The Hellenic Radio (ERA): News in English, 05-02-20

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

CONTENTS

[01] With 57% of the Votes Counted Yes and Abstention to EU Constitution

By Vagelis Theodorou

A positive result and small turnout to the polls completed the vote for the European Constitution in Spain. According to an announcement by the Interior Ministry, 76.5% of the voters approved while a 17.3% opposed it. However the Spaniards participation was low, reaching 42.26% and is blamed on the insufficient informing over the European Constitutional Treaty. The Socialist Party spoke of a win while the opposition accused PM Jose Luis Rodriguez Zapatero of not informing the people about the Constitution. Spain is the first country that initiated a vote for the ratification of the European Constitution and the result does not have a committing power, since the final ratification will be made by Parliament. The Head of EU Diplomacy Xavier Solana expressed the hope that the Spanish "yes" will constitute an example for the citizens of other EU member states.

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

Related News:

Spain Votes on Euro Constitution

[02] Archbishop Sends a Message to All Decisiveness for Catharsis

By Vagelis Theodorou

Sources: ANA- NET RADIO 105.8- VIMA NEWSPAPER

On Sunday morning Archbishop Christodoulos repeated the commitment that he will go forth with catharsis in the Church, a day after the approval of the measures from the Hierarchy. "The Church will strictly counter the crimes, sins and aberrances that occur within it," stated the Archbishop during the ordination of the new Metropolitan Bishop of Patra Chrisostomos, in the Athens Cathedral. Mr Christodoulos called on the followers to stand by the Church in this period of adversity, and on the occasion of the ordination made reference to the hope of new blood entering in the prelatic body. In the meantime, government spokesperson and Minister of State Theodoros Rousopoulos approves of the application of the Hierarchy decisions for self-catharsis in the Church.

"Bishop Should be A Role Model"

Mr Christodoulos admitted that there are corrupt members in the Church, but do not compromise the majority. Speaking to the new Metropolitan Bishop he stated that he should be a role model for the people, "he owes to live in a bell jar and cannot keep secrets and a personal life."

Yesterday, the Hierarchy approved in overwhelming majority the Archbishops proposals for catharsis in the Church, among them the forming of a High Court body that will investigate the accusations against clergy.

The Metropolitan Bishop of Nafpaktos Ierotheos stated to NET Radio 105.8 "The decisions of the Holy Synod are in the correct framework. He also underlined that more measures could have been taken but "the Church has to move in its own pace, which is neither immobility which results to conservation nor great speed which results to secularism."

Politicians Support Measures

Mr Rousopoulos, in an interview given to Vima on Sunday newspaper supported the Churchs measures and stated that he does not consider a meeting between the Prime Minister and the Archbishop, at this time, as deliberate and substantial.

PASOK MP Akis Tsochatzopoulos stated the need for great changes to occur in the Church and the review of the relations between the state and the Church. From his side Evangelos Venizelos supported "a genuine return to the spirituality of the Church is needed" and that the Church should not only suffice in the organizational or administrative measures, in order to reacquire a state of trust within its circles.

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

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Hierarchy Decisions

[03] AEK, PAO Moving on Up

By Stathis Petropoulos

Ergotelis is one of the many protagonists of this years A Division, irrelevant if it stays in the division or not. Mironas Sifakis team with its many surprises added one more, since it won Olympiacos in the Pancretan Staduim by 2-1, taking three points away from it. The "reds" performance was poor and Dusan Bajevic did not have the luxury to rest his players even when the circumstances demand such a thing. Ergotelis surprised Olympiacos and in the 3 Addo opened the score. In the 21 Rivaldo scored the penalty shot, after Kebaridis made a foul on Georgatos. From then on, added time had to take place in order for the next good moment to come, but not from the visitors but by the usual suspect Ogunsoto that tricked Olympiacos defense and scored the final 2-1, amidst crazy celebrations from the Cretans and shameful episodes from Olympiacos fans in the stadium.

Katsouranis Delivers

Yesterday could have been a rough time for AEK but finally managed to dominate over Iraklis in OAKA stadium in front of its 25,000 fans, thanks to two great goals by Katsouranis. Iraklis had opened the score in the 47 with Fortuzi but AEKs captain struck at the 70 and in the 78, to give his team a win. Panathinaikos, with Malezani as a coach, deserved the win against Aigaleo and made 1-0 by a goal by Fanis Gekas in the 29, thus making the "greens" approach Olympiacos by two points.

