The Hellenic Radio (ERA): News in English, 05-03-08

The Hellenic Radio (ERA): News in English Directory - Previous Article - Next Article

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

CONTENTS

[01] Aims and Evaluation from Kostas Karamanlis We Can Achieve a Miracle

By Annita Paschalinou

Speaking at a dinner given in his honour by the Union of Foreign Correspondents, the Prime Minister evaluated what the government has done during its first year in office, and analysed the aims and targets of the governments policy for the next few years. Kostas Karamanlis described the real condition of the Greek Economy, therein criticizing the policies of previous governments, and noting that for the next two years, the great wager is for the Economy to stand on its feet. "We can achieve the aims. Greece can achieve an economic miracle, it has the ability, but we have to understand that now is a time for change," he stressed.

Reducing Waste

"We respect public money, because it is money from the Greek taxpayer, and we dont waste it," he stressed, underlining that the government manages the countrys finances responsibly, thereby criticising past governments policies, which he said made the country get stuck and turned the public sector into a kingdom of bureaucracy and corruption, did not promote investment and led to small returns in all areas.

The Prime Minister underlined that the great wager of the next two years is for the Economy to stand on its feet, and this will be achieved with no further burden on the ordinary citizen, through a moderate fiscal policy.

The PM added that in order to achieve this aim, steps have already been taken (new taxation law, new development law, doubling of absorption rate of the third CSF, etc), while further measures would be needed on this difficult road.

Kostas Karamanlis recognized the just demands of citizens, underlining that "a better tomorrow is not far away," but that first the conditions to improve the life of the people must be created.

Concluding his short speech before taking questions, he also referred to the fact that today is International Womens Day, underlining the composite role women are today called to play, and stating that the governments aim is to cover the gap in equality in the employment market and in businessmanship.

On a Reshuffle

Among the questions that followed, the main topics were those of a reshuffle. The Prime Minister voiced his opposition to easy and frequent changes of people, noting that for the government the main challenge is to have the greatest possible productivity and a collective effort as far as possible, a challenge, he noted, that must be faced and achieved as a country.

Asked to comment on opinion polls showing civil unrest with certain policies, he stated that opinion polls are a useful tool for analysis, but that in no case were they to be used to guide policies.

"Today we are called upon to work, and that is our national duty," he said, while when asked to answer to a question on a smaller government body, he said that it was indeed among the aims of the government, but it cannot be achieved from one day to the next, as serious study must come first.

Clear Thought on Social Security

Referring to the question of social security, he clarified that there is no question of either reducing pensions or increasing age limits.

However, he underlined that at some moment all bodies must sit around the dialogue table with clear minds to discuss the long-term policy of the social security issue.

He also added that there are sides to the social security question that need to be dealt with now, such as bank employees national insurance, on which dialogue is already underway.

Education Culture - Energy

On Education, Kostas Karamanlis underlined that wider consensus would be sought in order to make reforms and adaptations on a 20-year horizon. On energy, he said that the opening of the electricity and natural gas markets was directly underway, while regarding privatization, he stated that the government promotes entry to the stock market for the company managing Athens Eleftherios Venizelos Airport and the postal deposit account company. Regarding Culture issues, he noted that essential institutional interventions were being promoted, beyond what has been done so far. He announced the creation of an Arts Academy at the Olympic venue in Liossia. At the same time, he set as a government priority the intellectual rights of artists, completion of museums and the reshaping of the framework for Archaeology.

Translated by Millie Williams

[02] Chechen Leader Maskhadov Killed

By Mary Lou Tzempelikou

Chechen separatist leader Aslan Maskhadov was killed during exchange of fire with Russian forces, as announced by the spokesperson for the Russian forces in the Northern Caucasus, Ilya Shabalkin. So far, there has been no confirmation of the information from any other source, while the Chechens have not released a statement. In the meantime, Russian President Vladimir Putin asked the leader of the security forces to check the reliability of the information. Moscow has accused Maskhadov of a series of bloody attacks on Russian soil, the most significant of which was that at a school in Beslan last September, where over 330 hostages were killed.

Translated by Millie Williams

[03] Technology with a Bite!

