The Hellenic Radio (ERA): News in English, 05-01-23

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

CONTENTS

[01] 26 Dec to be designated memorial day Greek Proposal to EU for Tsunami Victims

By Athina Saloustrou

Sources: NET 105.8

Greece has submitted a proposal to the Luxemburg Presidency of the European Union that 26 December be designated as a memorial day for the victims of the tsunami in SE Asia, as the Minister for Education Marietta Giannakou stated on NET 105.8, and she also mentioned that following a French initiative, an impromptu Summit for Education Ministers of the European Union is to be held in Paris. It is to be attended by both the European Commissioner for Education and Culture, Jean Figelle, as well as the deputy director of UNICEF, Rima Salah, and the theme is "Europe-Asia, Solidarity in Schools", while another topic to be examined is the matter of hosting children from the afflicted areas in EU countries. Nonetheless, the main aim of the meeting is to coordinate on an international scale the aid collected for the children and young people in the areas of SE Asia afflicted by the tsunami. "There is full awareness," explained Mrs Giannakou, "that a large number of schools have been destroyed, and a large number of teachers have been lost. Our efforts are concentrated on maintaining a level of teaching and education." The Minister recalled that in the past there were frequent doubts cast on where the humanitarian aid ended up, and frequent abuse by corrupt regimes.

"This time," explained Mrs Giannakou, "the international community is very careful and determined to handle the money in the best way possible. For this reason we intend to have international coordination, with the United Nations, UNICEF, the European Union and the member-states. In this way, we can hope that what must be sent will be sent. We shall ask that the aid send from the Ministry of Education be used exclusively for schools," concluded the Minister.

Alongside the coordination of aid, the European ministers also intend to organize a host-programme for child-victims of the tsunami, for a short stay in European capitals. Greece is among the first countries to have proposed this idea. As Mrs Giannakou explained, 150 to 200 children from Thailand are expected to be hosted in Greece for at least two months, with a rich programme of cultural and other activities.

Regarding the Greek proposal that 26 December be designated International Solidarity Day for the children of the third world, the idea is that this solidarity will be able to be expressed by awarding scholarships to students, hosting children in hostels for pupils, fraternities, or even by an annual collection of money.

According to the latest statistics, the total of international aid estimated to have already been collected, with regard to pledges, come up to 100 billion dollars. The European Commission has pledged to give 350 million euros. According to our information, Greeces contribution is expected to be in the region of 27-30 million euros.

Voluntary contributions from the people make up a large part of this, as 18 million euros come from the Telethon organized by ERT, and 3.5 million euros was collected by schoolchildren at their schools, and this is expected to increase, according to Mrs Giannakou, as so far deposits from all areas in Greece have not yet been made.

Translated by Millie Williams

[02] Europe Must Cut Down on Hamburgers

By Tina Valaoura

The EU is fighting its own battle against the according to research larger and larger waistlines of European citizens, especially those of children. This time, the target is food companies who have received an ultimatum and a deadline of one year, to stop advertisements of food of a low nutritional value, which are directed at children, and to make what is written on product labels more comprehensible. As the European Commissioner for health and consumer protection, Markos Kyprianou, stated in an interview published in the Financial Times, the European Union is examining the possibility of voting in new legislation if the food industry does nothing to fight obesity.

Better Labelling Brakes on Adverts

According to Mr Kyprianou, the response so far is very encouraging. However, if the results are not satisfactory, the solution of choice will be to proceed with legislation. The newspaper clarifies that such a move could be incorporated into common market legislation, which is what happened with the ban on advertising of tobacco products in the Press, or into legislation on consumer protection.

Until recently, Europe "considered obesity to be an American problem () In some way we made fun of the Americans. In future it is a European problem," added the Cypriot Commissioner.

Mr Kyprianou said that he wants the food industry no longer to make advertisements directed at children. In addition, product labels must be improved, so that the information written on them is comprehensible even for those consumers who "do not have a degree in chemistry," he concluded.

Translated by Millie Williams

[03] Seitaridis Targeted by Milan

By Vasilis Kalpinos

It has been known for a long time that Milan are interested in the Greek defender, but it has recently cooled. Despite this, the Italian Press has "heated" the issue up again, reporting once again today that the Milan team will move to acquire the Porto player, saying in particular that he is the ideal solution for the teams troubles.

Reasonable Sum

Seitaridis is a bone of contention for many large clubs in Europe, and Milan is one of these. Angelottis team is looking towards the future, as Brazilian player Markos Cafu, who plays in the same position as the Greek footballer, is reaching the age of 35, and this means that the Italian club wants a replacement. So, according to articles today, Seitaridis is one of the most suitable players for the position.

