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

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

CONTENTS

[01] Interparty Committee on Political Money

07 ���� 2008 14:30:0 (Last updated: 07 ���� 2008 18:46:3)

Sources: ���-��� 105.8-�NA/�PA

Strong confrontation on the case of Siemens black money continues among political parties even after Mihalis Liapis statement of a merciless and unfair attack against him. In aletter to the Speaker of the House, Dimitris Sioufas, the Prime-minister repeats his request-expressed on 27/6/08 Parliament session- for the setting up of an Interparty Committee to secure transparency in political money. In parallel, the Economics Ministry will carry out inspection of Siemens-Hellas economic data from 1997 to present in order to check whether there was movement of black money and harm to state interests. PASOK leader, George Papandreou tomorrow convenes a meeting of senior members centered on Siemens case. At the same time ND deputy, Petros Tatoulis statement has given rise to questions. In an interview with "Eleftheros Typos" newspaper he said: "A person holding elective position resign when he violates political code".

Measures for Transparency

In a letter to the Speaker of the House, Dimitris Sioufas, the Prime-minister asks for the setting up of an Interparty Committee, competent to examine proposals regarding domestic function of political parties, expenditures, financing and private funds. He describes the setting up of the Committee as extremely mandatory in order to consolidate transparency as well as to give a virtual response to any effort that casts shadows at the expense of the political system in general.

In parallel, he launches an attack against the opposition for objecting to cooperate in the procedure of Constitutional amendment providing for regulations to consolidate transparency in the public sector and political life and particularly shield political parties and carry out strict inspections of the so called "political" money.

Absolute Consistency

In reference to Prime-minister, Kostas Karamanlis request for the setting up of an Interparty Committee, government spokesman, Theodoros Roussopoulos underlined that in addition to the bills passed during the last 4 years and the proposal for amendement of Constitutional article 29 it indicates the ND partys absolute consistency on this special weight issue and called on political parties to elaborate on data so as to prepare to voice proposals when the Parliament Plenum opens in September. Mr. Roussopoulos also spoke of attempts to create impressions against the government and Justice and named the activities taken by the government on the Siemens case since 2006.

Firstly, the government began cooperating with German authorities as of December, 2006. Secondly, the Prime-minister asked for the setting up of an Interparty Committee. Thirdly, the Economics Ministry ordered the Special Inspections Service to carry out an investigation for possible tax violations by Siemens. Fourthly, economics Ministry asked for the setting up of a special experts crew to examine the companys non inspected reports from 2003 to present. Fifthly, a special crew will re-examine the companys reports from 1997 to 2003. Sixthly, the government will ask the Legal Council of State to issue a dictum to what extent can the state have judicial protection form actions that harmed the country.

Finally, regarding George Papandreou statements on political money, Mr. Roussopoulos said that he would not have voted down constitutional amendment if he meant what he said.

Political Parties React & Tatoulis Asks for Liapis' Resignation

SYRIZA Parliamentary Group President Alekos Alavanos has asked from the President of the Parliament the setting up of an inquiry committee.

At the same time, Mr Petros Tatoulis told Eleftheros Typos newspaper that the Culture Minister should resign.

Translated by Chrisanthi Sarantis

[02] DEH "On the Alert"

07 ���� 2008 11:49:0

Sources: ���, ��� 105.8

The state mechanism has been placed on the alert following heat weave forecast with temperatures over 40C on Tuesday and Wednesday. The Health Ministry has effected the "Perseas" operational plan and the National Health Operational Plan is on the alert. Citizens are advised to take the necessary self-protection measures and particularly high risk groups such as the elderly and children. In the meantime, Power Corporation DEH has not ruled out rotational power cuts to economize on energy as power consumption is expected to rise due to intensive use of air-conditioners during the days of baking temperatures. DEH has already called on 40 of the largest industries to reduce energy consumption. Drop in temperatures is expected to start as from Wednesday afternoon in west and northern Greece and as of Thursday in the other parts of the country.

Self-Protection Measures

Due to high temperatures and increased humidity on Tuesday and Wednesday, municipalities and the National Emergency Center are on the alert to assist people. The most characteristic symptoms of heat stroke are the following: Strong headache Fainting feeling Nausea Weakness Intensive Thirst

In the event someone has the above symptoms, we should transfer him to a cool place, remove or loosen tight clothing, apply wet cloths to head, give plenty of liquids and slight quantity of salt and certainly dial emergency center if necessary. High risk groups such as the elderly and children should avoid outdoor activities on Tuesday and Wednesday. Light clothing, light meals, large quantities of liquids, sun-glasses, hat and showers are suggested to deal with heat waves.

