The Hellenic Radio (ERA): News in English, 08-09-23

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

CONTENTS

[01] Due to Custom Officers' Strike

23 Σεπ 2008 21:22:00

Sources: ΝΕΤ, ΑNA

Due to custom officers strike major shortage of petrol and food products is reported in gas stations as well as in food stores. Commercial Association of Piraeus appealed for suspension of the strike "fearing a general collapse of the market". In the frontier petrol stations of Efzonon, Kilkis, Koipon and Evrou, a big line of cars was waiting today to be provided with petrol. Custom officers have staged another 48 hours strike, protesting against the governments plans to incorporate in the state budget a special account of theirs. Their union states that they will continue the strikes until the ministry of finance responds regarding their claims. However, the ministry answers that custom officers can not be excluded from the reform that will be applied to every citizen.

Translated by Sofia Gartziou

[02] Accusations and Confutations

23 Σεπ 2008 21:37:00

Sources: ΝΕΤ, ΑNA

The Federation of Olympic Airways Employees will announce next Thursday whether it will proceed to discussion with the ministry of transport or not. On Tuesday, employees staged a sit-in in El. Venizelos air lane as well as in the airports administrative building protesting and accusing the government of taking already foregone decisions and signing secret agreements with companies interested in buying out OA.

Ministry of Foreign Affairs in its announcement confuted the claim that Mrs. Bakoyiannis proceeded to a secret agreement for the companys buy out.

What is important is what we do in the real policy field and not in a star system that targets at impressing", state spokesman Theodoros Roussopoulos commented answering to accusations launched by the opposition party and especially by SYRIZA.

"There is another way for Olympic Airways", PASOK MP Charis Tsiokas said.

"It is important not to bargain away Olympic Airways because that would open the road for deaths in the air", KNE secretary Giannis Protoulis pointed out.

Alexis Tsipras said that OA case is the same as Vatopedi and stressed that it will become the governments Waterloo.

Translated by Sofia Gartziou

[03] Victim a 36 Y/O Teacher

23 Σεπ 2008 20:55:00

Sources: ΝΕΤ 105,8, ΑNA

Curtains dropped in the murder of a 36 years old teacher when her husband confessed that he killed and buried his wife in a park in Filothei area, Athens. The husband of the unfortunate woman, also a teacher, drove police officers to the place of murder. What must be noted is that he was suffering from a chronic psychological disease. The teacher was missing from September 16. Her home in Psichiko was the last place she was seen. The murder will testify to the prosecutor on Wednesday.

Translated by Sofia Gartziou

[04] Meeting of SYN Civil Secretary Office

23 Σεπ 2008 19:02:00

By Nasos Bratsos

The governments planned changes on Local Administrations were at the focus of SYNs Civil Secretary Meeting. Its reference noted: "The country needs a democratic administrative reform regarding the state and the local administrations targeting at reducing social and regional inequalities". In parallel, SYN launched accusations against the government: "Instead of presenting a complete plan, it opened discussions targeting at misleading and maintaining a false picture regarding the reforms. It also bounds the talks in the framework of the unification of Municipalities and Prefectures only", SYN explained, branding the governments initiatives taken in Local Administrations "pseudo-reforms".

Translated by Sofia Gartziou

[05] In Thessaloniki

23 Σεπ 2008 18:53:00

Sources: ANA

The trial regarding the disappearance of 11 years old Alex Mechisvili from Veroia that had shocked Greece two years ago, starts on Thursday. 5 juvenile children-now aged 14 and 15 years old- are facing charges of murder. The accused come from Albania, Roumania, Northern Ipirus and Greece. The older brother of the two juveniles from Greece is being charged of giving false testimony and of hiding criminals. On February 3, 2006 the accused after having a fight with Alex in "Elias" square, Veroia, hit him savagely in his head and face. The unfortunate boy lost his balance and fell in marble stairs bearing a fatal brain damage. Then, the boys transferred the body in Aliakmonas River that drifted Alex away to Thermaikos Gulf where he disappeared for ever. The parents of the children are also prosecuted for childrens negligence.

Translated by Sofia Gartziou

[06] On Meetings

23 Σεπ 2008 18:42:00 (Last updated: 23 Σεπ 2008 21:23:39)

By Nasos Bratsos

Sources: ΝΕΤ 105,8, ΑNA

Giorgos Papandreou will be the president in the congress of Socialist International taking place in New York in the framework of the UN General Assembly. PASOK president is expected to meet leaders of states participating in the congress. Meeting with the president of the Cypriot Republic, Dimitris Christofias as well as speech in the Greek diaspora in Astoria area are included in his agenda. He is also expected to participate in the workings of the yearly meeting of "Clinton Foundation".

Translated by Sofia Gartziou

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