The Hellenic Radio (ERA): News in English, 05-05-14

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

CONTENTS

[01] New moon in Saturn's rings Earth's Secrets on Titan?

By Betty Savourdou

Sources: NET

After a seven-year journey, the international space mission Cassini has started sending back the first photographs from Titan, Saturns moon, to Earth. The cameras on European exploration craft Hutchens took a series of photographs as it approached Titan last January. In an effort to map Saturns giant moon, scientists examined the material. According to their estimations, its thick atmosphere, rich in organic material, probably has a chemical composition similar to that of the Earth before the appearance of the first life forms. Consequently, astronomers hope to find answers as to how life developed on Earth. In the meantime, one of Cassinis most important discoveries is a new, small moon in orbit around Saturn, found in its outer ring.

Saturn's Other Moon

According to NASA scientist Torrance Johnson, the Cassini spacecraft is in the best position to observe Saturns rings.

"We are rewarded by the results we are receiving, as there are discoveries in the rings. One of these discoveries is a small, new moon which is in orbit between the rings," concluded Johnson.

The new moon is just four miles in diametre.

Translated by Millie Williams

[02] At Katrakeio Theatre Greek Tradition Event

By Betty Savourdou

UNESCO Piraeus and Islands is organizing a huge dancing event with traditional dances and songs. The event is dedicated to Peace, Solidarity of Peoples and Greek Cultural Heritage. 5500 dancers from dozens of dance groups are taking part. The performances will be at the Katrakeio Theatre on Saturday 14 and Sunday 15 May 2005 at 18:00, with Chronis Aidonidis, Savvas Siatras, Domnas Samiou, Giota Vei and Stelios Belos participating. Admission is free.

Dances from Around Greece

On Saturday 14 May 2005, there will be performances of dances from Central Macedonia, Epirus, the Cyclades, Salamina, Thrace, the Peloponnese and Roumeli (childrens), the Dodecanese, Kythira, Chios and Mytilene, Cyprus, the Black Sea as well as Sarakatsanika.

On Sunday 15 May 2005, there will be performances of dances from Attica, Kappadokia, Thessaly, the Cyclades, Epirus, Samos and Ikaria, Eastern Romilia, Asia Minor (childrens), Chalkidiki and Crete. Along with the dances, there will be an exhibition of traditional dolls.

Translated by Millie Williams

[03] Peace March Traffic Changes

By Betty Savourdou

Sources: ANA

Traffic changes along the Marathon route and in the centre of Athens have been planned by the traffic police for Sunday, owing to the scheduled peace march in memory of Grigoris Lambrakis, which will start at 08:00 from Marathon and finish at around 19:30 in Syntagma Square. Traffic will be gradually halted from 07:30 until 16:30 along Marathon Avenue and roads intersecting it. From 16:30 to 19:30, it will be gradually halted along Mesogeion Avenue, on Fidipidou Street between Mesogeion Avenue and Kifisias Avenue, on Vassilissis Sofias Avenue and on Vas. Alexandrou Street between Michalokopoulou and V. Sofias. On Vas Gerogiou I, Amalias, Singrou, Vas Olgas Avenues and on Stadiou and Akadimias Streets, traffic will be halted from 18:00 until the end of the march. Traffic is also expected to be halted in the afternoon on Katehaki Avenue between Kifisias and Mesogeion and Kifisias Avenue between Katehaki and Alexandras.

Translated by Millie Williams

[04] 85th anniversary of the liberation of Thrace Celebration and Commemoration

By Betty Savourdou

Sources: NET, ANA

In Alexandroupoli, in events attended by the President of the Hellenic Republic, the 85th anniversary of the liberation of Thrace was marked. Mr Papoulias, declared an honorary citizen of the city, talked of the need for peaceful coexistence between the people of the Balkans, and expressed his satisfaction with the construction of the Burgas-Alexandroupolis pipeline, a work he said "that sends a message of cooperation, stability, growth and peace to the entire region."

