The Hellenic Radio (ERA): News in English, 08-09-30

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

CONTENTS

[01] The PM Reassuring

30 Σεπ 2008 15:03:00 (Last updated: 30 Σεπ 2008 18:25:14)

Sources: ΝΕΤ, ΝΕΤ 105.8, ΑNA

In a statement made in public, Prime Minister Kostas Karamanlis appeared reassuring by saying that the Greek Banking system is safe and can hold up to wobbles caused by the international economic recession. After a cabinet meeting and on the occasion of the world economic crisis, Mr Kostas Karamanlis stressed that the government, in cooperation with the Bank of Greece guarantees the stability of the Banking system and protects the Greek peoples interests. Mr Karamanlis stressed that the government is working with determination so that the repercussions caused by the world Banking system are felt the least possible by the Greek economy. The PM assured all that the Greek Banking system is healthy, safe and tolerant to vibrations. Earlier, Economy & Finance Minister George Alogoskoufis had described the rejection of Paulsons rescue plan a negative development, pointing out however that the international crisis was not affecting Greece and that the Greek people are safe. In parallel, he did not rule out a rise in interest rates.

Opposition Parties Lash Out

Meanwhile, PASOK spokesman Giorgos Papakonstantinou wondered which measures the government had taken to protect the Greek citizens from the global crisis.

KKE (Communists) issued an announcement attributing the crisis to the accumulation of big capital that cannot be reproduced.

SYRIZA (Coalition of the Radical Left) Parliamentary Group Head Alekos Alavanos said that the US leader and other capitalist countries are leading the world monetary system and the international economy to a crisis that is threatening to take the dimensions of the 1929 recession. He described the NDs philosophy and policy old-fashioned, adding that they are leading big parts of the Greek society to poverty.

Gortsos: "Depositors Should not Worry"

The Secretary General of the Greek Union of Banks Christos Gortsos stated that depositors should not worry with the Greek Banks, on the occasion of the monetary crisis and its repercussions.

He also said that Greece has not been hit by the crisis but by the havoc that resulted from the problems of the crisis that hit Europe.

Furthermore, he described the Greek Banking system healthy and stable, something which can be inferred from their profits this year.

[02] Uncertainty and Concern

Sources: ΑNA-ΜPA, ΝΕΤ 105.8, Reuters, AFP, BBC

Following the rejection of Bushs bailout plan Monday, there is widespread concern over the world economy and European Markets appear edgy. Meanwhile, Dow Jones in Wall Street dropped by 777.7 points, followed by heavy losses in Asian Markets. At the same time, pressure on the US has been stepped up in an attempt to save the monetary system. On a relative development, the Commission has expressed its disappointment over the rejection of Paulsons plan, calling on Washington to assume its responsibilities. EU member-states are monitoring the situation, while millions of euros have been pouring in investing Groups in Britain, Belgium, France and Germany. US President George Bush assured all that that is not the end of the Parliamentary process during his address yesterday.

Struggling for an Agreement in the US

In his address this morning Mr Bush assured that the rejection of Paulsons US$700 billion bailout plan does not mean that efforts for an exodus from the crisis would stop.

He urged the Congress to rise to the occasion and act immediately to avert any further deterioration of the crisis.

He advised for a legislation that would combat the problem and allow the US economy to recover.

US Treasurer Henry Paulson stated that a new plan should be found fast, adding that he would cooperate with MPs to that direction.

At the same time, the two Presidential candidates proposed the deposits limit guaranteed by the Fed to rise.

The State Intervenes

The challenge for central banks is to secure the continuation of the operation of the bank system that is the continuation of transactions and payment of salaries. The Fed will channel in the market additional funds. However, bankruptcies and bank buyouts appear inevitable. Until now two of the biggest US commercial banks have been nationalized.

British Bradford & Bingley was fully nationalized, while Belgian Fortis and French-Belgian Dexia were partially nationalized. The crisis spread to Iceland and Germany to Hypo Real Estate. The Japanese Bank BoJ announced it would pour 13billion euros to the countrys banking system to help face the world crisis.

From its side, the Irish government announced it will guarantee until September 2010 bonds and deposits in Allied Irish Banks, Bank of Ireland, Anglo Irish Bank, Irish Life and Permanent, Irish Nationwide Building Society και Educational Building Society.

Translated by John Crystallidis

Related News:

Free Falling

Paulson's Plan Rejected

Financial Crisis Hits Europe

[03] "Although Independent I Vote for ND"

30 Σεπ 2008 15:15:00 (Last updated: 30 Σεπ 2008 18:51:16)

Sources: ΝΕΤ-ΝΕΤ 105.8-ΑNA/ΜPA

ND (Conservatives) MP from Drama S. Dailakis has been written off from the partys Parliamentary Group, causing turbulence in the political scene. The President of the Parliament Dimitris Sioufas received a letter by Prime Minister Kostas Karamanlis on his decision. Mr Dailakis was written off after turning against government spokesman Theodoros Roussopoulos and the Director of the PMs office Giannis Angelou on a TV programme Monday. Although the ND Parliamentary Group Secretary Tragakis asked from Mr Dailakis to resign he refused to do so. Mr Dailakis stated he would remain in Parliament as an independent MP and vote for the governments bills.

