The Hellenic Radio (ERA): News in English, 08-05-15

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

CONTENTS

[01] GSEE-ADEDY Rallies

15 May 2008 15:06:00 (Last updated: 15 May 2008 16:33:58)

Sources: ÍÅÔ-ÍÅÔ 105.8-ÁNA/ÌPA

Private and public sector employees have staged five rallies in Athens, within the framework of the GSEE (Greek General Confederation of Labour) and ADEDY (Supreme Administration of Greek Civil Servants Trade Unions) mobilizations in reaction to mobilizations, the high cost of living and a new salary scale.

The two Trade Unions had declared three-hour work stoppages in the public sector and Public Utilities, while 24-hour strikes were launched at OTE (Hellenic Telecommunications) and ports. Due to the work stoppages launched by air traffic employees, airlines proceed with changes in flights. At the same time, OTOE (Hellenic Federation of Bank Employee Unions) had launched 24-hour strikes in 10 Banks demanding the appointment of bank representatives for the signing of the new work agreement. This issue triggered tension before the National Bank of Greece building at Kotzias Square.

Tension at Kotzias Square

The five rallies launched by GSEE and ADEDY have paralyzed the Athens centre today. GSEE held a rally at Kaningos Square, ADEDY at Korai Square, PAME (All Workers Militant Front) at Omonia Square, hotel employees at Akadimias and University students at the Propylae.

Meanwhile, hospital doctors are on strike for the second consecutive day.

In parallel, employees of National Bank of Greece, Alpha Bank, Eurobank, Probank, FBB, HSBC, BNP Paribas, Citibank, Hellenic Bank, American Express and Cyprus Bank are on strike, demanding the signing of a work agreement.

Tension prevailed before the National Bank of Greece at Kotzias Square when OTOE members tried to attend the shareholders meeting.

The police intervened and used teargas to disperse the employees. However, later the OTOE members were allowed to attend the meeting.

Meanwhile, University students and professors met at the Propylae and marched to the Parliament to protest against the framework law on Tertiary Education.

At the same time, employees at PPC (Public Power Corporation), ELTA (Hellenic Post), Olympic Airlines and EYDAP (Athens Water Supply and Sewage Company) called a three-hour work stoppage starting at 12.00pm.

Olympic Airlines have cancelled 40 flights, while the time schedule for 24 flights has changed. Passengers can call 210-966 66 66 and 801-11-44 444 for more information.

Rallies in Thessaloniki

Employees held rallies also in Thessaloniki. The employees delegation of the Piraeus port attended a rally at the port in Thessaloniki.

Opposing to the privatisation of ports, OMYLE (Port Workers Association) President Giorgos Georgakopoulos appeared optimistic of the Associations victory.

Finally, OME-OTE (Federation of OTE employees) Secretary General Antonis Birbilis also opposed the privatization of the public sector.

Translated by John Crystallidis

Related News:

Strike Wave

[02] Strike Suspended Until 24/10

15 May 2008 16:18:00

Sources: NET

Commercial truck owners have suspended their strike, which caused problems to the supply of the market with fuel, foodstuffs, fruit and garden products until 24 October 2008, warning the government to meet their demands.

The market is now being normally supplied with fuel after fuel-truck owners decided to suspend their strike with 43 votes to 29. As per fuel-truck owners the market will be fully normalised in the next three days, while emphasis will be given to the province.

Translated by John Crystallidis

Related News:

Commercial Truck Owners still on Strike

[03] Dispute on Expensiveness

Sources: ÍÅÔ-ÍÅô 105.8-ÁNA/ÌPA

Tens of consumer goods have gone up lately following the sharp rise in the price of petrol. Expensiveness was the focus of todays meeting between the Prime-minister and the Development Ministry leadership. Mr. Karamanlis was briefed on the course of the 41 measures to combat expensiveness. After the meeting, Development Minister, Christos Folias stated that the government is making efforts within the context of a coordinated strategy to improve market conditions at a time when global economy is facing strong inflationary pressures. On his part, government spokesman, Thodoros Roussopoulos stressed that the government is not satisfied at the present figure of prices, however, the 41 measures effected by the development Ministry will bear fruit in due time. PASOK deputy, Mihalis Hrisohoidis called on the government to proceed to reduction of prices after an agreement with the business field.

