The Hellenic Radio (ERA): News in English, 08-09-16

The Hellenic Radio (ERA): News in English Directory - Previous Article - Next Article

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

CONTENTS

[01] Bank Shares Sold

16 Σεπ 2008 09:05:00

Sources: ΝΕΤ 105.8, ANA-MPA

Oil prices in Asian trading have tumbled following the shockwave triggered by Lehmans collapse. Crude oil for October delivery fell 3.95 dollars to 91.76 dollars per barrel in the morning trading, while Brent dropped 3.32 dollars to 90.92 dollars per barrel. On Monday, oil prices in New York stood at 95.71 dollars downed by 5.47 dollars per barrel, in the wake of Lehmans bankruptcy, and Merrill Lynch buyout by the Bank of America. However, fears that other banks could follow suit sent US investors away from the New York Exchange, another indication of the ongoing crisis in the US market.

Translated by Areti Christou

Related News:

Economic Turbulence

[02] Socialists Enjoy a 2.2% Lead

By Katerina Ioannidou

Sources: ΝΕΤ-ΝΕΤ 105.8

A new nationwide survey conducted by Metron Analysis on behalf of ANT1 private television has suggested that the Greek Socialist party (PASOK) holds a 2.2% lead over the ruling Conservatives (ND). In particular, ND garnered 26.5%, PASOK 28.8%, KKE 6.8%, SYN 10.8% and LAOS 4.6%. On the question "Who do you trust the most for economic matters?" 30% of the respondents said Prime Minister Kostas Karamanlis, 35% opted for Socialist leader George Papandreou, while 32% of those surveyed said none.

Another poll carried out by GPO for MEGA private television meant to assess Papandreous press conference at the TIF has showed that 48% of the participants gave Papandreou a positive rating, while 52% termed his pledges as non realistic. Asked to comment on the way the government handled Voulgarakis case, 43% of voters called it right and 54.1% dismissed it as wrong. Finally, the vast majority of the respondents (73.2%) said a cabinet reshuffle was necessary.

Translated by Areti Christou

[03] Greece-Commission Agreement on OA

Sources: ΝΕΤ, ΝΕΤ 105.8

The European Commission is to give thumbs up for ushering Olympic Airlines, the Greer national air carrier, into a new era. According to information, the Wednesday sitting is expected to approve the consolidation plan submitted by Greece.

The plan dictates that Olympic Airlines will be replaced by Pantheon Airways, which will take part in an international privatization tender. The new company will keep running all domestic flights, but fewer international ones. It will also keep the name, the circles and some of the slots.

Pantheon will receive air operation permit in the coming weeks and open negotiations with the OA personnel. The 4,500 employees will have to either choose to be voluntarily redundant securing bonus and full pension rights, or to be transferred to public posts with the same wages, or work for the new company signing contracts from scratch.

"OA services to islands will not stop, the employees will be secured and the transition to the new company will be as quick as possible," said the Transport Ministry.

"The plan approved by the European Commission means to wipe out OA. The government should be ashamed not glad," answered the OA personnel.

[04] Serbia Appears Discontent

The 27-nation bloc failure to agree Monday to extent trade benefits to Serbia has discontented the Serbian leaders. Bozidar Jelic, Vice-President of the Serbian government, said that the Netherlands veto to a trade agreement between the EU and Serbia was unfair. Serbia has done and keeps doing anything in its power to cooperate with The Hague, and despite the positive report issued by the chief UN war crimes prosecutor on Belgrades cooperation, the opinion of one Minister, who interpreted our relations with The Hague as his wished, won, commented Jelic.

He noted, though, that this development would not distract Serbia from its key goal, to join the EU.

Serbian Foreign Minister Vuk Jeremic also expressed his dissatisfaction over the Netherlands stance. He predicted that the Dutch intransigence would soon be lifted, though.

All Serbian parties blasted the Netherlands, while some accused the Serbian government of incompetence. Kostunica said that The Hague is just a pretext, while the EUs blackmailing policy means to force Serbia into recognizing Kosovos independence.

Translated by Areti Christou

Related News:

EU still Sceptic over Serbia

[05] Husband Strangles Wife for Scaring His Dog

An Australian strangled his wife because she scared their dog while he was trying to rock it to sleep. Anthony Sherna, 42, left the body of his dead wife on bed for some days, but, because he did not wish his dog to suffer psychological problems by the sight of a decomposing body, he sent it to a pet resort. Sherna and his wife, Suzan, lived in isolation in a farm. They had no social life and no friends, except for their Jack Russell Maltese terrier cross, Hubble. Sherna used to rock Hubble to sleep while listening to radio. But one night, his wife started shouting at him, while he had Hubble at his arms. "I reached the threshold of the horrible life that we had together. It was loud and Hubble was shaking like a leaf, and because it takes a good 15 minutes to get him into bed...he was shaking and I was really angry." Sherna put his dog to bed, grabbed a dressing gown cord and strangled his wife, said the prosecutor.

Translated by Areti Christou

[06] New Abbas-Olmert Meeting

Sources: ANA-MPA

Palestinian leader Mahmoud Abbas and Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert are to meet anew on Tuesday in Jerusalem along with their close aides.

Palestinian negotiator Saeb Erakat told AFP news agency that the meeting was scheduled for 21:00 (Greek local time) at the Israeli PMs residence in Jerusalem.

Olmert and Abbas have been meeting almost twice a month ever since peace talks resumed in November 2007.

On Monday, Olmert wished a deal with the Palestinians would be brokered the soonest possible. However, there has been no breakthrough.

Translated by Areti Christou

The Hellenic Radio (ERA): News in English Directory - Previous Article - Next Article