The Hellenic Radio (ERA): News in English, 05-04-12

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

CONTENTS

[01] New Trust-Building Measures Conditional Approach

By Betty Savourdou

Sources: NET - ANA

During their meeting on Tuesday in Ankara, the Foreign Ministers of Greece and Turkey decided to implement three new trust-building measures for further improving bilateral relations. Furthermore, in the context of avoiding any tension in the Aegean, Messrs Molyviatis and Gul decided to establish a direct phone line between the Airforce bases of Larissa and Eskisehir, which would be used in cases of violations of the national airspace. As per the Greek Minister, the improvement of the relations between the two countries should also have an effect on military activities in the Aegean, which have a negative impact on the climate between Greece and Turkey. However, a Turkish coastguard boat has been stationed in Imia since Tuesday morning.

Supporting Turkey's European Prospects

The two Foreign Ministers noted that the Greek-Turkish relations seem to be improving.

During their joint Press conference on Tuesday afternoon, Petros Molyviatis described the meeting with his Turkish counterpart as positive and constructive, while Abdullah Guls statements were along the same lines.

The three new trust-building measures announced by the Turkish Minister regard:

Commencing collaboration between the emergency disaster management units of the two countries for dealing with natural disasters, as well as organizing joint training exercises Participation of military personnel is training programmes and language schools for both countries Organizing sports events between military personnel from both countries

With regard to Turkeys European progress, Mr Molyviatis said that Greece supported the countrys European prospects. He also added that Greeces vision was for the wider area to become an area of peace, democracy and prosperity, in accordance with the rest of Europe, and with respect for human rights, freedom of religion and the rights of minorities.

Mr Molviatis also noted that Greece believed Turkey could become a full-fledged EU member, provided it fulfilled the rules and regulations of the European Union.

On the issue with Cyprus, the Greek Minister said that all sides understood the need to unite the island. He further declared that a viable and efficient solution, based on the Annan Plan, could be found.

On the other hand, Mr Gul mentioned that both countries are willing to continue exploratory contacts regarding the Aegean, while he voiced his countrys satisfaction for Greeces support concerning Turkeys progress in Europe.

Furthermore, the two Ministers agreed to further support the improvement and developments of trade relations between the two countries, while they discussed reopening the Ismir-Piraeus shipping route.

Finally, Mr Gul mentioned that his government decided to be flexible on reviewing the entry permits for the coasts and islands of the Aegean Sea.

On Wednesday, the Greek Minister will meet with Turkeys PM, Recep Tayyip Erdogan, while he will also visit the Ecumenical Patriarchate.

Turkish Coastguard Near Imia

In the meantime, during Mr Molyviatis meetings in Ankara, Turkey kept proceeding with provocative actions in the Aegean.

A Turkish coastguard boat approached Imia on Tuesday morning and stayed there until 20:00, at which time it was replaced by another coastguard boat. Earlier, a TV crew had disembarked from the boat.

Greek coastguard boats are monitoring the Turkish boats in the area, while a Greek Navy ship is close by.

Furthermore, six F-16 fighter planes flew over Andros, while Greek fighter planes were performing test flights with real ammunition. Two of the Turkish F-16s were armed. The Greek officers were forced to abandon the test flight to avoid any accidents.

"The government is closely monitoring todays developments in the Aegean. Such actions do not assist in the efforts that are being made to improve the relations between the two countries, a fact that also constitutes the Greek Foreign Ministers visit to Ankara," mentioned the alternate government spokesperson,. Evangelos Antonaros.

Translated by Vicky Ghionis

Related News:

Molyviatis in Ankara

[02] Heavy Charges for Panathinaikos

By Vasilis Kalpinos

The match protocol following the game between Panathinaikos and Olympiacos had many incriminating evidence, including broken seats, firecrackers, Molotov cocktails, smoke bombs and attacks against police men both during the match , as well as after. The FC is scheduled to testify before the EPAE (Hellenic Association of Football Clubs) on Thursday and if found guilty it will probably be penalized with playing behind closed doors for the next two matches. Therefore, in the big match between the other title contender, AEK, Panathinaikos, will play without its fans.

