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The Hellenic Radio (ERA): News in English, 08-12-08The Hellenic Radio (ERA): News in English Directory - Previous Article - Next ArticleFrom: The Hellenic Radio (ERA) <www.ert.gr/>CONTENTS[01] Condemnation and ReactionsGovernment spokesman Evangelos Antonaros denounced all forms of violence and extreme behaviour, stressing however that the behaviour of some individuals is not representative of the majority of Greek citizens. PASOK (Socialists) President George Papandreou said the 15yo was murdered, calling on all civilians to protest peacefully on Tuesday against violence. In parallel, KKE (Communist Party of Greece) Secretary General Aleka Papariga described the boy's death a murder, while SYRIZA (Coalition of the Radical Left) Parliamentary Group head Alekos Alavanos held responsible the Interior Minister for the uncontrolled police violence. LAOS (Popular Orthodox Rally) President George Karatzaferis from his side, asked the setting up of an inter-party committee to discover the causes of reciprocal violenceAlthough he denounced the recent incidents, the government spokesman refused to comment on the police's actions, adding that some had as an objective to spread disaster. As for the opposition, he said that some should have condemned the incidents and the destruction of property. He also stated that the government denounces the young boy's death, adding that it also denounces the conduct of policemen whose actions do not befit their mission. Foreign Minister Dora Bakoyannis also denounced the student's death, adding that the culprits should be punished. She also denounced social violence and the destruction of property. The PASOK leader spoke of murder, accusing the government of refusing to assume its responsibilities, the KKE Secretary General described the student's death a murder. Mr Alavanos held responsible the Interior Minister responsible for the hooded youngsters' blind violence Mr Karatzaferis from his side demanded the setting up of an inter-party committee to discover the roots of reciprocal violence, expressing in parallel h is grief and bitterness over the boy's death. He also denounced the violent incidents. GSEE also denounced the student's death, calling all to participate in Wednesday's rally. ADEDY denounced the guards' conduct, announcing that it civil servants will stage a three-hour strike tomorrow in cities where rallies are being held. News item: 16448 [02] Pictures of Destruction after the RiotsA few days before Christmas and as businessmen try to boost their already shaken market by the financial crisis market the news of the massive destructions caused by the riots was a fresh strike. Many shops have been totally or partially destroyed while the prefecture's crews managed to collect breakages and to open the road in Athens city center.According to destruction toll, more than 130 businesses have been totally destroyed in the city center. The president of Business Union Mr. Panagis Karelias in his press conference asked for suspension of protestations because as he added "some unidentified but already known take the change to act". News item: 16445 [03] No leniency in Attributing BlameThose responsible for the death of 15-year-old Alexis Andreas Grigoropoulos will receive the punishment they deserve, Prime Minister Costas Karamanlis underlined on Monday, condemning extreme behaviors that involve the destruction of properties of fellow citizens. The premier went on to express his very deep anguish at the loss of the 15-year-old: "I know that nothing can assuage the pain; life is the supreme boon and its loss cannot be replaced". In statements after a meeting with Finance Minister George Alogoskoufis, Karamanlis said that he had asked Alogoskoufis to do his utmost to compensate those who suffered damages in the riots.Karamanlis repeated that the state would not tolerate any leniency in attributing blame and ensuring that those responsible received the punishment they deserved. Karamanlis charged, however, that extremist elements were taking advantage of the event and were proving through their violent behaviour that their only goal was destruction. He noted that the government's obligation was to protect society as a whole, stressing that the things done in response to the tragic event could not be tolerated. "The state will protect the citizens," he underlined.He also emphasised that the state will do everything in its power to prevent such an event occurring again. News item: 16442 The Hellenic Radio (ERA): News in English Directory - Previous Article - Next Article |