The Hellenic Radio (ERA): News in English, 05-04-16

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

CONTENTS

[01] Rousopoulos and Athanasakis clash Reshuffle Reports Denied

By Annita Paschalinou

A categorical denial has come from the government regarding reports of a reshuffle. "There is no need for a reshuffle, and it is not going to take place," stated the Minister for Development Dimitris Sioufas after his meeting with the Prime Minister. He expressed doubts as to why the matter continually returns to the headlines considering that it is denied the next day. "The government is proceeding under the guidelines of the Prime Minister," he added, stressing that the government is progressing well and dynamically. Reshuffle reports were also denied by government spokesman Mr Rousopoulos, who commented on the results of an opinion poll by Metron Analysis, conducted on behalf of Ethnos tis Kiriakis newspaper.

Metron Analysis Opinion Poll

In the opinion poll by Metron Analysis for Ethnos tis Kiriakis, the difference between ND and PASOK stands at 1.4%.

In voter intention, ND receives 36.1% against 34.7 for PASOK, 6.9% for KKE, 3.3% for SYN and 3.7% for LAOS. 9.2% of interviewees respond that they are undecided, while 5% state that they would not vote.

On the question of suitability as prime minister, Kostas Karamanlis leads with 39.9% against 31.3% for George Papandreou.

The government spokesman commented on the opinion poll.

As the Minister stated, it is "very important for the government to continue to lead t a time when it has been forced to take measures that were not especially popular in order to contend with the economic problems it inherited from PASOK."

He added that this shows that ND has won the trust of Greek citizens.

"We looked citizens in the eye with honesty and spoke to them of our two-year plan, at the end of which we will have achieved things that have never been achieved in the past. All these efforts are the base of a better future," he stated.

Athanasakis Response

Nikos Athanasakis responded to the statements from the government spokesman.

"The ND government and Mr Karamanlis are reaping the reward for their mistaken policies, their inconsistencies, their unreliable actions and their incompetence," underlined PASOKs Press spokesman, noting that the opinion poll records a sharp decline in the ND government, rejecting what has been said up to now, that ND is losing, but PASOK is not winning.

Opinion Poll

Earlier, Thodoros Rousopoulos denied reports of a reshuffle, and responded to the attack by PASOK Press spokesman Nikos Athanasakis, who stated: "with or without a reshuffle, the government will continue to have the same problems and create the same and worse problems for citizens."

"The New Democracy government continues to solve the problems left behind by irresponsible PASOK policies," stressed Mr Rousopoulos, adding: "With vision and the aim to lift Greece even higher, with security and consensus and above all responsibility for the next generations, we are leading our country to a sure future."

Translated by Millie Williams

[02] Government States: "No Surprises" Dialogue Over Insurance and Labour

By Annita Paschalinou

The government made it clear that the changes in insurance and labour will be made through dialogue with EU counterparts. "The government wants the consensus and the involvement of all relevant bodies," stated Giorgos Alogoskoufis after his meeting with the PM, underlining that all the proposals will be evaluated by the Economic and Social Committee and by Parliament where a dialogue will take place. He added that the dialogue will be long term and will lead to immediate initiatives and solutions. At the same time GSEE President Christos Polizogopoulos stated that he strongly opposes overturns and regressing to a medieval-like labour state.

"Do Not Accept Changes in Acquits"

"The workers union will not accept changes in acquits," underlined Christos Polizogopoulos and noted that any possible abolishment of the 8-hour working day will be a cause for war.

Making reference to the change in compensation and over time, he noted that if the government, with a bill, changes the status quo, then it one-sidedly intervenes and changes the Collective Contract of social partners, a fact that is banned from the European and National law.

He added that such a development will create a social and political problem for free negotiations and the respect of the collective work contracts.

"This adjustment, in combination with the change of working hours leads to the abolishment of the eight-hour working day, which constitutes the biggest acquit of the previous century for the employees and the unions and no one can argue with that."

Insurance As far as the social insurance is concerned, he stated that this is a serious problem and GSEE cannot be indifferent, while he spoke of a symbolic contribution of high income towards the social security foundations.

When asked to comment of the above proposal, Giorgos Alogoskoufis mentioned that all the proposals will be evaluated by the Economic and Social Committee while a dialogue between the parties in Parliament will also take place.

