The Hellenic Radio (ERA): News in English, 05-11-17

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

CONTENTS

[01] 32 Years After the Uprising

By Vagelis Theodorou

Despite the pouring rain and with mottos against the war and the education policy, some 7,000 protestors as per Police estimations honoured the 32nd anniversary of the Athens Polytechnic uprising. The three-day celebrations reached their peak with the customary march towards the American Embassy, which ended without any extensive violent incidents, as strong police forces were on alert. In the morning, hundreds of people gathered outside the historic site of the Athens Polytechnic to pay tribute to the fighters of Democracy, while wreaths were laid by the President of the Republic, a delegation of Parliamentarians led by Parliament Speaker Anna Psarouda Benaki, the PASOK National Council Secretary and SYNs President. In Thessaloniki, minor incidents were caused during the three marches, which ended outside the American Consulate.

Minor Episodes

Tension prevailed at the Aristotelio University in Thessaloniki, when a group of youths invaded the Theological School.

Protestors set rubbish bins on fire and threw Molotov cocktails against police officers, who were forced to answer back using tear gases and arrest two of them.

What is more, another group of people used pieces of wood to attack the guards of the Deanery and forced them to run away while the Senate was in session over the incidents. Even at this hour, protestors continue to clash with Police forces.

As per Public Order Minister Giorgos Voulgarakis, the Aristotelio University has particularities, which make it harder to guard in relation to the universities in Athens, while he clarified that the group of youths remained in the Theological School, which is under permanent occupation.

In Athens, the presence of 7,500 police officers seems to have prevented protestors from participating in violent incidents and the peaceful nature of the march was rarely disrupted.

Shortly before the beginning of the march, unknown men threw stones against the Police at Klathmonos square, while in the early afternoon a Molotov cocktail was launched in Stadiou Street.

What is more, a group of protestors threw stones and pieces of wood against the Embassy building, while when marching outside the French Embassy, they tossed eggs and paint, thus voicing their support to the rioters in France.

Since noon, the Police arrested 42 youths, 37 of whom were later released. Three of the remaining five will be brought before the Public Prosecutor for possessing knives, anaesthetic sprays and stones, while the other two are still questioned.

"This year's march was the calmest of recent years," stressed Mr Voulgarakis and congratulated police officers for their professionalism, method, coordination and adequacy, while he praised the excellent collaboration with the universities.

Tribute to Fighters

In the morning, hundreds of people gathered at the historic site of the Athens Polytechnic to lay flowers at the monument, which constitutes the symbol of sacrifice for defending Democracy.

President of the Republic Karolos Papoulias laid a wreath in memory of the Polytechnic fighters, stressing, "I am here, just like thousands of other citizens, to pay my respects and gratitude to those who took part in the uprising."

Earlier, Parliament Speaker Anna Psarouda Benaki and a delegation of MPs from all political parties, also laid a wreath to honour the heroes and underlined, "It is our duty to remember this anniversary, respecting its true meaning."

PASOK Secretary Mariliza Xenogiannakopoulou also laid a wreath, stressing that the message of the uprising signals the continuous fight for democracy, social solidarity and social justice.

SYN President Alekos Alavanos left some flowers on the monument of the fallen heroes and underlined that "History would sink in illiberality and injustice if there were no dreams, unity and youth uprising."

The Athens Polytechnic doors closed at 15:00 for the main event with speeches delivered by Dean Andreas Andreopoulos and President of the Exiled Prisoners Association Gotis Provatas.

"The memories of the dead heroes are alive and form the weapons of our people, giving them strength and pride," underlined Mr Andreopoulos, while Mr Provatas referred to the dark days of 1973 and caused sensation when he said the former US President Bill Clinton's apology "was not enough to cure the sufferings of our people."

The march started after the end of the ceremony and one hour later protestors were singing the National Anthem outside the American Embassy.

Anniversary With Strong Messages

Political parties issued announcements to refer to the message of the Polytechnic uprising anniversary.

"All the Greeks stand united to honour those who fought and sacrificed themselves for democracy, freedom and social justice. We unite our forces to their names, with eyes to the future and the generations to come, in order to answer to the demands of the present and the challenges of the future," said deputy government spokesperson Evangelos Antonaros, while briefing political reporters.

