The Hellenic Radio (ERA): News in English, 05-05-09

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

CONTENTS

[01] After Bartholomew's Intervention Eirinaios Accepted Invitation to Phanar

Sources: ΝΕΤ - ΝΕΤ 105.8 - ANA

The situation in Jerusalem remains unsettled following yesterdays incidents and whilst awaiting the official stances of Jordan and Israel concerning the renouncement of Patriarch Eirinaios. Today, Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew intervened in the crisis. With a message to Mr Eirinaios, he asked him not to proceed with any hasty actions, including a convocation of the Holy Synod, as this would further aggravate the current situation. Actually, in his address, Mr Bartholomew referred to him as "Patriarch Eirinaios" and not "Patriarch of Jerusalem". In the meantime, the Ecumenical Patriarch extended an invitation to Mr Eirinaios to visit Phanar. As per Press sources, the latter has accepted the invitation, and promised that he will visit Phanar within the coming days. With statements to NET 105.8 the Jerusalem Patriarchate Press spokesperson confirmed the visit of Patriarch Eirinaios in Phanar. "Patriarch Eirinaios will visit Phanar and the specific date is expected to be decided on," stated Mr Vaggelis Mavraganis. In his announcement to the Mass Media in Jerusalem, Patriarch Eirinaios gave a harsh answer to the Ecumenical Patriarch.

Eirinaios Under Pressure

With an announcement to the Mass Media of Jerusalem, Mr Eirinaios is said to have harshly answered to the Ecumenical Patriarch saying, "with your telegraph you left many doubts and I have been surprised with what you have mentioned. My unfair conviction and slaughter is not of interest to you. It is unknown why. I will remain a Holy Sepulcher member until my death. It is doubted that I am a legal Patriarch as you call me Patriarch Eirinaios and not as the Patriarch of Jerusalem. You are demanding my conviction by declaring me deposed, with what right your Eminence?"

The announcement reads: "Patriarch Eirinaios, in the presence of Alexandreia Patriarch Mr Theodoros, has accepted the invitation and promised that within the coming days he will arrive in the Patriarchate." In his letter to Mr Eirinaios, Mr Bartholomew addressed him in the way that the Ecumenical Patriarchate addresses clerics who, for some reason, have been deprived of their powers and rights.

Therefore, the Patriarch is indirectly accepting the assumption of all Jerusalem Patriarch affairs by the three-member committee nominated by the Holy Sepulchre Brotherhood.

In his message, he asked Mr Eirinaios not to proceed with a Synod convocations, as announced earlier, pointing out that it would be a minority Synod, which would create further problems and would deepen the crisis plaguing the Patriarchate of Jerusalem.

According to NET 105.8 sources, Mr Eirinaios tried to contact Mr Bartholomew over the phone and ask for explanations concerning his letter. Finally, Mr Eirinaios spoke with the manager of the Ecumenical Patriarchs office, Metropolitan Bishop of Sevasteia. Mr Eirinaios allegedly voiced his complaints, to which the Metropolitan Bishop answered that the problems were created by Mr Eirinaios, thus Phanar does nor bear any responsibility.

In the meantime, the Ecumenical Patriarch extended an invitation to Mr Eirinaios to visit Phanar. As per Press sources, the latter is considering the invitation, but he will probably not accept it. According to the same sources, Mr Bartholomew aims to convince Mr Eirinaios to resign, in order to settle the crisis in the Patriarchate of Jerusalem.

Furthermore, Mr Bartholomew is being continuously briefed on the situation by the Ecumenical Patriarchates three-member delegation, which is in Jerusalem to assist in dealing with the situation.

In the meantime, the Jordanian Government has allegedly informed the Patriarchates Synod that it will be co-signing the Synod Deed renouncing Eirinaios, while the Palestinian Authority has already declared that it is in favour of the Holy Sepulchre members.

Translated by Vicky Ghionis

Related News:

Incidents in Jerusalem

[02] Stray Dog a Role Model Mother Four-Legged Guardian Angel

By Annita Paschalinou

Sources: Associated Press

In Kenya, a stray dog acted like a good mother when she located an abandoned baby in a plastic bag at a nearby forest. Guided by her maternal instinct, the dog that had recently given birth, grabbed the bag by its teeth, crossed a motorway and barbed wire fence and managed to take the baby girl in a safe place; where her puppies were resting. Passerbys heard the two-day old babys cries and immediately transported it to the nearest hospital.