Alavanos: "You will find us against you."

Earlier, the President of SYN, Mr Alavanos also referred to the insurance issue, speaking from the podium of the party convention.

Mr Alavanos stressed that SYN would be against any measure that affected the public nature of social security, that made the length of the working day "flexible" and that overturned labour rights fought for and won by workers.

He added that in the context of overturning workers rights, dialogue will not only take place in Parliament, but also on the street, just as under PASOK.

Panagiotopoulos Explains

Minister of Employment, Panos Panagiotopoulos made clear that the existing issues such as dismissal and the abolishment of low wages in working relations will not change. Earlier, Deputy Minister of Employment, Gerasimos Giakoumatos answering to Mr Polizogopoulos stated there is no issue of changing the 8-hour working day.

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

Related News:

PM Meets with Sioufas and Alogoskoufis

[03] After Valinakis briefed Impromptu Summit EU Intervenes on FYROM's Name

By Annita Paschalinou

Within the next few days, a delegation from the EU will go to Skopje in order to discuss the issue of the name with the government of the country. This was announced by Deputy Foreign Minster Mr Valinakis from Luxemburg, where he attended the impromptu summit meeting of EU Foreign Ministers. Mr Valinakis briefed the ministers on the Nimitz proposal, and the latest developments in the issue of the name. The European partners voiced their support for a mutually acceptable solution in the context of the United Nations.

Name in Council for General Affairs

Mr Valinakis indirectly linked the European prospects of FYROM with finding a solution to the issue of the name.

"FYROM is knocking at the door of the EU, and the latter is preparing its response to Skopje," he said pointedly.

At the same time, he prepared the ground for the discussion of the name in the pending meeting of the Council of General Affairs and Foreign Relations on 25-26 April.

The impromptu nature of the Summit gave Mr Valinakis the opportunity to inform the European Foreign Ministers on Greek-Turkish relations, peaking with the recent visit by Petros Molyviatis to Ankara and the processes in Greece to ratify the Constitutional Treaty.

Also discussed during the Foreign Ministers Summit were the relations of the EU with the southern Caucasus, Belarus, the countries of the Mediterranean, the Middle East and China.

Translated by Millie Williams

[04] Against the Japanese Outbreak of Violence in China

By Vivian Papastefanou

Violent protests against Japan have broken out in many Chinese towns. In Shanghai, hundreds of enraged protesters attacked the Japanese Consulate with rocks and other objects, while they caused extensive damage to Japanese stores. Also, around 2,000 Chinese took the streets in the town of Tianjin, in northern China, in order to protest over Japans recent actions that affect Chinese-Japanese relations, stated new agency Xinhua. The Japanese Embassy in Peking asked from the Chinese government to put an end to the violence. On Sunday, Japanese Foreign Minister, Nobutaka Machimura will visit Peking and will complain to his Chinese counterpart, Li Zhaoxing over the outbreak of violence against the Japanese. It is reminded, that the Chinese are protesting over the review of Japanese history books and Japans decision to allow exploration for natural gas in a disputed sea area.

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

[05] Aiming to reorganise the party SYN's Convention

By Annita Paschalinou

SYNs two-day organisation and charter convention began today at the Peace and Friendship Stadium. Points under discussion relate to the operation of inner-party trends, the method of electing the party president and the term in office of MPs and MEPs. In his speech, the President of the party, Alekos Alavanos, referred to political developments and launched an attack on the government over the insurance question and the way it has dealt with national issues. He also spoke extensively about the issue of contract-workers.

Alavanos' Speech

Speaking about the insurance issue, the president of SYN said: "the governments official opening of the insurance question comes at a time when its economic policy is fast worsening the quality of life of workers." He accused the government of "class choices."

Referring to the issue of contract workers, he described the speech before the Supreme Administration Court, which proposed that the Presidential Decree should be rejected, as provocative, and underlined that SYN will not accept that contract-workers be held hostage again, whether this should be caused by political or judicial powers.

At the same time, he stated that the government was lacking in strategy and direction in foreign policy matters.

Especially with regard to FYROM, he stated that his party supports a stable and mutually accepted solution of a composite name, without unclear points that could cause friction and tension in the future.

Referring to Greek-Turkish relations, he was reserved, as despite he good climate between the two countries, Turkeys doubts are persistent and stable.

