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

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

CONTENTS

[01] Referral on Definitive Dismissal Supreme Court To Dismiss Three

By Athina Saloustrou

Sources: NET, NET RADIO 105.8

Today, the President of the Supreme Court, Giorgos Kapos, referred the three Judges, allegedly involved in the scandal of corrupted Justices, to the Plenary Session of the Supreme Court, on the question of their definitive dismissal. The three Justices are assistant Public Prosecutor Mr Athanasopoulos, First Instance Judge Antonia Ilia and First Instance Judge Panagiota Tsevi. Furthermore, four more Justices will appear before the Supreme Court Plenary Session on the same charges, while assistant Public Prosecutor Giorgos Sanidas will take disciplinary action against 11 more Justices. The President of the Supreme Court Mr Kapos used harsh language, in regard to the referrals and stressed that "heads will roll," as "Justice is not a weak body and cannot be manipulated by anyone."

"The target is to get to the root of the problem. Competent bodies know no bounds and will stop at nothing. Heads will roll, if Justice bodies conclude that this step is necessary. Justice does not need to be protected by anyone, apart from its bodies. Justice is not an institution under supervision," concluded Mr Kapos.

The President of First Instance Judges, Mr Stathis, has also been referred to on the question of definitive dismissal, not because he is involved in illegal networks, but because he is accused of other judicial misdemeanours, like bribery, while he is expected to be formally charged.

Furthermore, evidence disclosed through television broadcasts regarding corruption in the area of Justice, will also be put under the microscope of this extensive investigation.

Translated by Sofia Soulioti

[02] Stefanopoulos Visits Belgium President Talks About the Institution

By Annita Paschalinou

Since Tuesday, the President of the Republic, Konstantinos Stefanopoulos, is on a three-day formal visit in Belgium, on invitation by King Albert II and Queen Paola. In the context of his contacts in Brussels and answering journalists questions, the President of Democracy spoke of the crisis in Justice and the Church, his successor Karolos Papoulias and his future plans. Of great interest were his statements on the Cypriot issue and the Annan Plan, issues that he earlier had discussed with Belgian PM Guy Verhofstadt.

"The Crisis Will Bring Catharsis"

Mr Konstantinos Stefanopoulos, from Brussels where he is making a three-day visit, made several interesting statements. Concerning the crisis in the Church and Justice, the President of the Republic underlined that "it is better for a crisis to exist in order for catharsis to occur" and appeared optimistic over the outcome.

"The Justice needs to clear-up the situation, and the Church has every capability to do so also. They are both important institutions," he stated.

He also spoke of his term in office, describing the ten years in the Presidential seat as "many" and stated that he was happy that Karolos Papoulias will be his successor who is an "exceptional politician with capabilities and experience, who will help in the development of democracy."

He added that by leaving from the Presidency he will miss his contact with the people because "the contacts outside of the country, even though interesting were quite stereotype." He also seemed reserved if in the future he will make any political interventions.

"The interventions of a former President are possibly annoying" he stated.

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

[03] Male Contraception in the Making What if Men Took the Pill?

By Annita Paschalinou

Sources: ASSOCIATED PRESS

The day that men will be able to take the pill is coming. A Norwegian pharmaceutical company has made a licensing agreement with the University of Massachusetts Medical School to go forth in the production of a drug that will stop the sperms adventurous journey in the uterus and will block its date with the egg. As American scientists state, this method hides less dangers in relation to mens contraception through hormone treatment.

Contraception in Pill, Gel or Patch Form

Scientists claim that such a drug will have a quicker effect in relation to hormone treatment, which usually takes up to three months in order to affect male fertility.

Up to this day, known contraception methods are based on hormones, which when taken, could seriously affect other bodily functions.

Such treatments are not harmless. They can damage the prostate gland and stop the production of sperm.

Sperma Tech AS laboratories are searching for the correct molecular union which will block Protein C in sperm, without blocking other proteins of the body.

The scientists of the Norwegian pharmaceutical company and American scientists are optimistic.

They claim that such a drug will be ready in the next decade.

They are not ruling out that it will be available, except in the classic pill type, in a gel or a patch.

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

[04] Announced Archbishop Christodoulos "Purging Without Compromise"

By Vivian Papastefanou

After the recent revelations of clergymen involved in the corruption of Justice, Archbishop of Athens Christodoulos announced today his decision to proceed to the purging of Church without compromise. The Greek Church primate stressed that he is closely monitoring everything that is being said and written these past days regarding the Church, which as he underlined is the support of the Greek people. "It is our duty to protect the Church in a positive way," said Mr Christodoulos and emphatically added "I have one sole duty: to purge the Church without compromise, with righteousness, transparency, responsibility and decisiveness." The issue will be discussed on Thursday, during the session of the Continuous Holy Synod (Small Synod), while metropolitan bishops have asked for the immediate assembly of the hierarchy. What is more, Archimandrite Iakovos Giosakis will appear before the Piraeus examiner tomorrow to testify for the case of illegal antique trading.

