The Hellenic Radio (ERA): News in English, 08-10-16

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

CONTENTS

[01] No Changes in Taxation Policy

16 Ïêô 2008 14:57:00

Sources: ÍÅÔ-ÍÅÔ 105.8-ÁNA/ÌPA

The leaders of the EU 27 member states adopted the decisions of the Eurogroup taken during the extraordinary Summit meeting in Brussels, on Sunday. In a press interview, Prime-minister Kostas Karamanlis underlined that there was no question of change in the countrys taxation policy, adding that flexibilities already provided by the Stability Pact will be applied wherever they are necessary. Mr. Karamanlis also said that the international financial crisis has had a slight impact in Greeces economy and repeated that the bank support plan, presented by the Finance Minister George Alogoskoufis will not become a burden to tax payers but exclusively to banks.

Translated by Chrisanthi Sarantis

[02] Parliament Debate on Inquiry Committee

16 Ïêô 2008 14:28:00

Sources: ÍÅÔ, ÍÅÔ 105.8, ÁNA-ÌPA

Government opposition parties dispute over Batopedi case is escalating. "We have nothing to hide, we want clearing up of the case" said Kostas Karamanlis from Brussels, repeating that the government will proceed to the setting up of an Investigation Committee if Justice gathers evidence. In parallel, the Prime-minister labeled PASOK proposal for the setting up of an investigation committee as "game to create temporary impressions". A Parliament debate on ND party proposal for the setting up of an inquiry committee will be held on Wednesday while PASOK s proposal for the setting up of investigation committee-with which LAOS agrees- will be held on Friday morning. The GCP and SYRIZA parties backed the setting up of an inquiry committee.

Alternate government spokesman Evangelos Antonaros explained that the government decided to change stand after the resignation of the two deputy prosecutors in charge of the Batopedi case. The two prosecutors have not officially announced their resignations yet, however, deputy prosecutor Efstathia Spiropoulou has been instructed to continue investigation. In the meantime, PASOK is expected to file a suit against Supreme Court Prosecutor George Sanidas and Chief Athens court

Translated by Chrisanthi Sarantis

[03] Joint Action Plan to Fight Crisis

Sources: ÍÅÔ-ÍÅÔ 105.8-ÁNA-ÌPA

European Union leaders threw their support Thursday behind a concerted action plan adopted by eurozone members to fight the current global financial crisis. All of the 27 EU leaders welcomed the measures adopted by member states in conformity with the principles of the plan and called on them to ensure that their future national measures also respect those principles and to take account of the possible effect of their decisions on others. In a bid to enable speedy and effective action to be taken in a crisis situation, EU leaders decided to establish an informal warning, information-exchange and evaluation mechanism, called "financial crisis cell." The cell would bring together representatives of the EU presidency, the president of the commission, the president of the European Central Bank (ECB) and the president of the Euro group.The leaders also stressed the need to strengthen the supervision of the European financial sector, particularly cross-border groups, with a view to developing a coordinated supervision system at European level.

Translated by Chrisanthi Sarantis

[04] Stock Markets Downward

16 Ïêô 2008 14:02:00

Sources: ÍÅÔ 105.8-ÁNA/ÌPA

A drop of 4% is being recorded in European stock markets which have regained some of their initial loses of 5.5%. US stock index futures pointing to a higher open on Wall Street and surge in UBS AG share price worked as catalysts to limit the crisis. Athens Stock Market has recorded 4% losses while Tokyo market dived 11.4% spreading panic to other Asian markets.

Translated by Chrisanthi Sarantis

Related News:

Mr. Simitis' Speech on Economy

Stock Markets Sink

[05] Mr. Simitis' Speech on Economy

16 Ïêô 2008 11:49:00

Sources: ÍÅÔ, ÍÅÔ 105.8, ÁNA

Former Prime Minister Mr. Costas Simitis in his speech yesterday in an exhibition in Heraklion Chamber referred on the financial crisis and Greeces route regarding economy. Mr. Simitis said that uncertainty is the main characteristic of the situation today that differentiates it from previous crisis. He accused the government of ideological and administrative inefficiency stressing that the government stand still against client relations initiated by certain social groups that represent New Democracy and target at making profit. The most recent example of the governments constant desultoriness was its incapacity to respond to state budget after the 2007 elections, he pointed out.

Translated by Sofia Gartziou

[06] Work Stoppage in Metro and Tram

Sources: ÍÅÔ 105.8

A new two hours work stoppage will take place today from 20.00 to 22.00 in Athens metro and tram. Employees claim institutional and financial demands. Metro employees have also announced work stoppage tomorrow, Friday, October 17 (12:00-16:00) and Saturday October 25 (12.15-2.15).

Translated by Sofia Gartziou

[07] OLP Contract Approved

Greeces Piraeus Port (OLP) board of directors has officially approved the contract for the concession of its cargo facilities to Chinas Cosco. However, Piraeus mayor and prefect as well as working reps brand the decision illegal saying that the meeting did not take place in the Organizations conference room as it had been announced and stated that theyll bring the case in court. PASOK accuse the government of abolishing laws while KKE denounce a police attack against its members.

Translated by Sofia Gartziou

[08] Explosion in Bar, Athens

Sources: ANA

A strong explosion was reported at 4.40 in Aigaleo, 46 Smyrnis St. Unidentified people placed an improvised explosive device between the pavement and the bar. The explosion caused damages to the bar and to another five shops. The motives of the attack remain unknown. Police ordered investigation on the case.

Translated by Sofia Gartziou

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