The Hellenic Radio (ERA): News in English, 05-04-26

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

CONTENTS

[01] On the insurance question Conditions Set for Dialogue

By Athina Saloustrou

After their meeting with the presidium of OKE (Economic and Social Committee) on the insurance question, the Ministers for the Economy and Employment pledged that there would be no change to the retirment age, the issue of one-off payments and insurance contributions during the governments 4-year term in office. Mr Alogoskoufis noted that the dialogue agenda would be raised following a full study on the problems of the system, and he stressed the need for party and social consensus. Mr Panagiotopoulos confirmed that the workforce would not be taken by surprise, adding that the government guarantees funding and pension provision. OKE Chairman Nikos Analitis estimated that the insurance system would be at an impasse within 25 years. GSEE and ADEDY are not participating in the talks, denouncing them as predecided, while Opposition parties have also been negative on the topic.

Longterm Dialogue

Regarding the terms of the dialogue, Economy Minister Mr Alogoskoufis clarified that OKE had been asked to hold the talks, as it is designated as the relevant body in the Constitution. The minister added: "Dialogue on the insurance issue will take a long time, in order to deal with this large issue."

Later on there will be separate meetings with ADEDY and GSEE, while the next meeting with OKE will be held at its offices after Easter. "The dialogfue will be conducted with no government interventions," stated Mr Alogoskoufis, adding that the government is in no rush to legislate, and that the solution to the insurance question will be implemented after the 4-year term in office.

Employment Minister Panos Panagiotopoulos stated that no worker and no one making insurance contributions has anything to fear, and that the government guarantees the provision of pensions. Furthermore, he added that there is no question of changing the retirement age.

Besides this, OKE chairman Nikos Analitis stated that the Committee considers it a duty to discuss the issue, and he added that it is a very sensitive matter.

During the ministers meeting with OKE, a demonstration organized by PAME took place outside the Ministry of the Economy. The protestors threw yogurts and coffee at the chairman and vice-chairman of OKE as they arrived for the meeting.

Reactions and Conditions

In a statement, GSEE sets as a condition for it to participate in the dialogue that the government should pledge that there will be no change in the time it is to be conducted, and that this time will exceed the governments term in office.

The government is attempting to embark on a dialogue in the context of OKE with no positions or proposals on the insurance or labour issues, stressed the Press spokesman for PASOK earlier today.

Mr Athanasakis called on the government to take up its responsibilities with specific positions and proposals in order for there to be substantial dialogue and not empty words.

KKE denounced the dialogue as predecided on the basis of EU decisions, which are supported by ND, PASOK and the majority of GSEE and ADEDY.

SYNs president Alekos Alavanos stressed that the government is opening the dialogue on the insurance issue with the sole aim of finding a scapegoat for the measures that remove insurance rights.

OTOE sets as a condition for reaching an agreement on the insurance of bank-employees that todays pension rights should be guaranteed, viability studies should be conducted and a private fund established. OTOE requests a meeting next week with the Union of Greek Banks.

Translated by Millie Williams

Related News:

Dialogue Opens

[02] Pledges on Cyprus, Greek-Turkish relations Clear Message to Ankara

By Annita Paschalinou

Sources: NET 105.8, ANA

Satisfaction in Athens and Lefkosia and concern in Ankara have arisen with the position adopted in Luxemburg by the 25 Foreign Ministers of the EU. In the text presented to the Turkish Foreign Minister Abdullah Gul, Turkey is clearly told the direction it is to move in both in domestic affairs and in its relations with Greece and Cyprus, in order to start accession negotiations. Turkey is not only required to sign the Ankara Protocol, but also to implement it in order to improve relations with Cyprus and the other member-states, while with regard to the political question of Cyprus, Turkey is requested to continue efforts to find a solution in accordance with UN decisions and EU principles.

Clear Pledges

A series of references both to Cyprus and to Greek-Turkish relations are included in the text adopted by the Foreign Ministers of the 25, presented to Turkish Minister Abdullah Gul.

Greek deputy Foreign Minister Mr Valinakis expressed satisfaction with the positions of the 25, underlining that a coordinated and continual effort by Greek diplomacy had been needed. He noted that this had taken place discreetly and without fuss.

The text adopted by the 25 clearly states the direction in which Turkey is to move if it wishes to join the European family.

Turkey is called to support efforts to solve the Cyprus problem, to sign and implement the Protocol of Ankara, to stop hindering Cyprus from taking part in various international organizations and to stop hindering transport and trade of Cypriot products.

