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

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

CONTENTS

[01] Snow this evening in northern Attica White Siege

By Viki Keleri

Sources: NET, NET 105.8

Snow is putting in an appearance in almost all areas of Greece. Heavy snowfalls, north winds and very low temperatures are the main features of the weather. At the centre of the "white siege" are Macedonia, Epirus and Central Greece, where in many prefectures it is necessary to use snow-chains on vehicles, even inside the cities, as the low temperatures have frozen the roads. Snow has fallen in the centre of Thessalonica, while during the night snow is also expected to fall in the northern Attica Basin. The Met Office forecasts that the bad weather will show small signs of retreat from tomorrow night. However, the temperatures are set to remain very low on Saturday.

Problems in Giannena and W. Macedonia

There are serious problems in Giannena, Thesprotia and Fthiotida, where many villages have been snowed in.

EMAK teams are trying to reach the area in order to provide assistance to the residents.

Especially with regard to Giannena, the worsening weather escalated the already serious problems in the prefecture, where snow is falling for the eighth day. In fact, early this morning the temperature sank very low in mountainous areas, reaching 11°C, with -4°C in the town.

The roofs of many houses, animal stabling units and warehouses have collapsed from the weight of the snow, while the airport remains closed.

There are also problems with and damage to the electricity network, which DEI technicians are attempting to repair, fighting against the weather. At the same time, access to dozens of villages in Ioannina can only be achieved with snow-ploughs and four-wheel drive vehicles with chains, while the prefecture has brought in another 600 tonnes of salt in an effort to open the frozen roads.

The scene in western Macedonia is also extremely wintry and frozen.

In Florina, where the snow has been falling heavily since this morning, schoolchildren went to their lessons one hour later than usual, while schools were closed in Kozani. Kastoria is also dressed in white, with large sections of the lake frozen from the very low temperatures.

The snow is also making its presence felt in the Municipality of Hortiati, where snow-ploughs have not shut down for even one moment. However, the residents are not facing any problems.

The Met Office forecasts that north winds, frost and snow will continue over the next few days, with a slight improvement from tomorrow. Finally, the temperatures are set to remain very low on Saturday.

Translated by Millie Williams

[02] Public Prosecutor orders preliminary inquiry Arrest Warrant for Giosakis

By Tina Valaoura

Sources: ANA, NET

On Friday morning, Archimandrite Iakovos Giosakis is to testify on the felony charges against him regarding the illegal trading in antiquities case in Kythira in1995. He was granted the new two-day deadline this morning in Piraeus. At the same time, however, yet another person is under investigation for their activities in the courtroom. According to revelations on a private radio station, Metropolitan Bishop of Attica Panteleimonas is alleged to have had contacts with justices on the Supreme Administration Court, in order for them to decide cases in his favour. First Instance Court Chief Prosecutor Mr Papangelopoulos has requested the relevant documents and ordered a preliminary investigation. On Thursday the Holy Synod will meet under the shadow of these new developments.

Attica Bishop Panteleimonas Under Investigation

Iakovos Giosakis, who was scheduled to testify this morning before the 7th Piraeus regular examiner Mrs Tzelepi, was optimistic about the case as he came out of the office of the prosecutor. "The interrogation process is secret, the case of which I am accused has been irrevocably tried by the Appellate court and Justice will do its duty," he told journalists. Giosakis was again today escorted by former Abbot of Kythira Monastery, Kyrillos.

In the meantime, the Metropolitan Bishop of Thiva Ieronimos released a written statement denying any relationship of the Metropolitan Diocese or himself with Archimandrite Iakovos Giosakis and stressing the need to fully investigate the case. "The question that recently arose in ecclesiastical circles is a problem of vested interests and corruption, the obvious culmination of which is the case of Mr Giosakis. Contrary to this, there is no personal clash between the Archbishop and the Bishop of Thiva," he stresses.

Metropolitan Bishop Amvrosios of Aigialeia spoke of earth-shattering movements and called on the faithful not to be scandalized.

The Giosakis case, which has affected both the Church and public opinion, will be discussed by the Holy Synod on Thursday.

In any case, ecclesiastic justice will play its part. Metropolitan Bishop Panteleimonas of Attica asked the Holy Synod to appoint an experienced cleric as examiner in order for inquiries to be made.

