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

The Hellenic Radio (ERA): News in English Directory - Previous Article - Next Article

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

CONTENTS

[01] First Exit Polls at Midnight Blair Versus Abstention

By Annita Paschalinou

Sources: Reuters

The polling stations in Great Britain will close at 23:00 Greek time and no one doubts that Tony Blair will acquire another victory, ensuring a third term in 10 Downing Street. The first exit polls are expected with great interest and will be announced after the closing of the ballots boxes, which will be around midnight. The result is expected to be made clear in the morning. The main opponent of Tony Blair seems to be abstention. The turnout in the 1997 elections reached 71% and was decreased in 2001 to 59%. In these elections the percentage is expected to be even lower. According to the latest opinion polls Tony Blairs Labour Party is ahead by three units while the percentage of undecided voters is great.

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

Related News:

Britain Goes to the Polls

[02] Decrease in Toast and Coffee Prices Prices Fall in Cafeterias

By Annita Paschalinou

The Ministry of Development, with a clause, established outside prices in basic products that are offered in canteens, cafeterias, airports and are decreased in relation to the ones that existed up to this day. The outside price for bottled water is 0.50 cent, for a cheese and ham toast 1.5 euros (from the previous price of 2 to 3.60 euros), with the exception of Greek coffee, the outside price of which will remain at 1.5 euros, the rest of the kinds of coffees decrease by 50 cents to one euro.

Prices of Basic Goods

The new outside prices that the Ministry of Development is establishing in canteens, cafeterias of airports, ships, trains and archeological sights are the following:

Water 0.50 (same price) Ham and cheese toast 1.50 euros; from 2-3.60 euros Greek coffee 1.5 euros (same price) Filter coffee 1.5 euros; from 2 euros Espresso coffee 1.5 euros; from 2 euros Frappe coffee: 1.5 euros; from 2 euros Tea 1.5 euros (same price Beverages indicative price on can

Open Price for Rest of Products

Apart from the mandatory offer of basic goods in the above areas, a sign will have to posted on which the following will be stated with capital letters in Greek and English. "FOR STANDING CLIENTS BOTTLED WATERS, SANDWICHES, TOASTS, COFFEE AND TEA IN CONTROLLED PRICES ARE AVAILABLE." The Ministry of Development leaves the price of the rest of the products open, taking into account that the expenses for these businesses is configured by rent, electricity, labour, and raw materials.

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

[03] For A Place in the Final

By Dimitris Alexopoulos

On Friday, the basketball team of Panathinaikos will enter the battle for a place in the final of the great European event and will face the Israeli team Maccabi Tel Aviv. The "greens" return to the Final Four of the Euroleague after three years and once again are outsiders, just as on May 5, 2002 in Bologna, when going against prognostics won the home team of Kinder and acquired the third trophy in its history. It acquired its first on April 1996 in Paris and became the first Greek team to receive the Cup. The "greens" won Barcelona in the final by 67-66. The second European title for Panathinaikos came in 2000, when the "greens" won Maccabi in the final by 73-67. This is the seventh participation of the Greek Champions in the finals of the event.

Obradovic: "The Best Team in Europe"

Maccabi and Panathinaikos were first acquainted in the 70s, while they have met in the past in two finals, in 2000 at the Euroleague in Thessalonica, where Panathinaikos won by 73-67, and in 2001 in the final of Suproleague in Paris where it lost by 81-67.

Except for the two finals, Panathinaikos game with Maccabi Tel Aviv is the 20th in the event and the Greek team has nine wins and 10 defeats.

Zeljko Obradovic, during todays Press interview, described Panathinaikos as the best team in Europe at this given moment.

"The secret is always the same. The players have to play well. The motive is always the same. I am next to my players and we have played very hard during the season in order to get here. We are happy that we will face the best team in Europe tomorrow," stated the coach of Panathinaikos, answering to a question over the secret of success of the Greek Champions and continued:

"Maccabi is an exceptional team and a Champion, and consecutively by playing against it we will see how good we are. For us, it is very important to play with Maccabi tomorrow. I think that all the teams are here to play and win. No one is here as tourists. There is no doubt about that. Without doubt Maccabi is an exceptional team and has great quality in order to play as it does. I could talk about Parker, Jasikevicius, Vujcic and Pinhas Gershon, because a team is created by its coach. Pinhas gives his players the capability to play how they want and this is important. Basketball is not only defense and offense. Both of the above are very important. We will see what happens tomorrow."

From the side of the players Jaka Lavociv spoke and expressed the wish for Panathinaikos to acquire the trophy. "It is wonderful that I am here, but my dream is not to play only in the Final Four. My dream is to conquer all types of trophies. That is why I am here," the Slovenian guard stated and added "I think Maccabi is a well-rounded team. Its players are great inside and outside of the court. We have to be a well-rounded team and play good defense. We have to be everywhere in order to have hopes for winning the game. And we will do just that."