Translated by Vicky Ghionis

[03] Bionic Suit Helps Movement

By Despina Hristopoulou

Sources: New Scientist

For some people, even walking from one room to another is a daily torment. Yoshiyuki Sankai of the University of Tsukuba, Japan, developed a revolutionary device in order to assist older people or those with disabilities to walk or lift heavy objects. HAL (hybrid assistive limb), along with its latest versions, will be unveiled this coming June at the World Expo in Aichi, Japan, which opened last month. As per Yoshiyuki Sankai, HAL is a result of 10 years work, integrating mechanics, electronics, bionics and robotics in a new field called cybernics. HAL is a motor-driven metal "exoskeleton" that can be strapped onto the legs, while a backpack holds a computer with a wireless network connection and the batteries are attached to a belt.

Moves the Limbs

Two control systems interact to help the wearer stand, walk and climb chairs.

The first system, the bio-cybernic, uses bioelectric sensors attached to the skin on the legs to monitor signals transmitted from the brain to the muscles. This is possible because when someone intends to stand or walk, the nerve signals to the muscles generate a detectable electric current on the skins surface. The sensors pick up these currents and send them to a computer, which translates the nerve signals into signals of its own.

The second system provides autonomous robotic control of the motors to coordinate these movements. The system activates automatically once the user starts to move.

The first time they walk, the sensors record the posture and pattern of the users motion, storing the information in an onboard database for later use.

The more advanced versions, HAL 4 and HAL 5, assist the upper part of the body, helping a person lift up to 40kg. Furthermore, they have a smaller computer, which can be attached to the suits belt.

HAL 3 weighs 22kg, HAL 4 17kg, while HAL 5 may be lighter still.

The first commercial suits are likely to cost between $ 14,000 and $ 19,000.

Translated by Vicky Ghionis

Related Links:

New Scientist

Institute of Engineering Mechanics and Systems, University of Tsukuba

2005 World Expo

HAL (Hybrid Assistive Limb)

[04] Kidnapper Arrested Child Hostages Freed

By Vagelis Theodorou

All is well that ends well for the four schoolgirls that were snatched in Ennepetal, a town near the industrial Ruhr Valley, Germany. After six hours, the police stormed the house where the children were being held and arrested the abductor. The adventure of the four girls, aged between 11 and 12, started on Tuesday at noon. An unknown man, believed to be Iranian and around 40 years old, invaded a school bus and forced the children to get off at knifepoint, while he then led them to a house and held them there. The motives of the kidnapper are still unclear. According to police sources, the man, who was probably under the influence of alcohol or drugs, was demanding that his family be allowed to join him in Germany.

[05] FYROM Insists on Double Name Nimitz's Proposal a Basis for Negotiations

By Annita Paschalinou

The Greek Government described Matthew Nimitzs proposal for FYROMs name as a basis for negotiations. "Mr Nimitz included in his document the points he believed should be incorporated in his proposal," declared the alternate government spokesperson, Evangelos Antonaros, while he underlined that Nimitzs proposal is not a "take it or leave it" situation, but forms the basis for negotiations. Meanwhile, he added that if FYROM responds negatively, as per sources, the international community will have the opportunity to realize who is a reliable speaker. In the meantime, late on Tuesday afternoon, FYROM released information regarding the meeting between Matthew Nimitz and FYROMs representative, Nikola Dimitrov. The countrys Foreign Minister, Ilinka Mitreva, denied the fact that the UN mediator had presented a new proposal and insisted on FYROMs stance for a double name.

FYROM Insists on Double Name

Mrs Mitreva declared that Matthew Nimitz presented to FYROMs representative one of the ideas that had been mentioned in the past, as well as other options, but not an official proposal, as was announced by the Greek side.

FYROMs Foreign Minister also said that the two exchanged proposals and views, in the context of discussions taking place under the aegis of the UN for the last twelve years.

She further added that Mr Nimitz was informed of her countrys fixed stance on the matter, ie for the country to be called with its constitutional name, Republic of Macedonia, by the UN, as well as other international bodies.

"For us the composite name Republika Makedonija-Skopje is unacceptable," she noted, underlining that it could constitute a basis for talks concerning finding a solution for the bilateral communication between Greece and FYROM.

UN and Solana: A Proposal Does Exist

Contrary to the statements made by FYROMs FM, in an announcement issued by the office of UN mediator Matthew Nimitz it is mentioned that on 29 March, Mr Nimitz submitted to both sides a number of options for review.

It was further added that during the two weeks that followed, Mr Nimitz met with representatives from both sides, who briefed him on their governments stances.

Finally, the announcement mentioned that, despite the fact that no solution has been found yet, Mr Nimitz has urged both Athens and Skopje to collaborate through the set procedure and to avoid public statements, in an effort to bridge the gaps.