Translated by Chrisanthi Sarantis

[04] Agreement on OTE

15 May 2008 16:43:00

By Anthi Ntaousani

Sources: ÍÅÔ, ÍÅÔ 105.8

The agreement on OTE will go into effect after a vote at Parliament. The agreement will also have to be ratified by Deutsche Telekom shareholders and Greece and Germanys regulative authorities. Deutsche Telekom will have to pay 29.75 euros per share for the purchase of an additional 3% of OTE by the Greek sector, while earnings for the public sector have been estimated to over 440 million euros.

Government spokesman Theodoros Roussopoulos stressed that the Greek side will be entitled to veto OTEs each strategic choice, adding that the agreement proves that foreign investors have confidence in the Greek economy. Meawnhile, Transport and Communications Minsiter Kostis Hatzidakis described the agreement beneficial for the Greek economy and the employees.

At the same time, OTE employees and the opposition are reacting strongly to the agreement. PASOK (Socialists) has described the governments responsibilities immense, while SYN (Coalition of the Left) spoke of "an agreement of OTEs unconditional surrender."

Translated by John Crystallidis

[05] Close to Meningitis Vaccine

By Anthi Ntaousani

Sources: ÍÅÔ

A possible vaccine against meningitis B has shown "encouraging" results in preliminary clinical trials said British scientists. The MenB vaccine from pharmaceutical giant Novartis was tested on 150 babies in the UK without any side effects. Meningitis B kills at least 80.000 children each year, most of them in the first 24 hours, giving no opportunity for medical treatment. Meningitis is an inflammation of the membranes that cover the brain and the spinal cord.The meningitis B bacterium is incredibly complex and developing a vaccine to protect against it has always been one of the biggest challenges in meningitis vaccine development.

Translated by Chrisanthi Sarantis

[06] Triple Murder in Acharnon Street

Sources: ÍÅÔ

The Homicide Department is trying to shed light on the triple murder that took place at Agios Panteleimonas area in Acharnon Avenue at 22:30 on Wednesday. As per original information, the culprits, probably Albanians, stopped their car in 48, Alkiaviadou Street, got out and entered a caf&#233; frequented by foreigners. They shot against the victims, amid the fully packed shop.

The bullets hit two Albanians in the head and chest, as well as a Romanian, who was sitting at another table at the back of the caf&#233;. The Romanian was probably shot by mistake.

Then, the culprits got out and fled in their car. Although arrests followed, no progress has been made on the case. The police believe that the underworld is involved in the murders.

Translated by John Crystallidis

[07] Under the Prime Minister

15 May 2008 15:02:00

Sources: ÍÅÔ 105.8, ÁNA-ÌNA

According to the decision taken today, Thursday in a meeting of finance, health and employment ministers, the Prime Minister will undertake the supervision of financial social pension and health bodies and departments. Finance minister Mr. Alogoskoufis pre announced the establishment of an inreministerial committee for the supervision of financial issues related with health and social pension departments which will be in accordance with the state budget and the financial statements.

Establishment of Interministerial Committee

Health minister Mr. Avramopoulos said that the government is trying to settle the Greek National Health System (ESY). He added that 6.500 nurses have been hired so far and until the end of September another 6.000 are going work to hospitals.

He also made clear that the health department is under the responsibility of the Employment ministry and is not going to be transferred to the Ministry of Health and Social Solidarity.

He added that the interimisterial committee is going to co ordinate issues in ministries of finance, social pensions and health because as he stressed there are many financial issues in the funding, the social security and health department which need to be solved. The governments first priority is transparency, effectiveness and better control of funding so as losses against the Greek people to be avoided.

All social security and health bodies will submit to the committee budgets and financial statements and constant controls on the financing of the above bodies will take place.

Translated by Sofia Gartziou

[08] Checks Extend

Sources: ÍÅÔ, ÍÅÔ 105.8

The General State Chemical Laboratory will release as report as to whether the adulterated sunflower oil, withdrawn from the market is dangerous. Meanwhile, checks in the market continues. As per the Development Ministry 2/3 of the controversial consignment has been withdrawn. In addition to the bottles with the controversial sunflower oil, other products are being checked as well. In reply to criticism by the opposition on deficient protection of the consumers, the government has assured that any imperfection on the check system will be recorded and responsibilities held.

