The Hellenic Radio (ERA): News in English, 05-02-01

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

CONTENTS

[01] PASY farmers continue Farmers Leave Tembi

By Vagelis Theodorou

At 11 oclock this morning, after twelve days on the Athens-Thessalonica motorway, Larisa farmers withdrew their tractors from Tembi, as they decided in yesterdays meeting. Nevertheless, they declare that they are unmoved in seeking satisfaction for their demands and that they will redetermine their position on 24 February, according to the statements from the Ministry of Rural Development on the official results of the checks. In the meantime, at the Karditsa Junction in Tirnavos and Elassonas, tractors remain. These are those belonging to the members of PASY, the Hellenic Agricultural Cooperative, which is a faction of KKE, while until tomorrow, producers from Serres will continue their roadblock at Promachonas. The developments in the agricultural issue are currently under discussion by the president of PASOK, Giorgos Papandreou, with the presidents of PASEGES and GESASE. "Obvious crocodile tears for communication and party reasons, which do not convince farmers," was how the Minister for Rural Development, Evangelos Basiakos described Mr Papandreous meetings.

Papandreou Meets with PASEGES and GESASE

The current developments in the agricultural sector were in the focus of the discussions at his office in the House of Parliament between Mr Papandreou and the presidents of PASEGES and GESASE, Gianneto Karamichas and Giorgos Goniotakis.

As Messrs Karamichas and Goniotakis said, they briefed the president of PASOK on issues relating mainly to the implementation of the new Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) and the more general problems of farmers. Mr Papandreou pledged to cooperate closely, with the aim of assisting the farmers demands.

Belated was how the meeting with the president of PASOK was described by the Minister for Rural Develoipment, and he held Mr Papandreou accountable for signing legislation that contributed to the increase of imported agricultural products from neighbouring countries, which has resulted in a weakening of Greek products.

"After a negative term in office and 10 years of experience in government, with PASOK responsible for EU legislation in force today regarding all products, this party cannot contribute to solving the acute problems that it caused itself," noted Mr Basiakos, among other things.

Translated by Millie Williams

Related News:

Tractors Depart from Tempi

[02] The Snow Conspiracy

By Vagelis Theodorou

A thick layer of snow may cause problems, but in Austria it helped the police to root out a group of criminals. One cold night in January, two of the members of the gang were probably bored with staying in at home and decided to go out, not to play in the snow or have a snow ball fight, but to steal some car radios. The 19-year-old thieves believed that the thick snow would entirely cover the vehicles, and therefore also the theft, while the police would not be on patrol, because of the cold. So, they went onto the road, stole 43 car radios and returned home undisturbed. However, it would seem that they forgot one basic detail: their footprints stayed behind in the snow, which meant that the police found the cars they had targeted and easily followed their tracks back to their house to arrest them! According to a statement by the authorities, their flat was full of stolen goods from previous operations by the gang, while the arrestees named three other people who were involved in their crimes.

Translated by Millie Williams

[03] By decision of King Gyanendra Nepal Government Dismissed

By Vagelis Theodorou

Sources: ANA, BBC, Reuters, Associated Press

Political developments in Nepal are triggered by the decision of King Gyanendra to dismiss his government and to dissolve Parliament, taking power himself for the next three years. In his statement, the monarch stresses that the government "failed to make the necessary moves for elections to be held in April and to protect the Republic and popular rule." As reported by Associated Press, dismissed Prime Minister Bahadur Deumba and the members of the government have been placed under house arrest, while in the capital Katmandu, telephone communications have been cut off. According to the Kings statement, a new council under his leadership will undertake the rule of the country.

Concern of Rebels

The dismissed Prime Minister had taken office in June. Gyanendra had dismissed him two years previously, as he failed to put down a longstanding uprising by Maoist rebels against the monarchy.

The Deumba government called the rebels back to the negotiating table, giving them a deadline until 13 January. However, the deadline passed without result, as the rebels demand to speak with the monarch himself, which is also mentioned in the statement.

The rebels are calling for the constitutional monarchy to be replaced with a communist regime, while their clashes with the Nepalese authorities have been going on for approximately nine years, with more than 10,000 dead.

King Gyanendra ascended the throne in 2001, after his brother was massacred inside the palace.

