The Hellenic Radio (ERA): News in English, 05-06-01

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

CONTENTS

[01] The Dutch Also Say "No" Overwhelming "Nee"

By Annita Paschalinou

A new blow to the European Constitution. After the French "Non", the Dutch said a loud "Nee" (No) to the European Constitutional Treaty. The first exit poll given to publicity gives "No" 63% and "Yes" 37%. The developments are expected to be rapid until the upcoming Summit Meeting on June 16 and 17. In a political context, the developments witnessed in France are not expected to take place in the Netherlands.

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

[02] A Miracle for Baby Milagros Little Mermaid Will Walk

By Annita Paschalinou

Sources: CNN

Thirteen months ago she was a little mermaid, a baby born with her lower limbs jointed, suffering from an extremely rare syndrome. This was until yesterday, because since today, little Milagros has all the conditions to live a normal life in the future. The course will be very difficult, but the first big step has been taken. The operation she underwent was successful and her name was proven a correct choice. Milagros in Spanish means miracle. And the miracle that we all hoped for and expected has become a reality.

Exceeded their Goal

Dr Luis Rubio, head of the medical team that operated on the baby and his partner Rolando Pinto, happily smile, holding the little girls legs separated into a V.

The operation, which lasted for 4 hours and 30 minutes, was successful

Everything went so well, that initially doctors wanted to correct the problem until the knees, but finally exceeded their goal and separated the legs to the inner thighs.

They achieved mobility in both the legs.

Extremely Rare Syndrome

Little Milagros from Peru, was born with her lower limbs jointed and an atrophied back passage.

The outer genitals form a shapeless mass.

The doctors were surprised that she managed to live for that long.

Babies like Milagros, usually die a few hours after their birth.

At this time, there are three mermaid syndrome cases in the world.

The baby girl weighs 6,5 kilos (the weight of a normal six-month-old baby) and is 63.50 cm tall.

Her intellectual development is exceptional, as a few hours before the operation she laughed and played with the doctors in the surgery.

Eleven Doctors in Surgery

The medical team was composed of 11 doctors, plastic surgeons, paediatricians, cardiologists and heart surgeons that worked during the night.

The scientists wanted to work in total silence, since the hospital is public and receives 1,500 patients daily.

In the future, according to Dr Rubio, Milagros will need another 15 years of corrective surgery to fully recover.

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

Related Links:

View scenes of the operation

[03] Bajevic Says Goodbye to Olympiacos

By Stathis Petropoulos

Putting Olympiacos unity first and above his employment, Dusan Bajevic sent out an announcement, according to which he resigns as coach of the team. With his announcement, the Serbian Greek coach exposes the FCs Administration Board, which at that time was convening and did not discuss his issue, while he stated that he has no intention to assert compensation. Moreover, Bajevic noted that the unity within the team is important and would be disrupted with his presence in the Piraeus team, while he spoke of division, noting that he has lived through it and does not want it repeated. The issue is the next day in the team, since as it seems it does not have solutions ready to become materialized, thus a "marathon" procedure will commence in search of a new coach for the next season.

Bajevic's Announcement

"I have waited for Olympiacos until today, just as it was asked of me. It seems that my issue is not important, even though there was much said about my future in the team. In order to ease the situation, I asked from the Administration, after its announcement, to end the contract in whichever way it would like. I consider that unity in a team is the most important substance for its success. With my presence, Olympiacos would not be united next season. I do not want to cause division. I have lived through it and in any case I do not want it repeated. I would like to make something clear concerning the financial issue that has been said has kept me waiting for answer. This was never my intention, as I have informed the Administration in relation to this issue, to demand compensation from Olympiacos in any case. The biggest compensation was given to me by the many telegrams, letters and the simple words in the streets by pure fans. The behavior of the people in the fiesta in Karaiskakis Stadium deeply moved me. I thank all of them and wish them more happiness in the future. I feel proud of this year that I worked in Olympiacos. Not only because it ended with success, the two titles and many points in the Division, but also because I was able to face all the difficulties. All that is left to say is a thank you to the players and my associates. In closing, Mr Kokkalis and the Administration of the FC that gave me the opportunity to work in the team once more with all my knowledge and power. Maybe that is not enough for the big European vision they want for Olympiacos. I wish them good luck."

