The Hellenic Radio (ERA): News in English, 08-10-15

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

CONTENTS

[01] Ups and Downs

15 ��� 2008 09:09:00

Sources: NET 105.8

US President George Bush will discuss with his French counterpart Nicolas Sarkozy and Commission President Jos&#233; Manuel Barroso the latest developments on the global financial crisis and the measures taken to combat it. The White House announced the meeting will be held at Camp David. Meanwhile, despite the injection of US$250 billion to Banks by the state, Wall Street sustained 0.82% losses Tuesday evening. At the same time, Mr Bush stated that it would take time until the governments efforts bore fruit. As for Asian markets, they are recording losses today, with Nikkei dropping by 1%, one day after the 14.2% rise, the highest recorded in its history. Hang Seng in Hong Kong is also suffering a 2.26% drop after yesterdays 14% rise. Markets in Seul, Sydney, Shangai and Taipei are also sustaining losses. In the meantime, due to the food crisis expected to threaten the developing world, it has been announced in Manila that the World Bank would pour US$10 billion to Asian countries as aid to help them combat the crisis. On the contrary, the European markets, as well as the Athens Stock Exchange recorded gains. The General Share Price Index rose by 2.20%. The American Central Bank believes that the development rate of the American economy in the first trimester of 2008 will be zero and by the end of the year is expected to be lower.

Translated by John Crystallidis

[02] Karamanlis Visits Brussels

Sources: ��� 105.8

Prime Minister Kostas Karamanlis, who is leaving today for Brussels, will attend the sessions of the European Council on Wednesday and Thursday Meanwhile, the government committee is presently holding a meeting on the plan for the support of the Greek monetary system. The EU Summit Meeting will examine the next steps it will take to combat the financial crisis, with the "27" expected to approve the eurozone countrys measures. After the sessions of the European Council conclude, the PM will visit Frankfurt, where he will meet with the President of the European Central Bank Jean-Claude Trichet on Friday.

Mr Karamanlis will arrive in Brussels at 15:30 and attend the first session at 16:30. At 20:00, h e will attend a working dinner hosted to leaders. He will attend the second session at 10:00 and then make statements to the Media. At 16:30, Thursday he will leave Brussels and at 15:20 he will arrive in Frankfurt. At 10:30, Friday, he will meet with the President of the European Central Bank Jean-Claude Trichet.

Translated by John Crystallidis

[03] Heating Oil Distribution

Sources: NET

Heating oil distribution has begun today with its price starting from 0.68 cents, 10% higher than last season. Consumers should check market prices before their purchase as prices may vary and in some cases be 0.15 cents up. In 2007, Brent was sold at US$84.3 per barrel and the price of heating oil ranged from 0.63-0.64 cents per litre. This year, Brent is sold at US$80.6 per barrel and the price of heating oil varies from 0.63-0.64 cents. Meanwhile, the Consumers Institute has advised consumers to install natural gas heating system as this is 20% cheaper than the one using petrol.

Translated by John Crystallidis

[04] Djukanovic Defended Kosovo's Recognition

In an interview with Belgrade radio station B92, Montenegro Prime-minister, Milo Djukanovic described his countrys recognition of Kosovo as the result of a sober policy although he knew that it would draw Serbias condemnation. Mr. Djukanovic underlined that he was determined not to be influenced by any reactions beyond Montenegro. He also added that Montenegro government had not recognized Kosovo earlier because it considered it as "most delicate issue" for Montenegro whose aim was to have friendly neighborly relations with Serbia, Albania and Kosovo. The issue of Kosovo recognition was carefully balance up to the moment that the government realized that any further delay would mean "political blindness", said Mr. Djukanovic.

Translated by Chrisanthi Sarantis

[05] British Justice Ministry to Sack 10,000

The British government is expected to announce the sacking of 10,000 Justice Ministry employees, within the framework of the more cuts in the state budget, in an attempt to combat the economic crisis, writes The Times.

However, a ministry spokesman stated that although no decision had been taken on cutsbacks in the state budget amounting to one billion sterling pounds, no final decisions had been taken on the sacking of employees. He also added that the only departments that will be probably hit are those of logistics, management and accounting.

As per The London Times, the government is planning to cutback 900 million sterling pounds from the ministrys budget, amount which corresponds to the sacking of about 10,000 employees. It also reports that this development may force 100 courts in Britain to stop operating.

Translated by John Crystallidis

[06] Seven Killed by Collapsed Building in Uganda

Seven people have been killed when a building under construction in Kampala, Uganda collapsed. Rescue teams have been working all night to remove mud and debris from the building. The building belonged to the NSSF. Rescue teams believe there are living people trapped in the debris. Last days storms may have caused ground erosion around the foundations of the building, which collapsed burying underground workers. Until now two people have been rescued from the collapsed building.

Translated by John Crystallidis

[07] In Thessaloniki

15 ��� 2008 09:32:00

Sources: ��� 105.8, �NA

Two armed men killed a jewelry salesman in Thessaloniki this morning. They shot and killed the victim after he refused to hand out his bag with the jewelry. The two killers escaped with the jewelry bag. Police have launched a manhunt to arrest the murderers.

Translated by Chrisanthi Sarantis

[08] Bulge in Attacks in Afghanistan

By Nasos Bratsos

Sources: ANA, AFP

Chief United Nations envoy to Afghanistan Kai Eide made "gloom and doom" predictions for Afghanistan at the UN Security Council , stressing that July and August had been marked by the highest number of violent incidents since 2002. "Attacks have risen by 40%, compared to 2007", he said, adding that he expects the number of violent incidents to rise. He also reported that the Taliban are now using modern tactics of unconventional war. However, Eide highlighted improving relations between Afghanistan and Pakistan and the drop of opium production by 19%. Finally, he proposed a political solution for Afghanistan instead of military one.

Translated by John Crystallidis

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