The Hellenic Radio (ERA): News in English, 08-09-08

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

CONTENTS

[01] Promotion of Reforms

Sources: ΝΕΤ, ΝΕΤ 105.8, ΑNA-ΜNA

State minister and governmental spokesman, Th. Roussopoulos repeated the governments dedication to the reforms regarding Social Security, OSE, DEH and Olympic Airways. As per Mr. Voulgarakis issue Mr. Rousopoulos stated that answers have been given. On recent MRB gallop according to which 74,7% of people asked "believe that the country is moving in the wrong direction", state minister said: "the policy adopted by the government may not be pleasant but is useful in crucial international circumstances". At the same time, the opposition partys reactions are strong.

Dedication to the Reforms

Greek citizens who listened to the Prime Ministers speech and his press conference know that they have a Prime Minister who is telling the truth, is describing a reality we all live in the international environment and our country, and is giving safe, meaningful and above all honest solutions", Mr. Rousopoulos stressed.

On reference to the future of the Olympic Airways (OA), he underlined that Mr. Hatzidakis made statements on the issue recently and that it will be solved. He also stressed the Prime Ministers commitment- that not a single employee will loose his/her job- and pointed out that there is a complete plan about the new era of OA.

As per "Kathymerini"s article speaking of Mr. Voulgarakis buying the 7th floor of Athens Tower for 900.000 and then selling it for 70.000, Mr. Rousopoulos referred on the Prime Minister and Mr. Voulgarakis statements that transactions; all transactions are recorded in Mr. Voulgarakis income tax statement.

On MRB gallop state minister said: "The percentages regarding the financial measures of the government were different recently in other gallops".

PASOK branded the Prime Ministers image sad, stressing that Mr. Karamanlis has lost contact with reality in our country, while he did not give any answers about the economy and political issues our country faces.

KKE commented the Prime Ministers interview and said that the capital is the only way in the governments policy.

SYRIZA stressed that the Prime Minister adopted in corruption, instead of zero tolerance, absolute tolerance.

Translated by Sofia Gartziou

[02] At the Athens Concert Hall

08 Σεπ 2008 11:56:00

Sources: ΝΕΤ, ΝΕΤ 105.8, ANA-MPA

Entrepreneurship with a human face is the key concept of the Biennial Conference on the European Economic and Social Committee that opened Monday morning at the Athens Concert Hall. Marking the opening of the conference, Greeces Prime Minister Kostas Karamanlis highlighted the importance of an agreement between employers and employees. He also touched on the values and principles that should govern entrepreneurship, stressing that the need to have the "sirens" of social insensitivity, wage costs squeeze, undeclared employment and waste of natural resources silenced is pressing.

Four Pillars

Karamanlis underlined that Europe has to prove that its economys competitiveness has to be boosted in a way that befits its identity and culture. To achieve that, he noted, "we have to encourage novel combinations of knowledge and capabilities capable of paving new roads for creation and progress."

The Greek head of government stressed that it is a really harsh task, since, as the Eurobarometer has suggested, although 47% of the EU citizens prefer independent employment, only 17% of them succeeds. "In Europe, the failure risk factor dashes half of the business endeavours, while in the USA only 1/3 of them fail. In fact, the above comparison becomes more negative for Europe, if we take into account the ageing population and the ensuing reduction in the employed (those aged between 25 and 34)," commented Karamanlis.

He then focused attention to the four pillars the campaign to address this reality should be built upon:

First, we should enhance effectiveness of the already known and applied activities taken with a view to boosting entrepreneurship and upgrading the available workforce. Second, we should encourage the transition to an economy of knowledge, quality and innovation, through investments, education and culture. Third, we should step up specific measures so that the EU can turn into a real union of nations and people who realize and boost the bonds that keep their future and prospects together through their work and activities. Finally, we should aim at shaping a new mentality favouring healthy entrepreneurship with emphasis placed on services, new technologies and small and medium sized businesses, which are the backbone of the EU economic activities.

Translated by Areti Christou

[03] Mr. Papandreou's Talks

08 Σεπ 2008 14:15:00

Sources: ΝΕΤ, ΝΕΤ 105.8, ΑNA-ΜNA

Socialist President George Papandreou is to have talks with the reps of the trade unions, in view of his speech at the Thessaloniki International Fair. He is to depart for Thessaloniki on Tuesday

GSEE presidency suggested to PASOK president "re distribution of revenues in accordance with 1981 model and safeguard of social insurance and the public sector". Mr. Karamanlis "did not give any answer and prospective regarding the needs of popular groups of citizens", GSEE president Mr. Giannis Panagopoulos said and asked from Mr. Papandreou and the opposition party to support the social fights that will take place within the following months.

ADEDY presidency noted that if governmental proposals that have driven the country in crisis do not change, then an alternative solution proposed by the opposition party or other political parties is necessary. There is only one way for the trade union movement and the answer is the negation and change of the governments policies, ADEDY president Mr. Spyros Papaspyrou pointed out.

