The Hellenic Radio (ERA): News in English, 08-07-01

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

CONTENTS

[01] Prosecutions Instituted

Sources: ΝΕT-ΝΕT 105,8-ΑNA/ΜNA

Judicial inquiry on Siemens case was completed. The prosecutor instituted prosecutions to all responsible in the scandal which triggers wrangling in the political scenery. According to prosecutor Panayiotis Athanasiou, politicians do not bear any responsibilities. Michael Christoforakos, former CEO of Siemens Greece, was called Tuesday to elaborate on the funding scandal involving the German technology giant, following his suspected role as managing director of the companys branch in Greece. At the same time political wrangle over the issue continues.

4 Felonies

Prosecutor instituted prosecutions for the following felonies:

-For passive and energetic bribe against the state and OTE. Losses caused rise up to 150.000.

-For legalization of revenues coming form illegal activities

-For accessory before the act and legalization of revenues

-For cooperating in legalization of revenues

A special prosecutor will be appointed who will conduct inquiry and will institute prosecutions to all people involved in the case. As per Siemens suspicious contracts regarding the Hellenic Railway Organization (OSE), and Patriot Missiles, separate criminal proceedings will be formed.

Translated by Sofia Gartziou

[02] Karamanlis Chairs Inner Cabinet Meeting

01 Ιουλ 2008 12:22:0

By Alexandros Moz

Sources: ΝΕΤ, ΝΕΤ-105.8, ANA/MPA

Decisions aiming at transparency and spending control in the sectors of health, social security and local governments were taken by the Inner Cabinet meeting that held a session under Prime Minister Kostas Karamanlis

Finance Minister Giorgos Alogoskoufis heralded the setting up of a ministerial committee that will check expenditures, their implementation and the spending of the public sector agencies, with a view to safeguarding transparency and spending control to the benefit of the citizens.

With regard to the incorporation of special accounts into the state budget, any decisions will be taken into account in the next budget.

Commenting on the developments in the world economy, Alogoskoufis noted that they are not pleasant, as they have an impact on both the EU and Greek economy.

"As far as Greece is concerned," he went on, "what we are after is to go on with the reform policy, so that we can tackle the implications the world crisis has inflicted in the best possible manner and prepare the Greek economy to take advantage of the opportunities that are bound to come up as soon as the crisis is settled."

Translated by Areti Christou

[03] "My Indictment for Political Reasons"

01 Ιουλ 2008 12:12:0

Sources: ΝΕΤ -ΑNA/ΜNA

Journalist Themos Anastasiadis who is accused of violation of personal data in Zahopoulos case submitted today to the prosecutor through his counselors Dimitris Tsovolas and Alexandros Katsadonis an appeal for exclusion from trial of prosecutor Mr. Oikonomou because as he believes he discriminated against him. The accused asked for a new deadline yesterday to testify due to health reasons. His appeal will be looked into by Supreme Court that will decide whether Mr. Economou will be excluded from the case or not. In his announcements Mr. Anastasiadis said: "My suspicions that the prosecutor discriminated against me were confirmed because before the Body for the Prosecution of Economic Crime (SDOE) released its report on my bank accounts Mr. Economou had stated that I am not entitled to any money at all. My indictment is for political reasons and targets "Proto Thema" newspaper.

Translated by Sofia Gartziou

[04] Christofias-Talat's Meeting

01 Ιουλ 2008 17:04:0

Sources: ΝΕΤ-ΝΕΤ 105,8

After a more than 4 hours marathon meeting, Dimitris Christofias and Mehmet Ali Talat agreed one the adoption of a mutual dominance and nationality status in the Cypriot Republic that is to be re founded. In their mutual announcement, they refer on every detail of the principles that are going to be put into effect during the two leaders negotiations taking place in July 25 when they are also going to decide on the progress of the technical commissions and working groups assigned by both sides.

Translated by Sofia Gartziou

[05] Electricity Rates Go up

Sources: ΝΕΤ

Power Utility Company (DEH) has put into effect up to 8% rises in electricity rates as of today, July, 1. Up to 30% are the rises in standing charge for residential consumers while low electricity bills remain at present levels. Surging oil prices is the basic reason for rises in electricity bills.

Translated by Chrisanthi Sarantis

[06] French EU Presidency Difficult

By Athina Saloustrou

Nikola Sarkozi will be on the lead of the Euroepan Unions Council starting from today. French EU presidency will be quite difficult as Europe faces serious economical problems and is standing in front of an institutional deadlock after the Irish "No" in Lisbon Treaty.

Translated by Sofia Gartziou

[07] OTE Agreement to Full Swing

By Athina Saloustrou

The government and German company Deutsche Telecom is waiting for the approval of the competent authorities of the European Union in order to precede to the signature of OTE final agreement of strategic importance. Minister of economy Mr. Alogoskufis, minister of Transport and Telecommunication Mr. Hatzigakis and the CEO of Deutsche Telekom, Rene Omperman met today and discussed the benefits that of the agreement while Mr. Pmperman said that he is proud his company was chosen as OTEs strategic ally.

Translated by Sofia Gartziou

[08] TV Awards "People"

Sources: ΝΕΤ

For a 12th continuous year TV awards "People" took place yesterday for all those that worked hard behind and in front of cameras in 2007-2008. "TV Ethnos" magazine organized the shining show. State TV channel ERT received major awards mainly for information and cultural programmes. The dramatic series "10" broadcasted by ALFA channel was nominate best dramatic series and won 11 awards. Dimitirs Kataleifos was announced best actor and Reni Pittaki best actress. ERT state channel won 5 awards for best Greek documentary, best Greek music programme, best sports broadcasting, best childrens series as well as for best weather forecast presenter. Journalist Nikos Hatzinikolaou received the award for best male newscast presenter and Elli Stai for best female presenter. Jouranslist Alexis Papachelas "New Files" was announced best information programme. When popular actor Thanasis Vegos who incarnates the history of the Greek popular civilization received the special award of "People 2008", all attendees stood up and clapped him in the most emotive moment of the night.

Translated by Sofia Gartziou

[09] Preliminary Investigation Opened

01 Ιουλ 2008 09:15:0 (Last updated: 01 Ιουλ 2008 17:44:2)

By Alexandros Moz

Sources: ΝΕΤ-105.8, ΝΕΤ, ANA-MPA

The preliminary investigation into the sea accident continues with the testimonies of the crew members and all those involved in the crash.

Captain Manolis Fragiadakis and first officer Giorgos Akindynos are expected to testify on Tuesday.

Evidence collected so far points to the fact that it was a human error that resulted in passenger ship Theofilos running aground off the coast of the Aegean island of Oinousses.

In the meantime, the ship is still there, as expert divers are trying to repair the 20-metre-long crack. The repair works will last for four to five days, before the ship can sail to Piraeus.

Furthermore, a tanker has sailed next to Theofilos to partially pump the passenger ships fuels. As per the Mercantile Marine Ministry, no sea or shore pollution have been reported near the accident scene, while a small amount of oil remains trapped in booms around the ship.

Translated by Areti Christou

Related News:

Crash due to Human Mistake

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