The Hellenic Radio (ERA): News in English, 08-03-21

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

CONTENTS

[01] Stressed the Greek Prime Minister

21 Mar 2008 12:07:00 (Last updated: 21 Mar 2008 16:48:08)

By Athina Saloustrou

Sources: ÍÅÔ

The Government is not intimidated by the temporary political cost, as it is positive that it yields useful social results, underlined Prime Minister Kostas Karamanlis while addressing the off-the-agenda parliamentary debate on youths. The pension bill was voted in principle by the government deputies late on Thursday. The opposition MPs walked out of the ballot, apart from those of the Coalition of the Radical Left (SYRIZA), who voted against it. The bill will be put to a vote in is whole on coming Wednesday, as todays planned voting session was cancelled upon the request of the opposition parties.

Parliament Wrangling

The wrangling over the pension bill was transferred to the off-the-agenda parliamentary debate on youths held on Friday.

The Prime Minister stressed that the Government will not deviate from its reform programme despite reactions.

"We [Government] are not after fleeting impressions, we are not intimidated by the temporary political cost when we are positive that we yield social results," noted Karamanlis.

The Prime Minister underscored that the planned reforms provide solutions to the chronic plagues and pave a new way for a promising future. He then claimed, "The future would have been bleak had we not implemented the reforms needed."

Touching on the oppositions stance at his rejoinder, Karamanlis spoke of populism. "Governing means assuming responsibilities and taking harsh decisions to the benefit of the majority. Fine words die out, while problems linger, if one chooses to turn a blind eye. You [Opposition] may stick to the past, if you want to. Society has outdone you. We [Government] are moving ahead. We dare to implement the reforms. We have the courage to deal with difficulties."

PASOK (Panhellenic Socialist Movement) President George Papandreou, on his part, noted that the pension bill will create working conditions befitting to the Middle Ages and that his party will abolish it as soon as it assumes power. "Your bill will generate fear, especially among the youths. You are bombarding the new generation with insecurity," noted argued Papandreou.

KKE (Greek Communist Party) head Aleka Papariga reacted to the accusations about popularism. "For us [KKE], the working class is Greeces capital. This is our difference. You cannot accuse us of populism, when we champion solid work and the 7-hour working scheme. This is not populism. This is our belief," stressed Papariga.

"Mr Prime Minister, during the debate on the pension bill, you kept coming here and voted, yet you did not utter a word. I am glad you recovered and you did not have a problem in saying something. Your speech was interested, yet you said nothing about the pension bill," commented head of the Parliamentary Group of SYRIZA (Coalition of the Radical Left) Alekos Alavanos.

SYRIZA leader Alexis Tsipras restated his partys call for a referendum.

"The Government has no other option but let the Greek people judge its proposals. [Has not other option but] to stage a referendum on the pension system," stressed he.

George Karatzaferis, LAOS (Popular Orthodox Rally) President, also championed SYRIZAs proposals.

Translated by Areti Christou

Related News:

Social Security Bill Passed

[02] Crucial Meeting

21 Mar 2008 15:20:00 (Last updated: 21 Mar 2008 17:27:37)

The meeting between Greek FM Dora Bakoyannis and her FYROM counterpart Antonio Milososki in Brussels confirmed the two sides commitment to find a solution to the name dispute. "It was a useful and honest exchange of views. Several ideas and opinions were put on the table. We will study them, and relevant guidelines will be given to our negotiators who will meet on 25 March in New York," said Dora Bakoyannis, while elaborating on the nature of the two-hour meeting she had with the FYROM Foreign Minister. Bakoyannis also stressed, "Greece entered this meeting, which was hosted in the USA, offering its honest will towards a mutually acceptable solution, with crystal clear positions, solid arguments and a decisive stance." She further added that no agreement or memorandum was signed during the meeting.

Drilled whether she believes that a deal could be struck in the coming week, she said: "I do not know whether an agreement will be brokered in New York or not. What I know is that Greece has the will to really work for a constructive agreement."

