The Hellenic Radio (ERA): News in English, 08-07-14

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

CONTENTS

[01] Gruevski Letter to Karamanlis

14 ���� 2008 16:52:0

Sources: ���-��� 105.8-�NA

Skopje fresh provocation comes in a letter to Prime-minister Kostas Karamanlis which among other raises minority issue in Greece. Harsh was governments spokesman, Thodoros Roussopoulos response who spoke of repetition of unacceptable statements about inexistent minorities in an attempt to erect new obstacles in the under way negotiations on name dispute under the UN framework.

Mr. Roussopoulos stresses that this letter adds up to a number of unacceptable statements by several Skopje officials. "FYROM government obstruction tactics grow bigger every day" underlines the Greek government spokesman, adding that instead of staging provocative acts and tactics which push to a deadlock many years of negotiations, they should be convincing with deeds that they want to resolve the name dispute and build good neighbourly relations with Greece, a EU and NATO member country, both institutions FYROM wants to be admitted to. Greece will not participate in any attempt which will deviate from its target, that is a mutually acceptable resolution of name dispute. Concluding, he referred that the Greek Prime-minister will respond to Gruevski letter this week.

Translated by Chrisanthi Sarantis

[02] Prosecutor Looking into Take-over

14 ���� 2008 15:46:0

Following the file of law suits against any responsible, the take-over of Germanos company by Cosmote has given rise to a new round of confrontation. An article in todays issue of "Ta Nea" newspaper says that a law-suit was filed 13 months ago against OTE president and chief manager, Panagiotis Bourloumis, which was kept secret. In response, OTE issued an announcement maintaining that only a law-suit against any responsible and not against specific persons concerning Intracom-Siemens-Anco contracts was filed in 2007 and describes the article as slandering. OTE announcement stresses that figures in the article are misleading and reserves the right to take legal action. "The country is experiencing its worst political and economic crisis with an incapable government hostage of big interests", said George Papandreou on Sunday from Halkidiki.

In response, government spokesman, Thodoros Roussopoulos said: "There is a revelation each week that large quantities of black money was fueled to PASOK funds and instead of apologizing Mr. Papandreou blames the government". In its counter-response PASOK says:"We are waiting for the government to respond on whether it knew and had approved the scandalous take over of Germanos by OTE and why it keeps an administration blamed for criminal acts". In the meantime both LAOS President, George Karatzaferis and PASOK deputy Thodoros Pangalos hinted at GCP stand on the issue while GCP deputy Makis Mailis denounced a provocation plan against the party. "It is apparent that black political money is an element of the bipartisan political system DNA" says SYN party announcement.

Translated by Chrisanthi Sarantis

[03] Of Major Importance to EU & Mediterranean

14 ���� 2008 10:12:0 (Last updated: 14 ���� 2008 17:14:1)

By Alexandros Moz

Sources: ANA-MPA, AFP

Greek Prime Minister Kostas Karamanlis hailed the French Presidents initiative to launch the Union for the Mediterranean (UPM) as of pivotal importance to the economic growth and social development of the European and Mediterranean nations.

Kostas Karamanlis highlighted the significance of Nicolas Sarkozys vision, placing emphasis on the immediate and tangible benefits people will reap, while a world economic recession is in full swing.

The Unions founding declaration has called combating pollution in the Mediterranean, turning to solar energy and boosting small and medium sized business its priorities.

The UPM declaration is viewed as a diplomatic victory of France and its President Nicolas Sarkozy.

Surrounded by traditional Middle East enemies, the French President hosted the opening dinner of the UPM.

This initiative was crowned with success, since Israel and Syria were brought together at the same table for the first time.

Although Syrian President Bashar al-Assad avoided making any eye contact and shaking hands with Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert, and denied that Iran poses a nuclear threat, Damascus did not stand in the way and the dream became true, said Saekozy.

"Paris, the city of peace" read the title of an article in Le Figaro paper, which gave the credit to the French Presidency, despite the fact that it usually blasts Nicolas Sarkozy.

Speaking on Europe 1 radio station, French Foreign Minister Bernard Kouchner termed the Summit that brought the UPM into being before 43 heads of state and government as a wonderful event.

Kouchner claimed that the Summit took place with peace at the background. However, he voiced his sorrow that a last-minute obstacle between Israel and Palestine made the participants to revise a little bit the final version of the declaration.

The Palestinians accepted the apology for omitting to mention the creation of two states as a solution, while Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan fear that the Union for the Mediterranean could become a pretext that would keep Turkey out of the EU was calmed.

The participant leaders attended along with Nicolas Sarkozy Mondays parade for the French national anniversary.

Translated by Areti Christou

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[04] On Sunday, in Paris

14 ���� 2008 16:40:0

Greek Prime-minister, Kostas Karamanlis had a short meeting of social content with his Turkish counterpart Tayip Erdogan on the sidelines of the dinner hosted by French President Nikola Sarkozy in honor of state leaders attending the Mediterranean Union conference. Mr. Karamanlis, accompanied by his wife Natasa attended the military parade in Paris, marking Frances National Day. Next they attended lunch hosted by President Nikola Sarkozy.