Translated by Millie Williams

[04] After yesterday's criticism Defence Ministry Responds to PASOK

By Vagelis Theodorou

The Ministry Press Office responded to yesterdays allegations against the Ministry of Defence by PASOK MPs Anna Diamantopoulou and Andreas Loverdos. In a statement, the Ministry reports: "television shows, unethical personal attacks and slanderous questions by its MPs do not hide PASOKs opposition penury, which for a year now has not submitted so much as one interpellation to Parliament on the matters of defence and security." At the same time, the Ministry of Defence stresses that it will brief the Parliamentary Committee for Defence and Foreign Affairs in view of the pending meeting of KYSEA on the organisation of the Armed Forces, and it calls on PASOK to bring to Parliament "matters on which they have already been exposed in the past, in order to get the responses which befit it, and lets have it leave the dirty war, slander and prevarication."

Furthermore, regarding Mr Loverdos criticism that "the leadership of the Ministry is divided and has recently been using outside means to keep a watch on each other," the Ministry of Defence stresses that it awaits the MPs evidence, "otherwise he will be proved a slanderer."

Finally, answering Anna Diamantopoulous words regarding Harry Potter, the statement says: "Mrs Diamantopoulou, who brought up Harry Potter, should know that PASOKs work doesnt sell as its tickets in the last elections amounted to very few in relation to those sold by Harry Potter."

Translated by Millie Williams

[05] Rio Antirrio Bridge Opens

By Tina Valaoura

In the early hours of this morning, the Rio-Antirrio Bridge reopened for traffic. According to a statement by the construction company, the bridge has undergone the necessary security checks and its structural condition was judged to be excellent and sufficient to carry its load of traffic. Of course, the work to repair the recent damage caused by the fire will continue for some time, which means that along about a one kilometer stretch traffic will be restricted to two instead of four lanes. For this reason, drivers are advised to make sure that they stick to the speed limit (40 kmph) and keep a safety distance, as well as conforming to the roadsigns.

At the same time, in order to compensate holders of weekly or monthly season tickets, which could not be used for five days, the company is offering the opportunity to exchange them for a one-month free season ticket. Interested parties can make the exchange: -at the toll booths until midnight on Sunday 6 February. - At the Customer Service Dept of Gefira (Brigde) SA, from Monday to Saturday (8.00-21.00) and Sunday (10.00-18.00).

Translated by Millie Williams

[06] Until 28 February Start of the Sales

By Vagelis Theodorou

The market is moving to the beat of the sales today, with the season to last until the end of the month. Owing to the low number of people in the shops recently, the reductions are expected to be generous and not just for show, as for the first time, they are taking place at the end of the season. In fact, on items of clothing, reductions are expected to reach 50%. Consumer unions advise buyers to be careful and shop around for prices. According to the Ministry for Development, shops must display both prices on their products, one before the reduction, and the other after. In any case, if you realise that a shop is making fake reductions (just for show), you can report it directly by ringing 1529.

Traders Expect Increase in Crowds in the Market

The limited flow of consumers over the Christmas period shows that many consumers have restricted their buying. Also, as traders note, January was not the best month from the point of view of consumer interest, which has meant that many shops are preparing to receive new stock, when they have yet to sell the old stock.

For this reason, reductions are set to win the day for the market. Traders promise generous percentages in their reductions, which will reach 50% on items of clothing, 30% on footwear and 25% on household items.

Furthermore the interest in the sales this year is that consumers will not only find a limited size range and a few end-of-range items, as a large number of products have remained unsold.

Consumers Beware

Many households are counting on the sales, as the Greek Consumers Union notes, because they are facing acute financial difficulties.

According to the Consumers Union, buyers should keep their eyes open and shop around for better prices before actually making any purchases. It has been decided by the Ministry for Development that shops must display two prices on their products one from before and one after the reduction. It is also strictly forbidden to display a higher pre-reduction price than was actually the case, as well as displaying a varied reduction percentage in shop windows (for example, from 30% to 50%).

In an effort to protect buyers from probable cases of profiteering, the Consumers Union has issued a list of ten useful pieces of advice:

Purchases should correspond to actually household needs. We should check that shop windows hold the same items both before and after the sales. Pre and post reduction prices should be compared. No last minute buying. Avoid using credit cards and loans Be especially wary when a shop advertises very large reductions. Be informed about returning or exchanging items Always ask for a receipt Ask for full details of conditions when paying in installments Report false reductions by ringing 1529.

