The Hellenic Radio (ERA): News in English, 05-04-21

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

CONTENTS

[01] Civil Aviation employees on strike Grounded Flights

By Vagelis Theodorou

Serious problems are expected to be created on Thursday to civil airlines flights, owing to the 24-hour strike by the Union of Civil Aviation Employees (OSYPA), who are calling for payments to be made for work done in the last six months of 2004, regarding benefits and overtime, mainly during the Olympic Games. Owing to the strike action, 86 domestic flights with Olympic Airlines, 14 with Aegean and all Charter flights have been cancelled, while all international flights are proceeding as normal, as well as domestic flights from Athens Eleftherios Venizelos Airport to Thessalonica, Heraklion, Rhodes and Corfu. Those planning to travel should contact airline companies for information on timetable changes.

Cancelled Flights

As announced by Olympic Airlines, lights scheduled for Thursday from Athens to: Skiathos, Paros, Syros, Naxos, Kythira, Milos, Leros, Astypalaia, Ikaria, Siteia, Preveza, Mytilini, Chios, Santorini, Mykonos, Ioannina, Samos, Zakynthos, Kefallonia and Kavala have been cancelled.

Flights from Thessalonica to Ioannina, Mytilini, Chios, Preveza, Kefallonia and from Rhodes to Karpathos, Casos and Leros Astypalaia have been cancelled.

In a statement, Olympic Airlines expresses regret for the fatigue of passengers, stating that the company is not to blame.

Furthermore, two Aegean Airlines flights from Athens to Mytilini, as well as to Chios, Mykonos, Santorini, Ioannina and Kavala have been cancelled. The remaining scheduled flights will go ahead as normal.

Translated by Millie Williams

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Problems with Air Travel

[02] It decomposes when left exposed to nature Auto-biodegradable Carrier Bag

By Despina Hristopoulou

Sources: ANA

Twelve French industries joined forces to create a plastic carrier bag with a restricted length of life, named Neosac, with the aim of responding to criticism of extended environmental pollution caused by plastic carrier bags. The composition of the Neosac combines polyethylene (PE) with an additional material, which allows the polyethylene to transform into a substance that decomposes naturally. The Neosac has the ability to decompose fully if left exposed to nature, as light, oxygen and heat submit it to a photo-chemical process, causing it to decompose. As confirmed by Jacques Lemere, who directed the research at the National Centre of Evaluation and Photoprotection: "The decomposition process only produces water, CO2 and biomass, therefore there are no substances to pollute the ground and affect the growth of plants and flora." When it is kept out of natural light, it takes one to three years to decompose, at a rate invisible to the naked eye.

The new ecological product costs 25%- 30% more than the classic plastic bag and it has already started circulating in France in shops and large commercial centres.

Translated by Millie Williams

[03] Threatening to set it on fire Kidnapped Lorry!

By Despina Hristopoulou

Sources: ANA

A businessman from Kavala involved in transport has become embroiled in an unpleasant incident, as one of the lorries belonging to his company has been "kidnapped". Last Tuesday, the businessman went to the Kavala police and stated that on 11 April two Bulgarian nationals aged 31 and 34 appeared and requested jobs as drivers in the international transport agency owned by his wife. After the necessary checks had been carried out on their documentation, the two men were hired and the next day started out with the lorry full of goods bound for Padova in Italy, where they unloaded. However, it would seem that the two drivers were not satisfied with the 450 and 400 euros they were paid by the owner. The lorry never returned to base. Last Monday, the 31-year-old telephoned the businessman, threatening that if he does not send 3,400 euros, they will set fire to the lorry. He stated that if all goes according to their wishes, then they will reveal the place where the lorry is hidden. After the lorry owner denounced the men, Kaval Police started the preliminary investigation into the case, while Interpol has been alerted in order for investigations to be carried out in Italy.

Translated by Millie Williams

[04] OECD Gen Sec requests of Economy Min Measures to Lengthen Working Day

By Athina Saloustrou

The prospects of the Greek and international Economies were discussed in the meeting this morning between Economy Minister Giorgos Alogoskoufis and the General Secretary of the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) Donald Johnson, who is currently visiting Athens. In statements after the meeting, Mr Johnson referred to the problems created in Greece as well as most of the worlds developed countries by the birthrate, noting the need for measures to be taken to lengthen the working day and to create more employment positions for mothers and young people. In answer, Mr Alogoskoufis stressed that issues regarding insurance and labour will be assessed through the dialogue soon to take place with social partners, while he noted that on Monday the dialogue at the Ministry of the Economy, to be attended by Minister for Employment Panos Panagiotopoulos and the Economic and Social Committee (OKE), would start.