At the same time, however, the name of Mr Panteleimonas is involved in a new case. In sound documents broadcast today by Flash radio station, Mr Panteleimonas is presented speaking to his lawyer about guarantees given to him by justices of the Supreme Administration Court regarding favourable decisions on his cases.

On hearing of this, First Instance Court Chief Prosecutor Mr Papangelopoulos, following approval from the High Court Prosecutor Mr Linos, ordered a preliminary investigation into the case, from which any new evidence arising with regard to the court room gang will be submitted to Mr Sanidas.

Under these circumstances, the Archbishop has announced an autocatharsis of the Church, with the matters to be discussed by the Holy Synod. In fact some Bishops judge that the serious nature of the situation calls for an emergency meeting of the Hierarchy.

The government spokesperson confirmed the support of the government for the Churchs efforts to stamp out corruption. "Every effort to cleanse any sector is supported by the government," stated Mr Rousopoulos.

Translated by Millie Williams

[03] Deep rift with Europe and USA Castro Takes up His Weapon

By Annita Paschalinou

Fidel Castro rejects forgiveness from EU Foreign Ministers, who decided on Monday to temporary lift diplomatic sanctions against Havana. "Cuba does not need either the US or Europe," he stressed, reacting to the conditions set by the European Ministers, according to which until June Havanas behaviour regarding respect towards human rights will be watched. The rift between Cuba and the EU started in June 2003, after a series of arrests by the regime of 75 dissidents. The Czech Republic reacted to the lifting of the diplomatic embargo. "Its like opening peace talks with Al Qaeda," stated Vaclav Havel.

"We Don't Need Anyone"

"What are they going to forgive us for?" wondered Castro, commenting on the decision of European Foreign Ministers to lift diplomatic sanctions against Cuba, provided that Havana shows respect for human rights and democratic pluralism.

"Cuba does not need either the USA or Europe. It has learned to live without you," he added, criticising them for the fact that they are placing Havana under observation.

He used harsh words to refer to Washingtons efforts to eradicate Cuba.

He even advised the "crazy" George Bush that if he wants to invade the country, he had better do so with nuclear weapons.

"We prefer to die in paradise rather than survive in hell," he stated.

The Timeline of the Rift

The tension in the relations between Cuba and the EU broke out in June 2003, when the Castro regime gave heavy sentences to 75 dissidents.

At that time, the European states banned visits by government officials in Havana and allowed the embassies of EU member-states in Havana to invite dissidents.

Translated by Millie Williams

[04] ATHEX Prominent in SE Europe Stock Market Merger

By Annita Paschalinou

The proceedings leading towards the merger of the Athens and Cyprus Stock Exchanges will be concluded within the next month. According to an ATHEX announcement, the relevant agreement will be signed following the detailed presentation of the venture, the settling of a series of technical and legislative matters and the drafting of an action plan. Following this strategic action, Hellenic Exchanges SAs new administration aims to create links with markets that provide added opportunities for modernization and cooperation in many levels, as well as make ATHEX a regional centre of SE Europe. The Athens Stock Exchange had a 34.8 billion Euros turnover for 2003, as well as 359 listed companies. The Cyprus Exchange has been operating since 1996 and has 15 listed companies (17 Main Market companies, 20 Parallel Market, 89 Alternative Market and 26 Investment Companies). These companies have a total market capitalization of 2.5 billion Cypriot Pounds.

Translated by Vicky Ghionis

Related Links:

Athens Stock Exchange

Cyprus Stock Exchange

[05] From Belgium, where he is on an official visit Stefanopoulos on National Issues

By Annita Paschalinou

Speaking to ethnic Greeks in Belgium, where he is on a three-day official visit, Konstantinos Stefanopoulos spoke on national issues. The President of the Hellenic Republic called on Turkey to recognize its obligations to Cyprus and said that he was in favour of appealing to the court in the Hague on Greek-Turkish differences. He explained the Greek objections on the matter of the name of FYROM, underlining that the country in question are demanding a name that does not belong to them and is full of Greek history.

Greek-Turkish Solution Through the Hague

Referring to Turkey, Mr Konstantinos Stefanopoulos observed that the Turks have not changed their position and "unfortunately they force us to continually watch their behaviour and have large military expenditure."

