The Hellenic Radio (ERA): News in English, 08-09-09

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

CONTENTS

[01] Debate on Taxation Draft-bill Opens this Afternoon

09 Óåð 2008 10:27:00

Prime-minister, Kostas Karamanlis will have a cooperation meeting with Finance Minister, George Alogoskoufis this morning at 11:00, at the Maximos Mansion while a debate on taxation draft-bill opens at the Parliament Plenum this afternoon. The Finance Ministry clarified that presumptive taxation on living expenses will be established on a realistic basis and will regard only those whose income tax declarations are far from true incomes. Reactions, however, against taxation draft-bill continue. Athens, Thessaloniki and Piraeus lawyers abstain from their duties today in protest against new taxation draft-bill.

Translated by Chrisanthi Sarantis

[02] Strike in Ministry of Transport

Sources: ÍÅÔ 105.8

Employees of Ministry of Transport stage a 48 hours strike today Tuesday and tomorrow Wednesday on financial demands

Minister of Transport Mr. K. Hatzidakis stated that "finance minister Mr. Giorgos Alogoskoufis committed to provide employees the benefit they ask from January 1st. But a group of trade unionists wants to dictate the government the draft bill this benefit will be included. These things can not be accepted. The government can not be blackmailed", he concluded.

Tax office officials have also pronounced strikes starting from today.

Pharmacists and employees in the Service of Civil Aviation as well as Athens, Piraeus and Thessaloniki's lawyers are also on strike.

Translated by Sofia Gartziou

[03] Educational Software Game for Autistic Children

Sources: ÁNA-ÌPA

Within the framework of Thessaloniki International Fair, the Aristoteleios University Research Committee presented an educational software game that can observe learning and psychological condition of autistic children even when parents or educators are away.

The educational software game has two parts: a game with pictures and questions and a game with objects and addresses to autistic children aged 4-12 with initial indications of the problem. While playing the game, the child wears a bracelet which records his biological reactions ( rapid heart beat, sweating, stress, nervous irritation e.t.c.) and readopts the game according to his needs, reducing level of difficulty. In parallel, his reactions and achievements are recorded in a file which his doctor or parents can read. A small robot, as a silent companion, observes the child and awards him for any success, which highly contributes for his psychological development.

The president of the Research Committee, assistant dean, Stavros Panas said that it is a significant tool for teachers at Special Schools adding that parents of autistic children have already shown high interest.

Translated by Chrisanthi Sarantis

[04] Aleka Papariga Visits TIF

Sources: ANA-MNA

Mrs. Aleka Papariga will visit Thessaloniki today, at the framework of Thessaloniki International Fair (TIF).

General Secretary of KKE will visit exhibit places and will also have a meeting with the Administrative Board of DETH-HELEXPO.

At night she will deliver a speech-discussiion at P. Melas camp on the

Tomorrow, Mrs. Papariga will give a press conference in ESHM-TH conference room and will visit the drug treatment community "Ithaki" and Siemens factory, where she plane to have talks with workers.

Translated by Sofia Gartziou

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