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

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

CONTENTS

[01] Last Stop is Pristina EU is Imperative for Stability

By Betty Savourdou

Sources: NET- ANA

The Greek PM, who is on a two-day tour of the Balkans, discussed with his Serb counterpart Vojislav Kostunica the developments in Kosovo, in Belgrade. The stability of Europe is ensured by the European orientation of the Balkan countries stated the Greek PM, while from his side the Serb PM repeated that the Kosovo borders should remain as are. Mr Karamanlis in his statements commented on the excellent relations between the two countries but also the need for Serbia to become a member of the European Union. Following, the Greek PM will visit Pristina where he will hold talks with the President and Prime Minister of Kosovo, while he will also visit the Greek army camp in the area. On Wednesday Mr Karamanlis will meet with his counterparts of Croatia and Montenegro as well as the President of Serbia.

"Serbia Should be in the EU"

"Greeces position was always clear and direct. The stability of Europe is ensured through the European orientation of the Balkans. Serbia should find the place it belongs to, which is the European Union. It deserves it and I know that Mr Kostunica is working towards that direction," stated Mr Karamanlis after the meeting with his Serb counterpart.

In relation to the Kosovo conflict, the PM stated that Greece is systematically working as a EU and NATO member, as well as a member of the Security Council in order to ensure the full respect of the criteria set by the international community to Kosovo and to find a solution in accordance with European criteria and values.

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

Related News:

Karamanlis Tours the Balkans

[02] 7th PASOK Convention Opens New PASOK Image

By Vivian Papastefanou

Sources: NET radio 105.8

From the podium of the 7th PASOK Convention, Giorgos Papandreou presented his vision of a new social agreement between PASOK and the people. With the moto "We Change PASOK to Change Greece" Mr Papandreou spoke among other things of the need to proceed with democratic changes, called the central-left wing on an open dialogue and accused the government of keeping a passive stance to developments. 5,898 conventioneers were inside the Faliro Taekwondo Indoor Hall, while President of the Socialist International Antonio Guterres, Dane Prime Minister Poul Nyrup Rasmussen and former Turkish Foreign Minister Ismael Gem also attended the Convention. Mr Papandreou proposed former Central Committee secretary Kostas Laliotis to preside the Convention proceedings.

Translated by Sofia Soulioti

[03] Sundays Open only for Tourist Areas National Shopping Hours

By Annita Paschalinou

Twelve institutional changes regarding the operation of retail trade, street markets and open-air commerce suggested by the Ministry of Development. The multi-bill, given to publicity today by deputy minister Giannis Papathanasiou, includes among other things shopping hours until 21.00 on weekdays (winter, summer) and until 18.00 on Saturdays/ Regarding the operation of shops on Sundays, the deputy minister underlined that "the government does not wish to harm restful Sundays." However, answering reporters' questions, he stressed that if local conditions require so, ie tourist areas, then shopping hours could expand at the decision of prefectures.

Dialogue Over Proposals

The deputy minister underlined that all changes proposed by the ministry will be tabled for discussion, which will commence immediately. He also spoke of an essential and not ostensible dialogue.

At the same time, he clarified that changes do not affect the working hours of employees, which will remain to forty hours per week.

Sales

Regarding sales, they are from hereon instituted by law twice a year. Winter sales will start on 20 January and will last for four weeks, while summer sales will start on 15 July and will last for five weeks.

Offers

Offers will be allowed per product category. Offers on the same products can occur only after a period of sixty days. The store is obliged to inform the nearest trade association one day before the offer, at the latest. Fines for such violations will range from 500-50,000 euros.

Translated by Sofia Soulioti

[04] Tsevi-Korovesi Cross-Examination Discontent Over Leak of Statements

By Annita Paschalinou

And while investigation continues regarding the extra-judicial network, the Supreme Court is in turmoil after the leak of statements to the Press. Newspaper Vima publicized today parts of the statement of a man who is reportedly the mediator for bribing judges. Earlier today, Supreme Court Judge Christos Baltas cross-examined First Instance judges Panagiota Tsevi and Anna Korovesi, who are accusing each other with regard to their implication in the Giosakis trial.

