The Hellenic Radio (ERA): News in English, 06-05-18

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

CONTENTS

[01] Domino Effect Hits International Stocks Inflation Fears Spook Stocks

Sources: ΝΕΤ

A domino effect rattled the international stocks, which recorded the gravest losses within a day since the October of 2002. Stock indexes from Wall Street to Asias markets invariably took a serious plunge. Europes stocks, including the Athens Exchange, also suffered their own "Black Wednesday." On Thursday, however, indexes rebounded slightly. Spooked by figures indicating high inflation rates in the USA and the Euro area alike, investors hurried to sell their shares. It is also feared that the inflation fears will pave the way for new hikes in interest rates.

"Black Wednesday"

The Asian markets lived through a tough day, since they closed lower in volatile trade.

Specifically, in Tokyo the Nikkei closed to -1.35% and Hong Kong to -2.10%, both following in the footsteps of the negative climate in Wall Street, where Nasdag fell to 1.5% and Dow Jones plunged to 1.88% on Wednesday. The New York Stock, though, rebounded in the evening.

Similarly, Europes stocks have slightly rebounded, after Wednesdays plunge. In particular, Frankfurts DAX dropped to -3.4%, Paris CAC40 plunged to -3.21% and Londons FTSE100 stood at -2.28%. However, it is estimated that the rebound lacked the forecast dynamics.

The Thursday trading session in the Athens Exchange was also volatile. The index exceeded the 4,000 points barrier, due to the massive sell-off by foreign investors.

On Wednesday, the Athens Exchange steadied at -2.28% and at -2.77% on Thursday.

The fact that the Athens Exchange index has lost 7% in four sessions is indicative of the volatile situation.

Economic analysts suggested that the volatile situation rattling the international markets reflects fears that high inflation rates in the USA and the Euro area alike may signal a new interest rate hike in Europe and the USA.

Translated by Areti Christou

[02] Reactions over Karahasan's Statements

Sources: ΝΕΤ-ANA

The statements G&#252;lbeyaz Karahasan, Drama-Kavala-Xanthi Prefect nominee, made with regard to the way Muftis should be elected prompted reactions and concerns among Main Opposition parliamentarians. In her interview with Xanthis paper Embros (Forward), Ms Karahasan argued that it is the Muslim minority that should elect Muftis and not the government. PASOKs pick claimed since Muftis are jurists, they should enjoy the peoples acceptance and trust. Later on, Ms Karahasan clarified that some of her views were used out of her interviews context and further added that she respects the laws of the state.

In her written statement, Ms Karahasan argued that some of her views were used out of her interviews context and noted, "I have said that I respect the laws of the state, as every Greek citizen does, yet I presume that in a democratic society the right to dialogue and concern over issues puzzling the citizens is all too clear.

Touching on the issue, PASOK spokesman Nikos Athanasakis underlined that the election of Muftis rests with a particular legislation that should be respected.

He further referred to Karahasans statement, according to which she respects the laws of the Greek state, while he blamed the Government for exploiting Karahasans statement in its drive to get rid of its problems.

Her statements, though, have prompted concerns among PASOKs parliamentarians, while former FM Minister Grigoris Niotis underscored that her statements have to be discussed.

[03] Antonaros Over Kostopoulos' Statements "Zero Tolerance"

Sources: ANA, NET, NET Radio 105.8

Social Security Secretary General Dimitris Kostopoulos resigned late Wednesday night after the stir caused by his Stock Exchange statements. While addressing stockbrokers at a relevant meeting, Kostopoulos has said that political figures should be banned from getting involved in the Stock Market, while noting there are evidence that politicians were implicated in the Stock Exchange scandal when PASOK was in power, but that evidence never made the headlines. Deputy government spokesperson Evangelos Antonaros referred to the matter on Thursday, speaking of a crime at the Stock Exchange committed by the PASOK governments. Antonaros stressed the Prime Ministers order is zero tolerance to corruption, non-transparency and intrigue, adding the Kostopoulos case is closed.

"Stock Exchange Crime"

Meanwhile, Antonaros said that when ND was asking for the formation of investigative committee to look into the Stock Exchange scandal, PASOK disagreed.

"Contrary to past habits, we submit whatever evidence we have to Justice," added the deputy government spokesperson, stressing the case is still pending.

Concluding, Antonaros repeated the Government has spoken of a crime and never changed its mind. "The Government is handling the case in the best possible way, always abiding by laws," he said.

Wednesday night, PASOK spokesperson Nikos Athanasakis spoke of Kostopoulos' rambling slanderous delirium, which however revealed the way ND was exercising Opposition politics and how some Government people are thinking

Former ND President Miltiadis Evert also commented the issue, saying, "The Government reacted correctly by forcing Kostopoulos to resign." He added though that Kostopoulos' positions were misinterpreted. Evert also noted, "PASOK bears full responsibility for the Stock Exchange scandal."

