The Hellenic Radio (ERA): News in English, 08-10-09

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

CONTENTS

[01] Bills on Depositors & Low Brackets

09 Οκτ 2008 15:10:00 (Last updated: 09 Οκτ 2008 18:46:53)

Sources: ΝΕΤ-ΝΕΤ 105.8-ANA/MPA

Greeces Prime Minister Kostas Karamanlis asked the House Speaker to giver priority to draft-bills that mean to cement Greek economy towards the global financial crisis and boost low-income earners. In the meantime, Finance Minister Giorgos Alogoskoufis submitted to Parliament a legislative regulation providing for guarantee of bank deposits of up to 100,000 euros. The Finance Minister reiterated that the Greek banking system is reliable. The global financial crisis topped the talks held between Kostas Karamanlis and former French Prime Minister Dominic de Villepin.

Bill on Depositors Tabled

The draft bill on raising the minimum guarantee on bank saving deposits to 100,000 euros, up from 20,000 euros currently with a three-year guarantee has been tabled in Parliament. The bill aims at restoring the civilians confidence to the monetary sector and its correct operation. On this occasion, Economy and Finance Minister George Alogoskoufis reiterated that the Greek Banking system is absolutely safe and reliable, stressing that the political commitment on the protection of all deposits stands.

Another bill for the protection of loanees will also put to vote in Parliament.

At his meeting with the President of the Parliament Dimitris Sioufas, the prime minister asked for the immediate promotion of legislation concerning low brackets.

Economy Armouring

At the same time, government spokesman Theodoros Roussopoulos criticized PASOK for its stance on the bill for loanees.

Specifically, he stressed that although PASOK had said that it would support the governments initiatives today, it voted down the bill on principle, proving that it does not mean what it says.

In reply, PASOK head on Economy Louka Katseli said that the governments proposals could not be implemented as they are, adding that for that reason PASOK would table seven amendments. Their adoption would determine PASOKs stance as to whether it would vote for the bill.

She also described the bill unacceptable as it does not solve the problem, stressing that PASOKs amendments concern uncontrolled confiscations for the first home, auctions, the protection from unjustified charges and decrease of interest rates, debts, compound interest rates and in general the improper policies of Banks and collecting companies.

[02] In European Stock Markets

09 Οκτ 2008 17:59:00

Sources: ΝΕΤ, ΑNA-ΜPA

Following the governments and central banks fresh moves to combat the economic crisis, European Stock Markets have been bouncing back, following yesterdays brutal losses. A few hours after the coordinated decrease of interest rates, the European Central Bank injected the record sum of US$100 billion on short-term loans to banks. The Euribor interbank interest rate was frozen to 5.39%, while after six negative sessions, the New York Market began recovering. However, all know that that development is attributed to optimism instead of the retrieval of calm. The International Monetary Fund announced that development in the USA in 2009 would be +0.1% instead of the original forecast of +0.8% in July. It also reported that the US is in the epicentre of an economic storm and its development rate will be heavily decelerated. The commissioner of EU on economy and monetary policy Hoakin Almunia stated that economic recession is about to hit the USA. The Voicing the Commission, President Jos&#233; Manuel Barroso stressed that the big European economies have resisted to the introduction of provisions that could have armoured the economy of its member states. Meanwhile, oil has been trading under US$90 per barrel in international markets. The dollar-euro exchange rate has been fixed at US$1.3641, while the General Share Price Index of the Athens Stock Exchange dropped by 0.36%, closing at 2,503 points.