Role Model Mother

According to the doctors the baby is undergoing antibiotic treatment and its health condition is stable.

Up to this moment and besides the publication of the incident by the Mass Media no one has claimed the baby.

The doctors have named the baby Angel.

Babies like Angel are frequently abandoned by their mothers in Kenya.

But not all babies have Angels luck, even if it comes from a stray dog.

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

[03] New Handwritten Note to Chief of Police Vavilis Retracts Statements

By Annita Paschalinou

Apostolos Vavilis is contradicting himself with a handwritten note to the Greek Police Chief Giorgos Aggelakos. The accused now claims that he has not met or talked with Mr Aggelakos since 1992. Vavilis, in the note that his lawyer Giorgos Alfantakis delivered to Mr Aggelakos, states, "I never stated to anyone that Mr Aggelakos or anyone else for that matter covered up for me in order to not be arrested for pending warrants."

Vavilis' Note to the Prosecutor

Mr Aggelakos transferred Apostolos Vavilis handwritten note to the Chief of Prosecution Mr Papaggelopoulos.

In his note, Apostolos Vavilis states the following: "I met Aggelakos in Papaefthimious office in September 1989 before I started the business in Kifissia, entitled "pizza by the meter." Since then, I did not have any relations with him, since Mr Triantafillakis was responsible for my case. Since1992 I have not met him. I never stated to anyone that Mr Aggelokos, or anyone else for that matter, covered up for me in order to not be arrested for pending warrants. I have not met or talked with Mr Aggelakos since 1992."

Vavilis lawyer Mr Alfantakis delivered the note to Mr Aggelakos, together with a cover letter that states that his client was enraged when he heard the things said against him and assured him that he had never stated such false facts to anyone at anytime. Mr Alfantakis in his cover letter states "he demanded to give you the attached handwritten message, that he wrote in the spur of the moment."

Statements to Triantafillopoulos

Apostolos Vavilis, in his interview to Makis Triantafillopoulos, had involved Greek Police Chief Mr Aggelakos, and had stated that in 1998 he had covered up for him regardless of his pending warrants.

He also stated that there was special handling in his case and time was given to him to flee, as the police greatly appreciated his work. He also mentioned that Mr Aggelakos had helped him with the Israeli Secret Services by avoiding telling them that he was indicted.

Closer to an Extradition

In the meantime, on Tuesday, the demand of canceling the charges enforced in Italy for drug trafficking will be discussed with Italian justice authorities. If the demand for cancellation of the convicting decision is accepted, Vavilis will possibly be extradited in Greece in May. In an opposing case, the Italian authorities seem to be positively replying to the demand of the Greek authorities for his transport to Greece for a few days in order to testify to the judicial authorities.

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

[04] Does Not Accept Exception for MPs SYN Says No Parliament Holiday

By Annita Paschalinou

With a common statement the Parliament members of Synaspismos ask for May 11 to be a working day for MPs. As they state, they do not accept an exception to take place only for the MPs, and state that if their proposal is not accepted for a national holiday they will symbolically submit their relative fees to the Sailors Social Security Fund (NAT). Earlier, Giorgos Papandreou lashed out a harsh attack against the government for its handlings on the May 1 issue.

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

Related News:

Mobilizations for May Day

Excessive Reactions to Mayday

Dispute Over May 1 Public Holiday

Strike, not Public Holiday

[05] At the PASOK Political Council Meeting "Government is Unreliable"

By Annita Paschalinou

Sources: ΝΕΤ 105.8

Giorgos Papandreou at the PASOK Political Council let out a harsh attack against the government and the Prime Minister. According to sources, the leader of the Opposition spoke of wrong policies and incapacity of ND to govern. "The government has made a mess, and half of the ministers are in disputes with the other half," he reportedly stated on the issue of May Day. Making reference to the developments in Jerusalem, the PASOK President spoke of a sad situation and added that the Ecumenical Patriarch should help in finding a solution. Giorgos Papandreou commented on the results of the latest opinion polls and said that even though there are positive points for PASOK, the party should not rest but start intensive preparations. "The unreliability that exists within the ND government should not pass as a general unreliability of politics and the political system," he reportedly stated.

