The Hellenic Radio (ERA): News in English, 08-05-16

The Hellenic Radio (ERA): News in English Directory - Previous Article - Next Article

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

CONTENTS

[01] "Responsibilities and Omissions"

16 May 2008 20:06:00 (Last updated: 16 May 2008 21:10:25)

Sources: ΝΕΤ, ΝΕΤ 105.8, ANA

Greek anti-money laundering authority chief George Zorbas testimony on the bond case has prompted reactions. Zorbas spoke of felonies, insinuating that senior state officers committed disciplinary offences.

Replying to Zorbas criticism, Justice Minister S. Hatzigakis stressed no judged committed disciplinary offences and that he has no intention of breaking justice into pieces just to meet some circles strategic aspirations.

While addressing Parliaments Special Permanent Committee on Institutions and Transparency on the bond case, Zorbas blasted Prosecutors Messrs Sanidas and Koliokostas for the way they handled the report on TEADY. He also dropped hints against the Justice Minister, arguing that he did not carry out a disciplinary inspection.

Sotiris Bagias, head of the Prosecutors Association, championed the handlings of the Prosecutors, stressing there was no slow response.

Asked on the matter, Deputy Government spokesman Evangelos Antonaros said that all accusations are examined and the relevant authorities do their duty, obeying to the letter of the law.

"The Government has proved its respect to the operation of independent authorities," said Antonaros when asked if the Government intends to abolish the independent authority led by Zorbas.

Translated by Areti Christou

[02] Daskalopoulos-McCreevy Meeting

16 May 2008 18:44:00

By Alexandros Moz

Federation of Greek Industries (FGI) head Dimitris Daskalopoulos urged EU Commissioner for Internal Market and Services Charlie McCreevy to call on Greece to open up market. "Regulated professions are among the major problems disrupting the markets operation. They fuel inflation and undermine productivity at the expense of economy. Entepreneurism lacks innovation and investment opportunities. Consumers lack benefits offered by competitiveness through better services and low costs," commented Daskalopoulos.

"Greece has dozens of regulated professions. Opening up one only, in the transport sector, would save up to 1 billion euros and increase productivity and employment by 2.5% and 4% respectively. It would also trigger positive knock-on influences on economy by bringing cost down," added he. Comparing Greece to what is the case abroad, he explained that such a comparison "manifests that unless regulated professions open up, growth will slow down and allocation of funds will be less effective. Greece cannot afford to ignore the lessons learnt by the developed nations."

Translated by Areti Christou

The Hellenic Radio (ERA): News in English Directory - Previous Article - Next Article