The Hellenic Radio (ERA): News in English, 05-04-25

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

CONTENTS

[01] First Week of Life Determines Future Weight From the Cradle to Obesity

By Annita Paschalinou

Sources: Los Angeles Times

American scientists are pointing out that the first week of an infants life can affect its weight as an adult. As they are saying, the weight gained during their first eight days could determine whether one is likely to be overweight decades later. Specifically, the more weight an infant gains during that time, the more the chances of it becoming overweight as an adult. However, scientists are not sure why this first week is so important.

First Week of Life Crucial

The researchers studied 653 adults in Iowa, aged between 20 and 32, who were being fed on formula during their first days.

As they discovered, for each additional 100 grams gained during those eight days, the infants risk of becoming overweight as an adult increased by 10%.

"The first few days of life are the first time a human being regulates what theyre eating," said lead scientist Nicolas Stettler, a pediatric nutrition specialist at the Childrens Hospital of Philadelphia. "

Although scientists arent sure why the first week is so important, Stettler said that early feeding patterns might program the areas of the brain that control appetite or regulate different hormones.

The American research was reported in the April 19 issue of the medical journal Circulation.

Translated by Vicky Ghionis

[02] New Subsidiary Demand from Supreme Court Supreme Court Asks for Vavilis' Extradition

By Athina Saloustrou

This afternoon, the Appellate Prosecutor, Panagiotis Nikoloudis will ask for the surrender of Apostolos Vavilis to the Greek Court authorities, with a European arrest warrant to the corresponding Italian authorities. Court sources evaluate that the Greek demand is unsubstantial, since Vavilis has be convicted with the same accusations in Venice and the Italians answer, for an extradition, will be surely negative, since the accused has to serve a 7-year sentence in Italy for heroin trafficking. As the Italian Prosecutor announced, the detainee can ask to serve his sentence in Greece, an event that his lawyer also left open. At this time, a meeting is taking place at the Supreme Court presided by Prosecutor, Dimitris Linos, in order to make a new subsidiary demand to the Italian Court authorities for Vavilis surrender. The Chief of First Instance Prosecution, Dimitris Papaggelopoulos and Prosecutor, Eleni Sotiropoulou are also attending the meeting, and will announce a new charge that has risen from the case investigation. Based on the new accusation, a new subsidiary demand will be made to the Italian authorities.

Vavilis in Venice Jail

The Minister of Justice assured that Apostolos Vavilis will sooner or later face Greek justice and will have a fair trial, just like every citizen. Anastasis Papaligouras added that during Vavilis detainment, there was no irregular interrogation from Greek policemen. Vavilis will be taken to the Court Prison in Venice.

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

[03] Successful Tests on Mice Gel Against Herpes

By Vagelis Theodorou

Sources: New Scientist

A new gel containing parts of genetic material, which was developed by the University of Harvard and was successfully tested on mice, opens the way towards preventing genital herpes. The gel contains siRNA (small interfering RNA), is applied to the vagina, where it is absorbed and remains active for at least 10 days. This method is based on harnessing the power of RNA interference to block herpes infection. If it works on people too, then the gel will bring a revolution in the fight against herpes, since none of the methods tested in labs has proven completely effective. Furthermore, the siRNA application could prove effective in preventing HIV.

Equipped with RNA

After infection, the virus can lie dormant in nerve cells, periodically reactivating and causing a recurrence of painful symptoms.

As per the New Scientist website, the gel that was created by Judy Liebermans team at Harvard Medical School can prevent infection by the virus, using RNA molecules which can destruct viral genes. Furthermore, other teams are also developing siRNA gels for treating the persistent viral infections that cause cervical cancer.

The researchers presented their study at a medical convention in Boston. As they noted, the gel was effective when used on mice, while it might even contribute in fighting the virus in cases when people are already infected.

Translated by Vicky Ghionis

Related Links:

University of Harvard

[04] At the Igoumenitsa Customs House Greek Ambassador Arrested

By Annita Paschalinou

Sources: NET

Greek Ambassador in Slovakia, Efstathios Daras was arrested at the customs house in Igoumenitsa, as a handgun and a large amount of ammunition were found in his possession. Mr Daras, who was on a leave of absence from April 22, was taken to the Court Police that transferred the cases trial for June 15. Foreign Minister, Petros Moliviatis, awaiting the trail, ordered the immediate suspension of Mr Daras. Also, an administrative investigation has been ordered in order to find out why the Greek Embassy in Bratislava, did not publicize to the central service an article of a Slovakian newspaper dated September 24, 2004, that spoke of the involvement of the Greek Ambassador in drug trafficking from Slovakia to Greece.

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

[05] Over Greek and U.S. Relations Prime Minister in the U.S.

By Anna Kourti

Prime Minister, Kostas Karamanlis will meet with U.S. President, George W Bush at the White House, on May 20. The announcement made by the White House reads: "Greece for many years is an ally in NATO and a member state of the EU. The Prime Ministers visit reflects the excellent bilateral relations between Greece and the U.S, and the growing cooperation between the two countries for the advancement of democracy, prosperity and security from southeast Europe to the Middle East." Last year, Mr Bush had met with Kostas Karamanlis at the same date, during the Prime Ministers official visit in the U.S.