Alexandroupoli a Bridge of Friendship

Referring to the history of the liberation of Alexandroupoli, Mr Papoulias underlined that it is an interesting twist to the events of that time to see that the Muslim residents of Western Thrace called for the area to be incorporated into Greece, a fact which is "interpreted as a recognition of the Greek character and the multiculturality of the region."

Mr Papoulias went on, saying that Thrace, 85 years incorporated into Greece, is the most sensitive and perhaps because of this the most Greek region in the country. He noted that "today the city of Alexandroupoli forms a bridge of friendship and peaceful co-existence of the people of the region."

Mr Papoulias attended the festive ceremony in the Cathedral of St Nicholas and then walked to Lighthouse Square. The President of the Hellenic Republic laid a wreath at the Monument to Fallen Soldiers and then watched the procession by schoolpupils and the military in the towns central broadway.

Alexandroupoli paid homage to the President of the Hellenic Republic, declaring him an honorary citizen of the town. Karolos Papoulias addressed the people with the familiarity afforded him by his own border town origins and his own personal contribution to the efforts towards growth and prosperity in the wider region.

The Municipal Council of Alexandroupoli awarded the President the Gold Medal of the City.

Translated by Millie Williams

[05] 6.9 on the Richter Scale Strong Earthquake in Indonesia

By Betty Savourdou

Sources: NET

On Saturday morning, a new earthquake measuring 6.9 on the Richter scale shook the island of Sumatra, in Indonesia. Up to this moment there have been no reports of victims. However the quake caused panic and made the inhabitants take to the streets scared, while many sought refuge away from the coast fearing a new tidal wave. According to seismologists, it is nearly impossible for a tsunami to occur, due to the small scale of the earthquake. The quake was felt in the island of Nias, where 900 people lost their lives from an 8.7 quake on March 28. Since then the specific area have been shaken by many aftershocks.

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

[06] Demarche over Boucher's statements Cyprus Angered at America

By Athina Saloustrou

Today, the government of Cyprus sent a demarche to the US with regard to the intention of members of the American Congress to visit the occupied area of Cyprus using the illegal airport of Timbos. The demarche was presented to the alternate American Ambassador, Ed Nolan, by the general director of the Foreign Ministry, Sotos Zakchaios, on the instruction of the Cypriot Foreign Minister. The official statement reports that Mr Zakchaios stressed to Mr Nolan that such a visit is in violation of resolutions of the Security Council, of which the US is a permanent member, and that it strikes at the feelings of the Cypriot people, and that added to a series of unacceptable actions by his country, it amounts to an attempt to legitimize the occupational regime. Mr Zakchaios also referred to the discussion in the American Parliaments committee for European affairs, where it was stated that the visit aims to improve Turkish-American relations, stressing that it is unacceptable to sacrifice international law and small countries for the sake of political interests. The Speaker of the Cypriot Parliament, Dimitris Christofias, called on the US government to stop actions which could harm the Republic of Cyprus, while EDEKs President Giannakis Omirou also made criticism.

Reactions from Christofias and Omirou

Mr Zakchaios asked the members of the US Congress to reexamine their position and visit Cyprus via legal airports, so that, beyond legality, they can ensure a full picture, as no state, government or official of the Republic of Cyprus will receive the delegation if it should arrive in Cyprus in violation of UN Security Council resolutions, striking at the sovereignty of the Republic of Cyprus.

The Speaker of the Cypriot Parliament Dimitris Christofias called for the US to cease their hostilities towards Cyprus, commenting on the State Departments spokesman Richard Bouchers statements. He said that "there is no legal hindrance making it illegal for members of the Congress to visit the Turkish part of Cyprus."

"Since the 60s and 70s, with acts aiming to do away with the Republic of Cyprus, the Americans have created justifiable anti-American feelings amongst the people," stated Mr Christofias. "Now, however, it seems that the Americans are back with a new order of actions."

Referring to the probable visit by American politicians, Mr Christofias said that there would be no problem if they arrived via legal airports and then traveled to Occupied Cyprus through the roadblocks. "If they come via an illegal airport, then their visit is illegal."