Translated by John Crystallidis

Related News:

Interests Rates Brought Down

[03] On FYROM Name Dispute

09 Οκτ 2008 14:23:00 (Last updated: 09 Οκτ 2008 19:23:14)

Sources: ΝΕΤ-ΝΕΤ 105.8-ANA/MPA

Greek Foreign Minister Dora Bakoyannis briefed Thursday morning President of the Hellenic Republic Karolos Papoulias on the new set of ideas UN envoy Matthew Nimetz unveiled on the FYROM name row. She is also expected to meet Socialist leader George Papandreou. "We are in the middle of tough negotiations," commented Bakoyannis upon her arrival at Karolos Papoulias office. The latter replied that there was no other path than that of tough negotiations. Earlier, exiting Maximos Mansion, the Foreign Minister had stressed that Athens was negotiating with specific positions and goals, further stressing that contacts would go on until a mutually acceptable solution was found. "I wont make any estimations, because negotiations require responsibility and seriousness," underlined Bakoyannis, also noting that she expected the other side to do the same.

Reservations and Exchange of Views

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs is scrutinizing Nimetz's proposal to name FYROM "Democracy of Northern Macedonia". The name will be used officially by organizations, adopting in parallel the Security Council's proposal to third countries to adopt the above name in their bilateral relations with the neighbouring country.

As for the nationality issue, Mr Nimetz proposed passports to carry the denotation "Citizen of the Republic of Northern Macedonia". As for the country's language, he referred to a UN document that describes it "Macedonian", something for which Athens is reacting.

Meanwhile, Deputy Foreign Minister Giannis Valinakis stated that the ministry is examining Mr Nimetz's proposal, adding that Greece wishes to be sincere and constructive. At the same time, he said that Skopje should abandon their intransigent policy and adopt a more constructive policy, so that a mutually accepted solution on the name issue is found.

"Through a lot of hard work, this text could lead to a solution with no winners and losers. We have to wait for the other side, as well," Foreign Ministry spokesman Giorgos Koumoutsakos told NET radio station.

"We are assessing with the required attention and construction mood the set of ideas submitted the UN envoy," stressed Government spokesman Theodoros Roussopoulos, further noting that Athens wished for a mutually acceptable solution.

Aleka Papariga, secretary general of the Greek Communist Party, voiced her scepticism as to whether Nimetzs proposal includes a geographical term and does not raise minority issues.

Related News:

Briefing on the New Proposal

[04] Students and Professors Stage Rallies

Sources: ΝΕΤ 105.8

As per OLME (Greek Federation of State School Teachers of Secondary Education) 100 High Schools and Lykeia across Greece are occupied by students, who demand better buildings, labs, indoor gyms, more lecturing halls and more professors.

Professors staged a two-hour work stoppage in order to participate in OLME's protest rally staged before the Education Ministry on the tragic situation in Technical Education. The attribute the basic causes of the problem to the implementation of the new law, in combination with Education Ministry's casual planning on books used at Universities and the educators' insecurity in finding a job.

In parallel, ELME Thessaloniki members staged a protest rally before the regional directorate of Central Macedonia on the problems existing mainly in technical education and the lack of sufficient number of buildings.

Panspoudastiki Kinisi Synergasias, a students' union is staging a protest rally in the centre of Athens tomorrow.

Finally, PASOK President George Papandreou, who visited the Athens 12 High School and Lykeio in the morning, said that PASOK will spend 5% of the NGP on Education and 2% on research.

Translated by John Crystallidis

[05] Prosecutor Investigates PPC Losses

Sources: ANA-MPA

PPCs (Public Power Corporation) big economic losses have caused concern over the companys future, while its shares are constantly dropping. Supreme Court Prosecutor George Sanidas ordered a preliminary investigation that will decide whether breach of duty had been committed, on the occasion of a lawsuit filed by GENOP-PPC (General Federation of Employees of Public Power Corporation) trade unionists. GENOP argues that the PPC buys electric power expensively and has to sell it cheaper; as a result it sustains losses. From its side, the Development Ministry has stressed that it will not allow PPC to end up like Olympic Airlines. PPC President P. Athanasopoulos will appear before the public utilities committee.

