The Hellenic Radio (ERA): News in English, 05-04-06

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

CONTENTS

[01] For the Updated Stability Programme Commission Voices Satisfaction

By Tina Valaoura

Sources: ANA - ΝΕΤ - ΝΕΤ 105,8

The European Commission gave the Stability and Growth Programme of the Greek Economy for the period 2004-2007 the green light, while it deemed the government measures for fiscal equilibrium as sufficient. "The Greek authorities deserve congratulations, not just for the unwavering implementation of the 2005 budget, but also for announcing the added measures adopted this year," declared Commissioner Joaqu&#237;n Almunia. According to the Commissions announcement, Greece did what it had to for reducing the deficit to under 3% of the GDP in 2006, as per the Communitys decisions in February. At the same time, it advised Ecofin which will review the Programme on 12 April to recommend that Greece implement permanent measures leading to its set targets.

Moving Towards the Right Direction

The Commission also noted that the Greek fiscal policy included a combination of measures aiming to increase public revenues, with a simultaneous reduction of public expenditures, a fact that would allow Greece to present a 0.7% of the GDP surplus for 2005.

Furthermore, it mentioned that according to the Stability Programme, the Greek fiscal deficit will drop to 3.7% in 2005 and 2.9% in 2006, as opposed to 6.1% in 2004. However, it noted that some uncertainties in the countrys fiscal perspectives do exit.

"Taking into account the existing uncertainties, I am satisfied by Greeces commitment that the budget it will present in 2006 will contain the necessary measures that would drive the deficit to under 3% of the GDP," declared Mr Almunia.

Greeces compliance to the Economy Ministers Councils recommendations will be assessed by the relevant report that Athens will be submitting in October.

Translated by Vicky Ghionis

Related News:

To the Commission for Approval

[02] After Harsh Reactions Super Markets Eat Their Words

By Annita Paschalinou

Yesterday's SESME statements, which insinuated that the Competition Committee fine will be transferred to products' prices caused a series of reactions, as was of course expected. Consumers Unions and SYN spoke of a common and cynical blackmail. As for Development Minister Dimitris Sioufas, he supported that SESME's statements were most probably misinterpreted. At noon however, and following the avalanche of reactions, SESME clarified the issue, stressing that Super Markets will try to absorb the sum of the penalty to be imposed and went on to add that any consequences on consumers will stem from Super Markets' inability to proceed with offers and reduced prices.

Clarifications on Fines

SESME also provided clarifications for the statements of its Board members, supporting that they do not turn against any Minister.

The announcement also said that developments after the Competition Committee decision have caused bitterness to Greek Super Markets, given that the condemnatory decision was made regarding actions that occurred in cooperation with industries and in fact after the encouragement and help of the then Minister of Development.

Reactions

Earlier, the Consumers Protection Centre spoke of sheer blackmail and congratulated the State on the referral of Super Markets to the Competition Committee, as well as the two witnesses who had the courage to speak the truth (on the common policy of harmonized prices).

The Consumers' Association "The Quality of Life" asked the Super Markets to withdraw their threats. At the same time, they asked the Competition Committee and the Ministry of Development to proceed with the strict implementation of the law.

In an announcement, SYN spoke of a cynical and blunt blackmail and urged the government to take immediate measures to protect consumers against such blackmailing practices.

Translated by Sofia Soulioti

[03] Pope's Succession Begins on April 18 All Roads Lead to Rome

By Vagelis Theodorou

The Vatican is crammed with people for the third day in a row, as thousands of Catholics from all over the world are pouring into Saint Peter's Basilica to pay their last respects to Pope John Paul II and attend his funeral, due on Friday. In fact, the crowds arriving in Rome are considered as the most massive transportation of people in the modern western world. At the same time, the Italian capital is under tight security measures, as it is preparing to welcome 200 foreign dignitaries, who will attend the funeral ceremony. Procedures for the election of the new Catholic Primus are also on the final stretch and will begin on April 18, as per the Vatican spokesperson Joaquin Navvaro-Valls. At the same time, there is great interest for the publication of the Pontiff's will.