Furthermore, Turkey is called to intensify efforts to exert civil control over the military. The text underlines that "the formation of the national strategy of Turkey as well as its relations with neighbouring countries, must be determined through political decisions and not decisions taken by the armed forces."

Moreover, for the first time in an official EU text, Turkey is requested to refrain from any act that could have a negative effect on peaceful resolution of differences with other countries.

In their report, the 25 call for full respect of religious freedoms and human rights.

A request is made for the Chalki Theological School to be reopened, while for the first time in an official EU text, reference is made to the Greek minority on Imvros and Tenedos.

Turkey is also requested to stop creating difficulties for non-Muslim communities.

Statements by Abdullah Gul

The Turkish Foreign Minister pledged to accelerate processes to make the country more democratic and implement legislative changes. Regarding Greek-Turkish relations, he noted that there has been improvement, although he underlined that from the viewpoint of international law, there are problems with regard to what belongs to whom.

Regarding violations of Greek airspace, the head of Turkish diplomacy denied that his country was the one to be causing problems, saying: "we have made 2500 flights in the Aegean, and Greece 25,000 flights."

However, he added that he is under the impression that many people are irritated by the improvement in Greek-Turkish relations, even giving the example that some people took care to create problems in Imia on the day when the Greek Foreign Minister was on an official visit to Ankara.

On this point, Mr Gul said that he would like to ask the Media to join the improvement of Greek-Turkish relations in a constructive spirit. He clearly laid the blame on the Greek Media.

Concerning Cyprus, after repeating that despite its promises, the EU has not yet ratified the two EU rulings on Turkish Cypriots, Mr Gul stated that Turkey continues to seek for a solution to the Cyprus issue and the reactivation of the UN.

Finally, with regard to the Protocol, Mr Gul noted that it was among Ankaras obligations and would be fulfilled.

In a Press Conference after the Convention, Luxemburgs Foreign Minister Jean Asselborn and the Commissioner for Enlargement Olli Rehn stated that Turkey would do well to smoothen relations with its neighbours and extend the customs union with united Europe to the ten new member-states, naturally including Cyprus.

Regarding customs union, especially the signing of the protocol related to the accession of the ten new member-states, the EU delegates were optimistic, saying that they consider it likely for it to be signed by the EU and Turkey during May.

Concerning the Cyprus problem, they reiterated that Turkey is encouraged to work towards a solution, stating that the EU is prepared to take action, supporting all new UN efforts.

Translated by Millie Williams

[03] Acceptable name "Republic of Macedonia" Mitreva's Letter to EU

By Anna Kourti

A four-page letter has been sent by the Foreign Minister of FYROM Ilinka Mitreva to the Foreign Ministers of EU member-states, presenting FYROMs arguments concerning the question of the countrys name. Furthermore, in the letter, Ms Mitreva presents her countrys position on the composite-name, adding that the only acceptable name for FYROM in international correspondance and within the UN will be its constitutional name Republic of Macedonia. "The name proposed by Mr Nimitz (Republika Makedonija-Skopje) is accepted by the government of FYROM as a basis for seeking a solution concerning bilateral communication with Greece," states Ms Mitreva in her letter, a part of which is published in Skopje Press.

Accession Negotiations Between FYROM and EU

Furthermore, in her letter, Ms Mitreva states that the differences with Greece concerning the name cannot be included in the EU agenda and be set as a condition for accession negotiations between her country and the EU.

The Foreign Minister of FYROM is currently on a two-day visit to Brussels, where she will meet with the permanent representatives of NATO member-states to discuss the prospects of FYROMs accession to NATO.

According to sources with the FYROM Foreign Ministry, Ms Mitreva is set to meet with the current president of the EU Cabinet, Luxemburgs Foreign Minister Jean Asselborn, who will brief her on the conclusions of the EU Foreign Ministers convention.

Translated by Millie Williams

[04] Remote Controlled Rats

By Tina Valaoura

In 1987, when the film RoboCop was made, starring a humanoid with a brain consisting of a mix of human tissue and super-computers, who would have thought that almost two decades later we would have had even a primitive application of the idea in rats. However strange it might seem, it has become fact. Scientists at the State University of New York and the University of Florida have implanted electrodes in the brains of rats, and through these implants they can control the rodents movements and behaviour from a distance of several hundred metres. So dont be surprised if in a few years you hear of specially trained rodents combing enemy bases or sniffing out explosives on behalf of the US army or the police.

