The Hellenic Radio (ERA): News in English, 08-12-26

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

CONTENTS

[01] Pakistan-India: Rise in Tension

India warned its citizens on Friday it was unsafe to travel to Pakistan after the prime minister met military chiefs, and Pakistan canceled army leave and moved some troops from its western border.

The warning marked a dramatic rise in tension between the nuclear-armed neighbors after last month's attack on Mumbai, in which 179 people were killed and which India has blamed on Islamist militants based in Pakistan.

News item: 17129

[02] Shops Open on 28 December only in Athens

In an emergency Christmas Eve session, the Athens Prefecture Council decided shops to remain open at Christmas, December 28 only in Athens prefecture. It must be noted that commercial unions in many areas in Athens (kifisia, Marousi, Chalandri, Alimos, Nea Ionia and Peristeri) had already asked shops to remain open for a successive second Sunday.

Piraeus prefecture turned down the decision. The local merchants' association said that an attempt was being made to abolish the Sunday holiday under the guise of supporting store owners in central Athens and Piraeus who suffered damages during recent rioting and demonstrations.

Thessaloniki prefecture followed suit later on Wednesday, issuing an announcement saying that shops would not be allowed to open in spite of the best efforts of the prefecture's leadership, due to the strong reactions against the measure.

Minister of Development, Mr. Christos Folias said that he proceeded to the above decision after appeals by shop owners whose businesses were severely damaged by recent riots. However, he stressed this decision will not be used as an alibi for future initiatives that will attempt to change the framework law per Sunday holiday.

I call on ministries of Development, Employment and Social Protection to undertake their responsibilities to protect the smooth operation of the market and to apply the laws", he commented.

In its announcement Ministry of Development stresses that shops will open only on 28 December in Athens Prefecture and concluded that Ministry of Development is satisfied because Athens Prefecture received at last the political message sent and realized the markets' needs.

News item: 17128

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