The Hellenic Radio (ERA): News in English, 09-07-26

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

CONTENTS

[01] Wrangling over Presidential Vote

Giannis Raggoussis unveiled PASOK's intention to push the country to early elections, taking advantage of the presidential vote.

In his interview with Kyriakatiki Eleftherotypia, he revealed the main opposition party's moves in case the Government keeps turning Papandreou's proposal down.

âIn the first three votes, we will vote âpresent,' and in the fourth, after the elections, we will elect Karolos Papoulias President of the Republic, if he wishes it,â said Raggoussis.

The Prime Minister, on his part, remained steadfast on his decision and blasted PASOK for violating the Constitution and insulting the institutions.

News item: 25202

[02] Sarkozy Rushed to Hospital

French President Nicolas Sarkozy was rushed to hospital after falling ill while exercising. The doctor who saw him decided to have him moved to a hospital to undergo medical tests. More information is expected to come out later on. Sarkozy was briefly hospitalised in October 2007 to undergo minor throat surgery, but the presidency did not publicise the fact until January 2008.

Source: NET, ANA/MPA, AFPOlder news items: News item: 25201

[03] Euribor's Fall Breather for Borrowers

The significant fall in the interbank borrowing rate (euribor) will allow several borrowers to pay less.

The dive of the interbank borrowing rate as well as of the European Central Bank's interest rate has changed the rules of the game in loans, giving borrowers the chance to pay less.

News item: 25200

[04] Zelaya at Honduras Border

The body of a young male was found near a coffee plantation. His friends who recognized him said he had been arrested last Friday during a gathering of Zelaya's supporters.

On Friday, he made a symbolic crossing over the border into Honduras but withdrew minutes later.

Source: AFP, ANA/MPA

Related news: Zelaya Briefly Returns

News item: 25192

[05] Siemens Case: Skarpelis Sent Behind Bars

Former Hellenic Telecomms (OTE) senior official Giorgos Skarpelis was sent behind bars after his lengthy testimony to the magistrate. His detention was based on the changes of money laundering and bribery. He, on the other part, declined the accusations, arguing that the deal signed between Siemens and OTE in 1997 was to the benefit of the Organization, despite the fact he was not involved in it as he had withdrawn.

Giorgos Skarpelis failed to convince the magistrate that he is not behind the code name Franz, whose bank account in Austria received 3.8 million euros from Siemens.He claimed that never did he open a bank account under that name and that a co-defendant of his did that behind his back.

Today's testimony was the first Skarpelis gave, since the first time he was referred to the magistrate on 3 June, he had refused to testify.

After his testimony, Skarpelis' attorneys dismissed his detention as âillegal and inhumane,â added they will appeal against his detention.

News item: 25190

[06] Greece: About 35 New H1N1 Cases a Day

It is estimated that about thirty five H1N1 infections are being confirmed in Greece on a daily basis, mostly because Greece is a popular tourist destination. In the meantime, two new cases were reported among the navy personnel. In his interview, Health Minister Dimitris Avramopoulos rest everyone assured that the entire population of Greece will be vaccinated if necessary.

In his interview with Real News paper, the Health Minister stressed that the entire population of Greece will be vaccinated if needed, also adding that the vaccine will be free of charge.

Avramopoulos then went on to stress that the key guidelines of the updated national action plan against the pandemic will be released in the coming days, underlining the government will shield the people from panic and artificial concern.

Source: NET, NET 105.8

News item: 25188

[07] Battling to Produce H1N1 Vaccine

Last Updated on Sunday, 26 July 2009 11:49

Researchers are battling against time to produce a vaccine free of side effects and capable of preventing the spread of the H1N1 flu. In Britain, suspected cases are on the increase, with personal hygiene items, including masks and anti-viral soaps, being on the decrease. In the meantime, authorities in the USA have urged parents to vaccinate their children against the common flu for precautionary reasons. The World Health Organization has blamed at least 800 deaths on the H1N1 virus, which has spread in 160 countries.

After confirming 100,000 suspected cases in the last week, Britain is at the gate of panic. The British Health Secretary has called for calmness, since the country's health system could collapse if hundreds of Britons with mild symptoms of the H1N1 flu pack hospitals.

The demand for anti-viral medication and personal hygiene items is huge. Therefore, the government is planning to convert libraries, sports halls and town halls into places where patients can go to.

In Germany, 80% of those infected went down with the H1N1 flu while they were on holidays. The German state has ordered 50 million vaccines.

In western Norway, 1,700 campers early left their summer vacation, when a teenager was tested positive to the H1N1 virus. Another 42 children who development flu-like symptoms have been isolated until the test results come out.

In the USA, official records speak of about 44,000 infections. However, health agencies believe that about one million people have already been infected.

Source: NET, NET 105.8, ANA/MPA

Related news: Jump in Number of H1N1 Cases in Britain

News item: 25187

[08] âBorder-Freeâ Loans

Last Updated on Sunday, 26 July 2009 10:47

Greeks will be able to take out mortgage loans or credit cards from banks in Germany, Britain and Poland, without necessarily living there, as of 2010. The Greek government's decision to implement the relative EU directive aspires to create countless opportunities for new loans and credit cards with low EU interest rates.

Major Benefits for Greek Consumers

Greeks pay up to 5% more for a mortgage loan compared to the average in the Eurozone.

The average interest rate of a loan in Greece stands at about 14.31%. However, in Germany it amounts to 10.87%, in Austria to 6.57%, and in Italy to 7.28%, with the average in the eurozone standing at 9.58%.Source: NET

Greeks pay up to 5% more for a mortgage loan compared to the average in the Eurozone.

News item: 25186

[09] Cooler Temperatures Expected on Monday

Scorching hot temperatures amounting to 40 degrees Celsius have been recorded Sunday throughout Greece. However, the expected strong northerly winds will start pushing temperatures down. State authorities have advised citizens to be extra cautious.

On Standby

State authorities are on standby to address any emergencies the heat wave could cause.

Things are expected to be a little bit better on Sunday, as the mercury is forecast to go down by one or two degrees, while cooler temperatures are expected as of Monday, due to strong northerly winds.

Hospitals and the fire service are on alert, while the Civil Protection Authority has advised people and the sensitive population groups to reduced their movement to the bare minimum and avoid sun exposure.

Source: NET 105.8, ANA/MPA

Related news: Blistering Heat across Greece

News item: 25185

[10] Fire Fronts Contained

The Fire Service is on standby, since the fire risk is extremely high in several areas across Greece. On Sunday noon, a wildfire in Lavrio broke out. About 25 firefighters with none waters tanks have rushed to the site to put the blaze out. In the meantime, the wildfires in Keratea, Aspropyrgos, Koroni and Gargalianous have been contained

The Civil Protection Authority has urged people to avoid activities in the countryside that could cause a fire out of negligence.

Source: NET, NET 105.8, ANA/MPA

News item: 25184

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