Reasons for Writing off Dailakis

Mr Dailakis told EXTRA TV Station on Monday that the PM should control his associated as they are destroying him with their stance, demanding in parallel to be written off.

When Mr Karamanlis arrived at Maximos Mansion Tuesday morning he sent a letter to the President of the Parliament informing him about his decision to write off the MP.

Later, when the partys Secretary Giannis Tragakis urged Mr Dailakis to resign the latter refused to do so, adding that the people of Drama will decide on his presence in the party. Then, he stated he would continue voting for the partys bills as an independent MP.

Commenting on this, the government spokesman stated that the government would not consider the MP within its files.

Ministers' Statements

Government cadres among whom Defence Minister Evangelos Meimarakis referred to the PMs recent speech at the Parliamentary Committee, as per which all should obey the majoritys decisions and those disagreeing should resign.

He also stressed that stability and consistency are a must for MPs if they wish the government to solve Greeces big problems.

Interior Minister Prokopis Pavlopoulos reported that Mr Dailakis had disobeyed Mr Karamanlis, while Environment Minister Giorgos Souflias stressed that introversion prevents the government from doing its work and thus that should stop.

Foreign Minister Dora Bakoyannis stated that as Greece is facing a big international economic crisis no personal strategies are allowed.

Opposition Reacts Strongly

PASOK spokesman Giorgos Papakonstantinou described the PM a hostage of his intraparty problems, adding that when his MPs reveal things they are written off.

SYRIZA (Coalition of the Radical Left) Parliamentary Group Head Alekos Alavanos described the government extremely dangerous for Greece, and with a termination date.

Translated by John Crystallidis

Related News:

St. Dailakis Written off from ND

[04] Rallies Held for O.A.

Sources: ΝΕΤ, ΝΕΤ 105.8

At a rally held before the Transport Ministry Tuesday by O.A, OSE and Civil Aviation employees, the GSEE president announced that public utilities would stage a 24-hour strike on 8 October for Olympic Airlines. Civil Aviation employees are reacting to the companys privatization. Moreover, employees will stage a rally before the Parliament at 10:00, Thursday when the amendment for Olympic Airlines stands vote. Present at the rally were KKE (Communist Party of Greece) and SYN (Coalition of the Left) representatives. Minor incidents broke out between the protesters and the police. Meanwhile, pilots have agreed to meet with the Transport minister to talk about the Olympic Airlines privatization.

Pilots Agree on a Dialogue

Although they have stated that they disagree with the dismantling plan of O.A., pilots reported they attend talks with the Transport minister to see that exactly he intends to do.

The pilots also stressed that the demand a working right for all, adding that the government is moving ahead with its venture without any self-criticism. They also pointed out that during the privatization process all forgot the Olympic Airlines Pilots Training School which is considered one of the best in Europe.

Invitation to Candidate Buyers

Bidding tenders for candidate buyers have been proclaimed for the purchase of Pantheon and some parts of Olympic Airlines.

The state passes some parts of O.A. to Pantheon, which will then end up to the new investors hands.

The new company will be allowed to use the O.A.name and sign, some slots and other O.A. property such as aircrafts and computer systems.

Translated by John Crystallidis

[05] Snow Detected on Red Planet

Sources: ASSOCIATED PRESS

NASAs Phoenix spacecraft has discovered evidence of past water at its Martian landing site and spotted falling snow for the first time, scientists reported Monday. Soil experiments revealed the presence of two minerals known to be formed in liquid water.

Scientists identified the minerals as calcium carbonate, found in limestone and chalk, and sheet silicate. But exactly how that happened remains a mystery. "Its really kind of all up in the air," said William Boynton, a mission scientist at the University of Arizona at Tucson.

A laser aboard the Phoenix recently detected snow falling from clouds more than two miles above its home in the northern arctic plains. The snow disappeared before reaching the ground. Phoenix landed in the Martian arctic plains in May on a three-month mission to study whether the environment could be friendly to microbial life.

One of its biggest discoveries so far is confirming the presence of ice on the planet. Scientists long suspected frozen water was buried in the northern plains based on measurements from an orbiting spacecraft. The lander also found that the soil was slightly alkaline and contained important nutrients and minerals.

Scientists think there could have been standing water at the site in the past or the ice could have melted and interacted with the minerals. "Is this a habitable zone on Mars? I think were approaching that hypothesis," said chief scientist Peter Smith of the University of Arizona. "We understand, though, that Mars has many surprises for us and we have not finished our investigation."

Mars today is frigid and dry with no sign of water on the surface, but researchers believe the planet once was warmer and wetter. NASA extended the three-month mission through the end of the year if Phoenix can survive that long. With summer waning, less sunlight is reaching the spacecrafts solar panels.