Asked what are Greeces "red lines", Bakoyannis argued, "Our [Greeces] stance is crystal clear: we are after a name that would signal the difference between the geographical area of Macedonia and the area now belonging to FYROM. I believe that this is fair, crystal clear and important for stability in the region."

With regard to whether she detected "more will" for the solution of the FYROM name dispute, the Greek FM stated, "Both countries have realized that this is a major issue of outstanding significance to our people, and I believe that there is will."

Asked whether the UN-sponsored drive to have the problem settled is going to be replaced, she stressed: "I want yet again to make it clear that the drive under Nimetz will not be replaced. The meetings carried out upon the USAs initiative are meetings that mean to support the achievement of agreement."

Greek Foreign Ministry spokesman George Koumoutsakos commented: "The two Ministers of Foreign Affairs met prior to the forthcoming NATO Summit in Bucharest to promote the efforts in progress, aiming to lead the UN-sponsored drive to a mutually acceptable solution. The USA hosted todays meeting with a view to helping the negotiations under Matthew Nimetz. It was a useful meeting and an honest exchange of views. The two ministers underlined the two governments commitment to settle the problem. Both sides are looking forward to the next meeting with Matthew Nimetz scheduled for 25 March in New York."

The White House said that President George W. Bush is concerned over the name dispute, however, he believes that it can and must be settled.

Translated by Areti Christou

Related News:

New Round of Efforts on Skopje Issue

[03] According to National Meteorological Service

21 Mar 2008 16:26:00

By Anna Kourti

Sources: ÅÌÕ

According to the National Meteorological Service (EMY) local cloudiness mainly in the afternoon with possibility of rain in the West is expected for Saturday. Winds will rise to 3 to 4 Beaufort and temperature will reach 19 degrees Celsius. 3 to 4 Beaufort winds will blow south. In Attika prefecture slight cloudiness will be the scenery. In the morning, visibility will be locally limited. Winds will blow south. Temperature will settle to 6 to 15 degrees Celsius. Rainfalls are expected in the south part of the country on Monday while the rest of the country will be sunny. Temperature will drop on Monday and windy south winds will blow in Aegean Islands on Tuesday.

Translated by Sofia Gartziou

[04] Off-the-Agenda Debate on Youths

21 Mar 2008 14:51:00 (Last updated: 21 Mar 2008 17:08:21)

Sources: NET, NET 105.8, ANA

An off-the-agenda parliamentary debate on young peoples rights to education and culture is currently underway. Requested by the Greek Communist Party (KKE), the debate is carried out at political leaders level. Prime Minister Kostas Karamanlis laid out the Governments reform programme on Education, and called on all political parties to introduce constructive proposals. The Socialist leader blasted the Government for nourishing fear and insecurity among the youths. Papariga spoke of major unemployment rates, while Alekos Alavanos, head of the parliamentary group of SYRIZA (Coalition of the Radical Left), claimed that the pension bill will strike a blow to the youths.

Prime Minister Kostas Karamanlis admitted that unemployment is Greeces number one plague and outlined the Governments actions against it. Addressing the opposition parties, Karamanlis claimed that those who fight Article 16 do not have the right to talk about hordes of young unemployed.

PASOK leader George Papandreou referred to the challenges the new generation has to meet, lambasted the Government for its class-oriented policy on Education, while he championed a society of values not fear. He also spoke of an "open democratic school" with well-paid teachers.

Aleka Papariga underlined that rights offered to the young is one thing and opportunities is another, and went on to slam the Government for lacking an integrated plan that would earn the young people their place in the work market.

Related News:

Off-the-Agenda Debate on Youths

[05] Christofias-Talat Meeting

21 Mar 2008 14:38:00

Sources: ÍÅÔ-ÍÅÔ 105.8-ANA/MPA

Cypriot President Demetris Christofias and Turkish-Cypriot leader Mehmet Ali Talat agreed Friday on the process that will lead to the direct talks on the Cyrpus standoff. Following their about three-hour-long meeting which was held before UN envoy Michael M&#248;ller, it was announced that the two leaders advisors will meet in the coming week. The two men will work on the setting up of working groups.

