The Hellenic Radio (ERA): News in English, 05-04-13

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

CONTENTS

[01] Aiming to Attract Commuters Cheaper Tram Fares

By Annita Paschalinou

The price of tram tickets for the Syntagma-Faliro line dropped from 60 to 45 cents today. The Transport Ministry also announced that the bus line that was running on the same route was abolished, since the tram is quicker. The new measures aim to make trams more attractive to commuters. Actually within this context, special programmes will be implemented in May, including the motto "Lets go to the Beach", in an effort to promote the tram line and make more people use this means of transport to get to the beach during summer.

More Suburban Railway Stations

At the same time, the Transport Ministry is examining the possibility of increasing the number of Suburban Railway (Proastiakos) stations, in order to meet the increased demand.

It is already considering the construction of a station in Zefyri, for which funds are needed, while Michalis Liapis met with Zefyris mayor to discuss the matter.

New Proastiakos Line in June

Earlier today, the Transport Minister was briefed on the progress of works for the Suburban Railway by the administrations of Proastaikos, OSE and ERGOSE.

He was informed that the construction of the Athens-Corinth line is within the set timeframe, while he was assured that it would start operating for the public in June.

Translated by Vicky Ghionis

[02] Reforms With Consensus Dialogue Over Insurance and Labour Issues

By Betty Savourdou

Sources: NET - ANA

With a letter to the Speaker of Parliament Anna Psarouda Benaki, the Economy Minister asked for the assembly of the Standing Committee of Economic Affairs to review the insurance and labour structural reforms. Giorgos Alogoskoufis said the consensus of political parties and social partners is very important, as reforms are long-term and could even reach 20 years, announcing at the same time a meeting with GSEE (Greek General Confederation of Labour) tomorrow, whose stance he described as positive. PASOK declared that it would be participating in the discussion, but would not allow for any regulations at the expense of workers. KKE described the dialogue as a means of imposing harsher anti-labour measures, while SYN described it as a pretense. It should be noted that on Tuesday GSEE and other labour organisations stated they are in favour of the insurance system.

Together With Parties and Social Partners

As per Mr Alogoskoufis, he is in favour of a dialogue with political parties and social partners over the insurance system. There are, he said, issues that concern economy and society and "I consider that this process should continue." The minister added that the agenda of issues to be discussed should be drawn up with the other political parties and social partners.

Even though the minister said GSEE's stance is positive, he also underlined there is a change of course, because the Confederation thought the problem was solved with the previous government. Dialogue will have many stages, said the Minister, and repeated that dialogue will define all the parameters of the problem.

He also added that all studies concerning bank insurances will be revised and integrated in IKA (Social Insurance Foundation).

Mr Alogoskoufis noted that it would immature to solve the insurance problem in a short period of time, that several steps should be taken on a social and political level.

Answering relevant questions, the minister said that the Public Sector supports IKA completely, gives 1% of the GDP and any fund necessary to fill in the gaps.

Reactions by Opposition Parties

The Opposition parties made comments on the letter submitted today by the Economy Minister.

"The governments attempt to ask for consensus is an admission of its failed handlings so far," said Mr Venizeslo on behalf of PASOK. "After repeatedly denying that aggressive actions concerning insurance and labour issues were not included in its immediate plans, the government is now rushing to turn around GSEE and other social bodies initiatives, based on overturning neoliberal stereotypes and undocumented scaremongering with regard to the strength of the insurance system. Mr Alogoskoufis has already declared the matter as fiscal, without social sensitivity or growth prospects. That is why he suggested a discussion to the Economics Committee and not the Social affairs Committee," mentioned Mr Venizelos, while he added that the Opposition supported GSEEs initiatives.

KKE refused to participate in the dialogue, while in its announcement it noted, "No tolerance, no consent," and urged workers to give an immediate and decisive answer.

"SYN believes that the dialogue is a pretense, since its conclusion has already been decided by the way the government deals with the insurance issues of the Banks, the mass reduction in OTE employees at the expense of IKA and the people insured, as well as from its proposals on the extended trading hours for shops," declared SYNs Dimitris Stratoulis.

