The Hellenic Radio (ERA): News in English, 05-05-13

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

CONTENTS

[01] Balkans-Cyprus-Greek Turkish Relations Foreign Policy in Parliament

By Anna Kourti

A discussion on foreign policy is taking place in Parliament today, in the presence of political leaders. The talks will focus on FYROMs name, the Greek-Turkish relations and the issue with Cyprus. In his speech, the Prime Minister voiced his deep sorrow for the events taking place at the Greek Orthodox Patriarchate in Jerusalem. Mr Karamanlis stressed, "The Government had pledged its commitment to reinstate the order right from the start, opposing illegal activities and asking the Patriarch to rise to the occasion in order to safeguard the Patriarchates Greek Orthodox character and the status quo."

M. Chrsisochoidis, "No Strategy"

"The Government is in favour of finding an operational and viable solution on the issue with Cyprus based on the Annan Plan, and in collaboration with the Cypriot Government, as well as on Turkeys accession in the EU," noted Mr Karamanlis.

Referring to the issue with FYROM, he repeated his intention to call a meeting between political leaders, while he spoke of the role of Greece in SE Europe and the Balkans.

The president of the parliamentary committee on foreign policy, Vassilis Magginas, declared on radio station NET 105.8, "The fact that there is consent among the parties on foreign policy, with the exception of KKE, is a great conquest."

On his part, PASOK MP Michalis Chrisochoidis pointed out that the Government is hiding behind its little finger, adding, "There is no strategy; instead of solving the problems, we are hiding behind them. Turkey should have made a commitment to solve the relations with Greece immediately after the Helsinki Treaty."

Translated by Vicky Ghionis

[02] On Sunday from NET 105.8 at 20:00 Tanita Tikaram on ERA

By Mary Lou Tzempelikou

After seven years of absence and in her first interview in Greece singer and songwriter Tanita Tikaram, speaks of the things that have kept her away from the world music scene, her childhood in the military bases in Great Britain, her trips and the recording of her new album "Sentimental" which took place in Great Britain and Italy. 36-year-old Tanita speaks to Dimitris Meidanis and reveals unknown sides of her personal life. In 1988 she impressed with the album "Ancient Hearts," and the big success of "Twist in my Sobriety." The interview will be broadcast on Sunday, May 15, at 20:00 on NET 105.8

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

[03] SYN Asks for Decision to be Revoked Disproval Over MPs Benefit

By Athina Saloustrou

After todays meeting and even though the Presidents had agreed to its grant, the Parliamentary Group of SYN asks for the decision for the monthly benefit, due to the incompatibility of former MPs that were not reelected in the March 7, 2004 elections and which has caused many reactions, to be revoked. The decision foresees the grant of a monthly benefit of 3,300 over the next two years. The benefit will be paid to those who did not stand as candidates owing to the incompatibility of their profession with their position as MP. Former President of the Republic Konstantinos Stefanopoulos stated that the decision provokes the public. Honorary ND President Konstantinos Mitsotakis has also stated his opposition. With an announcement former PASOK Secretary and MP Kostas Laliotis spoke of a provocation of the public, damage of the Parliaments prestige, and the undermine of the parties and MPs credibility, while also noting that he will not accept any privileged handling and benefit.

Range of Reactions

President of Parliament Anna Psarouda-Benaki stated that the decision concerns 60 to 65 former PMs who will receive a monthly benefit to assist reinsertion into their professional sphere, while they will also be provided with the health cover of current MPs.

Those who qualify are MPs who closed lawyers offices, surgeries, commercial enterprises, etc, in order to comply with the new Constitutional dictate that there can be no incompatibility between professional and parliamentary spheres.

The health cover will not be provided to former MPs who have pension rights as MPs or who have full pension rights from a major national insurance fund, as well as those who following their failure to be reelected can return to the civil service.

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

Related News:

Benefits to Former MPs

[04] In a Tough Spot Eirinaios Under Pressure

By Athina Saloustrou

The Patriarchates administrative committee made an application to freeze all of the Jerusalem Patriarchates accounts in Greece and Cyprus. Furthermore, Archimandrite Kyprianos Meidonis, who served as administrator of the Patriarchates financial services for a year, is accusing Eirinaios of expropriating 15,000,000 euros, which were gathered in Autumn 2002, during a pilgrimage to the icon of the Virgin Mary of Jerusalem. Speaking on NET 105.8, Archimandrite Kyprianos claimed that Eirinaios had allegedly said, "The money is mine and you better forget all about it." It should be noted that following the renouncement of the Patriarch, the Archimandrite moved to Cyprus. In the meantime, in his speech during a discussion in Parliament over foreign policy, the Prime Minister voiced his deep sorrow for the events taking place at the Greek Orthodox Patriarchate in Jerusalem. Mr Karamanlis stressed that the Government had pledged its commitment to reinstate the order right from the start, opposing illegal activities and asking the Patriarch to rise to the occasion in order to safeguard the Patriarchates Greek Orthodox character and the status quo.

