The Hellenic Radio (ERA): News in English, 05-03-02

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

CONTENTS

[01] "Leave now!" demands the Lebanese Opposition Syria Condemned over Lebanon

By Annita Paschalinou

Pressure from the international community towards Syria is mounting, calling for a withdrawal of Syrian troops from Lebanon. Yesterdays statements by the Syrian President Bashar al Asasd, who confirmed that Syria will soon remove its troops from Lebanon, triggered reserved optimism, with the French Foreign Minister Michel Barnier stating "we will wait and see this intention become an act." At the same time in Lebanon, Opposition parties are coordinating their moves for the next day after the resignation of Karami, in an effort to break through the political crisis. They are moving in the direction of forming a neutral government until the parliamentary elections in May, while there are also those who call for the resignation of President Emile Lahoud, who is accused of having too close relations with Syria.

Calling for Lahoud to Resign

This position is also supported by the leader of the largest Opposition party, Walid Jumblatt, who shortly before the meeting of all Opposition parties stated that he would prefer to see Lahoud leave the presidency in order to put a definitive end to the bad regime. In a statement released after the meeting, Opposition parties called for Syrian President Bashar al-Assad to release an official announcement on the matter of withdrawing troops from Lebanon and called for the 15,000 soldiers to be removed "here and now."

In any case, there were demonstrations in Beirut again today, with people on the streets calling for Syria to stop involving itself in internal Lebanese matters.

Nevertheless, correspondents in the region note that the number of protestors was noticeably reduced in comparison with the previous few days.

"Deeds, not Words"

Earlier, a clear message to Damascus was sent once again by George Bush.

"Withdraw your troops and secret services from Lebanon so that democracy can develop," stated the American President.

Gerhard Schroeder spoke along much the same lines, stressing: "the quicker the withdrawal takes place, the better."

French Foreign Minister Michel Barnier was reserved as to the intention expressed yesterday by the Syrian President to withdraw troops from Lebanon.

"We will watch and see if this intention is transformed into deed," he stressed.

Translated by Millie Williams

[02] Vasilis Goulas has Resigned Disputes Over LAFKA

By Despina Hristopoulou

Sources: NET- NET RADIO 105.8- ANA

The representatives of the pensioners,during a meeting with Minister of Economy, Giorgos Alogoskoufis received his reassurance that the LAFKA installments will be dispensed as long as one pensioner is justified. He also stated that this years rises in pensions are the highest that could be given, based on the economy. The pensioners accused the Ministry that it is trying to win time so a large part of the installments to be cancelled due to lack of time. In the meantime, thousands of pensioners are expressing their dissatisfaction from the manipulation in the dispensation of LAFKA installments after the withdrawal of a legal redress submitted by Vasilis Goulas, before a positive proposal was announced by the Investigation Board. The pensioner was Head of office of the Deputy Minister of Economy Petros Doukas but this morning he submitted his resignation after the commotion and reactions caused by his handlings.

Political Dispute

The political dispute over LAFKA installments is continuing.

From his side, Minister of Justice Anastasis Papaligouras answering to the accusations of Evangelos Venizelos noted that the withdrawal of a redress will not have a negative outcome, while he repeated that the government is committed to the dispensation of LAFKA installments when a verdict will be taken by the Board.

Deputy Minister of Economy Petros Doukas comments were at the same wavelength. Speaking to NET he stated that the process of installments dispensation will not freeze, since many other pensioners have made complaints.

PASOK spokesperson Nikos Athanasakis spoke of thievery tactics while earlier Evangelos Venizelos had asked of the Justice Minister to introduce an amendment with which the Investigation Board can issue a verdict for the pensioners.

President of SYN Alekos Alavanos accused the government for not keeping its word for the dispensation of LAFKA installments to the pensioners and added that its stance is reminiscent of a "sly Metropolitan Bishop who preaches but acts otherwise." The President of SYN said that the party will fight for the justification of their demand. KKE speaks of a ridicule of the pensioners and an anti-populist government policy, stating that it supports the pensioners fight, demands the immediate dispensation of installments and the substantial rise in pensions.

Intense Dissatisfaction

From their side, the pensioners speak of obstruction in the case. "Now there is no pending case in an appeals process, which means that in order to reach a new hearing of that degree another two years are needed," stated Employment Law Professor Alexis Mitropoulos.

