The Hellenic Radio (ERA): News in English, 05-02-28

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

CONTENTS

[01] Christodoulos Meets with Metropolitan Bishops Consensus Climate in the Archbishopric

By Despina Hristopoulou

Sources: NET- NET RADIO 105.8- Ta Nea Newspaper

Archbishop Christodoulos held a series of meetings with Metropolitan Bishops over the crisis in the Church, in view of tomorrows Holy Synod meeting. Mr Christodoulos asked of them for decisiveness and consensus for the resolution of the crisis. The meeting was made in a climate of consensus. During their exit, the Metropolitan Bishops spoke of an exchange of views and thoughts upon the issue of the handling of the crisis in the Church. In the meantime, in tomorrows Holy Synod meeting, the official resignation of Thessaliotidos Metropolitan Bishop Theoklitos is expected, while the Chios Metropolitan Bishop Dionisios and Attica Panteleimonas are expected to give explanations over their large bank accounts. Massive mobilizations for the rejection of the resignation of Mr Theoklitos are planned by the followers and clergymen in Athens and Karditsa, while the resigned Metropolitan Bishop will testify to Supreme Court investigator Christos Baltas. The Thessaliotidos Metropolitan Bishop this noon met with the Archbishop.

"Every Strong Body Produces High Fever"

Mr Christodoulos, who yesterday from the pulpit repeated that he will not resign, met with the Metropolitan Bishops of Piraeus Kallinikos, Kalavrita Ambrosios, Dimitriados Ignatios, Thessalonica Anthimos, Sparta Efstathios, Nafpaktos Ierotheos, Xanthi Panteleimon, Mantineia Alexandros, Kaisariani Daniel, and Siros Dorotheos. Also, in the meeting at the Archbishopric, law consultant Anastasios Marinos, Professor of Church Law Spiros Troianos and the Dean of the Theological School Panagiotis Christinakis also attended. In the meeting Thiva Metropolitan Bishop Ieronimos, although invited did not attend. "We have to move quickly and immediately in order to materialize the measures decided by the Hierarchy for internal catharsis. The society expects from us to make the decisions with boldness and a sense of just," stated Mr Christodoulos, while he is expected to submit the relative proposals tomorrow. From their side, the Metropolitan Bishops stated that need of speeding up the procedures for internal catharsis.

"Whatever has been said about the Chrisopigi Monastery are cursedness made by ill-intentioned people," stated Piraeus Metropolitan Bishop Kallinikos upon his exit, adding that Chrisopigi is a temple of prayer and is not involved in the Church crisis. On the question of if he has disagreements with other Metropolitan Bishops he answered, "I do not fight anyone, I offer structure and help."

From his side, Nafpaktos Metropolitan Bishop Ierotheos stated that the crisis issue was discussed and concluded, "Every strong body produces high fever." The Kalavrita Metropolitan Bishop Amvrosios stated that only the issue of Patras Metropolitan Bishop Chrisostomos enthronement, which will take place on March 26, was discussed and said, "thankfully I work in the forefront and not off-stage and I think out loud. We are bitter over what has happened and I have said that we should pray and of course I have said that Giosakis should have not been next to the Archbishop."

In the meantime Ilias Metropolitan Bishop Germanos who voted against the Archbishop, stated that the cause of the crisis is the Archbishop himself. In relation to the interview given by Mr Christodoulos on Friday, he stated that it was a poor apology in theology and weak in arguments, while he confirmed that the causes are the Archbishop and his environment and his weakness to give a quick and substantial solution to the crisis. The Archbishop met with Thiva and Levadeia Metropolitan Bishop Ieronimos who upon his exit from the Archbishopric stated "what we had to say to the Archbishop we have done so," while on the question of if he considers himself as Christodouolos opponent he said "history will show that."