Under Tight Security

The Pope's funeral which will last for more than three hours, will be attended by at least 200 foreign leaders, including UN Secretary General Kofi Annan, US President George Bush, Greek President of the Republic Karolos Papoulias, the Primus of Orthodoxy, Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew and the Archbishop of Athens and All Greece Christodoulos.

Security measures planned by Roman authorities are unprecedented. Thousands of police officers have been recruited for the safety of dignitaries and for keeping the order, while lines of anti-aircraft missiles have been deployed, fighter crafts are patrolling the skies and warships are sailing off the shores of the Mediterranean.

Special units are thoroughly checking the waters of Tiber. 10,000 policemen are guarding the streets of the eternal city, while 1,000 firemen and 1,000 soldiers are on alert.

What is more, the municipality of Rome has decided to close all public services on Friday and ban circulation of vehicles, so as to facilitate public means of transport. What is more, all flights over the Italian capital will be banned from Thursday and until after the completion of the funeral ceremony.

As per the Italian Prime Minister, Silvio Berlusconi, Authorities are working hard to reinforce security, while he also expressed the belief that "everything will run smoothly."

The chairs, where foreign dignitaries will sit on, have already been placed in St Peter's Square. As per the schedule, the US President will be sitting next to his Iranian counterpart, Mohammad Hatami, the leader of a country included in the USA's so-called "Evil Axis."

At the same time, Roman authorities have created temporary resorts around the capital to house the faithful who failed to find any other place to stay. According to calculations, over four million people are expected to attend the funeral, half of which will come from Poland, Pope John Paul's homeland. In fact, the Pontiff's compatriots will bring earth from Poland in a silver box.

Racing for Succession

In the meantime, the College of Cardinals assembled for the third time after the Pope's death and set April 18 as the date of the conclave's assembly that will elect the new Catholic Primus.

The 117 Cardinals comprising the conclave will be voting twice per day in the Sistine Chapel until electing the new spiritual leader of the almost one billion Catholics. Pope John Paul's successor will have to gather a majority of two thirds plus one. However, if the electoral process should last more than two weeks, then a new Pope can be elected with a simple majority, if the members of the conclave agree to it.

Even though there are no favourites, however several Cardinals have openly voiced their preferences, while many believe that the new Pope should come from a southern hemisphere developing country, where the overwhelming majority of Catholics live. Tomorrow's publication of the Pontiff's will is awaited with great interest and as per the Vatican spokesperson it was read on Wednesday before the College of Cardinals.

The text is almost 15 pages long, written in Polish (it will also be translated in Italian), while it was written throughout the entire papacy of John Paul II, which started in 1979.

Final Farewell

Thousands of pilgrims are waiting in St Peter's Sqaure to pay homage to the Pope's mortal remains. In fact, according to estimations each hour 18,000 faithful pay their last respects to the Pontiff.

Despite the unusual cold, people are queuing for miles around the Vatican and patiently wait with tears in the eyes to catch a last glimpse of the Pope lying in state in Saint Peter's Basilica.

Already, more than 1.2 million pilgrims have seen the Pope, while many of them had to wait for as many as 12 or 14 hours. "The Pope always wanted to be by the side of the people now the people have come to see the Pope," said the Archbishop of Los Angeles, Cardinal Roger Mahoney.

Translated by Sofia Soulioti

[04] Alogoskoufis and Papandreou clash Sparks Fly in Parliament over Deficit

By Vagelis Theodorou

A strong clash broke out in Parliament between the Minister for the Economy, Giorgos Alogoskoufis and the President of PASOK, George Papandreou, during discussion of the Bill for Income Policy. In the context of the new taxation measures to reduce the fiscal deficit, Mr Papandreou launched an attack on the government over its handling of the Economy and described the measures as a "policy of desperation." At the same time, the leader of the Opposition accused the government of untrustworthiness, serving vested interests and burdening low-income strata. The Minister for the Economy reacted immediately, defending the governments efforts to reduce the deficit, and judging Mr Papandreous speech to have been nihilist and accusatory.

