The Hellenic Radio (ERA): News in English, 05-03-27

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

CONTENTS

[01] The PM Announced from Crete Aiming to Rebuild the Economy

By Vicky Keleri

Sources: NET - NET 105.8

In his speech during the memorial service for former Greek PMs Eleftherios and Sofoklis Venizelos in Akrotiri, Crete, Prime Minister Kostas Karamanlis referred to the PASOK governments actions using harsh tongue. The PM blamed them for the many and serious problems facing the country in the absence of structural changes in the past, which triggered incidents of vested interest and corruption. Furthermore, Mr Karamanlis announced that the Government is determined to fight those incidents. As he pointed out, the government policies aim to "rebuild the Economy, towards a modern and effective state, which will focus on the everyday affairs of its citizens, with priorities for Education, Health and Security." During his speech, the PM referred in detail to Eleftherios Venizelos personality traits and work, describing him as a rebel, a realist and a diplomat.

Translated by Vicky Ghionis

[02] Backlash Escalates Asking for Eirinaios to Resign

By Vicky Keleri

Sources: NET - NET 105.8 - Kyriakatiki Eleftherotypia

The 20 Holy Sepulcher Hierarchs are asking for the Patriarch of Jerusalem to resign, a fact that is making the situation tougher for him. Actually, according to NET 105.8 sources, the Patriarchates Hierarchs will be issuing a relevant request in the next few days. At the same time, the backlash of Orthodox Arabs against Mr Eirinaios is escalating. At the moment, Orthodox Arabs are demonstrating against Mr Eirinaios as well as the temples abbot outside the Church of the Nativity in Bethlehem, however, the possibility of a takeover of the Church has been ruled out. Another protest is expected to take place in Nazareth. In the meantime, in an interview to the newspaper Kyriakatiki Eleftherotypia, the wanted former financial manager of the Patriarchate, Nikos Papadimas, is denying ever having embezzled funds or sold property owned by the Patriarchate. He further added that he had leased property belonging to the Patriarchate to Israelis, following Mr Eirinaios order.

Papadimas on Eirinaios and Vavilis

Nikos Papadimas mentioned that he had taken out the leases, after having received three powers of attorney signed by the Patriarch before lawyers and notaries.

He also claimed that he had a very close collaboration with Mr Eirinaios, noting that when Israel was not acknowledging the Patriarch, Papadimas was present during all negotiations with the countrys officials.

As per Papadimas, his ties with Eirinaios were severed when the latter was acknowledged by Israel. The pretext was a disagreement between the two, after the Patriarch asked him to mortgage Patriarchate property valued at $130,000,000 in exchange for a $ 50,000,000 loan, so that the Patriarchate could meet its debts.

Furthermore, he claimed that Eirinaios had fallen victim to wrong advice given by those close to him, as well as those who wished to overturn the Patriarchate.

With regard to Vavilis, Papadimas mentioned that he had met him seven months before starting to work for the Patriarchate, when Vavilis was posing as Apostolos Fokas, manager of the Patriarch's office.

Meanwhile, he noted that Eirinaios later revealed to him that Archbishop Christodoulos was the one who sent Vavilis to Jerusalem.

The reason for the breakdown in relations between Eirinaios and Vavilis was the latters insistence to buy a ship with the Patriarchates funds, which would perform the Haifa-Piraeus route.

Papadimas concluded by saying that he has not met Vavilis since.

Translated by Vicky Ghionis

Related News:

Gloomy Atmosphere for Eirinaios

[03] Two Dead, Eight Injured Beirut Shook to its Foundations

By Vicky Keleri

At least two people were killed and another eight injured yesterday from 25kg of explosives that had been placed between a car and a factory in one of Beiruts industrial suburbs. The explosion was recorded three hours prior to the commencement of Mass, on the eve of Catholic Easter, while as a result five buildings and factories nearby were completely destroyed. Panic was created initially, as police were trying to establish the causes of the blast, while fire fighters were trying to control the fires. Ambulances rushed to the scene immediately to carry the wounded to hospital. It should be noted that this was the third bombing attack in just a week, a fact that has intensified fears for a resurgence of the religious and nationalist violence of the civil war era, which was awakened by former PM Rafik Hariris assassination on 14 February.

Translated by Vicky Ghionis

[04] The Archbishopric's Response Tomorrow Vavilis Alters the Status Quo

The Vavilis case is taking on new dimensions following an interview the man with a thousand faces gave to Greek reporter Makis Trintafyllopoulos, which was published today in the newspaper To Thema. Vavilis declared that he is ready to turn himself in, however, he pointed out that it is not the right time yet and he is waiting for the situation to settle. Meanwhile, he claimed that Archbishop Christodoulos was the one who sent him to Jerusalem on a "national mission", in order to assist in electing Patriarch Eirinaios. Actually, he also mentioned that Mr Eirinaios had promised him $ 400,000 provided the mission was successful. However, as he is claiming, he never received that money. Church sources mentioned that the Archbishopric will respond to Vavilis interview and allegations with an announcement on Monday morning.