"The three words that mark the Polytechnic uprising, food-education-freedom, have constituted the framework of our people's demands," stressed PASOK in its announcement and concluded, "Over the past 32 years the Greek people achieved great goals. They saw their efforts come to life and take Greece to the heart of developments, Europe and the international stage, factor of peace and stability. They established a firm democracy and an open society."

As for KKE, it called the people to honour the 32 years since the Polytechnic uprising "by fortifying the anti-imperialist fight, resistance and counter-attack."

"The Polytechnic uprising is alive in the fights, present and future, for peace, social liberation, conquests, freedom and rights," said SYN in its announcement.

Translated by Sofia Soulioti

Related News:

Celebrations Culminate

[02] Investigation on the Causes of the Fire One Dead at Hotel Fire

By Vicky Keleri

Sources: NET - ANA

A senior citizen was the tragic victim of the big fire that broke out around 20:00 on Thursday afternoon at the Etoile Hotel on G Septemvriou street, at the heart of Athens. The unfortunate man was found burnt to death in the attic of the third floor, where he was trapped. As per the first information, the man was of Greek origin, aged 62, and had recently undergone eye surgery, a fact that prevented him from seeing, which was most probably the reason he failed to leave the building. The fire, which was put out shortly after 21:30, threatened the lives of the other four tenants of the hotel, foreigners in their majority. However, fire fighters acted quickly and removed them from the flaming building with safety. All four were taken to the Red Cross hospital with respiratory problems. Fire Service forces remain on site, while an investigation has been launched on the causes of the fire. As per the Fire Service, the fire is not in anyway linked to the Polytechnic uprising march.

Translated by Sofia Soulioti

[03] At the UN's World Summit on Information Society The World's Cheapest Laptop

By Despina Hristopoulou

A laptop for pupils, worth 100 dollars, was presented at the UNs World Summit on the Information Technology in Tunis. The green machine, as is its nickname, was developed by Greek Professor Nicholas Negreponte, head of MITs media lab, and aims at narrowing the technology gap between rich and poor. UN Secretary General Kofi Annan welcomed the new machine, stressing, "Children will be able to learn by doing, not just through instruction - they will be able to open up new fronts for their education, particularly peer-to-peer learning." The small laptop has very low power consumption and can be used as a conventional computer, as an electronic book, as a games console and as a TV. What is more, it can easily download fonts from various languages and it is very easy to use. The green machines have a rubber casing to make them sturdier, a 500MHz processor and flash memory instead of a hard drive, which has more delicate moving parts. They are also equipped with four USB ports, while they link up to the shared network "mesh networking."

Aimed at Narrowing Digital Gap

Professor Negreponte stressed that this original machine fulfils many roles, adding that studies showed that children take up computers very easily, regardless of the country they live in and their standard of living.

For this reason and wanting to give children in developing countries the chance to have modern education by narrowing the digital gap, he established the non-profit organisation "One Laptop Per Child," in order to sell the laptops to developing nation governments.

Mass production of green machines will start in February, but will only be distributed in developing countries. For a government to take part in the programme, it would have to place a minimum order of one million machines. So far, many governments have taken interest, as well as many companies such as Google and media mogul Rupert Murdoch. A potential collaboration with other companies could lead to releasing the green machines in the market at some point in the future.

Professor Negreponte stressed the programme will initially be launched in cooperation with six countries in the Arab world, Asia, Sub-Saharan Africa and Latin America.

Translated by Sofia Soulioti

Read the story on other sources:

BBC: UN debut for $100 laptop for poor

Related Links:

World Summit on the Information Society

$100 Laptop

[04] Commission's Report is Favourable Greek Indexes Deemed Positive

By Athina Saloustrou

The European Commission released on Thursday its forecasts on the EU Member-States economic figures for 2005-2007. With regard to the Greek economy, the EU praised the governments efforts aiming towards fiscal adjustment, while it urged for additional structural measures. The Greek economy has embarked on an upward course believed to go undisturbed in the years to come, however, it has difficulties in reducing the fiscal deficit. At the same time, unemployment rates and inflation are to improve. The European Commissions report on the course of the Greek economy also expects this years Public deficit to drop to 3.7%, but it will be fixed at 3.8% for the 2006-2007 period. Regarding the growth rates, which are the highest within the Eurozone, they are to close at 3.5% for 2005, while they are to fall to 3.4% for 2006 and 2007.

