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

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

CONTENTS

[01] Problems in Greece from Snowfall Frozen Weekend

By Betty Savourdou

Sources: NET RADIO 105.8

The wave of bad weather is still afflicting the country, which has resulted to many serious problems, with frost and cold as the main characteristics. The traffic in a large part of the mountainous provincial road network is made with snow chain tires while several mountainous villages in the country are closed-off. The ships are docked in the Rafina Port however ships can depart from Piraeus Port for the Cyclades Islands and Crete. The northern suburbs of Attica have been dressed in white. The traffic of cars is banned from Kleiston Monastery to Dervenochoria while vehicles in Parnitha, from the cable railway upwards, is made with snow chain tires. Earlier, light snow fell in Penteli, while at this time there is fog. Similar weather conditions will be apparent in the following days.

Snow and Fog in Attica

In Attica, vehicles are using snow chain tires in the roads of Malakasa to Agios Merkourios, Markopoulo and for Oropos , from Kapandriti to Varnava, Kalamos and Amfiario.

In the meantime sail has been banned from Rafina Port and from Pireaus Port to Chios and Mitilini.

No Electricity in Samothraki

Five villages in the Prefecture of Ioannina are closed-off, two in Evritania, four in Ilia, eleven in Orestiada and the larger area of northern Evros.

The biggest problems are experienced in the Prefect of Evros, where according to information by the Public Order Ministry Operations Centre, Egnatia Odos, from the interchange of Makri to Kipoi, remains closed, and also the road network of Alexandroupoli and Orestiada.

Many villages in Thrace are closed off, and the Hellenic Railways Organization (OSE) route of Alexandroupoli-Orestiada-Ormenio is performed with difficulty.

In Alexandroupoli the airport and the port have been closed, while all of the villages of Samothraki, which does not have electricity, have remained closed-off.

Drivers face problems from the 10th km of Arnissa to Vorras snow resort, in the Prefecture of Pella, from Naousa and Veroia to the snow resorts of Vermio, in the roads of Veroia-Daskio and Veroia-Kipseli, at Thessalonica-Arnaia through Cholomondas and the rest of northern and central Chalkidiki.

Snow chain tires are used by vehicles on the mountainous provincial road network of the Prefectures of Kastoria, Grevena and Kozani, in Florina at the provincial roads from Vigla and Vitsi, Kastoria-Florina, Kastoria-Ioannina though Nestori and to the snow resort of Vasilitsa in Grevena.

In Preveza-Igoumenitsa National Road, at the 28.9 km, traffic has been banned due to collapsed pavement.

Full Preparedness from State Mechanism

Since this morning, the state mechanism is in full development and the machines of the Prefectures are working non-stop.

More specifically in the Prefecture of Evros, with an order by the General Secretary of Civil Protection, Panayiotis Fourlas, 12 snow-ploughs were sent from Central Macedonia and two rescue units of the Special Unit of Disaster Management (EMAK) which are in the Prefects disposal and will be used wherever necessary.

Also the Civil Protection has sent three snowploughs in Albania, where they are helping other services of the country, after the Albanian governments demand to the EU for help.

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

Related News:

Bad Weather Continues

[02] For Concealment of Smoking Dangers Appeal against Tobacco Companies Rejected

By Betty Savourdou

Sources: BBC- ANA

A U.S. court of appeals rejected on Friday a demand made by the government of 280 billion dollars of compensations from the tobacco companies, which are accused of conspiring to conceal the dangers of smoking. The court decided that the governments demand, which asserted the equivalent of the expenses on public health from the deadly consequences of smoking, cannot be judged in the context of federal law against racketeering.

Tobacco Factories Deny Charges

In 1999, the U.S. government filed a lawsuit against major tobacco companies, accusing them of false concealment of the dangers of smoking and the promotion of the products to minors. The government claimed that the tobacco factories adjusted the nicotine levels in order to increase addiction.

From their side, the tobacco companies deny that they conspired in order to promote smoking and to deceive the consumers.

They also note that they have accepted government demands with an arrangement with 46 states, on 1998, which reached 206 billion dollars.

