The Hellenic Radio (ERA): News in English, 08-05-24

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

CONTENTS

[01] Prime-minister's Message from Serres

24 May 2008 14:30:00 (Last updated: 24 May 2008 16:54:39)

Sources: ÍÅÔ, ÍÅÔ 105.8, ÁNA

In his speech at the two-day conference in Serres organized by the Democracy Institute Konstantinos Karamanlis to mark the 10 th anniversary of his death, the Prime-minister referred to the work of the ND partys founder as well as to the governments priorities. The premier will attend the unveiling of the ND founders statue in Proti Serres. K. Karamanlis stressed among others in his speech: Ten years after Konstantinos Karamanlis death, the ideals and values comprising the axis of his political activity continue and must continue to inspire all Greeks regardless of political parties. Nowadays, Konstantinos Karamanlis seriousness, responsibility, high feeling of national duty as well as his effectiveness in the implementation of his strategic selections are the terminus of politics and public sphere in general".

Continuing his speech the Prime-minister said: "Among Konstantinos Karamanlis achievements, the most difficult and significant according to my opinion is that he gave a visible and specific content to the general demand for the country to go ahead. He convinced the Greek people that a better future of democracy, development and prosperity, a European future was feasible, he achieved to inspire confidence to his compatriots. A confidence which is a necessary precondition for a generation to realize its obligation to the future generations and bear the long-term burden of the necessary policies to respond to present challenges and prepare for a better tomorrow.

Certainly today, we neither face the challenge of economic reconstruction nor the restoration of democracy. However, the same as then, we are called to select with responsibility the road to follow in the next decades. The selection is clear we either compromise with attitudes and practices of conservatism and regression or we proceed to necessary for the country reforms with responsibility and determination.

These were Konstantinos Karamanlis two options when he was claiming the countrys European future, on the one hand the minoritys fears and isolationism and on the other hand the clear and apparent long term benefit for Greece and Greeks. Konstantinos Karamanlis never faced a dilemma before these two options and this is why the most significant political heritage he left behind is: the historical proof that a leader must not succumb to a temporary political cost and to place the countrys and the peoples interest above any cost. This is not only a feasible political selection but also the only viable and responsible strategy. The ND party founded by Konstantinos Karamanlis and our government are firmly inspired by these beliefs to serve the interests of the many to confront outcries of conservatism and vested interests whose only point is to maintain unjust privileges at the expense of society.

On Education

Referring to Education, Mr Karamanlis stressed to all that reforms in Education would continue and be completed, adding that they would put an end to deadlocks in Educations. Moreover, he said that the founding of private and non-profitable Universities would promote competition in the sector of knowledge and secure a qualitative and modern public Education.

PASOK on Karamanlis Tour

PASOK attributed the prime ministers tour in the province to the dissatisfaction in the Greek province on the governments policy. However, the partys spokesman George Papakonstantinou described the PMs move good although it should have been made earlier. Finally, he accused the government of lack of policy on important issues that concern the province.

[02] US Crude at $132.19

24 May 2008 10:36:00

Sources: ÍÅÔ 105.8

Fuel price hikes continue with US crude oil closing at $132.19 per barrel on Friday. International economic analysts attribute the crisis to profiteering games fabricated in stock markets. Fuel price hike exercises inflationary pressures and intolerable strain to hard-pressed households. According to EU Commission report one in five Europeans and one in four Greeks lives on less than 22 euros a day. Economics Minister George Alogoskoufis, who is on a visit to the US, expressed concerned over the negative international circumstances, however, he ruled out any revision of the state budget.

Talks between Economics Minister G. Alogoskoufis with the president of US Central Bank focused on initiatives to improve global economy and face inflationary pressures from uncontrollable rises in fuel and food prices. "Circumstances are difficult" said G. Alogoskoufis, adding "the situation in Europe regarding economic growth is rather better than in the US, however, there is the common problem of inflation".