It also noted that in the coming weeks, Mr Nimitz will hold discussions with each side separately, as well as meetings with both sides present.

EUs High Representative for the CFSP (Common Foreign and Security Policy), Javier Solana, also confirmed that a proposal by Mr Nimitz exists, while he wished that FYROM would accept it.

After meeting with FYROMs PM V. Buckovski, Xavier Solana declared that the competent UN body on the matter drew up the proposal a few days ago and sent it to both sides.

Criticism from Papandreou

Earlier in Athens, the alternate government spokesperson, Evangelos Antonaros, pointed out that the Nimitz proposal constitutes a basis for negotiations, and negotiations, per se, contain points that might not be accepted by one or the other side.

On the other hand, while speaking at the PASOK Coordinators convention, George Papandreou accused the government of lacking policies with regard to FYROM.

PASOKs President also mentioned that Nimitzs proposal did not seem reliable for resolving the problem, while he urged the government to publicise the letter, so that the Greek public opinion could be fully informed. Then, answering to a relevant question, he mentioned that the letter contained many points that Mr Molyviatis did not brief him on.

Mr Papandreou also added that PASOK could not publicise the report, as it was marked confidential.

Finally, referring to the governments request for consent on the matter, he pointed out that consent cannot be achieved when there is lack of reliability, information and willingness for deliberations with the Opposition, as well as other parties.

Briefing Campaign by Valinakis

In the meantime, Deputy Foreign Minister Giannis Valinakis will be departing for Berlin, Strasburg and Brussels on Wednesday, on a quick briefing campaign for the issue with FYROM. In the first two cities, Mr Valinakis will meet with his foreign counterparts, while in Brussels he is scheduled to meet with Javier Solana.

Translated by Vicky Ghionis

Related News:

FYROM Wants Double Name

[06] Bill Submitted to Parliament Tomorrow Justice Served Faster

By Vagelis Theodorou

The Bill to be submitted to Parliament today, which provides for an acceleration in the process of serving Justice, has been approved by the Cabinet, chaired by the Prime Minister. As per the Minister of Justice, Anastasis Papaligouras, the Bills aim is to serve Justice faster and to upgrade its quality. "We are determined to make deeply felt changes and ensure that citizens will actually feel these changes in the way Justice is served," stressed Mr Papaligouras. Prokopis Pavlopoulos informed the Cabinet on the measures taken by the Ministry for the Interior to stamp out bureaucracy.

Citizen Service Centres Upgraded

Mr Pavlopoulos referred to the new powers assigned to Citizen Service Centres, aiming at stamping out corruption and at better serving citizens.

As he stressed, a bill that is already being discussed in Parliament provides for regulations that will abolish time-consuming processes, while issues concerning the authentication of certificate will be passed on to Citizen Service Centres, so that people don't spent that much time and money.

"CSCs are gradually turned into Centres of Complete Transactions and furthermore the financial and personel issues have been settles," underlined the Minister for the Interior.

At present 966 CSCs operate throughout Greece and carry out 855 certified procedures. 134 of them are located in major cities and re open in mornings, afternoons and Saturday mornings.

After the Cabinet meeting, Mr Karamanlis met with Deputy Culture Minister Fani Palli-Petralia.

Translated by Sofia Soulioti

[07] Fines for Improper Loading Hefty Penalties for Trucks

By Vagelis Theodorou

Sources: ANA - NET

From now on, truck owners and drivers will have to pay dearly for any serious violations. For the first time ever, a Transport Ministry bill on road safety, which will be submitted in Parliament soon, provides for hefty fines in cases of improper loading, while the amount payable would be multiplied by the excess weight of the loads. At the same time, the Ministry will intensify spot checks. The bill was at the focus of discussions today between the Transport Minister, Michalis Liapis, and representatives of truck owners.

More Checks

The bill aims to improve road safety, while the 4,000 trucks that travel on the highways bear a significant part of the responsibility.

According to the regulations, if a truck does not have a registration licence, the fine will come to 8,000 euros, while the number plates will be removed. Furthermore, if the truck carries a different load that the one specified, the fine will come to 5,000 euros, while the registration licence will be suspended for two months. Finally, in the cases of overloading, the fines will be multiplied and will range from 60 to 5,000 euros, according to the amount of overloading.

Meanwhile, the relevant Ministry bodies will perform checks even at nights and on public holidays, both on Greek as well as foreign trucks. Furthermore, the working conditions for truck drivers will conform to those that apply for the EU, which is also a fixed demand of the drivers. Finally, joint ministerial decisions will be issued concerning the increase of gross weight for liquid fuel delivery trucks, in accordance with the EU requirements.