He underlined that a solution to Greek-Turkish differences could only be found if Greeces proposal to appeal to the International Court in the Hague were accepted. This is a request rejected by Turkey, perhaps because they realize that they do not have equal legal arguments to defend their positions.

Referring to the issue of FYROM, he stressed that the name demanded by the country expresses enslaving ambitions.

"FYROM threatens us nationally, with its theories on a Greater Macedonia, one part of which is in their possession, and the other part, they claim, is unjustifiably and illegally occupied by us," he stated.

The President of the Hellenic Republic also spoke about the foreign immigrants in Greece, stressing that they should be welcomed with hospitality "with the same love and care that awaited Greek emigrants in the past."

He returned to the subject of the end of his term in office, stressing that the ten years he has served as President "have been more than enough" and "perhaps more than what it should have been."

"In a democracy each individual must step aside to allow the next person to continue the effort," he stressed, expressing the certainty that this will be done in the best way by his successor Karolos Papoulias.

Earlier today, Konstantinos Stefanopouloas visited the coalmines where ethnic Greeks worked hard during the 50s, and attended a service at the Church of the Archangels in Brussels.

Translated by Millie Williams

[06] Between Papandreou-Pavlopoulos Clash over Public Admin Bill

By Vivian Papastefanou

The Bill for Public Administration was the subject of a clash between the president of PASOK and the Minister of the Interior. During his visit to ASEP, Mr Papandreou alleged that with this Bill, which introduces an oral interview as one of the criteria, the government is trying to return to partyism, nepotism and the creation of client relations. Mr Papandreou said: "personal interviews are the Trojan horse that abolishes reliability in the public sector." In response, the Minister of the Interior Prokopis Pavlopoulos that for years PASOK governments were the Trojan horse of nepotism and partyism in the public sector. Regarding the oral interview, he recalled that it had been instituted with an Act in 1999, voted in by the PASOK government. At the same time, he referred Mr Papandreou to tomorrows discussion in the Plenary Session in Parliament on the Bill regarding recruitment, in which he will receive the answers for the actions of the current government regarding the restoration of reliability.

Earlier, the president of PASOK met with former minister Anastasios Peponis, in whose term in office the procedure for recruiting to the Public Sector was established.

Translated by Millie Williams

[07] Roussopoulos' Pledges on Lists

By Anna Kourti

The State Minister favoured correct use of data, while he pledged to send details of organisations to ESIEA again on 5 April. This regards those who hitherto sent no data, on the assumption that they do not come under the relevant law. Mr Roussopoulos noted his opposition to publishing all the names included in the first list, as this would contravene the laws on protection of personal data. A clash between the Journalists Union and the State Minister was caused by the publication of the list of journalists who worked in the public sector in 2003. ESIEA claims that its move in publishing the list was a record of legal positions of employment, with no implications for the journalists. Moreover, Mr Roussopoulos stated that the list should not have been published before investigations could be conducted into whether and who among the journalists had violated the Ethics Code of the Journalists Union. ESIEA accused Mr Roussopoulos of hypocrisy. They are to form an independent committee, which will examine the lists. Journalists with ERT have sent a letter to ESIEA and to the Personal Data Protection Authority.

New Meeting on 10 February

State Minister Thodoros Roussopoulos will meet with the representatives of parties and Journalist Unions at Zappeio on Thursday 10 February, with the main topic of discussion being the professional relations of journalists and the public sector. This was announced by the government spokesman, who has sent the relevant letters.

Through alternate government spokesman Evangelos Antonaros, the government stressed that "it neither condemns nor penalizes journalistic work."

The publication of names of legally hired workers causes unacceptable associations in public opinion, note ERT journalists in their letter to ESIEA and the Personal Data Protection Authority. The government is held responsible by SYN in its statement. They accuse the government of restrictive and selective lists of journalists working in the public sector, which undermines ESIEAs initiative in publishing, which SYN describes as right.

Independent MP Stefanos Manos floored a question to the PM on the issue of journalists working in the public sector. "The chart submitted by the Ministry of the Interior includes a total of 21 bodies, while according to the presidential decree, 150 bodies are obliged to submit data. The Minister should impose sanctions on those bodies who do not submit data, but he has not done so," he said.

"Mr Roussopoulos has now remembered the journalists in order to cover up the Main Shareholder," declared on radio station NET 105.8 ESIEAs Vice-President Nana Daoudaki.