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

[06] Rallies and Marches Mobilizations for May Day

By Vivian Papastefanou

May 11 has been declared a day of strike from the unionist organizations, in the context of the celebration of May Day which was transferred as it coincided with Easter Sunday. GSEE and ADEDI call on the workers in the public and private sector to strike and organize their main rally at Pedion of Areos at 10:30, while PAME calls the workers at 11:00 in Syndagma Square for a separate march and rally. In Thessalonica, May Day will be celebrated with two different rallies. One will take place at 10:00 at Aristotelous Square organized by the Workers and Employees Centre and the Public Sector Employees Organization, while the second one will also take place at the same time at the Venizelos statue organized by All Workers Militant Front (PAME).

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

Related News:

Dispute Over May 1 Public Holiday

[07] For Insurance Policy OTOE and Banks Disagree

By Anna Kourti

The presidency of OTOEs meeting with representatives of the Union of Greek Banks, over the adjustments that bill 3029/2002 foresees for the new insurance policy, did not bring forth a result. The Union asked for an agreement to take place on the issue of funds and for the financing for a single insurance of the bank employees that were hired before 1992, while the bank employees claimed that the expenses should be paid by IKA. From their side, the representatives of the bank employees supported the draft of an actuarial study, in order to calculate the cost of changes in the insurance policy of the department and for the safeguarding of the necessary funds. In the meantime, the two sides agreed to meet without making a date known.

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

[08] Intensive Checks in Snack Bars

By Betty Savourdou

Sources: NET 105.8- NET

On Monday, Deputy Minister of Development Ioannis Papathanasiou issued a strict warning for the enforcement of the market price clause, which designates higher prices in products offered in snack bars and canteens, while giving the owners a short deadline. The Minister stated that the checks began today, while warnings will be given out the first days, underlining that whoever deceits the consumers will face justice. It is reminded, that since today the credit limit in the prices of seven products in snack bars and canteens is in force.

Highest Prices in Basic Products

On Monday, Ministry of Development crews visited dining areas of Eleftherios Venizelos Airport, while from tomorrow, new price checks will take place by the Municipalities

The credit limit is for the 0.5 l water bottle, ham and cheese toasts and sandwiches, Greek, espresso, filter, and frappe coffee, tea and beverages.

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

Related News:

Prices Fall in Canteens

[09] They Don't Like Brown What do Babies See?

By Vicky Keleri

Have you ever wondered what colours your baby can distinguish during its first months? Have you ever considered what colour it would prefer its room to be painted in? You dont need to wonder any longer. Increasing scientific research into the vision of babies continuously keeps bringing new evidence to light. Moreover the popular view that newborns are colour-blind has been crushed. Infants can see colour, but their perception develops over coming months. At least that is what Dr Anna Franklin of Surrey Baby Labs, who has studied more than 250 babies to look at which colours they prefer, is claiming.

They Prefer Vivid Colours

Dr Franklin used a number of tests to find out how babies see colours and which are their favourites. In some cases they showed babies a specific colour on a computer screen and then suddenly switched it to another.

She then tried to record the reactions of the babies as to which of the two colours grabbed their attention.

The research showed that babies perceived the same categories of one colour. For example, they realized that blue and another shade of blue belong to the same category, they treated it as the same and got bored, casting their eyes elsewhere.

On the other hand, when the screen turned yellow or green, they started looking again.

As far as their preferences, blue, red, purple and orange came on top. On the other hand, brown was not a favourite, as they did not tend to look at it for a long amount of time.

At the same time, Dr Nicola Pitchford, in Nottingham, and her colleague Prof Kathy Mullen at McGill University, Canada, have been looking at toddlers colour preferences.

Their work at the Nottingham Toddler Lab found that toddlers learn to name the colours they like before the colours they dislike. Actually, according to Dr Pitchford, this process begins at around 3 years of age.

The survey also concluded that toddlers least prefer brown, as well as grey. Maybe because they are terms that are used less frequently by parents, childrens literature and TV. On the other hand, primary colours, as well as pink, orange and purple, are mentioned more often and therefore easily become favourites.

However, Dr Pitchford believes that this dislike for brown and grey may be due to other factors as well. "Brown might mean dirt, and a grey rather than a rosy face suggests sickness, for example," she concluded.