Translated by Millie Williams

[05] Questioning status quo in the Aegean Provocation from Turkish General

By Athina Saloustrou

Further Turkish provocation comes from the chief of Turkish General Staff, General Hilmi Ozkiok. In a speech in Istanbul, he questioned the status quo in the Aegean, and claimed that Turkey would not recognize the Greek-Cypriot administration, as he called the government of the Republic of Cyprus, as a representative of the whole of Cyprus. The Turkish general also questioned the extent of Greek airspace, claiming that there are issues still to be resolved in the Aegean, which must be raised on a bilateral level and solved in order to ensure stability and develop friendly relations between the two countries. Referring to the recent incident at the Military Academy, Mr Ozkiok noted "we expect an official apology. Otherwise, perhaps we will have to reconsider our relations." Leading diplomatic circles in Athens declined to comment on the statements. Nevertheless, they noted that taking stances in foreign policy is within the authority of the government and not of the military. In the meantime, the Turkish Air Force repeatedly violated Greek airspace yesterday with an augmented number of armed planes.

Translated by Millie Williams

[06] Suspense for thousands of contract workers Pavlopoulos Decree in SAC Today

By Athina Saloustrou

The appeals of contract-workers, who are calling for the Presidential Decree commuting temporary contracts to permanent public sector positions to be cancelled as unconstitutional, are to be heard today before the Supreme Administration Court (SAC). Both rapporteurs of the High Revisional Court Kostas Pispiringos and Giorgos Tsimekas, using different arguments, conclude that the provisions of the Presidential Decree, which commute temporary contracts to permanent, with no open competition, regardless of whether or not the contract-workers cover long-standing needs of the public sector, should be cancelled as unconstitutional, as they are in conflict with the provisions of Article 108 of the Constitution. Both rapporteurs call for the matter to be referred to the Plenary Session of the SAC. However in summer 2004, the presidential decree from Interior Minister Prokopis Pavlopoulos was judged constitutional by the Plenary Session of the High Court, which resulted in the start of the processes to change the contracts.

Translated by Millie Williams

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Contract Workers Solution EU Compatible

[07] Openly opposing Belarusian President Rice Calls for Change in Belarus

By Vagelis Theodorou

The President of Belarus Alexander Lukashenko has been targeted by US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice. In statements from Lithuania, where she is currently attending the Summit of NATO Foreign Ministers, Ms Rice described Belarus as "the last real dictatorship in the centre of Europe," noting: "its time for change." The Secretary of State, who is scheduled to meet with academics and Opposition MPs from Belarus, did not hide the intention of strengthening forces that could lead to an overthrow of Lukashenko. Asked whether the US supports organisations which could bring about a change in government in the former Soviet republic, the Secretary answered that it would be no bad thing for the people to throw off "the yoke of tyranny." An immediate response came from the Foreign Minister of Belarus, Sergey Martinov. Mr Martinov accused his American counterpart of interfering n domestic matters of his country and concluded: "the future of Belarus will be determined by its people and not by the US Secretary of State."

Translated by Millie Williams

[08] President Lucio Gutierrez overthrown Government Crisis in Ecuador

By Vagelis Theodorou

The situation is tense in Ecuador, after the bloody demonstrations of the last few days. The countrys Congress forced President Lucio Gutierrez to resign, accusing him of abandoning his position. At the same time, the State Prosecutor ordered his arrest for the deaths of two protestors on Tuesday and Wednesday. The ousted president fled the palace by helicopter and, as announced, he has been granted political asylum in Brazil. In the meantime, Congress has appointed vice-President Alfredo Palacio to the position of president until the end of Gutierrezs term in office, which ends in January 2007. The news of the dismissal of Gutierrez was enthusiastically received, although there were incidents among demonstrators. UN Secretary General Kofi Annan advised calm, while today, the Organisation of American States (OAS) is to meet in Washington to discuss the developments.

Violent Demonstrations

The countdown started last December, when Lucio Gutierrez dismissed members of the Supreme Court, on the pretext that they were biased against him.

He appointed new members himself, and as they took up their new duties, they shelved all corruption cases pending against him.