Former ESIEA President Konstantinos Dafermos said on NET 105.8 that names and employment form the main personal data. He also added that all affected journalists could resort to the Personal Data Protection Authority, as well as the courts for moral harm.

Translated by Millie Williams

[08] Succession Scenarios Soaring Pope's Condition Stabilizes

By Athina Saloustrou

The health of Pope John Paul II, who was urgently transferred to hospital last night due to severe breathing difficulties, is considered stable. According to the Vaticans chief spokesperson, Joaquin Navarro-Valls, the 84-year-old Pontiff will remain in hospital for a few more days, but it is up to the doctors to decide on how long that will be. He also declared on the Vatican radio station, "There is no reason for alarm." Meanwhile, the Vatican announced that the Pope continues his work, while today he appointed two Bishops in Brazil, one in Zagreb and many Cardinals. The 84-year-old Polish-born Pope was admitted to the Gemelli Hospital in Rome late last night. The Pope came down with influenza on Sunday, while his condition deteriorated rapidly on Tuesday with an acute attack of laryngospasm, a blockage of air to the lungs. His condition gave rise to discussions over the succession of one of the longest serving leaders of the Roman Catholic Church.

Translated by Vicky Ghionis

Related News:

Pope in Hospital

[09] Mainly in Sri Lanka and Indonesia Almost 300,000 Dead by the Tsunami

By Despina Hristopoulou

Sources: French Press Agency, BBC

The number of dead and missing, who are presumed dead in their overwhelming majority by the 9 magnitude earthquake and the tsunami that affected the coasts of Southeastern Asia on 26 December, has exceeded 290,000. According to the French Press Agency, reports per country are as follows: 237,071 dead in Indonesia. The Health Ministry clarifies that this number includes 127,774 missing, who have not been officially declared dead, while the President of the country estimated that the real number of victims in Indonesia may never be known. In Thailand the number of dead is 5,393, while the number of missing people has reached 3,071, including almost one thousand foreigners. In Somalia the number of dead has reached 298, even though rescue crews stress that the number may be smaller than that. In the Maldives, 82 people lost their lives to the tsunami, 68 in Malaysia, 61 in Burma, 10 in Tanzania and 2 in Bangladesh.

DNA Test to Determine Parents of Baby 81

In the meantime, science is expected to provide the solution to the baby's parenthood, which was found alive under a pile of debris, two weeks ago in Sri Lanka. Nine mother claim baby "81" at the same time when there are more than 1000 orphans and the court, unable to determine the identity of the parents, asked for a DNA test.

However, according to the police, only one couple, the Jeyarajahs, has made a formal legal claim. The court ruling caused the couple's outrage, as they claim to be the parents of baby "81." In fact, the alleged father threaten to commit suicide, while a large crowd of supporters marched to the local hospital where the baby has been kept and supported the alleged parents.

Translated by Sofia Soulioti

[10] Positive Results Banking Fund on a Good Path

By Anna Kourti

Economy Minister Giorgos Alogoskoufis met with OTOE (Hellenic Federation of Bank Employee Unions) representatives to discuss the issue with their fund. During their meeting, which took place in the Economy Ministry, it was decided that a Committee should be formed, consisting of bank and bank employees representatives, which will be invited to submit proposals for the banks social security fund to the Economy Minister. The President of OTOE, Dimitris Tsoukalas, declared, "During the dialogue between employers and employees, the Government will intervene as a coordinator and, when deemed necessary, it will assume responsibility to continue the dialogue. Furthermore, a unified auxiliary fund will be formed for all bank employees. This fund could even take the form of a private law company."

In addition, Mr Tsoukalas stressed that up until now, the bankers wanted to solve the matter internally, adding that OTOE attempted to turn this around twice, so now the dialogue is taking place.

OTOE representatives described the problem as hard, and noted that it concerns 60,000-63,000 bank employees and thousands of pensioners, while it added that four different pension funds and eleven auxiliary funds exist already.

Translated by Vicky Ghionis

Related Links:

Hellenic Federation of Bank Employee Unions

[11] PAO Races to Qualify

By Vasilis Kalpinos

Starting tomorrow against Ulker, Panathinaikos is ready to score 3 out of 3 and proceed to the round of 16 in the Euroleague. As for tomorrows match, in the green camp the only word to be heard is victory and the possibility of making up the 2 point difference where they were defeated in Turkey. The motto was given in statements today by Zelimir Obradovic, who stressed that if they should win tomorrow, his team will have both feet planted in the next round, which has been their target since the beginning of the year.