Xanthi for UEFA

Xanthi is heading for the UEFA Cup. It crushed Apollona Kalamarias with 4-1 and Ionikos nearly reached a surprise in Kerkira but remained in 2-2, a result which was formed in the 90 by a penalty by Niniadis. In todays games PAOK, even if it completed the first half by 1-1 in Kalithea, was better in the second half and won by 3-1, with Nikos Karageorgious making his coaching debut. Panionios, in the beginning of the game seemed to be losing by 1-0 from OFI but Mantzios, in excellent form, changed the match around and received a win by 2-1 while Chalkidona returned to winning, by 2-1 against Aris.

The Results

Kerkira-Ionikos 2-2 69 Fofonka, +90 penalty NIniadis / 28 own goal Buganem, 59 Coimbra

Xanthi-Apollonas Kalamarias 4-1 15 own goal Kousas, 16 Clember, 55 Lambriakos, 73 Garpozis / 17 Mouzaoui

AEK-Iraklis 2-1 70, 78 Katsouranis / 47 Fortuzi

Ergotelis-Olympiacos 2-1 3 Addo, +90 Ogunsoto / 21 penalty Rivaldo

PAOK-Kalithea 3-1 9 Karadimos, 68 Egomitis, +90 Spasic / 43 Koutsospiros

Panionios-OFI 2-1 66 Vlechk, 79 Mantzios / 8 Kazantzis

Chalkidona-Aris 1-0 47 Sotirchos

Aigaleo-Panathinaikos 0-1 28 Gekas

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

[04] By the End of 2005 New Explorer On the Way

By Vagelis Theodorou

Sources: Reuters

Microsoft is preparing its own solution to hackers aimed at the Internet Explorer. As its President Bill Gates announced, until the end of 2005 a new edition of the companys browser for surfing the net will be released. IE7 will include more security applications, in order to counter attacks by hackers and ill-intentioned programs. The company aims at reinstating the audiences trust in Internet Explorer, since users have been turning to other browsers. The company did not announce more details for the applications included in IE7.

Shield Against Hackers

The release of IE7 is among Microsofts three-year attempt to safeguard its products, which happen to be the favorite target of ill-intentioned programs.

A trial edition of the new browser will be released at summer, while the final version will be officially released before the new Windows and Longhorn, which is expected next year.

As Mr Gates stated, IE7 will offer defense against viruses (malware), and the attempts of data robbery from its users (phising.) The President of Microsoft described malware and phising as the biggest challenges that have to be countered by the company.

Microsoft spends around 2 billion dollars in the department of security research. An indication of the importance that the company gives to the security of PCs is its decision to release Windows Anti-Spyware without an extra fee for owners of the authentic Windows, but the creation of a new anti-virus program by the end of the year.

Except for the defense against hackers, the company plans to promote Microsoft Spy-ware to gain lost trust in its users. According to research, more users are turning to other browsers, Firefox being the most popular.

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

Related Links:

Microsoft

Internet Explorer

[05] PM pledges immediate compensation Situation Improves in Evros

By Anna Kourti

After the meeting this morning with all bodies involved in coordinating the operation in Evros Prefecture, the authorities are optimistic. Attention is turning to the southern areas of the prefecture, as the water level is expected to rise over the next few hours. The state mechanism remains on full alert. In the meantime, Prime Minister Mr Kostas Karamanlis pledged immediate compensation to the afflicted areas during his visit on Saturday morning to the areas affected in Evros Prefecture.

"Successful Management"

"We saw that the water level is receding. The situation remains critical, the prefecture is in a state of alert and of course the next observations will point us to the next action to be taken," stressed the Minister for Macedonia and Thrace after the meeting. The General Secretary of Civil Protection Panagiotis Fourlas noted that "for the last five days we have been dealing with a crisis seriously and responsible, and the results are visible, most positive I would say so far. The crisis is there, but it is being successfully managed."

"We are still on alert and with the aid of the Army and the Fire Brigade, but also all the people who are struggling on the front line, we will get past the danger. The residents of the area must be ordinarily and not excessively worried. Newt week will be critical, but also a point to fully end the crisis, if there are no other extreme conditions," said the general secretary of Eastern Macedonia-Thrace Michalis Angelopoulos.

