The Hellenic Radio (ERA): News in English, 05-02-16

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

CONTENTS

[01] Holy Catharsis Underway

By Annita Paschalinou

Feverish preparations in Church in view of the emergency assembly of the Hierarchy on Friday. The Continuous Holy Synod approved the measures proposed by Archbishop Christodoulos for the clean up and rejected Attica Metropolitan Bishops request for partial suspension of his sentence. At the same time, the Metropolitan Bishop of Thessaliotida, Theoklitos, who has been called to provide explanations for his relations with Archimandrite Koulousousas, counterattacked saying he will file lawsuits against his slanders. In the meantime, two more letters have been brought to light. In the first Apostolos Vavilis expressed to the Patriarch of Jerusalem, Eirinaios, his disappointment for his removal and in the other the Patriarch of Jerusalem expressed his intention to Ariel Sharon to transfer the assets of the Patriarchate of Jerusalem to the Israeli state.

Metropolitan Bishop of Attica Protests

Metropolitan Bishop of Attica, Panteleimonas, who is under a six-month suspension, has sent a protest letter for his severe penalty, which even leaves the case of his permanent removal open. Panteleimonas said the decision is unfair and illegal and asked to be allowed to operate within the limits of the Metropolitan Church of Attica and remain in the metropolitan residence.

The Continuous Holy Synod denied the motion, while it unanimously approved the measures to be announced by the Archbishop on Friday during the emergency assembly of the Hierarchy.

Theoklitos Counterattacked

As for Metropolitan Bishop of Thessaliotida, Theoklitos, he said the scenarios regarding his relations with Serafeim Koulousousa are figments of imagination, while he also underlined he will file lawsuits against his slanders. The occasion was the explanations he was asked to provide regarding the article that appeared in the newspaper Ta Nea, according to which Archimandrite Serafim Koulousousas had attempted to commit suicide in Karditsa. Serafim Koulousousas had been ordained in 2001 by the Metropolitan Bishop of Thessaliotida and was seconded to the Archbishops private office.

Armed Monk Penalised

At the same time, the Metropolitan Bishop of Piraeus, Kallinikos, announced the disciplinary measures imposed on Archimandrite Nikodimos Farmakis for carrying a gun. His penalty included among other things the removal of his title (Archimandrite), a five-month suspension and a five-month limitation at the Chrysopigi Monastery.

New Revelations

Holy Catharsis in Church is underway at the time when two more letters are brought to light. The one is a confession-letter by Apostolos Vavilis (published in Eleftherotypia) to Patriarch of Jerusalem Eirinaios on December 3, 2001, in which Vavilis said he felt chased, hurt and wronged" for the fact the Eirinaios removed him a little after his election. The second was sent by the Patriarch of Jerusalem Eirinaios to Ariel Sharon on July 10, 2002. This letter (published in Apogevmatini) expressed the Patriarch's intention to transfer the assets of the Patriarchate of Jerusalem to the state of Israel.

Vavilis Asked Metropolitan Bishop of Thebes to Ordain Him

In the meantime, in a letter to the Supreme Court's Public Prosecutor Dimitris Linos, the Metropolitan Bishop of Thebes, Ieronymos, placed himself at the disposal of Justice in order to provide further information on the Apostolos Vavilis case. In the report submitted to Mr Linos, he stated that three years ago Apostolos Vavilis had visited him escorted by the Archimandrite, and has asked him to ordain him as a priest.

Translated by Sofia Soulioti

Related News:

Vavilis' Hideouts

Wave of Support for Christodoulos

[02] Proceedings Against Judge and Lawyers

By Mary Lou Tzempelikou

On Wednesday, the Supreme Court Assistant Prosecutor, Georgios Sanidas, ordered the two prosecutors assigned to handle the case of the extrajudicial network to bring criminal proceedings against the First Instance Judges President, Leonidas Stathis, and another six lawyers. Furthermore, Mr Sanidas told prosecutors Kyriakos Karousos and Panagiotis Nikoloudis to bring supplementary charges against them should other violations arise. Moreover, First Instance Judge Panagiota Tsevi testified before Supreme Court Judge Christos Baltas on Wednesday. Mrs Tsevi had been referred to the court for dismissal due to lack of ethics and inability to perform her duties, as well as for ruling in favour of the cases relating to Archimandrite Iakovos Giosakis, whom she denied ever knowing.