Third Synod in Phanar

Meanwhile, the Ecumenical Patriarch is expected to announce who will be officiating a Patriarchal Mass on Sunday in Phanar, alongside the Patriarch of Alexandria. Furthermore, an Ecumenical Patriarchate Synod for the crisis in Jerusalem will take place on Tuesday 17 May.

Translated by Vicky Ghionis

Related News:

Eirinaios Prepares to Appeal

[05] Marathon Testimony

By Anna Kourti

First Instance Judge Antonia Ilia denied any involvement in the extrajudicial circuit, after a marathon testimony to Supreme Court Deputy Prosecutor Georgios Sanidas, which lasted 13.5 hours. Ilia started testifying on Thursday 12 May at 12 noon and concluded at 1:30am. It should be noted that the length of the testimony is unprecedented for Greek judicial standards.

Translated by Vicky Ghionis

[06] Ten Police Officers Held Hostage Unsettled Situation in Uzbekistan

By Anna Kourti

Sources: BBC, ANA, REUTERS

Nine people were killed and 39 were injured from violent clashes that took place on Thursday night in the town Andizhan, eastern Uzbekistan. Islamic extremists have taken over a jail and a government building, while they are holding 10 police officers hostage. The hostages were transferred to the government building, which the rebels are using as headquarters, with their hands tied. As per a Reuters correspondent, the rebels released 60 inmates. Furthermore, three car were set ablaze, while gunshots are being heard all over town. "We want to see Russias mediation and personally [Russian] President [Vladimir] Putins mediation to stop bloodshed," a rebel leader told Reuters. Uzbek President Karimov is flying to town to settle the situation. Meanwhile, a suicide bomber was killed during an attack against the Israeli Embassy in Uzbekistans capital, Tashkent.

Soldiers Abandoned their Posts

Earlier, the gunmen, who are believed to be Islamic extremists, attacked a unit of the Uzbek army, taking their guns. As per eyewitnesses, the soldiers abandoned their posts and fled for cover inside the camp.

The town Andizhan is the largest area in the eastern part of Uzbekistan. The town is situated in the Ferghana Valley, close to the borders with Kyrgistan, where Islamic extremists have been running wild in the last years.

Over the last few weeks, many peace rallies have taken place in Andizhan, demanding the release of 23 Muslims on trial for religious extremism.

Suicide Bomber Dead

Meanwhile, as per the Israeli radio, an unsuccessful suicide attack took place against the Israeli Embassy in Uzbekistans capital, Tashkent.

As per the radio station, the suicide bomber was killed by one of the guards before detonating the explosives strapped on him. An Israeli Foreign Ministry spokesperson confirmed that something happened, but did not go into details.

Translated by Vicky Ghionis

[07] Woman Arrested for Letter Containing Powder To Blair With Talcum Powder

By Athina Saloustrou

A woman will appear before the court today, accused of trying to send a letter containing white powder to British PM Tony Blair. The charges she is facing are based on the new anti-terrorism legislation. Heather Kennaby from Cambridgeshire, was arrested yesterday, as she was trying to post a small parcel, addressed to the PM, which, as it turned out, contained talcum powder. As per the police, which did not release any other information, she is being accused of sending a substance, aiming to create the illusion that it was harmful substance. The new legislation was adopted following the 9/11 attacks in the USA.

Translated by Vicky Ghionis

[08] Following Collision with a Tanker Tanker Sinks in Vietnam

By Anna Kourti

A Vietnamese tanker sank on Thursday, after colliding with another ship, which was sailing under Liberian flag. Tonnes of oil were spilled all over the southern shores of Vietnam from the tanker, which belonged to the state oil company Petrovietnam. An oil spill has been formed in the area, approximately 135 nautical miles southeast of the town Vung Tau. The 16 crewmembers escaped unharmed, while the Liberian-flag tanker suffered no damages.

Translated by Vicky Ghionis

[09] Three Dead Six Injured Car Bomb Explosion

Three Iraqis, two soldiers and a civilian, were killed and another six injured when a car bomb, which was targeting a truck transferring military personnel, exploded in Baquba, north of Baghdad, as per military sources. According to General Abdullah Chemari, the attack was recorded at 8am (local time).

Translated by Vicky Ghionis

[10] Monkey-Business Under the Hammer

By Mary Lou Tzempelikou

Although monkey business is usually not proper decorum, works by monkeys can be used for decoration! Basically, a painting by chimpanzee Congo will be auctioned by a well-known auction house alongside works of art by Renoir and Andy Warhol. Congos abstract painting is expected to fetch between 600 and 800 pounds. The amount is not actually very high, since the chimpanzee is question is considered a great painter and even Picasso was a fan. It is said that the famous artist owned one of Congos paintings, while his works were first exhibited in 1957 at the Paintings by Chimpanzees show in London.

Congos talent was discovered in the 50s, when anthropologist Desmond Morris began testing the artistic abilities of chimpanzees.

That was when Dr Morris realised that Congo was becoming noticeably talented and therefore his works started being exhibited.

Translated by Vicky Ghionis

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