Public Debt and Inflation Reduced

The Greek Ministry of Economy issued an announcement clarifying that the aforementioned forecasts did not take into account the temporary non-tax earnings catered for by the 2006 budget which is to be submitted to Parliament on Monday. The budgets figures proving the cuts in public spending and the improvement of regular earnings as a result of the effort to eradicate tax evasion were not taken into account either.

The European Commission expects the Greek public debt to close at 107.9% of the GDP for 2004 and fall to 106.8% for 2006 and 106% for 2007. Inflation is also expected to fix at 3.5% for 2005 and drop to 3.1% for 2006 and 3% for 2007. On the issue of unemployment, the European Commissions report estimates that it will stand at 10.4% in 2005, 10% in 2006 and 9.7% in 2007.

It should be noted that the Commissions report confirms one of the most successful fiscal adjustment a EU Member-State has ever achieved. The Greek fiscal deficit ranks among the lowest deficits over the last decades, since it amounted to 11.5% of the GDP for the 1991-1995 period, 5.2% for the 1996-2000 period, 4.9% in 2001, 5.7% in 2003 and 6.6% in 2004.

This European Commission report also included the revenues generated by the securitisation method. However, the opinion on the method in question is still pending.

The 2006 budget will be first submitted to the Greek Parliament and then to the European Union.

"We achieved the reduction of deficit, a high rate of development and a decrease of unemployment," noted Minister of Economy Giorgos Alogoskoufis.

On his part, European Commissioner Joaquin Almunia explained that both the Commission and Greeces estimations are not taking the securitisations issue into account, in relation to 2006 and 2007.

Referring to the issue, alternate Government spokesperson Evangelos Antonaros said that the report "certifies the great improvement of Greeces fiscal data," and noted that the Governments aims are being materialized with specific results.

The Report on the Eurozone and the USA

As for the Eurozone, the European Commissions biannual report sees accelerated growth rates for 2006 and 2007 thanks to the domestic demand and the inflation fall. In particular, growth rates will drop to 1.3% from 2.1% in 2004. It is expected to rise anew, though, to 1.9% for 2006 and 2.1% for 2007. The new forecasts are a revised version of last springs report that spoke for a 1.6% growth rate for 2005 and 2.1 for 2006.

The European Commission also sees rises in the three great economies of the Eurozone. Germanys economy is expected to post a faster growth rate by 1.2% as opposed to this years, which did not exceed 0.8%. The French economy is to have a 1.8% growth rate for 2006, while regarding the Italian economy, forecasts spoke of an accelerated growth rate by 1.2%.

The European Commission also predicted a 3.2% growth rate for the US economy. Despite the greater growth rate, inflation is believed to fall to 2.2% for 2006 and 1.8% for 2007.

Translated by Areti Christou

[05] Anniversary for the Party's Institution KKE: 87 Years of Struggles

By Vagelis Theodorou

Eighty-seven years have passed since the institution of KKE and the party's central committee called the working and small-medium classes to unite. The relevant announcement reads that the aim is to establish a powerful communist party and create an Anti-imperialistic Anti-monopolising Democratic Front for the people's power and economy. What is more, the central committee referred to the party's contribution to the people, to its political and ideological struggle in its long lasting history, which aims at the revolutionary change of society. There is special reference to the period 1989-1991, for which KKE is very proud because "it survived the crisis, to the discontent of all those forces and mechanisms that did all they could to wipe KKE out, or turn it into a social-democratic party." Lastly, the central committee underlined that KKE is aiming to suffer a strong blow on ND and PASOK in the upcoming municipal elections and reinforce the unity and collaboration of radical forces that stand up to the capitalistic reforms."

