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The Hellenic Radio (ERA): News in English, 05-12-07

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

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

CONTENTS

  • [01] Food Scandal in Italy
  • [02] Cuts in Greek Public Spending
  • [03] European Solution for Kosovo
  • [04] Changes with Social Consensus
  • [05] Man Shot Dead in Miami Airport
  • [06] Blast in Chinese Mine
  • [07] Fines to Three Insurance Co's
  • [08] Olympic Flame in "Eternal City"
  • [09] Christmas Concert by ERT
  • [10] War in the Name of Styling
  • [11] Papandreou at Piraeus Labour Centre

  • [01] Intense Concerns Food Scandal in Italy

    07 Dec 2005 21:07:00

    Sources: NET - ANA

    The Italian police broke up an international ring that was supplying eggs unfit for consumption to food industries for the preparation of cakes, biscuits, ice-creams, pasta and more, after a two-year investigation in Italy and another four European countries. The ring, which had spread its activities throughout Italy, was based in Bologna and was supplying companies with an egg by-product. Actually, they added chlorine, histamine and other substances to the specific by-product to get rid of the stench. As a result, the companies using it were not aware of its quality, since they pasteurised it after purchase. The Italian police confiscated 32 million eggs, arrested 22 people and filed lawsuits against another 60. The investigation started from the tank trucks used to transfer the by-product, since 20 of those had been stolen two years ago by the ring. However, the extent of the scandal is not known yet, since the rotten eggs were also used to prepare products that have been exported to Europe and any possible side-effects could be manifested in the next decade. In the meantime, the relevant health authorities have not yet publicised the list of the companies that used the by-product, even though the Consumers Union asked for it.

    Translated by Vicky Ghionis

    [02] Alogoskoufis' Interview on Ecofin-Eurogroup Cuts in Greek Public Spending

    07 Dec 2005 14:52:00

    By Vivian Papastefanou

    Sources: NET - ANA

    The Greek Ministry of Economy will focus on battling against tax evasion and on cutting public spending with a view to eliminating the deficit in 2006, stated the Economy Minister Giorgos Alogoskoufis during a Press Conference on the results of the Ecofin and Eurogroup meetings. Mr Alogoskoufis underlined that the mild fiscal adjustment will also continue in 2007 with the implementation of permanent measures. Ecofin acknowledged on Tuesday the effective efforts the Greek government has made in a bid to eliminate the 2005 deficit. Besides, in early 2006 Eurostat is expected to rule on securitisation, an issue, which according to the Economy Minister, is over, since it has not been included in the budget.

    Elimination of Deficit

    Referring to the proceedings of the Economic and Financial Affairs Council (Ecofin) and Eurogroup, Mr Alogoskougis said that the Greek economy was not discussed, but he informed his EU counterparts that the Greek deficit will drop to 2.6% and that the drop will continue in 2007 and 2008. He also mentioned that the government aims at eliminating the deficit to 2.3% of the GDP in 2007 and to 1.7% of the GDP in 2008. Finally, he argued that the growth rate is expected to stand at 3.6% in 2005 and is to be further enhanced to fix at 3.8% on 2006. Regarding the bill on Public Utilities and Enterprises (DEKO) and the controversial article 14, Mr Alogoskoufis underlined that Parliament is the most appropriate arbitrator to settle any problems.

    When asked whether the next step to reforms includes changes in the public sector and the lifting of the permanent working status, the Economy Minister pointed out that the reforms described in the National Reform Programme and the bill on DEKOs are the largest reform, which deals with their winding-up and favours transparency in tenders. He further added that the listed businesses in the Stock Market will no longer be DEKOs, while the provocative privileges DEKOs have been enjoying will be suspended. With regard to DEKOs commissions, he said that they should fall in line with the rules on commissions as defined by the European Union.

