The Hellenic Radio (ERA): News in English, 08-09-12

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

CONTENTS

[01] An. Papaligouras Named His Replacement

12 Σεπ 2008 15:36:00 (Last updated: 12 Σεπ 2008 18:12:57)

Sources: ΝΕΤ, ΝΕΤ 105.8, ANA-MPA

Merchant Marine Minister Giorgos Voulgarakis tendered in his resignation amid an acrimonious political wrangling triggered by the property scandal involving the Vatopedi Monastery on Mount Athos, while Prime Minister Kostas Karamanlis appeared resolute in his decision to have the charged climate reversed. In his resignation letter given to Karamanlis, the Minister said that no wrongdoing was proved on his part and that he decided to quit facilitating the Prime Ministers work. "With a torrent of lies that create impression, my political identity and reputation is being attacked. PASOK has landed a leading role in this immoral and slanderous attempt, reviving its old practices to serve its expediencies. I could take this attack the same way I took the three terrorist hits against me. What I cannot take is an attack on ND [New Democracy], on the governments work and on you personally." The Prime Ministers office said he accepted the resignation. It is noted that Karamanlis and Voulgarakis had a long telephone contact. "The Prime Minister thanked Giorgos Voulgarakis for his important work in the Ministries of Public Order, Culture and Merchant Marine, and especially for his effective contribution to the ports reforms," noted the announcement. Former Justice Minister Anastasios Papaligouras was named new Merchant Marine Minister. "The Prime Ministers proposal is an honour to me and it boosts my determination to contribute anew to the Governments harsh task," commented Papaligouras.

Reactions by Opposition Parties

Socialist sources commented that despite the resignation, the government is still on a dead-end, underlining that it struck yet another blow to the Prime Ministers crushing reputation. On Thursday, Socialist leader George Papandreou claimed that Karamanlis had lost control of his Parliamentary Group, with his administration taking the country decades back.

Antonaros replied, "This is a matter that Papandreou should have addressed with Simitis, since he refers to ten years ago. Because Simitis was Greeces Premier back then and Papandreou a leading government official."

"No resignation can acquit or even change the governments anti-labour policy. Opposition practiced by parties that focus their criticism on persons and not on the Governments key choices is harmless," stressed KKE (Greek Communist Party).

"The entire Conservative government should follow into Voulgarakis footsteps. A committee of inquiry on the Vatopedi case has to be called. Legislation governing the operation of off-shore companies that offer legal status to the tax evasion of the rich has to be modified," commented SYN (Coalition of the Radical Left).

"Developments are expected as long as the threats issued by Voulgarakis family come true. It is quite interesting to find out: Who got them in? Who masterminded the purchases and the exchanges? Who exerted pressure on ministers to back down to his activities?" read an announcement by LAOS (Popular Orthodox Rally).

Translated by Areti Christou

[02] Brawl over Vatopedi Continues

Sources: ΝΕΤ, ΝΕΤ 105.8, ANA

New evidence regarding the purchase of public land by the Vatopedi Monastery on Mount Athos is coming to light day after day. Former Deputy Finance Minister Petros Doukas, replying to a press report, denied having signed the exchange of land with the Monastery, noting that he gave the Public Estate Corporation the green light to monitor the exchange of Vistonida Lake. Finance Minister Giorgos Alogoskoufis demanded Thursday all contracts under negotiations for the exchange of land between the State and the Monastery be frozen. According to information, the Legal Council is likely to be asked to give a new opinion on whether the land exchange is feasible.

Translated by Areti Christou

Related News:

Tensions Run High

[03] "New Package of Ideas" by UN Special Envoy

12 Σεπ 2008 14:52:00

Sources: ΝΕΤ, ΝΕΤ 105.8, ΑNA-ΜPA

Athens is studying UN special envoy on FYROM name issue, Mathew Nimitz "new package of ideas" ,presented at the negotiations table yesterday, prior to making any comments and observations. The written text of revised new proposals includes issue of Macedonian nationality.

"Negotiations are exclusively held on name dispute" said Greek ambassador, Adamantios Basilakis who had also met with UN Sec Gen, Ban Ki- moon."Skopje must realiaze and admit that they represent only the part that belongs to them. In no occasion do we agree that a part represents the whole. We can neither agree with a name for each category of activities, one name must apply for all uses. There must be an end to provocative statements if we want to reach a solution and develop friendly relations said Mr. Basilakis. .

Alternate government spokesman, E. Antonaros added "Greeces position is firm and clear. UN Sec Gen instruction to Mr. Nimitz is also clear. The efforts are made to reach a mutually acceptable solution on name issue including geographical term.

PASOK spokesman on Foreign policy issues, Andreas Loberdos said "Nimitz new package of ideas is a negative development for which the ND government is co responsible.

Translated by Chrisanthi Sarantis

[04] She Isn't Missing Deniz

Sources: NET, ANA

The DNA tests taken place to determine whether the eight-year-old girl from Kos Island is Deniz Pipitone, who went missing on 1 September 2004 from Sicily, Italy, went out. Police said the DNA test proved the relation between the girl and the Albanian woman who had been escorting her. Therefore, the search operation for the small Italian girl resumed. After the new twist, the indictment against the 29-year-old Albanian, who had been charged with child abduction, will be withdrawn.

Translated by Areti Christou

[05] Statements by Alogoskoufis

12 Σεπ 2008 15:35:00 (Last updated: 12 Σεπ 2008 19:06:33)

Sources: NET 105.8, ANA

The repercussions of the global economic crisis are worse for the economies of the Eurozone nations than estimated concluded the Finance Ministers of the Eurozone, following an informal Eurogroup Summit, said Greeces Finance Minister Giorgos Alogoskoufis. The recent developments in economy and financial markets, as well as the introduction of the euro currency in Slovakia are running high on the agenda of Eurogrou and Ecofin councils taking place in Nice, France.