The pensioners are showing their dissatisfaction in the turn that the case has taken. Their planned meeting with Giorgos Alogoskoufis turned into a protest march with a few incidents. In order to enter the Ministry they had to break the Police circle and in their initial attempts threw yogurt at the buildings entrance.

The Pensioners Secretariat of GSEE condemns the governments tactics to the workers and pensioners of the country and calls on the PM to materialize his pre-election commitment. It also calls for them participate massively in the rallying and the mobilizations which GSEE and ADEDI are organizing on March 17.

Goulas' Explanations

In the meantime, Vasilis Goulas in an announcement stated the reasons that he withdrew from the claim of the return of the installments. He states that his decision to claim the installments was personal and so is his withdrawal from the process. He also makes clear that he was not forced to make the first or the second decision but he resigned for personal reasons as he considered it would be incorrect to be involved in a court case with the Ministry while at the same time being employed in it.

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

[03] One-Engine Plane, No Stopover and Refueling Around the World in 80 Hours

By Vagelis Theodorou

Sources: BBC- Reuters

A 60-year-old American millionaire is attempting to impersonate a modern version of Jules Vernes character Phileas Fogg. Steven Fossett started his trip around the world, with a one-engine plane with no stopovers and refueling. The original light aircraft entitled GlobalFlyer, sponsored by Virgin Atlantic, took off at 02:50 Greek time from Salina, Kansas and will land in the same airport after 66-80 hours. The jet plane was designed by Burt Ruttan, known for his creations SpaceshipOne and Voyager, the aircraft that went around the world for the first time with two pilots without stopover and refueling. "Please excuse my stress," stated Mr Fossett before beginning his trip.

Modern-Day Phileas Fogg

After many years of postponement, due to the bad weather conditions, Globalflyer successfully took off. Mr Fossett has flown above Canada and is headed towards northern Africa while later on he will fly above the Middle East, India, Pakistan, China, Japan and the Pacific Ocean.

The jet has a 34.5-metre wingspan and is 11.7 metres long. Its booms will carry the fuel, making up 82% of the crafts body weight, which totals 10,000 kg. It is powered by a single turbofan Williams FJ44-3 ATW jet engine. In the largest part of the journey the aircraft will fly with 460-km/an hour, reaching 15,000 m high.

At times the jet plane will be accompanied by another aircraft with Virgins adventurous boss Richard Branson aboard. However the eccentric millionaire will face difficulties since a second pilot will not be there to take control of the plane if he needs to rest. For every possible event it has been equipped with a parachute while he will feed on diet milk shakes.

The total distance that the aircraft will cover is 37,000 km. Except for the continuous flight record the 60-year-old is attempting to break the record of the longest flight, which is 19,200 km with a jet plane, and was made in 1962 by a B-52 bomber aircraft.

Mr Fossett has proven in the past how eccentric and adventurous he is. In 2002 he was the first to complete a trip around the world with a hot-air balloon, after six attempts, while in two cases he nearly died. The last four years he was trying to break the altitude record with a glider, but failed.

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

Related Links:

GlobalFlyer

[04] Aim of the Convention starting tomorrow New Era in PASOK

By Vivian Papastefanou

With a speech by George Papandreou, PASOKs Convention starts tomorrow at 7pm, with the central slogans: "We are changing PASOK to change Greece," and "Together with the values that inspire us." The Convention, which is a new starting point for the Movement, will be attended by 5898 representatives, of whom 31% are women, while of the 4500 elected, 65% are participating in the Convention for the first time. Presenting the schedule and details of the Convention, PASOK Press spokesperson Nikos Athanasakis stressed that PASOKs aim is for the Convention to be a landmark point of restarting for the Movement in a new era, while he described citizens participation as especially crucial, stating that this participation would continue in the future in order for PASOK to proceed with its new infrastructure in its work to hold the government in check and prepare its future government. The former Foreign Minister of Turkey Ishmail Jem, who met this morning with the president of PASOK, will attend the Convention.

Translated by Millie Williams

[05] Support for EU prospects in the region Karamanlis Tours the Balkans

By Betty Savourdou

Sources: NET 105.8, ANA

The Prime Minister is on a two-day tour of the western Balkans, making visits in Croatia, Serbia and the Kosovo Plain. The aim of Kostas Karamanlis visit is to support the European prospects of the countries of southeastern Europe. The first stop on his journey is Zagreb, where he met with his Croatian counterpart, Ivo Sanader. Immediately after the meeting, Mr Karamanlis stated that Greeces strategic aim is to promote the European prospects of the countries of SE Europe, in order to transform the region from a gunpowder keg as it once was into a European neighbourhood. Mr Karamanlis is currently in Belgrade.