Translated by Sofia Soulioti

[03] Asked SYN Convocation of Foreign Policy Council

By Betty Savourdou

In an announcement issued by Synaspismos Political Secretariat, the partys President asked for the emergency convocation of the National Foreign Policy Council. As per Mr Alavanos, the Council should meet to discuss the latest developments on the issue with FYROMs name and the Greek-Turkish relations, as well as the developments in the Balkans and Kosovos regime. Furthermore, SYN urged the government to take the relevant initiatives.

In Favour of Composite Name

In his statement, Mr Alavanos voiced his grave concerns over the developments in Greeces foreign policy, while he spoke of a "Molyviatis-Gul affair." At the same time, he commented on "the provocative military presence of Turkey in Imia and within Andros shooting range," while he underlined that Mr Nimitzs letter contained some negative points that need to be discussed.

The partys Political Secretariat also referred to SYNs fixed stance in favour of a composite name, since it believes that FYROMs constitutional name would prevail should there be no compromise.

Translated by Vicky Ghionis

Related News:

Initiatives from Karamanlis

Talks with Provocations

[04] In Ramallah and Tel Aviv Deputy FM's Meetings for Jerusalem

By Annita Paschalinou

On Wednesday, Panagiotis Skandalakis had successive meetings with the Foreign Ministers of the Palestinian Authority and Israel in Ramallah and Tel Aviv respectively. His counterparts briefed the Greek Deputy FM on the latest developments concerning the Patriarchate of Jerusalem. Tomorrow Thursday, he will meet with the Jordanian Interior Minister Awni Yarvas to discuss the same matter. Mr Skandalakis was also briefed on the progress of the proceedings of the Palestinian Authority Experts Committee, which is probing into the Patriarchate. According to sources, the Committee is expected to issue its findings by the weekend. Earlier, however, and for the first time ever, the Jordanian Interior Minister met with the dissident hierarchs of the Jerusalem Patriarchate, Timotheos, Amvrosios and Chrysostomos.

Translated by Vicky Ghionis

Related News:

Greek Deputy FM in Ramallah

[05] American Hostage's Appeal

By Betty Savourdou

Sources: ANA

In a video aired on Wednesday by Qatars TV channel Al Jazeera, an American, who is being held hostage for the last two days following an armed operation, asked the USA to withdraw its troops from Iraq. Jeffrey Ake from Indiana, USA, who appeared holding up his passport as armed and masked insurgents stood at his side, also urged the US administration to open a dialogue with the Iraqi resistance, to save his life.

USA Will not Negotiate

Today, White House spokesman Scott McClellan said that American Jeffrey Ake was a top priority for the USA; however, he stressed that the USA will not negotiate with the abductors.

"Our position is well known when it comes to negotiating ... Obviously this is a sensitive matter and its a high priority for us," he declared.

Translated by Vicky Ghionis

[06] Hoping for Accession in January 2007 Green Light for Bulgaria and Romania

Sources: ANA

Following the European Parliament decision on Wednesday, Bulgaria and Romania are on the way to signing a Treaty of Accession on 25 April. In the case of Bulgaria, the MEPs voted in favour of its accession with 522 votes for, 70 against and 69 abstentions. With regard to Romania, 497 MEPs vote in favour, 93 against and 71 abstained. The two countries are hoping to accede in the EU on 1 January 2007.

Asking for Guarantees

The European Peoples Party did not ask for the postponement of the voting procedure, as it was claiming earlier, after securing guarantees concerning the economic impact of the accession of the two Balkan countries in the EU.

The Greens, however, insisted on their request to postpone the voting procedure, believing it would be better if it took place closer to the accession date.

The MEPs, though, denied the request for postponement.

Translated by Vicky Ghionis

[07] Xanthi Eyes the Final

By Stathis Petropoulos

Xanthi took a great step towards qualifying for the final of the Greek Cup in football, after defeating Aris by 2-1 in the latters home pitch, during the first match for the semifinals. The visitors started well and were superior in the first half, since they had many more opportunities to score. Finally, in the 31, Vozabal passed the ball to Maghradze, who kicked the goal. Earlier, in the 7 Xanthis Luciano had a great forward run, but his kick went wide, while in the 14, Lambriakos header was blocked by Pourliotopoulos. Up until the goal, Aris had nothing to show, but a kick by Kallimanis that was saved by Pizanovski, while following the goal, Xanthi was looking for a second to seal the match. Actually, it did achieve its target, but it Lambriakos was ruled offside and the goal was cancelled.