Translated by Millie Williams

[07] Surprise with Imbo

By Vasilis Kalpinos

A relationship of many years is very likely to be revived, and, after two years, once again end in union. According to the latest information, the Turkish shooting guard is very close to taking up and wearing the clover-emblazoned shirt once again, as the two sides have already made an agreement. The contract with the Supersonics is the obstacle, which will most probably be overcome. Developments in the matter are expected in the next few days, perhaps even hours.

"Since I Want you, and you Want Me"

Kutluais return to the green team started to show last summer, when he met with Pavlos and Thanasis Giannakopoulos for "friendly reasons." Despite that, at that time, Imbo had an agreement with the Seattle Supersonics and was ready for the trip to the magical world of the NBA. In fact, he then stated that Panathinaikos is in his heart, and that at some point he would return to Obradovics team.

Prophetic words indeed. Six months later, the Turkish player, one of the best-loved members of the green team and of Obradovic, is very close to making his return.

Goodbye NBA

A major role in Imbos pending return was played by the negative development and treatment he received from the Sonics. He went to the NBA full of dreams, but he was not satisfied with his few opportunities to play. As for another European club, he has not even thought about it, as his ties with Greece and the green team are too great.

Strength for the Euroleague

The acquisition of Kutluai also takes on an aspect of practicality, besides the "love" expressed by the people at Panathinaikos. The greens, who it would seem are once again this year the favourites in Greece to keep their title, are looking to strengthen their position in the Euroleague, as they have announced that they expect to go up to the final four. This means that among all the good points, it is also a positive fact that the Turkish star can also compete in Europe and of course in Greece, and he is set to fill the place left empty by Daryl Middleton.

Translated by Millie Williams

[08] Photographing Like the Cinema

By Nantia Grigoriadou

The photography exhibition entitled "Photographing like the cinema" is continuing until 6 February 2005 at Cine Dream Gallery at Agios Ioannis Municipal Cinema in Rendi (Chrysostomou Smirnis Street and Baltatzi Street, at the tanning park). It is open every day from 7 to 11pm. It was opened with great success on Friday 21 January by Nikos Theodosios, artistic director of Camera Zizanio (European Meeting of Young Audiovisual Creation) and member of the executive committee and counselor to the International Cinema Festival of Olympia for Children and Young People. Among those attending the opening were the Mayor of the Agios Ioannis Rendi, Giorgos Iakeimidis, as well as many members of the Municipal Council. Besides the photographers participating in the exhibition, many other photographers also attended, including Spiros Tsakiris, photoreporter for the Eleftherotypia, Marios Lolos for Eleftheros Typos newspaper, Nikos Halikiopoulos (photoreporter), Dina Batzia, journalist with Geotropio, the Artistic Director of the International Panorama of Independent Film and Video Creators Panagiotis Hionidis, many artistic directors of cinemas and theatres and other artistic groups. The exhibition was also honoured by many local residents, especially young people.

Translated by Millie Williams

[09] Following ESIEA's Decision Journalists' Lists Released

By Vivian Papastefanou

At noon, the State Minister Theodoros Roussopoulos sent to the Journalists Union of Athens Daily Newspapers (ESIEA) the list containing the names of the journalists employed in the public sector. In a relevant letter, Mr Roussopoulos noted among other things that he considered the publicizing of the names as contrary to the protection of personal information and asked that the law be observed. On the other hand, the ESIEA Board decided - by majority - to post the list on the Internet, since it pertains to the year 2003. Meanwhile, ESIEA mentioned that efforts are being made to shift the blame, while it stressed that the legislation is not being violated.

Translated by Vicky Ghionis

Related News:

ESIEA Asks for Names

[10] As of Tuesday Night New Snow Assault

By Vivian Papastefanou

While efforts are being made to reinstate the problems that arose from the recent wave of bad weather that swept most of Greece, a new severe cold front is forecasted by meteorologists as of Tuesday night, while it is quite possible that snow may even fall in the centre of Athens. Vehicles traveling on the National Highways are not experiencing any problems, while snow chains are needed for the mountainous regional roads in Macedonia, Ipirus and Sterea Ellada. Many villages in the prefectures of Fthiotida, Aitoloakarnania and Ioannina remain cut off, though. Throughout the day, EMAK rescue crews and Police arrived with snow-caterpillars to various villages to free farmers and assist with the transfer of food, fodder, medicines or even patients and the elderly.

Translated by Vicky Ghionis

Related News:

Rapid Weather Deterioration

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