Contacts with his Counterparts

In their meeting, the two prime ministers confirmed the good political relations between Greece and Croatia, noting that their aim is to have closer cooperation in economic relations.

At the same time, Mr Karamanlis referred to the political role of Croatia, which is soon to be incorporated into the EU, sending a message of the need for cooperation with international courts as a prerequisite to keep international law.

"We should reward this cooperation," stressed the Greek Prime Minister, at the same time congratulating Croatia on the progress of reforms it is making, and once again expressing Greece's undivided support on its road to Europe. Mr Karamanlis is currently in Belgrade, where he will meet with the President of Serbia, Boris Tadic, as well as the Prime Minister of Montenegro, Milo Djukanovic. On Thursday morning, the Prime Minister will meet with his Serbian counterpart, Vojislav Kostunica, and will leave for Pristina, where he will visit Greek military base Rigas Feraios.

Finally, he will have a joint meeting with President Ibrahim Rugova and the Prime Minister, Mr Haradinai, as well as leaders of Kosovan Serbs.

"No Question of Archbishop Resigning"

On Wednesday morning, Mr Karamanlis held successive meetings with the ambassadors of China and Turkey, with ND MPs as well as the independent MP for Thessaloniki A, Stelios Papathemelis.

The Prime Ministers meeting with Stelios Papathemelis focused on current affairs and the church crisis.

Immediately following this, Mr Papathemelis stated that there is no question of the Archbishop resigning, saying that the matter should quickly be closed for the good of the country. As for the LAFKA matter, he stated that payments should be made.

Translated by Millie Williams

[06] Until 6am on Saturday Strike Keeps Ships in Port

By Vivian Papastefanou

Ships will remain in port until Saturday morning, after the decision by the Greek Sailors Federation to extend their strike for a further 48 hours. The leaders of the Federation made this decision following the fruitless meeting with the Minister of Mercantile Marine, Manolis Kefalogiannis, as they did not receive any specific commitment to solving the justified demands of the sailors. The GSF asks for comprehension from passengers for the troubles caused, stating that Greek shipworkers are not responsible. The President of SYN, Alekos Alavanos supported the workers in his visit to the GSF today. Mr Alavanos stated that he is in favour of the natural composition of Greek crews, and accused the government of turning against the sailors outside of Athens and causing problems in Greek ports.

Translated by Millie Williams

[07] Prepared by Development Ministry National Action Plan for Greece

By Vivian Papastefanou

Sources: NET 105.8, ANA

Issues regarding the taxation of businesses and the opening hours of commercial enterprises were at the focus of the meeting of the National Council for Competitiveness, chaired by the Minister for Development Dimitris Sioufas, while the main topic under discussion was the National Action Plan for Greece, as part of the review of the Lisbon strategy. Mr Sioufas stressed that the government is also working intensively and intends to shape a National Action Plan through wide negotiation with production bodies and social partners, based on three points: productivity, quality, competitiveness. This will aim to make Greece more attractive to investors, to put knowledge and innovation at the centre of development and to form policies to create more and better positions of employment, through turning Greek business towards the outside.

"2005 Year of Competition"

Deputy Minister for the Economy Christos Folias stressed that "2002 has been declared Year of Competitiveness, and this is not just a title, but a bet made by all of us in this government, which we are determined to win."

He also expressed the hope that development law would make Greece more attractive for investments and said that in the next few days the procedure would be ready for applications to be submitted on business plans to be included in the new development law. "I am sure that at the end of 2005, Greece will be in a different rhythm of development, in a different business and competition climate, which I am sure will be created," underlined Mr Folias.

Translated by Millie Williams

[08] Qualifying Open

By Vasilis Kalpinos

Panionios and AEK have not settled their account after the end of the "first half" for the round of 8 in the Cup of Greece. The two teams drew in their match, with no goals in the stadium in Nea Smyrni, in a bad quality game, and now it is all left to be decided in the return match, to be held in the Olympic Stadium.