    As for VAT, Mr Alogoskoufis made it clear that the existing exemptions for islands and certain services and products will keep being valid until 2015. In fact, at the European Council scheduled for December 15 and 16, the leaders of EU Member-States will decide whether certain services will be entitled to a low VAT (9%). The services include the restoration works of houses built more than five years ago, waste management services, power supply, hair saloons, toll bridges, as well as construction services.

    Translated by Areti Christou

    [03] European Solution for Kosovo

    07 Dec 2005 19:28:00

    By Despina Hristopoulou

    Sources: NET - ANA

    Foreign Minister Petros Molyviatis repeated Greeces stance on the issue with Kosovo, this time to the Serbian political leadership, with whom he met today in Belgrade. As per Mr Molyviatis, any solution would have to respect the principles of international law and nurture stability in the heart of the Balkans. The Serbian side is in favour of granting autonomy to Kosovo, while it opposed the possible independence of the region. In his capacity as President of the Trans-Balkan Collaboration, Mr Molyviatis arrived in Belgrade, along with the Alternate Foreign Ministers of Romania and Croatia, where he held talks with Serbian officials concerning the developments in and the future of Kosovo. Earlier, he had met with President Boris Tadic and later on with PM Vojislav Kostunica. Yesterday, the Greek Defence Minister held talks with officials in Kosovo, as well as President Ibrahim Rugova.

    In Favour of Recognising Two Entities

    After his meeting with Mr Molyviatis, Serbian President Boris Tadic stressed that Belgrade and Albanias stances with regard to the future of Kosovo and the final regime are completely opposite. Mr Tadic rejected any solution that would lead to recognising the independence of Kosovo, while he appeared in favour of recognising two entities, which will be participating in future institutions.

    Then the Trans-Balkan delegation met with the Foreign Minister of Serbia-Montenegro, Vuk Draskovic, who repeated his governments stance for a regime that would grant "something more than autonomy and something less than independence," while he rejected the idea of changing his countrys borders with Albania or FYROM and asked the USA and the EU to support the leadership of the Albanians in Kosovo, so that a compromise can be reached.

    Mr Molyviatis repeated that the only way towards security, stability and prosperity for the region is through Europe; while he stressed that the Balkan states have to and should participate in the process, since they will be the ones that we suffer the consequences of any decision.

    Later tonight, Petros Molyviatis will depart for Brussels, where he is scheduled to participate in the meeting of EU Foreign Ministers and their NATO counterparts.

    Translated by Vicky Ghionis

    Related News:

    Molyviatis' Meetings in Kosovo

    [04] Papandreou's Meeting with GSEE-ADEDY Changes with Social Consensus

    07 Dec 2005 16:30:00 (Last updated: 07 Dec 2005 23:34:27)

    By Annita Paschalinou

    George Papandreou launched an attack against the Government for its economic policy, after visiting the Piraeus Labour Centre in the morning and then meeting with representatives from GSEE (Greek General Confederation of Labour) and ADEDY (Supreme Administration of Greek Civil Servants Trade Unions). "Other directions are available for the progress of the country and the Economy," stressed the President of PASOK, after meeting with the Unions, accusing the Government of separating instead of uniting the Greeks and incessantly wronging the employees and making concessions to the great capitals.

    Zero Tolerance for Unions

    "The Governments mentality that economic growth will be achieved if we impoverish the employees is unfair and blind. That is why PASOK opposes the abolishment of collective work contracts," he added.

    On their part, the unionists presented to George Papandreou their demands for the employers, in view of the signing of the new collective bargaining agreement.

    The unionists spoke of zero tolerance, underlining that the responses they received were satisfactory.

    "We highlighted the major issues for which we are going on strike on Wednesday. We said that the tolerance period is over and there is no more tolerance," stressed GSEE President Christos Polyzogopoulos.

    On the other hand, ADEDY President Spyros Papaspyros mentioned that the unions demand radical policies and commitment to political views from the parties.

