The Hellenic Radio (ERA): News in English, 08-09-17

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

CONTENTS

[01] Roussopoulos Ruled out Reshuffle

Sources: ���-��� 105.8-�NA/�PA

The two major political parties are hammering out their next moves, on the one hand, the ND aiming to reverse the negative climate and regain its lead in gallops and on the other hand, PASOK aiming to consolidate the positive impact from Mr. Papandreou speech and the measures he announced.

Government spokesman, Thodoros Roussopoulos ruled out government reshuffle while the opposition repeated request for the holding of early elections for an exit from crisis.

Souflias Does not See Reshuffle

ND party ministers and deputies propose acceleration of pace for the materialization of the governments work and in parallel belie scenarios for government reshuffle. Following the Inner Cabinet meeting on OA privatization plan, Environment Minister, George Souflias said that the government must work harder to deal with the situation and underlined that he does not see a government reshuffle at present, however, he clarified that it is an issue of the Prime-ministers competence. In the same line was Defence Minister, Baggelis Meimarakis, who said that regardless of climate the government has undertaken commitment to materialize its policy.

Satisfaction at PASOK

PASOK party has expressed satisfaction at recent gallops results, however, it keeps low tones. In an interview with NET 105.8, Haris Kastanidis said it is a mere gallop, PASOK continues adhering to its program. Sylvana Rapti said that PASOK is trying to consolidate circumstances with seriuousness and responsibility and it is ready to rule the country.

In the meantime during his speech in Larissa, former Prime-minister, Kostas Simitis expressed support to economic measures announced by George Papandreou.

Yiannis Ragousis, secretary of PASOK National Council expressed the view for an imminent government reshuffle saying that the government makes selections that provoke public feeling, adding that a government provokes when resignations come in the aftermath of gallops.

Translated by Chrisanthi Sarantis

[02] Turmoil Continues

By Dimitris Alexopoulos

The worst has been averted. World relief followed the decision of the US Central Bank to channel cash to AIG and save it from bankruptcy. However, turmoil continues in the international Markets, while Banks are trying to find effective ways to combat the crisis. Moscows two Stock Markets stopped transactions after sales reached a peak, while giant companies are announcing mergers to fight the economic tsunami. Tycoon George Soros argues that the storm has just begun.

On a relative development, Morgan Stanley is examining the possibility to merge due to the present situation in the Markets and due to the fact that its share dropped yesterday by 10.8%. It shares have dropped since the beginning of the year by 46%.

Sharp Drop

Although turmoil continues in the international Markets, The Athens Stock Exchange rose by 0.83%, closing at 2,957.92 points. Moscows two Stock Markets stopped operating due to a sharp drop for the third consecutive day.

Meanwhile, oil prices have begun their upward trend. US crude reached 95 dollars per barrel, Brent 91.75 and the euro-dollar exchange rate reached 1.42 dollars.

Translated by John Crystallidis

Related News:

Signs of Recovery

[03] Wrangling on Vatopedi Continues

Sources: ���, ��� 105.8, �NA-�PA

The wrangling on Vatopedi monastery continues. Meanwhile, PASOK Secretary Giannis Ragousis has asked for the protection of public property and Sanidas illation through legislation. In parallel, SYRIZA (Coalition of the Radical Left) has asked in Parliament for the abolishment of four laws- two of PASOK and two of the ND party- on the Churchs tax-exemption. Government spokesman Theodoros Roussopoulos reiterated that those who will decide will not be the ministers but the State Legal Committee. He also said that the government wishes to facililate Justice in its investigation. Meanwhile, the Prosecutor has asked SYRIZAs Parliamentary spokesman G. Dragasakis to testify at a prelimenary examination on Vatopedi monastery.

Translated by John Crystallidis

[04] 60 Years Old Arrested for Raping Two Children

Local society of Achaia is shocked by the case of the rape of two children from Albania by their 60 years old neighbor in Zavlani of Patra. According to the tragic evidence, their mother knew what was going on as she was exchanging her silence with material goods. The culprit will testify tomorrow while the childrens mother is imprisoned before trial as her claims that she knew nothing about the case were not credible.

