The Hellenic Radio (ERA): News in English, 08-08-23

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

CONTENTS

[01] Hatzigakis:Papandreou Responsible

23 Áõã 2008 19:56:00

By Katerina Ioannidou

Sources: ÍÅÔ

In an interview with "Eleftheros Typos tis Kyriakis", Justice Minister, Sotiris Hatzigakis argued with deputies calling for Mr. Pavlidis to run as independent deputy. He characteristically said that he objected to human sacrifices and political cannibalism, adding that at least only after judicial charges any statesman could be accused. "Unfortunately, in the last months PASOK has turned into chief judge and prosecutor and issues verdicts against anyone and anything. I hold Mr. Papandreou responsible for being unable to prevent even junior officials from mud slandering behavior", stressed Mr. Hatzigakis. George Sourlas, first vice-deputy speaker of the Parliament called for change in ministers responsibility law. He proposed all cases regarding politicians to proceed faster than civilians cases. He, however, objects to Mr. Pavlidis move to rehire as special advisor, the director of his political office who had been previously removed following charges against him. PASOK spokesman, Mr. Papakonstantinou accuses the government of covering up Pavlidis case and particularly stressing that the major question is on the clientele aspect between government and non- profit sea routes rather than responsibilities of politicians involved in the case. He also described economy as the ND party Waterloo, and call for early elections admission of failure.

Translated by Chrisanthi Sarantis

[02] Athens Clear Stand

23 Áõã 2008 20:23:00

By Katerina Ioannidou

Sources: ÍÅÔ-ÁNA-ÌPA

In less than 24 hours after his talks with Mathew Nimitz, FYROM Prime-minister, Nikola Gruevski in his statement rejected the UN envoy proposals, dynamiting once again negotiations procedures. "I told Mr. Nimitz that it would be better to give a second thought to the name issue and try to convince the other side for what in itself is a compromise, that is the double name. In other words, one name "Republic of Macedonia" for all countries and a mutually acceptable solution only for communication with Greece". He once again launched attack against his Greek counterpart while in reference to domestic policy, he even spoke of possibility of early elections. Athens response to Mr. Nimitz was clear. "Nikola Gruevski stance do not consist the ground for talks with Athens which is holding negotiations for a title including geographical term to be used for communication with all countries" said Greek Foreign Minister, Dora Bakoyianni. Skopjes leadership emerges trapped in a nationalistic stand.

The UN envoy, who is preparing to present new proposal, is expected to have a new round of negotiations with the two interested sides during the first week in September.

Translated by Chrisanthi Sarantis

[03] Floods in Chad Left Thousands Homeless

By Katerina Ioannidou

Sources: ÁNA-ÌPA-French-REUTERS

Floods in southern Chad have forced 10.000 people from their homes and killed three, the United Nations said on Saturday. Apart from destruction, spreading of disease, particularly malaria is high. The United Nations said last week floods had uprooted an estimated 200,000 people across West Africa. U.N. Humanitarian Coordinator for Chad, said in a statement on Saturday that 10,000 had lost their homes due to flooding in and around the southern town of Sahr. Torrential rains have been hitting Sahr since late July and have continued up to the present time. Three people caught under their collapsing homes, have been reported dead. School teacher Rock Ndotam was one of the lucky ones as only part of his house collapsed. Some of it was still standing at the weekend despite waterlogged streets and alleyways. "We are crammed into two rooms along with all the children, we havent received any help yet, we have been registered, but we are still waiting These are really difficult conditions," he said. U.N. aid workers are concentrating on getting sheeting for shelter, chlorine to purify drinking water, health supplies and nutritional supplements such as high energy biscuits for children and nursing mothers.

Translated by Chrisanthi Sarantis

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