Translated by Sofia Soulioti

Related News:

Kostopoulos Resigned

[04] New Food Poisonings

Wild weed datura inoxia, also known as stinkweed, was found in the greens which caused the mass food poisonings, thus alarming consumers. Deputy Development Minister Giannis Papathanasiou said the Central Food Control Agency (EFET) reacted immediately, while the case is closely monitored. On Thursday, new food poisoning cases were surfaces. A couple that had bought dandelion greens from an open-air market in Athens were taken to hospital. In the meantime, the three of the seven victims that consumed the greens from Megara are hospitalised in the ICU, but have escaped danger. As for who is responsible for the poisoning, both the farmer and super market Veropoulos in Koukaki have turned against each other throwing accusations. EFET recommended the consumers be especially cautious while purchasing greens.

Accusing Each Other

As per the first evidence, it seems that while collecting the greens not all dangerous weeds were removed. However, lab tests will give a responsible answer regarding the kind of poisonous weed.

The producer claimed his crops are absolutely fine and supported the super market mixed his products with other greens.

On its part, Veropoulos Group noted it has confiscated all quantities of dandelion greens and will take the matter to court. In an announcement issued on Thursday, the Group said the company doctor is closely monitoring the course of the patients hospitalised in various hospitals around Athens and stressed it will stand by their side until their health is fully restored.

"We are not the only ones to have bought dandelion greens containing toxic weed, there is a general problem in the market since there are other consumers who purchase products from other stores and open-air markets," reads the announcement. The company noted it has broken off its cooperation with the farmer in question, while it will not be purchasing any greens from Megara, until State Agencies will have run all necessary tests.

New Cases

At the same time, new cases of food poisoning by greens were also recorded. A couple bought dandelion greens from an open-air market in Kato Patisia, Athens, on Monday. Kleoniki Moshovakou was hospitalised as soon as she consumed the greens on Monday. On Tuesday, her husband Petros was hurried to hospital, as well. He claimed that he had seen other greens among the dandelion greens.

Translated by Sofia Soulioti

[05] Lawsuit against Voulgarakis

Sources: ΝΕΤ

Three Pakistani nationals, who were allegedly abducted along with other fellow countrymen last summer, filed a lawsuit against former Public Order Minister Giorgos Voulgarakis at the Athens First Instance Prosecution. The Pakistanis are accusing Mr Voulgarakis of abetting the abductions, accessory of the fact and false testimony. They also claimed that the former Public Order Minister was aware of the abductions, abetted them and fully covered up the people and authorities involved in the operation.

[06] For the August 14 Air Tragedy Findings to Cypriot Safety Board

By Anna Kourti

Sources: ANA, NET

Akrivos Tsolakis delivered the President of the Cypriot Air Accident Investigation and Aviation Safety Board, Kostas Orfanos, the findings for the August 14 Helios air tragedy in Grammatiko. According to Tsolakis, president of the respective safety board in Greece, the report fully describes the causes that led to the plane crash. However, the findings are currently classified and cannot be released until the report is officially submitted to Greek Authorities. Tsolakis delivered the report at the Presidential Mansion in the presence of President of the Cypriot Republic Tassos Papadopoulos and Transport Minister Charis Thrasos. What is more, the findings were sent Thursday at the US and French Air Accident Investigation and Aviation Safety Boards, while the report will also be submitted to Helios and Boeing.

Comments Within 60 Days

Upon delivering the report, Tsolakis reaffirmed his intention to have completed the investigation before a year will have passed since the date of the accident.

As per information, Tsolakis' findings could bring significant changes in international air carriers. On the occasion of his visit to Cyprus, Akrivos Tsolakis will be meeting with relatives of the air tragedy victims.

On his part, president of victims' relatives committee Nikolas Yasoumi said on RIK public television, "The committee appointed by the Cabinet to investigate the causes can now get to work." Yasoumi also said the victims' relatives will refer the Cypriot Civil Aviation Department to international and European bodies regarding the processes observed on the issue of renaming Helios air carrier to Ajet. Citing expert opinions, the victims' relatives support that illegal processes were followed on the matter.

Meanwhile, Transport Minister Charis Thrasou underlined the Civil Aviation Department briefed him all processes were followed to the letter, calling on the committee to hand in these expert opinions so he could go over the points where the legal processes were allegedly not upheld.

The receivers of the findings will have to submit their comments to the Greek Safety Board within 60 days and President Akrivos Tsolakis will have to submit them along with the report to the Greek Transport Minister and the Athens First Instance Prosecutor. Until then, the report on the findings is classified.

On August 14 2005, 121 people lost their lives when a Helios Boeing 737-300 crashed in Grammatiko.

