how to combat world peace, equality, foodstuffs crisis, migration and world peace. The Conference also focused on the Middle East and developments in the Balkans.

Translated by John Crystallidis

[06] Extinguishing Operation in Progress

02 ���� 2008 15:35:0 (Last updated: 02 ���� 2008 18:46:5)

A fire is burning forestland at Agios Petros on Mt Penteli. The fire broke out at 15:00 when an empty bus caught fire. The fire spread to the forestland and now is heading to Nea Makri. 40 firemen, two fire-fighting planes and two water-dropping helicopters are trying to put out the fire.

Warning for Thursday

The General Secretariat of Political Protection has issued a warning for high risk of fires to break out in Chios, Samos, Ikaria on Thursday.

In parallel, it informed the state services and the self-governments of the above areas to be on alert in case fires bread out.

Thus, people are advised to avoid and outdoor works that might cause fire. They should not burn any dry branches, use machinery that cause sparks or throw burnt cigarettes.

Translated by John Crystallidis

[07] Care for the Fire-Afflicted in Messinia

By Nasos Bratsos

The ZOI mobile medical unit will visit the municipality of Kalamata and Andania municipality to offer its services to the fire-hit people from 5-6 July. The group will provide medicine and psychological support to children and adults, who were hit by wildfires last year.

The group will visit Desylla at 09:00 and Karnasi at 15:00 on 5 July, while on 6 July it will visit Artemisia at 09:00 and Piges at 16:00.

Translated by John Crystallidis

[08] Alavanos Tours Hania

Sources: �NA, ��� 105.8

SYRIZA Parliamentary Group President Alekos Alavanos visited the hospital, the airport and the Hania Municipal Market within the framework of his tour in Hania. Mr Alavanos was briefed on the employees problems and committed himself to raise the issue of the upgrading of the two Cretan airports in Parliament. He also reported that he would stress the need for the construction of a new airport in Kasteli. Furthermore, he referred to the deficient infrastructures of the two airports, adding that during his recent visit to Heraklion, Environment Minister Giorgos Souflias did not commit himself to build a new airport in Kasteli. During his visit at the municipal market, he reported that he would support the shop owners struggle against department stores and the high cost of living. One day after a blast at SYRIZAs local offices, Mr Alavanos spoke of bullied and extremely dangerous action. The government and all parties denounced the bomb attack.

Translated by John Crystallidis

[09] At Maximos Mansion

02 ���� 2008 13:07:0

Sources: ANA-MPA

Prime Minister Kostas Karamanlis held a series of meetings at Maximos Mansion Wednesday. At 12:00, he met with Iraqi President Jalal Talabani. Both men made no statements after the meeting. Earlier, the PM had met with Norwegian Foreign Minister Jonas Gahr St&#248;re and then with Archbishop of North America Dimitrios. No statements followed the meetings.

Translated by John Crystallidis

[10] Against Israeli Commuter Bus

02 ���� 2008 12:38:0

By Athina Saloustrou

Sources: Reuters

Emergency services reported that a Palestinian driver rammed a bulldozer into an Israeli commuter bus, on one of Jerusalems busiest streets on Wednesday, killing at least two people and wounding dozens. Police said the driver of the bulldozer was shot dead by police officers. Israeli radio broadcasted that the driver was Arab and the attack took place in Jaffa Road, in Jewish west Jerusalem.

Translated by Sofia Gartziou

[11] High Risk of Fires

By Athina Saloustrou

The General Secretariat for Civil protection has issued a warning for increased danger of fires due to strong winds and high temperatures today. The warning particularly regards the following areas: Athens, East and West Attika, Piraeus, Evoia, Lesbos, Hios, Samos ( including Ikaria island) and the Cyclades. The Civil Protection General Secretariat has also called on state services as well as Local and Prefecture. The announcement of the Civil Protection General Secretariat also warns citizens to avoid any outdoor activities which could be the cause to start fires such as burning of dry bushes, use of electrical devices that can ignite sparks, throwing of lit cigarettes Administration to be on high alert in effectively combat possible fires. In the case of a fire, citizens are requested to move from their area for their safety and in order to smooth Fire Brigades work.

