The Hellenic Radio (ERA): News in English, 08-06-25

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

CONTENTS

[01] Statements & Contradictions

25 Éïõí 2008 10:18:0

By Athina Saloustrou

More suspects and witnesses are to face Public Prosecutor, Panagiotis Athanasiou who is trying to shed light on the routes of Siemens black money. A former executive of the German company, who has allegedly met with Thodoros Tsoukatos regarding the controversial bank account, and one of the co-holders in the seven bank accounts have been summoned to make their statements today. Also to face public prosecutor today are Dimitra Papahristou and Spiros Avgerinos, responsible for PASOK party Economics sector during the crucial period, Mr. Tsoukatos secretary, as well as a businessman, representative of a company, who is allegedly involved in the money transfer case. Yesterday Mr. Tsoukatos asked for postponement till Saturday in order to give clarifications on the 1 million marks sum, which as he maintains ended in PASOK party funds. He admitted that there is no written proof but agreed to be cross-examined with other senior members during that period. However, two businessmen, from whose accounts the specific sum was withdrawn, do not seem to fully reconfirm Mr. Tsoukatos allegations. Highly crucial is considered former Siemens strong man, Mihalis Hristoforakos statement, who has been summoned to confirm or not whether he offered the 1 million marks for PASOK pre-election campaign.

Translated by Chrisanthi Sarantis

[02] Tragedy at Athens Hotel

Sources: NET 105.8, ÁNA-ÌPA

Charred body of a woman, 34 and her baby were found in Dodoni hotel, at Bathis square in central Athens where fire broke out at 06:10 on Wednesday morning. The fire broke out in the first floor but soon spread to the second floor, causing extensive damage. Four fire brigades and strong forces soon arrived at the hotel, soon put the fire under control and rescued a total of 11 hotel guests believing that all had been rescued but when they entered into the building they found the charred bodies of the woman and baby in a room near the place where the fire started. Fire department officers are carrying investigations to find the cause of the fire.

Translated by Chrisanthi Sarantis

[03] National Spatial Plan Adopted

Sources: ÍÅÔ 105.8, ÁNA-ÌPA

The Environment and Public Works National Spatial Plan was adopted by the parliament majority on Tuesday with 152 votes in favor and 136 against. Environment Minister, George Souflias underlined that the completion of the National Spatial Plan is one of the most significant structural reforms achieved in the country in the last decades and launched a fresh attack against EU Commissioner, Stavros Dimas. LAOS president, George Karatzaferis also cricized Mr. Dimas. ND deputy, Petros Tatoulis voted in favour of the draft-bill although he had earlier expressed his reservations on whether the Spatial Plan will meet consent requirements and had called for its withdrawal and opening of substantial dialogue. Independent deputy, Kostas Koukodimos also voted in favour of the draft-bill.

Apart from Mr. Tatoulis, two other deputies Spiros Koubelis from PASOK and Mihalis Papayiannakis from SYRIZA had supported withdrawal of the draft-bill. Taking the Parliament stand, Mr. Tatoulis expressed his objection to party discipline practice, stressing that we are a free society and a different view can not be interpreted as undermining. He maintained that party discipline question should apply only with regards confidence vote and passing state budget otherwise we speak of limited democracy.

In his speech, Environment and Public Works Minister, George Souflias strongly defended the National Spatial Plan, underlining that it is one of the most significant structural reforms and environment protection plan in the last decades.

Aim and vision of the National Spatial Plan is sustainable development and organization of national space to protect and promote the countrys natural and cultural environment, boost economy, social cohesion and competition. "With its adoption, the National Spatial Plan will have the characteristics of a broad policy, social and economic agreement for the next 15 years", added Mr. Souflias.

On their part, opposition parties asked for the withdrawal of the draft-bill, centering their criticism mainly on the point that there is no study on its impact on the environment.

Translated by Chrisanthi Sarantis

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