Translated by Sofia Soulioti

[06] Purgation in the Justice Department Karamanlis-Papaligouras Meeting

By Anna Kourti

Sources: NET, ANA

Purgation in the Justice department was at the focus of the meeting between Prime Minister Kostas Karamanlis and Minister of Justice Anastasios Papaligouras on Thursday morning. Following his meeting with the Prime Minister, Mr Papaligouras stated that he briefed Kostas Karamanlis on the legislative initiatives of the Ministry of Justice. On a question over the extrajudicial ring and independent PM Petros Madouvalos, the Minister of Justice stressed, "There is no discrimination; the law is enforced in every case and I assure you that purgation is continuing and will be completed." Moreover, he stated that the bill on domestic violence will be up for discussion and that one more bill, on the operation of judicial police, will be advanced soon. As per judicial sources, new surprising indictments are expected during the coming days. "The Minister of Justice repeated the fixed stance of the Government, from which there is no aberrance," stated alternate Government spokesperson Evangelos Andonaros. Moreover, on a question related to the view of the opposition, that Mr Papaligouras does not have the jurisdiction to talk about purgation issues in Justice, Mr Andonaros observed "the Minister of Justice has every right to position himself on purgation issues referring to Justice."

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

[07] Commission's Report is Favourable Greek Indexes Deemed Positive

By Athina Saloustrou

The European Commission released on Thursday its forecasts on the EU Member-States economic figures for 2005-2007. With regard to the Greek economy, the EU praised the governments efforts aiming towards fiscal adjustment, while it urged for additional structural measures. The Greek economy has embarked on an upward course believed to go undisturbed in the years to come, however, it has difficulties in reducing the fiscal deficit. At the same time, unemployment rates and inflation are to improve. The European Commissions report on the course of the Greek economy also expects this years Public deficit to drop to 3.7%, but it will be fixed at 3.8% for the 2006-2007 period. Regarding the growth rates, which are the highest within the Eurozone, they are to close at 3.5% for 2005, while they are to fall to 3.4% for 2006 and 2007.

Public Debt and Inflation Reduced

The Greek Ministry of Economy issued an announcement clarifying that the aforementioned forecasts did not take into account the temporary non-tax earnings catered for by the 2006 budget which is to be submitted to Parliament on Monday. The budgets figures proving the cuts in public spending and the improvement of regular earnings as a result of the effort to eradicate tax evasion were not taken into account either.

The European Commission expects the Greek public debt to close at 107.9% of the GDP for 2004 and fall to 106.8% for 2006 and 106% for 2007. Inflation is also expected to fix at 3.5% for 2005 and drop to 3.1% for 2006 and 3% for 2007. On the issue of unemployment, the European Commissions report estimates that it will stand at 10.4% in 2005, 10% in 2006 and 9.7% in 2007.

It should be noted that the Commissions report confirms one of the most successful fiscal adjustment a EU Member-State has ever achieved. The Greek fiscal deficit ranks among the lowest deficits over the last decades, since it amounted to 11.5% of the GDP for the 1991-1995 period, 5.2% for the 1996-2000 period, 4.9% in 2001, 5.7% in 2003 and 6.6% in 2004.

This European Commission report also included the revenues generated by the securitisation method. However, the opinion on the method in question is still pending.

The 2006 budget will be first submitted to the Greek Parliament and then to the European Union.

"We achieved the reduction of deficit, a high rate of development and a decrease of unemployment," noted Minister of Economy Giorgos Alogoskoufis.

On his part, European Commissioner Joaquin Almunia explained that both the Commission and Greeces estimations are not taking the securitisations issue into account, in relation to 2006 and 2007.

Referring to the issue, alternate Government spokesperson Evangelos Antonaros said that the report "certifies the great improvement of Greeces fiscal data," and noted that the Governments aims are being materialized with specific results.

The Report on the Eurozone and the USA

As for the Eurozone, the European Commissions biannual report sees accelerated growth rates for 2006 and 2007 thanks to the domestic demand and the inflation fall. In particular, growth rates will drop to 1.3% from 2.1% in 2004. It is expected to rise anew, though, to 1.9% for 2006 and 2.1% for 2007. The new forecasts are a revised version of last springs report that spoke for a 1.6% growth rate for 2005 and 2.1 for 2006.