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

[06] Karamanlis' Meetings with Businessmen Investments Needed

By Annita Paschalinou

Boosting the Economy, creating new employment opportunities through investments and reinforcing businesses are among the Governments top priorities. The Greek PM continued his series of meetings with representatives of the business world, while he was briefed on the state of affairs concerning Greek corporations. Kostas Karamanlis had successive meetings with Kaiti Kyriakopoulou, of Silver and Baryte Ores Mining, Mr Stasinopoulos of Viohalko and Mr Paparkevaidis of G&P Avax Constructions. Earlier, in his capacity as Culture Minister, the PM met with the head of the Thessaloniki Film Festival, Pantelis Voulgaris.

Translated by Vicky Ghionis

[07] Check for Full Withdrawal Annan Asks for Cooperation

By Anna Kourti

On Monday, UN General Secretary, Kofi Annan asked Lebanon and Syria to cooperate with the team of specialists he has sent to the area, in order to confirm the reality of the withdrawal of the Syrian forces from Lebanon. The specialists will arrive in the area on Tuesday, where they will check the full withdrawal of the Syrian troops, the military equipment and the secret agents. The announcement stated, "The General Secretary has asked from the team of specialists to complete its mission the soonest possible." The above was made public a day after the publication of Annans report to the UN Security Council, in relation to the enforcement of resolution 1559, which was adopted in September 2004, and demands the immediate withdrawal of all foreign forces from Lebanon.

Syria, that has a strong political and military presence in Lebanon for the past 30 years, was forced by Lebanese and international pressures, and after the murder of former PM, Rafik Harriri, to withdraw from Lebanon.

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

[08] Assumed Responsibility in Parliament Fischer Admits Visa Scandal

By Annita Paschalinou

Joschka Fischer is experiencing the worst phase of his political career. Today, in Parliament, the German Foreign Minister assumed responsibility over the visa scandal. Fischer is accused of a lax regulation in dispensing visa permits, a fact that allowed criminals to enter Germany. He is also being accused of ignoring the warnings of policemen and diplomatic authorities over the consequences of his policy.

Popularity is Collapsing

The German Foreign Minister will pay a large political price for his handlings in this sensitive issue, as many Germans consider that immigrants steal their employment positions. A new opinion poll indicated that his popularity is at the lowest point since 1998, when the Social Democrats lead by Chancellor Gerhard Schroeder and Fischers Green Party won the elections.

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

[09] Apostolos Alexakis is New President Change of Figures in SESME

By Annita Paschalinou

A radical change in figures has taken place in the Greek Super Market Businesses Association (SESME), after the decision of big super market chains to submit their resignations as a protest sign over the penalty fees that the Competition Committee enforced to the Association and seven super market chains. The new President of the Association is Apostolos Alexakis, Vice President, Dimos Veroukas, General Secretary, Christos Voutsidis and Registrar, Kostas Metallinos.

"Even Abuse Has Its Limits"

During yesterdays general assembly of the Association, the previous Board of Directors expressed their disappointment over the penalty fees and called on Deputy Minister Mr Papathanasiou to take back his harsh statements concerning Balkan provincial manners, commenting on the possibility that super markets will raise product prices in order to counter the penalty fees. "Even abuse has its limits," stated former Board of Directors President, Pantelis Panteliadis, underlining that what comes first is unity, regardless of the figures that assemble the Presidency of the Association. Earlier today, making reference to the withdrawal of the big chains from the Association, the new President underlined that the specific businessmen wanted to defend their interests on their own.

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

Related News:

"Consumers Won't Be the Ones to Pay"

Super Markets Eat Their Words

[10] Cotton Rebates on Good Tuesday

By Annita Paschalinou

The cotton growers should visit branches of the Agricultural Bank to receive the rebates they are entitled to from last years cotton production dispensed in the market. The last installment of the funds is set to 0.1116 euros a kilo. This amount is the liquidation of last years fund and is dispensed four months earlier than the usual process by the Agricultural Bank.

Cuts in Cotton Fields

Also, the minister of Rural Development Evangelos Basiakos announced that the aim of the measures for this years crop is for the cotton cultivation to not exceed 3,600,000 sq m.

Thus, a cut will take place in cotton fields that large growers can cultivate and are the following:

2%: From 50-100 sq m 3%: From 100-200 sq m 4%: From 200 sq m and up

Mr Basiakos stated that these cuts are being made for social justice reasons and for the income protection of the growers.

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

[11] International Recognition for ATHENS 2004

By Ilias Papaioannou

Sources: ATHENS 2004

The "Athens 2004" Olympic Committee won the international award for Achievement in Operations Research and the Management Sciences. The Greek organization was chosen out of the six finalists considered the best and most effective in Management Science, during the international competition for the Franz Edelman award. The other finalists included General Motors, Ely Lilly and Procter & Gamble.