The Program

Friday May 6

Opening Ceremony 17:30 Greek time

Semifinals

Maccabi-Panathinaikos 18:10 CSKA-Tau Ceramica 20:40

Sunday May 8

Third Place 15:10 Final 17:40

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

[04] In the Structure of Ministries Presidential Decree for Changes

By Vicky Keleri

The Presidential Decree, which was approved and published in the government Gazette, paves the road for the restructure of Ministries with decisions taken by the Prime Minister. With the Presidential Decree scenarios over a possible reshuffle also came in the forefront. However, Government spokesperson Thodoros Rousopoulos noted that the Presidential Decree is not related to the scenarios, which as he underlined a few days ago the Prime Minister denied. Mr Rousopoulos added that the process of classifying the clauses for the forming of the government and the government bodies has already started from May 2004. Answering to a question in relation to the event of a reshuffle, Minister of Public Works, Giorgos Souflias after his meeting with Kostas Karamanlis at Maximos Mansion, stated "I do not think one will take place in the immediate future but logically it will happen during fall." Making reference to the possibility of decreasing the Ministries for the creation of a flexible government formation he noted that this prospect is referred to the ND programme. However he noted that this subject is exclusively a duty of the Prime Minister.

PASOK spokesperson Nikos Athanasakis also made reference to the prospect of a government reshuffle stating: "either way, with a reshuffle or not, the Karamanlis government will continue to have the same problems, create the same and worst problems for the Greek citizens with its wrong and socially unfair policies, its fickleness, its unreliability and its incapacity."

Mr Athanasakis added that the small and flexible government formation was one of the main announcements of the Prime Minister, as leader of ND "which remains as a notion, even with this publication of the Presidential Decree in the government Decree as it only empowers the Prime Minister, when and if he decides."

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

[05] Government-Trade Unions Clash Dispute Over May 1 Public Holiday

By Vagelis Theodorou

The shift of May 1 public holiday to May 11 and the government's decision not to declare the day in question into a public holiday, since the law does not provide for such a case, turned into a clash between the Government and trade unions. "May 1 is a public holiday and a strike," said GSEE (Greek General Confederation of Labour) president Christos Polyzogopoulos, supporting that the Government should declare May 11 a public holiday as a tribute to the workers' fights. At the same time, he said that companies would have a benefit of 125 million euros if the day were not declared as a public holiday. ADEDY (Supreme Administration of Greek Civil Servants Trade Unions) president Spyros Papaspyros underlined that the day should shift, while SYN president Alekos Alavanos accused the government of authoritarianism and of not proceeding to negotiations with trade unions.

Separate Rallies

As per the relevant circular, employees who want to participate in the celebrations and take the day off should not be burdened financially or suffer any consequences. However, employees in the private sector who are planning on participating in the strike will not be entitled to any wages by law.

GSEE and ADEDY have called May 11 a general strike and will organise a central rally at Pedion tou Areos for 10:30, while PAME (trade union linked to KKE) called all employees to join their rally at Syntagma Square half an hour later.

The trade unions requests focus on insurance, working hours and unemployment.

In a Press conference, GSEE president said there will be no discussion over insurance and labour relations, underlining that the Government "will have to deal with trade unions if it proceeds with unilateral regulations that will only worsen the present state."

Translated by Sofia Soulioti

[06] It Could Close Down If Not Sold Critical Hours for Olympic Airlines

By Vicky Keleri

Sources: NET- NET 105.8

The leadership of the Ministry of Transport and the workers union in the national air service discussed the future of Olympic Airlines and its privatisation course. The employees have expressed their opposition to the privatisation process, which is underway, and restated their proposal for reconstituting the company and keeping its public character. From his side, Minister Michalis Liapis seems to reject this event. He stated that if "the union members persist, we will get on an airplane, fly to Brussels and let the relative Commissioner, Mr Baro tell us that this cannot be done." In the meantime, sources of the Ministry of Transport state that Olympic Airlines is expected to reach a settlement if the competition for its privatisation is unproductive.

Developments at End of May

From his side, Deputy Minister of Transport Mr Neratzis stated that the process of the privatisation competition of the company is still in an assessment stage, and as he noted, at this time no statements or announcements can be made. He also stated that the Ministry will keep the employees informed over the process of the competition, for which, he implied, results are expected at the end of May. In the meantime, from Mr Neratzis statements it was revealed that two convicting decisions for Greece from the relative bodies of the EU concerning Olympic Airlines have been made.