EDEKs President Giannakis Omirou described Bouchers statements as unacceptable and criticized him, saying that he should realise that the Republic of Cyprus is a constitutional state in the international community and that the illegal ports and airports in the occupied areas cannot be used by anyone.

The President of EDEK said that such actions constitute a violation of UN Security Council resolutions 541 and 550, which state that direct or indirect recognition of the occupation authorities should be avoided.

Translated by Millie Williams

[07] Operation Ends in Western Iraq

By Betty Savourdou

The American military announced the end of a broad military operation in western Iraq, on the borders with Syria. The US stated that during the operation, 125 guerillas were killed and a further 39 were arrested. Over the last few days, the US army has announced the deaths of nine of its soldiers, with another 40 injuries. In the operation, which started on 7 May, there were more than 1000 soldiers participating, supported from the air.

Translated by Millie Williams

[08] 3.21% Increase in Tuition Fees

By Betty Savourdou

Sources: ANA

The increase in fees for the academic year 2005-2006 was ultimately set at 3.21% in private schools on Saturday, in a general meeting in the sector, instead of the 5.7% proposed. Private school owners noted yet again that they disagree with the method of calculating the increase as it is calculated by the Ministry of development, and ask for there to be faster changes in legislation, to clarify the current situation. Besides this, regarding increases in the first classes, where tuition fees are freely decided upon, school owners stressed that the increases are at low levels. Relevant information on the increases in fees will be sent to pupils parents starting from Monday.

Preconditions

The school owners repeated that this increase does not cover their operational expenses, but that they are conforming to the law and interpreting it in a show of good will.

However, the warned that if there is an increase in teachers salaries during the coming academic year, then this will be reflected in fees.

Translated by Millie Williams

[09] Penalty Fee from EETT Heavy Penalty Fee to OTE

By Annita Paschalinou

The National Telecommunications and Post Commission (EETT) charged OTE with a 300,000 euros penalty fee for violations of the telecommunications legislature and the competition regulation for ADSL and ISDN connections. The OTE Administration states that it is surprised over the penalty fee, and as it notes, it is announced after two years and the company reserves all rights.

Violations in ADSL/ISDN Connections

According to the Independent Authority, in September 2003, OTE did not allow the activation of ADSL connections in the case that the subscriber wished to use the PC of their choice. Furthermore, for the ISDN connections it claimed that Netmode was supplied without charge, but from the billing it was concluded that the cost was added to the price of the monthly flat rate of ISDN-BRA connections.

For these practices OTE was penalized with a fee of 100,000 euros for violations of the telecommunication legislature and 200,000 euros for the violation of the competition legislature.

The reactions of the Organizations Administration were intense and with an announcement states that for one more time it was informed by the Press of the penalty fee by EETT.

The decision according to OTE is surprising since its published after two years and concerns a test-trial of ADSL.

In its announcement, the company also states that it reserves all rights.

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

[10] Draw in Pankritio Stadium

By Dimitris Alexopoulos

In the relegation decider match between Ergotelis and Kerkyra, the two opponents shared their goals, drawing 1-1. Kerkyra went into the lead in 72, with a foul by Garozis, while the Cretan team drew with a shot by Dimitris two minutes before the end of the match. Among the exciting parts of the match were the festivities that preceded the start, with the administration of the Cretan team turning yet another match into a celebration, as this was Ergotelis last match before its fans for this season.

Crete Sets the Pace

In the festive atmosphere created by the many fans of the Cretan team, who had come to watch their team in its farewell match for Division 1, the first half was exclusively a matter for the host team, who, supported by the enthusiastic crowd, early took the initiative and tried, although unsuccessfully, to score a fast goal.

In just the second minute of the match, a shot by Lambrakis (following a corner by Argyrakis) went out, while in 14, Gitkos knocked the ball away with his feet.

Kerkyra kept their eyes on the game, looking for something good or a counterattack. The team from Corfu became a threat in 40, when Petras passed to Garozis, who was caught at the last moment by Giatas. The last good moment of the first half came in 43, with Gitkos impressively neutralizing Soutzis longshot by kocking it out to a corner.