The Prefect of Evros Nikos Zambounids stressed: "the crisis has been dealt with at minimal cost, thanks to the great response from all services and bodies," adding that it is necessary to delineate the River Evros and that there should be an agreement with Turkey in order to have a complete plan against flooding.

In the Pithio area, the situation seems to have calmed down, while problems continue in the villages of Mandra, Soufli, Kornofolia, Likofi, Lagina and Tihero.

Translated by Millie Williams

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Next 24 Hours Critical

[06] Sharon's Plan Approved by Israeli Cabinet Israelis Withdraw from Gaza Strip

By Vagelis Theodorou

Sources: BBC- Reuters- Associated Press

On Sunday, the Israeli Cabinet gave the green light for the withdrawal of Jewish settlements from the occupied Palestinian territory. With 17 votes for and 5 against, Ariel Sharons plan, which concerns around 8,500 settlers in 21 out of 120 settlements in the Gaza Strip was approved. The withdrawal will begin on July and will be completed in four stages until September, while Israel will keep the control of Gaza Strip borders and coastline. "It is a difficult step but it is imperative for Israels future," stated Mr Sharon and made clear that the withdrawal will be in cooperation with the Palestinians. The Cabinet decided on the expansion of the separating barrier in the West Bank, which has caused friction between Israelis and Palestinians.

"A Chance to Peace"

Last Wednesday, the Israeli Cabinet approved a bill for the compensation and the move expenses of the settlers, many of which are threatening with mobilizations and are opposed to the withdrawal plan.

Head of Israels Foreign Affairs Silvan Shalom spoke of "A historic moment that can lead us to a better future," commenting on the Cabinets decision. "We have to give this chance for peace for the next generation. It is a small opportunity but it is worthwhile," he concluded.

What exactly does the Israelis withdrawal from the Gaza Strip mean? As analysts evaluate the Sharon Plan can contribute to a rebirth of a "road map" for a peace plan in the Middle East and reinstate hopes for peace, which were boosted by the recent meeting of the Israeli PM and the President of the Palestinian Authority in Egypt.

Sharons plan has consequences in the political developments of the country. The approval by the Cabinet gave the PM the capability to count his allies and opponents, in view of the budget bill vote. Mr Sharon is in control of 66 out of 120 MPs, while 17 out of his partys 40 representatives categorically reject the withdrawal plan. The analysts state that the Israeli PM does not have enough support, a fact which can lead to the dissolving of the government and early elections, if the budget bill is not voted by March 31.

Friction Over New Route

With 20 in favor the Cabinet approved the expansion of the separating barrier in the West Bank. For the time being Israel has built 1/3 of the wall, while based on the revised plans the wall will be 650 km long.

However the Palestinians express the fear that the withdrawal of the Israelis from the Gaza Strip will be in exchange for a part of the West Bank. The new route passes closely from Israeli borders and predicts that 6-8% of Palestinian territory will be controlled by Israel.

Sharons government supports that the barrier is aimed at stopping Palestinian extremists suicide attacks, but the Palestinians accuse Tel Aviv that it is trying to keep Palestinian territory and express the fear that Ariel Sharon is trying to keep full control of the West Bank.

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

Related News:

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[07] Results from Half of the Ballots Talat Wins in Occupied Cyprus

By Vagelis Theodorou

Sources: ANA

The outgoing PM Mehmet Ali Talat seems to be receiving a landslide victory in occupied Cyprus. Based on the results from half of the ballots, the Republican Turkish Party of Mr Talats received 50% of the votes, followed by the National Unity Party of Dervis Eroglu with 29% and the Democratic Party of Serdar Denktash with 12%. The smallest parties which will eventually ensure a place in the Parliament is the one of Mustafa Acinsi, with 5%. After he placed his vote in occupied Kirinia Mr Talat send a message to the Cypriot President that he is always ready to negotiate the Cypriot issue. He criticized Rauf Denktash, stating that his views are opposed to the will of the Turkish-Cypriots and ended that people of the occupied country wish for peace.