The companies involved in the lawsuit were Philip Morris USA, RJ Reynolds Tobacco, Loews Corps Lorillard Tobacco, Brown and Williamson of British American Tobacco PLC and Liggett of the Vector Corporation.

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

[03] "Objectivity of Employment Not Inflicted"

By Betty Savourdou

Sources: NET RADIO 105.8

The main canvasser and ND MP, Petros Mandouvalos speaking to NET Radio 105.8, stated that there is not issue of the bill article for public administration, which foresees an interview of the candidates in the Supreme Council for Personnel Selection (ASEP), being withdrawn. Mr Mandouvalos explained that the procedure will be made with objectivity and transparency from ASEP members and the interview will not concern all competitive examinations, but specific cases. He also supported that the interview is an international practice and does not inflict the objectivity of employment. The President of PASOK is attempting to disdain a practice which is accepted internationally, commented the alternate government spokesperson on the objection of Giorgos Papandreous in the issue of the interview. Meanwhile, in relation to the objections of ND MPs, Mr Andonaros observed that everyone has the right to express their views and situations should not be dramatized. The discussion over the bill will continue next Tuesday in Parliament.

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

[04] In a Furniture Factory Big Fire in Peristeri

By Betty Savourdou

Sources: NET

The big fire that broke out on Saturday morning, at 6:30, in a furniture warehouse on Konstantinoupoleos Street in Peristeri has been partially set under control. The fire spread to a neighboring plastic goods warehouse, which was also burned down. The Fire Department, equipped with 30 vehicles and 100 firemen, made intensive attempts in order for the fire to not spread to other factories. The operation is being coordinated by the Head of the Fire Department Panayiotis Fourlas.

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

[05] The New Scotland Yard Chief States "An Attack in London is Inevitable"

By Betty Savourdou

Sources: ANA

The new Scotland Yard Chief, Sir Ian Blair considers as "inevitable" the event that Bin Ladens terrorist organization will make an attack in London, and supports that special identification cards should be used by the British people, as they would help recognizing suspects during operations. He also added that tapped phone calls should be used in terrorist members trials, as evidence. Scotland Yard, except for patrolling the country is also responsible for anti-terrorist operations in Britain.

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

[06] Trend of Internet Suicides in Japan Group Suicide in Japan

By Betty Savourdou

Sources: REUTERS

The Japanese Police are investigating the case of a group suicide of nine young people who were found dead in two separate incidents. In both the cases the bodies were found in parked cars. In a remote road in the town of Miura, west of Tokyo, three men and three women, aged around 20, were found dead in a van. "We think its a case of group suicide," stated a Police spokesperson and added that in the car, whose windows were sealed, four charcoal stoves and a box of sleeping pills were found. At the same time in the town of Higashi Izu, in the central province of Shizuoka, Police found a young man and two women dead in a parked car, which also contained a charcoal stove.

Thirty-Four People Dead in 2003

The charcoal stoves produce the deadly poison of carbon monoxide.

It has not yet been made known if there is a connection between the two incidents, which occurred in a distance of 80 km from each other, or if the victims had made the contacts through the Internet.

Japan is presenting a trend of a series of Internet suicides, as the Japanese Mass Media have named them. It is a series of group suicides, which strangers partake in and meet through suicide websites.

In 2003, 34 people committed suicide in the aforementioned way, according to Police evidence.

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

[07] Bad Luck with Edusei

By Stathis Petropoulos

Coach Ilie Dumitresku will lose one of his most valuable assets in view of tomorrows match between Egaleo and Xanthi. Daniel Edusei sprained his ankle during todays training and his injury will not allow him to compete for Egaleo tomorrow. He will most probably be replaced by Christou, while Liapakis will also not be included in the lineup, as he was called to play for the Greek National Team. Furthermore, Amponsah will make his debut with his new team, while Papoutsis will also be returning to fill the gap left by Skopelitis.

Problems with Xanthi

In the meantime, Xanthi is also facing problems of its own. Paviot, Kordonouris, Nicasio and Calasimbeta are all injured and will thus miss out on the game. However, Torosidis, who was called to play for the Junior National Team, has received permission to play in the match. Xanthi had defeated Egaleo in the first match by 1-0 and will try to hold on to this advantage.

