The Hellenic Radio (ERA): News in English, 08-02-22

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

CONTENTS

[01] Prime-minister Told the Parliament

22 Feb 2008 12:05:00

Sources: ÍÅÔ - ÍÅÔ 105.8

Prime Minister Kostas Simitis made it clear in Parliament that if no mutually accepted solution on FYROM (Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia) name issue is reached, then FYROM will not be invited to join NATO. Replying to LAOS (Popular Orthodox Rally) President George Karatzaferis the prime minister said that the neighbouring country should try to make a step forwards and find a mutually accepted solution. The Prime Ministers time focused on the leakage of Nimetzs proposal to the Press. PASOK President George Papandreou held the government responsible for the leakage, accusing it of concealing problems "under the carpet" and of having contacts with the MEDIA. To prove this he referred to the leakage of Nimetzs document to the Press, arguing that the government did not forward it to the parties because it did not trust them. In reply, Mr Karamanlis described the leakage harmful for the negotiation process, adding that Mr George Papandreou as a former foreign minister ought to have known that.

In reply to a question by Mr Karatzaferis, as to whether Greece intends to recognize Kosovo, the prime minister stated that the government will decide on the basis of Greeces national interests. In parallel, he made it clear that that issue is different from the Cyprus issue as Cyprus had been invaded and is occupied. He went on saying that Greece favours a peaceful solution on Kosovo, having forces there to contribute to the regions stability. Mr Karatzaferis argued that both Cyprus and Kosovo had been invaded, adding that the foreign Press refers to Greek areas for which our neighbours in the Balkans have irredentist aims. Mr Karamanlis said that he questions nobodys patriotism, adding that patriotism has nothing to do with populism and extremities.

Translated by John Crystallidis

[02] Government Determined

22 Feb 2008 12:32:00

Sources: ÍÅÔ-ÍÅÔ 105.8

The government is determined to combat oligopolios and unfair competition with the strengthening of regulations and well-informed citizens underlined Prime-minister, Kostas Karamanlis in response to opposition PASOK party leader, G.Papandreou question on rises in price index. Mr. Karamanlis added that the government is willing to incorporate any serious proposal in the institutional framework it is applying to combat profiteering. PASOK president underlined that Greek citizens take consumer loans to make ends meet and families have large debts and accused the government of tolerance and complicity maintaining that the only ones with gains are middlemen.

Translated by Chrisanthi Sarantis

[03] Kosovo Sparks Diplomatic Wars

By Dimitris Alexopoulos

Sources: ÍÅô 105.8-ÁNA/ÌPA

Unilateral declaration of Kosovos independence has given rise to rapid developments at diplomatic level particularly after violent incidents which broke out in Belgrade mass demonstration, leaving one person dead, 150 injured and material damage to many embassies. Violent incidents also broke out in the divided city of Mitrovica when UN forces police used tear gas to prevent some 5.000 Serbs from crossing a key bridge.

From Brussels, Moscows ambassador to NATO repeated that recognition of Kosovo independence creates a precedent for other regions with autonomists plans and has not ruled out using force to protect Moscows interests if the EU unanimously recognizes Kosovo and NATO steps beyond its mandate in the region. EU Commission spokesman said that such statements do not help the present circumstances.

Translated by Chrisanthi Sarantis

[04] HSAP Train Derailed

22 Feb 2008 14:39:00 (Last updated: 22 Feb 2008 18:20:02)

Sources: ÍÅÔ, ÁNA-ÌPA

A man was killed when an HSAP (electric train service) train derailed. Rescue crews are still searching the place to make sure no one else has been trapped, while six female cleaning employees sustained minor injuries. The incidence took place shortly after 1300 hours on Friday at the trains maintenance are in Piraeus. Transport Minister Kostis Hatzidakis has ordered an investigation into the accident and attribution of responsibilities. The head of the HSAP depot, where the accident occurred, and the train driver were arrested

[05] Thousands of Soldiers Involved

22 Feb 2008 11:19:00

Turkish ground forces launched a new offensive against Northern Iraq on Thursday night while the Turkish military in its website does not clarify the duration of the operation in the other side of the borders. Turkish military source in south-east Turkey told Reuters that thousands of Turkish forces crossed into northern Iraq to launch a ground offensive against PKK Kurdish guerillas and thousands more troops are at the border ready to join in. Earlier the Turkish government had announced that 10.000 Turkish soldiers had rolled into northern Iraq, however, Turkish general chief of staff has not clarified the exact number of troops. In parallel, Turkish President, Abdullah Gul had a telephone contact with his Iraqi counterpart last night to inform him on the Turkish ground operation in northern Iraq. The U.S. military command in Iraq said it was aware that Turkish forces had launched an offensive into northern Iraq against members of the PKK. Rear Admiral Gregory Smith, a U.S. military spokesman in Baghdad, said the operation was understood to be of "limited duration" and aimed at PKK fighters in the largely autonomous Kurdish region in northern Iraq.

