The Hellenic Radio (ERA): News in English, 08-03-13

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

CONTENTS

[01] Discussion on Pension Bill Continues

13 Mar 2008 11:02:00 (Last updated: 13 Mar 2008 19:13:26)

Sources: ΝΕΤ, ΝΕΤ 105.8

GENOP-DEH Public Power Corporation and OTA (Organization of Local Administrations) employees, doctors, dentists, pharmacists and lawyers are on 24-hour strike. There are no underground and electric rail services today. Unionists and employees of most sectors are escalating their reactions against the pension bill which was voted yesterday by New Democracy parliamentary members in Parliament. Discussion on the articles of the bill is completed today while GSEE and ADEDY will declare another 24-hour nationwide strike on 19 March warning that protest rallies will continue until the government withdraws the reforms in Social Security Funds. Bank employees are also staging a strike for today and tomorrow.

Garbage Pile-Ups

National Bank employees gathered today in Aiolou St. outside Bank of Greece central administration offices in the framework of OTOE strike starting today

DEH employees decided yesterday to continue their mobilizations with numerous of 24 hour strikes. That means that power cut outs will continue around the country. In addition, prosecutors report on the responsibilities regarding extensive cut outs will be released soon.

The situation around the country and mainly in Athens is unbearable as garbage pill up due to municipalities cleaning employees 7 day strikes. The garbage pile-ups have started posing a serious threat to public health while its collection is conducted by security personnel in hospitals.

In many areas like Maroussi prefecture, local administration services preceded to the collection of garbage today triggering that way reactions launched by POE OTA employees.

In spite the fact that Ministry of Health with special adjustments has included this specific working category in heavy and unhealthy professions, unionists decided to continue their mobilizations with a 48 hours strike scheduled for Thursday and Friday.

Municipality Employees not to be Mobilized

Alternate government spokesman Evangelos Antonaros described the strike launched by employees responsible for keeping municipalities clean unjustified as he argued their profession had been included in the list of heavy-duty and unhygienic professions. As a result, he added they employees would not be mobilized.

Meanwhile, Interior Minister Prokopis Pavlopoulos has described the strike unjustified at a time when the employees' requests were met.

Papoulias Meeting with GSEE and ADEDY

GSEE and ADEDY presented their positions on the Social Security issue today at a meeting with the President of the Hellenic Republic Karolos Papoulias, who then met with EVEA President K. Michalos.

GSEE President Yiannis Panagopoulos stated that Mr Papoulias gives special emphasis to social cohesion, adding that he is concerned as to whether social clashes may lead to less social cohesion.

From his side, ADEDY spokesman Ilias Vrettakos stressed that the Social Security bill is disrupting social security funds, stressing that the struggles will continue even after the bill is debated.

Mr Papoulias from his side told the Media that he hopes that the problems would be resolved.

Fresh Mobilisations

Lawyers are threatening with fresh mobilisatons next week. Specifically, they speak of a five-day abstention from their duties, while the Media will participate in a 24-hour strike with GSEE, ADEDY lawyers, civil engineers, doctors, pharmacists and bailiffs on Wednesday.

The productive classes, from their side, have stated that they will continue with their mobilizations, while ESIEA President Panos Sobolos said that although the government has accepted the MEDIAs demands that does not mean that the problems have been resolved.

At the Plenum of the Parliament on Monday

The Standing Committee ended debating the articles of the Social Security bill this afternoon. The bill will be tabled at the Plenum of the Parliament on Monday and the debate will end on Thursday afternoon.

Mr Antonaros stated that the government would take under consideration all proposals that will be tabled.

KKE Secretary General Aleka Papariga called on the employees to see that the bill is never implemented, while SYRIZA Parliamentary President Alekos Alavanos held the government responsible for the strikes launched by PPC and garbage collectors.

[02] Exceeded $ 110 a Barrel

13 Mar 2008 09:05:00

By Athina Saloustrou

Oil prices exceeded $ 110 in electronic transactions of Asian markets. US dollar fell to a record low of $1.5459 per euro. In Singapore market, light crude delivery for April reached $ 109,85. ICE April Brent crude oil stood 35 cents higher at $104.51 a barrel. A few hours earlier light crude settled at $ 109,92 in New York. In spite of the symbolic "barriers" in oil prices, they seem not to be effective and analysts estimate that nothing can be done to stop oil prices wild race. From the beginning of the year oil price has risen 15% due to the weakness of US dollar, weakness in non-Opec supply and due to the risen demand in the north hemisphere caused by low temperatures. The price spike was helped by the weakness of the US dollar which fell to a record low of $1.5459 per euro. Financial flows into the commodities markets are also behind the current oil price rally, some analysts said. Nikkei Index in Tokyo stock market recorded a major drop of 3.33% today.