L. Stathis Charged with Felony

Specifically, Mr Sanidas ordered that Mr Stathis be charged with felony for repeated bribery and legalizing revenues from criminal activities.

He also ordered the prosecution of another six lawyers with misdemeanors, four of them to be charged with bribing judges and two with accessory to bribing judges.

It should be noted that during the period December 2004 January 2005, an amount of 32,000 euros had been deposited in one of Mr Stathis accounts, which was made public. Following this, it has been decided that the rest of Mr Stathis accounts will also be made public.

Meanwhile, criminal proceedings are expected to be brought against six lawyers who are alleged to be involved in the extrajudicial network.

Furthermore, on Wednesday, First Instance Judge Antonia Ilia will testify before Examiner Ioanna Micha, in order to provide explanations on why she hadnt submitted a declaration of assets (Pothen Esches) for a period of four years (2001-2003).

Probe into Replacement of Judges

The case of replacement of judges in criminal courts is also going under the microscope. In a relevant document sent by Supreme Court Chief Justice Giorgos Kappos to the President of the Courts Review Council, Mr Kappos asked him to investigate whether any offences were committed.

Ieronimos Letter to the Supreme Court

Meanwhile, the Metropolitan Bishop of Thiva, Ieronimos, sent a letter to Supreme Court Prosecutor Dimitris Linos, saying that he is available to provide information regarding his contact with Apostolos Vavilis. The letter will be passed on to the Director of Athens Public Prosecutions, Dimitris Papaggelopoulos, who will decide whether it is necessary for Mr Ieronimos to testify.

Judges and Lawyers to Parliament

In the meantime, representatives of judges, prosecutors and lawyers expressed their concerns to the relevant Parliamentary Committee, for the incidents of corruption in the area of Justice and the effectiveness of the proposed Bill for reinforcing transparency.

The President of the Athens Bar Association, Dimitris Paxinos, appeared reserved regarding the will of the Justice leadership to proceed with a clean up. Mr Paxinos spoke of "a few corrupt and inadequate judges"; while he admitted that the lawyers also bear responsibility. He further noted, though, "in the cases where lawyers were indicted, the penalties were inhibitive."

"We proceeded with our catharsis, despite the fact that he were blocked; we are now awaiting the justice officers to do the same," stated Mr Paxinos.

Actually, the President of the Prosecutors Unions, Sotiris Bagias, said that Justice in Greece is a "debased institution", with gaps that have been filled by extrajudicial networks. Mr Bagias also said that the attempt to fill these gaps would become even harder since the networks will resist in every way possible, while he expressed the belief that the area of Justice will eventually be completely cleaned up.

Referring to the Bill, Mr Bagias noted that the proposed measures were drawn up in a very short while and without the opinions of the bar associations.

Translated by Vicky Ghionis

Related News:

Announcement of Charges Expected

Parliament Says "Yes" to Justice Bill

[03] Near a Nuclear Power Plant Mystery Blast in Iran

By Viki Keleri

Sources: Reuters

Iranian authorities gave a new and completely different version on the causes of the blast which occurred earlier today outside the city of Dailam in Iran, where there is a nuclear power plant. According to an official announcement issued by the military leadership, the blast was part of construction work at the site of a dam. This new piece of information flatly opposes the two previous versions broadcast by the state TV and the Aranic Al-Alam satellite channel, according which the blast was either caused by a missile launched by an unknown craft or by a fuel tank falling from an Iranian plane.

On a Tight Rope

The news of the blast caused great turmoil as there were fears the USA were implicated due to the tense relations of the two countries because of Iran's nuclear programme. However, both sides kept a neutral position.

Iranian authorities were reassuring all along. First the Foreign Minister Kamal Kharrazi from Berlin, where he is at the present, stated that he had no information on reports of a powerful explosion in Dailam, while Interior Minister stated the same.

The USA said they had no information about a reported blast, while White House spokesman Scott McClellan said "we've seen the reports and we're looking into it.".