Tsevi-Korovesi Accuse Each Other

Mr Tsevi is accused of having written the acquittal for Archimandrite Giosakis after the lawsuit of Theology professor Xenofontas Papacharalambous.

The First Instance Judge refuted these allegations and accused Anna Korovesi of having ruled in favour of Giosakis and in fact submitted evidence to back up her sayings. Her environment leaked the information that Tsevi did not know Giosakis, as opposed to Korovesi with whom a relative of Giosakis had friendly relations.

Worries Over the Leak

In the meantime, the Supreme Court is running an investigation for the leak of statements to the Press regarding the extra judicial network. Newspaper Vima has publicized parts of the statement of motorist Athanasios Toskas who is reportedly the mediator for bribing judges after Giosakis' intervention.

In his statement, Toskas supported that he deposited to Emporiki Bank opposite Evelpidon School 3,000 euros to Giosakis' account and another 3,000 euros to the owner of a funeral home in Neos Kosmos, in order for the latter to give the money to Antonia Ilia, with whom he had close friendly relations.

Precautionary Transfers of Justices

Earlier, Supreme Court Public Prosecutor Dimitris Linos referred former examiner Konstantina Bourboulia to the Athens Appellate Public Prsecutor. Mr Bourboulia agreed to open her bank accounts in Zurich, because as she stated that would prove her innocence.

In the meantime, according to information, a wave of transfers is expected in the following days regarding justices who have served in the same court for many years. These transfers will have a precautionary nature, but are also justifiable for justices on whom there are suspicions.

Translated by Sofia Soulioti

[05] Unknown When He Will be Released The Pontiff Recuperates

By Vagelis Theodorou

The Vatican gave more information today over the health of Pope John Paul II. As his spokesperson, Joaquin Navarro-Valls stated, the 84-year-olds health is continuously improving, after a successful tracheotomy operation he underwent last week. It remains unknown when he will be released from Gemelli Hospital where he is hospitalized, while Navarro-Valls did not rule out the event of his return in the Vatican for Easter. Answering to a relative question, the Vaticans spokesperson stated that it is possible that the Pope will appear at the hospitals window on Sunday to wave to the followers, as he did last week, although a final decision has not been taken. The next medical announcement has been programmed for Monday, March 7.

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

[06] Dispute with Opposition Continues Political Solution Wanted for LAFKA

By Athina Saloustrou

Sources: NET RADIO 105.8

The government is trying to give a solution to the issue of LAFKA installments, even with a legislative reform, regardless of the cases court development. At the same time the government and opposition are exchanging accusations. The General Accounting Office announced that the picture will clear up in a few months when the appeal will be heard in the fist instance, and will justify a pensioner. "The problem is political. It is a mistake that the pensioners are turning to the courts," stated ND MP Giannis Manolis to NET Radio 105.8, who has submitted a specific proposal for the dispensation of money in 5 installments. The Secretary of GSSE pensioners, Stellios Koletsis spoke of a manipulation that has knocked-out the pensioners, adding that the decision for the pay of installments is political and the PM should take measures immediately.

Great Dispute

"Our position is clear and while PASOKs policy was black, our policy over the issue of the pensions is white," commented chief government sources, while the Economy Minister Giorgos Alogoskoufis repeated that the "LAFKA installments will be dispensed to all that are eligible as far as an irreversible court order justifies at least one pensioner."

Replying, PASOK Press spokesperson Nikos Athanasakis stated that "the government with its usual tactics is trying to transfer the issue in time, this is not a tactic of a responsible government, it a thievery tactic." The alternate government spokesperson answered accusing the opposition over its stance in the issue while it was in government and spoke of "false tears" of those who "heavily taxed and robbed pensioners."

KKE and SYN spoke of a "phenomenal ridicule" and a product of "governmental manipulation."