Translated by Sofia Gartziou

[03] New Message to Skopje

Prime Minister Kostas Karamanlis, who is participating in the EU Summit Meeting in Brussels, sent a message to Skopje stating that stability in the Balkans depends on good neighbourly relations and abstention from provocations. He also stressed that any country which wishes to join NATO and the EU should adopt the same conduct. Meanwhile, on the sidelines of the European Popular Party meeting, Foreign Minister Dora Bakoyannis met with FYROM (Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia) Prime Minister Nikola Gruevski with whom she exchanged views on the new round of talks on the name issue.

Gruevski Statements

In his statements Mr Gruevski stressed that the meeting was held in the presence of a US official, adding also that no progress had been made on the name issue.

In reply to a question as to whether a solution will be found until the NATO meeting in Bucharest, he said that he sees no such solution now.

Meanwhile, the political crisis in FYROM is culminating now as the Albanians Democratic Party will decide whether it will withdraw from the coalition government.

Finally, FYROM President Branko Tservenkofski expressed his concern over the political crisis in FYROM and the repercussions this crisis might have to the countrys accession to NATO.

In reply to a question as to whether the political crisis that has broken out in FYROM would mean the end of talks between the two sides, alternate government spokesman Evangelos Antonaros refused to comment on another countrys domestic developments. Greece insists on a mutually accepted solution, adding that the other side should also share the same view.

Translated by John Crystallidis

[04] PASOK Congress

Sources: ΝΕΤ-ΝΕΤ 105.8

PASOKs sessions of its eighth Congress will open at the Tae Kwon Do Indoor Hall today with the speech of the partys president. Mr George Papandreou is expected to speak about a new beginning, addressing a message of unity and renewal. Top cadres have described the process crucial. Meanwhile, SYRIZA (Coalition of the Radical Left) Parliamentary President Alekos Alavanos stated that his party would not cooperate with PASOK on important issues as their views differ.

Translated by John Crystallidis

Related News:

Crucial Congress

[05] With 278 Passengers on Board

13 Mar 2008 16:34:00 (Last updated: 13 Mar 2008 19:13:47)

By Anna Kourti

Sources: ANA-MPA

The evacuation operation on "Georgis" vessel with 278 passengers on board concluded with success. The vessel ran aground on Platia islet in the northern part of Poros, on a cruise to the Argosaronikos islands at noon. Although listing, the vessel is not in danger. The passengers were transferred to other vessels. Coast Guard vessels, four mine-sweepers, a C-130 aircraft, three Sikorsky helicopters, four Super Puma helicopters and a torpedo boat arrrived on the scene to offer their help. "Georgis", which ran aground under unknown circumstances until now, had departed Piraeus port in the morning for Egina, Hydra and Poros islands and was scheduled to return to Piraeus in the evening. The weather conditions were good and the island of Poros was on alert. The passengers consisted of 56 Russians, 163 Japanese and 58 Americans.

Translated by John Crystallidis

[06] Women Get Tourism Prizes

By Anna Kourti

Sources: ΝΕΤ, ΝΕΤ 105.8

On the occasion of International Womens Day, the Tourist Development Minister Aris Spiliotopoulos honored women who had contributed to the development of Tourism at a special event. For the first time the ministry has awarded four Greek women with a prize. The awardees are Irene Mantzavelaki-Vasilopoulou, President of the Greek Womens Association for Tourism, Marika Zagorisiou, Architect working at EOT, Ekaterini Vitou, Paris Fine Arts School graduate and Georgia Bartzou, Secretary General of Greek Womens Association on Tourism. Mr Spiliotopoulos praised modern Greek women for their passion and maturity, adding that she they are open to dialogue, having the ability to stimulate people around her in materializing a joint vision and objective.

Translated by John Crystallidis

[07] Ieronymos-Hatzigakis Meeting

By Anna Kourti

Sources: ΝΕΤ 105.8, ΝΕΤ

The Archbishop appeared conciliatory on Justice Ministrys bill on couples. Mr Ieronymos was briefed by Mr Hatzigakis on the issue. From his side, Mr Hatzigakis described the draft bill on free cohabitation social, stressing that it is not affecting the families and the Church. Instead it protects women and children out of marriage. He also clarified that it concerns only heterosexual couples. The minister added that the bill would include provisions that will allow divorces to be issued in half of the present time, facilitating in parallel adoption.

Translated by John Crystallidis

[08] Due to the Governmental Crisis

13 Mar 2008 12:29:00

By Vivian Papastefanou

Sources: ANA

Serbian President Boris Tadic disbanded parliament on Thursday and called an early general election for May 11 in Serbia's most important vote due to the crisis related with Belgrade's relations with the EU and the declaration of Kosovo's independence. The government collapsed at the weekend, with nationalist Prime Minister Vojislav Kostunica withdrawing from the governmental coalition of Tadic's Democrats due to disunity and different opinions regarding Serbia's development of relations with the European Union and Kosovo's independence.

"The election is a democratic way for citizens to say how Serbia should develop in the years to come," Tadic, also the head of the pro-Western Democratic Party, said in a statement.