By Tina Valaoura

Sources: BBC

Using baking techniques in order to offer consumers the perfect biscuit has always been on the cards for the food industry. However, finding enough willing and enduring volunteers to test out the product was another open question. Not any more! Scientists at the laboratories of a well-known British biscuit manufacturer, inspired by crash test dummies, have made one of their own!

With its mechanical jaw and plastic teeth, the doll, named Crumb Test Dummy, after its brother the Crash Test Dummy, munches non-stop on the biscuits it is given. Of course, it doesnt swallow them, but lets the lab staff collect up the crumbs, which are then studied to evaluate the baking technique that has been used.

"Eating lots of biscuits is obviously an enjoyable prospect for most people but we havent yet found a human who can test on this scale. The Crumb Test Dummy has a never-ending appetite and doesnt need to stop for breath," says the companys spokesperson.

Were sorry, the position has been filled!

Translated by Millie Williams

[04] Breast Implant Under the Hammer

By Tina Valaoura

What an implant! Weighing 0.9 kilos, until a few years ago it made a huge difference to the breasts and the professional assets of its former owner and renowned stripper, in the past. It has its own little history: the implant in question, along with its pair, when still part of the enormous bosom of their owner Ms Peaks, was accused of injuring a client. So perhaps there is no marvel in the fact that in a recent auction on eBay, one of these implants was sold for the sum of 16,766 dollars, going to the ownership of the Internet casino GoldenPalace.com. We dont know exactly what the company will use the implant for, but we dare to suppose that the historic silicone will take its place next to another acquisition of the same company: the 10-year-old half-eaten grilled sandwich that it said to half the form of the Virgin Mary, which they bought a few months ago for 28,000 dollars, again on eBay.

Silicone with Experience

To complete the story, we should say that the silicone implant was removed from its wearer in 1999, as she decided to abandon her brilliant career in favour of the home. As for the man who complained of suffering whiplash from the aggressive silicone one night at Diamond Dolls club in Florida, well, he survived.

His case was examined by the American television show "The Peoples Court" and the former mayor of New York, Ed Koch asked for a female bailiff to examine the "defendants" which had been described as "cement blocks" by the plaintiff. The bailiff said that they were very soft, and could not be described as dangerous, and so the case was thrown out.

Translated by Millie Williams

[05] During farewell meeting with Defence Ministry Stefanopoulos on Institutions

By Vivian Papastefanou

Sources: NET, ANA

The President of the Hellenic Republic Mr Kostis Stefanopoulos has once again referred to institutions, this time during his farewell meeting with Defence Ministry leaders. After referring to the situation in the Justice sector, Mr Stefanopoulos stressed that the army should remain at a high level of alert. The leaders of the Ministry of Defence offered the Greek President a silver shield bearing the ministrys coat-of-arms with the names of the minister and deputy minister, as well as the coat-of-arms of the General Headquarters. Furthermore, in the farewell reception with accredited journalists, visibly moved, he said that the most valuable part of the presidency is personal recollections. He thanked them all, making especial mention of ERT and its staff. Mr Stefanopoulos spoke warmly of Karolos Papoulias, who will take up duties on Saturday, while referring to his inauguration, he said that it should be conducted by Archbishop Christodoulos.

SYN to Leave Papoulias' Inauguration

In the meantime, SYN has decided to withdraw from the inauguration of the new President of the Hellenic Republic, because, as Mr Alavanos said, the partys MPs do not wish to give consent through their presence to a process that puts political institutions under a religious oath and members of the hierarchy.

SYN has proposed that the new President of the Hellenic Republic be sworn in before Parliament and not by the Archbishop.

Translated by Millie Williams

[06] Speaking to PASOK Parliamentary Group Papandreou Criticizes Government

By Athina Saloustrou

Sources: NET RADIO 105.8

The PASOK President, Giorgos Papandreou, in his introductory speech to the steerers of the Parliamentary Group, which assembled to discuss the current political developments, accused ND for inconsistency, unreliability and not kept promises. Mr Papandreou supported that the country has taken a plunge in the Economy, the institutions and its international prestige and Greek citizens are faced with unemployment and price rises. Earlier Mr Papandreou met with the President of the Union of Human Rights party of Albania, Mr Dules and expressed PASOKs support to the minoritys problems and Albanias European accession.