Translated by Sofia Soulioti

[05] Papandreou's Message in Coordinators Meeting Transparency Everywhere

By Viki Keleri

Sources: NET- NET RADIO 105.8

The President of PASOK, Giorgos Papandreou expressed the need for transparency to exist for all and in all areas, on the occasion of the recent revelations in the Justice and Church areas. Speaking in the Parliamentary Coordinators Meeting, Mr Papandreou stated that it is a democratic right of the citizens to know and control every act of the uppermost institution, in the context of social lawfulness. However, he underlined that it is not possible for Justice to be defamed by a few corrupted judges.

Harsh Criticism Over Economy

The PASOK President mentioned that his party will support every necessary transparency measure in the Justice department, but he made clear that it will oppose the government in case it tries to meddle in the self-governing of the institution. As far as the Church is concerned, he stated that it should investigate the incidents within its walls. "Transparency, inspection and social answers concern every institution, even the Church," he added. He made harsh criticism to the government concerning the economy and agriculture policy. "With the governments responsibility, the economy has taken a downfall," he said.

Making reference to the problems faced by small and middle-sized companies, he expressed the need to constitute rules that will contribute to the counter of price-rises and the reinforcement of employment.

In relation to the stores working hours, he said that this issue should be adjusted by the Municipalities and the Trade Unions, taking into account the regional circumstances.

In closing, he spoke of the hypocrisy of the government on the farmers issue, while he evaluated that it is unprepared to apply a new agricultural policy in 2006.

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

[06] "Spectacular Results by Late March" Focus on Information Society

By Anna Kourti

The Government Committee, presided by the Prime Minister, convened today at the Maximos Mansion with the participation of Foreign Minister Prokopis Pavlopoulos and Economy Minister Giorgos Alogoskoufis. The focus of discussion was the 2.7 billion euros information society programme. "The absorption capacity for the programme within the first 8 months of ND governing has increased from 6 to 13%," stressed Foreign Minister Mr Pavlopoulos, adding that by late March results will be spectacular. "This programme introduces Informatics to the entire Greek society and Public Administration. It is of huge importance for productivity and competitiveness," stressed Mr Alogoskoufis.

"Finalized By 2006"

In statements, Economy Minister Mr Alogoskoufis stressed that "when ND assumed power, the programme was in a tragic condition and absorption reached a total of 11.8%, while at present it has exceeded 19%." "Our aim is to finalize all contracts by 2006, to absorb money and Community subsidies, so as to change the state-taxpayers relations," concluded the Economy Minister.

Regarding the company "Information Society S.A." which runs part of the programme, Mr Pavlopoulos stressed that "it should have been established since 2000, but the previous government only founded in 2002," and went on to add that when it was handed over, absorption reached 6%, while at the end of 2004 it exceeded 13%. 13%.

"I am nice to the ladies," said Minister of Public Works Giorgos Souflias referring to the mayor of Athens, Dora Bakoyiannis, who has asked for Athens squares and roads under the jurisdiction of the Ministry to be reassigned to the municipality.

Translated by Sofia Soulioti

[07] Interior Ministry Speaks of Cassandra's Prophecies Press-Articles About Contract Workers Denied

By Annita Paschalinou

The Interior Ministry had denied todays press-articles, which spoke of a court proposal being submitted to the Supreme Administration Court, according to which the Presidential Decree for the contract workers is unconstitutional. Upon exiting Maximos Mansion, Prokopis Pavlopoulos stated that the press-articles speak of a proposal that has not been submitted in the Supreme Administration Court. In an announcement made by the Interior Ministry it is stated that these are Cassandras prophecies from people who cannot accept the fact that the government is giving an end to the captivity of contract workers.

Responsibilities to Specific Departments

As it is stated in the announcement, these departments "had not spoken when PASOK created these troops of hostage contract workers and when Greece was exhibited in the European Fora." Also they "carefully concealed that the European Court of Auditors had ruled that PASOKs rules (V. Papandreou-K. Skandalidis) and the automatic alterations of contracts were unconstitutional" and "PASOK governments concealed the legislatures antithesis for contract workers with the Community Law." The Ministrys announcement adds that the same department "for the counter of vested interest, now brandishes Community Law and uses it against the Constitution." And ends: "Up to now all the Cassandras prophecies have been denied. They can at least respect the Supreme Administration Court and await its verdict."