New Meeting in Three Months' Time

Christofias and Talat will meet anew in three months time to assess the results of the working groups, and to decide whether UN-sponsored direct talks can commence.

The Ledra barricade in Nicosia was also agreed to be lifted, while the two leaders advisors will consider lifting other barricades, as well.

Christofias voiced his optimism over the course of the talks, also adding that the two sides will work hard demonstrating their good will.

Talat, on the other hand, argued that the goal is to achieve an overall solution the soonest possible. He further claimed they touched on procedural matters only.

Translated by Areti Christou

[06] Schoolboy Aged 88

By Katerina Ioannidou

Sources: ANA-MPA-REUTERS

The oldest schoolboy on the planet, Kenyan Kimani Maruge, 88, is fighting for his right to knowledge. The post-election crisis ravaging the country has forced him to move to a refugee camp along with 14,000 people. However, he wakes up early every day, collects his books and walks with a limp to the primary school, which is four kilometres away. "I had to come here when people started fighting and burning houses," said Maruge, who a members of the Kikuyu tribe. "It is hard. There is no one to help me walk. I go alone. But the urge to learn keeps me going," said he, requesting he be relocated to a camp nearer the school. Illiterate all his life, Maruge decided to go to school when President Kibaki introduced free primary education in the country in 2003.

Translated by Areti Christou

[07] DEH: Extension to Pay Bills

By Athina Saloustrou

Public Power Corporation (DEH) has given one week extension to deadline for the pay of electricity bills due to DEH employees strike. During this week the company will not proceed to power cuts due to unpaid bills.

Translated by Chrisanthi Sarantis

[08] To Elect National Council Secretary

21 Mar 2008 09:07:00

By Katerina Ioannidou

Sources: ÍÅÔ 105.8

PASOK Political Council meets this afternoon to elect its secretary and board members. Petros Efthimiou and Dimitris Reppas are the most likely candidates for the position of secretary, however, PASOK leader, George Papandreou has not revealed yet the names of persons he will propose.

Translated by Chrisanthi Sarantis

[09] Off-the-Agenda Debate on Youths

Sources: ÍÅÔ - ÍÅÔ 105,8

An off-the-agenda parliamentary debate on young peoples rights to education and culture is currently underway. Requested by the Greek Communist Party (KKE), the debate is carried out at political leaders level. Prime Minister Kostas Karamanlis laid out the Governments reform programme on Education, and called on all political parties to introduce constructive proposals. KKE head Aleka Papariga spoke of major unemployment rates that harm the young, and requested an integrated project to combat it. The Prime Minister admitted that unemployment is Greeces number one plague and outlined the Governments actions against it. Addressing the opposition parties, Karamanlis claimed that those who fight Article 16 do not have the right to talk about hordes of young unemployed. Aleka Papariga said that rights offered to the young is one thing and opportunities is another, and went on to slam the Government for lacking an integrated plan that would earn the young people their place in the work market.

Translated by Areti Christou

[10] Hristofia- Talat Meeting

By Katerina Ioannidou

Sources: ÍÅÔ 105.8-ÍÅÔ

Cyprus President, Dimitris Hristofias is having his first meeting with Turkish Cypriot leader, Mehmet Ali Talat in the presence of UN special envoy. An agreement for the opening of passage to and from the occupied territories at Lydra St, in Nicosia is expected to be announced during this meeting, which is a test on prospects for resolution of Cyprus issue. The outcome of talks will also indicate whether the two sides agree to implement the July, 8, 2006 agreement for the opening of substantial negotiations on the Cyprus issue. In the meantime, UN General Secretary has announced that he will soon send his assistant for deliberations with both sides.

Translated by Chrisanthi Sarantis

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