Translated by Vicky Ghionis

[08] Time-Out Comes to an End

By Stathis Petropoulos

Predrag Djordjevic expressed his views on Olympiacos, the Championship and Europe in an interview he gave to the clubs official magazine. In the interview, he mainly focused on the local Championship and the teams European course, as well as Rivaldo. Regarding the Championship, he stressed that the team took a break from the titles last year and noted, "We do not like staying without a title; and more so myself, as I am used to winning the Championship every year. Last year we took a break, but this year is different. We want to win the Double in Greece, but we also want to reach as far as we can in Europe." He also referred to their next opponent in the UEFA Cup. "Sochaux is a very good team. Especially from the mid up they are very fast. We have the capabilities to disqualify it, but we need to be careful. All the signs are positive and provide us with the opportunity to hope that we can reach far in the UEFA Cup."

Names Are not Enough

Regarding Rivaldos arrival in Olympiacos, as well as the other teammates he said, "With regard to names, we are the best team of the last few years. But I think that he have not found our chemistry yet. At times just the names are not enough, something that is also evident in Real. Olympiacos has a lot more potential. There were games where we were good, but we still have difficulty finding our pace. We do not play as much from the sides and are mainly focusing in the centre. We are still searching for the style and thinking that bets fits our game." Furthermore, Djordjevic talked about his contract. "I am not thinking about it at the moment. I am happy and satisfied with my team, and basically the decision is up to Olympiacos." Referring to the issue with Galatasarai he said, "It is unthinkable for me to enter such discussions without having first spoken to Olympiacos."

Translated by Vicky Ghionis

[09] Premiere for Weightlifting

By Dimitris Alexopoulos

The first day of the Greek Selection Championship for Weightlifting, which is taking place in the Pylea Hall, was full of great performances by the female Greek weightlifters. It is worth mentioning Vicky Kasapis first appearance in the +75kg category since the Athens Olympic Games, as well as the return of Christina Baka in the 58kg category after a ten-month absence. The Championship will conclude tomorrow with the mens competition.

The Winners

48kg: Maria Pipiliaridou (Spartakos, Thessaloniki) 55-77.5-132 53kg: Anna Athanasiadou (FO Aridea) 70-80-150 58kg: Christina Baka (Panellinios) 65-75-140 63kg: Olympia Toka (AGE Thessanoliki) 87.5-107.5-195 69kg: Zografia Argyrou (Panellinios) 85-100-185 75kg: Aggeliki Adamou (HAN Thessaloniki)) 75-95-190 +75kg: Vicky Kasapi (AGE Thessaloniki) 105-122.5-227.5

Translated by Vicky Ghionis

[10] Scasny is Out

By Stathis Petropoulos

The technical leadership of Panathinaikos is quite irate with Sdenek Scasny, following the teams 3-1 loss to AEK, which left them outside the Greek Cup. The Czech coach is waiting for the clubs official announcement of his dismissal, but according to other sources, this will not happen until a replacement is found. This is where things stand with the teams administration, since following their loss to AEK for the Cup, they started searching for a new coach. Many names are being mulled around, bur none of them seems to be a favourite. Today Scasny coached the team as normal and immediately after the training session he spoke with Giannis Vardinogiannis in his office, but there has been no information as to what they talked about. However, the canceling of his trip to Seville to spy on the teams upcoming opponent is probably indicative of the general climate.

Possible Replacements

As per information, two of the names being discussed include Giorgos Paraschos and Vaggelis Vlachos from Greece, however, naturally there are many rumours flying around at this stage. So, others names thrown around were those of Rotsa and Markarian, with the latter being definitely out of the question. Furthermore, Spyros Livathinos will probably not be chosen, since the team considers it wouldnt be wise to take him from his current post. Another Greek that has been added to the list is Girogos Chatzaras, who, along with Paraschos and Vlachos, is already working with another team successfully and will probably not accept. Other names going around in the grapevine include Anghel Iordanesku and Fatih Terim, but nothing is definite just yet.

Translated by Vicky Ghionis

Related News:

Scasny On the Way Out

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