"It's not About Revenge"

The Serbian coach of the Greek Champions described the game against Ulker as important, and said that the defeat by the Turkish team in the first match must give his players motivation. At the same time, however, he stressed that it is not about revenge, just that it is very important to win. Closing the second match chapter, he said that it is not necessary for his team to be angry because of the defeat, but that they should use their minds, passion and strength in order to win. Finishing his statements, he said that a win would give wings to the green team for the next two matches against Skyliners and Ortece, so that they can go into the second place in the group, which will give them an advantage in the next round.

Of the players, Patrick Femerling spoke. Having agreed with his coach on the necessity of winning, the German centre stressed that if PAO plays according to its abilities, it has nothing to fear and can get the three wins needed in the upcoming matches.

Translated by Millie Williams

[12] Huge Step Towards Qualifying

By Vasilis Kalpinos

With Fotis Katsikaris team reaching their victory stressfully but justly against the Italians, AEK is now with at least one foot in the next round of the Euroleague. Without playing very good basketball, the yellow team took the game against Scavolini at Galatsi Indoor Court 78-72 on the 13th day in Group B. In fact, if tomorrow Olimpia Ljubliana loses in Tel Aviv to Maccabi, AEK has a guaranteed ticket to qualify to the next round. The quarters: 14-25, 39-37, 53-57, 78-72.

All's Well that Ends Well

AEK started out the game loosely. Not playing with good defence, Scavolini threw three-pointers in and was ahead in the score 25-14 at the end of the first quarter.

With the start of the second quarter, a move by Fotis Katsikaris helped the Greek team to make a strong come-back and go for a win. In 11 the AEK coach substituted Hatzis, putting Kus in his place, with the Croatian giving lessons in good defence. AEK took off and with an 11-point series reached +2. This was a lead they kept up to the end of the first half (39-37). In the second half, the Greek team seemed to be inordinately generous, allowing the Italians to get ahead with 57-53. In the last quarter however, AEK pulled its socks up and with Lolis leading their efforts, they took the lead again and kept it till the end of the game, winning 78-72

The teams

AEK: Lolis 14, Hatzis 6 (1), Zisis 10, Nitsevic 13, Bailey 20 (3), Tsiaras, Nikolaidis 5, Gliniadakis 2, Bourousis 2, Kus 3 (1), Mangounis 3 (1).

SCOVOLINI: Ranico 4, Pen 18 (2), Gigena , Milic 12, Res 2, Archibald 8, Frosini 4, Malaventura 6 (2) , Djordjevic, Motola 18.

Translated by Millie Williams

[13] Latin-American Qualifier

By Vasilis Kalpinos

With Schurrer, Rivaldo and Djordjevic remaining on the bench, Dusan Bajevics team started out its Cup match against Iraklis. This was to be expected, as the Serbo-Greek coach wanted to give them a chance to rest. The 0-1 from the first game was ultimately not enough for Iraklis, as the Uruguayan player in the first half (25) and Rivaldo in the second (84) scored the 2-0 and gave the reds the ticket to qualify.

One and One

In the first ten minutes both teams were a bit lost. However, from then on, Olympiacos took the initiative, and after two opportunities went by with no results, with Georgatos (13) and Okkas (17), Castillo came in 25 to open up the score. He took a pass from Georgatos and shot. The ball hit off the post, and then on Ambaris back, and ended up in the net. This was the score for the first half, as nothing changed after that.

The start of the second half saw Olympiacos putting the pressure on again, as they needed another goal in order to qualify. Shortly after kick-off, Dusan Bajevic put Rimbo in place of Okkas. Despite this, the reds did not have the spark of the first half, while Iraklis did not put much pressure on to score a goal. The first good point in the game in 74 for the host team when Georgatos and Kafes were in a good position, but failed to score. However, ten minutes later the goal arrived, Olympiacos was awarded a penalty. Rivaldo took it, sent the ball into the net and scored 2-0, giving the ticket to qualify to the Piraeus team, as the headers by Seghiri and Kapetanos in extra time made the host teams hearts beat faster, but went out. In the next round, Olympiacos will play the winner from the match Kastoria-Ptolemaida.

