The Hellenic Radio (ERA): News in English, 08-04-23

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

CONTENTS

[01] The Government Appears Determined

23 Apr 2008 11:54:00 (Last updated: 23 Apr 2008 15:36:12)

Sources: ÍÅÔ-ÍÅÔ 105.8

While consumers have begun doing their Easter shopping, checks in the market have been intensified. Rural Development Minister Alexandros Kontos ordered the Competition Committee to investigate stockbreeders reports on the operation of the meat cartel. In the morning he met with Prime Minister Kostas Karamanlis. Mr Kontos stated that the government is determined to clash with all cartels, including the meat cartel. In parallel, he reported that the government has ample evidence that proves that a meat cartel exists, adding that he will provide the Competition Committee with the evidence so that the necessary measures are taken. He also said that the stockbreeders will report the cartels and fines will be imposed. Regarding prices of lamb meat they range from 6 - 9 euros, while imported lamb prices range from 5.5 6.5 euros.

In parallel, the minister urged consumers to purchase Greek meat, supporting thus Greek stockbreeders. He also said that there is adequacy of products in the market, adding that prices are the same with last year's and in some cases lower.

Opposition Launches Criticism

PASOK (Socialists) cadres, headed by Secretary Giannis Ragousis distributed printed material on the high cost of living at the Elefsina toll gate. Mr Ragousis criticized the ND government over the high Easter prices.

Meanwhile, LAOS (Popular Orthodox Rally) President George Karatzaferis visited Varvakios central market in Athens, where he described the governments measures against the high cost of living ineffective.

Today, shops and supermarkets will close at 21:00 and butcher shops at 20:00.

Translated by John Crystallidis

[02] Ready for the Great Exodus

Sources: ÍÅÔ, ÍÅÔ 105.8, ÁNA-ÌPA

City dwellers will commence their exodus as of Maundy Thursday for Easter holidays, while all means of transport have been nearly fully booked. Those who will use their cars in the exodus should cope with the Traffic Rules and be careful as the weather is expected to deteriorate. The temperature is expected to drop sharply as of today and until Holy Friday. Snow is expected in central and northern Greece. Meanwhile, the Traffic Police will take extra measures to see that a safe exodus is secured.

Weather Deteriorates

Cloud is expected today turning to rain and occasional storms in Macedonia and Thrace as of tomorrow. The temperature will commence dropping as of today and snowfalls are expected in central and northern Greece.

It will be cold on Holy Saturday with occasional storm in the Ionian and mainland. The weather will improve at Eastern in central and southern Greece, while 4-6 Beaufort strong winds are expected to blow.

Translated by John Crystallidis

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Gradual Drop of Temperature

[03] Intensifying Inspections to Combat Tax Evasion

By Tina Valaoura

Sources: ÁNA-ÌPA

Economics Minister, George Alogoskoufis accompanied by Economics undersecretary, Antonis Bezas visited the offices of the Special Inspection Department and called on employees to intensify their efforts to combat tax evasion. He particularly referred to tax evasion through fake vouchers, avoidance to pay value added tax as well as fuel smuggling. Mr. Alogoskoufis stressed that we can not speak of a strong economy and fair state for as long as there is high rate of tax evasion. Mr. Alogoskoufis also said that fuel sales have gone up by 20% after the implementation of new measures on heating oil provision which proves the effectiveness of the measure. Mr. Bezas said that all data concerning heating oil consumption should have been sent to the Economics Ministry till May, 15 for inspection.

Translated by Chrisanthi Sarantis

[04] G. Papandreou to Be Discharged from Hospital

By Tina Valaoura

PASOK president, George Papandreou will most likely be discharged from KAT hospital this afternoon. Mr. Papandreou, who suffered bone fracture after a bicycle accident, is steadily recovering and will spend Easter at home. His treating doctors said that will have fully recovered in two months.

Translated by Chrisanthi Sarantis

[05] British Study Reveals

23 Apr 2008 15:20:00

By Anna Kourti

Sources: ÁNA-ÌPA

According to a new research conducted by Oxford and Exeter universities diet before pregnancy can affect babys sex. The study, which links higher energy intake around conception to the birth of sons, provides the first explanation of why the number of boy babies is in decline in the west, suggesting it is the result of women consuming low fat foods said Fiona Mathew, a researcher at Exeter university. The team focused on 740 first-time pregnant mothers who did not know the sex of their unborn child and were asked to provide records of their eating habits before and during the early stages of pregnancy. Mothers to be were split into three groups according to the number of calories consumed per day around the time they conceived, revealing that 56% of the women in the group with the highest energy intake at conception had sons, compared with 45% in the lowest group. The research also indicates that women who had sons were more likely to have eaten a higher quantity and wider range of nutrients, including potassium, calcium and vitamins C, E and B12. In other words, women who want a son should eat a generous bowl of cereal for breakfast, munch bananas, use more salt and boost their overall daily calories. Over the last 40 years there has been a small but consistent decline, of about one per 1000 births annually, in the proportion of boys being born in industrialised countries. This decline has given rise to concern while it is rendered to exposure to toxic substances.

Translated by Chrisanthi Sarantis

[06] PASOK Cadres Visit Ilia

Sources: NET

PASOK (Panhellenic Socialist Movement) cadres headed by Secretary Giannis Ragousis are visiting the fire-stricken villages of Ilia. The cadres will meet with representatives of the self government and officials of the prefecture. In parallel, they will visit the prefectures fire-stricken areas and prepare Mr Papandreous visit there. Today's first stop was in Manolada, Ilia, where they discovered the miserable conditions under which immigrant workers live in the area. He spoke of the states absence as nobody checks the inflow or stay of economic immigrants in Greece. Moreover, he said nobody is interested in their health problems. He also reported that the visit is taking place at the orders of PASOK President George Papandreou, who considers the immigrants and workers rights non-negotiable.

Meanwhile, party President George Papandreou will be released from KAT Hospital on Maundy Thursday at the latest after his accident on Sunday.

As per doctors, Mr Papandreou will recover fully in two months.

Translated by John Crystallidis

[07] Cars Set on Fire

A series of incendiary attacks against car companies in three different parts of Athens at dawn caused serious damage to certain cars and destroyed others

Sources: ÍÅÔ ÍÅÔ 105.8 ÁNAÌPA

Three incendiary attacks were launched against car companies in Peristeri, Galatsi and Halandri between 02:00 and 02:10 Wednesday

Evidence proves that the culprits used gas canisters in their attack. Other cars sustained damages and others were completely destroyed. Specifically, the culprits set on fire three cars at the NISSAN car company in Peristeri, two at OPEL in Galatsi and three more at AUTOCAR Company in Halandri.

Translated by John Crystallidis

[08] Happy Ending

By Betty Savourdou

Sources: ÍÅÔ, ÍÅÔ 105.8

Although singer Kostas Makedonas suffered fractures on the spinal cord, he is out of danger, while the pilot of the helicopter has been transferred to NIMITS hospital. The helicopter had to make an emergency landing on a slope of Mt Parnitha due to mechanical failure on Tuesday.

The singer has been transferred to a private clinic at his own request.

Translated by John Crystallidis

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