"Looking for Anything to Use Against Me"

In the meantime, according to information of NET Radio 105.8, mobilizations by followers and clergymen in Athens and Karditsa, are planned in order for Mr Theoklitos resignation to not be accepted. Followers and clergymen from Karditsa and Farsala are preparing a mass protest in Athens while in the Karditsa Episcopal priests and followers have gathered in order to show their support to the resigned Metropolitan Bishop. The under-resignation Metropolitan Bishop said goodbye to his congregation in an emotional state and departed for Athens, while in an announcement he stated that his decision is final and irreversible and called on the followers to not perform mobilizations for his stay in Karditsa. At four at noon he entered the Archbishopric in order to meet with Christodoulos. Half an hour later he exited but refused to make any comments. According to sources he submitted his resignation, which will be read at the Synod Hierarchy.

The meeting took place in an intense climate and Mr Theoklitos did not hide his bitterness for the war by the Hierarchs but assured Mr Christodoulos that he will be by his side, whenever he will be needed. In the meantime, Thessaliotidos Metropolitan Bishop Theoklitos in an interview published by Ta Nea newspaper strongly accused Chrisopigi Monastery. He speaks of a 20-year war against him from the Hierarchs of the brotherhood and states that in their attempt to find incriminating evidence against him they even involved the National Intelligence Services.

"They never forgave that I left from the Monastery (of the brotherhood) in which I only survived for four months. They did not forgive that I found myself near the Archbishop, in his close environment. They were annoyed by my left-wing past. For twenty years they have been fighting me. They searched for anything that could be used against me," the Metropolitan Bishop stated, while at the same time says he was unaware of Ioakovos Giosakis extra-judicial activities. It is noted that Mr Theoklitos has been called to testify tomorrow at Supreme Court investigator Christos Baltas in the context of the disciplinary investigation of the corrupt judges circle, with Archimandrite Giosakis in the epicenter. Mr Theoklitos has been accused of taking a dispute between Thessaliotidos Metropolitan Bishop, to the Piraeus court in order to gain from Giosakis acquaintances.

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

Related News:

Will not Give Up the Fight

[02] Two Weeks After Harriri's Murder Lebanon's Government Resigned

By Annita Paschalinou

Two weeks after the murder of former PM Rafik Harriri, the political developments in Lebanon have been many. Succumbing to pressure by the opposition which accused Syria and its government for the murder of former PM the pro-Syrian PM, Omar Karami announced his governments resignation. A move that surprised his followers and, as he said, will help the investigation taking place over Rafik Harriris murder.

Syria Does Not Take Place

Karamis resignation was accepted by President of Lebanon, Emil Lahoud. In an initial reaction Damascus refused to take place in the developments in Lebanon stating that this is an internal affair.

It is noteworthy to say that the government of pro-Syrian PM Karami and Syria itself were accused of Rafik Hariris murder on February 14. Both sides denounced any involvement in the terrorist attack. Karami, who became PM after Hariris resignation, had answered to the allegations stating that there are false and constitute a great and serious injustice to him and his government.

Enthusiasm

Karamis resignation was accepted with enthusiasm from the opposition, which spoke of a victory of the people.

The leader of the opposition Walid Jumblatt called for self-containment, asking for nationalist slogans against Syria to not be stated and underlined the need of dialogue with Damascus.

Earlier in a meeting between the Lebanese Foreign Minister Mahmould Hammoud and US Deputy Assistant Secretary of State David Satterfield, they called on Syrian troops to withdraw from Lebanon and asked for the process of free and just elections in the country in spring.

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

Related News:

Next Day Uncertain in Lebanon

Former Lebanese PM Killed

[03] Unfavourable Transfer of 12 Piraeus Judges New Cycle of Revelations

By Viki Keleri

Developments in the area of Justice have taken the form of an avalanche. The case of a justice from regional Greece, who is conducting a life of luxury but cannot justify it with his salary, has been placed under the Supreme Courts microscope. At the same time, the Supreme Court is also trying to shed light on a justice from Athens, who is spending at the casino sums larger than his salary. What is more, preliminary hearing procedures are accelerated for bringing criminal proceedings against the President of First Instance Judges, Evangelos Kalousis, who is accused of women trafficking and bribery. An anonymous charge is pending against him for having an account of over 2 billion drachmas in a Swiss bank. Other cases are also under investigation concerning Greek justices, probably lawyers too, with millions of euros in bank accounts in Switzerland. In fact, Greek Justice is expected to ask for the contribution of Swiss authorities so as to open the accounts in question and be able to thoroughly look into these accusations.