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

[07] Investigation on Justice Corruption Intensifies Proceedings Against Vavilis

By Vagelis Theodorou

Sources: ANA- NET- NET RADIO 105.8

Today, the Prosecutor of the Athens First Instance Court, Eleni Sotiropoulou started criminal proceedings for four misdemeanors against fugitive Apostolos Vavilis. The fugitive is charged with forgery, alteration of a document, theft and expropriation of services to the Eastern Orthodox Church. Mrs Sotiropoulou charged seven people in his close environment that allegedly harbored him in the Holargos apartment. Specifically the retired officer Ioannis Triantafillakis, Archimandrite Nikodimos Farmakis, his ex-wife Mali Coen, his parents Christos and Alexandra, his brother Dionisis and his friend Christos Panagopoulos for harbouring of a criminal. In the meantime the investigation of the extra-judicial group is intensifying.

Forgery and Document Alteration

Vavilis is charged with crimes concerning actions over the rent of the apartment in Holargos and his so-called appearance as a monk

According to evidence of the brief, the crimes of alteration, theft and expropriation concern the theft of the identification of monk Nikos Vatopedinos, which Vavilis used with the name of father Neilos, after he changed the birth date and picture.

The charges against his parents and brother are typical since according to law, first degree relatives are not punished.

For the case a pre-interrogation has been ordered which will be taken up by the Organized Crime Department of the Attica Police.

Suspicious Substitutions and Preventive Transfers

At the same time, the investigation over the extra-judicial group and the catharsis in the Justice department is intensifying.

This morning, the Supreme Court investigator, Christos Baltas made a check in the Athens First Instance Court files for suspicious substitutions, which have been reportedly made by judicial employees who are involved in the extra-judicial group.

More than 70 First Instance and Appellate Court Judges of the 12 Prefectures of Greece are expected to be transferred for preventive reasons, according to a demand made by the President of the Supreme Court, Giorgos Kappos.

In the meantime, the President of the First Instance Court, Evangelos Kalousis is expected to testify to Vice-Prosecutor, Giorgos Sanidas. The judge, who has been committed for permanent discharge is accused of participating in a group that procured and took advantage of foreign women. According to sources, Kalousis bank accounts in Greece have been opened and it emerges that he has been involved in a bribery case. Until the end of the week the Vice-Prosecutor is expected to make charges to Kalousis from the Athens Appellate Prosecution.

Also, businessman Sotiris Kritikos, who is a shareholder of the company of the yacht where former interrogator Konstantina Bourboulia and Evangelos Kalousis were pictured on, also testified to Mr Sanidas today "No one is being concealed; where there is evidence charges will be made. The investigation is systematic, serious and effective," stated the Prosecutor of the Supreme Court, Dimitris Linos.

Giosakis Testifies Tomorrow

Remand prisoner for the case of antiquities trafficking in Kithira, Archimandrite Iakovos Giosakis will be called to testify to Mr Baltas tomorrow. The Archimandrite will be investigated over his connections with judges and Prosecutors that handled his cases.

Today in the Supreme Court Penal Department a demand of recantation was discussed against the court order, submitted by Theology Professor, Xenofondas Papacharalabous for revilement placed by Giosakis. The Prosecutors proposal was positive for the Professor, since he asked for the recantation to be rejected as groundless that the Appellate Vice-Prosecutor, Nikos Athanasopoulos ruled in the favor of Giosakis.

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

[08] Holy Synod alleges in its encyclical Orchestrated Attack Against the Church

By Mary Lou Tzempelikou

Sources: NET

An encyclical sent on Monday by the Holy Synod to the clergy speaks of an orchestrated attack against the Church, coming from those who wish to see it marginalized. Fears are expressed in the encyclical that there are imminent measures to be taken by the State against the Church, like compulsory civil weddings, while reassurance is given that the Bishops will carry out their duty and lead the Church through autocatharsis. In the meantime, Archbishop Christodoulos, who will be at the Cathedral tonight, called on the faithful to participate in the vigils to be held in all Churches throughout Greece and pray for a way out of the Church crisis. On Thursday, the Holy Synod will meet again and deal with accusations regarding Metropolitan Bishop Panteleimonas of Corinth, while written explanations will be requested from Metropolitan Bishop Chrisostomos of Zakynthos on derogatory statements he has made on Hierarchy decisions.