Just Three Moments

The match wins no prizes for quality. Throughout the entire game, there was very little play before the two goals, and the centre was dominated. There were just two good moments in the first half. In 39 for Panionios and in 44 for AEK. In the first, Mario Breska slipped past the other players outside AEKs goal, took a stronmg shot, Michailidis knocked it out and Kiassos, who was to one side did not manage to send the ball to any of his teammates. In the second, Julio Cesar took a penalty and Jaroslav Drobny made a difficult, impressive save, sending the ball out to a corner.

Even though it started out with a good phase, the second half could be described as even more mediocre, as that was the only good moment. In 52, it was AEK who missed the opportunity. From a pass by Liberopoulos, Vladan Ivich was all alone in facing Drobny, but he didnt measure it right and his header went up and out.

There were no other good plays until the end, and 0-0 was the final result. This means, that the two teams will settle their differences in the return match at the Olympic Stadium.

Referee: Kasnaferis (Argolida)

Yellow Cards: Makos, Katsouranis, Alves

Panionios (Giorgos Vazakas): Drobny, Vlcek, Goundoulakis (70 Zimonic). Makos, Tsiolis, Breska, Tziolis, Kiassos (56 Mezaros), Kaisi, Galanopoulos, Nalitzis (80 Patsiavouras)

AEK (Fernando Santos): Michailidis, Malbasa, Alves, Ivich (72 Krassas), Moras, Katsouranis, Kontis, Kiriakidis, Bourbos (46 Soares), Liberopoulos, Julio Cesar (84 Konstantinidis).

Translated by Millie Williams

[09] Olympiacos Loses First Cup Match

By Dimitris Alexopoulos

In a snowed in Kastoria, Olympiacos players didnt make it against the passionate, victory-hungry local team, and were defeated 2-1 in the first match for the Cup. With a great performance, Kastoria managed to face up to the difficulties of the pitch (a real swamp, the pitch was cleared just before the start whistle), and with two goals by Soultanidis, they took a small lead towards qualifying. In the stadium, with 4000 fans in Kastoria, the red-and-white team, with many gaps in defence and not much imagination, stuck in the mud, which meant that they were defeated.

Mediocre Olympiacos

Kastoria went on with a much greater appetite than Olympiacos and took advantage of the gaps in the opposing team.

In just 4, Josic tried to score, but Nikopolidis threw himself down to block it out.

This, however, was just the beginning, as despite the heavy pitch, making the efforts of the 22 players difficult, Kastoria used their strength to overcome the difficulties and lead with Soultanidis in just 16.

The experienced striker took advantage of the weak block by Nikopolidis on a shot by Angos, and took the rebound to send the ball into the net.

Despite being one goal down, Olympiacos did not manage to react, and in a game with no real development, they managed to get close to the Kastoria goal in just the 28th minute, when Rezic passed from the right and DAcol headed it in; 1-1.

In the second half, Kastoria once again seemed more lively than Olympiacos. And since in 47 Pandeliadis missed a very good opportunity, in 53 Soultanidis once again brought it to 2-1. He was in the right place, Da Silva sent him the ball, he moved to the right and successfully got past Nikopolidis. Following this, the snow started to fall more thickly, making it difficult for the footballers to move about. Kastoria managed to go on the offence a few times, but without result.

Bajevic tried to change a few things, sending young players Thanopoulos and Vlachos onto the pitch, in their first appearance wearing Olympiacos shirt, but the performance of the team remained at low levels, naturally ending in 2-1.

Translated by Millie Williams

[10] Selling medicines with no authenticity tape Heavy Fine for Pharmacist

By Annita Paschalinou

In a check on a pharmacy in Halandri, employees of the Ministry of Employment were confronted with a large-scale scam against patients and insurance funds. The pharmacist sold packages with no authenticity tape, while in collaboration with doctors from large private hospitals, she used forged prescriptions. The Hellenic Pharmaceutical Organisation (HPO) imposed a heavy fine of 2,156,425 euros on the pharmacist and ordered a three-month closure of the pharmacy.

Prosecutor Intervenes

The Public Prosecutor also intervened in the case.

The HPO received a tip about the pharmacist in questions, and suspicions were confirmed after the check made by the Ministry of Employment.

According to the Chairman of the HPO Dimitris Vagionas, other allegations of similar illegal activities by pharmacists all over Greece are under investigation.

Translated by Millie Williams

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