Theoklitos Testifies Tomorrow

In the meantime, the president of the Supreme Court Dimitris Linos had ordered the unfavourable transfer of 12 Piraeus justices.

Resigned Metropolitan Bishop Theoklitos of Thessaliotida will testify before Supreme Court Judge Mr Baltas tomorrow as part of the disciplinary investigation regarding the network of corrupt justices which focuses on Archimandrite Giosakis.

In particular, Mr Theoklitos is called to testify for having declared a Piraeus address in one of his judicial cases although not residing there.

Translated by Sofia Soulioti

[04] Took Force on 27 February Global Tobacco Treaty

By Mary Lou Tzempelikou

The Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC), which took force on 27 February, provides for strict bans and limitations against smoking. The anti-smoking pact has been signed by 168 countries, and ratified by 57 of them. Great Britain, Canada, Australia and China are some of the countries to have ratified the treaty and will now have to tighten their anti-tobacco laws. Among the regulations provided for by the treaty are the ban of tobacco advertising, sponsorship and promotion, as well as the introduction of measures to protect people from second-hand tobacco smoke in public places within five years. The World Health Organization has designed the FCTC to force countries to implement stricter tobacco legislation.

Five Million Deaths Annually

Smoking could be very well described as a plague, as over five million people lose their lives annually to smoking-related diseases. In fact, scientists have estimated that by 2020 this number will have increased if immediate action is not taken.

"The world community was faced and appalled by the mushrooming number of needless deaths due to tobacco-related diseases," stressed Dr Douglas Bettcher, the co-ordinator of the FCTC Unit, explaining why the world needed binding international law on tobacco.

From here onwards, the 57 countries that have ratified the FCTC will only be able to sell cigarettes with health warnings on packets.

At the same time, within a period of five years, these countries will have to ban tobacco advertising, promotion and sponsorship, as well as banning smoking in public places.

Translated by Sofia Soulioti

Related Links:

World Health Organisation

More Info About the Framework Convention on Tobacco Control

[05] About International and Internal Terrorism Dissatisfaction Over State Department Reports

By Annita Paschalinou

The Greek Foreign Minister in his meeting with the American Ambassador in Athens discussed the context of the brief that was posted for Greece through the State Departments website. Mr Moliviatis expressed the dissatisfaction of the Greek government to Charles Reese over the State Departments references concerning international and internal terrorism, reminding of the Olympic vested right, the absolute safeness and organization of the Olympic Games of Athens. The issue was also commented on by the alternate government spokesperson. "Greece has achieved many great successes for the counter of terrorism and is a positively safe country," stated Evangelos Andonaros, underlining that the fight against terrorism is continuous.

The Brief on Greece

In the website of the State Department, a high concern is expressed over the increased danger of terrorist attacks against American citizens and interests overseas.

As it was mentioned Greece, as many other countries which belong to the Schengen Treaty, due to the open borders with western European neighboring countries constitutes the easy transfer of terrorist groups. As far as internal terrorism is concerned Richard Baucher stated that the breaking up of 17 November and the arrest of its members does not mean that all the terrorists are in custody.

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

[06] Prime Minister's Discussions Economy and Development in Epicentre

By Viki Keleri

Today the Prime Minister held consecutive meetings with the Ministers of Development, Economy and Mercantile Marine. Issues that will concern the meeting of the Ministers of Energy of the member states of the Black Sea Economic Cooperation (BSEC) and the Competitiveness and Development Council, which will convene on Tuesday, were in the epicentre of the meeting with Mr Sioufas. The issue of price rises was also on the agenda, while Mr Sioufas and Mr Alogoskoufis assured Mr Karamanlis that it is monitored by the government. The upcoming tour of the PM on Friday and Saturday in Ipiros was also discussed. With Manolis Kefalogiannis, Mr Karamanlis spoke about the development of marine in view of the Government Committee meeting tomorrow.