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

[04] Reactions Over Sewage Mud Continue Refuge Dump has Closed

By Vagelis Theodorou

The citizens of western Attica are escalating their mobilizations, in protest of the transfer of sewage mud from Psitalia to the Ano Liosia refuge dump. In the meeting that the Prefect of western Attica, Aristidis Arkoudaris convened on Wednesday afternoon, the Municipalities and the committees consisting of citizens of the area, decided to close down the dump indefinitely, while a new meeting is planned for Friday. In the meantime, on Wednesday morning, the meeting between Minister of Public Works, Giorgos Souflias with Mayor of Ano Liosia, Nikos Papadimas and President of Attica Municipalities and Communities Union, Nikos Mastorakos, was fruitless. Mr Papadimas described Mr Souflias proposals as unacceptable and eliminable and called on the government to find a solution for the problem. At the same time, Mayor of Athens, Dora Bakogianni stated she respects the e reactions of the inhabitants of Ano Liosia, but described the situation of 4 million citizens held hostage as inconceivable, and made a plea to the citizens to not take garbage out to the litter bins.

Tense Atmosphere

The citizens of Ano Liosia and the neighboring Municipalities are reacting to the transfer of 1,280 tons of mud to the refuge dump, and note that the area is already burdened from its operation, while the issue has caused friction over the past years.

Furthermore, they state that a relative environmental report has not been conducted, and that a few years ago a part of the refuge dump had collapsed due to the transfer of sewage dump, and which destroyed a part of the recycling factory .

Also, a large majority of Ano Liosia citizens condemn the Municipality administration as it already has signed an agreement for the transfer of the sewage mud, a fact that the administration strongly denies.

After the meeting with Mr Souflias, the Mayor of Ano Liosia stated that the Municipality has served the public interest for 40 years, but will not continue to do so, and called on the government to find a solution. Furthermore, he stated that a great problem will be created in the coming months, since the Ano Liosia dump has been filled up.

At the same time, he insinuated that the closing down of the refuge dump will continue indefinitely, however a final decision will be taken during the meeting in the Municipality.

Mr Souflias did not make any comments, but his sources stated that whatever had been said yesterday stands.

In the meantime, in order for the committals of the Municipalities of Keratea, Koropi, Filis and the community of Grammatiko to be tried, three State advisers proposed to the 5th Court Department for the issue of a decision by the Council of State which will force the Ministry of Public Works and Attica Municipalities to send every relative document over the creation of three new refuge dumps, in the aforementioned areas. It is noted that the four Municipalities ask for the environmental terms for the construction of three new refuge dumps to be cancelled.

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

Related News:

Solution Sought for Effluents

[05] Speech at Municipal Assembly in Serres Papandreou Makes New Criticisms

By Vagelis Theodorou

Sources: NET 105.8- NET

On Wednesday night, from Serres, President of PASOK, George Papandreou made a full frontal attack to the government and the Prime Minister personally. Speaking at the Municipal Assembly of his party, he accused the government of "leading the country downhill" and appeared optimistic that PASOK will win the next elections. Making reference to the Administration-employees agreement over voluntary redundancy in OTE, he spoke of "a collusion by the government and some unionists," while he also sent a message to the interior of PASOK. Earlier, Mr Papandreou was welcomed by the inhabitants of Lefkonas Municipality, who declared him an honorary citizen for "his contribution to the country, the nation and democracy."

"You Have Gone Downhill"

Mr Papandreou accused the government of abandoning the farmers and that it failed in its policies, as it does not have a vision "but wanted to grab the offices without getting involved with the problems of the people."

"I reassure the farmers that I will stand by them, not with words but with actions," said the President of PASOK, who spoke of cowardice in foreign policy, a big disappointment in the interior, an unprecedented wave of customer relations, price increase and unemployment on the rise.