Translated by Chrisanthi Sarantis

[03] June Inflation at 4.9%

According to the National Hellenic Statistics Service (ESYE) report June inflation was at 4.9% same as May compared to June last year at 2.6%. In the first half of 2008, the general price index was at 4.48% against 2.62% the same period in 2007. Commenting on inflation level, ESYE general secretary, Manolis Kontopyrakis said that drop in prices of vegetables, fruits, potatoes and food items in supermarkets has held inflation at 4.9% in June despite 3.9% rise in oil prices in May.

Harmonized consumer price index was at 4.9% in June, 2008 against 2.6% in the same period last year. Average harmonized consumer price index was at 4.5% in the first half of 2008 against 2.77% the same period in 2007. Structured inflation rate dropped to 4% in June from 4.2% in May while it was at 2.5% in June last year. In the first half of 2008, average structured inflation was at 3.6% against 2.60% in the first half in 2007.

In reference to July 2008, ESYE general secretary, Manolis Kontopyrakis said that a prediction could not be made due to instability of oil prices, however, he predicted a 0.1% rise in inflation rate due to increase in electricity bills. There was a 3.8% rise in the average consumer price index in the twelve-month period from July 2007-June 2008 against 2.9% rise in the twelve-month periods in the previous years.

Translated by Chrisanthi Sarantis

[04] Applications Accepted

07 ���� 2008 09:39:0

By Alexandros Moz

Following Employment and Social Protection Minister decision, Fani Pali Petralia income limit for eligibility to rent subsidy in 2008 has been raised to include more people. Maximum annual income of 12.000 euros, increased by 2.000 euros for each dependent child is the basic term to apply for the program. For the first time this year, Citizen Service Centers (KEP) accept rent subsidy applications for the facilitation of citizens.

For further information you can dial telephone numbers 1564 and 210 52 10000, or look at the website of the Workers Housing Organization www.oek.gr. In parallel, OEK will mail information letters to the 100.000 people already eligible for the program.

Petralia Statement

In reference to the rent subsidy program, Employment Minister, Fani Petralia made the following statement:"Long term planning is not necessary to achieve out target of quality daily life for citizens. It means that we have been trying to provide for the better for most people. OEK programs serve this target, through which we continuously expand our efforts to provide families with a decent house they deserve."

Translated by Chrisanthi Sarantis

[05] Concern over Oil

Sources: �NA-�PA, Reuters, AP

The price of crude oil fell below $US143 per barrel at the aftermath of Iran Foreign Ministers statements on talks with governments of the West on Tehrans nuclear programme. Todays resurgence of the dollar helped to that development, as investors limited their expectations on fresh rises of eurozone interests by the European Central Bank.

However, nobody can be optimistic for the future, as the OPEC president ruled out the drop of oil prices due to the strong demand from China and India, adding that geopolitical concerns and the weak dollar are the causes for the recent surge of oil prices.

The General Director of the International Energy Service believes that the situation in the oil market will continue to be under pressure until 2013.

Translated by John Crystallidis

[06] This Afternoon

07 ���� 2008 11:07:0

Fearing further destabilization of global economy, Eurozone Economy Ministers meet in Brussels this afternoon. Talks will center on inflation hikes, its impact on European economy and crisis in stock markets. The EU Commission is expected to propose drop in valued added tax rates in specific services, which Economy Ministers seem likely to agree with.

Translated by Chrisanthi Sarantis

[07] Fire Fronts under Control

Sources: ��� 105.8

Fire in Mt. Mainalo near Hrisobitsi village, most probably sparked by a thunder on Friday, is abating.A fire fighting force of 400 people, including firefighters and EMAK rescuers, are in the region as well as a helicopter dropping water to put out the many small fires around. The chief of Pelopennese Fire Department is coordinating firefighting efforts. The fire that broke out in a forest region in Agia Marina, Lamia is abating. Under partial control is a fire that broke out in mixed farm forest land in Drepano, Nafplio while a small fire broke out in Mandraki, Hydra.

Translated by Chrisanthi Sarantis

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