Translated by Millie Williams

[09] Work on the dykes and water supply Water Recedes

By Vagelis Theodorou

The situation in Evros is considered to be under control, as the amount of water coming in from Bulgaria has fallen significantly, which means that the water level has dropped. According to the latest measurements, the water level at the Kiprinos dam is at 5 metres, and at Pithio it stands at 5.80 metres, while at the Ferres measuring station, it reached the danger limit of 6 metres. A great deal of damage has been caused to buildings and arable land. Since this morning, the authorities have been working to build up the dykes, pump out the water and make repairs to the water supply network. The Minister of the Interior Prokopis Pavlopoulos described the measures taken as successful and effective. This afternoon, the President of PASOK George Papandreou visited the afflicted areas, while the general secretary of the KKE, Aleka Papariga will visit Evros tomorrow.

Damage Repaired

The residents of Evros are counting their wounds and the state mechanism continues to be at the ready, to deal with any eventuality.

35,000 flooded hectares are reckoned to be in danger of remaining fallow this year, while the same applies to a further 45,000 hectares of partially flooded land, as it is not possible to drain out the water.

The water level at Pithio is above the danger limit, as the water from Ardas flowed down, but it seems that the danger of flooding villages has passed. The water has receded from the village of Kastanies, which was yesterday flooded, while in Lavara, although a large amount of water has now gone from the village, a number of houses remain flooded.

Furthermore, the damage caused by the floods to agricultural land have made the water unfit to drink. The water cannot be drunk in five villages: Pithio, Rigio, Sofiko, Asimenio and Petrades.

Residents should not be concerned about the landmines in Evros, as they have not been moved by the floods and the barbed wire is in its place, stated the spokesperson for the 4th Army Unit.

While the water level is receding, the authorities are fortifying the dykes, in order to avert a new river overflow, if more rain falls, or the snow melts.

Papandreou Close to the Afflicted

The President of PASOK voiced his support for additional financial support for the farmers of Evros, beyond what is provided with natural disasters. In fact, Mr Papandreou said that additional financial support would be included in PASOKs proposals tomorrow in Parliament, where the matter of the damage in Evros will be discussed.

At the same time, the President of PASOK asked for compensation to be paid quickly to those afflicted, and noted the need to implement an anti-flood plan and strengthen inter-state cooperation with Bulgaria and Turkey to fortify the area.

"What we should not do, is have reciprocal ministerial visits with no coordination," said Mr Papandreou.

Finally, the leader of the Opposition expressed the support of his party to the residents of the prefecture, and the help that PASOK will offer, not only to local bodies, but also to the state, to deal with the problems.

Translated by Millie Williams

[10] To remove fluid and tissue from the chest Further Surgery for Clinton

By Annita Paschalinou

Sources: CNN

On Thursday, Bill Clinton will undergo further surgery to remove fluid and tissue from the chest. As stated in the official announcement released by his office, this is a problem that often occurs after open heart surgery. The operation will be performed at the Presbyterian Hospital of New York, which is the same hospital where he underwent a quadruple by-pass last September.

No Change in Schedule

58-year-old Clinton is expected to remain in hospital for three to ten days. The operation will be performed under general anaesthetic.

Recently, Bill Clinton toured the areas of South East Asia that had been afflicted by the tsunami, along with former US president George Bush senior.

The new adventure in his health does not appear to affect his scheduled contacts.

Later today, the former American President will meet with George Bush in order to brief him, along with George Bush senior, on the results of the visit to Asia.

Translated by Millie Williams

[11] Lebanon divided Hezbollah on the Streets

By Despina Hristopoulou

Tens of thousands of supporters of the pro-Syrian organisation Hezbollah are demonstrating today in the centre of Beirut, just three hundred metres away from the supporters of the Opposition, who continue to demonstrate every day in Martyrs Square, demanding an immediate and full withdrawal of Syrian troops from the Land of the Cedars. Hezbollah and its allies called upon their supporters to demonstrate in a show of support towards Syria, and express their opposition to the involvement of the West in domestic matters for Lebanon. Syria, under pressure from the international community, yesterday pledged to redeploy its troops in the Eastern part of Lebanon, as part of a withdrawal plan, to be carried out in two stages. However, the US rejected the plan, saying that it does not have a clear timeframe for full withdrawal of Syrian forces.