Translated by John Crystallidis

[06] A. Papariga Calls for Counter-attack

Sources: ΝΕΤ-ΝΕΤ 105.8

Aleka Papariga termed the conference of the Greek Communist Party, which is to take place in mid February, as a call for counter-attack. Unveiling her partys positions, Papariga stressed that no one should abstained from the call, for, as she said, it is of major importance now that the enemy is in a crisis. The partys rising popularity should not go unnoticed, said she, further arguing that they should be on standby to live up to the new conditions. However, she made no comments on matters pertaining to partys succession.

Touching on the Vatopedi scandal, Papariga blasted PASOK (Panhellenic Socialist Movement) and SYN (Coalition of the Radical Left) for choosing to highlight an existing problem and ignore all the others. She then went on to reiterate that her party rejects decrees issued by Byzantine emperors, arguing that property should be returned to the people.

Translated by Areti Christou

[07] He Pledged to Give 7% of GDP

09 Οκτ 2008 12:39:00 (Last updated: 09 Οκτ 2008 13:16:26)

Sources: ΝΕΤ, ΝΕΤ 105.8

Public school is a venue for development and culture, stressed the Greek Socialist leader, George Papandreou, while visiting the 12th Secondary and High School in Petralona district. The PASOK President blasted the government for bringing funds on education down, vowing he would channel 7 percent of GDP into education as soon as he comes to power. Earlier, escorted by Socialist deputies Anna Diamantopoulou, Thalia Dragona and Mihalis Pantoulas, had had the chance to discuss with the students at the school yard, the teachers and the parents association.

"We [PASOK] are here along with the new generation that has huge thirst and many abilities. The public school should have been and could be a venue for development, social cohesion and culture for Greece," commented George Papandreou.

The PASOK President went on to note, "Over the last five years, funds earmarked for education are being brought down year after year," further adding that PASOK is determined to push forward radical changes.

Pledging once again to give 5 percent of GDP to education and 2 percent to research, Papandreou stressed, "We are determined and convinced that education is our countrys greatest power for development."

Translated by Areti Christou

[08] Concerns over Economy

09 Οκτ 2008 12:30:00 (Last updated: 09 Οκτ 2008 16:26:02)

Sources: ΝΕΤ, ΝΕΤ 105.8

Greeces Prime Minister Kostas Karamanlis welcomed former French Premier Dominic de Villepin at Maximos Mansion. De Villepin said world economy has run up against major problems, with Karamanlis stressing that those problems could last long enough. Sounding on the same page with the Greek head of government, de Villepin noted that everybody should contribute to the campaign to ease the financial crisis. Dominic de Villepin also met with Socialist leader George Papandreou at the latters office in Parliament. Earlier, Prime Minister Kostas Karamanlis had held talks with former Greek Prime Minister and honorary ND President Konstantinos Mitsotakis. No comments were made after the meeting.

Translated by Areti Christou

[09] While Trying to Reach Spain

09 Οκτ 2008 10:58:00

Sources: ANA

About 50 illegal immigrants from have gone missing while trying to reach Spain, Moroccan and Spanish media reported on Wednesday. The search operation taking place has only recovered a body of a young man and a survivor, who said the vessel they were on capsized half an hour after setting off. The survivor, who is in a good condition, and the dead are of Moroccan descent. As per estimations, thousands of Africans have lost their lives while attempting to reach Spains shores. In the meantime, 51 Moroccans made it to Barcelonas port, vying to sneak into Spain with forged documents, read El Mundo paper. The Moroccans, who were not allowed to enter the country, were aboard an Italian ship en route from Tangier to Genoa.

Translated by Areti Christou

[10] Colombia: 8 Troops Killed in Minefield

By Anthi Ntaousani

Sources: ANA

Eight Colombian troops were killed Wednesday when they entered a minefield during gun battles with FARC rebels in Narino province. Citing a top-ranking army official, Caracol radio station said the minefields had been set by the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia. The same official said troops had been deployed in the area to hunt down the guerrillas. Bogota claims that the rebels set up minefields to protect their cocoa plantations. Over the last years, Narino province has turned into a key cocoa-producing area.

Translated by Areti Christou

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