Translated by Chrisanthi Sarantis

[06] Byzantine Watermills in Polichni

Being representative examples of the Byzantine art, three Byzantine Watermills dating back to the 12th and 13th centuries are inviting the people of Thessaloniki to visit them, stroll through them and learn more about their history

Standing at the village of Meteora in the municipality of Polichni, near the northern Greek city of Thessaloniki, the three watermills are part of a hydraulic plant. The municipality of Polichni fought to bring this cultural heritage to light. We also know the location of three more watermills, for which we are going to claim the necessary funds," said in a press conference the Polichni Mayor, Kostas Theodoridis.

The funds earmarked so far have enabled the municipality Polichni to turn the area hosting the watermills into an archaeological, environmental and cultural park, inviting the people of Thessaloniki to visit it.

Special showrooms and paths have been constructed, while a 500-seat capacity open-air theatre will have been erected by June.

They are the technology of the past. Byzantiums machines that have been bequeathed to us and we have to protect them," commented archaeologist Haroula Saiksabani.

Watermills were among Byzantiums commonest machines, therefore contribution to economy was of paramount importance. The hydraulic system was constructed along the stream that rose from Hortiatis Mt.

At the same time, authorities in Polichni have been working on the creation of a botanical garden, as about 194 species of herbs and medicinal plants have been found.

Translated by Areti Christou

[07] Budget Nearly Meets Goals Set

Sources: ÍÅÔ 105.8, ANA-MPA

The 2007 Greek state budget nearly met the goals set, as the figures on revenues, spending and deficit released Friday by the Finance Ministry have suggested.

In particular, regular budget revenues rose by 8.1%, matching the predicted 8.1% rise the budget had suggested.

Public spending grew by 9%, slightly lower that the initial 9.8% target set by the 2007 budget. Primary spending posted a 10.6% rise, as opposed to an 11.7% target, while interests were up by 2.1%, slightly up from a 1.7% target.

As a result, the 2007 budget deficit stood at 9,413bn euros, slightly up from a target of 9,387bn euros. The above result, noted the Ministry of Finance, was achieved despite the additional funds amounting to 1,320mn euros (0.6% of GDP) earmarked for addressing the problems caused by the wildfires that ravaged southern Greece last summer, the general elections held in September, as well as the Greek states debts to the Olympic Airlines.

Finally, spending on the public investment programme amounted to 8,803mn euros, up by 7.6%, while the programmes revenues reached 4,872mn euros, posting a 29.1% rise compared to 2006.

Translated by Areti Christou

[08] Latest Details in S. Security

Sources: ÍÅÔ, ÍÅÔ 105.8

Controversial draftbill on social security reforms is likely to be submitted to the Parliament next week. Prime-minister, Kostas Karamanlis discussed all details of the draftbill with Employment Minister, Fani Palli Petralia who said that contacts with sectors and interested parties will continue next week. The draftbill will be soon released said Employment Minister, who has already announced merging into one of all Banks and DEKO health Funds except for those under private law. GSEE Executive Committee is to meet on Monday to discuss developments in the social security reforms issue

Translated by Chrisanthi Sarantis

[09] Seismologists Not Concerned

22 Feb 2008 13:28:00

By Tina Valaoura

Sources: ÍÅÔ

A magnitude 4.9 earthquake located in the sea region east of the island of Zakynthos struck many parts in western Greece. The tremor was recorded at 07:00 but there were no reports of victims or damage. Seismologists do not appear concerned, however, they are carefully monitoring developments following recent quake activity in Greece with its epicenter mainly in the Peloponese. According to experts, the new quake is not linked with the Methoni epicenter quake.

It is obvious that successful quakes can cause damage to buildings, but if experts do not label them unsafe, buildings are safe never mind how old they are.

Translated by Chrisanthi Sarantis

[10] Electric Rail Service Unhampered

By Vivian Papastefanou

Sources: ÍÅÔ 105.8-ÁNA

Electric Rail service is running smoothly, after services had been disrupted in Omonia station due to an assassination attempt made by a 25-year-old man early Friday morning. An EKAV ambulance took the man to hospital.

Translated by John Crystallidis

[11] Smoke in Athens Shop

Sources: ÍÅÔ 105.8

Thick smoke is coming out of an underground mobile phone shop in the centre of Athens. The shop is on Sophocleous-Menandrou streets, where 15 firemen with five fire engines are trying to offer their help. The area has been cordoned-off for safety reasons.

Translated by John Crystallidis

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