Referring to the Choupis case, the ND voters and the fraud on the pensioners, Mr Papandreou criticised the government policy in public administration, while in closing he personally accused the Prime Minister that the electoral bill became "a family affair," insinuating the loss of a PASOK chair in Serres that was given to the PMs uncle, Achilleas Karamanlis.

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

[06] Foreign Policy Council Convened Consent Over National Issues

By

Sources: ANA- NET

The great issues of foreign policy and the developments in Europe, especially after the French "No" to the European Constitutional Treaty, were at the focus of the Foreign Policy Council meeting, attended by parties representatives, with the exception of KKE. Minister of Foreign Affairs, Petros Moliviatis described the meeting as "useful, interesting and substantial," noting that there is broad political consent and few reservations. On his part, relevant European Affairs and Vice President of the Council, Sotiris Chatzigakis spoke of "a substantial and productive discussion," while PASOK representative, Christos Papoutsis stated the importance of Greek-U.S. relations. In closing, SYN Political Secretariat member, Panos Trigazis asked the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for immediate and substantial briefing, and proposed that Greece should arrive at the European Council in June with the notion that "the course of the European unification needs reexamining after the French "No" in the EU Constitution referendum."

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

[07] Deans and Students React Dispute Over Evaluation

By Vagelis Theodorou

The Deans warn that if the Ministry of Education does not commit in a logical time period over the way that it will use the results of the evaluation and does not go forth with a brave raise of the Higher Education funds, they will suspend the operation of universities, which remain closed since Tuesday. In a Press interview given on Wednesday, by the Secretariat of the Deans Synod of the Athens University, Dean, Giorgos Babiniotis stated that the Synod supports the evaluation but under certain conditions. In the meantime, students and professors have organized a protest rally, at 19:00 on Thursday at Propylaia, while at the same time a rally will take p lace in the statue of Venizelos in Thessalonica and other cities.

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

[08] Professions Compatible with Priesthood Holy Synod Circular Over Professions

By Vagelis Theodorou

The Holy Synod of the Church of Greece has given out to all the Cathedrals, a detailed list of professionals that can become priests. In the circular, which will be immediately implemented, the Holy Synod defines the professions that are compatible with priesthood, specifically referring to who can become a priest and who cannot, while keeping their previous profession. Politicians, gynecologists, medical examiners, lawyers and rotaries can become priests after their retirement, while moneylenders, actors, nightclub owners and parapsychologists cannot. As the Synods spokesperson, Syros Metropolitan Bishop, Dorotheos stated, sensitivity reasons impose the Church to not allow the simultaneous employment of specific professional branches with priesthood.

Holy Incompatible

According to the detailed list of the Holy Synod, individuals involved in politics and the military are not allowed to become priests, while employees of Public Utilities and Services (DEKO), educators, nursing staff and legal employees that teach in universities, and are not lawyers, can.

While it accepts doctors of all specialties to enter priesthood, the Synod does not accept medical examiners and gynecologists, while it states that military men and policemen can wear become priests only if they retire, but their duties in the past cannot be incompatible towards priesthood.

In closing, based on the circular, farmers, fishermen, stock and poultry breeders, bee keepers, candle makers, carpenters, cabinet makers and shoe makers, physicists, chemists, mineralogists, biologists, geologists and seismologists are allowed to become priests.

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

[09] The Different "No's"

By Athina Saloustrou

Sources: Liberation Newspaper- ANA

As much as the Dutch "No" differs from the French, its combination could lead to the to the death of the European unification. Is this a domino effect? Of course not. The "No" advocates in the Netherlands had won the game way before the French rejected the Euroconstitution. However the result will be the same: the Dutch, who co-found the Union with France, today, as it all seems, will give the final blow to the Constitutional Treaty document. It will be revealed that the prospect of a renegotiation was an illusion, if not a cynical lie. Great Britain will be the one that will put the last nail in the coffin and bury the dream of the political and social Europe.