Congress removed him from office with 60 votes in favour and two against, accusing him of abusing his power, repressing demonstrations and violating the Constitution.

Gutierrezs dismissal came with chaos on the streets of Quito.

At least four people were killed in violent incidents, while about 3000 protestors surrounded his replacement, calling for the dissolution of Congress. In fact, the demonstrators even beat up Congress members accompanying the new president and he took refuge in the Ministry of Defence.

Moreover, the armed forces have pledged to support Palacio, in order to restore calm. Earlier, General Hugo Rochero stated: "we were forced to withdraw our support for President Gutierrez in order to bring about public order."

Refuge in Brazil

While Ecuador is in flames, the ousted president has been granted political asylum by Brazil

As a spokesman for the Brazilian Foreign Ministry stated, Luis Inacio Lula da Silvas government is planning to send a plane to Ecuador to take Gutierrez, who is currently sheltering in the residence of the Brazilian ambassador to Ecuador, and requested asylum shortly after his removal from power.

However, it is not clear when Gutierrez will travel to Brazil, or which city he will go to.

Gutierrez was elected to the presidency of Ecuador at the end of 2002, with popular support, promising popular assistance. A man with native characteristics, he declared that he would change the situation in the country, where a white elite dominates. However, he disappointed his supporters by implementing austerity politics, which, although bringing growth, reduced the income of the poor.

Translated by Millie Williams

[09] At least 24 dead in train collision Train Accident in India

By Vagelis Theodorou

Another rail tragedy rocked India in the early hours of Thursday. A passenger train collided with a stationary freight train in the state of Gujarat, resulting in the deaths of 24 people and injuring 56. Rescue teams have rushed to the scene of the accident, while officials express fears that the number of dead will increase. The collision occurred at about 03:30 local time (01:00) Greek time) in the village of Samlaya, about 30 kilometres from the industrial city of Baronda. At least four carriages from the passenger train Sabarmati Express, traveling from Varanashi to Ahmedabad, the largest city in Gujarat, derailed in the collision. Most people were injured in their efforts to escape, jumping from the windows of the train, and have been taken to hospitals. The cause of the tragedy is not clear.

Translated by Millie Williams

[10] He escaped an assassination attempt Allawi Targeted

By Vagelis Theodorou

An assassination attempt was made against the caretaker PM of Iraq Iyad Allawi on Wednesday evening in Baghdad. His convoy was attacked by a suicide bomber travelling in another car, killing one policeman and injuring a further four, while the PM was unhurt. Allawi was returning to his home after a meeting on the composition of the new Iraqi government, which is expected to form today. In a message on the Internet, the Iraq wing of Al Qaeda claimed responsibility for the attempt. "A lion from the martyrs brigade launched a heroic attack on the headquarters of infidels and Jewish and Christian allies. Allawi escaped and the arrow missed, but there are many other arrows," states the message. In the meantime, an appeal for national unity has been made by the president of Iraq, Jalal Talabani.

Talabani Appeals

"We must all work towards national unity, for a government of national unity, and promote the high values and principles of Prophet Mohammad in our society," stressed Iraqs President on television.

At the same time, he ruled out the possibility of granting an amnesty to those whose " hands are dyed in Iraqi blood," and concluded: "we will not fold out arms against the gangs of Saddam Husseins supporters who are terrorizing Iraqis and sabotaging oil and political installations.

Translated by Millie Williams

Related News:

Suicide Bombing in Baghdad

[11] Mass Graves Macabre Discovery in Tigris

Sources: NET 105.8

On Wednesday, Iraqi authorities discovered a mass grave containing dozens of bodies, near the banks of the River Tigris. Specifically, the bodies of more than 50 Iraqi men, women and children were recovered in al-Suyiara, south of Baghdad. President Talabanis government believes that the victims were Shia Muslims who had been abducted by Sunni extremists in the town Madain. Another mass grave was uncovered in the town of Haditha, northwest of Baghdad, containing the bodies of 19 police officers, who were probably executed by armed men. From their positions in the grave, it looks like they had been lined up against a wall and executed.

Translated by Vicky Ghionis

[12] Hints for Karamanlis' Speech Capital Market Bill Voted For

Sources: ANA

On Wednesday, the Parliaments Plenary Session voted the articles of the Bill for the protection of Capital Market from actions by people possessing privileged information and from manipulations. In his speech, the Economy Minister mentioned, "During the previous years, we experienced an unpleasant situation in the Stock Exchange, which was marred by practices that led to the loss of capitals for small investors and contributed to the devaluation of the Stock Market institution. As a result, in many cases, it became a profiteering game for specific interests." However, political disputes arose, starting from Evangelos Venizelos comments, in which he referred to the PMs speech during the Economist Conference, saying that it was a speech reiterating the same things.

