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

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

CONTENTS

[01] World Markets Dive Headfirst

10 Οκτ 2008 15:50:00 (Last updated: 10 Οκτ 2008 18:20:34)

By Betty Savourdou

Sources: ΝΕΤ, ΝΕΤ 105.8, ANA-MPA

Nervousness, instability and upset have yet again prevailed in world markets, due to the global financial crisis. The opening trading of the European markets recorded heavy losses up to 10 percent, while several world markets were forced to suspend their sessions. Right now, losses in Frankfurt and Paris are exceeding 8 percent, while the Athens market went down by 5.23 percent to 2,372.09 points. In the meantime, the Greek Capital Market Commission imposed a ban on short selling until late October. A sharp drop in Asian markets had preceded. The Hong Kong market reported a 9.59 percent fall, while the Nikkei index lost 9.62 percent. The International Monetary Fund announced a emergency-loan program to lend hundreds of billions of dollars to emerging markets.

Crucial G7 Meeting

At the summit of Finance ministers and central bankers from the Group of Seven nations which kicks off at 21:00 (Greek local time) in Washington, the USA are expected to be placed against the wall, as the rest G7 members hold Bushs policy accountable for the crisis.

The US government should go on the offensive to address the financial crisis, said Friday US President George W. Bush, also admitting that nervousness was feeding on itself resulting in the markets headfirst dive.

"The United States government is acting; we will continue to act to resolve this crisis and restore stability to our markets," Bush said in an eight-and-a-half minute statement in the White House Rose Garden.

In his article in Times, British Prime Minister Gordon Brown called on world governments to follow into Britains footsteps and have banks nationalized, further underlining that new ideas should be submitted on the table.

Translated by Areti Christou

Read the story on other sources:

BBC: Fear grips global stock markets

Related News:

Fit of Hysterics

[02] Karamanlis' Political Commitment

10 Οκτ 2008 14:49:00 (Last updated: 10 Οκτ 2008 19:16:53)

Sources: ΝΕΤ-ΝΕΤ 105.8-ΑNA/ΜPA

Prime Minister Kostas Karamanlis gives priority to the protection of the economy and the cementing of the citizens confidence to Banks. The PM stated from Malta, where he is paying an official visit, that courage and responsibility are a required to combat the crisis, adding that measures should be taken for the protection of family incomes. He reiterated the governments commitment that the Greek citizens deposits are guaranteed.

Joint European Action on Economy

Referring to the international economic crisis, the PM stressed that courage and responsibility are a prerequisite in dealing with the crisis, adding that measures should be taken to support and armour the economy and family incomes.

He also added that joint European action is a must for the crisis and that the EU should coordinate its actions with its member-states governments to tackle the crisis.

He reiterated that although economies are inter-related, Greece had not suffered the same repercussions as those in the US, describing the European monetary system safe.

Mr Karamanlis pointed out that the European Central Banks decision to reduce interest rates by have percentage point gave emphasis to calmness so that the problems are solved and European citizens not to loose their confidence in the monetary system.

In reply to a question as to whether he is concerned over the recession due to the monetary crisis, the prime minister stressed that calm is a must as the repercussions from the crisis is in our doorstep.

The Maltese PM stressed that difficult and non-popular decisions should be taken so that a strong and competitive economy is preserved. He also agreed with the Greek PM on a joint EU action, adding however, that beyond that each country should have its own policy.

Assurances on Deposits

Deputy Economy Minister Nikos Legas assured all that the government guarantees bank deposits and the stability of the Banking system.

He also advised self-restraint and calm to depositors.

On the occasion of the EU Summit Meeting PASOK spokesman Giorgos Papakonstantinou hoped that the PM would come up with specific proposals on the stability contract.

He also said that Greek depositors have reacted with calm to the crisis, adding however that in addition to the international crisis there is a deep domestic economic crisis. The government should take measures in support of low-income earners he said.

State Minister Theodoros Roussopoulos response came soon after. "Even amid a serious global financial market, PASOK has failed to live up to expectations. Responsible and absolutely aware of the extend of the crisis, the government has already stepped up all measures required to address its impact on the country, offering full guarantees to borrowers and holders of bank deposits, backing those in dire need, taking part in the joint campaign within the European family."

KKE (Communists) Secretary General Aleka Papariga said that the crisis is an attack to the workers rights, while SYRIZA (Coalition of the Radical Left) Parliamentary Group President Alekos Alavanos called on the government to react immediately to the economic crisis, calling on Mr Alogoskoufis to do away with the state budget as the EU stability pact is no more valid.