[06] PASOK Leading by 1.2%

Sources: ΝΕΤ, ΝΕΤ 105.8

A fresh GPO poll commissioned by MEGA gives a 1.2% lead to PASOK against the ND party. However, if elections were to be held now 43.3% believe the ND would win and 38.4% PASOK. Karamanlis enjoys the peoples preference as PM instead of Papandreou. Finally, 59.7% believes that there is no room for the creation of a new political party.

Meanwhile, GPO Managing Director Panagiotis Theodorikakos told NET 105.8 that the party that will guarantee the average Greek familys economic safety will benefit politically. He added that the PM continues to enjoy the peoples preference despite the political fluidity.

Translated by John Crystallidis

[07] Britain: Agent Loses Terror Secrets

Sources: News.com.au

The British secret Service, M16, is carrying out an investigation to discover how one of its secret agents lost his digital camera that held sensitive information about al-Qaeda suspects, reported Hertfordshire Police. Media reports said the digital camera was put up for sale on internet trading site eBay and sold for just £17. Its memory had names of al-Qaeda members, fingerprints and suspects academic records as well as pictures of rocket launchers and missiles, The Sun newspaper reported.

The camera also had detailed information about an MI6 computer system, while The Sun said 46-year-old Abdul al-Hadi al-Iraqi, being held at Guantanamo Bay after being captured by the CIA in 2007, was named in material found on the memory.

Translated by John Crystallidis

[08] Trial on Alex Continues

The hearing on Alex trial continues for the four day Tuesday. The two children's mother of Greek descent concluded her testimony in the morning and then the Romanian minor's mother began testifying. Only of three of the five accused were present at the Thessaloniki minors' court were present, as after the minor from northern Epirus the Albanian minor also abstains from the trial, as he argues he had been threatened by the friends of the accused. Alex's mother Natela concluded her testimony Monday and is now attending the hearing.

Translated by John Crystallidis

[09] Dragasakis Testimony on Vatopedi Case

SYRIZA (Coalition of the Radical Left) MP Giannis Dragasakis has testified to the Prosecutor on the Vatopedi monastery case. Mr Dragasakis stated that he presented the Prosecutor with new evidence on the case. He told journalists after the hearing that that was not a common scandal or some devilish monks deeds but an issue in which politicians, the Church and individuals are involved in order to take advantage of state property. He argued that some should be held politically responsible, adding that the political decisions taken prove that public interest had not been protected. "I am impressed that the Ministry of Economy continues paying a rent to the monastery," he said.

Translated by John Crystallidis

[10] St. Dailakis Written off from ND

Sources: ΝΕΤ, ΝΕΤ 105.8

The president of New Democracy Costas Karamanlis sent a letter today to the president of parliament, Dimitris Sioufas announcing his decision to expel PM Stavros Dailakis from the parliamentary group of the ruling party.

Mr. Dailiakis proceeded to announcements in a TV programme on Monday, when he called for government spokesman and Minister of State Theodore Roussopoulos and for the director of the Prime Ministers office, Giannis Agelou to resign over a series of scandals.

Earlier today, Mr. Dailakis seemed determined to resign in order for New Democracy party to preserve seat majority in Parliament (152 PMs). His position will be taken by Stavros Papadopoulos. However, if he does not resign and decides to remain an independent PM, the ruling party will be reduced to 151 seats in the 300 member house.

Dailakis Statement

Mr Dailakis told reporters that he had his party had not asked him to resign as MP, adding that if this happened he would resign.

He also insisted on his position as per which responsible for the wrongdoings are those surrounding the PM and not the MP himself. He concluded by saying that he remains loyal to the party and Kostas Karamanlis, adding he will support them with all his powers.

[11] Heraklion: Sit-in of Court House

Heraklion Bar Association members after a stormy general meeting held today, decided to proceed to the sit-in of the Courthouse, and to go on strike until November 30. Lasithi Bar Association is expected to take fresh decisions today.

Translated by Sofia Gartziou

[12] Hijacking of Malaysian Ship Put to an End

Sources: Reuters

Malaysian shipping firm MISC Bhd was forced to pay a ransom to recover two of its vessels hijacked by Somali pirates in the Gulf of Aden, in August. The pirates killed one man while the rest of the crew, 38 people, is well. The company can now continue using the Gulf of Aden. The two vessels were released on September 27 and 29 escorted by the Malaysian navy.

Translated by Sofia Gartziou

[13] Tragedy in India

By Betty Savourdou

Sources: Reuters

Million of people were stampeded today at a Hindu temple in the western state of Rajasthan. 113 were killed while 100 were injured. According to local media, the tragedy was reported in Chamunda temple near the historic town of Jodhpur. TV channel Times Now reported that death toll may rise. Last month, a stampede outside a mountaintop Hindu temple in northern India killed at least 145 pilgrims.

Translated by Sofia Gartziou

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