Translated by Areti Christou

[06] A. Tsipras at TIF

"The offshore government under and invisible Prime-minister and real-estate agent Ministers must stop looting state wealth. There is need for an exit and the answer is the Left before it is too late", said SYN President, Alexis Tsipras. In response to a reporters question regarding Merchant Marine Minister, George Boulgarakis he said "The Prime-minister is entrapped in a policy of complicity and cover up. Now he bears the burden of responsibility and not his Ministers". SYN President, who visited the Thessaloniki Chamber of Small-Medium Sized Industries today, was briefed on their problems. Mr. Tsipras accused the government of launching attack against small and medium sized enterprises, the backbone of Greek economy, instead of supporting them. He stressed the need for abolition of taxation draft-bill, passed by the Parliament, describing it as unfair and unconstitutional as it shifts a larger proportion of tax burden to Small-Medium Sized Industries.

Translated by Chrisanthi Sarantis

[07] Eurogroup-Ecofin Meeting

Recent developments in economy, including financial market developments and introduction of euro currency to Slovakia will be the focus of talks of Eurogroup and Economic and Finance Ministers Council, held today and tomorrow in Nice, France. The EU French Presidency has called on EU member states to give a "coordinated response at community level" to slow international economic growth.

Translated by Chrisanthi Sarantis

[08] Channel Tunnel Fire under Control

A fire inside the undersea Channel Tunnel that broke out on Thursday has been brought under control said a local government official in Calais, adding that they are in a phase of cooling down residual fires around the main fire. Officials said they believed the fire had started on a lorry loaded aboard a freight shuttle service, then spread. When the flames were detected, the French-bound train was brought to a halt some 11 km short of the French end of the tunnel. No one was killed but six people needed hospital treatment after inhaling fumes. The Eurotunnel and Eurostar said that services will not restart before tomorrow.

Translated by Chrisanthi Sarantis

[09] Goudi Army Park on 20-21 September

12 Σεπ 2008 09:49:00

By Anna Kourti

An event addressed to children aged 2-12 is to be held on 20-21 September at the Goudi Army Park under the initiative of On Stage, with a long activity in the field of recreation. The 1st Children Festival Town For Kids will turn the 15.000 square meters Army Park to a fairy tale city where children will rediscover happiness through group games and creative activities away from the video games screen while they will be informed on environmental issues. Special events with the participation of artists will be organized while environmental organizations Arktouros, Mediterranean SOS and the Hellenic Recycling Society will organize events aimed to mobilize children on environmental issues. Gates will be open from 10:00-20:00 while children must be accompanied by adults.

There will be meeting points giving information within the park and mini-bars outside each activity for parents to have a cup of coffee or snack while their children are participating in activities.

Entrance fees 12 applies for adults and children. Tickets sold at Language Centers Εuropalso Society, phone 210 7234567 and www.ticketservices.gr

For further information : 210 7784545

Translated by Chrisanthi Sarantis

[10] US Presidential Rivals Historical Visit

12 Σεπ 2008 09:28:00

skirmishing yesterday in honour of the seventh anniversary of the Sept. 11, 2001 attacks, shaking hands at rare joint appearance at 'Ground Zero'

Presidential rivals John McCain and Barack Obama suspended their fierce political skirmishing yesterday in honour of the seventh anniversary of the Sept. 11, 2001 attacks, shaking hands at rare joint appearance at "Ground Zero". They shook hands and walked shoulder to shoulder down a 147-metre ramp into the Ground Zero area, where they greeted police officers and rescue workers at a memorial site, as Americans honoured the nearly 3,000 victims of the attacks in ceremonies in New York, Pennsylvania and at the Pentagon. The two candidates for the Nov. 4 election each laid roses in a flower-covered pool with wooden squares representing the footprints of each of the twin towers, and then bowed their heads. They also embraced relatives of Sept. 11 victims.

Translated by Chrisanthi Sarantis

[11] Property Declarations Submitted to

12 Σεπ 2008 09:25:00

By Anna Kourti

Sources: ΝΕΤ 105.8

Property declarations to National Cadastre Offices can be submitted till October, 31. To facilitate citizens central offices will open from 08:00 to 20:00 and all other offices from 08:00 to 13:00 on weekdays while from Saturday, September, 13 National Cadastre offices will open on Saturdays from 08:30 to 15:00. Also the Municipalities of Kozani, Katerini, Larisa and Bolos will open from 08:00 to 20:00 while Thessaloniki, Menemenis, Agios Pavlos and Ambelokipi municipalities national cadastre offices will remain open from 08:00 to 20:00 during the ITF to give information and from September, 15 will accept property declarations.

Translated by Chrisanthi Sarantis

[12] Between Government Opposition Supporters

12 Σεπ 2008 09:15:00

At least eight people were killed and 34 injured as violent anti-government protests flared in Bolivia on Thursday, creating havoc in the natural gas industry and raising tensions with the United States. Farmers clashed with opposition activists in the remote Amazon region of Pando, a government official said, describing the incident as a massacre. An employee of the opposition-led regional government was also killed. "Were talking about a real massacre and the person responsible is the Pando governor," said Deputy Minister of Social Movements Sacha Llorenti. President Evo Morales leftist government blames the unrest on rightist governors who control four of the poor countrys nine regions. The opposition demands greater autonomy and energy revenue and opposes plans by Morales to rewrite the constitution and distribute land to the poor. Washington ordered out the Bolivian ambassador on Thursday a day after Morales, a close ally of Venezuelas fiery leftist leader Hugo Chavez, expelled U.S. Ambassador Philip Goldberg. Morales accused Goldberg of fanning the protests.

Translated by Chrisanthi Sarantis

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