The Hellenic Radio (ERA): News in English, 08-05-02

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

CONTENTS

[01] Between the Greek State and Deutsche Telekom

02 May 2008 11:44:00 (Last updated: 02 May 2008 21:57:35)

Sources: ANA-MPA, ΝΕΤ, ΝΕΤ 105.8

The talks between the Greek Government and Deutsche Telekom over future ownership and management of Greeces biggest phone company, OTE, seem to be running their final stretch.

The matters that need to be sort out are the responsibilities of the president and the managing director and the price for the buyout of an extra 3% of OTEs shares.

Reacting to the buyout, the OTE personnel has scheduled a 48-hour strike on 6 and 7 May and a demonstration on coming Tuesday in central Athens. In an announcement, their trade union blasted the Government for employing communicative ploys to present the sale of OTE as a strategic alliance.

Translated by Areti Christou

[02] In Great Britain

02 May 2008 19:02:00

By Katerina Ioannidou

Sources: ANA/MPA, NET 105.8, REUTERS

The first election test for British Prime Minister Gordon Brown after he assumed office is most likely to be rather disappointing, as the Labour Party is estimated to suffer the worst results in at least 40 years in the local elections held Thursday in England and Wales. The British Premier described the council results as "bad" and "disappointing." In a Press conference, Brown admitted that it had been a really bad and disappointing night. He added though that Labour should learn its lesson, analyze what happened and move on.

Political analysts have estimated that Gordon Browns party will probably lose about 200 seats in local councils, thus trailing the Tories with 24%. Such a result is believed to be a rather heavy blow on Tony Blairs successor, as it seriously questions his ability to lead. Government officials, on the other hand, have put down the results to a global economical crisis, arguing that the Labour Party would win the national elections.

Translated by Areti Christou

Read the story on other sources:

Reuters:Britain's Brown punished in local elections

Related News:

Britain: Major Defeat for Labour Party

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