Safeguarding the Stock Exchange

Grirgos Alogoskoufis also said that this Bill would end, condemn and prevent the practices of the past. "A significant effort is being made to stop the Stock Exchange from becoming a casino. [] We will not stop here, because more measures are needed to safeguard the Stock Exchange; measures that will reinforce the independence of the Capital Market Committee."

In this context, Mr Alogoskoufis declared that another bill that will establish the independence of the Capital Market Committee will soon be submitted to Parliament, He also added that PASOK and SYNs proposal for the formation of an internal audit committee would also be adopted.

Regarding K. Karamanlis' Speech

"I heard the PM repeat for the hundredth time the same, vague, general, stereotypical things, the same discoveries that any Greek makes when speaking with his friends at home or in the coffee shops," said Evangelos Venizelos, referring to the speech Mr Karamanlis gave at the Economist Conference.

"This is a sample of political stability. He repeats the programmed policies and keeps them," answered NDs MP Vyron Polydoras.

Translated by Vicky Ghionis

Related News:

Changes are One Way Path

New Capital Market Bill to Parliament

[13] Sioufas' Speech at Economist Conference Energy Policy and Freeing of Markets

By Betty Savourdou

Sources: ANA

Speaking at the Economist Conference, Development Minister Dimitris Sioufas presented the governments energy policy, which concerns both the domestic market, as well as the networks connections with the respective networks of SE Europe and the Black Sea. The Development Minister stressed that the government mainly aims at freeing the electric power and natural gas markets, as well as incorporating the relevant Community Directives to Greek legislation. As he said, the public talks regarding the new electric power codes will conclude in the next few days, while the plan for freeing the natural gas market will be made public soon. "So, by the end of May we will have freed two main energy markets," concluded Mr Sioufas.

Single Energy Market

Mr Sioufas also referred to the recent agreement between Greece, Russia and Bulgaria for the construction of the Burgas-Alexandroupoli oil pipe, which was signed in Sofia. He also referred to:

The creation of a single electric power and natural gas market in the wider SE Europe area, based on an agreement that will be signed soon and which will open the way for incorporating the neighbouring energy markets to the EU energy market The Greece-Turkey and Greece-Italy natural gas pipes, which will form the basis for achieving an optimistic Community target (ie the creation of a natural gas ring that would connect the East to the West.) The natural gas pipe that will begin from Greece, cross through Albania and Croatia and end in Austria, a plan which has been adopted by the EU

He also pointed out that a unified energy market signals:

Creating a favourable environment for increasing energy investments, creating new jobs and promoting free competition and lower prices for consumers Ending the alienation for SE European countries Securing safe and adequate energy supplies for them Strengthening bilateral and multilateral collaborations Strengthening stability and economic growth in the wider area Creating another collaboration sector for businesses in the countries that are participating in this joint effort.

Translated by Vicky Ghionis

Related Links:

Economist Conferences

[14] 2-hour work stoppage 12-2 by judges today Three Lawyers in High Court

By Athina Saloustrou

Sources: NET 105.8

High Court deputy Public Prosecutor Giorgos Sanidas is continuing his investigations into the corruption cases in Justice, which start from the setting-up of court cases and o as far as illegally releasing drug dealers. In this context, lawyers Sakis Kehagioglou, Giorgos Nikolakopoulos and Nikos Emmanouilidis have been called today to give explanations as suspects of participating in a gang and incitement to dereliction of duty. Furthermore, Kehagioglou and Nikolakopoulos face charges of bribing a judge. According to information, the investigation will have been completed by Easter (1 May). In the meantime, today (Thursday) courts around Greece will be halted from 12 noon to two oclock, owing to the two-hour work-stoppage by justices in Civil and Penal Justice. The min demand of the action is that the Ministry of Justice not proceed with mass transfers of justices and public prosecutors as a preemptive measure against corruption. At the same time, High Court Public Prosecutor Dimitris Linos has sent a circular warning all the prosecutors in Greece, requesting a halt to the work-stoppages, as the Constitution does not permit any form o strike action for justices.

Translated by Millie Williams

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Unconstitutional Work Stoppages

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