Mini Sniffer-Dogs

According to New Scientist journal, the researchers have presented rats which can carry out orders, whether moving in specific directions or tracing a particular smell. However, the question is to link these acquired abilities. Recent experiments have shown that they are compatible, making scientists optimistic about the final results. "The important thing is to have them switch between behaviours," stated John Chapin, director of the scheme. He noted that there is a vast field for the idea to be applied to. Apart from tracing explosives and weapons, the rats could also function as live remote video sensors and perhaps locate survivors under piles of rubble.

Managing rodent behaviour was achieved through implanting electrodes in the brain area responsible for sensation. This area controls the whiskers, understands toiuch and reward. By controlling these areas, scientists are able to convince the rats to follow a particular route or follow the traces of a particular smell, operating as mini sniffer-dogs.

The response to training in locating smells has been so good that John Chapin believes that the rodents could become excellent at detecting drugs or explosives, as they will even be able to detect them through the presence of trace chemicals. However, when sniffer-dogs locate their targets, they can easily alert their trainers, which is not so obvious for rats. In order to respond to this, the researchers are thinking of observing the olfactory system in the brain, which contains neurons that play an important role in training, memory and sensation. This means when the rat feels it is time to receive a reward, at the same time, the scientists will understand that it has completed its mission.

Translated by Millie Williams

[05] Government Committee meeting Government Aims at Fire Protection

By Vivian Papastefanou

Sources: ΝΕΤ 105.8 - ANA

Today, the Government Committee, which convened under the Greek PM, gave the green light to the Civil Protection Authoritys proposals for fire prevention. Following the end of the meeting, Interior Minister Prokopis Pavlopoulos stressed that the State has an obligation to protect its forests, which have suffered many disasters. The plan involves prevention, while many of the Ministries are also involved in the effort. The Interior Ministry is in charge of controlling Local Governments over the operation of damps; the National Defence Ministry is responsible for the allocation of military camps; the Development Ministry is in charge of cutting trees that are close to power lines; the Rural Development Ministry is in charge of clearing the fire zones and streets; the Culture Ministry has to protect all archaeological sites; the Transport Ministry is responsible for overseeing the railway network; to Public Works Ministry is responsible for the EYDAP (water company) network; finally, the Education Ministry will inform the students on prevention matters. Meanwhile, there will be constant communication between the Civil Protection Authority and the Communications Secretariat, so the public can be immediately informed on the weather conditions. "We aim to implement the necessary measures so as to avoid fires through prevention," said Mr Pavlopoulos. It should be noted that this year, the fire season begins on 1 May and ends on 31 October.

Souflias' on ND's Communication Policy

Upon exiting Maximos Mansion, the Public Works Minister was asked about the recent articles, whereby the Central Committee secretary has decided to reinforce the partys spokespeople and brief both MPs and Ministers on all the latest news. Mr Giorgos Souflias declared that there no differentiations are made between government members, while he added that things are at times different to what they appear. He also said that with this government, the differing views are far less that they were with previous governments. He further noted that his relation with the Central Committee secretary, Vangelis Meimarakis, is very good, while he mentioned that the party does not meddle in the affairs of the Ministry, adding that he does not believe that Mr Meimarakis intervenes in the affairs of other ministers. Asked whether a communication problem exists, Mr Souflias answered, "I dont think so."

Translated by Vicky Ghionis

[06] After consumer allegations Investigation into Allegations of SMS Increases

By Despina Hristopoulou

Sources: NET 105.8, NET

In an urgent letter to the chairman of the National Committee of Telecommunications and Postal Services, Development Minister Dimitris Sioufas has requested that an investigation be conducted into consumer allegations that in the last few days, the three main mobile telephony companies almost simultaneously increased the charge for sending text messages. In the meantime, following the intervention by the minister, the companies note that in the last few years they have made a great many reductions in their prices, to the benefit of consumers. They state that the increases in question only affect those with contracts, who have not signed up for a prepaid time package.

Illegal Aerials

At the same time, as decided by majority vote in the Plenary Session of the Supreme Administration Court, all mobile telephony aerials which were installed in Greece in 1992-2002 are illegal, as the necessary measures to protect residents were not taken.

Furthermore, the SAC cancelled the decisions by the Ministry of Transport and the Prefecture of Piraeus, which allowed a private mobile telephony company to install aerials in Vironas, Attica, ruling that they did not provide for the minimum distance from vulnerable sectors of society, such as schools, hospitals and so forth.