Assuming Responsibility

At the beginning of his speech, Mr Papandreou claimed that the "so-called inventory" was the only promise kept by ND and cancelled out all the rest. "We have become a voluntary guinea-pig of the EUs strictest decrees," he stated. He went on: "you are incorrigible. You learnt for decades to live in a Greece under observation, and you have returned us to supervision in 2005."

As PASOKs president stated, the new economic measures lead to an increase in tax evasion, hinder growth and feed inflation. "Things would be different under a PASOK government," claimed Mr Papandreou, expressing the fear that the government would be led to take additional measures and proceed with privatization.

The Minister for the Economy called on Mr Papandreou to assume responsibility for previous governments, of which he was a member, and not speak as though he had just arrived in Greece.

"On what authority do you come and tell us what you would have done if you had won the elections, when you told lies to the Greek people and the EU for ten years?" asked Mr Alogoskoufis, adding: "the government has told the truth to the Greek people and presented a programme for the country to come out of the crisis, because we must stop living in lies and deceit."

"We decreased tax rates, we have given increases twice the rate of inflation to farmers pensions and EKAS. We believe in businessmanship and strengthening our fiscal policy, but we must respond to our obligations in Europe," stressed Mr Alogoskoufis. He concluded: "it is unfortunate not to hear a positive, specific proposal from you. The people know your partys responsibility and have voted in a government to change the situation."

Translated by Millie Williams

Related News:

Commission Voices Satisfaction

[05] PM signs condolence book for Pope PM Goes to Vatican Embassy

By Athina Saloustrou

The Vatican Embassy in Greece was visited this morning by Prime Minister Mr Kostas Karamanlis, in order for him to sign the book of condolences for the death of Pope John Paul II. "I express my warm condolences on behalf of the Greek people on the loss of the Pope, who defended peace, human rights and values that transcend humankind with courage and determination," wrote the Prime Minister in the book of condolences.

Translated by Millie Williams

[06] Letter on Patriarchy of Jerusalem Calling for Bartholomew to Intervene

By Vagelis Theodorou

In a letter to Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew, dozens of hierarchs from the Patriarchy of Jerusalem request that the Major Synod of Orthodox Churches be convened in order to bring the Patriarchy of Jerusalem out of the crisis. In the letter, which was sent on Tuesday evening, the hierarchs paint a black picture of the situation in the Patriarchy, especially after the revelations of financial mismanagement. At the same time, they express their sorrow at the situation and note that, due to the scandals, the Patriarchy has been exposed to ridicule and they cannot carry out their ecclesiastic duties. In the meantime, next week, deputy Foreign Minister Panagiotis Skandalakis is to go to Tel Aviv, Ramallah and Amman, in an effort to find a solution to the crisis in the Patriarchy of Jerusalem, while reactions of Orthodox Communities against Patriarch Eirinaios continue in the Palestinian territories.

Patriarchy is National Issue

In the meantime, speaking on Flash radio station, deputy Foreign Minister Panagiotis Skandalakis described the strengthening of the institution of the Patriarchy, in order to avoid changing the status quo, as a national matter

Mr Skandalakis noted the need for the Patriarchy of Jerusalem to remain "above people and personal ambitions," and stressed that Jordan, Israel and the Palestinian Authority have pledged that the Patriarchy will remain in Greek hands.

"As the Greek state, we are obliged to support the Patriarchy and make it known that it is Greek and must remain Greek. The Greek nature of the Patriarchy and the Greek origin of the Patriarch are a basic issue," said the deputy Foreign Minister.

Finally, speaking at a student event on the topic of relations between Church and State, SYNs President Alekos Alavanos called for a "clear sign of the removal of Patriarch Eirinaios" from the Greek government.

Translated by Millie Williams

[07] One Dead and Three Injured Guerrilla Attack in Kashmir

By Vagelis Theodorou

Indian Kashmir has turned into a battlefield, on the occasion of a path-breaking bus ride between divided Indian and Pakistani Kashmir. Separatist guerrillas attacked a cluster of buildings in Srinagar, which sheltered 25 passengers due to travel on the bus, resulting in the injury of three civilians. The rebel who launched the attack was killed while exchanging fire with security forces, while authorities are after a man who allegedly participated in the attack. Pakistani authorities condemned the incident stressing that the route linking Indian and Pakistani Kashmir will be performed as per normal, while India issued an announcement stating among other things that PM Manmohan Singh will flag off the bus on Thursday morning as scheduled. Four Islamic groups, who had pledged to turn the first trans-Kashmir bus in half a century into a coffin, claimed responsibility for the attack.