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

[08] Noble's Last Words, "The Time has Come" Writer of "Tumour Diary" has Passed Away

By Anna Kourti

Sources: BBC

BBC journalist Ivan Noble, who had touched many readers around the world with his Internet blog named "tumour diary," breathed his last on Monday. The 37-year-old, husband and father of two, last Saturday wrote "The time has come," in his last diary entry. He also writes that he does not feel defeated and believes that his diary was useful since it has helped other cancer patients or has encouraged smokers to quit a deadly habit, maybe even saving their lives.

Noble's Last Diary Entry

Ivan Noble created his diary in the BBC News website on September 12, 2002, when he learned he suffered from a malignant brain tumour.

Since then, his blog was read by thousands of people around the world, which wrote in and encouraged him when he lost his courage. The BBC science and technology writer, all this time, shared his illness, his doubts, everyday joys, his wedding and the birth of his second child with the diarys readers. According to the BBC, around 70,000 to 120,000 people read about Nobles battle, while his last diary entry, on last Saturday, was visited by 300,000 people.

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

[09] Armed Palestinian Organizations Threaten Control of Cities in West Bank Cancelled

By Anna Kourti

Israel has indefinitely cancelled the transfer of control of four West Bank cities to the Palestinians, after attacks by Hamas on Monday. Israeli military forces announced that three mortar shells were launched today against Jewish communities in the southern part of the Gaza Strip, without any damage or victims. "The Palestinians were getting ready to assume control of Ramallah, Kalkilia, Jericho and Tulkarem, but the Israeli Defense Minister Saul Mofaz cancelled the control transfer," stated Palestinian Minister Saeb Erekat. In the meantime, eight armed Palestinian organizations threatened to repeat the attacks after the death of a 10-year-old Palestinian girl, south of the Gaza Strip. Hamas organization launched eight mortar shells against a Jewish community in the southern part of the Gaza Strip.

Abbas Persuaded to Stop Attacks

Palestinian sources and the UN accused Israeli soldiers of killing the young Palestinian, while the Israeli army denied that it opened fire in the area. Israel accepted the transfer of the security control of four West Bank cities to the President of the Palestinian Authority Mahmoud Abbas, since he persuaded armed Palestinian organizations to stop attacks against Israel.

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

[10] Terrorist Attack Georgia: Car Bomb Explodes

By Anna Kourti

A car packed with explosives detonated outside the police headquarters in the town of Gori in Georgia, 80 kilometres west of the capital Tbilisi. At least four people were killed and dozens were injured, the Ministry of the Interior announced. "According to initial information, it looks like a terrorist attack," said the spokesperson for the Ministry. The police building was completely destroyed in the explosion. Gori, the birthplace of Joseph Stalin, saw a number of violent incidents a year ago when the supporters of the current president Mikhail Saschkasvili overturned the government of the time.

Translated by Millie Williams

[11] Microsoft search engine Search a la MSN

By Vagelis Theodorou

Microsoft has presented its own search engine, thereby further expanding the services it offers. MSN Search is available in 11 languages and gives results from five billion webpages. Furthermore, the user can type in a simple question (eg "What is the capital of France?") and search for answers in Microsofts encyclopaedia Encarta. At the same time, the search engine adapts the results according to the users location and offers a number of tools (like the search function on the hard drive of the computer) in order to secure a more detailed search. MSN Search, which started out in a trial version in Novermber 2003, is expected to shake Googles dominance and intensify competition with Yahoo and newcomers, such as Blixx and Amazon.

Tough Competition

Initially, MSN Search will be available on a separate network location and will later be incorporated into Nicrosoft Network.

On the new search engine, the results are displayed under various categories (Web, Pictures, News, Email). Through the choice of "Search Near Me" the engine recognizes the users connection and gives results in that area.

Google continues to be the reigning king among search engines, as it is used by the majority of users. Nevertheless, Microsoft is waiting in the wings, offering flexible services, with the aim of winning over a large proportion of these users.

Already, a first example of this competition became noticeable recently, when Microsoft announced that its search engine would give results from five billion webpages and be updated every two days, Google extended its database from 4.3 to 8 billion webpages.

Translated by Millie Williams

[12] From Twenty-Two Aircrafts Turkish Violations in the Aegean

By Vivian Papastefanou

Sources: NET RADIO 105.8

Two iconic air battles occurred today in the Aegean, between Greek and Turkish aircrafts, after many days, without any acquisitions. In total, 22 Turkish fighter aircrafts, three of which were armed, violated the Greek air space in eight cases in northern and central Aegean and east of Rhodes. For many days the Turkish pilots did not respond to the interception, which resulted to no air-battles. It is reminded that the evidence which concern the illegal activities of the Turkish Air Force in the Aegean have been submitted to the Foreign Affairs Ministry, in order for it to take the necessary actions.

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

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