Translated by Chrisanthi Sarantis

[05] On Wednesday

14 ���� 2008 15:18:0

Former chief of Special Inspections department, Spiros Kladas alleged suspect of violation of duty asked for postponement till Wednesday to make his statement. He has been summoned by Prosecutor, Maria Gane,who is investigating journalist Makis Triantafilopoulos denunciation of his involvement in Zahopoulos case linked with Themos Anastasiadis 5.5 million euros case. Supervisor of the Special Inspections department Baggelis Karamanos will be also interrogated on Wednesday to clarify actions or omissions regarding the same case. Investigation carried by Maria Gane is expected to be completed next week.

Translated by Chrisanthi Sarantis

[06] A. Spiliotopoulos Interview

14 ���� 2008 14:24:0

By Vivian Papastefanou

In an interview today, Tourism Development Minister, Aris Spiliotopoulos expressed reserved optimism with regards hotel bookings this year. Mr. Spiliotopoulos, however, made clear that there will be strict fines against those attempting profiteering in the tourist sector, regardless if the tourists are Greeks or foreigners, underlining that "rake off" era belongs to the past. In reference to rise in tourism he said that arrivals of German tourists rose by 5%, Belgian and Italians by 6% , Dutch by 8% and Russians by 32% compared to last year figures.

He described as an isolated phenomenon the incident at the Greek Tourism Organization photography exhibition in Rome, underlining that it was carried out by some narrow-minded people who are isolated by the majority of European citizens.

Translated by Chrisanthi Sarantis

[07] US: Moves to Save Lending Banks

Sources: Reuters, �NA-�PA

The US government has announced sweeping measures to shore up the nations two largest mortgage finance companies, Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae. Announcing that new credit lines would be sought from Congress, Treasury Secretary Henry Paulson said: "Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac play a central role in our housing finance system and must continue to do so in their current form as shareholder-owner companies." He added that their "support for the housing market" was "particularly important as we work through the current housing correction". The Federal Reserve also said it would lend to Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac if they needed additional funds. The two firms play an important role in the financial markets in providing funding for home loans by buying up mortgages and packaging them as investments. As mortgage backers, the companies have had to pay out when homeowners have defaulted on their loans. Last week, investor concern that the government might have to bail out Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac because of the huge losses they have suffered in the US property crash sent their shares plummeting.

Translated by Chrisanthi Sarantis

[08] Google Founders Top MediaGuardian 100

By Betty Savourdou

Sources: ANA-MPA

Google founding fathers Larry Page and Sergey Brin top this years Guardian list with the most powerful media figures in Britain. They were given the title of the most powerful, due to the huge influence Google has on media.

Another element of the list that came as a surprise, is that media mogul Rupert Merdoch, chairman of News Corp., was overtaken by his second son James in the media power ranking.

James Merdoch, head of British satellite broadcaster BSkyB, ranked second, sending his father fifth. Another Merdoch member, his Ruperts daughter Elizabeth is also included on the list, finishing 27th.

Candidates can earn a place on Guardians top 100 list depending on their cultural, political and economic influence, which is measured by a panel of industry experts.

Translated by Areti Christou

Related Links:

The Guardian

[09] Favourable Regulations

14 ���� 2008 09:24:0

By Alexandros Moz

Sources: ���-105.8

The Economics Ministry has issued favourable taxation regulations-extended deadlines for submission of withholding tax return and valued added tax - to facilitate earthquake victims of the Ahaia, Helia and Aitoloakarnania prefectures. Furthermore, payment of expired debts to the state and income tax has been put off to November, 28.

Peloponnese earthquake victims can submit applications for the special aid, 3.000 for houses which can not be inhabited and 10.000 euros for replacement of appliances- within two months from the day of the earthquake.

Fire victims can claim the special state aid after submission of application to the Agricultural Bank describing the damage they have suffered-.provided that they have not received any other aid except Social welfare or KEDKE aid.

The National Bank has also issued measures to facilitate earthquake victims. Specifically, their clients owing loan installments expiring from June, 9 to December, 31/ 2008( in euro or any other currency) are given extension till 30/6/2009. Facilitation does not include loans guaranteed by the Greek state.

Also the Agricultural and Piraeus Banks have decided to suspend for a year payment of instalments to facilitate Peloponnese earthquake victims. Those interested can get information at the above banks branches or dial 2611 100 301 -310. The Employment Ministry will grant 1.200 euros aid to unemployed earthquake victims.

Teams of Psychiatrists, psychologists and social workers have been dispatched to Amaliada, Patra, Kato Ahaia, Balmi and Fostaina to offer psychological support. A mobile medical unit and three ambulances are stationing in Simopoulo for faster access in case of emergency.

Translated by Chrisanthi Sarantis

[10] Oil Prices Go Down

By Alexandros Moz

Sources: ANA-MPA, Reuters, AFP

Oils prices in Asian trading are falling down, after the new record high they hit last Friday.

Crude oil for August delivery was down by $1.15 to $143.93 per barrel on Monday, while Brent lost $1.17, standing at $143.31 per barrel.

Last Friday, crude oil prices had surged to a new record high, reaching $147.27 per barrel, on concerns over escalated tension between West and Iran, the resumption of hostilities in Nigeria and the strike threats in Brazil.

The US government, on the other hand, is stepping up support measures in its bid to save the nations staggering economic system. The Secretary of Finance announced a package of measures for federal banks Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae.

Translated by Areti Christou

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