Translated by Sofia Gartziou

[12] Greek Political Life

02 ���� 2008 11:55:0 (Last updated: 02 ���� 2008 15:20:2)

Sources: ��� - ��� 105.8

Amid revelations and reactions from the opposition, Prosecutor Panagiotis Athanasiou ended the preliminary procedure on the Siemens "black" coffers, pressing charges on four felonies. Mr Athanasiou reiterated that he discovered that politicians will be held responsible for the case. Additionally, a ministers trip to Germany in June 2005 was also in the epicentre of talk. Government spokesman Theodoros Roussopoulos talked about rumours and practices that remind other times, while Culture Minister Michalis Liapis warned that he would file charges against those who will implicate his name groundlessly. PASOK (Panhellenic Socialist Movement criticized strongly the government and Justice, describing the attempt to implicate George Papandreou in the Siemens case unethical.

Michalis Liapis Issues Announcement

In his announcement Culture Minister Michalis Liapis speaks of groundless rumours and dirt thrown against him in order to inflict a blow to him personally and to the government. Furthermore, he reports that his trip to Germany was private, as he had paid for it personally, for which he has the necessary receipts. During his trip Mr Liapis was accompanied by his son. Closing, Mr Liapis says he will not tolerate political terror.

Referring to rumours on a ministers trip to Germany with Michalis Christoforakos in June 2005, the government spokesman commented that a political party was playing a political game.

"Michalis Liapis traveled to Germany in Olympic Airlines and rented a car. He has receipts for all the above expenses," his colleagues stressed, adding that he will file charges against anyone who will implicated him in the Siemens case.

Meanwhile, many party cadres presented their views on the case to NET 105.8. ND MP Christos Markogiannakis stated that the minister who had made the trip to Germany should state what happened and clarify his position.

Theodoros Karaoglou reiterated that an inquiry committee should have already been set up, while former minister Savas Tsitouridis said that judging from the way the investigation ended, it appears something had gone wrong.

In parallel, George Papadreous associated Nikos Kotzias asked from former PASOK leader Costas Simitis to denounce the case in public.

SYN MP Panagiotis Lafazanis spoke of an unpleasant impression as the names of the persons charged had not been revealed, reiterating that an inquiry committee should be set up.

KKE (Communist Party of Greece) spoke of a bad play performed by political party leadeships, entrepreneurs and the Media.

Translated by John Crystallidis

Related News:

Prosecutions Instituted

[13] Usury Ring Disrupted

By Athina Saloustrou

The police in Thessaloniki have arrested four persons for usury as they are accused of blackmailing and threatening a young hotelier. Originally, the police arrested two persons, 31 and 30, who had forced a 29-year-old hotelier to give them 2,000 euros. However, it was later revealed that the masterminds behind the usury case were two persons aged 46 and 54, who were also arrested. The police announced that the hotelier had received from the culprits a 15.000-euro rubber cheque and collected only 12,000 euros. Called upon to pay the debt, he discovered that due to usurious terms the amount to be paid had risen to 19,000 euros.

Translated by John Crystallidis

[14] Circulation in Messinia Forests Banned

By Athina Saloustrou

Messinia Prefect Dimitris Drakos has banned the circulation of civilians and vehicles on Mt Taygetos from 21:006:00 as of 15 October. The same applies for Mt Maglavas. At the same time, the circulation of cars on the national road from Kalamatata to Sparta on Maratholakas has been banned on a 24-hour basis, except for land owners and those carrying works there.

Translated by John Crystallidis

[15] Apologies for "Theophilos" Accident

Sources: ��� 105.8

The captain and the lieutenant of "THEOFILOS" ferry are testifying today to Chios port authorities on the accident in Oinousses, Saturday night. The lieutenant is also expected to testify anew to the prosecutor. Due to emergencies, after the accident of �THEOFILOS� and until rectified, the Council of Navigation Transport decided on an emergency departure of "LISSOS" ship that will conduct the route Piraeus-Chios-Multilane-Limnos-Thessaloniki. As it was announced passengers that left their luggage in the deck and in economic class positions can collect it in NEL LINES Company, Karaiskaki Square, 2 Astigos and Tzelepi Square, Piraues at 17:00. As per vehicles and luggage in cabins, passengers will be further noticed. For more information you can contact 210 41 15 015.

Translated by Sofia Gartziou

[16] China: 18 Killed in Coal Accident

By Athina Saloustrou

Sources: Reuters

Eighteen people were confirmed dead after a coal shaft collapsed in northwest China, the official Xinhua news agency said on Wednesday. At least 28 workers were working underground when the accident happened at noon on Tuesday in Shaanxi provinces Shenmu county. At least 10.000 people die every year in coal accidents in China which are frequently caused due to very old equipment and lack of security measures. It must also be noted that many mines on China are illegal.

Translated by Sofia Gartziou

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