Translated by Sofia Soulioti

[08] Historical Agreement on Ivory Coast

By Mary Lou Tzempelikou

The historical agreement signed on Wednesday between the belligerent parties includes commitments for immediate and definite cease of all hostilities" and the "termination of war" on the entire Ivory Coast. Talks lasted for four days and were held at the capital of South Africa, Pretoria, with the participation of the country's president and African Union mediator for the crisis on the Ivory Coast, Thabo Mbeki. It is noted in the agreement that civic guards will be disarmed and disbanded, while belligerent parties stated they "irrevocably reject the use of violence as a means of settling differences." The next date is set on April 14, at which point the heads of government and militant armed forces will meet in Mbuake, a rebel stronghold at the heart of the city, to vouch for the implementation of the agreement.

Civil war is battering the country since September 2002, when an attempted coup d'etat against president Loran Gbagbo divided the country and the control of the northern part was passed on to the New Forces.

Translated by Sofia Soulioti

[09] Taking the First Victorious Step

By Vasilis Kalpinos

Although having a hard time and making several mistakes in crucial points of the game, finally Panathinaikos claimed victory against Turkish Efes Pilsen and thus scored the first of the two necessary victories. On Friday, in Istanbul, Zeljko Obradovic's basketballers will go after 2-0, which will mean their immediate qualification to Moscow's Basketball Final Four. However, if Panathinaikos lose, they will once again play against Efes on home grounds (OAKA) on Thursday 14 April. The ten-minute periods: 21-21, 46-46, 64-63, 88-88 (regular period) 102-96 (extra time).

Five Extra Minutes Were Vital

It was a game that could end with victory for each of the two teams. Panathinaikos were very good both in defense and in offense. Their Achilles' heel was the many lost free throws and mistakes at crucial points. On the other hand, the Turks were always keeping up by playing more patiently.

The first half was perfectly balanced. For Obradovic's team, Skepanovic and Lakovic got off to a good start. However, that wasn't enough for Panathinaikos, since on the other side of the court, Efes Pilsen with Solomon and Domercant doing their thing, managed to keep up in score and the first half ended with 46-46.

The third period started with three-pointers from both sides. Kutluay for the home team and Solomon for the guests were going neck and neck. In the fourth period, Panathinaikos stepped on it with Batiste and Skepanovic setting the pace and in the 36 the score was 80-72 in favour of the home team. However, eventually Panathinaikos lost their pace and Solomon turned the match all by himself. With one three-pointer and two baskets Aris' former player reduced to 81-83 twenty seconds before the end, but in the roulette of free throws Efes tied the score at 88-88 and so the game had to come down to the five minutes of extra time.

In the extra time, both teams shared the leading role. Finally, with Lakovic' three-pointer Panathinaikos took the lead by 95-93, but 1.30 minutes before the end, the Slovenian player was forced to sit on the bench with five fouls. After the timeout, Skepanovic and Kutluay had their share of luck and led Panathinaikos to victory.

PANATHINAIKOS (Zeljko Obradovic): Alvertis 3 (1), Kalaitzis 1, Lakovic 26 (3), Batiste 17, Chatzivrettas 4, Tsartsaris 6, Diamantidis 5, Skepanovic 19 (2), Kutluay 14 (3), Baxter 7.

EFES PILSEN (Oktay Mahmuti): Arslan 10 (2), Solomon 25 (4), Prkacin 8, Abi 4, Nikolic 12, Peker 1, Kecman 5 (1), Kuqo 2, Aqiol, Domercant 29 (2).