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

[07] Great Victory for AEK

By Vasilis Kalpinos

For more than thirty minutes they were behind in score and with a great difference no less. However, Nikos Zisis got started and the score kept changing until the very end of the game. As it proved, Zisis has a great heart, as he was playing with a nose fracture from the third period, and in the end he played it all out formulating the final score of 70-69. Literally at the expiration of time, AEK prevailed over Efes Pilsen and thus claimed their second victory on home grounds for the second round of Euroleague Group Z. The ten-minute periods: 14-19, 30-39, 49-56, 70-69.

Zisis Did the Job

Fotis Katsikaris' team claimed a victory today that keeps them at the top of their group. AEK's great star for the day was no other than Nikos Zisis. The Greek playmaker, who performed greatly throughout the game, scored an amazing three-pointer as the time was expiring, thus sending his team and AEK's fans to the skies.

However, it all started quite badly for AEK. With wrong choices in the offense and a defense that "leaked", they were behind in score for thirty minutes. In fact, in the 25' they were losing with a 12-point difference.

Bailey's third foul however did the works for the home team. With three guards and Chatzis-Zisis pulling the strings, they crunched the difference and in the38' they were ahead with 67-63. Certain mistakes at that point gave the Turks the chance to retake the lead with 67-69, but Zisis had not said the last word. With a crazy three-pointer, the Greek player claimed victory for his team.

มลส (Fotis Katsikaris): Lolis 6, Bourousis, Pelekanos 6, Chatzis 13, Zisis 22, Nikolaidis, Glyniadakis 6, Bailey 5, Nicevic 10, Tsiaras 2.

EFES PILSEN (Oktae Mahmuti): Prkacin 11, Aslan 5, Nikolic 2, Domerkad 29, Solomon 6, Abeez, Yilmaz, Kecman, Peker 8, Kouko 8.

Translated by Sofia Soulioti

[08] Revealed Archeological Treasures Tsunami Surfaces Lost Ancient City

By Despina Hristopoulou

Sources: BBC

December 26 will remain in our memories as a day of destruction. Death and despair struck Southeast Asia, as did the tsunamis that followed the strong earthquake, and became a synonym of pain. The destruction was unheard of. Thousands of people could not escape its fury and thousands were left behind mourning. At the time that the tsunami struck thousands of peoples hopes it also shed light to archaeological treasures that only existed in ones imagination. In India it surfaced the ruins of an ancient, mythical city, which the scientists could not have discovered any other way. The stones found, indicate that they are hand carved and possibly made up the ancient city of Mahabalipuram, near the coast of Tamil Nadu.

Lead by Inhabitants' Accounts

The myth says that the city was so beautiful and the gods so filled with envy that they sent a flood in order to vanish it. Only one of the temples survived from their fury. The strong wave of December 26 though displaced the sand and the citys ruins suddenly surfaced.

The inhabitants accounts lead to the discovery of the city, which stated that when the sea was pulling back they saw the ruins of a temple. As the expedition leader Alok Tripathi stated, the stones found were carved in a perfectly rectangular shape and placed in order.

The ancient findings of the tsunami will be presented in a maritime archaeology seminar in Delhi next month.

Earlier in February, at the same area, a granite lion had been found, which scientists believe it was buried in the sand for many centuries.

The archaeologists are investigating the area for three years, since another dive had revealed another temple, possibly belonging to an ancient underwater city.

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

[09] Caused Chain Explosions Tracing a New Space Object

By Despina Hristopoulou

Sources: มอม- Reuters

A strange and powerful radio waves explosion from the centre of the galaxy has lead to the discovery of an unidentified space object. As the astronomers state, the explosion could possibly descend from the space object. Scott Hyman, Head of research and Physics Professor of Sweet Briar College in Virginia, U.S. stated, "We hit the jackpot." According to Mr Hyman a picture of the galaxys centre shaped by radio waves measuring a meter revealed that within seven hours, between September 30 and October 1 2002, five explosions occurred, in frequent time intervals, coming from the unidentified object. The source of the explosions could possibly be 300 to 24,000 light years from earth.

