The Hellenic Radio (ERA): News in English, 08-08-27

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

CONTENTS

[01] Announced by FinMin Giorgos Alogoskoufis

27 Αυγ 2008 14:19:00

Sources: ΝΕΤ , ΝΕΤ 105.8, ANA-MPA

The Inner Cabinet chaired by Prime Minister Kostas Karamanlis on Wednesday morning agreed on the key guidelines of the 2009 budget, following a proposal by Finance Minister Giorgos Alogoskoufis. He said that the measures approved mean to enhance the budgets transparency through the incorporation of the ministries special accounts into the state budget. The establishment of an inter-ministerial committee to approve the spending of the state organizations, which are not under state control, was also decided. The Inner Cabinet also decided to step up measures to expand the taxation base and curtail tax evasion. Better use of public spending, transparency in the budget and low tax rates are the goals, said Alogoskoufis, further adding that there has been a world economic crisis for over a year triggered by the inflation rise and that Greece has to reduce its deficit by 0.5 percentage points annually. Finally, Alogoskoufis heralded that the draft law introducing new economic measures is to be submitted on Thursday.

[02] Fuel Market Illation

Sources: NET

Following its deliberations with the involved parties, the Competition Committee has reached its conclusions on the distortions observed in the fuel market, leading to oil-price hikes.

After publicizing the illation, a second round of deliberations is to follow on 29 September, when the final decision will be issued.

The most basic measures expected to be announced will concern refinery and the relesase of fuel imports, as for the time being only two companies are entilted to do so due to the law concerning oil deposits. It is noteworthy that oil refinery companies have not analysed the cost data until now.

The committee has discovered that no transparent measures have been imposed in determining the gross prices, proposing in parallel transparent discounts on behalf of the companies to petrol station owners.

In also proposes that for oil retail prices to drop petrol station opening hours should be released, a development that petrol station owners are objecting. In parallel, it proposes supermarkets to have petrol stations and the use of tills in petrol stations.

The illation will constitute a basis for the legal processing of the whole framework governing the fuel market.

Translated by John Crystallidis

[03] M. Chrysohoides' Interview

27 Αυγ 2008 14:15:00 (Last updated: 27 Αυγ 2008 18:25:05)

Sources: ΝΕΤ, ΝΕΤ 105.8

Greece has the fifth highest inflation rate in the EU and the forth highest consumer price index, OECDs recent figures have suggested, argued Socialist deputy Michalis Chrysohoides in a press conference on high cost of living and competitiveness. PASOK section head for growth affairs also noted that living in Greece has been more expensive than the EU average since the Conservatives first term.

As soon as PASOK (Panhellenic Socialist Movement) comes to power has to bring product prices down, starting from state invoices, stressed Chrysohoides, urging the ruling party of ND (New Democracy) to address inflation that weighs the Greek citizens income down without fail.

Chrysohoides lashed out at the Governments economic and growth policy, stressing that the OECD figures have suggested that Greece has the fifth highest inflation rate in the EU and the forth highest consumer price index. For instance, fuel prices in Greece have gone up by 20% over the last year, while the average rise in the EU stood at 11.8%.

Translated by Areti Christou

[04] Medvedev Strikes Back

27 Αυγ 2008 15:49:00 (Last updated: 27 Αυγ 2008 19:10:17)

Sources: ΝΕΤ, ΝΕΤ 105.8, ANA

Russia and the West are too close to entering a new cold war era. The UN nations jointly called on Moscow to reverse its decision to recognize the rebel regions of South Ossetia and Abkhazia. The Russian President, however, stressed, in a letter he sent Tuesday to several world leaders, that he had no choice but to recognize the breakaway provinces and that the decision was based upon the UN guidelines and the declaration on principles and international law governing friendly relations. Expatriated with the US anti-missile shield in Eastern Europe and Europes backing to Georgia, Dmitry Medvedev said he would not hesitate to face that challenge, if needed

Georgias President Mikhail Saakashvili called on the EU members to take a stand in favour of his country in the forthcoming emergency Summit, while Tbilisi decided to have its diplomatic ties with Moscow downgraded.

The EU has to champion Ukraines bid to earn an EU memberships lest it should become Russias next target, argued Wednesday EU Commissioner for Enlargement Olli Rehn from Helsinki.