Professional traders announced to Mr. Papandreou their decision to close down their businesses around the country in October 13. GSEVEE president Mr. Giorgos Asimakopoulos stressed that 8.000 off shore companies have their headquarters in Greece. He also added that PASOK president committed to reconstitute the non-taxable limit as well as the funding of self-employed social funds.

On Monday noon, PASOKs section heads for Economy, Development, Employment and Social Welfare are to give a press conference on social and economic policy in the aftermath of the Prime Ministers speech at the TIF. Mr Papandreou is leaving on Tuesday for Thessaloniki, completing his tour with his speech in Vellidio Conference center on Saturday and a press conference on Monday.

Translated by Sofia Gartziou

[04] "Closed" Professions Released

The PM confirmed the release of "closed" professions at a Press Conference in Thessaloniki. Mr Karamanlis said that households would benfefit from the release of the closed professions. Meanwhile, the representatives of professions that would be called to change the rules of their operation said that their established rights would be affected. As per the Commissions directive, the ambitious programme of the administrative modernisation would be implemented by the end of 2099 at the latest.

Professions to be Affected

The new measures will concern lawyers, notaries, phamacists, dentists, civil engineers, architects, accountants, taxi owners and truck owners.

Translated by John Crystallidis

[05] Three Fires in Progress

Sources: ANA

The fire that broke out at Antartiko at the municpality of Prespes, Florina yesterday afteronoon is still burning forestland.

Combatting the fire are 14 vehicles, 30 firemen, two fire-fighting planes and a water-dropping helicopter. The strong winds blowing in the area, as well as its inaccessibility are hamering the firemens efforts.

At the same time, a fire is burning grassland at Ieropigi, Kastoria near the Greek-Albanian border. Strong winds are also blowing in this area.

Another fire broke out after 14:00 at the Pimeniko oak wood of the Vitsi municipality. Eight firemen and two fire engines are combatting the fire.

Translated by John Crystallidis

[06] Search for Same Surname as You!

Are you curious to see how many people in the globe have the same surname as you? Google could not give a response so far. However, Britain announced a new webpage www.publicprofiler.org/worldnames that responds to this question. It is a creation of British Geographers at the London University College (UCL), headed by professor Paul Longley, presented at the annual conference of the London Royal Geography Society. It is a useful tool not only for curious individuals, who want to check how many people have the same surname as theirs and trace their familys history, but also for governments, as it enables them to get a figure of expatriates in foreign countries (for example you can find Greeks in other countries). The systems data base includes 300 million names in 26 countries, estimated to about 1 billion people, that is 1/6 of the globes population. Greece has not been included in the data base yet, however, search of Greek names in Latin characters can be made in other countries. The data base includes 10.8 million surnames and 6.5 million names.

Translated by Chrisanthi Sarantis

[07] Venezuela-Russia Joint Naval Exercises

By Betty Savourdou

Sources: ΑNA-ΜPA

Venezuela President, Hugo Chavez said that Russian vessels will arrive in Venezuela around the end of November or December to take part in joint naval exercises, reconfirming a relevant report in newspaper "Vea". Venezuela is a "strategic ally of Russia" and we are willing to host Russian navys exercise said Venezuelas president during a Sunday program " Hello President". He, however, added that the naval exercises could not possibly take place in September, neither October nor November as they are at a preparation stage. Finally, Chavez shot down rumours on installation of Russian military bases in Venezuela. Venezuela, which has strengthened cooperation with Russia in the recent months, has backed Moscow in its conflict with Georgia. Furthermore Chazez has criticized reactivation of US 4th Navy Fleet which restarted patrol of Latin America after over 50 years.

Translated by Chrisanthi Sarantis

[08] Gruevski: No Date for Entry Talks Unless Row Settled

FYROM Prime Minister Nikola Gruevski recognised that, irrespective of FYROMs success in meeting with the Brussels criteria, no date would be set for his countrys EU entry talks, unless the name dispute was solved. Gruevski also argued that there had been no serious breakthrough in the name row, further adding that were things to remain the way they are both in September and November, no one could expect that a date would be set.

"Whether that [the failure to set a date] will be put down to the name dispute or to something else - that the elections did not go well for example, that there is something missing, that we have to work harder it will depend on how Greece will settle things. If, in other words, it succeeds in highlighting another aspect of the problems or just sticking to the position that the name dispute should be settled," commented Gruevski on Sunday afternoon.

"I have repeatedly stressed that the name dispute and the obstacles raised by the Greek side are the key to Macedonias admission. According to my information, the EU was willing even in last June to set a date for commencing EU membership talks. I know that from the Slovenians. The date was not set only due to dispute with Greece," concluded Gruevski.

Translated by Areti Christou

[09] Lawyers Abstain from Duties

Sources: ΝΕΤ, ΝΕΤ 105.8

Athens Bar Association is staging a two-day strike (Monday & Tuesday) in protest against regulations in the new taxation bill. Also Piraeus and Thessaloniki lawyers are abstending from duties on the same days.

Translated by Chrisanthi Sarantis

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