Products Withdrawn

After carrying out checks, EFET has reported the following:

1. Mayonnaise Kraft in a jar (250g, 500g, 750g, 1000g), with expiry date 29/12/2008 to 01/02/2009 is Kraft Regular. 2. Sunflower oil of B. Stefanouris S.A., bearing the label "Stefanouri Sunflower" 1,2 and 5lt, with expiry date 03/2010 and 04/2010 are also being withdrawn.

All consumers, who have purchased the above products are advised not to consume them.

Besides, checks carried out in AB Vasilopoulos supermarkets proved that the company had withdrawn sunflower oil bottles bearing the title AB.

The products withdrawn for precautionary reasons are AB Sunflower oil (3 & 5 lt), DEMO Sunflower oil (1, 2, 5 & 10 lt), VIVO Sunflower Oil (1, 2, 5 & 10 lt) and VEGOLA Sunflower oil (3 & 5 lt).

EFET will continue its checks and release any results on checks.

Finally, the withdrawn sunflower oil "Agrotis" (10 litres) by "E.GRAPSAS& LTD" bears expiry date 12/2008.

Translated by John Crystallidis

Related News:

Investigation into Adulterated Sunflower Oil

[09] Consumer Boycott

By Betty Savourdou

Sources: ÍÅÔ, ÍÅÔ 105.8, ÁNA-ÌNA

General Consumers Federation of Greece (INKA) has called on consumer organizations to proceed to a boycott against the costliness prevailing in markets and urged consumers not to pay not a euro more and to resist to the adulterated food products and to profiteering.

Members of the Institute of Consumers distribute informational leaflets to Syntagma Sqare and to other central spots in province cities and they brief consumers about the necessity of their reaction. According to information, INKA will soon call on consumers to boycott specific products.

Translated by Sofia Gartziou

[10] Crude below $US124

By Athina Saloustrou

Crude oil in Asian markets has been trading today at $US124 per barrel, despite the expected increase of American strategic reserves. In Singapore, light crude for June deliveries fell in the morning by 43 cents to $US123.79 per barrel, while North Sea Brent also dropped by 31 cents to $US121.55. Oil in New York lost one dollar, as demand for petrol in the US has dropped.

Translated by John Crystallidis

[11] Market Supply Seriously Disrupted

15 May 2008 10:29:00 (Last updated: 15 May 2008 16:47:10)

By Athina Saloustrou

The market is now being normally supplied with fuel after fuel-truck owners decided to suspend their strike with 43 votes to 29. At the same time, commercial truck owners are continuing with their strike "We decided to end the strike after taking into consideration the social turmoil," commented Angelos Falaris, the Federations secretary general. However, the issue of the fare increase, beyond the 5% threshold to take effect as of 19 May, remains open, although the Transport Minister assured to reconsider it in September in case the oil prices continue their upward spiral. As per fuel-truck owners the market will be fully normalised in the next three days, while emphasis will be given to the province.

In the meantime, commercial truck owners are still on strike, seriously disrupting the supply of the market with goods and supplies of necessities, including medicine and vegetables. "The society cannot be held captive to one group that demands all its grievances be met," Kostis Hatzidakis said on Wednesday, while Transport Ministry sources stressed that were the problem to blow out of proportion, the Government were ready to step up measures to facilitate the markets supply.

Related News:

Fuel Market to Be Restored

[12] The Unknown Islamist Group "Indian Mujahideen"

15 May 2008 09:49:00

By Athina Saloustrou

Sources: Reueters

An unknown Islamist group said on Thursday it set off coordinated blasts that tore through a packed shopping area in a popular Indian tourist city this week, claimed the responsibility. Eight bombs, many strapped to bicycles, killed 61 people and injured 216 people in the western city of Jaipur on Tuesday. A video clip sent in the email showed one packet strapped on the back of a bicycle. The email also included the serial number of a bicycle. Poice is still trying to find out if the video is original. The Prime Minister of Rajastan stated yesterday in French News Agency that authorities preceded to the arrest of two suspects.

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