The Return of Nationalism

In todays edition of Liberation newspaper, Patrick Sabatier writes that there are two reasons for that. Firstly, the Dutch "No," in some way, is the opposite of the French "No." The "No" advocates in the Netherlands attribute that the Euroconstitution is not liberal, that it transfers all the money in the Common Agricultural Policy, from which only the French farmers will benefit, and that it is very lax as far as the Stability Pact is concerned. Thus the two "Nos" are incompatible.

The second reason that explains the death of the European dream is the word populism that is based on social insecurity. One can see the similar syndrome of fear of foreigners, either by the "Polish plumber" that threatens jobs for the nationals, or the "Turkish worker" that threatens national identity. Europes advantages that we ignore are condemned for all the misfortune that we suffer daily. Against this return of nationalism, the great European challenge is for social insecurity to be countered.

Blair Awaits Results

The division although is visible. "France and the Netherlands have to find the solutions on their own, as Denmark did after the Maasctricht Treaty was rejected in 1992," stated Danish Prime Minister Anders Fogh Rasmussen, ruling out the event of a renegotiation of the Treaty.

"On September 27, it will be irrational to ask from the Danish to take a position on the Treaty, and following to change it and start the procedure from the beginning."

Thus, everything depends on the Summit Meeting on June 16. If it is decided that the ratification proceedings will continue, then the renegotiation will be ruled out. If every member state is free to go forth or not with the ratification, then we will await the death certificate of the Constitution to be issued, and then the French will be able to claim that they blocked up Europe.

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

Related News:

"Yes" or "Nee"?

[10] New Wave of Denationalisations Changes in OTE, ATE and OPAP

By Betty Savourdou

Sources: ΝΕΤ 105.8 - ΑNA

On Wednesday, the Economy Minister presented a new plan for denationalisations, which will be combined with structural changes aiming at boosting the economy, employment and social cohesion. The programme includes the floating of a further 10% of OTE shares so that the public sector can retain control and the floating of 10% of the Agricultural Banks shares owned by the public sector within the next six months. Furthermore, the Greek Postal Savings Bank will enter the Athens Stock Exchange, as will also be the case for Eleftherios Venizelos Airport. Furthermore, Giorgos Alogoskoufis clarified that Greek matches will start being included in "Pame Stoichima" (Greek betting game), while OPAP (Greek Organisation of Football Prognostics) would be taking on the management of the game, both of which are interrelated.

Best Possible Solution for OTE

With regard to OTE, the Minister clarified that the public sector would not be reducing its ownership in the company to under 34%, while 10% of the shares would be made available to "strategic partners" this coming summer.

In addition, Mr Alogoskoufis said that this is the best possible solution, since, in any other case, OTE would either have to proceed with dismissals or declare bankruptcy. Furthermore, the Minister declared that the public sector would retain control of OTE, while he added that the right management can be found if needed.

Concerning the burdening of the Public Sector from OTEs voluntary redundancies, Mr Alogoskoufis said that it would be granting only 290 million euros, while the cost of voluntary redundancy and restructuring of the company is estimated at around 1.5 billion euros in total. Finally, he repeated that the greatest percentage of the expenditure (80%) would be covered by OTE and would result from the reduction in expenses.

"Solution in Principle" for Banks' Insurance

The Economy Minister declared that the government would be proposing a "solution in principle" for the resolution of the insurance matters of all banks, while the Agricultural and Commercial Banks will also be included in the plan. He further added that other banks, which are not state-owned, would be able to choose whether they want to be included or not in the solution proposed by the government.

Meanwhile, answering to questions relating to the Commercial Bank, the Minister said that no decisions have been made yet for the specific bank.

In particular, as per Mr Alogoskoufis, the legislative reform for the resolution of the banks insurance issue will be ready by 15 June, while its terms and conditions would resemble those of the wider public security system.

Greek Games on "Pame Stoichima"

The Minister also noted that the gradual introduction of Greek matches in "Pame Stoichima" ("Lets Bet", Greek betting game), will be combined with the passing of the management from Intralot to OPAP as of the end of 2006, at which time the contract with Intralot ends.

On his part, government spokesperson Thodoros Roussopoulos noted that the government and the PMs stance regarding incompatibility stands, while he added that the government relies on institutions and not on the interests of the few.