Translated by Millie Williams

[07] With British Airways Direct Flight Heraklion to London

By Anna Kourti

The first direct flight from Heraklion on Crete to London will be inaugurated on 3 May by British Airways. Twice a week, on Tuesday and Friday, the flight will be on the schedule for GB Airways, British Airways franchise partner. GB Airways executive John Patterson stressed that: "this scheduled flight will prove extremely popular both among the residents of Crete and for tour operators who the company works with." The Heraklion-London flight will land at Gatwick Airport, which is widely used by British travellers to set off on their summer holidays. Ticket prices start from 180 euros return, before tax. The new line will be served by Airbus A320 craft, which will serve both Club Europe and Euro Traveller.

Translated by Millie Williams

[08] The reporter responds directly Innocent of Calipari's Death

By Despina Hristopoulou

Sources: BBC, ANA

Italian reporter and former hostage in Iraq Giuliana Sgrena described the decision by the US army to exonerate the soldiers responsible for Italian agent Nicola Calipari as "a slap in the face" for the Italian government. In a front-page article in leftwing Italian newspaper Il Manifesto, embattled war correspondent Sgrena describes the American committees report as disappointing. The report states that the soldiers "followed procedures to the letter." In fact, Sgrena states that it is even more disappointing than she expected, granted that the Americans had initially stated that it was an accident. "Now they are not speaking of an accident, at least according to the information leaked, but it seems that they are putting all the blame on the Italians," stressed the reporter on TG3 TV station. In the meantime, as Italian PM Silvio Berlusconi stated today, the investigation into the death of Nicola Calipari "is not closed." He added that he was sorry that "various unfortunate leaks spoke of the investigation being closed."

Simply Following Instructions

Calipari was fatally injured while he was trying to protect the reporter from American fire against their car shortly before arriving at a checkpoint near Baghdad airport, where a plane waited to take them to Italy. The Italian reporter was injured in the shoulder. In a front-page sketch, Il Manifesto shows bullets above his gravestone, with the words "Friendly Fire 2 ."

However, according to the findings of the US army, the American soldiers who shot and killed Calipari and injured Sgrena "are not guilty," something rejected by Italy.

"The US is willing to publish the report, but Italy has more questions regarding the investigation," stressed an American soldier who wished to remain anonymous.

As he explained, Italy and America disagree on the speed of the vehicle which carried Calipari and Sgrena, as well as communication between the two sides before the fire.

An American military official who wished to remain anonymous stated that the US claims that the soldiers followed instructions they had been given and therefore they cannot be accused of dereliction of duty.

Sgrena Rejects Everything

However, citing an unnamed Italian agent, who was driving the car and was also injured, Italian newspaper Il Corriere della Sera writes that the car was moving at 40 or 50 kmph and was fired on without warning, while the US report speaks of 80 kmph. Furthermore, the US military claims that the soldiers tried to warn the car by firing into the air, flashing lights and with hand-gestures, all of which is categorically denied by Sgrena.

In fact, she states in her article that the greatest disappointment will be if the authorities do not react and they accept this insult. "All that has been said about Calipari will be no more than hypocrisy and Nicola will have been the governments hero for just one day."

The investigation was conducted both by American and Italian officials, but the US official said that Italy, a close ally of the US in Iraq, refused to accept the report. Rome disagrees with the conclusions in the report regarding the speed of the car and as to whether the Italians had informed the US troops of their movements.

The Italian Foreign Ministry announced that the report is still unofficial.

In the meantime, a spokesperson for the American Embassy in Rome stated that Ambassador Mel Sembler is expected to meet with Gianni Leta, a close colleague of Italian PM Silvio Berlusconi, later today, to discuss the next steps.

The report has been published in a difficult time for Mr Berlusconi, whose decision to send approximately 3000 troops to Iraq continues to spark discontent among Italians. In any case, he had stated that he would start withdrawing Italian troops from Iraq in September.

Translated by Millie Williams

[09] In the pending referendum in France Franco-German Alliance for Yes Vote

By Despina Hristopoulou

German Chancellor Gerhard Schroeder voiced his support for French President Jacques Chirac in the latters campaign for a "yes" vote in the referendum on the European Constitution, which will be held next month in France. "Our countries welcome the fact that for the first time in the history of the European Union, the mutual destiny of member-states is taking shape in a constitution." At the same time, they expressed the hope that the European Constitution would be ratified by their countries, warning that if not, "the voice of Europe will lose power." "A new era is unfolding, determined to shape a European policy. To shape a Europe that will be a pillar of power, stability and security, and a beacon of social progress worldwide," noted the French president, speaking about the European Constitution at the Sorbonne University. Gerhard Schroeder underlined that "France needs Europe and Europe needs France," adding that "in the history of the European Union, no treaty has ever underlined social distance," stressing that France and Germany do not exist just for themselves.