Referring to the demands of truck owners, Mr Liapis announced that the transport fees will increase by 4%, while in September they will increase by a further 4%.

Translated by Vicky Ghionis

[08] Regarding his Relations with Giosakis Theoklitos Testified Before Supreme Court

By Athina Saloustrou

Former Metropolitan Bishop Theoklitos of Thessaliotida testified today before Supreme Court deputy Public Prosecutor Giorgos Sanidas as part of the investigation for the extra-judicial network and his interrogation mainly focused on remanded-in-custody archimandrite Iakovos Giosakis, who allegedly set up court compositions and intermediated in drug dealers' releases from prison. Iakovos Giosakis has been summoned to testify tomorrow as a suspect for committing crimes, while investigations are expected to end before Easter. What is more, according to information, justices and lawyers allegedly implicated in the extra-judicial network will testify within the following week.

Translated by Sofia Soulioti

[09] No Need for Referendum

By Tina Valaoura

"The Governments stance is clear. It is a stance that all Greek Governments have adopted since 1974, in view of the countrys European prospects and accession in to Europe. It does not believe that there is a need to hold a referendum following the expected ratification of the EU Constitution by the Greek Parliament," answered the alternate government spokesperson, Evangelos Antonaros, today, after the request submitted yesterday by the three Opposition parties for holding a referendum. Mr Antonaros also added that such initiatives serve other aims, while there is no need for the citizens to resort to the ballots for a third time in just a year and a half. Meanwhile, he remained that in 1998, Kostas Simitis said that the governments fixed position was for all international treaties to be ratified by the Parliament. When asked whether the government is rejecting the holding of a referendum, fearing that it would be voted against, he answered that the two major parties, which represent 90% of the Greek people in Parliament, have already said that they were in favour of the EU Constitution. The Greek Parliament will meet to start discussing the bill concerning the ratification of the EU Constitution this afternoon.

Translated by Vicky Ghionis

[10] Pre-Election Pledge against EU Constitution

By Tina Valaoura

Sources: ANA

Britains Conservative Party included a rejection of the EU Constitutional Treaty as part of their pre-election pledges in view of the elections on 5 May. The Torrys manifesto mentioned, "We oppose the EU Constitution and would give the British people the chance to reject its provisions in a referendum within six months of the General Election." The Conservative Party is going full-steam ahead to bridge the gap between them and the Labour Party, which is ahead in the opinion polls.

Due to the Conservatives increased support of their stance concerning the EU Constitution, Blair was forced to change his decision to hold a referendum in 2006. The opinion polls are showing that most Britons are opposed to the EU Constitution and, according to analysts, a "No" vote would force Blair to resign.

Translated by Vicky Ghionis

[11] Stability Programme Approved Praises by Ecofin

By Tina Valaoura

The Greek revised Stability and Growth Programme received the approval of EU's Economy Ministers Council in Luxemburg today. Ecofin chairman Jean-Claude Juncker voiced satisfaction over the Greek efforts that aim at reducing fiscal deficit below 3% of the GP, while competent Commissioner Joaquin Almunia made positive comments on the economic policy of the Greek government and especially on the extra measures announced on March 29, after ascertaining that the 2004 deficit was higher than originally estimated. The conclusions of both the Committee and Ecofin are in accordance with the Greek side, commented Economy and Finance Minister Giorgos Alogoskoufis and went on to add that efforts to limit deficit will now focus on the implementation of structural measures and the stamping out of tax evasion and illegal trading.

Government Measures Adequate

Joaquin Almunia noted that he expects Greek authorities to exactly implement the 2005 budget and present measures for 2006 that will aim at the completion of fiscal adjustment, underlining however that the Commission does not look into new measures.

The revised Stability Programme for 2004-2007 was brought up for discussion yesterday as part of the Eurogroup and at ECOFIN today, which gave the Greek side the green light, taking under consideration the Commission's recent positive proposal.

"The Council welcomes Greece's effort to limit the excess deficit," noted Ecofin in the relevant announcement and described the Greek programme as an "important fiscal adjustment."

At the same time, they noted that the Greek Government decisions are aligned with the Council's suggestions on February 13 and "therefore, no added steps are required in the process regarding excess deficit."

