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

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

CONTENTS

[01] Fire in Olympia under Partial Control

25 Αυγ 2008 19:23:00

Sources: ΝΕΤ, ΝΕΤ 105.8

Fires in Gargalianous of Messinia, Gytheio, Sidirokastro of Lakonia and Fokida are in progress while fire in Ancient Olympia and Keramies are under partial control. The fire that broke out in Smila village of Olympia prefecture reached residencies, but it was put down and did not threaten houses. Strong fire brigade forces are still battling with flames in the mountainous farming area of Germa in Ionas Dragoumis prefecture, Kastoria. According to the Fire Brigade Service, houses are not threatened.

Translated by Sofia Gartziou

[02] National Council on Foreign Policies Convenes

25 Αυγ 2008 18:59:00

By Nasos Bratsos

Sources: ΝΕΤ, ΝΕΤ 105,8, ΑNA

Skopjes Prime Ministers statement, who accuses Greece of using the name issue to cover internal scandals, triggered the immediate reaction of Greece. In his statements in NET the representative of Foreign Affairs Minister; Giorgos Koumoutsakos noticed that "Mr. Gruevski is in a negative position after the elections of violence and adulteration that were criticized by the whole world". In addition, Mr. Koumoutsakos also spoke of international practices adopted by Skopje that go beyond the limits". In parallel, the National Council of Foreign Affairs will convene under the Greek FM Mrs. Dora Bakoyiannis on Thursday, September 4 on developments in Balkans, the Cypriot issue as well as the situation in Caucasus.

Translated by Sofia Gartziou

[03] PASOK Press Conference

25 Αυγ 2008 18:14:00 (Last updated: 25 Αυγ 2008 22:42:57)

By Nasos Bratsos

Sources: ΝΕΤ 105,8, ΑNA

PASOK representatives on transport Nikos Sifounakis, Charis Tsiokas and Fotis Hatzimichalis gave a press conference today regarding "Olympic Airways" issue. The opposition party accused the government of promoting policies that target at the shrinking of Olympic Airways and its destruction benefiting that way its competitors.

During the press conference special reference was made to the Prime Ministers statements in 2005 National Exhibition of Thessaloniki as well as to relevant statements announced by minister of Transport, last November.

The speakers spoke of a 3 years plan of total abandonment and delivery of Olympic Airways shares to the competitive company. In addition, they said that only 15 out of 46 aircrafts are available in Olympic Airways in 2008. For that reason, 6.050 flights were cancelled while 140.985 passengers chose another flying company. PASOK members stressed that the opposition party will continue its efforts, setting up healthy competitive rules so as the company will be able to continue its work.

Mr. Hatzidakis' Answer

On reference to PASOK press conference, minister of transport Mr. Kostis Hatzidakis stated: "PASOK reminded us today how serious the problem of Olympic Airways is. It is a constructive problem that prevails for many years now, in PASOKs governmental tenure too, and is only natural to getting worse as time passes by and the situation in the international economy is getting worse. The governments policy is to preserve the brand name of the company and to relieve Olympic Airways from its debts. And the solution will be found by the end of the year as it was the case in OSE (Hellenic Railways) in the framework of the structural changes and the reforms the government has announced, he concluded.

Translated by Sofia Gartziou

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