The Hellenic Radio (ERA): News in English, 08-07-17

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

CONTENTS

[01] Inter-party Committee for Transparency

17 Ιουλ 2008 20:49:0

By Katerina Ioannidou

Sources: ΝΕΤ-ΝΕΤ 105.8

In a two-page letter Prime-minister, Kostas Karamanlis gives a sharp response to PASOK President, George Papandreou request for convention of an extraordinary Parliament session and the setting up of an Inquiry Committee. Mr. Karamanlis calls the main opposition leader to cooperate for the setting up of an inter-party committee to look into political party finances. The inter-party committee regards the drawing up of an integrated proposal for the participation of all political forces and utilization of any substantial idea for the further consolidation of transparency in public life. The prime-minister underlines that at this stage the setting up of an inquiry committee-according to PASOK call- would lead to cover up. Mr. Karamanlis also stresses that there is no need for convention of an extraordinary session of the Parliament Plenum, which is scheduled to convene in October. "You deliver groundless accusations of institutional deviations and inactivation of the Parliament and continue attack against justice.

PASOK Reactions

Commenting on the Prime-ministers letter, PASOK president close aides stress that Mr. Karamanlis says nothing new in his letter, actually he refuses PASOK proposal for the setting up of Inquiry Committee and Institutions and Transparency Committee and appears to ignore proposals for the freezing and inspection of state contracts with Siemens.

Translated by Chrisanthi Sarantis

[02] Ierisso, Halkidiki

17 Ιουλ 2008 20:38:0

By Katerina Ioannidou

Sources: ΑNA-ΜPA-ΝΕΤ

PASOK President, George Papandreou chaired a meeting of the Movements Political Council in Ierisso, Halkididki today. The government is trying to attribute responsibilities to the boards of state organizations, however, there are ministers and political decisions behind them said G. Papandreou during his speech referring to scandals that have come to light during ND party ruling. Mr. Papandreou stressed that PASOK will always be in the lead of efforts to strengthen transparency. PASOK proposals for the strengthening of transparency, dealing with economic crisis and formulation of a new developmental model in Northern Greece will be announced during the two day meeting of the National Council. PASOK party spokesman, George Papakonstantinou said that Greece is experiencing double crisis: one institutional including scandals and corruption and another the economic crisis which each Greek citizen feels in his pocket.

Translated by Chrisanthi Sarantis

[03] Global Economy

17 Ιουλ 2008 19:36:0

Sources: ΝΕΤ, ΑNA-ΜPA

Decision of largest state investment funds to reduce dependence on US dollar and turn to euro and Japanese yen has put new pressure on the US currency. Bad omens in US real estate market and industrial activity has cast a thick shadow on the American economy while it seems that UK is experiencing crisis in the real estate market. On its part the International Monetary Fund warns that global economy is in tough spot, forecasting further rises in price index. Greek Finance Minister, George Alogoskoufis repeated today that the governments top priority is to retain prices in order to deal with rise in inflation rate, a problem that all countries are facing according to data released.

Analysts believe that a weaker dollar could lead to further plunge of global economic crisis. In stock markets the American currency dropped 0.3% against the euro. US housing starts dropped to lowest level in 17 years while the crisis hit UK. British households have the largest debts among the most developed countries in the world. In the meantime oil rose above $136 a barrel on Thursday afternoon , as investors resumed buying after its recent sharp drop and boosted by fresh cuts to Nigerian oil output. U.S. crude rose $1.70 to $136.30 a barrel. London Brent crude for September was $1.54 up at $137.35. An attack on an oil pipeline in Nigeria, the worlds eighth-biggest oil exporter, shut 20,000 barrels per day of crude oil production.

Translated by Chrisanthi Sarantis

[04] Frame of Demands

17 Ιουλ 2008 17:50:0

By Nasos Bratsos

In view of Thessaloniki International Fair the executive committee of Greek General Confederation of Labor-GSEE- has taken decisions which at the same time are the frame of demands of GSEE demonstration to be staged on 6/9/2008. Regarding deindustrialization and closure of plants (Hellenic Mills, Ideal Standard, Siemens), GSEE has decided to continue and intensify actions and interventions to achieve continuation of operation of the companies, secure job positions of all employees and pay off of workers wages and social security contributions. In reference to price index rises, GSEE stresses that establishment of 1000 euros heating oil allowance is now more than ever necessary and it will be the first demand in the agenda of claims of the 6/9/2008 demonstration in Thessaloniki. Also GSEE radically objects to any new economic burdens (rises in VAT, direct and indirect taxes) at the expense of salary earners and pensioners. GSEE also expresses objections with regards the social security bill N3655/08 and unification of special social security funds as of 1/8/08 underlining that inefficient structure and personnel will create tragic operation problems.

Translated by Chrisanthi Sarantis

[05] On July, 18, 19, 20

17 Ιουλ 2008 14:33:0

Sources: ΑNA

Itamos municipality, Rahoula community and the Union Agrafiotika villages have organized 3-day events, on July 18, 19, 20 in memory of historical leader of the Left, Harilaos Florakis.

Friday, July, 18 Kallithiro 20:30 Asteris Halatsis, teacher and member of GCP Thessaly regional committee, will deliver a political speech. A folk song concert will follow.

Saturday July, 19, Rahoula 20:30 Inauguration of Harilaos Florakis exhibition at the cultural center, show of videos and musical concert. Sunday, July 20, Palaiozogopli "Ai Lia"

10:00: Memorial at Harilaos Florakis grave. Welcome speech by the president of Rahoula, Fotis Kotsiaridis followed by other speeches, visit to the H. Florakis under construction museum.

Translated by Chrisanthi Sarantis

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