    However, GSEEs general secretary and DAKE (Democratic Independent Workers Movement) representative, Kostas Poupakis, stressed that Mr Papandreou did not provide satisfactory answers to the questions posed; underlining it was not prudent today for some to claim that they oppose the bill for DEKOs, when they were the ones that had enacted regulations towards the same direction as the one promoted by the current government.

    Earlier, George Papandreou visited the Piraeus Labour Centre, where he listened to the demands of the employees and was briefed on their problems, in view of the discussion for the budget and the 14 December nationwide strike.

    Roussopoulos' Response

    In the meantime, commenting on Mr Papandreous statement, Government spokesperson Thodoros Roussopoulos stressed that the president of PASOK is looking for other avenues just so that he can cover his nihilistic refusal to consent to the necessary changes and reforms that are needed for the country. Furthermore, he invited Mr Papandreou to name those avenues, without resorting to fancy words.

    Translated by Vicky Ghionis

    Related News:

    Papandreou at Piraeus Labour Centre

    [05] Man Shot Dead in Miami Airport

    07 Dec 2005 22:43:00

    By Despina Hristopoulou

    Sources: CNN - BBC - Reuters

    Havoc prevailed in Miami International Airport when a US Federal Air Marshal shot and killed a 44-year-old man who was claiming he was carrying a bomb. The incident occurred on the walkway between the plane and the airport terminal. The federal officers pursued the man and ordered him to get down to the ground. When he tried to reach for his carry-on bag, in which he said he was carrying a bomb, one of the officers shot and killed him. According to CNN, the investigation showed that the man was not carrying a bomb. Flight 924 was flying from Colombia to Orlando with a stopover in Miami. As per a Homeland Security Department spokesperson, the air marshals took the appropriate actions, which were consistent with their training.

    Translated by Vicky Ghionis

    Read the story on other sources:

    BBC: US man shot dead on Florida plane

    [06] Missing Miners Amount to 96 Blast in Chinese Mine

    07 Dec 2005 17:39:00

    By Vivian Papastefanou

    Ten days after the tragic accident in a mine northeast of China killing 171 people, another blast occurred in a coal mine north of China. Xinhua News Agency reported that a blast occurred at the coalmine in Tangshan, a city in Hebei province. At the time of the blast, 123 people were underground. 96 were reported missing, while some 27 escaped. It is noted that at least 2,700 miners have been killed by blasts, landslides caused by floods, and other accidents in Chinas mines since the beginning of 2005.

    Translated by Areti Christou

    [07] 12-Day Deadline Fines to Three Insurance Co's

    07 Dec 2005 20:58:00

    By Despina Hristopoulou

    Sources: NET

    Greek Deputy Development Minister Giannis Papathanasiou gave the three insurance companies, which he had referred for licence suspension, 12 days to settle their financial obligations. Specifically, following the recommendation of the Private Insurance Committee, the Deputy Minister ordered Astra Asfalistiki, Galaxias and Argonaftiki to pay 5 million, 2 million and 1.5 million euros respectively until 19 December. The Committee will convene anew on 20 December to review whether the companies responded to the Ministrys decision.

    Translated by Vicky Ghionis

    Related News:

    Three Insurance Companies Referred

    [08] Olympic Flame in "Eternal City"

    07 Dec 2005 13:03:00

    By Ilias Papaioannou

    Following its journey across Greece, the Olympic Flame arrived on Wednesday in Italy, the organising country of XX Winter Olympic Games. A C-130 military aircraft transferred the Flame to Ciampino Airport in Rome. On Thursday, Italian President Carlo Azeglio Ciampi will light the torch and had it over to the first runner on Italian soil, Olympic marathon runner Stefano Baldini. The Olympic Flame will start its 11,300km journey across Italy from Rome, 10,001 runners will participate passing it through 140 cities to reach Turin on February 9.

