The Hellenic Radio (ERA): News in English, 08-07-01

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

CONTENTS

[01] Political Wrangling

01 Ιουλ 2008 09:03:0 (Last updated: 01 Ιουλ 2008 10:03:5)

Michael Christoforakos, former CEO of Siemens Greece, was called Tuesday to elaborate on the funding scandal involving the German technology giant, following his suspected role as managing director of the companys branch in Greece. In the meantime, with the investigation still in full swing, a new round of wrangling broke out by press reports whereby three political parties received German pre-election cash boost and a minister was offered a trip to Europe. Government spokesman Theodoros Roussopoulos dismissed them as rumours, urging those implicated in the case to spill the beans.

Should the probe goes on like this, it is bound to turn into a parody and expose Justice, blasted PASOK (Panhellenic Socialist Movement), also expressing its anger over the effort to have its leader George Papandreou and his brother Nikos involved in the Siemens scandal. Giorgos Trepeklis was not an aide to the PASOK President, while he denied allegedly visiting the Foreign Minister in the pre-Olympic Games period, PASOK circles were quoted as saying on Monday. PASOK has put down the drive to have Papandreou involved in the scandal to the pressure exerted on the ruling party over the involvement of its party executives and ministers. At the same time, in a telephone contact with Prosecutor Panagiotis Athanasiou, Health Minister Dimitris Avramopoulos denied press reports whereby the political party he had founded and is defunct now had received 870,000 Deutsch Marks from Siemens.

Translated by Areti Christou

Related News:

Testimonies and Wrangling

[02] Exceeded $140 per Barrel on Tuesday

01 Ιουλ 2008 09:08:0

By Alexandros Moz

Sources: ΝΕΤ-105.8, ANA-MPA, AFP

Oil prices are above $140 per barrel at the Asian trading on concerns over tight supplies. On Tuesday morning, crude oil for August delivery rose by 48 cents to $140.48 per barrel. Brent also reached $140.38 up by 55 cents.

In June, oil prices posted a 13-dollar rise per barrel on both sides of the Atlantic.

Iran-related geopolitical tension keep overshadowing the market, said David Moore, an analyst for Australia-based Commonwealth Bank.

The spiralling fuel and food prices have already shot inflation in the eurozone states to 4%.

Translated by Areti Christou

[03] In the Framework of Socialist International

01 Ιουλ 2008 08:50:0 (Last updated: 01 Ιουλ 2008 09:21:2)

Sources: ΝΕΤ 105.8

The Greek Socialist leader, George Papandreou, will hold Tuesday successive talks on the Middle East, in the framework of the Socialist International. Papandreou will meet with Israeli Defence Minister Ehud Barak, Iraqi President Jalal Talabani and Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas.

On Monday, the 23rd SI Congress, which is to wrap up on Wednesday, re-elected George Papandreou President. The Socialists should aim at stamping out poverty, protecting the environment and cementing world peace, stressed Papandreou, further highlighting the need for an alternative to meet modern-day challenges.

Translated by Areti Christou

Related News:

Papandreou Re Elected

23rd SI Congress Opens

[04] Fire Service on Standby

Sources: ΝΕΤ 105.8

The Civil Protection Authority has sounded the alarm, as Attiki and Evia are running a high risk of fires. The blazes that broke out early on Tuesday in Karystos and the Ionian island of Zakynthos have been contained. About 20 firefighters, foot patrols and air tankers have been employed to put out the fire burning in Karystos.

Translated by Areti Christou

Related Links:

Greek General Secretariat for Civil Protection

[05] Suspects Are Being Questioned

01 Ιουλ 2008 10:33:0

By Vivian Papastefanou

Sources: ΝΕΤ 105.8-ANA/MPA

The manhunt to locate the gunman who opened fire at three police officers in a cannabis plantation in Malades, Crete, has yet to yield results. Although suspects are being brought to police for questioning, no evidence on the case has been produced. Theodoros Gennitsarides, one of the three policemen, is still in a critical condition at the intensive care unit of the Herakleion University Hospital, while Giorgos Poulianakis is getting better.

In the meantime, another cannabis plantation was located in the village of Kentriko, southern Greece. Police seized a 50-year-old man, who was watering the cannabis trees, and confiscated about nine kilos of cannabis after searching his house.

Translated by Areti Christou

[06] SYRIZA's Offices in Chania Attacked

By Vivian Papastefanou

Sources: ΝΕΤ 105.8-ANA/MPA

SYRIZAs (Coalition of the Radical Left) offices in Chania, Crete, were badly damaged when an explosive devise planted at the offices fa&#231;ade went off in the early hours of Tuesday. Being a rather strong blast, it created a small crater. The apartment above the offices was also damaged. Thankfully, its owner wasnt hurt, as he was due from Athens in the morning. Police cordoned off the area, while SYN official Kostas Marmatakis condemned the attack, branding it as a criminal one. Head of SYRIZAs parliamentary group Alekos Alavanos is expected Wednesday to pay a scheduled visit to Chania.

Translated by Areti Christou

[07] Pinochet's Secret Police Head Gets Life Term

Augusto Pinochets secret police chief Manuel Contreras was sentenced Monday to a life term in jail for the murder of former army chief Carlos Prats and his wife in Argentina in 1974, said Magistrate Alejandro Solis. Carlo Prats and his mate Sofia Cuthbert were killed in a car bomb attack on 30 September 1974 for opposing to Pinochets rule. Manuel Contreras, the former head of operations at the infamous DINA intelligence service, has already been sent behind bars for a series of other crimes.

Translated by Areti Christou

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