What is more, Iranian Vice-President Mohammad Reza Aref announced that Tehran was ready to work with Syria, itself locked in a row with the United States, to face threats. "We are ready to help Syria on all grounds to confront threats," Aref said in Tehran after meeting Syrian Prime Minister Naji al-Otari.

Distress Signal for Stock Markets

The news of the blast caused world financial markets to drop briefly and sent oil prices higher.

Translated by Sofia Soulioti

[04] Deja Vu Arrest

By Vagelis Theodorou

Up until now we thought that the burglar strikes twice. Well, it turns out that a Romanian policeman can also do the same! In 2001, 28-year-old Ionel Raileanu had been arrested for burgling a wealthy neighbours flat and had been convicted to four-years imprisonment. However, it looks like the correction facility was not successful, since he committed another crime just days after being released. So, he returned to his old ways and robbed the same property again, taking a computer, jewellery and money. Unfortunately for him, one of the neighbours heard him and alerted the police. Things, however, took a turn for the worst, as the same officer who had caught him four years ago, arrested him again. He now faces a 15-year wait before he is released again, if he wants to make it third time lucky!

Translated by Vicky Ghionis

[05] Government Members Over Ecclesiastical Crisis "Make Brave Decisions "

By Annita Paschalinou

More and more New democracy members are taking a stand regarding the ecclesiastical crisis. Following the statements of Konstantinos Mitsotakis, Giorgos Souflias and Miltiadis Evert, Minister of Transport and ND parliamentarian Andreas Lykourezos took a stand on the issue today. "I am certain that the Hierarchy will make brave and even painful decisions, because the people need to see that there is no cover-up in the Church and that Hierarchs will do their work," stressed Michalis Liapis, underlining that the Church is self-governed and competent of quickly dealing with its problems." "It is time the Metropolitan Bishops return to their sacerdotal duties," underlined Andreas Lykourezos.

No Question of Separation

At the same time, the government clarified that there is no question of separation between the state and the Church. "There is no such question," stressed Evangelos Antonaros, when asked to comment the positive view expressed by Dora Bakoyiannis on the matter. Vyron Polidoras underlined the same while addressing the Institutions and Transparency Committee in Parliament, noting: "It is untimely to discuss this issue under the present social and psychological conditions." Former PM T. Tzanetakis agreed with him. On the contrary, PASOK parliamentarian E. Venizelos was in favour of making a discussion in Parliament regarding the relations of the State and the Church, while Liana Kanelli from KKE questioned the meaning of clean up. SYN parliamentarian Fotis Kouvelis supported that the issues of ecclesiastical justice and the assets of the Church should be discussed in Parliament.

Translated by Sofia Soulioti

[06] Sent to British Council and Education Ministry Prank with Suspect Envelopes

By Viki Keleri

Two envelopes containing white powder, which were sent to the British Council, in Kolonaki and the Education Ministry, spread fear and created havoc this morning in Athens. The first suspect envelope was located by a British Council employee, who immediately alerted the Fire Brigade. Ten trained firemen, wearing special uniforms, immediately rushed to the area to pick up the envelope. They then passed it on to the Hellenic Center for Infectious Diseases Control, in order to establish whether the envelope contained anthrax. A similar operation took place a little while later at the Greek Education Ministry. It was later revealed that the envelopes did not contain anthrax, but threatening letters. Furthermore, the letters had been sent from Kallithea and Zografou and the senders remain unknown.

Translated by Vicky Ghionis

[07] Sea of People at the Funeral Rage and Lament in Lebanon

By Betty Savourdou

Sources: Reuters - ANA - NET

Assassinated former Lebanese Prime Minister Rafik Hariris funeral is taking place at the moment in Beirut in a very somber atmosphere. Thousands of demonstrators took to the streets of Beirut, chanting mottos against Syria and, accusing President Bashir al-Assad of Hariris murder, which brought back memories of Lebanons civil war. Many political leaders are attending the funeral, including the President of France, which was a close friend of Hariri. The security measures implemented are draconian. At the same time the Syrian Ambassador in France is denying Damascus involvement in the assassination of the former PM, while she noted that her country is not afraid of an international probe.