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

[07] Intensive Investigations for Vavilis Political Disputes Over Vavilis and Church

By Despina Hristopoulou

Sources: NET- NET RADIO 105.8

The authorities are intensifying their investigation concentrating on monasteries mainly in northern Greece for the location of Apostolos Vavilis. According to exclusive information of NET, the Italian authorities could not work out that monk Rafail, who visited the Calabria monasteries until November 2004 was Vavilis, who they were searching for since 1988 for the trafficking of 1.8 kilos of heroin. In the meantime, the brief for the phantom fugitive has been given to the Prosecutor, while this week it is expected that supplementary charges for figures involved in the case are expected to be made. The political dispute over Apostolos Vavilis action is continuing. Secretary of the ND Central Committee, Vangelis Meimarakis pointed the finger at PASOK President Giorgos Papandreou when the latter was Minister of Foreign Affairs. "Do not throw dirt anywhere but in your backyard," answered PASOK spokesperson Nikos Athanasakis while PASOK MP Evangelos Venizelos accused the government, since as he said it is trying to shift the responsibilities of the Vavilis case and the Church to past governments.

Christodoulos Will Swear-In Papoulias

As the alternate government spokesperson Evangelos Andonaros stated, as it emerges from the files of the Foreign Ministry for 2000-2004, a diplomatic or an official passport was not issued for Vavilis. As Mr Andonaros stated the actions for his arrest are continuing. The intervention, through articles, of the PM, who is mentioned to have sent to the Supreme Court leadership a catalog with names of judges, was described as suspicious. In relation to the issues national dimension with the Jerusalem Patriarchate, Mr Andonaros underlined that there is no reason for alarm while he differentiated the crisis, such as the recent one of the Ecumenical Patriarch with the Church of Greece, ruling out for the time being the relative government initiative. He also denied allegations that Karolos Papoulias had asked from the government to not be sworn in by the Archbishop, and repeated that the past rules will be enforced.

The Church has the capability and the mechanisms to go forth in the clearing up of the case and overcome the crisis, stated to NET Radio 105.8 ND MP Lefteris Zagoritis who evaluated that during tomorrows Hierachy meeting developments will emerge.

"Not Everyone Can Be Above Judgment"

In the meantime PASOK MP, Evangelos Venizelos asked from the government to take initiatives in order for the crisis in the institutions to be countered, while he accused ND of shifting responsibilities.

Making reference to the Archbishop, he stated that he should consciously judge but no one can judge him. From his side, Nikos Konstantopoulos stated the need for the "phenomenon of pervasive crisis" to be countered with political initiatives, adding, "Not everyone can be above of the phenomenon, such as Mr Christodoulos, the government and the opposition." He also accused the Archbishop, saying that his image is reminiscent of a judicial speech and should be giving amends and explanations, stated "that the crisis is not countered by hypocritical sermons from the pulpit."

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

Related News:

Consensus Climate in the Archbishopric

PASOK-ND Clash Over Vavilis' Action

[08] As of Today Throughout Greece New Wave of Bad Weather

By Vivian Papastefanou

As of today the weather takes a new turn for the worse throughout Greece, with storms, snow and a significant drop of temperature. Mountainous Macedonia and Epirus are already experiencing serious problems, while a snowstorm has affected Ioannina. As a result many vehicles have been snowbound, while lorries have overturned. According to the HNMS, the wave of bad weather will extend to lowland areas as well. Limnos is also experiencing problems because of the weather, while the state mechanism and regional agencies in Evros are once again on alert, since the water level of rivers Evros and Ardas has risen due to the volumes of water coming from Bulgaria and the torrential rainfalls in the area.

Evros in a State of Alert Again

The Steering Prefecture Body assembled this morning presided by general secretary Michalis Angelopoulos to discuss the action plan for dealing with the new crisis, as a huge volume of water is expected tomorrow morning. Already, the railway line in Mandra, Didimoteicho, has flooded and circulation at the particular part of the network has been interrupted. The Civil Protection Authority of Evros is making continuous appeals to the inhabitants of riverside areas not to approach the dangerous, flooded parts of the prefecture.