Referee: Somarakakis (Athens)

Yellow cards: Kostoulas, Giovanni, Kafes, Lagos

The teams:

OLYMPIACOS: Nikopolidis, Pantos, Georgatos, Kostoulas, Anatolakis, Stoltidis, Georgiadis, Kafes, Okkas (55 Rivaldo), Giovanni, (88 Vallas), Castillo (83 Djordjevic)

IRAKLIS: Ambaris, Drougas, Sznaucner, Papazacharias, Seghiri, Poursanidis, (70 Katsampis), Ioannou (88 Papapostolou), Lagos, Kapetanos, Bakircioglu (40 Dimantidis), Epale

Translated by Millie Williams

[14] Kalamaria in the Top 8

By Dimitris Alexopoulos

Continuing its positive performances of the last few matches of the league, Kalamaria managed to halt OFIs strikers, and with the draw against the Cretan team they have secured their ticket to qualify to the round of 8 of the Cup of Greece. The first match in Heraklion also ended with a draw, 1-1, and Apollon qualified with the goal away from home turf. In the next match, they will play the winner from the match beteen Aris and Ethnikos.

Nil All Draw

The game was held in adverse weather conditions, as the snow, which had been falling since this morning in Northern Greece, made the footballers task difficult.

Kalamaria was the team that took the reins of the game and tried to threaten the Cretan teams goal. In 10, Orfanos tried to score, but it was blocked relatively easily by Sifakis, while in 16, the host team wasted a great chance to open up the score.

Parmaxidis was alone against OFIs goalkeeper, but his shot went out.

OFI, who posed no threat at all in the first half, missed their first significant opportunity in 50. After a corner, Machlas caught the header from the penalty line, but Haxhi managed to send the ball away.

The fact that a nil-all draw would give Kalamaria the ticket to qualify forced OFI to open up and try to score a goal which would have allowed them to qualify. In 77, the Cretan team were a hairs breadth from the goal, when Kazantzis caught the header, following a pass by Stavrakakis, but the ball went out, after first hitting off Zafeiropoulos post.

The host team responded, and in 83 Orfanos caught the header close to the goal, only to see Stavrakakis kick it away. From then to the end of the match nothing changed and Kalamaria qualified to the quarterfinals.

Referee: Efthimiadis (Drama)

Yellow cards: Davidson, Orfanos, Kounenakis

The teams:

APOLLON KALAMARIA: Zafiropoulos, Nikolopoulos, N.A. Papadopoulos, Genitsanidis, N. H. Papadopoulos, Spyropoulos (77 Iliadis), Parmaxidis (82 Fitanidis), Haxhi, Orfanos, Cleyton, Vella.

OFI: Sifakis, Belevonis, Arvanitis, Adamos, Kounenakis, Tomovski (68 Kazantzis), Stavrakakis, Hachatrian, Davidson, Nuafor (64 Triantafyllou), Machlas.

Translated by Millie Williams

[15] Crimson Storm

By Dimitris Alexopoulos

The 3-1 from the first game was enough for Larisa to go through to the quarterfinals of the Cup of Greece. With a First Division style, the team from Thessaly managed to keep Halkidona away from their goal area, and as they lost by just 1-0 Larisa secured their chance to qualify to the next round. The lone goal of the match was scored by Moyo in extra time. In the next round, Larisa will face the team to qualify from Xanthi-Egaleo.

Nine-Man Larisa

Larisas intentions were clear from the first half. From the moment when the 3-1 from the first game allowed them to qualify, from the very first minute of the game, Giorgos Donis players preferred to keep Halkidonas strikers away from the goal, and from then on, with sudden counterattacks, they tried to score.

Giorgos Paraschos players on the other hand underplayed throughout the game, adding another bad performance to their record.

In fact, despite the fact that they were the ones who should have chased after the goals, Larisa was the one to get close, twice in fact.

The first was in 6, when Sidibe temporarily knocked away a shot by Sisic, but next Halkidonas defenders did their job in kicking the ball away with Digozis attempt, and the second came four minutes later when Sisic tried a pass from the right, but Kiparissis, who was taken by surprise, lost control of the ball.

The second half of the game was much the same, as Halkidona could not create any opportunities to score, while the guest team kept the result and consequently the ticket to qualify, with relative ease.

