The Hellenic Radio (ERA): News in English, 08-10-05

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

CONTENTS

[01] On the Political Stage

05 Οκτ 2008 10:02:00

Sources: ΝΕΤ, ΝΕΤ 105.8

Results of new polls, which have recorded political liquidity, indicate lead of both large political parties, Kostas Karamanlis remaining the most appropriate politician for the post of premiership and the ND party winner of elections. In a poll conducted by RASS on behalf of the newspaper "Paron", the ND party is 0.2% ahead gathering 31.3% of the votes, followed by PASOK with 31.1%, GCP 7.2%, SYRIZA 9.3%, LAOS 4.4% and the undecided 9.5%. Prime-minister, Kostas Karamanlis is considered the most appropriate for the post of premiership with 45.9% against 32.8% of George Papandreou. Of respondents 20.2% said no one. In response to question which party is to win in the forthcoming elections ND is ahead with 47.5% against PASOK 44.8%, increasing its points compared to last poll. In MRB poll conducted for "Typos tis Kyriakis" newspaper, PASOK is 0.1% points ahead with 29.4% against ND 29.3%, followed by GCP 7.2%, SYRIZA 10.1% LAOS with 4.9% and the undecided 15.4%. Also this poll indicates that Kostas Karamanlis is the most appropriate for the premiership office with 42.3% against George Papandreou 36.6% while no one was the answer of 20.1% of those questioned. ND is considered winner of elections with 43.5% against PASOK with 34.6%. In MRB poll, voters call the government to go ahead with reforms, clear Batopedi case and proceed to changes.

Public Issue Poll for "Kathimerini"

According to Public Issue poll conducted on behalf of "Kathimerini" newspaper 74% of respondents believe the ND party is going through a period of crisis while 45% see necessary a change in PASOK party leadership.

In response to which party can rule Greece, PASOK is ahead with 34% against 30% of the ND party while 25% of respondents said neither party. Public Issue carried out a nationwide telephone poll from September, 29 to October, 1 in a sample of 1.190 people.

Translated by Chrisanthi Sarantis

[02] In the Coming Week

05 Οκτ 2008 12:08:00

Sources: ΝΕΤ

A flurry of political activity marks the coming week as it coincides with the opening of the Parliament new session. Interest lies on Prime-minister Kostas Karamanlis Mondays speech during the meeting of the ND Parliamentary Group. This speech comes to conclude a series of initiatives and appearances of K. Karamanlis at party and institutional levels in the recent period.

PASOK leader George Papandreou will deliver a speech to his partys Parliamentary Group, scheduled to meet on Tuesday. Political parties are planning their next moves in view of submission of 2009 Budget while they are also examining results of recent polls, which mark marginal differences between the two large parties.

On Saturday, from Serres, the GCP general secretary, Aleka Papariga criticized the governments policy but also launched strong criticism against the other opposition parties but with particular emphasis against SYRIZA. Mrs. Papariga accused opposition parties of leaving behind major problems to place emphasis on scandals because this serves their interests, as she said.

Translated by Chrisanthi Sarantis

[03] Papariga Attacks PASOK-SYRIZA

KKE general secretary delivered a speech in an open rally in Serres on Saturday and launched accusations against PASOK and SYRIZA. Mrs Papariga accused PASOK and SYRIZA that they do not focus on real problems but are more interested in the recent scandals that have rocked Greece. The agenda adopted by the Central Committee of KKE was released to public today and will be further discussed in public until the completion of the 18th Congress, 22 February, 2009.

This agenda includes 7 chapters related to the following issues: Developments in the European Union, the International Communist and Anti Imperialistic Movement, financial developments in Greece, political and social developments, the action toll of the Communist party as well as the partys duties until the completion of the 19th Congress.Within the following days, internal party discussion procedures will start.

Translated by Sofia Gartziou

[04] With the Participation of Alekos Alavanos

05 Οκτ 2008 14:55:00

Sources: ΝΕΤ 105,8

A protestation rally organized by SYRIZA took place today in Ouranoupoli area for the return of state property held by monasteries. The president of SYRIZA parliamentary group, Mr. Alekos Alavanos also participated in the rally. On reference to the recent scandal of Vatopedi monastery he repeated his suggestion per the set up of an inquiry committee. He also noted that SYRIZA will insist on the adoption of legislation for the return from monasteries of state, municipality and private hectares. He stressed his demand per a "district role" adopted by the Greek Church and a "constitutional separation" of church-state. Giannis Theonas, member of SYRIZA political secretary pointed out the need for unification of the radical left in order to tackle peoples problems, as he said. Members of the local council of Stageiron-Acanthou prefecture as well as reps of civilians from Xanthi and Crete also participated in the rally. A protestation march took place to Mount Athos with protestors shouting and holding banners.

