Compact version |
|
Monday, 14 October 2024 | ||
|
The Hellenic Radio (ERA): News in English, 02-01-30The Hellenic Radio (ERA): News in English Directory - Previous Article - Next ArticleFrom: The Hellenic Radio (ERA) <www.ert.gr/>CONTENTS[01] NEWS IN ENGLISHTHE VOICE OF GREECE30/1/2002 11:31:00 рм [02] NEWS HEADLINES- Farmer-mobilisations- Measures for illegal gambling - Greece to discuss with Turkey only continental shelf issue - Social Security Funds to be reduced to six - Tshochatzopoulos asks for a reform of the taxation system - New Democracy MPs demand investigation of merger-failure between National and Alpha Banks - Doctors to stage 48-hour strike [03] Weather forecastSunshine is forecast throughout the country, with early morning mist. Winds northerly, light. In the north, temperatures will range from 4C to 20C; in the Ionian and on the rest of the mainland from 6C to 23C; and in the Aegean islands from 10C to 18C. Sunny in Athens, with temperatures between 8C and 21C. Fair weather in Thessaloniki with temperatures from 5C to 19C.[04] Farmer-mobilisationsIn expectation of the announcement tomorrow of the new cotton prices, farmers have begun their mobilisations by symbolically blocking motorways in various parts of the road network including the Athens-Thessaloniki national highway at Tempi. After the anouncement of the prices, farmers will decide on their further stance.Meanwhile, the farmers' representatives will try to meet with opposition party leaders on Friday and with the Minister of Agriculture on Monday. Although New Democracy party President Costas Karamanlis accused the government of leading farmers to desperation, he stated that he was against the blocking of roads. From his side, the government spokesman accused the New Democracy party of not adopting a firm stance. Finally, the producers' problems will be discussed in Brussels today during Prime Minister Constantine Simitis meeting with the competent European Commissioner Frantz Fisler. [05] Measures for illegal gamblingIn a meeting to be held by competent ministers today, discussions will focus on the issue of illegal gambling. In an attempt to combat illegal gambling, the Ministry of Finance has anounced measures such as the setting up of a register of electronic game producers and inporters as well as their income. The ministry is also examining the possibility of banning electronic games.Meanwhile, the New Democracy party has asked for Public Prosecutors to intervene, while Synaspispos party leader Nicos Konstantopoulos has raised the issue of gambling to the Prime Minister. Commenting on the same issue, the President of the Hellenic Republic Kostis Stephanopoulos stated that it does not honor Greece. Greece must also present its positive profile. [06] Greece to discuss with Turkey only continental shelf issueReferring to an exploratory dialogue between Greece and Turkey, Foreign Minister George Papandreou stated to Parliamentary Committee of Foreign Affairs and Defence that only the issue of the continental shelf would be discussed, excluding any dialogue on issues related to Greeces sovereign rights. In the meantime, all MPs have asked for a dialogue to be conducted on the issue.[07] Social Security Funds to be reduced to sixAccording to the Greek newspaper "To Ethnos", the government's final proposal on the Social Security issue includes the following:a) Pensions should be given at the age of 65 b) the amount of pensions will depend on highest salaries of pensioners in the last 15 years c)Social Security Funds will have to be reduced to six. [08] Tshochatzopoulos asks for a reform of the taxation systemDuring his address at an economic Forum, Minister of Development Akis Tsochatzopoulos has asked for the immediate reform of the taxation system, pointing out that since 1995 tax revenue has risen by 70%.[09] New Democracy MPs demand investigation of merger-failure between National and Alpha Banks20 New Democracy party MPs have asked for an extraordinary meeting of the Parliamentary committee of Economic Affairs to examine the failure of the merger of the National Bank of Greece with Alpha Bank.[10] Doctors to stage 48-hour strikeDue to a 48-hour strike to begin as of tomorrow by doctors, all hospitals will be operating for the next two days on skeleton staff.The Hellenic Radio (ERA): News in English Directory - Previous Article - Next Article |