The Hellenic Radio (ERA): News in English, 10-05-26

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

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

CONTENTS

[01] Seeking to Issue a Join Report on Land Swap

The members of the parliamentary committee investigating the controversial land swap between the state and the Vatopedi Monastery on Mount Athos are considering issuing a joint report. The representatives of the four political parties, except for those of the Greek Communist Party (KKE), held Wednesday an informal sitting in their drive to issue a joint report. The committee decided Tuesday to postpone until Tuesday the delivery of their final report.

The witnesses who were called to testify before the committee implicate former ministers. Former Development Ministry high-profile official Stamatina Manteli argued that former minister Alexandros Kontos had ordered her to request Prefectures give her lists with seaside land.

Statements by Political Parties

"New Democracy and Antonis Samaras have nothing to fear," said the party's spokesman Panos Panagiotopoulos, further underlining that there has to be transparency.

KKE head Aleka Papariga touched on the controversial land swap saying, "The political parties could as well agree if the government made a law that would strip all monasteries of the land they owe and give it back to the state. They are trying, as they have claimed, to send some to prison. If they have to be sent, let them be sent. We have no objections to that. " Source: NET, ANA/MPA

News item: 36953

[02] Human Mistake Deactivation of PM's Phone

Temporary barring of the Prime- minister's incoming calls at his home telephone were rendered to human mistake according to OTE (Hellenic Telecommunications Company). A technician , who was to suspend a telephone connection on debt due, deactivated the prime-minister's phone. OTE announcement says that only one digit was different in the two telephone numbers and the employee in charge deactivated the Prime-minister's number by mistake. The telephone connection was suspended on May, 19 and restored on May, 21 immediately after notification.

Sources:ΝΕΤ-ΝΕΤ 105.8 News item: 36936

[03] European Stock Markets Recover

After Tuesday's heavy losses, Athens Stock Market recorded 0.78% rise with the General Index at 1.551,92 points at 11:00. Earlier, London and Paris markets also opened with gains. In the meantime, OECD Chief Economist Pier Carlo Padoan expressed belief that there could not be a double-dip recession in the euro zone.

"No Fears for Double-dip Recession"

In an interview with Figaro - Economie, OECD Chief Economist Pier Carlo Padoan said return to recession was unlikely in Euro zone but called on states to make the necessary reforms to improve their production.

H e also said growth would be slower in Europe compared against the US but underlined that a weak euro, in the short- to medium-term, was a welcome development.

"A weaker euro could add quite a boost to European exports," said Padoan.

Gains in Stock Markets

Earlier, London and Paris markets opened with gains.

In London, Footsie-100 index was 1.29% up and 5.004,45 points. Also Paris CAC40 index rose 1,87% at 3.393,44 points. Tokyo Stock market had closes with slight gains 0,66% and Nikkei index gained 62,77 points to close at 9.522,66.

Sources: ΑNA - ΜPA

News item: 36929

[04] Social Security under Scrutiny

The European Union says Troikas' letter to Athens includes proposals and not new measures regarding the Social Security System. Labour Minister, A. Loberdos, however, underlined regulations not included in the memorandum-taken as state law -would not be implemented. The social security system comes under Brussels scrutiny as of today. EU Commission inspectors will discuss the new terms set for approval of draft-bill with the Employment Ministry leadership. Mr. Loverdos admitted that there several issues open for discussion with the European Commission. These issues mainly concern pensions and Troikas' request for increase of work years to 40. GSEE and ADEDY meet on Thursday to decide on fresh mobilizations in protest against reforms in social security system and labour relations.

News item: 36925

[05] Informal Cabinet Meeting on Development

Prime-minister George Papandreou chairs an informal Cabinet meeting on Wednesday morning. Issues on the agenda include draft-bill on growth, competitiveness and price index, "opening" of closed professions, economic policy priorities for the next period, privatizations and commitments concerning the memorandum signed with the European Union, International Monetary Fund, and the European Central Bank. G. Papandreou, in his interview with Arab network Al Jazeera, stressed that the government's top priority was growth centered on investments.

Source: NET, NET 105.8 News item: 36920

[06] Violence Continues in Jamaica

At least 60 people have been killed and over 25 injured in Kingston, capital of Jamaica during fighting between the police and members of local drug cartel to prevent extradition of local drug-lord to the US.

Police have officially put the death toll at 30, among them three policemen during the bloody clashes that started at the weekend. Jamaica's Prime-minister Bruce Golding expressed his deep regret for the loss of lives of members of the security forces and of innocent law abiding citizens who were caught in the cross fire. He vowed to restore law and order soon after his government declared a state of emergency amid the worst violence to hit the Caribbean nation in decades.

He also said that police would continue hunt to locate illegal weapons and suspects.

However, the hideout of Jamaican drug-lord, who is the cause of the break out of clashes, remains unknown with thousands of his supporters ready to defend him at any cost.

Source: ΝΕΤ105.8 ΑNA-ΜPA

Σχετική είδηση: Συνεχίζεται η ατελείωτη βία στην Τζαμάικα

BBC: Jamaican PM Golding vows to restore order to Kingston

News item: 36921

[07] National Level Exams Continue

National Level Exams continue. On Wednesday, tertiary education candidates compete in Ancient Greek and Physics. State channel ET1, in its news bulletin at 14:00, will broadcast the answer s in today's tests. Answers will be also posted in ERTonline website. In the meantime, OLME (teachers' union) announcement calls high school teachers to abstain from correction of tests as the joint Finance and Education Ministers' decision concerning their payment for evaluation of tests has not been signed yet.

Source: ΝΕΤ 105.8

News item: 36916

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