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

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[08] Win for Chalkidona

By Vasilis Kalpinos

Chalkidona acquired its first win in 2005 against Aris by 1-0. The game was not a very good one, since the opportunities were few and the two teams played mostly in centerfield. The goal that made the difference was scored by Sotirchos in the 47.

The Goal will Remain

The first half was quickly forgotten by the fans and players which were in the stadium of Neapolis. The only good opportunity in the first half was in the 40 when Moyo entered the goal area but was stopped by Kallimanis, for the ball to reach Zacharopoulos that caught a week shot which was blocked by Liberopoulos.

During the second half in the 47 Chalkidona opened the score. Sotirchos caught a strong kick outside of the goal area which Abaris could not block and the ball ended in the nets. From then on Aris tried to heighten its performance but Chatzaras week team defense was apparent. In the 62 when Sanchurcho was found in an advantage position and created an opportunity he stalled. The score did not change and Chalkidona acquired a great win.

Referee: Douros (Corinth) Yellow cards: Geladaris, Korakakis, Gogolos, Sanchurcho, Naindos, Passalis

Chalkidona: Ebede, Geladaris, Dagas (82 Al Jacher), Simos, Dimos, Katemis, Sotirchos, Korakakis (89 Korbos), Koutsis, Zacharopoulos (68 Chalaris), Moyo.

Aris: Liberopoulos, Papadopoulos, Gogolos, Kallimanis, Naindos, Murafski, Sanchurcho, Markomichalis (46 Passalis), Debegleras (64 Inogue), Lazanas, Kouemacha.

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

[09] Reversal by Panionios

By Stathis Petropoulos

Mantzios entrance for Panionios proved to be a golden substitution. The team of Nea Smirni was losing by 1-0 from OFI but in the second half managed to reverse the situation and acquire the win by 2-1, thanks to the young offender in the 79. OFI managed to surprise the home team. In the 9 and from a misunderstanding of the Panionios players, Kazantzis took hold of the ball and scored 0-1. Vazakas reacted quickly and in the 27 substituted Tziolis with Mantzios. Panionios took hold of the game but its players were flighty in the final attempt and could not make it past Sifakis goalpost. Thus the score did not change until the end of the first half.

Deliverance by Mantzios

The second half kept the same pace. In the 62 and the 64 Sifakis with new interventions blocked attempts by Salichi and Breschka but did not do the same in the 66 when Vlechk stole the ball from Breschka and send it to the nets, tying by 1-1. Finally in the 79 the second goal was scored for Panionios. From Breschkas corner kick Mantzios with a header scored, giving the win to his team. In the 84 Salichi lost an opportunity to score 3-1 and in the 89 Deyanov did not manage to tie. The final score was 2-1.

Referee: Kaminaris (Thessalonica) Yellow cards: Vlechk, Breschka, Makos, Davidson, Chatsadrian, Arvanitis, Kazantzis, Adamos

Panionios: Drobny, Tsiolis, Vlechk, Makos, Zimonic (58 Maniatis), Tziolis (27 Mantzios), Galanopoulos, Kiassos (78 Patsiavouras), Goundoulakis, Breschka, Salichi.

OFI: Sifakis, Arvanitis, Adamos, Kolitsidakis, Davidson, Belevonis, Pitsos, Chatsadrian, Koutsoures (77 Thomas), Kazantzis (67 Deyanov), Nuafor.

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

[10] Victoria gives birth to baby boy New Baby Beckham

By Vagelis Theodorou

Threefold joy for the Beckham family. The wife of the star of the football pitches, Victoria gave birth to a health baby boy. The new member of the family was born in Ruber Internacional clinic in Madrid, where the family has settled following David Beckhams transfer to Real. "David and Victoris Beckham are delighted to announce the birth of their third son," says their announcement. The little boy, who weighs 3.2 kilos, was born by Caesarian section. "Mother and baby are both fine," continues the statement, saying that the operation lasted 30 minutes. The Beckhams have another two children, 5-year-old Brooklyn and 2-year-old Romeo. And the name of the new baby? Cruz.

We send them our heartfelt congratulations!