Translated by Chrisanthi Sarantis

[03] Modern Greek Literature & Mathematics

24 May 2008 10:52:00

Sources: ÍÅÔ 105.8

National -Exams for admission to tertiary education continue with candidates being tested today on Modern Greek Literature or Mathematics depending on the courses they have selected to attend. According to teachers the subject of Modern Greek Literature, which is Kabafis poem "Kaisarion" as well as the set of questions in the Mathematics test addressed to well-prepared students. In an interview with newspaper "Hmerisia", the president of the National Education Council, Mr. Beremis used strong words against the Union of University Professors and Researchers (POSDEP), describing it as a non-serious organization. In parallel, he labeled as inexplicable the Education Ministrys move to bring up the issue of private universities at this specific time, expressing the view that it might be a government gesture of reconciliation with PASOK. Mr. Beremis also added that state universities would have changed in 5-6 years time if objectors allowed implementation of the frame-law on education even with all its deficiencies. Piraeus Technical Institutes have decided to allow election procedures while Athens Technical Institutes are expected to reach a similar decision.

Translated by Chrisanthi Sarantis

[04] This Evening at 22:00

24 May 2008 13:57:00

With only a few hours left before the spectacular evening and the winner of the 2008 Eurovision Song contest, held in Belgrade Arena, Greeces delegation is optimistic that its entrant Kalomoira could be among the top five winners according to the publics response although competition is tough. NET will start live coverage of 2008 Eurovision Song Contest at 22:00 (Greek local time) with presenters Betty and Matthildi Maggira sisters commenting on events during the broadcast. The event will be also covered by the Eurovision official website eurovision.tv/live.

The running order of the 25 countries to be represented in 2008 Eurovision final is the following: Rumania, UK, Albania, Germany, Armenia, Bosnia-Erzegovina, Israel, Finland, Croatia, Poland, Iceland, Turkey, Portugal, Leetonia, Sweden, Denmark, Georgia, Ukraine, France, Azerbaijan, Greece, Spain, Serbia, Russia, Norway.

Translated by Chrisanthi Sarantis

[05] Convict Arrested

By Alexandros Moz

Sources: ÁNA-ÌPA

A 25-year-old convict, detained at Trikala prison since 2003 managed to escape Saturday dawn and then took a train to Athens. The police soon launched a manhunt and arrested the foreign escapee near the prefecture of Viotia. The police is investigating the case and will see whether the four policemen, who were supposed to be guarding the convict are responsible for his escape.

Translated by John Crystallidis

[06] Papariga in Crete

Sources: ÍÅÔ, ÍÅÔ 105.8, ÁNA

KKE Secretary General Aleka Papariga is staging a rally in Heraklion, Crete at 21:00 Saturday. At a Press Conference at noon, she criticized the government and described PASOK (Socialists) and SYN (Coalition of the Left) the political systems components. She urged workers, farmers and the self-employed to react and abolish the idea that the ND ruling party is better than PASOK or PASOK better than the ND party. She described the wrangling among parties useless, urging workers to get rid of the hopes and awe to the EU.

Furthermore, she expressed KKEs opposition to capitalism, accusing he ruling party of lying and PASOK and SYN of being hypocritical. She disagreed with the privatization of OTE (Hellenic Telecommunications), Skaramangas Shipyards, arguing the Eleftherios Venizelos airport belongs to Hochtief.

Translated by John Crystallidis

[07] Tsipras on Public Health

Sources: ÍÅÔ 105.8

Addressing SYNs Health Sector Saturday morning, Alexis Tsipras spoke of under-financing of the public Health sector. As a result of this more and more people are turning to the private Hospitals, adding that Mr Karamanlis does not have a realistic conception of the present situation in the Health Sector. He also criticized Heath Minister Dimitris Avramopopoulos, forecasting more rallies by doctors in the future. Finally, he reported that his party favours public Health and will fight so that all citizens are entitled to have access to it.

Translated by John Crystallidis

[08] Could Reach 80.000

24 May 2008 11:27:00

By Nasos Bratsos

Sources: ÁNA, French

Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao has said that the death toll from the massive earthquake on 12, May had passed 60,000 and could reach 80,000 or more. Chinas Premier revealed the grim figures while escorting UN chief Ban Ki-moon through Yingxiu, a razed town in the epicentre of the massive quake, in southwestern Sichuan province which flattened schools, homes and other buildings. The number of homeless have topped 5.2 million people. In parallel, of urgent need is to provide shelter, accessibility to drinkable water and return to school for the 3 million children victims of the earthquake. The non government organization "Save the Children" said: " Parents must be honest with their children and do not describe a pleasant future because the children will stay in tents for a long time and will face difficulties they had never experienced before".

Translated by Chrisanthi Sarantis

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