The elections held in May 11 are seen by many people as a referendum on the question if Serbs should go on working to join the European Union.Vojislav Kostunica believes that the European Union as well as the US are the abettors of Kosovo's independence and also thinks that Serbia can not reach an agreement with the EU as long as European Union insists on sending delegates in Kosovo to observe the procedure of its independence. UN has expressed the hope for a victory of European affiliated forces in Serbia.

Translated by Sofia Gartziou

[09] Mr. Karamanlis in Brussels

13 Mar 2008 11:43:00

Sources: ΝΕΤ-ΝΕΤ 105,8

The Prime Minister, Kostas Karamanlis will attend the Spring European Council taking place today in Lisbon. The main focus of the Council will be growth and jobs, climatic changes, EU energy policy as well as the developments in Balkans and Middle East. In the framework of the Council Mr. Karamanlis will discuss with EU president Mr. Jos&#233; Manuel Barroso.

Translated by Sofia Gartziou

[10] Schools in Honk Kong Closed

By Betty Savourdou

Sources: Reuters, ΑNA-ΜNA

More than half million of children stayed home in Hong Kong on Thursday as authorities announced that all elementary schools will remain closed until authorities investigate recent deaths suspected as being caused by the virus. Special groups of virologists appointed by medical authorities will investigate the death of 3 children aged 2,3 and 7 years old who appeared symptoms of flu and died during the last two weeks.

Health officials say they have found no links to H5N1 bird flu. However the governments decision which was announced yesterday Wednesday brought back memories of 2003 when an outbreak of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) hit Hong Kong.

Translated by Sofia Gartziou

[11] After Attack in Sderot

13 Mar 2008 10:04:00

By Athina Saloustrou

According to Israeli army sources the temporary truce between Israeli and Palestinians ended in the morning when Israeli aircrafts bombed targets in the north part of Gaza Strip after the launch of about 12 rockets in S. Israel. The rockets targeted Sderot city. No losses are reported up until this moment. On Wednesday, Israeli soldiers killed 5 Palestinians in operations for the arrest of armed members of the Palestinian organization in N. and S. West Bank. Islamic Jihad warned that it will take revenge for the death of a local Islamic Jihad leader, two of his comrades, and a militant from al-Aqsa Martyrs Brigades, an armed Fatah wing.

Translated by Sofia Gartziou

[12] New York

12 Mar 2008 21:54:00

By Katerina Ioannidou

Sources: ΑNA-ΜPA-REUTERS

Oil prices ended Wednesday slightly below US$110 per barrel in the New York market with the dollar continuing its downward trend. Investors have turned to commodities to face the inflationary pressure and the dollars downward trend. US$110 per barrel for the first time. Light crude in New York traded at US$109.92 after first hitting US$110.20, while Brent rose to US$106.41

Meanwhile, the dollar-euro parity ended a one euro for 1.5570 dollar.

The Dow Jones industrial average .DJI shed 46.57 points, or 0.38 percent, to 12,110.24. The Standard & Poors 500 Index .SPX slipped 11.88 points, or 0.90 percent, to 1,308.77. The Nasdaq Composite Index .IXIC dropped 11.89 points, or 0.53 percent, to 2,243.87.

δολαρίου, καθώς η ισοτιμία του ενιαίου ευρωπαϊκού νομίσματος με το δολάριο είναι ένα προς 1,5570.

Το Χρηματιστήριο της Νέας Υόρκης έκλεισε με απώλειες, καθώς ο βιομηχανικός δείκτης Dow Jones υποχώρησε κατά 0,38% και ο δείκτης των εταιριών υψηλής τεχνολογίας κατά 0,53%. Συγκεκριμένα, ο Dow Jones έχασε 46,57 μονάδες και έκλεισε στις 12.110,24, ενώ ο nasdaq απώλεσε 11,89 μονάδες και έκλεισε στις 2.243,87.

Translated by John Crystallidis

Read the story on other sources:

Reuters: Stocks slip on rethink of Fed plan, oil over $110

Related News:

Slight Drop

[13] Bloody Attack in Kabul

By Betty Savourdou

Sources: AFP, BBC, ANA, MNA

A suicide attack reported today Thursday in the national airport of Afghanistan capital, Kabul killed 18 people while 18 were injured. According to the head of police forces, a trapped cat packed with explosives targeted ally forces in which no losses were caused. The explosion wan strong and took place near a bus stop. Major damages were caused destroying many vehicles. The attack was launched in peak hour in the same road where another attack had occurred in 2007. In February a trapped vehicle in Kandahar had killed more than 100 people.

Translated by Sofia Gartziou

[14] K. Aivaliotis Found Draft Dodger

Sources: NET 105.8

According to the decision taken by Athens military office, the parliamentary representative of LAOS (Popular Orthodox Rally) was found draft dodger. Mr. Aivaliotis will ask to serve his military service.

Translated by Sofia Gartziou

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