French President Nicolas Sarkozy blasted Wednesday Russia for seeking to unilaterally change Georgias borders by recognizing the rebel regions of Abkhazia and South Ossetia, and dismissed that move as "unacceptable."

Sarkozy, who is currently holding the reigns of the EU Presidency, urged Moscow to pull its troops back to their positions before the breakout of the conflict.

In the meantime, Russia said its navy was watching "the build-up of NATO forces in the Black Sea area" and had started taking measures to monitor their activity. In fact, the flagship of the Russian fleet, as well as other Russian warships, docked Wednesday off Sukhumi, Abkhazias capital.

Translated by Areti Christou

Related News:

Cold War Climate

[05] Demanding Madonna

By Katerina Ioannidou

Sources: ANA-MPA

Madonnas concert will take place at Jaz Beach at Budva, Montenegro on September 25. The famous pop singer has asked from the concert organizers to have separate rooms for her and her children, but without air-conditioning. She has also asked for oxygen bottles and top-class doctors to be on duty during the concert. Madonna and members of her team will have a whole new town built for them, and over 500 people will work for five days on setting up an impressive stage.

[06] Administrative Reform on the Tapis

Sources: ΝΕΤ 105.8

Top executives of the Self Government have been dealing with the administrative reform and the merging of muncipalities and prefectures. The Union of Prefectural Authorities of Greece (ENAE) is presenlty holding a meeting, while KEDKE (Central Union of Municipalities and and Communities of Greece) board will meet Thursday.

Meanwhile, as per a study hammered out by the Local Self-Government Institute on behalf of KEDKE the number of municipalities across Greece should be reduced.

As per the study, out of the 914 municipalities and 120 communities existing today, 380-390 self-government organisations should be formed in the future.

The new Kapodistrias plan includes Attica basin, proposing the merging of municipalities in eastern and western Attica.

Translated by John Crystallidis

[07] Cold War Climate

By Katerina Ioannidou

Sources: ΑNA-ΜPA-ΝΕΤ

In consecutive interviews with the biggest TV networks, Russian President Dmitry Medvendev referred to the Kosovo issue, challenging openly Europe and the USA by saying that if they wish cold war between them, then they will have it. At the same time, he is threatening with retaliatory measures the deployment of the US anti-missile shield in Poland and the Chech Republic. In parallel, the Russian president is irritated with the US ships arriving in the Black Sea carrying humanitarian aid and arms for Georgia. US ship Dallas that arrived in Georgia avoided Poti port that is controlled by Russia and headed for Batumi. The US and the EU have condemned Moscows decision to recognise South Ossetia and Abkhazias independence.

International Reactions

While the West appears outraged with Russias decicion to recognise unilaterally South Ossetia and Abkhazias independence from Georgia, Moscow has reported that the two regions are now under its protection, reminding in parallel the Kosovo issue. Mr Saakashvili accused Russia of trying to change the Eurpean borders, while US President George Bush denounced Mr Medvedevs move, saying that he had not honored his signature and that he had violaged UN resolutions.

Britain, France and Germany also denounced Russias decision, while the two American presidential candidates said the Russia should be isolated from the international community. At the same time, French President Bernar Koushner said that the EU would not accept the violation of International Law and security agreeements, as well as the violation of UN Security Council resolutions. On a relative development, the Bulgarian Foreign minister has reiterated that Bulgaria supports Georgias independence, sovereignity and terittorial integrity, within the framework of its internationally recognised borders.

Croatia from its side expressed its support to Georgias independence and territorial integrity, while Serbia commented that it denounces the unilateral recognition of South Ossetia and Abkhazia. Romania also shared Serbias views.

Saakashvili Calls for the EU's Open Support to Georgia

At the EU extraordinary meeting that focused on the crisis in Caucasus, Georgian President Michael Saakashvili called on EU member-states to support Georgia openly, accusing Russia of changing the European borders in an authoritanian and violent way. He also reported that if Europe retreats now, then Russia will repeat its policy in the future. In parallel, he expressed his thanks to Germany for its support. Finally, two US ships carrying humanitarian aid have arrived in Batumi. USS Mc Faul arrived on Sunday and Dallas today.

Translated by John Crystallidis

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Russia Exhibits Firmness

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