He reiterated that just other countries did, Greece should also nationalize Banks and the state to re-gain control of the National Bank of Greece and stop the privatization process of Agricultural Banks and Postal Savings Bank.

Related News:

Karamanlis Visits Malta

[03] Bakoyannis' Contacts with Political Leaders

10 Οκτ 2008 16:01:00 (Last updated: 10 Οκτ 2008 17:40:42)

Sources: ΝΕΤ-ΝΕΤ 105,8-ΑΠΕ/ΜΠΕ

Greek Foreign Minister Dora Bakoyannis underlined the need for a joint national front on the FYROM name dispute, while wrapping up her talks with the political leaders on UN envoy Matthew Nimetzs new set of ideas. "They are all fully aware of the negotiations, which are underway. They are aware of the set of ideas introduced by Matthew Nimetz. I had the opportunity to record the parties positions," stressed Bakoyannis, further adding, "From the very beginning, the government has followed the policy of information and transparent policy making, as well as a drive to have a national front in negotiations that are underway and will continue subject to no timelines."

After her 40-minute meeting with the House Speaker, Dimitris Sioufas said, "We are in the middle of tough negotiations," further adding, "the House backs the national positions." "Composed and responsible, we are working to achieve the desirable outcome," commented the Foreign Minister.

"We demand a crystal clear statement that the name would include a pure geographical qualifier," argued KKE secretary general Aleka Papariga. "The name is not the key problem [] As long as guarantees are given for all the rest, the issue can at least typically close," added she.

Terming the new set of ideas Nimetz unveiled as a step forward, SYN President Alexis Tsipras stressed the aspect relating to the range of use should be clarified. He then went on to reiterate his partys position in favour of a composite name with a geographical qualifier for all uses. "SYN will do anything in its power to prevent this matter from becoming the battlefield of an artificial wrangling between the two major political parties," concluded Tsipras.

Neither the Greek House not the Greek peoples conscience would give thumbs up for Nimetz new proposal, commented LAOS President Giorgos Karatzaferis.

"The Nimetz proposal does not live up to the Greek conditions as they are mirrored on the national red line, that is one name with geographical qualifier for all uses," PASOK spokesman G. Papakonstantinou commented.

FYROM Asks for Revisions

The first reaction from Skopje came from FYROM President Branko Crvenkovski.

"Ambassador Nikola Dimitrov, upon his arrival from New York, briefed the President of the Republic of Macedonia on the talks he had and the set of ideas proposed by envoy Matthew Nimetz. The initial estimations are that unless there are significant revisions, this set of ideas could not make up the basis for further negotiations," commented Crvenkovski.

Aiming at shaping a joint stance, the FYROM President is to call a meeting on Nimetzs proposal in the coming week.

Related News:

Briefing on FYROM Name-Issue

[04] Athens Displeased over Visa to the US

Sources: ΝΕΤ, ΝΕΤ 105.8

In reply to a question on the USAs decision not exempt Greeks from using an entry visa in order to visit the US as tourists or businessmen, Foreign Minister Dora Bakoyannis stated that Greece had never accepted the logic of pressure among allies".

Greek Foreign Ministry spokesman Giorgos Koumoutsakos also described the decision unjustified, stressing that it does not promote the boosting of contacts among peoples who are friends. He also hoped that that would not be the American administrations final word.

Translated by John Crystallidis

[05] Patriarch Bartholomew's Letter on Vatopedi

Sources: ΝΕΤ, ΑNA-ΜPA

In his letter to Mount Athos, Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew asks to be briefed on the Vatopedi monastery issue. Meanwhile, the Managing Director of the States Property Company Kostas Gratsios will appear before the Public Utilities committee at the oppositions request.

The opposition MPs spoke of modus operandi so that state property could change hands. Meanwhile, 31 contracts for the transfer of 260 estates in exchange for Vistonida Lake have been made public by PASOK (Socialists).

The government from it side pointed out that it would not interfere with the investigation carried out by Justice.

On a relative development, Mr Efrems acting driver appeared on his free will before the Prosecutor. He had told a TV station that he had driven Mr Efrem several times to the State Ministers home.

Referring to PASOK's accusations on the Vatopedi monastery case, government spokesman E. Antonaros stated that by creating impressions one cannot achieve anything. Moreover, he stated that the government's positions are known, adding that he has nothing else to add. PASOK (Panhellenic Socialist Movement) from its side reiterated its request for the Parliament to examine the case.

LAOS (Popular Orthodox Rally) MP Kyriakos Velopoulos spoke of Efrems boldness, adding that from Gods agent he had ended up being an estate agent.