The game changed temporarily when Larisa was down to nine men, due to Stournaras being sent off with a second yellow card in 78, and the departure of Serban in 80 owing to injury, with Giorgos Donis unable to substitute him, as he had already made all three substitutions.

This resulted in increased aggression from the host team, who managed to get a goal with Moyo in extra time, but the 1-0 was not enough for Halkidona, who must now concentrate on the league.

Translated by Millie Williams

[16] Research on Sexual Maturity It Begins With a Kiss

By Vagelis Theodorou

Sources: BBC- "The Times"

Have you ever wondered how puberty really starts? Well, it starts with a kiss, or at least this is what American scientists from the University of Pittsburgh are claiming. According to their research, the hormones that bring sexual maturity are triggered by a gene named kiss-1, which generates a protein known as kisspeptin. This romantic gene develops in a part of the brain called the hypothalamus at just the moment when puberty begins. It then appears to send a signal to another important gene, called GPR54, which in turn tells the body to start making the hormones that initiate adulthood. Although kiss-1 had been linked to GPR54 in previous studies, scientists are pointing out that they now have proof to name these " puberty keys ".

Sexual Maturity Time Switch

Scientists reached these conclusions via tests on pre-pubescent male monkeys. When they were given kisspeptin they produced 25 times as much of the key hormone.

As per the research, kiss-1 acts as a sexual maturity time switch. However, scientists believe that other genes, which have not been identified yet, also play just as significant roles.

This discovery explains one of the greatest mysteries of biology, since it provides answers on how it is that people are born with the full repertoire of reproductive hormones, but that these then hibernate through childhood to be reawoken at puberty. These findings could eventually lead to medical treatments that could prevent exceptionally early or late puberty.

Lead researcher Dr Tony Plant said that puberty is an important part of human development, while he stressed that how and when the brain gives the signal to initiate the process, remains a mystery.

Translated by Vicky Ghionis

Related Links:

University of Pittsburgh

[17] Nano-scale Device by Hewlett-Packard Transistor's Rival

By Vagelis Theodorou

A Hewlett-Packard nano-scale device destined to replace contemporary transistor, opens new horizons in the production of electronic computers. The crossbar latch, as the device is called, of some trillions of a metre in size, is made up of a combination of crossed-over platinum wires with steric acid molecules set at their junctions. Junctions work as switches that are only a few atoms across and can actually be programmed by a series of electrical pulses. "We are reinventing the computer at the molecular scale," said Stan Williams, one of the researchers based at HP Labs Quantum Science Research (QSR) Unit in Paolo Alto. According to researchers, the nano-scale devices are six to 10 years from widespread commercial use, when the current method for making faster silicon chips will reach a technical dead-end.

Cheaper Production and Improved Functions

At present, the fine control of silicon allows millions of transistors to be fitted on to a chip the size of a fingernail. The tiniest features of transistors that are based on silicon now are about 90 nanometres (about 1,000 times smaller than the width of a human hair) in size, while HP crossbar latches are about two to three nanometres.

The tiny size of the crossbar latch can increase the density of chips and contribute to the production of computers with highly improved functions. What is more, the HP announcement said that "the crossbar latch provides a key element needed for building a computer using nanometre-sized devices that are relatively inexpensive and easy to build."

The size barrier can be overcome through molecular electronics. The HP researchers said that their technology was still some way off in terms of widespread use and would not be commercially viable until about 2012. In fact, researchers estimate that once the crossbar latch is widely used in commercial applications, it would most likely be used in conjunction with traditional semiconductor transistors. Other firms have also been looking at novel ways to fit more features on to computer chips. At the end of 2003, IBM demonstrated its alternative method for microchip fabrication that used polymer molecules that naturally arranged themselves into hexagonal patterns. However, according to professor Philip Moriarty, nanoscience expert at the University of Nottingham, "HP's attempts are the best to date in trying to come up with a plausible architecture for molecular electronics."

Translated by Sofia Soulioti

[18] A Few Tips on Styling Perfect Hair

By Vagelis Theodorou

Hair is probably one of the main beauty points for men and women alike. It follows its own trend, with its own accessories, while experts even choose hairstyles to match ones personality. Long or short, straight or curly, they all have their own secrets, while there is a myriad of products in the market for perfect styling. We offer a few tips, more of a survival guide, to take you through the maze of hairstyling products on store shelves. Before deciding on a particular one, remember that each type of hair has its own beauty, advantages and disadvantages. Whatever hairstyle you choose to adopt, dont forget to care for your hair regularly, since its not the length that matters, but the perfect look.