Aris Tried

In the second half, the home team entered the pitch looking revived and seemed willing to overturn the situation. In the 50, Kuemahas kick hit the post, while in the 53 Pizanovski saved a difficult shot by Sanhurho. In the 61, Papadimitriou knocked over Kuemaha and the referee awarded Aris a penalty, which Lazanas converted into a goal. After that the game became more fast-paced, resulting in man-to-man battles all over the pitch. Aris continued to dominate and in the 71 Nebegleras free kick hit the post. The home team continued to pressure, but in the 82, Kuemaha was shown a red card and had to leave the pitch. This resulted in Aris slowing down and in the 88 Kazakis kicked a second goal for Xanthi, making the score 2-1. This victory provides Xanthi with a great advantage towards qualifying for the final.

Referee: Zografos Red Cards: 82 Kouemaha Yellow Cards: Sanhurho, Papadopoulos, Kallimanis, Gogolos, Prittas, Papadimitriou, Kazakis

ARIS: Pourlotiopoulos, Papadopoulos, Gogolos, Naidos, Vangeli (46 Lazanas), Murawski, Nebegleras, Kallimanis, Sanhurho (87 Markomichalis), Ekwueme (76 Abelas), Kouemaha.

XANTHI: Pizanovski, Sikov, Zapropoulos, Maghradze, Papadimitriou, Prittas, Vozabal (89 Karabas), Baykara (62 Kazakis), Garpozis, Lambriakos, Luciano (79 Torosidis).

Translated by Vicky Ghionis

[08] Provides for 24 Amendments Justice Bill in Parliament

By Betty Savourdou

In a bill submitted to Parliament by the Justice Minister on Wednesday, the Greek Ministry of Justice aims for the quicker administration of justice, since some cases delay going to trial for years. The bill, which was given the green light by the competent government committee, includes 24 measures that provide for faster justice, reinforcing defenders rights and decongesting jails. "The time has come to disturb the waters of Greek justice, which have remained idle for years. With this bill, we are promoting changes, which will surely be felt and will comfort the citizens who are being hassled in court," declared Justice Minister Anastasis Papaligouras.

Quicker and Better Justice

The regulations include the release of prisoners with terms for misdemeanours and who have served at least 1/4 of a 2-year sentence or 1/3 of a longer sentence.

It is estimated that 1,700 people will be released with this measure.

Furthermore, it provides for setting a maximum time limit for trying lawsuits and appeals, a 2-year time limit for postponing cases in criminal courts, quicker divorce issuing procedures and decriminalising all public sector debts up to 2,000 euros.

Translated by Vicky Ghionis

Related News:

Justice Served Faster

Related Links:

Ministry of Justice

[09] Intense Checks Legumes of Unknown Origin

By Despina Hristopoulou

Sources: ANA - NET 105.8

As per the Consumers General Secretariat, almost 90% of legumes in the Greek market are imported, while the country of origin is not marked on the packaging. The Development Ministry announced that the Competitiveness Committee and EFET are continuing their checks, while sanctions will be imposed. It also urged any businesses not implementing the regulations to do so immediately, otherwise they would face legal consequences. As per the Ministry, irregularities were discovered in the following companies, whereby the country of origin did not appear on the packaging: Bazaar SA, Veroukas Afoi Argyrakoi AEVE, Trofino, Afoi Karageorgiou Aeve, 3 Alpha, Carrefour Marinopoulos SA, Veropoulos SA, Agrino AEVEE, Atlantic AEE and Arapina SA. The companies that follow the regulations are: Dia Hellas SA, Sklavenitis SA, AB Vasilopoulos and Trofo.

Translated by Vicky Ghionis

[10] Referred for Indictment Panteleimon Charged

By Anna Kourti

First Instance Prosecutor Eleni Sotiropoulou has brought charges against Attica Metropolitan Bishop Panteleimon for legalizing income from illegal activities. The charge was based on an amount of around 30,000 euros which he reportedly legalized from the Osios Efraim Monastery in Nea Makri. With a ruling the Appellate Council has committed the Metropolitan Bishop to trial for a similar case of legalizing income. The brief, which was put together today, for the legalization of the income, will be handed to an interrogator in order for the process of a main interrogation to commence.

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

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