Translated by Sofia Soulioti

[09] Wide-Ranging Anti-Terrorist Campaign London En Guarde

By Anna Kourti

As of today, authorities of the British capital are launching a wide-ranging anti-terrorist campaign. The new campaign urges Londoners to be in a state of alert and report to the authorities any suspicions on terrorist cases, from suspicious looking bags to people acting strangely near houses or garages. Despite warnings, the British police are stressing that at the present there are no indications on any potential attack. Last week, the chief of the London Police department Sir Ian Blair had warned that the upcoming elections and the scheduled marriage of Prince Charles in April constitute "pure and significant targets" for terrorists.

Translated by Sofia Soulioti

[10] Second Highest Among the 25 Inflation Increased in January

By Vivian Papastefanou

Inflation rate in Greece increased to 4.2% in January instead of 3.1% in December 2004. It is the second highest among the 25 after Latvia (6.7%) according to Eurostat figures which were publicized today in Brussels. In the Eurozone inflation dropped for 2.4% in December 2004 to 1.9% in January, while a year ago it was standing at 1.9%. In January Finland recorded the lowest inflation percentage at 0.2%, Sweden at 0.5%, Denmark at 0.8% and the Netherlands at 1.3%, while the highest inflation percentage was recorded in Latvia at 6.7%, Greece and Estonia at 4.2%. In relation to December, inflation has increased in three member-states (Greece, Belgium and the Netherlands),decreased in 19 and remained at the same levels in Great Britain, Lithuania and Malta.

Translated by Sofia Soulioti

[11] Targeted at Manipulation Target: Purification of the Money Market

By Viki Keleri

The Minister of Economy and Economics Giorgos Alogoskoufis presented the bill for the purification and the protection of the Money Market. It includes a series of innovations, the most important of which will be that stock exchange companies will inform the Money Market Committee, when they are suspicious over their clients trading if it constitutes excess utilization of preemptive or market manipulation information. The penalty for whoever attempts to manipulate the Money Market with false information for shares will reach 2 million euros while the proceedings over the trial of the cases will be speeded-up. For the violators, fraudulence, intent and malice, will be considered capital offences, also if the transactions exceed 1 million euros and the assets of the violator exceed 300,000 euros.

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

[12] Ilias Iliadis First in Standings

By Dimitris Alexopoulos

The Greek Olympian Ilias Iliadis remained in the first place of the World Standings in the 81 kilos category with 250 points, followed by Ukrainian Roman Gontyuk and Russian Dmitri Nossov, besides the fact that he has only participated in one international event. The judo player of Fillipos Amindaiou, winner of the first place in the event in Paris, in the beginning of February, holds the 11th place in the 90 kilos category with 90 points, and is fourth in the European standings. First in the World Standings in 90 kilos category is the Georgian Zurab Zviadauri with 310 points, followed by Japanese Hiroshi Izumi and Korean Sun Ho Choi.

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

[13] Everything Set for Final Four

By Dimitris Alexopoulos

The events organizers Olympiacos and the Greek Volleyball Federation (EOPE) presented on Monday, in a Press conference, the poster and tickets of the Final Four Top Teams Cup which will take place on March 11 and 12 in the Peace and Friendship Stadium. The tickets will cost 15 euros for every day, 25 euros for two days, while the childrens tickets will cost 5 euros. The entrance will be general and fans can chose their seats while some tickets will be issued that will cost 20 euros for everyday, in numbered seats. In total 10,000 tickets will be issued. They will be available from coming Friday from Olympiacos offices while from next week they will be sold from Giorgos Karaiskakis stadium. The official presentation of the Final Four will be made in a Press conference on Tuesday March 8 in the Karaiskakis stadium restaurant. In the event, Czech Dukla Liberec which will compete against Olympiacos in the first day, Dutch Ortec Nesselande and Omniworld Almere which asked for 60 tickets each, will participate.