Washing the Hair

Help your hair acquire volume and strength by using the right treatment. Choose a shampoo that caters to your type of hair and forget what you have heard regarding frequent washing; it does not damage your hair. With a mild shampoo for everyday use, you can wash your hair as frequently as you like, without damaging the follicles.

For extra hair care, use a conditioner. There are many in the market in the form of cr&#232;mes, which contain vitamins, moisturizers and proteins, which are necessary for healthy hair. Conditioners that do not need to be rinsed are better for dry or damaged hair.

You can also use a mask that offers moisturizing and energy, thus making your hair more radiant and healthy.

Experts recommend rinsing with cold water, and if using a blow dryer, opt for cold air. Furthermore, avoid washing dyed hair with antidandruff or hard shampoos for deep cleansing.

Style Above All

The secret of success of most hairstyling products is quantity. Do not get carried away and use large quantities in order to get a better effect. Just a bit of one product can help hold the hairstyle and enhance your look.

Basic Rule: Work the product using your fingers, so that it can take the bodys temperature and smooth easier over the hair.

We can start off with the most popular styling product: gel. It can hold the hairstyle longer and can smooth down those strands that stick out. Experts advise using small quantities, the size of a peanut. Gel is recommended mainly for short hair, because it can change the shape quickly and easily. Short hair is popular among younger people, since it suits their carefree attitude, as well as casual dress style. Another popular styling product is mousse. It is recommended for longer or curly hair. Using it is easy: Just put a small quantity on wet hair, dry it and you are ready. Longer hair gives women the opportunity to experiment with different looks, something that is not possible with short hair. With long hair you can change looks daily, eg. chignon, ponytail, waves, curls, using the many apparatuses available in the market.

Wax is next and is rapidly becoming a leading hairstyle product. It is used mainly to shape individual strands. It is better to start using a small quantity in the beginning and keep reapplying until you achieve the style you want. Be careful though, as it may make your hair look oily.

The various hairstyling products carry labels that might confuse you. Thickeners and volumizers contain proteins that give your hair volume. Furthermore, shiners, laminators and polishers suggest that the product contains silicone or oils that provide extra shine.

So, choose a product that suits you, unlock your creativity and amaze everyone with your new look!

Translated by Vicky Ghionis

[19] G. Kappos, "I want catharsis" Nine More Justices in Tight Spot

By Vivian Papastefanou

The investigations conducted by the Supreme Court in the extrajudicial circle are widening, since nine more justice officers are now in a tight spot, as they are said to have been involved in dozens of illegal activities, such as favourable decisions for drug traffickers in ten to twelve big cases. The Supreme Court Chief Justice, Giorgos Kappos, appeared determined to stamp out corruption in the area of Justice. This was also demonstrated in statements he made today, in which he pointed out that he does not feel bad if only 13 or 20 Justices are examined and possibly dismissed. "What I want is catharsis," he declared. In the meantime, the Chief of First Instance Judges, Leonidas Stathis, is expected to provide explanations, following the charges brought against him for bribery, while he has already been indicted for dismissal.

Tomorrow is Crucial for Stathis

According to the investigations so far, it is alleged that four suspect amounts have been deposited in Mr Stathis bank accounts by two lawyers, whose cases were heard by him in the past.

It is worth noting that the Chief of First Instance Judges, Leonidas Stathis, is also alleged to be involved in the cases against Archmandrite Iakovos Giosakis, as well as in a bribery case, while he also has a number of disciplinary penalties against him.

At the same time, serious charges have been made against deputy Public Prosecutor Nikos Athanasopoulos and first instance judges Antonia Ilia and Panagiota Tsevi, who are implicated in the cases of Archimandrite Giosakis. Among the charges are: total lack of professional ethics, illegal prosecutions and deceitful behaviour, deceit, setting up cases as well as releasing drug traffickers from custody.

In the meantime, high-ranking members of Attica police have visited the deputy Public Prosecutor of the High Court Giorgos Sanidas over the last few days.

Translated by Vicky Ghionis

Related News:

Arrest Warrant for Giosakis

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