Lebanese Delegation in Brussels

In fact, White House spokesman Scott McClellan described Syrian President Bashar al Assads proposals for withdrawal as "half measures" and noted that Washington is not satisfied, while the Bush administration warned the leaders of Syria that it is "walking on fire." Hezbollah, on the other hand, warns that if Syrian troops are withdrawn from Lebanon, the country could slip into chaos.

At the same time, the President of Lebanon is negotiating with Parliament to choose the politician to whom he will give the order to form a government. Political sources consider that it is very likely that the order will be given to Omar Karami, who resigned from the position of prime minister on 28 February under pressure from the Opposition and the mass demonstrations.

In fact, according to Lebanese MP Marwan Hamadi, a parliamentary delegation from the Lebanese Opposition is expected today in Brussels and later in Paris, to explain its "demands" regarding the full withdrawal of Syrian troops and the forming of a neutral transitional government. The delegation will meet with the High Commissioner of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security, Xavier Solana, while on Friday they will hold a meeting with the French Foreign Minister Michel Barnier.

Translated by Millie Williams

[12] On Greek fiscal policy Alogoskoufis Meets with Almunia

By Vivian Papastefanou

The stability plans for the Greek Economy and the three scenarios therein, to be submitted to Brussels within the next few days, were discussed today as part of the ECOFIN summit, by the Minister for the Economy Giorgos Alogoskoufis and the European Commissioner for Economic Affairs, Joaquin Almunia, Immediately following this, in statements to Greek reporters, Mr Alogoskoufis stated that the three scenarios of the programme were analysed. They are based on work cases, with 3.9% development in the first, 3.3% in the second and 2.9% for the third, while he underlined that the shrinking of the deficit to below 3% of the GDP in 2006 is a priority of tremendous importance for the government. Furthermore, Mr Alogoskoufis reviewed what the government has done so far in Europe, noting that it has been "a difficult year, which we passed in the best way possible." Mr Alogoskoufis stated that the two-year deadline granted for fiscal conformity came because the government is attempting to correct the fiscal state of the country. He reminded his listeners that it was not considered obvious that this period should be granted, and that recently the Governor of the European Central Bank stated that the two-year period is in the terms of the Maastricht Treaty.

Translated by Millie Williams

[13] Green Win in "Civil War"

By Vasilis Kalpinos

The 75-76 for Amarousi was not enough for Panagiotis Giannakis team to qualify to the final 4. The green team kept the 3-point lead from the first game, 92-89, and celebrated qualifying for the first time in the history of the team. The opponent of Argiris Pedoulakis team in the double semifinals, Chemofarm in the first match in Serbia on 22 March and the return match in Kozani on 29 March. The quarters: 27-20, 41-41, 64-59, 75-76.

Translated by Millie Williams

[14] European Farewell for PAOK

By Vasilis Kalpinos

The three-point lead from the first match against Bane Prelevics team, in which PAOK defeated Rytas, was not enough. PAOK was defeated 76-65 in Lithuania and was unable to qualify to the 8 of the ULEB Cup. In the first half, the Greek team showed that they could make it, as by the break, and while they were playing excellently, they were 13 points ahead. In the second half, however, the players seemed to freeze up, and in combination with the significant absences of Mulaomerovic, Basminov and Maglu, they were unable to celebrate a win and qualify. The quarters: 15-17, 28-40, 49-50, 76-65.

Two-Sided Coin

PAOK played a first half worthy of an Oscar in Lithuania. Well prepared, with great defence and good choices on the offence, PAOK took the lead from the start. Giannis Gagaloudis played well for his money once again. With 17 points (3/4 two-pointers, 3/5 three-pointers), two assists and well organized, the Greek play-maker was the driving force behind PAOK for twenty minutes and brought his team into the lead for almost the whole time. This meant that Pralievics team was ahead by 12 points and looked ready to qualify by the end of the first half.

It all turned around in the second half. Lietuvos returned to the court putting stiff pressure on PAOK. And their efforts drew results. With an 18-6 series in 26, with Nesby filling PAOKs basket, the game drew level (46-46), and then as the last quarter started, the Lithuanian team pulled ahead by seven points (57-50) and shortly afterwards by ten (34 63-53). From then on, the tiredness and lack of mental clarity amongst the players swung the game in favour of the Lithuanians, who celebrated their chance to qualify at the end.