"They Feared You, They Killed You"

On Wednesday morning, Hariris body was carried from the morgue to his home, where it was covered by a Lebanese flag, and then taken by ambulance to the Mohammed al-Amin mosque, in Martyrs Square, Beirut, where it will be buried.

The funeral procession was converted into a protest against Damascus, which deploys 14,000 soldiers in Lebanon, with the people were chanting anti-Syrian mottos.

Black flags flew from buildings and electricity poles in Beirut streets, which were plastered with posters of Hariri. "They feared you, they killed you," read a banner near the deceaseds house.

Thousands of demonstrators also gathered in the streets of Tripoli and Sidon, chanting mottos and accusing the Syrian President of the murder of Hariri. Actually, the demonstrators also set a Syrian truck in north Lebanon on fire

The family of the assassinated former PM decided on Tuesday to hold an open funeral, with honours befitting a head of State.

According to analysts, this is due to the fact that the family wants to keep all the government officials away, which is also indicative of the gap between the countrys Government and the Opposition.

Furthermore, Hariris son, Saad, asked the government spokesperson not to make any comments or convey their condolences in writing, while he made it clear that none of the government officials were welcome at the funeral.

It is worth noting that William Burn is representing the USA, while the Arab world has sent its Foreign Ministers.

Rafik Hariris assassination brought back memories of the civil war that plagued Lebanon from 1975 to 1990, while at the same time it led to increased pressure towards Damascus to withdraw its troops from Lebanon.

Actually, as per an Opposition MP, the explosives used against Hariri been placed in an underground tunnel.

Draconian Measures for Hariri's Funeral

Thousands of police officers were posted in key places around the city, in an effort to secure and guard the funeral procession over a 10km distance, while the shops are closed due to the three-day mourning period.

As soon as the officials arrived, the security measures intensified. Military forces surrounded the mosque, while two helicopters circled the area, monitoring all the activities

Approximately 15,000 security and police officers are estimated to have been posted all over the city.

Two private Lebanese TV channels, LBC and Future, the latter owned by the Hariri family, are covering the funeral.

Finally, it should be noted that the public television network has been banned from approaching the area, or sending crews to cover the ceremony.

Translated by Vicky Ghionis

Related News:

US Applies Pressure on Syria

Next Day Uncertain in Lebanon

[08] ECOFIN and Eurogroup in Session Greek Economy in Brussels

By Mary Lou Tzempelikou

The Greek Economy will be the focus of ECOFIN and Eurogroup on Thursday and Friday. Tomorrow, ECOFIN is expected to adopt the European Commissions proposal on how to deal with the fiscal problem. The matter will be discussed this afternoon in the Eurogroups meeting, which the Greek Economy Minister Giorgos Alogoskoufis will be attending. As per the Economy Ministry, the final decision will be formulated during ECOFINs meeting on 17 February. It should be noted that Greece has until 21 March to submit its report regarding the measures that have to be implemented in order to bring the deficit to under 3% of the GNP by the end of 2006.

Alogoskoufis' Contacts

On Thursday, Mr Alogoskoufis will meet with the Commissioner for Regional Policy, Danuta Hubner, as well as the Commissioner for Economic and Financial Affairs, Joaqu&#237;n Almunia. Furthermore, he will meet with the Commissioner for the Environment, Stavros Dimas, as well as the Commissioner for Health and Consumer Protection, Markos Kyprianou.

Other matters that will be discussed by ECOFIN include Lisbons strategy and the preparations for the upcoming Spring Summit, which will take place on 22 and 23 March 2005.

The stability and development programmes of Belgium, Denmark, Estonia, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Malta, Poland, Slovakia and Finland are also expected to be ratified during the meetings.

Translated by Vicky Ghionis

[09] They Won But Lost

By Dimitris Alexopoulos

Panathinaikos defeated Friedrichshafen by 3:1 sets (25-22, 20-25, 25-23, 25-23) but that wasnt enough for the Greek Champions. The German team achieved a better total score in both matches and qualified to the round of 6 of the Indesit European Champions League. Panathinaikos won the first set (25-22) but the continuation was a disaster. The Greeks lost the second set, giving a psychological advantage to their opponents who just had to control the score in order to qualify.