Reactions from the Opposition

In an announcement issued by PASOKs Social Affairs coordinator, Evi Christofilopoulou, it is mentioned that the government, which is lost in the policies of the past, keeps quiet about significant matters regarding the selling off of OTE, including the rehiring of thousands of pensioners and the real cost of the agreement.

It further mentioned, "PASOK had promoted a consistent and effective programme for the cleansing of OTE, with gradual voluntary redundancy plans for employees who had already established the right to receive pension, but could remain employed for a little longer." As per Ms Christofilopoulou, the process would not financially burden OTE, and would also produce 9.245 billion euros in revenues, as opposed to todays proposal, which is expected to exceed 2 billion euros in cost, while a significant part would be shifted to the public sector and the people of Greece.

Furthermore, in another announcement referring to the inclusion of Greek matches in the betting game, PASOKs Sports Sector declared that the intention to sell 17% of OPAP and the effort to drive the price of the stock up are not sufficient reasons, while they would lead to the decline of sports and culture.

It further noted, "Up until recently, the Government and the PM himself considered something like this as catastrophic for Greeks sports."

Finally, in an announcement, SYN described the governments decision to sell off 17% of OPAPs stocks, after including Greek matches in the betting game, as a big scandal.

Translated by Vicky Ghionis

Related News:

ΟΤΕ and ΟΤΟΕ at the Focus

[11] Talks Continue ΟΤΕ and ΟΤΟΕ at the Focus

By Mary Lou Tzempelikou

On Wednesday morning, Prime Minister Kostas Karamanlis met with OTEs president Panagiotis Vourloumis at the Maximos Mansion in order to be informed on the details of the voluntary redundancy plan that will be gradually completed within a years time. At the same time, the meeting between the governor of the Commercial Bank Giorgos Provopoulos and OTOEs presidium regarding the banks social security policy fell on a brick wall. Unionists asked for the proposal to be submitted in writing, so they can take a stand after closely studying it, while Mr Provopoulos referred them to the Government, which is preparing a relevant reform for the establishment of a single supplementary fund, which the Agricultural and Commercial Banks will fall under. In the meantime, the Minister of Economy Giorgos Alogoskoufis will give a Press conference at 01:00 on the issue of privatizations.

Clashes Over OTE Continue

Dora Bakoyiannis referred to the issue of OTE, speaking of an "important step towards the modernization and survival of OTE," while she said reforms are absolutely necessary with regard to banks and the wider Public Sector.

PASOK parliamentarian Vaso Papandreou criticized the government policy on the issue of OTE and estimated that the government's aim is to sell out all enterprises and hence cover the deficit, while she went on to add that when voluntary redundancy is not based on criteria, then the best workforce is the first to leave. "Proposals for the purification of OTE are specific and not confined in mottos and generalized declarations," counterattacked ND Parliamentarian Zeta Makri speaking on NET radio 105.8.

Reactions Over Social Security Reform

"Each side should take its responsibilities," stressed Minister of Employment Panos Panagiotopoulos, underlining that the Government had given a specific deadline within which it calls OTOE and bankers to complete negotiations and come up with a viable solution.

Otherwise, there will be a special reform, a solution to which OTOE and PASOK oppose.

As for Mr Alogoskoufis, he stressed that government reforms will be to the benefit of all sides and of Economy.

Translated by Sofia Soulioti

[12] Rehhagel: "Have to Overcome the Pressure"

By Dimitris Alexopoulos

As per the coach of the Greek National Team, Otto Rehhagel, the aim of the Greek National Team is to secure four points in the two upcoming matches against Turkey and the Ukraine. During a Press conference held on the occasion of the two crucial matches coming up, the German coach was tight-lipped, as per usual, but his remarks were to the point, since he noted that both matches are very tough. However, he noted that the players are in great from and are ready to try their hardest for a positive result in Istanbul. With regard to what they have to be careful of, Mr Rehhagel pointed out that Turkey would play to win, since a tie does not help them, so as a result the Greek team will be pressured right from the start. Therefore, in order to reach a positive result, the Greek team would have to overcome this pressure, as well as not be fazed by the intense atmosphere in Inonu Stadium, which will be packed with Turkish fans, and relive the game with Albani, where they received two quick goals.