The first decision is expected on Thursday, May 12 and concerns the contributions for the employees that were considered by the Commission as state funds. The second is expected to be published in June and concerns the complaint that the Commission has made against Greece for the case of state funds to Olympic Airways.

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

[07] Before Plenary Session for Definitive Dismissal First Instance Judge Is Shown the Door

By Athina Saloustrou

The president of the Supreme Court Giorgos Kapos referred first instance judge Aspasia Basta to the court's Plenary Session on the question of definitive dismissal. Aspasia Basta is referred for "insufficiency and serious lack of principles, which insults her status and that of Justice in general at such a point, which make her non useful for the service." Basta is charged with delays in rulings from the very first years of her career. She also forged the signature of the department's president in order to publicize decisions that were delayed. In collaboration with Antonia Ilia, who is implicated in the extra-judicial network, she proceeded with convenient replacements in archimandrite Iakovos Giosakis' cases. Lastly, Mrs Basta deposited 3,000 euros in Giosakis' bank account. In her statements, Basta has given various reasons why she had deposited that sum.

Translated by Sofia Soulioti

[08] U.S. and China Put Pressure on North Korea Concern Over Pyongyang Nuclear Program

By Annita Paschalinou

Sources: Reuters

The U.S. and China appear determined to convince North Korea to end its nuclear program. The issue was discussed between U.S. President George W Bush and Chinese counterpart Hu Jintao and agreed that the six-party negotiations will have to continue in order for the Korean peninsula to be an area free from nuclear weapons. Up to now, China, the U.S., Japan, South Korea, Russia and North Korea have made three meetings over the nuclear arsenal of Pyongyang. North Korea refused to take part in the fourth meeting, asking of Washington to stop the defensive policy against it. From its side the U.S. has found a strong ally in the country of China that can pressure North Korea to restart negotiations.

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

[09] Arrested by Israeli Police Today Neo-Nazi Israeli Military Man!

By Athina Saloustrou

An Israeli military man, inhabitant of the Ariel settlement in the West Bank, was arrested as a suspect for relations with neo-nazi organizations abroad. The announcement of this unheard off arrest takes place at a time that Israel and the Jewish community honour the memory of six million Jews exterminated by the Nazis during World War II, on the occasion of the Holocaust Remembrance Day and todays March of Living in Auschwitz. "The military man arrested today had a tattoo of a swastika and after an investigation in his house it was found that he had contacts with neo-nazi organizations abroad," stated a Israeli police spokesperson for the West Bank, making clear that the police handed him over to the Military Police.

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

[10] Harsh Answer to Pound

By Ilias Papaioannou

Referring to the upcoming Court of Arbitration for Sports decision on the case of Greek Olympians Kostas Kenteris and Katerina Thanou, Kostas Kenteris lawyer, Dr Grigoris Ioannidis, gave a harsh answer to WADA president and IOC member Dick Pound. Mr Ioannidis described Mr Pound as "a man in a non controllable state of panic," while he also referred to the "violation" of his clients "human rights." In fact, Mr Ioannidis recommended Mr Pound to be more careful with the expressions he is using.

Lausanne Court in a Hostage Situation

Answering Mr Pound's statements, Mr Ioannidis used a harsh tongue and accused WADA president of being in a state of panic. "The continuous reaction of a man in a non controllable state of panic is no surprise. Despite his colleagues' remarks to keep a cool head and remain serious, he continues interfering with the work of the Independent Court of Lausanne, violating every notion of Justice and placing the Court in a hostage situation," underlined Kostas Kenteris' legal advisor in his announcement. At the same time, Mr Ioannidis supported that "for some time now the human rights of Kostas Kenteris are violated and the principles of natural justice are abused."

Following, he supported that Mr Pound's argumentation lacks evidence, since it is based on rumours and speculation, while he also recommended the "Immortal" should be more careful with his statements. "The meaning of righteous has been smeared and the known argumentation of sports organizations continues to be based on possibilities, rumours and speculation. What are the proofs against us? What are the clues? Has anyone ever wondered? The WADA president speaks of "violations of the anti-doping regulations." He is absolutely right. However, the IOC proceeded with this violation and this has already been proved in the hearing procedure. I suggest the WADA leader should be more careful in his statements and the expressions he uses. After all, we are not going to take lessons of morale by someone who defended Ben Johnson."

Translated by Sofia Soulioti

[11] Withdrawn From Super Markets Dangerous Dye in British Super Markets

By Vivian Papastefanou

As the Food Standards Agency (FSA) in Great Britain announced, thirty-five food products that contain the illegal dye Para Red, which is linked to cancer, have been withdrawn from super market shelves. "At the levels being found the risk is likely to be very small indeed, but it is right that food businesses are removing these products from sale," states the FSA in an announcement. Ready to eat meals are included in the list of the dangerous food products and are sold in the supermarkets Asda, Tesco and Waitrose. In February the same agency had published a list of 350 food products that contain the also illegal dye Sudan 1 that is linked to cancer, a fact that lead to their withdrawal from the shelves.