Translated by Sofia Soulioti

[10] Exhibited in a New Area in the Louvre New Home for Mona Lisa

By Vagelis Theodorou

After four years of renovation works that cost almost 4.8 million euros, Mona Lisa finally acquired its own special home inside the Louvre Museum. From now on, the mysterious woman, painted by Leonardo da Vinci between 1503 and 1506, will be showing her enigmatic smile to visitors in the Salle des Etats. The masterpiece, measuring 53 b 76 centimetres, will be hung alone on a false wall in an area dedicated to 16th-century Italian paintings. So, visitors will be able to gaze on the Mona Lisa without being crowded or distracted by other paintings. Da Vinci's work will be hung behind non-reflective, unbreakable glass to be protected from climatic changes, camera flashes and willful damage. Those of you who will be lucky enough to go to Paris, make sure to pay Mona Lisa a visit in her new home.

Translated by Sofia Soulioti

[11] In combination with counselling Injection Gives Hope to Alcoholics

By Despina Hristopoulou

Sources: BBC

An injection of a medicine created by American researchers could bring hope to millions of alcoholics. The injection, which is administered once a month, contains the substance naltrexone, which reduces the feeling of pleasure associated with consuming alcohol by blocking receptors in the brain linked to euphoria. The substance is also used to assist rehabilitation from drug addiction, as it directly blocks the action of opiates in the form of an implant or a pill. The results of the research are poublished in the Journal of the American Medical Association. The scientists examined the cases of 627 alcohol addicts. According to the research results, naltrexone in the form of an injection is more effective than pills, because the treatment is administered on a monthly basis, which means that the patient does not need to remember to take the pill every day. Moreover, as the scientists stress, psychological support is equally important, as it will urge patients both to start and to continue treatment.

Results Welcomed

According to Dr Helen Pettinati, head of the Journal of the American Medical Association study, the research showed that the substance has a long-term impact and very few side effects.

Dr Colin Brewer, from the Stapleford Centre in London, which treats people with addictions, stressed that the injection is easier than the tablet, because it is not necessary to take it every day. In fact, he noted that patients frequently start treatment with pills, but they often react and refuse to continue taking them.

For this reason, he underlines that the most important point is to have motivation and psychological support, which will help an alcoholic to go to the doctor every month.

In addition, taking naltrexone in the form of an implant is off-putting, because a small operation is required.

Dr Anne Lingford-Hughes, senior lecturer in biological psychiatry and addiction at Bristol University, said: "It does add to our ability to treat people with alcohol dependence. But its important to recognise that drug therapies should be used in conjunction with counselling and that individuals need to be motivated. These are not wonder drugs."

At the moment, naltrexone is not prescribed to alcoholics in all countries. In Britain, for example, it is only provided by a few clinics, but it is prescribed to those who wish to fight addiction to opiates, such as heroine.

Translated by Millie Williams

[12] Take a ride with a future Duchess! A Train Called Camilla!

By Despina Hristopoulou

If all goes according to plan and the wedding is not postponed again, on 9 April Camilla Parker Bowles and Prince Charles will take vows of eternal love. For those of you who would like to see Charles new wife up close but have no invitation to the wedding, all you have to do is nip out to Alton Towers theme park in central England. There not only will you get to see Camilla, but also take a ride with her! You see, the theme park decided to honour the new member of the royal family by rebaptising their new attraction Rita Queen of Speed as Camilla Queen of Speed on the day of the wedding. The train, with its abrupt ups and downs will have a picture of Queen Elizabeths future daughter-in-law, while throughout the day the theme parks new attraction will be advertised on posters and on television under its honorary name!

Inspired by Wedding Preparations

"Camilla is not yet Queen of England, but we believe that she will be pleased that Rita is losing her throne for her to become queen of speed" on her wedding day," stated a representative of the theme park.

In fact, the people of the theme park say that they find some similarities between the roller coaster, that takes its riders up and down at speeds of up to 100 kmph in just two and a half seconds and the troubled preparations for the princely wedding.

"I am sure that they will appreciate the gesture as especially careful. We of course wish them every happiness in their married life."

Who knows, if the move pays off, the roller coaster may keep the name of the future Duchess of Cornwall!

Translated by Millie Williams

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