The Hellenic Radio (ERA): News in English, 10-08-23

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

CONTENTS

[01] Imminent Structural Changes in the Government

Government spokesman George Petalotis has announced structural changes in the government, adding that the Prime-minister is examining proposals for the creation of a more productive, effective and modern cabinet and Premier βs Office. Mr. Petalotis linked imminent replacements in the government scheme to the new circle of big political changes in the next period aimed at re-organization of the state, growth and social justice. Mr. Petalotis underlined that weight is placed on policies and not individuals.

Start of New Circle

Government spokesman George Petalotis spoke of a "new circle" of political and big reforms centered on the citizen and growth based on social justice. He linked reforms with the "structural changes" in the Cabinet and the Premier's Office according to studies carried by a team of experts appointed by Prime-minister G. Papandreou.

Mr. Petalotis did not enter into details on when these reforms are to take place or whether there would be a coordinator of the government's task or a second deputy president.

On any occasion, Mr. Petalotis disengaged the above structural changes from replacement of senior members of the Ministers' Council in the event of their participation in local administration elections.

In response to rumours about government reshuffle, the government spokesman underlined that weight was placed on policies not individuals and repeated that government members to participate in local administration elections would be replaced.

Sources: ΝΕΤ - ΝΕΤ 105.8 - ΑNA/ΜPA News item: 39682

[02] At Final Stage Selection of Candidates

Political party staff are intensifying works in view of local administration elections in November. PASOK final list of candidates will be announced at the party's National Council meeting to be held in the beginning of September. The ND party leader Antonis Samaras, with the writing off of Crete deputy Hristos Markoyiannakis, sent a clear message to prospective "rebel" candidates. In the meantime, Kostas Bakoyiannis -son of former Foreign Minister D. Bakoyianni- emerged candidate for the new Karpenisi municipality with "independent citizens' alliance".

G. Karatzaferis Backs Markoyiannakis Candidacy

LAOS president G. Karatzaferis backed Hristos Markoyiannakis candidacy for the prefecture of Crete. He also announced his party's autonomous candidacies in the majority of regions.

Reports say SYRIZA will announce its main candidates for the Athens municipality and the Democratic Renewal party its candidate for the Attica region.

Democratic Renewal party leader, Fotis Kouvelis has proposed ombudsman George Kaminis , a person of broad acceptance, for Athens mayor.

"Local administration elections in large municipalities have always had a strong political character" told state radio NET 105.8 SYRIZA deputy Dimitris Papadimoulis.

"Our Left must meet the need to form a broad neoliberal front able to express a broad group of the society ", he added.

Source: ΝΕΤ 105.8

News item: 39668

[03] Bank Robber Surrendered- Hostages Freed

A robber, who was holding hostages in a National Bank branch in Piraeus, finally surrendered to police.

Two of a three member gang had stormed into National Bank branch in Piraeus while the third was waiting in a car outside.

DIAS police squad patrolling in the area blocked the bank's entrance. One of the three robbers' waiting outside in the car attempted to escape but was arrested a few blocks down. The second was arrested upon exiting from the bank while the third remained in the bank holding some 20 people hostage under the threat of two hand grenades and guns.

Strong police forces and a special negotiators arrived on the spot. Negotiations were in progress for at least 3 hours till the robber was convinced to surrender. News item: 39683

[04] Bank Robber Holds Hostages

Robber is holding hostages in a National Bank branch in Piraeus. Shortly before he freed two or three hostages. Reports say he is carrying hand grenades and guns and fired twice in the air to scare people. Two other members of the gang, who attempted to escape, were arrested. Police have cordoned off the area around the bank while negotiations between the robber and specially trained policemen are in progress.

Sources: ΝΕΤ, ΝΕΤ 105.8 News item: 39680

[05] Fire in Karystos Abating

Wildfire in Karystos has abated but firefighters are on the alert in the event of rekindling due to the strong winds Beaufort force 7. Karystos mayor, in an interview with state television channel NET , spoke of extensive damage to water and power supplu networks . He also said that 4 fires broke out at the same time in four different places. The wildfire that broke out on Saturday fanned by strong winds spread quickly and burned down 4 houses and caused extensive damage to electricity and water supply networks.

Extensive Damage in Preveli

A fire in Preveli, in Rethymno province, burned down the largest part of the palm forest in this region but fortunately a historical monastery here was rescued.

However, a 55 year old person was found dead near the village Rodakino where fire had burned down many acres of grassland.

Fires under partial control

Fires have been brought under partial control in the following regions: Αntirio, Βytina, Gytheio, Araxo, Oitylo, Lakonia, Thespies Thiva and Selanako in Ierapetra.

High Risk of Fires in 18 Prefectures

The Civil Protection Secretariat warns of high risk of fires in 18 prefectures nationwide:

These are: Athens, East Attica, West Attica, Piraeus, Boiotia, Eboia, Argolida. Korinthia, Lakonia, Lesvos, Samos, Hios, Cyclades, Heraklio, Lasithio, Rethymno, Hania, Evros. People are advised to be particularly careful and avoid outdoor activities involving fire such as burning leaves and branches and use gadgets that produce spars.

Source: ΝΕΤ - ΝΕΤ 105.8

Σχετικές ειδήσεις: Κάρυστος: Μάχη με τις φλόγες για δεύτερο 24ωρο

News item: 39665

[06] All Archaeological Sites Open for August Full Moon

Over 90 archaeological sites and museums will stay open on Tuesday evening to allow people to enjoy August full moon. Initially guards of archaeological sites objected to working without being paid overtime but finally they unanimously agreed to indicate a spirit of responsibility.

Among archaeological sites open tomorrow are the Acropolis, Acropolis Museum, Sunio, National Archaeological museum.

The Union of Archaeological Sites guards agreed to work on Tuesday evening so the August event could be held, however, they kindly requested the sum for their overtime payment be given to "Child Smile" non -profit organization

Sources: ΝΕΤ - ΝΕΤ 105.8 - ΑNA/ΜPA News item: 39686

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