Greek Government Satisfied

Mr Alogoskoufis did not hide his satisfaction over Ecofin's stance and referred to the three tools that worked.

the non-substitution of Olympic expenses with other expenses, which will save resources up to 1% of the GDP the significant retardation of Public expenses, apart from investments, which equals to 0.5% of the GDP the added measures which are expected to save 1% of the GDP on a yearly basis. The next test for Greek economy will be the presentation of the 2006 budget draft in the fall, for which Mr Alogoskoufis is very positive, supporting that after 2006 Greece will have escaped the excess deficit process.

Translated by Sofia Soulioti

[12] Easter Shopping Hours

By Tina Valaoura

As of April 21 consumers will be more at ease to go ahead with their Easter shopping. The reason is the implementation of Easter shopping hours, which begins in 9 days.

Specifically, on Thursday and Friday 21 and 22 April stores will be open from 09:00 until 21.00, while on Saturday 23 April they will be open from 09:00 to 16:00.

During the Passion Week and in particular from Monday to Thursday shops will remain open from 09:00 to 21:00. On Good Friday stores will open at 13:00 and will close their doors at 19:00, while on Easter Saturday they will be working from 09:00 to 15:00.

Stores in Piraeus will open at 08:00.

On Easter Monday all stores will remain closed, while as of Tuesday May 3 summer hours will apply as per normal.

Translated by Sofia Soulioti

[13] Great Growth Venture in Realization Orbit Historic Agreement

By Annita Paschalinou

After 13 years of talks, the Burgas-Alexandroupoli oil pipe-line will be finally constructed. The political memorandum for its construction was signed today in Sofia by the Development Ministers of Greece and Bulgaria and the Energy Minister of Russia. The Greek Prime Minister described the agreement as historic and underlined it is a venture of major economic importance. What is more, he added that this venture will reinforce the relations of all three countries and will set the preconditions for expanding their cooperation on political, economic, commercial and cultural levels.

Venture of Major Importance

While signing the political memorandum, Development Minister Dimitris Sioufas said the moment was historic.

He also added that the construction of the pipe-line creates a new prospect for the Russian oil companies, while it will also geostratigically upgrade the entire region.

The Bourgas-Alexandroupoli oil pipe-line will link Bourgas port in Bulgaria to Alexandroupoli in Greece and will cost 800 million dollars.

Translated by Sofia Soulioti

[14] Greek Wrestlers Knocked Out

By Ilias Papaioannou

The Greek wrestlers started off on the wrong footing in the European Championship of Freestyle Wrestling, which is being hosted in Varna in Bulgaria, as the Greek athletes did not manage to qualify to the quarterfinals of the competition. In the four matches with Greek athletes, the only victory was scored by Valerios Konguasvili in the 60k category, defeating Estonias Jaanek Lips 9-2. As the matches continued, however, the results were not the same, as he was defeated 7-4 by French athlete Didier Pays and was thereby knocked out of the tournament. In the 90k, Aftanil Xanthopoulos went through the first round, while in the next he was beaten 5-0 by Russias Hatzimurat Gatsalov. The case was the same for Theodoros Pavlidis (74k), who lost 4-1 to Ahmet Gulhan of Turkey.

Translated by Millie Williams

[15] Champion Crowned on May 25

By Ilias Papaioannou

Three weeks remain before the end of this season's Championship that will point the 2004-2005 Champion, as per an EPAE (Hellenic Association of Football Clubs) announcement. After head coach Otto Rehaggel's request, the last day of the Greek Football Championship will be May 25 when the 30st and last round will take place. With his request, the German coach wishes to train and prepare the European Champions in the best possible way, so that Greek players live up to our expectations. The dates of the three last rounds of the championship are 8-5-2005, 15-5-2005 and 25-5-2005.

Translated by Sofia Soulioti

[16] James Bond Style Manhunts Helicopters Versus Graffiti

By Despina Hristopoulou

Sources: Reuters

An entire army of helicopters is at the service of the German government in order to catch certain young men painting Berlin and Cologne walls with graffiti. The helicopters, equipped with infrared cameras, are patrolling every night since last Friday in order to catch vandals in the act. As per the German authorities, graffiti cost billions of euros in damage in Germany every year. According to the Interior Ministry spokesperson, Rainer Lingenthal, the operations have been successful. However, this new measure has triggered the Opposition's reaction, who said that the "James Bond" style manhunts were totally over the top. Apart from the funny aspect of this story, Berlin and Cologne authorities have taken the matter very seriously at such a point that in a recent incident a motorcyclist was killed when he was hit by a police car chasing a graffiti artist.

Translated by Sofia Soulioti

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