In an article in the newspaper Calciomercato, it reports that the Italians have set their sights on the Porto player, and consider him an ideal solution. In fact, they describe him with their best words, saying "hes fast, he conforms to tactics, hes skilful both in defence and as a striker and was one of the main players in the miracle of the Greek National team in Portugal, as well as in the current season with Porto qualifying to the Champions League 16."

If Milan finally makes an official move, the sum talked over is in the region of 6-7 million euros.

Translated by Millie Williams

[04] Shock with Adriano in Inter

By Dimitris Alexopoulos

Inter will have to compete for the next month without its great star and top scorer in the Campionnato as well as in the Champions League, as the Brazilian super star was injured during training yesterday. The 22-year-old international forward suffered a bad sprain, and according to Inters medical team, he will need about four weeks in order to be able to return to playing for his team. In this years season, Adriano has scored 14 goals in 19 games in the Italian championship and another seven in the Champions League.

Translated by Millie Williams

[05] Morientes Stuck, Gerrard Sought After

By Vasilis Kalpinos

The Sapnish team tried to take advantage of Liverpools thirst to acquire Fernando Morientes from Real Madrid. Before agreeing to the transfer of the Spanish striker to Liverpool, the "meringues" asked the red-shirted team for Stephen Gerrard, proposing that he should sign a preliminary agreement with them. Naturally the reds did not agree, as in no case do they want to give their captain away, and so the transfer of Morientes seemed to be temporarily frozen. However, this move does not seem able to stop the finalizing of the transfer of the Real ace to Anfield, as, according to sources, he is expected to arrive in England today or tomorrow in order to sign a contract with Liverpool, with the cost of the transfer reaching 14 million euros.

Translated by Millie Williams

[06] 2 million dollars in takings Sea of People in Cardiff

By Betty Savourdou

More than 60,000 people streamed into the Millennium Stadium in the capital of Wales on Saturday night to watch stars of rock, pop and classical music in the largest charity concert held in Britain for the last twenty years. According to the organisers, the profits from the event, which are to be donated to assist those affected by the tsunami in south East Asia, are in excess of 2 million dollars. Among others on stage, Eric Clapton and the Manic Street Preachers performed in the grand concert, which lasted for about seven hours. All the artists participated without charge.

Translated by Millie Williams

[07] "Besame Mucho" Creator Dies

By Betty Savourdou

Sources: ANA

Consuelo Velazquez, the composer of the romantic hit song, "Besame Mucho," died on Saturday from heart complications, at the age of 84 in a hospital in Mexico where she had been undergoing treatment since last November. Velazquez, who started playing the piano at the age of 4, composed the song in 1941. Very soon, "Besame Mucho" became a huge hit all over the world. Among those to have sung it are big names such as Sammy Davis Jr., Placido Domingo, Jose Carreras and The Beatles.

Translated by Millie Williams

[08] Famous actress "Embarrassed" Nicole to be Australian of the Year?

By Betty Savourdou

Sources: ANA

Australian Oscar-winning actress Nicole Kidman expressed her surprise when she heard that she had been nominated for the award of Australian of the Year, to mark Australia Day, which is celebrate on Wednesday 26 January. The Australian Prime Minister John Howard, will announce the name of the personality who is chosen in a special ceremony on Tuesday in Canberra. Kidman has already been voted Australian of the Year by the State of New South Wales, a choice which has caused a lot of reactions, granted that the actress in the USA most of the time. The actress herself declared humbly that the title should be given to a charity worker or someone who has offered valuable services to Australian society, and implied that if she were herself to be chosen, she would "at least feel embarrassed."

Translated by Millie Williams

[09] On 13 February in Los Angeles U2 to Perform Live at Grammy Awards

By Despina Hristopoulou

Sources: BBC

The famous rock band U2 will be performing live on stage for those fortunate enough to have been invited at the Grammy Awards presentation on 13 February in Los Angeles. Apart from the Irish band, other acts to play include soul singer Alicia Keys, country singer Tim McGraw and punk band Green Day. In fact, U2 are nominated twice for their recent hit Vertigo from the album 'How to Dismantle an Atomic Bomb', including a nomination for best rock song. The unquestionable master of nominations this year is rap star Kanye West, who is more or less in contention for 10 awards. The awards will be presented by US comedian Ellen Degeneres and singer Christine Milian, while rap star and Chicago actress Queen Latifah will host the show. If you cant make it to Los Angeles in February, there is no need to worry. After all, U2 are soon to undertake a major world tour.

Translated by Sofia Soulioti

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