Staying Behind on the Platform

In addition, the French President warned his countrymen that if they vote "no" in the referendum on the European Constitution, they will be responsible for "halting 50 years of European construction," adding that if the no vote wins, "France will stay behind on the platform while the train pulls away."

"We are determined to defend this model in this age of globalisation. If Europe is to be heard on the world stage, we need a European Constitution," stressed Mr Schroeder at the Sorbonne University, referring especially to the role of France, stressing that: "the idea of a united Europe was first brought to light in France. Without France, without reconciliation, without mutual conviction of a string and social Europe, we will not succeed. Without Germany and France, the domestic market will not grow further," noted Mr Schroeder, concluding by expressing the hope that German MPs would ratify the Constitution on 12 May by a great majority.

Schroeders visit to France and todays statements underline the concern running rife in Berlin and Brussels on the likelihood of French voters rejecting the European Constitution. This would cause a political crisis in the EU and upset the money markets, as in order for the European Constitution to come into force; it must be ratified by all 25 member-states of the EU.

Translated by Millie Williams

[10] Prison sentences from 3 months up to 10 years Armour Against Money Laundering

By Despina Hristopoulou

Sources: NET, NET 105.8

Custodial sentences of up to 10 years are among the provisions of the Bill to reinforce the financial credit system against money laundering, presented today by the Ministers for the Economy and Justice, Messrs Alogoskoufis and Papaligouras respectively. The Bill widens the definition of financial crime and the people who are obliged to report suspicious dealings, such as traders in goods of high value, lawyers, notaries, banks, postal companies and so forth. Furthermore, the already extant committee will be given the possibility to access fiscal data and bank accounts under certain conditions. In details, the beneficiary of any illegal activity, through which he acquired property amounting to at least 4 thousand euros, as well as natural entities, who through gross negligence do not inform the authorities of suspicious dealings, could face custodial sentences from three months up to 10 years.

Translated by Millie Williams

[11] Commission Begins Investigations Wrangling Over Chinese Products

By Vagelis Theodorou

The increased importation of Chinese textile products seems to have prompted intense wrangling between the European Union and China, especially following the termination of the quota regime on 1 January 2005. On Tuesday, the European Commission will commence an investigation into the importation of some types of Chinese textile products, while the French Government asked the EU to implement emergency measures for the protection of the European textile industry. At the same time, China launched a counterattack, stressing the imminent danger of harming bilateral relations, if the EU decides to impose restrictions on the importation of Chinese textile products and garments. On the other hand, the head of the World Trade Organization, Supachai Panitchpakdi, asked all sides to demonstrate patience and self-control, since the impacts of abolishing quotas are not clear just yet.

Translated by Vicky Ghionis

Related News:

Commission Measures On Chinese Products

[12] Toad Bombs

By Tina Valaoura

For a while now, visitors to parks in Altona, Hamburg are met with a strange warning, as the authorities keep telling them to watch out for exploding toads. Although it seems peculiar, the caution is actually true and basically gives visitors an idea of what they might encounter which strolling around the parks. For some unknown reason, the toads actually swell up to three and a half times their normal size, before suddenly exploding.

At least one thousand toads have died in this manner over the last week, while the final death toll may reach the high thousands. Furthermore, the area surrounding Altona Lake looks like a battlefield, where a epic fight among toads has left visible signs behind. As a result it has been nicknamed "death lake".

Veterinarians and environmentalists admit that they are baffled. "The area looks like something out of a science fiction movie. You see the toads crawling along the ground, swelling and getting bigger as they go until they are like little tennis balls, and then they suddenly explode. It is a complete mystery," declared nature protection worker Werner Smolnik.

Many scenarios have emerged as to the cause of this. Some believe that the phenomenon may be the result of some unknown virus or fungus. Another scenario speaks of a self-destructive defence mechanism against aggressive crows which have appeared in the area recently and are scaring the toads to death.

However, nothing is for sure. For the time being, access to the area is not allowed at night, since most of the explosions take place between 2 and 3am, while biologists are studying the case to find a solution before the number of toads decreases dramatically.

Translated by Vicky Ghionis

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