The Hellenic Radio (ERA): News in English, 05-04-28

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

CONTENTS

[01] Operation "Frogshake"

By Vagelis Theodorou

After ambushes in terrorist hideouts and operations to safeguard civilians, the Police have undertaken yet one more role: to protect biodiversity, at least in Peru. They have launched a campaign to save frogs from being turned into an aphrodisiac drink. You see "frogshake", as in milkshake, is popular among native Peruvians as a stimulant that enhances male sexual performance! In fact, recently, tens of police officers raided a warehouse in Lima and confiscated thousands of boxes, which included more than 4,000 frogs. The cute amphibians were about to be liquidised, but after the Police operation, the animals will be released into a natural reserve. "It is our new crusade, to save the frogs from those juice-makers!" said a spokesperson for the Peruvian police, full of pride and determination for the task ahead.

Translated by Sofia Soulioti

[02] She Gave Them a Family Mom; There's Only Two

By Annita Paschalinou

She witnessed the birth of her five sons. First came Enrique, one minute later came Jorge, then Gabriel, Javier and last but not least Victor She only wanted a child and God gave her five. With some help from 25-year-old Teresa. A mother of two, who offered to give her the most precious gift, what nature had deprived her of, motherhood. Originally, Teresa Anderson had asked for a fee Finally, she waived the 15,000 dollars, as she decided along with her husband that the childless couple should keep the money to raise their five children.

As Long as There Are Mothers in this World

The Andersons met the Morenos on the Internet, on a surrogacy Web site. The couple had tried for about a decade to start a family. They underwent in vitro fertilization, in which doctors harvested eggs from Luisas ovaries and fertilized them with her husbands sperm in a laboratory.

The two couples agreed that 25-year-old Teresa Anderson would carry five embryos to increase the chance that one would result in a successful pregnancy.

Teresa would use the money she had asked for to finish her studies as a nurse and help her family.

However, in the course of the pregnancy, she and her husband changed their minds and decided not to take the money, because the Morenos were determined to keep all five babies that were growing as per normal. They thought that the cost of raising five children is much higher than raising just one.

"We were always looking for just one baby, but if it's five, it's five for a reason," stressed Luisa Moreno, who was trying for more than ten years to have a baby. And she couldn't hide her gratitude for the surrogate mother of her children. " I cannot say enough about Teresa and what shes done for us. She has given me my dream. She has given us our family."

Family Ties

In the space of five minutes, the Morenos became a family of seven.

The babies were born in the 33rd week of Andersons pregnancy, a week earlier than planned because the mother was experiencing elevated blood pressure and other complications.

Four of the boys should be able to go home in about three weeks. Javier will be hospitalized longer to undergo surgeries to correct a heart defect.

The couples have said they will stay in contact as the quintuplets grow older. I know Teresa wants to see them grow up, said Andersons husband, Jerad Anderson. Besides, as this story turned out, they two families are sharing a very strong bond. And we are not talking about blood ties, but family ties.

Translated by Sofia Soulioti

[03] Draconian security measures in Jerusalem Outburst from Eirinaios

By Annita Paschalinou

The ceremony of the Washing of the Feet took place today in a reverent atmosphere in Jerusalem, amidst draconian security measures, and with about 800 Greek, Cypriot and Russian pilgrims in attendance. To avoid any untoward incidents, the police stopped Arabs from reaching the Church of the Resurrection, while policemen were even at Patriarch Eirinaios side during the ceremony. Uproar arose after the ceremony with an outburst by Patriarch Eirinaios and what he said on the recent attacks against him and the arrest of Apostolos Vavilis.

God Knows Who I am

The Patriarch congratulated the faithful, who he said did not believe in the lies and travelled to Jerusalem to celebrate Easter.

Answering a question on the sale of Patriarchy real estate, he denied everything.

"They even said that we wont get the Holy Light. Do they have no fear of God? The Light will come out and we will share it out with everyone," he stressed, while referring to those criticizing him he noted:

"Christ was crucified. The example is Golgotha where the Lord waited with open arms. I do not feel at all guilty. God knows who I am," he said.