In the second half, Manolis Patemtzis wanted to make his team more aggressive and sent Voskaridis and Tzanetis onto the pitch. However, even with them, Ergotelis posed no threat until 63, when Tzanetis shot, sending the ball out, and in 55, with another unsuccessful attempt by Voskaridis.

Kerkyra, who up until that point had played an entirely passive role on the pitch, continually playing defence, took Ergotelis by surprise in 72. Stratos Garozis took a perfect foul outside Ximerakis goal area, sending the ball to the right corner of the Cretan goal. From then on, Ergotelis stepped up the pressure even further, with good chances with shots by Tzanetis (84 out) and Kiliaras (85 saved by Gitkos), and ultimately managed to save the situation with a strong shot from Dimitris in 88, after a header by Soutzis.

Referee: Vasiliou (Ileia)

Yellow Cards: Anto-Sfakianakis

Red Cards: Sfakianakis

ERGOTELIS: Ximerakis, Parvou, Dimitris, Skentzos (46 Voskaridis), Argyrakis (69 Haralambakis), Kiliaras, Soutzis, Giatas, Lambrakis (53 Tzanetis), Anto, Ogunsoto

KERKYRA: Gitkos, Braga, Petras, Sfakianakis, Syros, Antoniou, Buganem, Garozis, Da Silva, Ioannou (73 Gimbro), Kantas

Translated by Millie Williams

[11] Minister of Public Works in Ipiros Egnatia and Ionia Odos Works

By Betty Savourdou

Sources: ΝΕΤ- ΝΕΤ 105.8

From Giannena, Minister of Public Works Giorgos Souflias announced the completion of Egnatia Odos by 2008, and the start of construction for the Ionia Odos beginning April 2006. Mr Souflias announced that after the completion of these two great road networks the capital of Ipiros will transform into an international crossroad. Referring to the Dodoni tunnel, he announced that the Ioannina-Igoumenitsa section will be given to the public in June, while its completion is expected in the spring of 2007.

"A Different Ipiros"

More specifically, the Minister said that the proposals of the construction companies for Ionia Odos will be submitted until September, the selection of the company will take place in December 2005, while the works will begin in April 2006.

Mr Souflias made reference to other works of the area, such as the second stage of the Igoumenitsa Port, with a budget of 60 million euros; the report of which will be published and the auction will take place in 2005.

Also, on the issue of the Ioannina Airport, where a report is expected by the Civil Aviation Authority, for the reformation, modernization and extension of the runway, with the budget of 60 million euros, and the reports delivery in 2005, when the auction will take place.

Concluding on the issue of works, Mr Souflias noted that with the construction of Egatia and Ionia Odos, the rest of the infrastructure and construction of the E65 Highway, Ipiros will acquire a transportation network with the rest of Greece and Europe which together with the utilization of the Development Bill will transform Ipiros.

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

[12] Issued by Larisa Prosecution Over Drugs New Warrant for Vavilis

By Athina Saloustrou

The Larisa Appellate Prosecution issued a European arrest warrant for Apostolos Vavilis who is a detainee in Bologna, Italy. The relative documents were signed by the Chief of the service, Appellate Prosecutor Evangelos Katsis and will be sent through the Greek Ministry of Defense to the Italian corresponding authority. If the reply is positive, Apostolos Vavilis is expected to arrive in Greece in mid-June, where he will be transported to Larisa in order to face the accusations of drugs sale. The sale cases that Apostolos Vavilis is being accused of are more than one, while a pending trial in the Larisa Three-Member Misdemeanor Court which was set for October 1994 but as the accused was dismissed as he did not attend court, while the other three accused were tried as normal.

Triantafillakis A Prosecution Witness

It is noteworthy to say that the prosecution witness in the aforementioned cases is retired Greek Police officer Ioannis Triantafillakis.

According to sources, a similar European arrest warrant has been recently issued from the Athens Appellate Prosecution for subsequent drug cases where Apostolos Vavilis is referenced with seven or eight different names.

In the case that the Greek demand is accepted by the Italian authorities for his extradition in Greece, the Larisa case will be tried first, since it is the oldest one and of most importance.

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

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