Regarding Aggelakos

In the meantime, the wanted man with the multifaceted activities also implicated the chief of Hellenic Police, Giorgos Aggelakos, who, according to Vavilis, covered for him in 1998, despite the pending arrest warrants against him.

He also noted that a special operation took place and he was given time to flee, as the Police appreciated his work.

He further added that Mr Aggelakos also assisted him with the Israeli secret forces, avoiding telling them that he was being persecuted.

On the other hand, Mr Aggelakos denied all the allegations, claiming they were inaccurate.

Translated by Vicky Ghionis

Related News:

Vavilis Case Set in Motion

New Developments in Vavilis Case

[05] Not Afraid of Anyone

By Dimitris Alexopoulos

Sources: ANA

"The European champions are not afraid of anyone." This is what Otto Rehhagel said in the beginning of his Press conference, while he also pointed out that his players proved their worth after Georgias goal. "I have played in Georgia in the past, against Dinamo Tblisi and I knew that they have really good players. Up until the 25, they were very good and following the 1-0 we had many problems. Despite those, however, my players proved their worth. We are the European champions and we should not be afraid of anyone. We won and now we have to beat Albania to reach closer to our target," stressed the German coach.

Same Recipe Against Albania

Otto Rehhagel was clearly satisfied from the outcome of the match, and especially the victory in such a tough home turf. So, he conveyed his joy to the footballers of the Greek national team. "Our players rose to the challenge and managed to win a very crucial game. The Georgians started off strongly and were lucky to take the lead. But my players fought back, scored two quick goals and went to the change rooms having taken the lead."

In being asked to comment on his choice not to proceed with any substitutions and keep the same lineup throughout the ninety-three minutes of play, he said, "After the Georgians goal, we deliberated at the bench and decided to wait since we had ample time to react. The two goals by Kapsis and Vryzas helped us to not just balance the game, but to also lead in the score. Especially at a very decisive moment, since the first half had not finished yet. After the third goal things were looking ideal for us, so there was no reason to proceed with any changes."

The Greek teams next obstacle is Albania, on Wednesday in Karaiskakis Stadium: a game with significant peculiarities. "There is not need to say much. We have to beat Albania, just as we had to win todays match."

Players Keep Low Profile

Although Greece scored a proud victory, turning the game around in just ten minutes of play, its footballers will continue to keep a low profile, even after todays triumph.

And already there is only one thought on their minds: "Victory against Albania."

Angelos Charisteas, the Greek teams striker, said, "It was a very tough game at a home pitch where the Georgians are very strong. Although we trailed in the score, the fact that we turned the match around within two minutes, helped boost our confidence. In the second half, we were on top of things and scored a third goal. After that, we were not threatened. The tough game against Albania is next. We have to win both for the points, as well as the prestige. We have to keep out feet to the ground and be well prepared on Wednesday."

Stelios Giannakopoulos opted for keeping a lid on things in view of Albania. "Todays match was crucial. We succeeded in turning the score around in a tough and badly preserved pitch. It all came down to the 3-1. After that, the Georgians were disappointed and I believe that they settled for the loss. So that gave us a boost in the standings, as well as our inner strength. We will play just as determinedly on Wednesday. And by no means should we underestimate the Albanians! We want the victory primarily for the three points and secondly for the prestige."

The rest of the players statements were also low-key.

Zisis Vryzas said, "It is a very significant victory, but now a win over Albania is imperative."

Giannis Goumas mentioned, "We will talk after the game with Albania. The only thing we want is to win."

Giorgos Karagounis pointed out, "It is a very important victory, since Georgia is a good team with a very tough home turf. We managed to turn the game around and that makes our victory even more important. We will keep our feet to the ground and focus on taking the three points against Albania. Our opponents did not have many opportunities, even when they had possession of the ball. To me, the most important contract is the one with the Greek National Team."

Team captain Thodoris Zagorakis said, "Wednesdays game is very important. We will talk some more after that."

Translated by Vicky Ghionis

[06] Rehhagel the Victorious

By Dimitris Alexopoulos

Apart from a standings point, todays victory over Georgia in Tblisi was especially sweet for Otto Rehhagel, as it made him the coach with the most victories in the history of the Greek National Football Team. After today, the Otto counts 24 victories in 43 matches, surpassing Alketas Panagoulias, whose record was 23 wins in 74 games.

Three Away Goals

So the German coach of the reigning European champions now counts 24 victories, 11 ties and 8 losses, while the previous coach had 23 wins, 20 ties and 31 losses.

Furthermore, this was Greeces first away win in which it scored three goals after five years and six months. Prior to the amazing 3-1 against Georgia, the Greek team had defeated Slovenia in Maribor with a score of 3-0 on 9 October 1999, for the Euro 2000 preliminaries.

The scorers against Slovenia were Tsiartas, Georgiadis and Nikolaidis.

Translated by Vicky Ghionis

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