Asked about Vavilis, he stated that his arrest does not touch either the Patriarchy or himself. "He has nothing to do with the Patriarchy. The decision of the Supreme Court says it all. I received recognition. We look to our mission, which is safeguarding the Holy Sites," he said, noting that in Jerusalem "when we see Greeks, we dont open up books to see where they belong, but embrace them warmly."

Patriarch Eirinaios clarified that there will be no sanctions on those opposed to him, while when asked on the absence of some priests, he stated that he is not affected.

Deputy Foreign Minister's Statements

Asked whether he feels satisfied with the stance of the government, Patriarch Eirinaios stated "we send our love to all," adding "ask them, its their problem."

At the same time, however, the government notes how important it is to avoid any actions that could have a negative effect on the reverent character of these days.

As stated by Deputy Foreign Minister Panagiotis Skandalakis, the developments in the Patriarchy of Jerusalem are a question beyond political interests, and from the first moment the government is dealing with it sensitively and seriously.

"The Greek government has made coordinated efforts, aiming to safeguard the Greek Orthodox nature of the status quo in the Patriarchy, and we wish to avert any tension between the Patriarchy and its Arab flock."

Translated by Millie Williams

[04] Meeting between Spiliotopoulos and Rumsfeld New Leaf in Bilateral Relations

By Betty Savourdou

Sources: ANA, NET 105.8

The talks between Greek Minister of Defence Spilios Spiliotopoulos and his American counterpart Donald Rumsfeld in Washington were based on mutual understanding, honesty and trust. In his statements, Mr Spiliotopoulos underlined that this meeting has turned a new, noteworthy leaf in the history of Greek-American relations. The American Secretary of Defence stated that they discussed a great number of issues and activities, involving the two countries in the context of a range of allied activities.

Stabilising Role for Greece

As the Greek minister stated, during the talks, especial attention was paid to the behaviour of Turkey in the Aegean, where "apart from the problems it causes us, and the problems Turkey itself has with this behaviour, regarding its prospects in Europe, it causes additional problems to the stability, peace and security of the region."

Mr Spiliotopoulos also said that once again it has been confirmed how important Greeces role is in the Balkans and in the wider region, where Greece is participating in peace missions.

Translated by Millie Williams

Related News:

Focus on Greek Turkish Relations

[05] New Challenges in the Aegean

By Vagelis Theodorou

There is no end to the illegal activities of the Turkish Air Force in the Aegean. As per competent GEETHA (Hellenic National Defense General Staff) sources, today Holy Thursday, new violations of the Greek national airspace occurred by a large number of Turkish aircrafts and armed formations. In particular, 46 F-16s, Phantoms and photographic aircrafts proceeded with 19 violations of the Greek airspace, while 13 of them were armed. In all cases, the aircrafts were recognized and intercepted by Greek fighter crafts, while there were no entanglements.

Translated by Sofia Soulioti

[06] Berlusconi Received Vote of Confidence from Senate Silvio Smiling

By Vagelis Theodorou

Sources: BBC

By giving a vote of confidence to the new Italian government, the Senate put a definite end to the political turmoil that was baffling Italy over the past few weeks. The new Silvio Berlusconi government received the Senate's approval by 170 to 117 votes, one day after the Lower House had passed a vote of confidence by 334 to 240. Elections are due in May 2006 and correspondents say Mr Berlusconi still faces economic problems and possible repercussions from the shooting of an Italian secret agent who died from US troops' "friendly fire" while protecting a released hostage. In his new coalition, the Cavaliere appointed new ministers for industry, communication, health and culture, but did not change the key economy, foreign and interior portfolios. "I would like to be able to conclude my adventure - in the good sense, of course - my passion, my enthusiasm for this country's political history by bequeathing to this country a system made up of two forces: the house of moderates and the house of the left." It should be reminded that the recent political upheaval began when his coalition collapsed, following heavy defeats in local elections in early April, when Mr Berlusconi's government lost 11 of 13 regions at stake.