Great Interest

As scientists state, the explosions are not from a pulsar. Their source is possibly a brown dwarf of a magnetar, an exotic star with an extremely powerful magnetic field. They named the object GCRT J1745-3009 and expect that their discovery will stir great interest in the astrophysics groups who will want to study the phenomenon. As they state, the possibility that the radio waves contain other quick and transient waves which scientists call "burpers." Scott Hyman and his group made the discovery with the National Science Foundations Very Large Array radio telescope in New Mexico.

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

[10] Cursing Stone

By Despina Hristopoulou

We may be living in the 21st century and our lives filled with computers and mobile phones, however superstitions are something we cannot get rid of so easily. In fact, inhabitants in Carlisle, Northern England, are looking for a way to get rid of a 15-tonne granite stone, because they believe it is responsible for the misfortunes afflicting their city. It all started when the municipal authorities commissioned a local artist to carve a Cursed Stone to mark the millennium. Gordon Young carved on the granite a 16th century curse referring to families coming from Scotland, known as the reivers, who lived by stealing cattle, rape and pillage. Then the granite volume was placed in front of the city museum. Now, after all the misfortunes that have plagued the city, the council is considering the destruction of the stone and the issue will soon be brought for discussion.

Truly Cursed Indeed

In fact, according to the Times, which brought this peculiar story to light, the Cursed Stone proved to be more than worthy of its name, although a blessing was included in the curse. City councilor Jim Tootle stressed that while the stone was created, many Christian groups had submitted a petition saying "please dont bring the stone here and put the curse back on us."

After the stone was inaugurated at the museum in 2001, the city has suffered floods, foot-and-mouth disease, job losses, a goal famine for the football team, a great big fire, while a boy was murdered in a baker's shop.

The city council will table a motion to discuss the issue on March 8. However, it will cost the council several thousands of pounds to remove the stone.

Translated by Sofia Soulioti

[11] Testimonies Continue Before the Synod

By Vagelis Theodorou

Accusations against hierarchs were once more at the focus of the Continuous Holy Synod assembly. Explanations provided by the Metropolitan Bishop of Trifilia were considered as satisfactory. The Bishop supported in his testimony that his is innocent and the photo publicized in Avriani, which depicted him having sex, was fabricated. As Mr Stefanos stressed, he does not intend to resign, while the case will be brought to Justice, as the Hierarch had filed a lawsuit against the newspaper. At the same time, the Synod has asked the Metropolitan Bishop of Zakinthos to provide written explanation, not for his assets, but for his scornful statement against the Hierarchys decisions. As for Mr Chrisostomos, he spoke of fabricated articles aiming to silence him. What is more, following a Continuous Holy Synod decision the Metropolitan Bishop of Piraeus will hold a preliminary hearing at the expense of monk Nikodimos Farmaklis for possessing a weapon and participating in the Vavilis-Triantafyllakis case. In the meantime, new clash in Parliament triggered by the issue of auditing the Archbishoprics.

Clash in Parliament

The object of dispute in Parliament between the government and the opposition was the issue of auditing the Archbishoprics.

Deputy Ministers of Economy and Education clarified that such a thing can only happen after a public prosecutor order, thus rejecting relevant proposals by SYN parliamentarian Giannis Dragasakis and independent parliamentarian Andreas Andrianopoulos, who accused the government of idleness.

Answering Mr Dragasakis, deputy minister of Economy Adam Regouzas stressed that an audit can only be performed in cases of particular charges. "No order by a public prosecutor is necessary," supported SYN parliamentarian, stressing that the audit would be precautionary.

In the meantime, expressing his discontent for Nikos Konstantopoulos proposal of auditing Chrisopigi monastery, Metropolitan Bishop Kallinikos of Piraeus urged the state or any other authorized body to perform an audit.

Translated by Sofia Soulioti

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