He even asked the government for a serious political reaction to the provocations, as well as clarification of airspace and the issue of referral to the Hague.

Party Reshuffle

At SYNs convention, issues arising are those of inner-party operation and the method of electing a party president, while ways to reinforce party democracy will also be examined. Kostas Poulakis, rapportur for the Charter Committee at SYNs convention, proposed a system of majority vote to elect SYNs president by the Central Political Committee, the institution of a Secretary of the Central Political Committee, upgrading of the political role of members and renewal of elected members of Synaspismos. Among other things, this proposal presupposes that the Central Political Committee will have the possibility o exchange MEPs midway through their terms, as long as this has been predecided before the preliminary party elections.

Translated by Millie Williams

[06] Interior Minister notes Contract Workers Solution EU Compatible

By Vivian Papastefanou

The Ministry of the Interior expressed the conviction that the Supreme Administration Court (SAC) will provide a definitive solution to the problem of the contract workers. This will be in combination with the Constitution and EU guidelines on providing permanent contracts within EU legislation. The statement came after rapporteurs spoke to the SAC regarding the matter. Besides this, referring to articles in todays Press which prejudge SAC rulings, the Ministry speaks of deception and misinformation and notes hat despite the pessimistic predictions, Presidential Decree 164 of 2004 has gone through all significant tests both at the European Union level and the court level, such as the Plenary Session of the Board of Controls.

Translated by Millie Williams

[07] Walkover in Nea Smirni

By Dimitris Alexopoulos

The presence of the new owner of Iraklis, Dimitris Houlis at the stadium in Nea Smirni brought good luck to the team from Thessaloniki. The team went to Athens for a victory, and started strongly in the game. Sporadically playing very well, they got what they had come for. They are now a hairs breadth away from a sixth win, which could take them to the UEFA Cup. The 1-2 for the Thessaloniki team put an end to a negative series that all four teams in Thessaloniki had suffered in their trips to the capital this year. This was the first win this season for a Thessaloniki team in Athens. The scorers for Savvas Kofidis team were Lagos in 14, and Epale with a penalty in 36, while the Nea Smirni team, who from 36 were down to ten men, as Vlcek was sent off, temporarily equalized in 24, with Breska. Immediately after the match, Giorgos Vazakas announced his resignation. "The target of Europe was lost today, and as coach I take responsibility," he stated in the Press conference, putting himself off the team.

Control and Goals

Iraklis showed their intentions from the start, and before the first 15 minutes of the game were up, with an mazing shot by Lagos from 30 metres, the score opened. Panionios tried to react, and in 20, Breska tried to shoot from a good position, but Ambaris blocked it, but in 24, the same player came in from the right and scored, 1-1.

This score only lasted for 12 minues. In 36, Vlcek stopped Lagos shot with his hands. Referee Koukoulakis immediately pointed at the penalty spot and sent he Panionios defender off. Epale took the penalty, scoring, 2-1.

In the second half, Iraklis kept control of the game and even had the opportunity to score a third goal, with Papapostolou in 50, but he failed o send the ball into the nets with a header from close up, with Lagos in 58, but the shot was blocked by Drobni, with Fortuzi in 66, but the shot just went out, and with Epale in 72, an attempt to shoot was blocked by Panionios goalkeeper.

The guest team dominated till the end, the hosts did not manage to put up a fight, and so the score stayed at 2-1, bringing Iraklis closer to Europe.

Referee: Koukoulakis (Iraklio)

Red Cards: 36 Vlcek

Yellow Cards: Tziolis, Makos, Domoro, Epale, Schnauzner

PANIONIOS: Drobni, Galanopoulos (63 Domoro), Vlcek, Smilianic, Tsiolis, Tziolis, Makos, Breska, Goundoulakis (52 Zimonic), Mesaros (46 Mantzios), Nalitzis.

IRAKLIS: Ambaris, Papazacharias, Poursanidis (80 Keita), Schnauzner, Segiri, Lagos, Ioannou, Fortuzi (77 K. Kapetanos), Epale, Mitchell, Papapostolou (90 Stefanis).