    Translated by Areti Christou

    Related News:

    Olympic Flame to the Italians

    [09] Christmas Concert by ERT

    07 Dec 2005 16:13:00

    By Vicky Keleri

    The Friends of Music Hall of the Athens Concert Hall will host a Christmas concert by ERT on December 18 at 12pm. The National Symphonic Orchestra, the Choir of Musical Ensembles as well as the children choir of ERTs Third Program will offer the Athenians a unique joyous Christmas concert. The first part of the concert includes works by Bach, Gounod, Handel, Klava and Balta, while the second part includes works by Dukas, Lalo and Strauss. Celebrated works of foreign and Greek composers will be performed by notable soloists, including Mata Katsouli (soprano), Nikolas Kynaston (ecclesiastical organ) and little Ilias Kantesa (violin).

    At the beginning of the concert, at the intermission and at the end, the premises of the Athens Concert Hall will echo with Christmas melodies along with the children orchestra and children choir of the ERTs Third Program. Musician Nikos Tsouchlos will be conducting the National Symphonic Orchestra, the Choir of Musical Ensembles and the Children Choir of the Third Program.

    Tickets will be available at the Athens Concert Hall booking office. General admission: 12 euros (adults), 7 euros (children)

    Translated by Areti Christou

    [10] War in the Name of Styling

    07 Dec 2005 13:28:00

    By Vicky Keleri

    War in the name of styling has broken out between the Commonwealth Bank of Australia and its staff! The new dress code the bank has drawn up urging the staff to comply with it is the reason that lies behind the dispute. The 11-page text includes tips addressing men and women separately! Its compilers seemed to have put their heart into that, since it contains guidelines that include all aspects of styling, such as personal hygiene, personal appearance and haircut! The banks managers argued that the bank always needed such a code, which is believed to help the institution attract new clients!

    And since we have whetted your appetite for good on the guidelines that have upset the banks staff, arguing that they are insulting, come and have a look at them!

    Queue up for Proper Styling

    Female staff has to dye their hair regularly and wash it three times per week. As for depilation, wax or tweezers is highly recommended, while a French manicure is a must!

    And this is just the beginning! Make-up comes next. Women are advised to put on make-up on neutral or warm shades, for this will make them look younger, argued the compilers of the guide. When it comes to lipsticks, intense and perlie shades are strictly forbidden!

    Tights should be shiny, since they make calves look pretty shapely.

    And since they saw to everything, they could not exclude the "inner world" of the staff! Therefore, there is a special guideline instructing them to wear seamless and beige underwear!

    As for men, the guidelines focused on their haircut! They are instructed to have their hair short if they are prone to grow bald. In case they are white, grey or curly-haired, they are advised to use a product that will make their hair look shinier and healthier.

    They are also called on to draw their attention to their after-shave or their moisturising cream, to avoid showing up to work with blushing faces!

    Finally, they have to buy lots of shoes lest the clients should think that they cannot afford a second pair of shoes!

    In fact, to avoid unpleasant surprises, the bank highly recommends the use of a deodorant. In case the aforementioned guidelines seem quite unbelievable, the bank appears determined to put the dress code into effect at all costs and has warned the staff of punishment.

    However, the staff spoke of rather insulting guidelines and is pretty unwilling to fall in line. So the war is still raging on.

    Translated by Areti Christou

    [11] Series of Contacts with Bodies and Social Groups Papandreou at Piraeus Labour Centre

    07 Dec 2005 14:23:00

    By Annita Paschalinou

    Sources: NET, ANA

    During his visit to the Piraeus Labour Centres offices this morning, George Papandreou was briefed over the problems and the demands of the employees. The President of PASOK criticised the economic policy of the Government, noting that the dead end created is more visible in the area of Piraeus. Moreover, he concluded that there is an internal dispute in New Democracy and claimed that PASOK is following another road, based solely on the people and Public Sectors interests. Following, he will meet with the Presidencies of the Greek General Confederation of Labour (GSEE) and the Supreme Administration of Greek Civil Servants Trade Unions (ADEDY) in view of the discussion over the Budget.

    Translated by Eirene Nisiriou


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