The Hellenic Radio (ERA): News in English, 09-07-27

The Hellenic Radio (ERA): News in English Directory - Previous Article - Next Article

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

CONTENTS

[01] Concern in the Market

Jump rise in bounced checks, tightening credit on businesses and households and unsatisfactory picture in businesses turnover have intensified concern in the market. In the mid of the financial crisis, consumers prefer to pay cash instead of using credit card at the time being.

Business in the retail market is slow despite big sales. According to businessmen sales are significantly lower compared against previous years while advertisements of large department stores-without being real- have damaged small businesses.

Indicative of the negative climate in businesses is the explosive rise in bounced checks, whose value jumped to 1.6 billion euros in the first half of 2009 compared against 511 million euros in the same period in 2008. Some fear that the values of bounced checks in 2009 would double to 2.5 billion euros from 1.2 billion euros in 2008.

Loans to businesses and households are also gradually lowering each month. Pace of loans dropped to 7.6% in June compared against 9.4% in May. Business financing slowed down to 8.8% against 11.4% in May with value of new loans reaching 923 million euros.

Household loans recorded the highest pace in the first half in 2009 with an additional 463 million euros, however, pace dropped to 6.2% compared to 7.3% in the previous month.

PASOK spokesman G. Papakonstantinou spoke of an economy which goes âfrom bad to worseâ and ND party Ministers who refer to a 7%-7.5% deficit.

âDrop of deficit below 3% till 2010 is infeasible. It needs re-negotiation and this will do as the next governmentâ, stressed Mr. Papakonsatntinou.

Although a month has passed since the opening of summer sales, business turnover is continuously dropping while cash payment is gaining ground over credit cards.

Several banks to attract people are making offers such as no credit card fee, 30% discounts in shops, 5% refund on amount of purchases and credit transfer with lower interest rate. Banks offers counterbalance the lower credit limits.

News item: 25227

[02] Greek PM Visits Ilioupolis' KEP

Greek Prime Minister Kostas Karamanlis visited Monday morning the Ilioupoli Citizen Service Centre (KEP). Karamanlis stressed that KEPs offer all-around service and stand by the citizens' side. He then heralded the launching of a new national online network, which will allow citizens to carry out e-transactions with the state agencies.

Citizen-Friendly Public Administration

The Greek Premier hailed the Citizen Service Centres as services of pivotal importance, capable of ushering the public administration in the digital era. He then stressed that the government's goal is to make public administration faster, more effective and citizen-friendly.

Karamanlis underlined that KEPs have the backing of the citizens and congratulated the employees, because, as he said, it was mainly their work that has appealed to the public. KEPs, added he, offer quick service and carry out services that only take one visit.

He then went on to herald the launching of an e-service entitled âHermis.â Citizens will have the opportunity to earn time by carrying out their transactions with the state online.

Source: NET, ANA/MPA

News item: 25215

[03] H1N1 Vaccines Expected at the End September

Drug stores will have replenished their stockpiles with pneumococcal vaccines by the end of August. According to the latest figures, about 40 new H1N1 infections are being confirmed in Greece day after day, mostly due to the fact that Greece is a popular tourist destination. The majority of the cases have been detected in the Ionian Islands and Crete, with experts assuring that the firsts H1N1 vaccines are expected at the end of September.

Vaccine Planning Ready

âEspecially in this flu, the population group aged 5-18 is the first in line to be vaccinatedâ

H1N1 infections reached their peak in July, said the European Infection Centre. Experts, however, expect a new surge in autumn.In Greece, 208 new cases with mild symptoms were confirmed within a weak.

Health agencies, however, have rest everyone assured that a vaccination planning is ready.

The vaccine for small children will probably take some time, as separate clinical trials are required.

Source: NET

News item: 25214

[04] Blaze in Zakynthos Contained

The wildfire ravaging the Ionian island of Zakynthos has been contained. On Sunday, 70 holiday makers were removed from the area of Dafni with port vessels, after their cars had been trapped. In the meantime, the blazes in Chrysokelaria and Metaksada have been brought under control. A 42-year-old resident has been arrested, yet he has denied any involvement in the fires.

42yo Man Stands Trial on Arson Charges

Charged with attempted arson, a 42-year-old male living in the village of Metaskada will stand Monday a trial.

He was caught in the act by his co-villagers, who said they saw him lighting fires with a lighter.

Fire Alert Remains High

Citizens are required to avoid activities in the countryside that could fuel a fire out of negligence. Civil Protection Authority

The Civil Protection Authority informed all state and local authorities to be on standby to tackle wildfires.

Therefore, citizens are required to avoid activities in the countryside that could fuel fire out of negligence.

Source: NET 105.8

News item: 25204

The Hellenic Radio (ERA): News in English Directory - Previous Article - Next Article