The European Commission also sees rises in the three great economies of the Eurozone. Germanys economy is expected to post a faster growth rate by 1.2% as opposed to this years, which did not exceed 0.8%. The French economy is to have a 1.8% growth rate for 2006, while regarding the Italian economy, forecasts spoke of an accelerated growth rate by 1.2%.

The European Commission also predicted a 3.2% growth rate for the US economy. Despite the greater growth rate, inflation is believed to fall to 2.2% for 2006 and 1.8% for 2007.

Translated by Areti Christou

[08] After OTE's Announcements Reactions on Internet Price Increase

By Vagelis Theodorou

A storm of protests was caused by OTEs decision to increase dial up connection to the Internet by 240%, as of December 6. In an announcement, the National Telecommunications and Postal Commission (EETT) stressed, "The sudden increase of cost is not in accord with the promotion of Internet use in Greece," and ruled that it is inappropriate that whoever does not have a choice of access, due to being located in areas where broadband is not supported, to be burdened. "The Government supports the access of all Greeks into the Information Society," stated alternate Government spokesperson Evangelos Andonaros, adding that the implementation of the Governments intention for cheaper Internet access for students will take place soon, and measures will be implemented for the reinforcement of broadband. The issue is headed towards the Parliament, with a question posed by PASOK MP Anna Diamantopoulou to the Prime Minister and with an intervention by ND MP Nikos Dendias to the relevant Minister Michalis Liapis, while SYN EU Parliamentarian Dimitris Papadimoulis posed a relevant question to the European Commission. Furthermore, behind the storm of protests, the lump sum of increases will not be implemented, since OTE announced that it is investigating the gradual application of new prices in cooperation with EETT.

Reactions by the Consumers

Non-profit organisation EKPIZO described the increases as "illegal, exploitative and improper," and is planning to file a lawsuit against OTE.

On its part, the Greek Association of Internet Users, protesting over the decision blackened out its website "in memory of the Greek Internet and the simple Greek User," as it stated.

In an announcement, OTE stated that it has not made any increases on dial up as of 1999 and claimed that it had financed its users with 400 million euros, due to the cut of services costs. Moreover the Organisation stated that it is investigating the gradual application of the new price rates in cooperation with EETT and noted that the prices of ADSL connection were decreased by 49% in September.

It is noted that in Greece, broadband Internet connections (ADSL) remain few and are the most expensive in Europe. Actually, in Great Britain there is no reason of using a dial up connection, since the access cost in megabits per second costs less in ADSL packets. For example, in France it is up to fifty seven times cheaper in relation to Greece.

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

[09] Consecutive Contacts of the Minister of Transport Dialogue on the New OA

By Mary Lou Tzempelikou

Sources: NET, ANA

On Friday, the bills clause on the creation of a company that will succeed Olympic Airlines is expected to be submitted in Parliament. In the morning, the Minister of Transport and Communications Michalis Liapis met with the Civil Aviation Trade Union Federation (OSPA), thus starting the dialogue between the Government and employees, while following he briefed a delegation of PASOK, led by Evangelos Venizelos on the Governments plans in relation to the new company. Following the meeting with OSPA, Mr Liapis described the OA issue as "a difficult equation," and stressed the need of the discussions taking place with consensus and understanding and mutual compromises. Moreover he voiced the optimism that the new company will be viable and profitable.

On their part, the employees described the meeting as investigative, whilst noting that they will not back down on labour relations and social security rights, and did not rule out the event of staging work stoppages.

In closing, PASOK consented the creation of an adaptive mixed scheme, while Mr Venizelos described the participation of private businesses as "welcomed and necessary" for a viable company.

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

Related News:

New Leaf for Olympic Airlines

[10] Resistance Fighters-President Meeting

Sources: NET

This morning, President of the Republic Karolos Papoulias met with delegates of Detainee and Exiled Resistance Fighters, during the 1967-1974 military regime, at Maximos Mansion. Mr Papoulias, upon greeting the President of the Association, Fotis Provatas, spoke of fighting convictions, which should remain high.

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

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