Translated by Sofia Soulioti

[07] In Various Iraqi Cities Violent Episodes With 13 Dead

By Anna Kourti

At least 13 people lost their lives and another 20 were injured during attacks reported on Thursday in various Iraqi cities. Four civilians were killed and 20 were injured during a missile attack in Musaweb, 60km south of Baghdad. According to police and hospital sources, 14 of the injured are high school students. In Samarrah, two Iraqi soldiers and a civilian were killed in a blast against a US-Iraqi convoy. Two civilians and one Iraqi soldier lost their lives when a bomb exploded 30km north of the Iraqi capital. In Balladh, north of Baghdad, one Iraqi soldier and a civilian were killed in a mortar attack against a US-Iraqi military base. Near Tikrit, one Iraqi civilian was shot dead by Iraqi and US fire.

Translated by Sofia Soulioti

[08] Putin's Historic Visit to Israel

By Betty Savourdou

Sources: ANA

A historic opportunity to put an end to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, and a chance to strengthen cooperation between Russia and the Jewish state to fight against terrorism arise with the official visit to Israel by the President of Russia. As Vladimir Putin stated, the two countries are determined to strengthen their cooperation in the struggle against all forms of terrorism, extremism and nationalism. On Thursday morning, the Russian President met with his Israeli counterpart Moshe Katzav, while his meeting with Ariel Sharon is currently underway. On Friday, Putin will meet with Palestinian leaders.

War on Terror a Mutual Aim

There is no room in this century for xenophobia and anti-Semitism, declared the Russian leader, while President Katzav praised the role of the Red Army against the Nazis, stressing that it was "something the Jewish people will never forget."

At the same time, Putin hardened his stance against Irans nuclear programme, saying that Tehran must do more to assure the world that it is not trying to construct nuclear weapons.

Likewise, he noted that the cooperation between Moscow and Tehran in the nuclear sector is restricted to non-military uses.

Regarding the sale of short-range anti-aircraft missiles to Syria, Putin assured the president that those weapons do not pose a threat to Israeli territory.

Moshe Katzav admitted that there are "differences" on this issue between Israel and Russia, and underlined that the sale of those missiles to Syria "risks reducing Israels ability to fight against terrorism."

Translated by Millie Williams

[09] Awaiting Senate approval Spanish Yes to European Constitution

By Betty Savourdou

Sources: ANA

On Wednesday the Spanish Parliament approved the treaty for the European Constitution by an overwhelming majority. It had already been approved by the Spanish public on 20 February in a referendum. Of the 350 MPs, 311 voted in favour, 19 against and 20 were absent. The treaty must now go before the Senate within the next two months, and if it is ratified with no modifications, it will be considered valid. On 20 February, in the first referendum organized by the European Union on the constitutional treaty, Spain said an emphatic "yes", with 76.73% voting in favour and 17.24% against, with record voter apathy of 57.68%.

Translated by Millie Williams

[10] An Unrecognisable Maradona

By Ilias Papaioannou

Not even two months have gone by since 5 March, when Diego Maradona underwent a stomach by pass in Colombia, and already the god of football has lost 33 kilos. The man who according to many people is the top footballer in the world, who doctors treating him say was then putting his life in danger, has a further 20 kilos to lose to reach his target. Diego Maradona weighed 128 kilos (1.68m) when he was admitted to surgery at Cartagena Hospital and his personal doctor Alfredo Cahe described the results of the operation as "amazing" in statements on Radio 10 in Buenos Aires.

Translated by Millie Williams

[11] Burn Off Alzheimer's

By Tina Valaoura

The saying "a sound mind in a healthy body," is the most valuable advice for those suffering from Alzheimers, or those who want to take measures against it, say American scientists. Apart from mental activity, physical exercise is also able to strengthen the brains defence against developing the disease, or to slow it down. According to the researchers, the intensity of exercise is not as important as the variety. This means that a wide range of activities, varying from simple gardening and housework to walking and light aerobics can prove noteworthy allies in armouring the body against Alzheimers disease, the most common form of dementia and the fourth greatest cause of death in developed countries.

Less Danger for Busy People

Recent research conducted on mice help the scientists to better understand the protective effect of regular exercise, and their results confirm statistical studies on thousands of patients.