The line-ups:

Lietuvos Rytas: Delininkaitis 3 (1), Jasaitis 4, Slezas 10, Jaftokas 5, Stelmahers 17 (2) Einikis 5 (1) Nesby 23 (5) Chukinas 4, Mujezinovich 5.

PAOK: Vasilopoulos 7 (1), Vasiliadis 10 (2), Gagaloudis 21 (3), Koronidis, Tamir 10 (2), May, Nielsen 8, Grgat 5, Mavrokefalidis 4

Translated by Millie Williams

[15] Oscar for Greece?

By Stathis Petropoulos

The highly-regarded sports award of the year is the next target of Otto Rehhagels team, as among the candidates for the Laureus Awards, which will be presented on 16 May in a ceremony in Estoril, Portugal, the Greek National football team is in the team category. This is the top sports prize, awarded annually, and for this reason, it is widely known as "sports Oscar," while apart from the Greek team, others in the team category are Portos team, Ferrari, the Argentine National Basketball team, the Boston Red Socks (baseball) and the European team that won the Ryder Cup.

Translated by Millie Williams

[16] Aspirin Fights Strokes in Women

By Tina Valaoura

Sources: Reuters

Science cannot understand the biological differences between the sexes but aspirin come to confirm one of commonly mistaken. American scientists, with a new research, come to turn around the widely accepted view that aspirin can guard men and women from fatal heart disease. According to the findings, aspirin with its known anti-clotting properties, in the case of women under 65 guard the threat of strokes but not of a heart attack. The findings were presented in the yearly convention of the American College of Cardiology in Orlando, and were described as optimistic news, given the fact that women suffer more strokes than heart disease.

The Female Idiosyncrasy

The research was taken up by Paul Ridker and Julie Buring from Harvard Medical School and Londons Womens Hospital respectively, with 40,000 healthy women over the age of 45, as subjects. It is noted that this is the first research performed on women only.

The scientists issued aspirin placebos to a percentage of women while the rest received day after day 100 mg of aspirin. After 10 years the women who received aspirin indicated 17% less chance for heart disease and 24% less chance for an ischemic stroke. Women over 64 seemed to gain more from the treatment, as they presented 30% less chance of a stroke and 34% less of a heart attack. The research also showed that aspirin works better on non-smokers than to those who had recently quit.

In the research the role of Vitamin E as a food supplement was also investigated. It was recorded that it did not offer anything for the prevention of heart disease.

Of course, one of the main worries related to aspirin use is the danger of causing stomache or intestinal hemorrhage, so serious as to need a blood transfusion to counter the problem. In the research such incidents occurred to127 women that received aspirin and 91 that received the placebo. In comparison, the total number for danger of hemorrhage is small, however it is ones personal decision if they will follow a preventive treatment. The specialists note that this will have to be discussed with a doctor.

The important conclusion from this long-term research is that generalizations in medicine should be avoided. Up to now the positive results to healthy men are considered to be evident in the same way as for women.

"Up to now we thought we had all the answers concerning the properties of aspirin but we did not," stated Dr Ridker. Dr Sidney Smith from the American Cardiology Association adds "now that we have proof we can take the right decisions for the prevention of heart disease in women."

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

[17] Woman of the Year

By Stathis Petropoulos

Gianna Angelopoulos was today honoured by the International Olympic Committee, receiving the award "Women and Sport 2005" from the hands of Dennis Oswald. The President of the Organising Committee for the Athens Olympic Games saw her efforts receive recognition ion this symbolic way, in a ceremony held annually in recent times, regarding successful women. This years award was given for "her professionalism and her inspiration, which provide significant motivation to become involved in sport and the administration of athletic events." Immediately after receiving the award, Mrs Angelopoulos stated: "To mark the occasion of International Womens Day, it is an honour for me to accept this award, on behalf of countless athletes from all areas and walks of life, who contributed to making the Athens Olympic Games a celebration, a magical experience." Last summer, more women than ever before competed in the Athens Games, while for the first time in history, they competed in Ancient Olympia, in the shot put event, together with the men.

Translated by Millie Williams

The Hellenic Radio (ERA): News in English Directory - Previous Article - Next Article