Translated by Millie Williams

[11] Karageorgiou's Winning Debut

By Stathis Petropoulos

PAOKs good performance in the second half of the game with Kalithea, gave the team its win by 3-1, besides the fact that the first half ended by 1-1. This was Nikos Karageorgious fist game as coach of PAOK, undoubtedly combined with a good result and is a hopeful start in their cooperation. In the 10 Karadimos opened the score for PAOK, but from then on the good opportunities created did not have a positive outcome, the main example being in the 24 when Salpigidis shot was out. On the contrary a little after the end of the first half Kalithea took advantage of the opportunity presented and with Koutsospiros tied in the 43.

Decided for a Win

PAOK dominated the second half of the game. The pressure was consistent in the first minutes of the second half, and 2-1 seemed to be a matter of time, since Kalithea tried to keep its defense. Finally Egomitis in the 67 avoided three players and scored. Lemonis reaction was Telkinski and Alexandris in a double substitution but nothing seemed to be working for Kalithea. The final 3-1 was made by Spacic.

Referee: Koukoulakis (Herakleion) Yellow cards: Megahead, Egomitis, Koulakiotis, Aggelopoulos

PAOK: Touchouroglou, Chasiotis, Oudeze, Megahead (81 Zisopoulos), Maladenis, Karadimos (66 Koutsopoulos), Egomitis, Zografakis, Salpigidis, Spacic, Meitchel (61 Giasemakis).

Kalithea: Bartzokas, Koulakiotis, Vokolos, Aggelopoulos (73 Telkinski), Koutsospiros (82 Petkovic), Dragisevic, Tzorbatzakis, Tsigas, Kiriakos, Wanga (73 Alexandris), Georgiev.

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

[12] Ergotelis Near Perfect

By Vasilis Kalpinos

A goal in the beginning of the game and another before the end, gave a historic win to Ergotelis against Olympiacos. The Cretan team, even when a quick tie occured, in the long run kept up defensively (it played for 65 with 10 players), showed its spirit and managed to get the three points to help it stay in A Division. From the other side, Olympiacos showed for another time that it is not in its best performance period. The goals for the winning team were scored by Ado (3) and Ogunsoto (93), while for Olympiacos Rivaldo put a goal with a penalty (21).

Surprise Did Not Last

The game started with a total surprise from Ergotelis scoring in the 3. Ado received the ball, passed by Georgatos and being face to face with Nikopolidis, shot and scored 1-0.

Bajevics team started to take control of the game, besides the surprise it received. In the 19 it lost a good opportunity with Anatolakis, whose header was out but a minute later tied with a penalty. Georgatos passed his opponents nicely and Parvu seemed to obstruct his run. The violation was observed and Rivaldo who took up the penalty scored 1-1.

The "reds" continued to be outmatched since the home team played a tight and defensive game. In the 26 Olympiacos missed a great opportunity with Okkas, who was alone in the goal area but his header was out.

The score did not change until the end of the first half, since there were no good opportunities following.

Cretans Return

The visitors in the beginning of the second half tried to score, but Anatolakis kick found the goalpost.

Bajevics team was in control of the game and lost two good opportunities by Okkas and Georgatos. In the 64 the situation became more difficult for the Cretan team when Soutzis received a red card, a second yellow, on a foul against Okkas.

The "reds," even though playing a forceful game did not create any good opportunities.

In the end Ergotelis made his fans cheer. In the 93 Ogunsoto passed by Taralidis and shot tricking Nikopolidis and scoring 2-1, which was the final score.

Referee: Kebaridis (Thessalonica)

Red cards: Soutzis (2nd yellow card)

Yellow cards: Chaniotiakis, Parvou, Lambrakis, Voskaridis, Castillo, Pandos

Ergotelis: Chaniotiakis, Argirakis, Oikonomakis, Filekovic, Soutzis, Slichting, Chila, Parvou (82 Spiridakis), Lambrakis (62 Voskaridis), Ado, Ogunsoto (93 Falemi).

Olympiacos: Nikopolidis, Pandos, Georgatos, Schurrer, Anatolakis, Kostoulas, Castillo (71 DAcol), Kaffes, Okkas, Rivaldo (61 Djordjevic), Maric (86 Taralidis).

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

[13] Bank Employees on Strike Tomorrow

By Anna Kourti

The Hellenic Federation of Bank Employee Unions (OTOE) declared a nationwide 24-hour strike, demanding a solution to the social security issue in their department. The Unions have declared strikes on February 28 and March 17.

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

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