Translated by Sofia Soulioti

[07] Traffic Regulations for the ESC

By Mary Lou Tzempelikou

Sources: Athens ESC Press Office

Traffic regulations and facilitations will be implemented to better serve the thousands of spectators that will attend the ESC Semi-Final and Final at OAKA Olympic Arena. As per the Greek Traffic Police, circulation will be interrupted and parking will not be allowed on Spirou Louis St. (from Kifissias Avenue to Kimis Avenue) on both lanes from 18:00 onwards. To better serve the public, drivers are advised to avoid driving through the above-mentioned parts of the road network. In addition, ISAP (Athens-Piraeus Electric Railways SA) Line 1 (green line) will be running on a 24-hour basis on May 18, 19 and 20. If you are to use Line 1 make sure to get off at Irini station. From there it is a five-minute walk through OAKA to the Olympic Indoor Hall. For more information, passengers can contact OASA's (Athens Urban Transport Organisation) 185 call centre (www.oasa.gr).

We remind spectators that parking is not allowed inside OAKA and recommend that spectators use public transportation to reach the venue. However, there is a parking lot located at the corner of Spirou Louis St & Kimis Avenue. It is open to the public but is not guarded by security.

There are two ways to get to OAKA; either by taking the train (ISAP's Line 1) or by bus.

If you prefer buses, take bus X14 from Syntagma Square directly to OAKA. X14 runs on a 24-hour basis. After 23:00, the X14 bus picks up passengers at the bus stop on the Kifissias Avenue side of OAKA (instead of the last stop next to the Tennis Centre). In addition, bus number 500, servicing Pireaus-Kifissia, runs from 00:15 - 04:30 and stops at Irini station, in addition to stopping at all of the train stations along Line 1 (green line).

To avoid long lines and crowding, we kindly remind spectators to pick up their tickets before the day of the show. Dont wait until the last minute! The OAKA (Athens Olympic Sports Complex) box office is open daily from 10:00 to 19:00 daily and is located near the entrance of Irini train station. When picking up your tickets, dont forget, you must have your receipt with you (the one you received when you purchased the tickets).

On May 18, 19 and 20, spectator gates will be open from 11:30 - 17:00 and from 19:00 until after the end of the shows.

For the Semi-Final and Final, spectators should arrive two hours before the show begins. The shows begin at 22:00. Thirty minutes before the show begins (21:30), the spectator entrances will close.

Have fun!

Translated by Sofia Soulioti

[08] Amendment Favouring Border Islands New Standards for Sea Fares

Sources: ΝΕΤ-ANA

Maritime companies have decided to offer discounts for those travelling on the week days and issue discounted multiple trip tickets. On Wednesday, the Ministers of Mercantile Marine and for the Aegean and Island Policy singed a joint resolution allowing the liberalisation of sea lines in 27 ports across the country. The border islands are excluded from this measure.

The decision is expected to pave the way for the better services of islands, since the companies are to make domestic lines in the Aegean more frequent. Several companies have already readjusted some fare categories.

Commenting on the resolution, SYN member Panagiotis Lafazanis blasted the Government for giving the capital a "great gift" that clears the way for surrendering the Aegean to the shipowners. He also noted that some maritime companies have hiked their ticket prices up to 12%, while the rest are to follow suit.

In case excessive fare rises are reported, the maritime companies will be referred to the Hellenic Competition Commission. Summertime routes, which will run through September, are due out within the coming days.

Translated by Areti Christou

[09] Easy Win for Panathinaikos

By Vasilis Kalpinos

Panathinaikos is only a victory away from making it to the final of the A1 Greek basketball. Obradovics boys made a power show-off at the Alexandrio Hall over Aris and coasted a 93-71 victory. The third encounter between the teams will take place at the Galatsi Hall on Sunday. The score per period: 18-14, 35-46, 50-70, 71-93.

Translated by Areti Christou

[10] Maroussi Tied the Playoffs Series

By Vasilis Kalpinos

Playing an outstanding defence, Maroussi defeated Olympiacos with 70-65 at Agios Thomas Hall and tied the playoffs series 1-1. The third encounter between the two teams will now take place at the Peace and Friendship Stadium on Sunday. It should be noted that a team needs three victories to qualify for the finals. The score per period: 24-22, 42-35, 54-49, 70-65.

Translated by Areti Christou

[11] At the Tatoi Estate Policemen Looking for Pounds

Sources: NET, NET Radio 105.8

Four people, including one police officer, one special guard and one retired Group Captain, were arrested at the former royal estate in Tatoi while illegally searching for gold pounds. A fifth person managed to escape during the Attica Police Directorate ambush and is still at large. It should be noted that the two police officers and the special guard implicated in the case were assigned with guarding the estate.

Translated by Sofia Soulioti

[12] Expected to Testify on Thursday Arabatzis Taken to Prosecutor

Sources: NET, NET 105.8

52-year-old Kostas Arabatzis, who abducted the headmaster of the German School, in Thessaloniki, is expected to testify to a Regular Examiner on Thursday. Earlier, the Prosecutor after examining the brief, charged with him the felonies of abduction, attempt to blackmail, supply possession and construction of explosives. In addition, he was also charged with illegal weapon possession and usage, menace and import of weapons and objects from abroad, which are misdemeanours.

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

Related News:

Greek Abductor to Prosecutor

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