The coach of Panathinaikos said that his team lost qualification during the first game: Today we showed everybody that we could have a better luck if we had taken one more set in Germany. Friedrichshafens qualification is right but I believe that we are a better team and we lost ourselves in details. However, the head coach of Friedrichshafen, Stelian Moculescu had a different opinion: We managed to react when Panathinaikos was controlling the score. I believe that we were better in both matches and we deserve to qualify. Captain of Panathinaikos Sotiris Pantaleon said: We committed suicide in the second set and we lost a great opportunity to go further in the Champions League. Its quite a shame. Last but not least, the captain of Friedrichshafen, Bogdan Jalowietzki said: We played carefully doing just what we came here for. Star of the match was the young Greek player Stathis Donas who scored 21 points. Friedrichshafen had quite a few MVPs. Best of all Portuguese Joao Jose wit 16 points.

Translated by Sofia Soulioti

[10] Definitely Malesani

By Vasilis Kalpinos

It has been officially announced that Alberto Malesani will coach Panathinaikos for the next 1.5 years. In a short announcement of 14 words, "Panathinaikos FC announces the commencement of its collaboration with the Italian coach, Alberto Malesani," who signed a contract for 1,000,000 euros (400,000 for the rest of this season and 600,000 for the next). Malesani will go to the stadium in Alexandra Avenue, in order to watch the team play against Seville today for the round of 32 in the UEFA Cup, while tomorrow he will visit the training facilities in Paiania in order to meet his new players and coach them for the first time.

In fact, a few moments ago Alberto Malesani made his first statements as the new coach of Panathinaikos on the team's official website. "I am happy to have come in a big team with an important name in Europe," he said and went on to add, "We had discussed again four years ago but did not manage to collaborate. My hope is that all together, management, coach and players, we will give great satisfaction to the people."

Translated by Sofia Soulioti

[11] Bajevic not Afraid of Sochaux

By Vasilis Kalpinos

Olympiacos match tomorrow against French team Sochaux is characterized by many injuries, last-minute absences and faith for victory. During the scheduled Press Conference, team coach Dusan Bajevic stressed, "If Olympiacos performs well, then it has nothing to fear." At the same time, he expressed his confidence for a positive result, while he pointed out, "Above all, the team should not receive a goal." However, he refused to make any comments regarding Giovanni, while he said that he would probably be playing in the upcoming matches.

"We Should Play our Own Game"

The Serbian-Greek coach started off by saying that he was not overly concerned about how Sochaux would play, but about how his team will perform. "If we start as we should, then I am not afraid of anything. Sochaux has some quick and dangerous players and is excellent in counterattacking, while it is really good in the defence, especially in away games. However, we have some good points, which we can apply in this match." Meanwhile, as per usual, he did not wish to make any predictions regarding the result.

Bajevic did not reveal anything with regard to how he will line up his team, while he stressed that they have to be patient and above all, avoid receiving any goals.

He did not seem to be concerned over the absences and pointed out that Olympiacos has players available to fill the gaps.

At that point, he also referred to the offensive duo of Vallas and Kostoulas. They will be replacing Schurrer and Anatolakis, who are serving penalties, and believed that they will be able to rise to the occasion.

In closing, he talked about the three younger players, D Akol, Mendrinos and Filippakos. "To be honest, I dont have any other options at the moment. And this is in no way derogatory for the boys. I believe in these three players; they can become the future of Olympiacos. They are young and they have to start playing at some point."

Translated by Vicky Ghionis

[12] Lykourezos to European League Board

By Ilias Papaioannou

The President of EPAE (Hellenic Association of Football Clubs), Alexandros Lykoureos, has achieved yet another distinction today, as he was unanimously elected to the Board of Directors of the European Football League, which is still being formed. Others who were elected during the meeting in Brussels included: Dave Richards, the President of the English Premier League, Marco Brunelli, the President of the Italian League, Jan Peeters the Presiden of the Belgian League and Frederic Thiriez, the President of the French League, while Emmanuel Madeiros, the President of the Portuguese League, was appointed General Director. The representatives of the Irish and Danish Leagues were unable to attend, due to the adverse weather conditions.

