The Hellenic Radio (ERA): News in English, 08-08-29

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

CONTENTS

[01] Stand-off on Caucasus into Red

By Katerina Ioannidou

Sources: ÍÅÔ-ÁNA-ÌPA-REUTERS

The tension between Russia and the West on Caucasus has hit red with Vladimir Putins statements. Putin has accused the USA of organizing the conflict in Caucasus off-stage, so that one of the Presidential candidates, evidently the Republican nominee, would benefit from that. Meanwhile, as the number of warships in the Black Sea has risen, Russia has tested an intercontinental ballistic missile. Russia has accused Goup 7 of legalizing Georgias offensive actions, denouncing Moscows decision to recognize Abkhazia and South Ossetia.

On a relative development, the EU will hold an extraordinary meeting in Brussels Monday to examine the crisis between Russia and Georgia. However, no sanctions against Russia will be adopted for the time being, reported a French Ministry source. At the same time, President Sarkozy has asked for an EU Summit Meeting to be held in Brussels so that the EUs relations with Moscow are examined.

Koumoutsakos' Positions

In reply to a question as to what stance will Greece hold at the Summit Meeting, Monday Foreign Ministry spokesman George Koumoutsakos stated that Greece would respect its relations with the EU, adding that Greece respects the states territorial integrity and independence. Furthermore, he stated that Greece had not recognized neither recognized Kosovo nor South Ossetia and Abkhazia

Saakashvili: "Russia will not Stop Here"

Georgian President Michael Saakashili told the German state-run Radion that Russias actions in Georgia have changed the order of things in Europe after World War II, adding that Russia would not stop there. At the same time, he appealed for Georgias accession to NATO and the deployment of a peace-keeping force, as well as for the EUs help for Georgias restructuring.

Tajikistan Supports Moscow

Meanwhile, the President of the Republic of Tajikistan Emomali Rahmon has expressed his countrys support to Russia for the recent crisis with Georgia, expressing his understanding on Russsias actions. Russia and Tajikistan are the only countries that have recognized South Ossetia and Abkhazias independence.

Crude to Continue Flowing Argues LUKOIL

LUKOIL, the second biggest Russian oil company has rejected rumours as per which Poutin had asked to prepare to cut off crude oil deliveries to western Europe, in reaction to threats on sanctions against Moscow. A LUKOIL spokesman told REUTERS that the company will continue supplying western Europe with the same quantities of crude as before.

Translated by John Crystallidis

Read the story on other sources:

Reuters:Russia hits back at Western "bias" over Georgia

Related News:

Crisis between the West & Russia Deepens

[02] IOC Plaint, Government Draft-bill

By Nasos Bratsos

Sources: ÍÅÔ 105.8, ÁNA

At a meeting due to be held Monday 11:00, Culture Minister Michalis Liapis and Deputy Sports Minister Giannis Ioannidis will discuss the draft-bill on combating violence in stadiums and amendments on doping. IOCs agent lawyer Alexandros Lykourezos has filed a complaint against Fani Halkias coach Giorgos Panagiotopoulos and anyone else responsible. In his complaint Mr Lykourezos states that Mr Panagiotopoulos harmed IOCs prestige on staging clean Games and securing the spirit of the Olympics. Patrick Samas, who discovered the athletes positive sample, will be the IOC doctor to serve as witness.

Translated by John Crystallidis

[03] At the Development Ministry

29 Áõã 2008 13:37:00 (Last updated: 29 Áõã 2008 17:39:30)

By Nasos Bratsos

Sources: ÍÅÔ 105.8, ÁNA

Trade Unions are reacting to the new list of heavy duty professions. PAME members stormed into the Development ministry while the relevant committee was meeting. Not agreeing with with the exclusion of some of the professions from the list of heavy duty professions, the trade unionists tried to cancel the meeting.

Commenting on the incident, Employment and Social Protection Minister Fani Palli Petralia described unacceptable and the wrong way to protect the employees interests.