Translated by Sofia Gartziou

[05] E. Stylianidis Message to Mark

05 Οκτ 2008 14:03:00

Sources: ΝΕΤ 105.8

In his message to mark World Teachers day, Education Minister, Evripidis Stylianidis among others stresses: " In the modern era of continuous inflow of information and technological progress, teaching is not a mere preparation of a young person to deal with his future but on the contrary a life style for people of all ages since we continue learning and developing throughout our whole life. Nowadays education has proved the most useful and trustworthy vehicle for social and spiritual development which can guarantee the progress of people and societies."

Concluding, Mr. Stylianidis says: Within the context of World Teachers day, UNESCO inaugurated in 1994 we honour teachers and express our appreciation for the vital contribution that teachers make to education and development.

Translated by Chrisanthi Sarantis

[06] Diplomatic & Military Concern

05 Οκτ 2008 11:33:00

By Nasos Bratsos

Sources: ΑNA, French

Britains commander in Afghanistan Brigadier Mark Carleton-Smith has said Britain should not expect a "decisive military victory" in Afghanistan. In an interview with "The Sunday Times" newspaper, Mr. Smith stressed,:"Were not going to win this war. Its about reducing it to a manageable level of insurgency thats not a strategic threat and can be managed by the Afghan army". He said it was unrealistic to expect that multinational forces would be able to wipe out armed bands of insurgents in the country. He said if the Taliban were willing to talk, then that might be "precisely the sort of progress" needed to end the insurgency. He paid tribute to his forces and told the newspaper they had "taken the sting out of the Taleban for 2008" but that troops may well leave Afghanistan with there still being a low level of insurgency. Britain has 7.800 troops based in Afghanistan, most of them in the volatile southern province of Helmand, where they face daily battles with a growing insurgency. A document was recently revealed in UK where British ambassador to Kabul says that the Wests strategy in Kabul "is destined to fail" and dared to propose that the "best solution was a widely acceptable dictator for the country"

Translated by Chrisanthi Sarantis

[07] Four Slave Traders also Arrested

05 Οκτ 2008 11:08:00

By Nasos Bratsos

It seems that weekend is not a holiday for slave traders rings as 4 slave traders and 86 immigrants trying to pass Greek borders from the Turkish coats without the necessary documents- were arrested on the island of Samos. They were all transferred to Samos General Hospital for preventive tests. Among the arrested are 4 women and 10 under-aged. The incidents occurred in the sea region of Kerveli, cape Prasso, Kassonisio and Samos port. Another 21 immigrants (among them 1 woman and 2 children) were arrested in Farmakonisi. They were transferred to Leros Hospital for preventive tests.

Translated by Chrisanthi Sarantis

[08] Palin Accused

05 Οκτ 2008 10:25:00

By Nasos Bratsos

Sources: ΑNA, Reuters, French

The last stage in the White House race marks a shift to tougher tone. Republican vice presidential nominee Sarah Palin told thousands of supporters at a rally in California "There is a time when its necessary to take the gloves off and that time is right now". Earlier at a fundraiser in Englewood, Colorado, she departed from her usual speech to question Obamas character."Our opponent though is someone who sees America, it seems, as being so imperfect, imperfect enough that he is palling around with terrorists who would target their own country," Palin said of Obama, also calling him an embarrassment. Palin cited a New York Times story on Saturday that examined Obamas relationship with Bill Ayers, a former member of the Vietnam War-era militant Weather Underground organization who is now a professor at the University of Illinois at Chicago. The remark was dismissed by the Democrats as "gutter politics". Obama spokesman said, the McCain-Palin team took their discredited, dishonourable campaign one desperate step further. Speaking at a fundraiser in Asheville, North Carolina, on Saturday night, Obama made no direct reference to Palins remarks but told supporters he would continue to run a positive campaign. Eralier McCains campaign called Obama a liar just days after both candidates urged Congress to set aside partisan politics to pass a $700 billion financial rescue package in a bid to revive credit markets. Polls indicate Obama in the lead, being benefited by the Wall Street crisis which shifted voters interest to economy related issues. McCains campaign called Obama a bald-faced liar in reference to how he characterized the Republicans plan to reform health insurance."Its a shell game," Obama said of McCains plan to reform health insurance. Some 45 million Americans live without coverage and others worry about losing coverage if they lose their jobs in the economic slump. Both campaigns say they will improve access to health insurance and make care more affordable. McCain and Obama will get to spar in person on Tuesday when they meet for the second of three nationally televised presidential debates, this one in Nashville, Tennessee.

Translated by Chrisanthi Sarantis

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