A research team from the University of Irvine, California carried out experiments on genetically mutated mice, which developed the age from the age of three months. They observed that in brains of mice who had access to exercise wheels and who were taught various tricks, there was a clear reduction in toxic proteins, known as amyloid plaques, which are an indication of the disease, in comparison with mice that had no exercise.

"These results suggest that exercise in these mice may bring about a change in the way that amyloid precursor protein is metabolized," explained Stephen Snyder, member of the research team. The results of the research are published in the American Neurology Journal.

Along the same lines were the findings of another study, headed by ethnic Greek psychiatry professor Dr. Constantine Lyketsos, director of Johns Hopkins University Medical School Neuropsychiatry Unit.

For eight years, from 1992 to 2000, 3375 men and women aged over 65 were studied. The results showed that those of the elderly people who had hobbies and interests had less likelihood of developing the disease. In fact, the greater the variety of activities, the less likely the disease became. "Walking, household chores, cycling, gardening, jogging, dancing, aerobics, golfing, bowling, general exercise and even sedentary activities such as card-playing may be beneficial for the brain. Physical exercise means brain exercise, because its all coordinated from there," noted Dr Lyketsos.

Other important weapons in the struggle against the disease have proved to be the consumption of foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids, such as fish, while recently medicines have come to light that are capable of slowing down the effects of the disease, for which there is no cure.

In the US alone today, 4.5 million people suffer from Alzheimers disease, a number expected to reach 16 million by 2050.

Translated by Millie Williams

[12] He Did Not Wake Up a Happy Man Dont Wake Him Up

By Athina Saloustrou

A court in Norway convicted a woman to nine months of incarceration for raping a man. This is the first such conviction in the Scandinavian country, which brags about the equality it has established among the two sexes. The 31-year-man had fallen asleep on a couch at a party last January and testified to the court of western town Bergen that while awaking he saw the 23-year-old woman giving him oral sex. Based on Norwegian legislation, every sexual act with a person who is "unconscious or for any other reason incapable of opposing to the act" is considered rape. Yesterday, the court convicted the woman to nine months of imprisonment and imposed a fine of 6,000 euros.

When We Say Equality, We Mean Equality! (old Norwegian saying)

"It is a very tough conviction," stated the woman's lawyer on Norwegian news agency NTB. The girl supported the man was awake and had consented to the act.

The Public Prosecutor had asked for 10 months of incarceration supporting that the court should not be more lenient to a woman, than what it would be to a man. This is the first time in Norway that a woman is convicted for rape. The country has a long tradition in the equality between the two sexes. For instance, 40% of the Government consists of women.

Translated by Sofia Soulioti

[13] Environmentally Friendly Burial

By Tina Valaoura

Eternal rest with a clear ecological conscience is promised by an Australian company based in Victoria. For the people behind the idea this translates into vertical burial plots, with no coffins, which means that they are low-cost and environmentally friendly.

The Australian authorities have given the green light to the firm Palacom to put the plan into practice, which means that soon the Derrinallum area, 180 km west of Melbourne, will boast this unique kind of cemetery. In the name of cost-cutting, the "clients" will be preserved in a Melbourne morgue for as long as it takes until there are 12 or 15 of them, and then will be transported en masse to the cemetery. Their last resting place will be an individual grave, three metres deep. Nature will then be free to take its course.

Explaining the advantages of this new service, the director of the company Tony Dupleix notes that it is the most natural way for anyone to leave this ecologically burdened world. " Youre not burning 90 kg of gas in a crematorium and theres no ongoing maintenance costs," he stressed. The local authorities clarify for concerned parties that vertical burials are an alternative solution, probably attractive for some, but it is in no way to replace traditional burials.

Translated by Millie Williams

[14] After Parents Pressed Charges 35-year-old Arrested for Child Molestation

By Anna Kourti

A 35-year-old was taken to the Public Prosecutor after being charged with continuous molestation of minors. The man was luring his victims to his house in Zografos promising to give them candy or money and sexually molested them. The perpetrator was arrested by the Police after parents pressed charges against him. The Police are now running an investigation to find out how many children he had abused and see if he is involved in other punishable activities.

Translated by Sofia Soulioti

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