PAME (All Workers Militant Front) reported that the above policy would be met with reactions, announcing a Press Conference for Monday noon. In parallel, it invited the employees to stage a protest march before the Labour Ministry at 13:00 on the same day.

From its side, GSEE (General Confederation of Greek Workers) has warned the government with rallies after the end of the Thessaloniki International Trade Fair if it proceeds with the hammering out of the new list.

PASOK also denounced the new list.

Translated by John Crystallidis

[04] University Guard Attacked

Sources: ÁNA-ÌPA, ÍÅÔ

A group of unidentified persons attacked the guard of the Aristotle University of Athens at 21:00. The guard was attacked and hit by four people, who then fled.

The University Rector Anastasios Manthos, who was informed about the incident, asked the guard to be transferred to hospital for precautionary reasons. In parallel, he condemned the incident, describing unjustified, brutal and barbaric.

Translated by John Crystallidis

[05] Turkey Violates Athens FIR

By Alexandros Moz

Sources: ÍÅÔ-105.8, ÁNA-ÌPA

Eight Turkish F-16 jet fighters have violated 11 times the Athens FIR Friday, while two of them flew over Agathonisi at a 300-metre height.

The Turkish jet fighters were identified and intercepted, while two of them engaged in an aerial combat.

Translated by John Crystallidis

[06] Hatzidakis: "OA Solution within 2008"

By Katerina Ioannidou

Sources: ÍÅÔ 105.8

After his meeting with the PM at Maximos Mansion on the future of Olympic Airlines and the restructuring of OSE, Deputy Transport Minister K. Hatzidakis spoke about the measures that aim at combating tax evasion. The meeting was held in view of Prime Minister Kostas Karamanlis speech at the Thessaloniki International Trade Fair. Mr Hatzidakis stated that Olympic Airlines is the sole company in Europe that belongs 100% to the state, costing to Greek civilians one million euros per day. He also added that the companys sign and name will be secured, adding that advisors would be appointed next week in order to find private investors, who will upgrade the regional airports.

The meeting also focused on the restructuring plan for OSE, extending until 2010. The plan concerns security, transparency and the organisations streamlining. Meanwhile, the ministry will launch a campaign on Monday to promote ecological conscience that will lead to saving fuel and limiting atmospheric pollution. As per the minister, the consumption of fuel might fall from 10-20% if the above is achieved.

Opposition Criticism

PASOK stated it is against the closure of Olympic Airlines or their transformation to a private monopoly, accusing the government of aiming at the companys shrinkage.

SYN from its side described the ministers statements provocative and cynical, adding tha the government had taken its decision to privatize Olympic Airlines.

Translated by John Crystallidis

[07] Karatzaferis Visits Ilia and Arcadia

By Katerina Ioannidou

Sources: ÁNA-ÌPA-ÍÅÔ 105.8

LAOS (Popular Orthodox Rally) President G. Karatzaferis has been touring the fire-hit areas in Ilia and Arcadia since morning. After his meeting with Ilia Prefect Haralambos Kafyras he condemned the fact that the fire-hit continue living in containers one year after the wildfires. In parallel, he wondered why the Ministry for the fire-hit had not been set-up. Finally, Mr Karatzaferis handed the Prefect a check the symbolic amount of 20,000 euros.

Translated by John Crystallidis

[08] Said the Country's Deputy Foreign Minister

29 Áõã 2008 11:45:00

By Nasos Bratsos

Sources: ANA-MPA, Reuters

The conflict between Iran and the West on the formers nuclear aspirations seems to be well-rooted and it will keep making the news for quite some time. Adding fuel to the fire, Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Alireza Sheikh Attar told IRNA news agency, "There are currently close to 4,000 centrifuges active at Natanz enrichment facility. Another 3,000 centrifuges are being installed." It is the role of these centrifuges that has been nourishing the row between Iran and the Western nations, with Iran claiming it means to produce fuels for nuclear stations, and the West blaming Iran for being after using this technology in nuclear heads.

Translated by Areti Christou

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