PLATO Voted Leading System

"Athens 2004" was chosen for developing the system PLATO, a pioneering application of operations research methods, used during the Athens Olympic Games. The PLATO system is a simulation model that was used to plan the facilities, aiming at improving processes and funds needed. The international award reaffirms the methods and responsibilities undertaken by the Organising Committee in planning the business funds for the Games.

The system, which was developed by the Athens University of Economics and Business and Manchester University, was presented at the INFORMS (Institute for Operational Research and Management Science) international convention in Palm Springs, USA by the Athens 2004 Executive Director, Giannis Pyrgiotis, the General Manager of Technology, Dimitris Beis and professors Kostas Zografos and Periklis Loukopoulos.

Translated by Vicky Ghionis

[12] Choose Suitable Foods Tasty and Safe Easter

By Vagelis Theodorou

The choice of food for the Easter dinner table has become a major issue, after the incidents with unsuitable produce in the market. The checks of the State may be daily and sedulous, however as consumers we should be also be aware of what we are buying. We should give special attention to the choice of lamb or goat and also the eggs we buy. As we are known to be hearty eaters we should be extremely careful when buying products such as cheeses, dairy products, vegetables and meat produce, that will be also be bought for our table. Below are some useful advice in order to choose the most suitable and safe products for your festive table. Happy Easter!

The Choice of Meat

A reference point in meat produce are the health and category stamps that show it has been checked by the Veterinary Services.

According to the legislature, animals born in Greece and slaughtered at a Greek slaughterhouse, bear one turquoise stamp and one with the word "Hellas." Animals that were born in a non-EU country and slaughtered in a Greek slaughterhouse also bear one turquoise stamp and a brown one with the name of the country of birth, while animals derived from the EU and have two turquoise stamps, one of which is the country of birth.

The flesh of the meat should be tight and slightly moist. The lamb should have a pink color, thin bones and its fat white, while the goat has to have a slighter darker color and less fat.

No one can resist a piece of traditional kokoretsi and gardoumba, but have in mind that intestines should be meticulously washed, and should not smell bad. Also, the liver, kidneys and brains should be eaten fresh, within two days at the most.

In the case that you choose mince, you should know that it is cut before the customers presence, who also chooses the cut of meat. If you choose pre-packaged mince check the best before date and the name of the factory.

Be cautious of where you buy the meat, as it has to be kept in showcase fridges and not be placed on meat hooks.

Be Cautious of Eggs and Cheese

The trademark of Easter, red eggs are usually a cause of food poisoning.

The main rule is for the egg to not be cracked, bear blood or droppings on the shell. If you buy pre-packaged eggs you should check the weight, packaging and candling date and the category (A, B, C), while if you buy un-packaged eggs, you should check the sale receipts on which the candling date is recorded.

If the eggs have cracked during the dying session, remove the part that has been dyed or it is advisable to not consume the egg.

Cheeses should have a pleasant taste and smell, and should be kept in the refrigerator. Their production date has to be recorded on the packaging. Soft cheeses should be sold two months after their production, while hard cheeses, three months later.

Meat produce should have a dry, clean and shiny exterior, its color should not be different and to not have an unpleasant smell.

Also make sure that you handle all the above produce with clean hands and the meat, vegetables and fruits are carefully washed.

Happy Easter!

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

Related Links:

ÉÍÊÁ

ÅFET

Hellenic Veterinary Medical Service

Consumer Protection Center

[13] Fresh Frozen Fish for Sale

By Tina Valaoura

A complaint by a consumer to the Toumba police station in Thessaloniki, led to halting the illegal activities of a fishmonger who supplied his customers with frozen fish, after having them defrosted and branding them as fresh. The man was Vasilios Voultsos, who had a permit to sell fish in open-air markets in Thessaloniki. As the EFET team, which was looking into the complaint that was lodged on Saturday, uncovered, the fishmonger had 416kg of fish in his possession, which included topes, swordfish and soles. The case was referred to the prosecutor, while he will also be punished by the Thessaloniki Open-Market Organization. In an announcement, the Development Ministry pointed out that complaints by consumers could have positive effects in controlling the market.

Translated by Vicky Ghionis

Related News:

Lambs without Certification

[14] By Decision of the Supreme Court Prosecutor Suspended

By Athina Saloustrou

The Supreme Courts Council placed Amfissa First Instance Prosecutor Vassiliki Vlachou on suspension, as she failed to submit a declaration of assets financial statement (pothen esches) for the last four years. In the meantime, Athens First Instance Judge Aspasia Basta testified before the Supreme Courts Deputy Prosecutor, Giorgos Sanidas, who is conducting an investigation into the extrajudicial circuit involving Archimandrite Iakovos Giosakis, as she is suspected of violating her duties. She provided explanations for a 3,000-euro deposit in the Archimandrites bank account in 2003. According to sources, she said that the amount was not a bribe, but fees for a memorial service for a deceased relative, performed by Giosakis in Chicago.

Translated by Vicky Ghionis

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