Translated by Sofia Gartziou

[05] In Thessaloniki

17 ��� 2008 12:03:00

Sources: ���

A 45 years old man planned a death ambush for his separated wife killing her in front of his sons eyes. After that, the murderer committed suicide in his car driving to Tesalloniki-Kilkis avenue. The crime took place in Ano Ilioupoli, Thessaloniki. Neighbors reported that the couple had frequent fights.

Translated by Sofia Gartziou

[06] Not a Deadly Disease

17 ��� 2008 11:46:00

Urinary incontinence is not a deadly disease but an annoying one, that affects the quality of life of the patients, changes their social and sexual behavior and can lead to isolation and serious psychological problems. Urologist Charilaos Katsifiotis reached that conclusion on the occasion of the information campaign organized by the Hellenic Urologist Association in the framework of the European Week of Urology. Information material was available and was distributed in both Athens and Piraeus stands. A big part of the population of this country, taking into consideration that about 32% of people aged between 20 and 60 years old, present some kind of urinary incontinence incident and the percentage rises to 36% in people more than 60, Mr. Katsifiotis added.

Translated by Sofia Gartziou

[07] ClassroomsInteractive

17 ��� 2008 11:18:00

Sources: �NA

Computers are not further considered innovation following rapid developments in the application of high technology in the field of education. Smart desks, reminding of science fiction, is the new wave of high technology in classrooms. Schools are set for a Star Trek make-over thanks to the development of the worlds first interactive classroom by experts at Durham University. Researchers at the Technology-Enhanced Learning Research Group (TEL) are designing new learning environments using interactive multi-touch desks that look and act like a large version of an Apple iPhone. The team observed how students and teachers interact in classes and how Information Communications technology (ICT) could improve collaboration. They then set about designing an interactive classroom solution called SynergyNet to reflect TELs aims of achieving active student engagement and learning by sharing, problem-solving and creating. SynergyNet will integrate ICT into the fabric of the classroom. The new desk with a multi-touch surface will be the central component; the desks will be networked and linked to a main smartboard offering new opportunities for teaching and collaboration. Several students will be able to work together at a desk as the desks allow simultaneous screen contact by multiple users using fingers or pens. Durham researchers want to create a natural way for students to use computers in class. The system encourages collaboration between students and teachers, and a move away from teacher-centric learning. The researchers aim to transform teaching, learning and to engage hard to reach learners, with special needs support, more motivating ways of learning, and more choice about how and where to learn. Their vision is that every desk in British schools in 10 years time will be interactive.

Translated by Chrisanthi Sarantis

[08] Conference on Role of Ports

In his speech at the opening of the conference examining the role of ports as gates for land transport, Merchant Marine Minister, Anastasis Papaligouras underlined the special importance of ports for transport and economic development. He also said that Merchant Marine Ministry has placed special weight on the modernization of ports and their infrastructure because of their major role for the development of sea trade and prosperity of residents of islands as well as for the promotion of cooperation between countries. The conference is organized under the auspices of the UN economic committee and the Merchant Marine Ministry and it is attended by 56 countries.

Translated by Chrisanthi Sarantis

[09] OSE and Suburb Railway Closed

By

OSE and Suburb railway routes stop today due to strikes. Doukissis Plakedias metro line to the airport will not be closed today while employees in Metro have announced a 4 hours strike from 12:00 to 14:00. In Rio-Antirio bridge, traffic will be interrupted shortly due to construction works.

Translated by Sofia Gartziou

[10] Israelis Pick New Kadima Leader

Nearly 74,000 members of Israels governing Kadima party have been going to the polls since Wednesday morning to elect Olmerts successor. Foreign Minister Tzipi Livni and Transport Minister Shaul Mofaz are the front-runners among those running to head the party and earn Premiership. Voting started at 10am (local time) and is expected to conclude in 12 hours time. Initial results are due out around midnight, while the final ones in the early hours of Thursday. Livni, 50, is expected to claim an easy victory. Mofaz, on his part, is convinced he will win the elections. The other two hopefuls are Public Security Minister Avi Dichter and Interior Minister Meir Sheetrit. The two hope they will garnered more than 6% of the ballot, so that there will be a runoff vote.

The hopeful to earn the election will replace Kadima leader and Prime Minister Ehud Olmert, who announced in July he would step down amid public uproar over a string of graft investigations that could lead to criminal charges against him.

The new party leader will try to form a new coalition government. If not, snap elections will be called by March 2009, a year prior to the scheduled ones.

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