Translated by Vicky Ghionis

[13] Research Performed by American Scientists HIV Used Against Cancer

By Vagelis Theodorou

A research performed by American scientists from the University of California opens new horizons in the fight against cancer. According to the research, a harmless form of the AIDS virus can be used in the location and the destruction of cancer cells. The researchers removed the parts that cause AIDS from the HIV virus and used it on mice suffering from melanoma. "Our approach proves that it is possible to develop an effective carrier and reprogram it to target specific cells in the body," stated Dr Irvin Chen of the UCLA AIDS Institute. However the scientists are optimistic and state that until the method is tested on humans more safety experiments are necessary.

Gene Therapy

The beginning of the experiment was made in the laboratories where the scientists removed the disease causing parts of AIDS from the HIV virus. Following they removed the outer part of the virus and redressed it with another. In this way the target of the virus was changed.

In order to follow its course in the mices body the scientists added a substance to the HIV virus, which made it glow during the observation with a special camera.

The lab mice suffered from melanoma, a type of skin cancer, which had migrated to the lungs. With its new shell, HIV was transported to specific cancer cell molecules called P-glycoproteins.

"The virus travelled through the bloodstream and homed straight to the cancer cells in the lungs, where the melanoma had migrated," stated Dr Chen explaining the researchs findings.

The next step of the researchers was to enter a gene in the virus that will kill cancer cells once it has come into contact with them. The use of the virus for the transport of a treatment gene in the cancers exact location is also in their plans.

In closing, apart from the check of cancer, the method is bringing hope for the use of gene therapy in other diseases.

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

[14] Olympic Divorce

By Vagelis Theodorou

At a time when values and ideals are going through crisis, a 56-year-old man paid dearly for his decision to back the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games. Wang Yueting decided to run around China, along with another five of his compatriots, accompanied by a van on which he had painted "Support Beijing Olympics" in both English and Chinese. His wife had promised to divorce him if he went ahead with the stunt, but the 56-year-old was probably an avid supporter of the Olympic spirit. Actually, the man sold his apartment, in which he lived with his wife, to fund the run. The wife finally left him, but he does not seem fazed. "The run is to promote the Olympic spirit. If you delete the zero from the whole 20,080 miles I intend to run, it makes the date of the Olympics in Beijing 2008," he proudly declared.

Translated by Vicky Ghionis

[15] Greece Ranks 13th in FIFA Standings

By Ilias Papaioannou

After the recent win of the European Champions by 2-1 against Denmark, the advantages doubled for Greek football. The "blue and white" colors, apart from the important step they took in view of qualifying for the finals of the World Cup in Germany, they climbed up from 18th to the 13th place in the International Football Federation standings. FIFA standings are based on the statistical analysis of the results of the national teams, during the last eight years, as well as how recently the games played, the power of the opponents and the importance of every game.

The FIFA Standings

1. (1) Brazil 840 2. (2) France 789 3. (3) Argentina 783 4. (5) Czech Republic 776 5. (4) Spain 764 6. (7) Mexico 755 7. (6) The Netherlands 755 8. (8) Great Britain 749 9. (9) Portugal 745 10. (10) Italy 738 11. (11) U.S. 731 12. (12) Ireland 715 13. (18) Greece 714 14. (14) Sweden 714 15. (14) Denmark 709 16. (15) Turkey 709 17. (16) Germany 708 18. (19) Japan 705 19. (18) Uruguay 705 20. (20) Iran 693

*The standings of the previous month are placed in a parenthesis.

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

[16] Educational Turmoil

By Mary Lou Tzempelikou

A wide-scale education rally was held outside the Ministry of Education today. The main request was the funding of education and the participation of representatives from all educational levels. In the meantime, the National Education Council has been convening since early morning behind closed doors, while TEIs all over the country will remain closed because of personnel strike. In Thessaloniki, university students and professors held demonstrations and a rally, thus expressing their disagreement to the way national dialogue over Education is held.

Closed Universities in Thessaly and Crete

OLME also went on a three-hour stoppage, while universities in Thessaly and Crete remain closed after their governing bodies decided to postpone their operation until funds for professors' pensions are approved. It is noted that according to the Education Ministry, funding for the emergency personnel has been ensured.

Translated by Sofia Soulioti

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