The Hellenic Radio (ERA): News in English, 10-02-20

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

CONTENTS

[01] 25yo Male Shot Down by Policeman's Gun

The ballistic labs showed that the 25-year-old civilian who was caught in between a shooting between police and two Albanian criminals was shot dead by a policeman's gun.

The unlucky civilian was shot nine times, with two shots in his head and in his heart.

The autopsy also suggested that all bullets hit him from the same side, meaning all nine came from the same gun.

Police are investigating whether the two notorious criminals have been involved in other cases and whether they have recruited other people in their activities. News item: 33453

[02] Customs Officials Strike Ruled Illegal

An Athens Court on Saturday ruled customs officials strike illegal on the grounds that the strike was not announced four days earlier as provided by a relevant bill. The court ruling came after the Finance Ministry had requested an interim injunction against the strike that had stopped most exports and imports and created many problems in the market. Petrol shortage that has been the most noticeable result of the strike. However, customs officials in northern Greece and the island of Crete have already strike mobilizations and there is regular supply of fuel in these regions. Tank lorries have left Thessaloniki bound to Athens to supply gas stations. Some privileged groups have to assume their responsibilities and make some sacrifices said government spokesman. Merchants and the union of industrialists (EBEA) have called on customs officials to suspend mobilizations.

Earlier, Finance Minister, G. Papakonstantinou met with representatives of customs officials who insisted on continuing their mobilizations. Most petrol stations in Attika have run out of unleaded petrol. Thessaloniki customs officials have suspended strike mobilizations resulting in hundreds of tank lorries running to Hellenic Petroleum refineries in Thessaloniki to get fuel to supply the market.

Sources: ΝΕΤ, ΝΕΤ 105.8, ΑNA-ΜPA Related Article: Market running out of fuel- Some customs open

News item: 33557

[03] Greek PM Determined for Tough Reforms

Article Index

Greek PM Determined for Tough Reforms

Πολιτική στήριξη και όχι βοήθεια

All Pages

Page 1 of 2 Prime-minister G. Papandreou , in an interview with Der Spiegel, stressed his determination for implementation of tough economic reforms despite forthcoming strike mobilizations. Among others, G. Papandreou responded to Germany's concerns. " Greece needs from its EU partners political support against speculators and not economic aid", repeated the Prime-minister in his speech in London at the international conference on the combat of global financial crisis.

"We are not asking for money from Germany"

"We are not looking for money from Germany, even if it seems so some times" George Papandreou.

The Greek Prime-minister says that the survival of the country itself is at risk when he is facing strikes, drastic cuts in the budget and pressure from Brussels for the stability of the euro.

Speaking to Der Spiegel, George Papandreou said his government was not looking for a bailout and just wanted to borrow on equal terms to its fellow euro-area members, so reforms succeeded.

"We're not looking for bailouts; we're not looking for money from other countries," Papandreou said at a conference in London. "What we are simply saying is we'd like to borrow on same terms as other European and euro-area countries." "We all know that the circumstances are extremely difficult. But it concerns the country's survival" said G. Papandreou in his interview with Der Spiegel.

Mr. Papandreou, however, stressed his determination to implement tough economic reforms despite forthcoming strike mobilizations: "We have the people's support. Trade unions also know it. I am determined to adhere to this stance". Papandreou expressed certainty Greece will achieve its target to bring down its budget deficit through combat of bribery and corruption.

"If the state ran smoothly there would not be need for additional measures. Since there extensive state waste there is room for big savings" said G. Papandreou.

He cited as example the result of last year's study conducted by the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD), which showed that 30% of total expenses in Greek hospitals concerned corruption. "Simply think of the sum of money we could save with the introduction of computers in hospitals".

Mr. Papandreou said that corruption was high in state services while the Greek political system encouraged favoritism and waste of state money. As a result many people have lost confidence in the state and do not pay taxes.

"We should view the financial crisis as an opportunity to establish the necessary reforms" said the Prime-minister. According to Der Spiegel countries using the euro currency will provide aid worth between 20 billion and 25 billion euros for Greece.

News item: 33554

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