Crucial Games

Mr Rehhagel also noted that both games are very crucial for Greece and the squad would have to win at least four points if they want to remain in second place in their group, as well as increase their chances of finishing on top.

"Following these two games, there will be three matches left, so it would be difficult to cover the gap created by possible negative results against Turkey and the Ukraine," he noted.

Referring to the absences of Dellas and Zagorakis, Mr Rehhagel believes that their replacements would rise to the challenge in Inonus pitch, covering all the gaps.

Finally, he announced that his request to the Italian Football Federation to grant a short leave to Karagounis and Zagorakis was accepted in part.

Karagounis will only play with Inter during the first final, while after that he will be included in the Confederations Cup squad.

On the other hand, Zagorakis will play as per normal for Bologna, and as a result will miss the first two matches against Brazil and Japan.

Translated by Vicky Ghionis

[13] Five Text Messages A Day Keeps Cigarettes Away Quit Smoking with SMS

By Vicky Keleri

If a few years ago you couldnt imagine the communication breakthroughs that modern cell phones could do, you probably wouldnt be able to think that the devices could be the most modern way to quit smoking. No, this is not a joke! A recent study of scientists of Auckland University in New Zealand has indicated that sending short messages (sms) is the most effective way to rehabilitate smokers from the deadly habit. In the unprecedented research in the history of medicine, 850 young smokers that had decided quit, took part in.

Impressive Results

The results were impressive! Six weeks after the start of the experiment, 28% of the first group stated that it had quit smoking, while 13% the second group said that it had also kicked the habit.

Because these numbers emerged from participants testimonials, the research team decided to check up on them, measuring the cotinine, which is the substance that breaks down nicotine in their saliva.

The results were the same in both groups. Around half of the smokers that claimed that they had quit, were lying. However, the ones who did eventually kick the habit remained clean, six weeks later on.

These results are considered to be very important, since they concern young smokers. This age group, especially in western societies, is the one that has problems deciding to quit than any other.

According to the scientist, sms are catalysts in this method since they distract the attention of young smokers from nicotine withdrawal, and works as an alternative pastime.

They claim that this new method will proven extremely popular, while they evaluate that it could be useful for countries such as China, where 50,000,000 smokers and 250,000,000 cell phone users live in.

All we can do is wait for the idea to come to our country as well!

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

[14] Medicine to the Services of Love The Test of Love

By Vicky Keleri

No matter how sure you are that your other half truly loves you and no matter how much you trust them, there is always a little thought at the back of your mind: How can I be 100% sure? How can I get proof that would cast away all my doubts? You dont have to stress any longer. You can find out whether he loves you or not with a simple test. A recent research conducted by American scientists from the Universities of New York and New Jersey showed that Cupids arrows not only target the heart, but also the brain, a fact that can be verified with the help of radio waves. So, love rests in the caudate nucleus next to the area where physical attraction is recorded and resembles the feelings of hunger and thirst, rather than those of excitement and affection. But how did they reach this conclusion?

Test Love with an MRI

Seventeen students, who were deeply in love, were given MRI scans. As a matter of fact the only prerequisite for the participants in the research was that they had to have been madly in love and only just recently.

They then took the photo of their beloved and entered the cubicle. Every time they looked at the photo, the MRI recorded the reflections of their feelings on the brain.

What was interesting was that every time a subject looked at the photo of their lover, the activity in the caudate nucleus increased dramatically. The caudate nucleus belongs to the areas of the brain with high density of cells, which produce dopamine, the chemical substance of lust.

And if you think that love and physical attraction are linked, then you are mistaken. The caudate nucleus is on the other side of the brain, which means that love and sexual desire are different.

So, if you wish to find out everything about your partner, medical science is by your side, as an MRI scan can reveal who truly loves you. Are you willing to have a scan?

Translated by Vicky Ghionis

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