Translated by John Crystallidis

[06] Suicide Attack in Pakistan Kills 30

Sources: REUTERS

A suicide bomber drove his car into an anti-Taliban tribal council meeting in northwest Pakistan on Friday, killing at least 30 people, officials said, the second suicide bombing in as many days.

Nearly 100 people were wounded in the attack in Orakzai region which comes a day after a suicide blast inside the heavily guarded police headquarters in the Pakistani capital in which 8 policemen were wounded.

The bomber blew himself up when around 500 members of Alizai tribe were gathered to draw up a strategy as part of government-backed efforts to drive out militants from tribal areas regarded as safe havens for al Qaeda fighters and their Taliban allies.

"We were discussing plans to take action against the militants when all of a sudden a man drove a car in the middle of the meeting, trampling few people and then blowing up the car," Qeemat Khan Orakzai, a tribal elder, told Reuters.

[07] Martti Ahtisaari Gets 2008 Nobel Peace Prize

Sources: ASSOCIATED PRESS

The Norwegian Nobel Committee announced that Finlands ex-president Martti Ahtisaari won the Nobel Peace Prize. The Norwegian Nobel Committee announced the selection Friday, giving him the prize "for his important efforts, on several continents and over more than three decades, to resolve international conflicts." His name had been mentioned in speculation leading up to the prize for his efforts in Europe and Asia.

Read the story on other sources:

BBC: Ahtisaari wins Nobel Peace Prize

[08] Cocaine Kills Kiosk Owner

A 49-year-old kiosk owner in Larissa swallowed an unspecified quantity of cocaine when the police attempted to locate drugs in his kiosk and dropped dead. The police found in his kiosk heroin and cocaine, while his companion, 39, was arrested. The police had been watching the kiosk as they had information that drug trafficking had been taking place there. When they stormed into the kiosk and tried to remove the drugs, the owner swallowed part of the cocaine and dropped dead. His death was verified at hospital.

Translated by John Crystallidis

[09] Teenager Parliament Sessions Open

Sources: ANA-MPA

The Greek Parliaments educational programme in which participating are 300 teenager MPs, 260 Greeks, 20 Cypriots and 20 expatriate Hellenes opens today and will end on Monday

The President of the Parliament Dimitris Sioufas will receive the MPs and hail their meeting at 19:00, while the President of the Committee responsible for the programme Professor Georgios Babiniotis will address the meeting.

On Saturday and Sunday, the teenager MPs will hold respective meeting to that of the Greek Parliament and will participate in scheduled cultural events.

At 10:00, Monday the Plenum of the teenager Mps will meet in Prime Minister Kostas Karamanlis presence. Attending will also be the opposition and ministers. A delegation of the MPs will be received by the PM during the interval.

Translated by John Crystallidis

[10] Super Glue Invented

Sources: ΑNA-ΜPA, Science, New Scientist, AFP, China Daily

A type of dry glue based on the sticky limbs of geckos has been developed, far exceeding the capabilities of the gravity-defying lizards, according to a study published Thursday.

The new adhesive is three times more powerful than previous gecko-inspired glues, and ten times more powerful than the geckos themselves, said researchers.

Scientists have long been intrigued by the incredible abilities of geckos, the small lizards that can scurry up walls and cling to ceilings by their toes, and have sought to unravel their secrets.

It was discovered the lizards owe their amazing stickiness to microscopic elastic hairs in their toes, allowing them to support surprisingly heavy loads.

Researchers from four American laboratories worked on the puzzle, including the Air Force Research Laboratory near Dayton, Ohio, and found they could reproduce natures Spiderman-like abilities with specially alligned carbon nanotubes that mimic the tiny hairs.

[11] Request for Changing Shopping Hours

The Athens Commerce Association has proposed to its members that shops in the centre of Athens to open an hour earlier.

In its announcement it states that taking under consideration the consumers needs it is proposing a more productive schedule for shops with approximately the same number of operating hours (57 hours) in a more modern framework. The proposal takes under consideration traffic problems, the protection of the environment and the best service for customers. Specifically, it proposes that shopping hours for Monday, Wednesday and Saturday should be from 10:00 - 18:00 and for Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday from 10:00 21:00.

Translated by John Crystallidis

[12] Music Increases Physical Endurance

Sources: ANA-MPA

Brunel Universitys School of Sport and Education has revealed that carefully selected music can significantly increase a persons physical endurance and make the experience of cardiovascular exercise far more positive. This is the outcome of a study carried out by Dr Costas Karageorghis.

