The Hellenic Radio (ERA): News in English, 10-03-29

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

CONTENTS

[01] Samaras Chairs Meeting on Economy-"Kallikratis" Plan

ND leader A. Samaras chaired a meeting on Holy Monday centered on taxation draft-bill, "Kallikratis" plan and the outcome of EU Summit on Greece's economy. The government is below Greek people expectations with regards economic and daily life issues said the main opposition leader. ND spokesman said that his party would vote against the taxation draft-bill since it burdens middle income groups and does not boost growth.

"Heavier Burden on Middle- income Group and Pensioners"

ND party blames the government for not having taken growth measures and warns it that salary cuts in along with strict taxation bill will bring heavier burden on middle-income groups, salary earners and pensioners.

Speaking about the Brussels accord, Mr. Samaras said "the prime-minister attempted a political bluff by referring to recourse to the IMF in his statements but it turned against him as the decision of the EU summit included the involvement of a non-european institution thus weakening Europe and creating problems for the future of Europeans".

Sources: ÍÅÔ, ÍÅÔ 105.8, ÁNA-ÌPA

News item: 34882

[02] Abhorence at Deadly Blast in Patisia

Bomb explosion in Kato Patissia, on Sunday, at 22:40 killed a 15-year old Afghan refugee and injured his mother and 10 year old sister. Reports say police are looking into possible link of a warning call to a television station many hours before the explosion although they believe it is most unlikely from what the unknown caller said.

An unknown person called a television station on Sunday morning to warn that a bomb was planted in the "EBEE", in Patisia. Since there is no agency under that name, police carried out searches in possible sights without locating anything.

According to the boy's mother the explosion occurred as the teenage boy examined a suitcase that his sister had found next to a rubbish bin. He saw a clock inside which he believed was broken and threw the suitcase, this is when the explosion occurred.

Police officers and counterterrorism officials cordoned off the site of the blast and began scouring the area for leads and forensic evidence. They say that the bomb is similar to the one that exploded at Chile's consulate in Thessaloniki in July last year when Conspiracy Fire Cells claimed responsibility. However, authorities are examining all possibilities regarding the identity of the terrorist organization.

Police are called to respond whether the explosion was linked to the morning warning call and just the target was wrong or the bomb was placed few minutes before it was found by the immigrants' family too late for perpetrators to make warning call.

The 10 year old girl, who had an eye operation, runs high risk of loosing her sight. Doctors said she would undergo a second operation. Her mother was slightly injured but has also been hospitalized.

"The 15yo boy fell in the death trap set by murderers who see all as their enemies, policemen, immigrants or any other resident said Civil Protection Minister Michalis Chryssochoides. He stressed that all Greek society is against terrorists and the government's duty is to hunt down perpetrators and bring them to justice.

"We will hunt down the perpetrators," said, who sped to the crime scene. "They are up against the whole of Greek society."

Source: NET, NET 105.8

News item: 34850

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