Translated by Vicky Ghionis

[10] Fly to Your Apartment A Lift of Air

By Vicky Keleri

Do you not have an elevator and cannot stand walking up the stairs? Do not worry; just let technology end your suffering. The solution is called Residential Pneumatic Vacuum Elevator and is a prototype elevator tube that functions with air pressure. Its main advantage is that it can be economically and easily placed in buildings since special infrastructure is not needed. Only one person can take the elevator at a time, while it moves with the speed of 15 cm per second. It works with a turbine that sucks air from a pressurized chamber giving it its needed boost and returns to its base when the air pressure goes back to its normal levels. Also the Residential Vacuum Elevator is transparent and its passenger enjoys the panoramic view during the lift.

The U.S. Vacuum Elevators Company has constructed this prototype elevator, while the first models are already been placed in the market.

Up to this moment, the Residential Pneumatic Vacuum Elevator can be fitted to accommodate the needs of two-story and three-story houses, while the company is already started designing models for multi-story buildings as well as for people with special needs.

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

[11] Tragedy in Herakleion

By Anna Kourti

Herakleion is shaken by the tragedy in the Veloudakis family, since two days after the death of 45-year-old Kostas Veloudakis from an infraction, his eldest brother 48-year-old Themistoklis that had also attended the family dinner on May 3 has also died. Medical coroner Manolis Michalodimitrakis stated that the two brothers that faced serious heart problems, suffered acute gastroenteritis when they consumed food infected by salmonella. Their chronic heart conditions burdened the situation and resulted to one dying from an infraction and the other from a heart attack which resulted from thrombosis.

"Not An Epidemic of Salmonella"

Also, Mr Michalodimitrakis stated that the gastroenteritis that another two family members are suffering, is examined while the medical investigation and lab tests that will give answers is underway.

In closing, he made clear that this is not a salmonella epidemic, but an isolated incident.

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

[12] Archimandrite Faces Criminal Charges

By Betty Savourdou

Sources: ΑΝΑ

On Monday, the Prosecutor of Rhodes Misdemeanor Court brought criminal charges for seducing underage children against an Archimandrite of the Rhodes Cathedral. According to the accusations, the incident took place on Good Friday in a village of southern Rhodes, and the victims were three girls aged 7,8, and 11 years old, two of which are sisters. Last week, when the incident was publicized, the Rhodes Metropolitan Bishop suspended the Archimandrite and set up an enquiry committee that will investigate the accusations made by the childrens families. The Archimandrite with a letter sent to local newspapers denies the accusations and states that this is an unfair and libeling attack against him, implying that the accusations are related to the fact that he did not involve himself in the encroachment of church property.

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

[13] For his Contribution to the Resistance Karolos Papoulias Honoured

By Vagelis Theodorou

Sources: ANA - NET

Russian President Vladimir Putin presented the President of the Hellenic Republic with the Victory Medal, thus honouring him for his contribution to the resistance fight. Mr Papoulias, who represented Greece at the celebrations for the 60-year anniversary since WWII in Moscow, was honoured during a special ceremony in the Great Kremlin Palace, where Mr Putin hosted a reception for the 60 world leaders. "The honour made to me also honours the Greek resistance, all those who fought on the mountains and in the towns, the heroic people of Athens and the rebels irrespective of their political beliefs. The Greek resistance as a whole, one of the most heroic resistances in Europe," declared the Hellenic President, saying he was proud and touched. Other people who were honoured included the President of Albania, Alfred Moisiu, the President of Croatia, Stipe Mesic, the former Cypriot President, Gafkos Kliridis, the former Polish President, General Wojciech Jaruzelski and the former King of Romania, Mihai Hohenzollern. In the meantime, anniversary celebrations for the 60 years since the defeat of the Nazis also took place in Athens today.

Commemorative Celebrations

Today was a very special day for Greece, since, following Russia and Yugoslavia, it is the third largest country in per capita participation to the resistance against the Nazi troops.

On Monday morning, Archbishop Christodoulos officiated a doxology in the Athens Metropolitan Cathedral. Following that, National Resistance fighter Manolis Glezos gave a speech, while later on Government, political party and resistance representatives laid wreaths at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.

Finally, the Athens War Museum will be hosting a reception at 7pm, which will be attended by Defence Minister Spilios Spiliotopoulos and WWII veterans.

Translated by Vicky Ghionis

Related News:

Glorious Celebrations

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