The study, which is to be published in the American magazine Journal of Sport and Exercise Psychology, refers to the considerable benefits associated with exercising in time to music: something that some elite athletes, such as marathon world record holder Haile Gebrselassie, have been doing for years. The findings show that when carefully selected according to scientific principles, music can enhance endurance by 15% and improve the feeling states of exercisers, helping them to derive much greater pleasure from the task. One significant new finding is that music can help exercisers to feel more positive even when they are working out at a very high intensity close to physical exhaustion. The scientific principles that guided this piece of research are about to be put into action through an ambitious and exciting sporting event due to take place on 5th October in Greenwich, London. The Sony Ericsson Run To The Beat half-marathon will be the first to provide scientifically-selected live musical accompaniment along the entire length of the course. Dr Karageorghis has selected and coordinated the music that will be played at 17 live music stations to accompany 12,500 runners.

[13] Crucial Meeting on Cyprus Issue

Sources: ΝΕΤ 105.8, ΑNA-ΜPA

Amid a climate of pessimism and constant Turkish intransigent statements, President Christofias and Turkish-Cypriot leader Mehmet Ali Talat met this morning within the framework of face to face talks on the Cyprus issue, in the presence of UN Special Advisor Alexander Downer and the two sides delegations.

The two leaders will continue discussing the leadership issue, while as per information they will also talk about executive leadership that is the kind of regime of the new state that will result from the talks.

At 09:30, the two men met in private in an effort to improve the climate and discuss ways of accelerating the procedure.

Exiting the Presidential Mansion President Christofias said he did not wish to stir things up especially before so many cameras when he was asked whether todays meeting would revert the negative climate caused by the Turkish Cypriots statements.

Furthermore, he stated he supports a good climate and confidence between the two leaders. Todays meeting was the first one to take after three weeks.

Translated by John Crystallidis

[14] Karamanlis Visits Malta

Sources: ΑNA-ΜPA

Prime Minister Kostas Karamanlis commenced a two-day visit to Malta Thursday. Today, he will hold talks with the leadership

In the morning, he will meet with his Maltese counterpart Lawrence Gonzi. After their 20-minute-long meeting the two delegations will commence their official talks, which will last 40 minutes. At 11:30, Mr Karamanlis will give a Press Conference and then he will meet with President Edward Fenech Adami.

At 12:30, the Greek PM will visit Saint Johns Cathedral in Valetta and at 13:30 he will be hosted a dinner by the President of the Republic of Malta. At 15:15, he will visit Mdina and in the afternoon he will meet with the leader of the main opposition.

Translated by John Crystallidis

[15] Briefing on FYROM Name-Issue

Sources: ΝΕΤ 105.8, ΑNA-ΜPA

Foreign Minister Dora Bakoyannis will continue briefing political party leaders on developments on the FYROM name-issue. She will specifically present her interlocutors with UN envoy Matthew Nimetzs new proposal.

At 12:00, she will meet with KKE (Communists) Secretary General Aleka Papariga and an hour later with SYN (Coalition of the Left) President Alexis Tsipras. At 14:00, she will brief LAOS (Popular Orthodox Rally) President Giorgos Karatzaferis. Before that, she will meet with the President of the Parliament Dimitris Sioufas.

Ms Bakoyannis briefed the President of the Hellenic Republic Karolos Papoulias and PASOK (Socialists) leader George Papandreou on Thursday. After the meeting, Mr Papandreou stated that Mr Nimetzs proposals do not take under consideration Greeces positions, reiterating his objection on a double name.

Athens Remains Calm

The Greek side appears reserved over Mr Nimetzs fresh proposal, pointing out that it constitutes the basis for negotiations that might lead to the final resolution of the issue.

The Foreign Ministry is examining each point of the proposal, as per which the neighbouring country should use the name "Republic of Northern Macedonia" officially and in organizations. Also it refers to the Security Councils advice 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 countrys language, he referred to a UN document that describes it "Macedonian", to which Athens is reacting. Athens will give its answer on the proposal during the two sides meeting in two weeks time.

FYROM Press Reserved

At the same time, the Press in Skopje appeared reserved over the new proposal, with Dnevnik newspaper reporting in its headline that Nimetz has satisfied only Greece and Nova Makedonija that Nimetz had submitted to FYROM a Greek proposal.

A1 TV network has reported that Mr Nimetzs proposal cannot serve as a basis for a solution to the issue as it does not offer any guarantees on issues related to national identity and language.

However, there have been no official reactions on Mr Nimetzs proposal.

Translated by John Crystallidis

Related News:

Assessing Nimetz's New Proposal

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