Translated by Millie Williams

[08] Panathinaikos Wins First of Five

By Vasilis Kalpinos

After the victory in the match against Olympiacos, the greens and Alberto Malesani said that they must "continue in the same way and take the five coming finals to win the title." They have done so, with the first step their win against Ergotelis, 1-3, after a great performance. On the other hand, the Cretan team have stayed in second to last place in the rankings and risk relegation. The goals for the winners were scored by Gekas (25), Konstantinou (53) and Gonzales (75), while Sila originally equalized for Ergotelis (44).

One by One

A great first half. This is all that can be said for it. From the first minute, the two opponents showed that, each for different reasons, they would go for victory. This was immediately obvious, as in just 2 the greens lost their first good chance, with Minh sending a great pass to Gekas, but he did not kick it strongly and Haniotakis "cleaned" it up. The Cretans answered directly, when Ogunsoto was in the goal area, but he shot weakly and Galinovic easily blocked it.

From then on, the ball went up and down, with Panathinaikos missing another chance in 15, when Gekas passed to Konstantinou, who took the header, but Haniotakis was again in position. However, what the Cypriot was unable to do was achieved in 25 by the Greek striker. After a good effort and Papadopoulos pass, the green international striker left his normal position and got past Ergotelis goalkeeper, scoring 0-1.

The greens with Gekas missed out on two more chances, but the goal finally came from the host team. In 44, Sila made an amazing personal effort, and with a shot from the lefthand side he left no room for Galinovic to react, taking the score to 1-1, which was the score for the first half. In fact, for the Croatian, this was the first goal he had received after 674 minutes of keeping his goal untouched, and he is now in 10th position in the lift of the most successful goalkeepers.

Michalakis and Eki

Malesanis team started out strongly in the second half. In 53, the greens got ahead again in the score, with Konstantinou. It started out from Gekas, who came in from the side, and the Cypriot, who is always in the right place, got past Haniotakis and scored 1-2.

The pace of the game dropped somewhat, as the green changes in 55 with Konstantinidis on in place of Minh and Haralambidis replacing Papadopoulos, the tension decreased slightly. Despite this, the guest team had he reins and created more opportunities, although without result. In 70, Eergotelis, who had not done anything in the second half, tried to score again. Sila came in nicely from the side, giving the ball to Ogunsoto, who was opposite Galinovic, he sot, but the Croation saved the ball.

Panathinaikos, who with 1-2 did not feel secure, started intensifying efforts to score a third goal. They ultimately made it in 75, with Gonzales becoming scorer and settling the win. The Argentine footballer took the rebound, went past everyone in front of him and in the final effort shot and scored, 1-3.

Fom then until the end, nothing changed, although Ergotelis hit the post with Ogunsoto, and the greens took the victory and remain top of the rankings, regardless of tomorrows matches between AEK and Olympiacos.

Referee: Vassaras (Thessaloniki)

Red Cards: 89 Ikonomakis (2nd yellow card)

Yellow Cards: Dimitris, Kiliaras, Basinas

Line-ups

ERGOTELIS: Haniotakis, Falemi, Filekovic (74 Kiliaras), Ikonomakis, Spiridakis (63 Parvou), Dimitris, Masibuco, Soutzis (83 Tzanetis), Sila, Ado, Ogunsoto

PANATHINAKOS: Galinovic, Vintra (85 Maric), Minh (63 Konstantinidis), Morris, Kotsios, Goumas, Basinas, Gonzales, Papadopoulos (63 Haralambidis), Konstantinou, Gekas.

Translated by Millie Williams

[09] Rivaldo Goes to Kalamaria

By Dimitris Alexopoulos

The doctors at Olympiacos today confirmed what they had said yesterday, that Rivaldo will be able to play in Kalamaria. Today the Brazilian ace trained as normal, without feeling any pain, and Dusan Bajevic has included him in the line-up for Olympiacos. On Friday, the football wizard had felt pain and had left training as a precaution. The 18 footballers chosen by Bajevic for tomorrows match are: Nikopolidis, Giannou, Mavrogenidis, Pantos, Vallas, Kostoulas, Anatolakis, Schurrer, Stoltidis, Maric, Taralidis, Georgatos, Djordjevic, Rivaldo, Giovani, Castillo, Filippakos and Dacol. Out of the team are Pantelis Kafes, who is suffering from health problems, and Giannakis Okkas, who has received four yellow cards.

Translated by Millie Williams

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