Theodorakakis: "Aim is the Cup"

In the Press conference that took place in the offices of Alexandras Square the President of Olympiacos Volleyball, Leonidas Theodorakakis, EOPE President, Thanasis Beligratis and the General Secretary of the Federation and member of Olympiacos, Stelios Kouvaris attended. President of OSFP Leonidas Theorokakis spoke first and stated the good cooperation between the co-organizers of the Final Four and thanked EOPE President Mr Beligratis and ERT that will broadcast the games.

"After 9 years the Final Four event will take place again in Piraeus," stated Mr Theodorakakis and added "Then our club was 71-years-old and now, on March 10 it will be 80 and in view of the Final Four we will celebrate Olympiacos birthday and quite possibly win another European Cup." From his side President of EOPE, Thanasis Beligratis stated, "I am calling on the volleyball fans and fans in general and would like to say for once more that March 2005 is an important for Greek volleyball. EOPE, in cooperation with Olympiacos and Iraklis managed to acquire the two top European Cup events at the same time, which has never happened before. I would like to thank Mr Theodorakakis and the Iraklis administration for this success. We begin the Final Four event, reminiscing the first European Cup won by Olympiacos in 1996, believing that it can repeated. In order to attain that goal we need the support of all fans and especially Olympiacos fans that need to reinforce the teams attempt. Olympiacos and the Federation are all united for the success of the even and hope to enjoy Olympiacos success and the success ten days later in Thessalonica." Mr Stelios Kouvaris from his side stated that March 2005 is a historic month for Greek volleyball and continues what the National team achieved in the Olympic Games. "We have to support the two teams participating in the European Cups and firstly Olympiacos," stated Mr Kouvaris and added "Every teams success is a great success of Greek volleyball. The fans have to support the team. The organization from Olympiacos and the Federation has been very good, but in order to succeed the fans support is needed."

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

[14] Had Attacked Two Other Women Rapist Committed More Attacks

By Annita Paschalinou

Sources: NET

New evidence for the 28-year-old Albanian construction worker, who is reportedly the rapist of a mother and her daughter, a few months ago in Galatsi, emerged from the Police investigation. As it was made known the 28-year-old is reportedly involved in two other attacks against women. On November 7, 2004 he attempted to rape a 22-year-old Greek woman in Patissia while a few hours later he raped a 35-year-old woman and her 12-year-old daughter. Also, on November 11 in Acharnes he attempted to rape a woman aged 35. The rapist, in all the cases, used a screwdriver, while he has been recognized by all of his victims. A little after his arrest, last Friday, he confessed that he committed the double rape in Galatsi. The 28-year-old was taken to the Prosecutor with three case briefs.

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

Related News:

Rapist Arrested

[15] One Dead and One Injured Road Accident in Vironas

By Despina Hristopoulou

Sources: NET RADIO 105.8- NET

The crazy course of a tourist bus, which spread panic today in Vironas resulted to one dead and one injured. The out of control bus crashed into two parked cars, four motorcycles and a taxicab, which was driving along Formionos Street. In the tourist bus, except for the driver, seven OAED employees were aboard. The driver of the bus, 50-year-old Konstantinos Kouzoukakis was found dead while a woman aboard a taxicab was injured. The bus passengers were unharmed. The Traffic Police is investigating the event that the bus driver became indisposed at the time he was driving. The driver was a father of one and worked for five years in tourist busses. The exact causes of the 59-year-olds death remain unclear and will emerge from the postmortem. The Traffic Police is carrying out an investigation in order for the causes of the accident to be determined.

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

[16] Problems in Electric Railways Restored

By Despina Hristopoulou

Sources: NET RADIO 105.8

From three this noon and for six hours the routes of the Electric Railway from the station of Irini to Kifisia were stopped due to the problems caused by the rainfall. Crews that have been performing buttress works rushed at the scene in order for the routes to be given to circulation later today. The routes from the station of Piraeus towards Irini did not present any problem.

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

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