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

[12] 12 New Moons for Saturn Saturn's New Moons

By Despina Hristopoulou

Saturn's planetary family has grown bigger, as astronomers discovered 12 new members orbiting around the planet. The 12 new moons bring Saturn's count to 46. They are small, irregular bodies and are far from the planet. In fact, it takes about two years to complete one orbit. All but one circle Saturn in the opposite direction in relation to its bigger satellites. The planet with the most moons so far is Jupiter, which counts 63, followed by Saturn with 46, Uranus with 27 and Poseidon with 13.

The Mysteries of Space

These satellites were located last year by the Subaru telescope in Hawaii, but confirmation observations were made last month using the Gemini North telescope also in Hawaii.

Dave Jewitt of the University of Hawaii, co-discoverer of the objects, told the BBC News website that they were found as part of a detailed survey of the outer planets in order to better understand their origin.

The new moons were probably formed in the main asteroid zone between Mars and Jupiter and were scattered by Jupiter's gravity.

As Mr Jewitt stressed, "the key question is how they became captured by Saturn, a fact which cannot be explained by the current models."

He also underlined "The new discoveries should improve our knowledge of satellite systems in general and should, eventually, lead to an understanding of how such small, irregular bodies are captured by the gravity of giant planets".

Translated by Sofia Soulioti

[13] For Charity Purposes Britney's Pregancy Test at Auction

By Despina Hristopoulou

A positive pregnancy test said to have belonged to Britney Spears has been sold for charity. The test was allegedly found in the bathroom bin of a Los Angeles hotel room where Britney and her husband Kevin Federline were staying a couple of months ago. According to a spokesperson for Internet casino GoldenPalace.com, famous for several recent high-profile eBay sales, the pregnancy test was initially sold to the New Hot 89.9 radio station in Ottawa, Canada, by a "connection" the station has at the hotel. GoldenPalace.com say proceeds from its purchase of Britney's alleged pregnancy kit will be donated to two US charities, the Candlelighter's Childhood Cancer Foundation and the Easter Seal Society which helps children with physical disabilities. Details of the sale have not been disclosed.

Last month 23-year-old Britney confirmed rumours she is pregnant with her first child. Britney and dancer Federline, 27, married in September 2004. He has two children by his ex-girlfriend, actress Shar Jackson. Britney and Federline's new reality show, Britney and Kevin:Chaotic, debuts on US TV's UPN on May 17.

Translated by Sofia Soulioti

[14] Asking for an Arrest Warrant for a Briton New Case of Usurp in Occupied Cyprus

By Athina Saloustrou

A new case of usurp of Greek-Cypriot property from a foreigner in occupied Cyprus is being taken to justice. Giorgos Ioakovous family from Vasileia, a town west of Kerineia, asked the police to issue a European arrest warrant for Briton Mark Unwin who usurps land in the coastal area of Vasileia and constructs luxurious villas. As it was made known, the British entrepreneur has started work for the construction of twelve apartments with a pool, which he sells for 90 thousand pounds. The Iakovou family stated to Lemesos Police that the British real-estate agent usurps Greek-Cypriot property in many occupied villages of Kerineia. In the meantime, government spokesperson Kipros Chrisostomidis stated that the mass robbery of Greek-Cypriot property continues and "all this is happening in the era of conciliatory Talat and conciliatory Erdogan." He added that the international outcry for the violation of property right is increasing and drives Mr Talat to making statements such as that the international law for the Turkish-Cypriots is supposedly violated. The government spokesperson stated "I do not know what Mr Talat exactly means but if he means that the assertion of property right is a violation, then he is deliberately tempting." He concluded by saying that the turn to justice is every citizens decision and "the government does not propose anything, but simply asserts its demand for the application of human rights."

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

[15] Starting May 20 2007 Ceramics Only Approved by EU

By Athina Saloustrou

The production and import in the EU of ceramic objects that do not conform to the regulation issued on April 29 and makes reference to the protection of the consumers from a possible migration of lead and cadmium from ceramic objects that come in contact with food, has been banned. The member states will have to establish and publish, until May 20 2006 the latest, the necessary legislative, prescriptive and administrative clauses to be adapted to the regulation, which foresees that all ceramic ware that come in contact with food will have to be accompanied, on all stages of sale, from a written statement that assures that they compromise with the existing regulations.

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

The Hellenic Radio (ERA): News in English Directory - Previous Article - Next Article