The Hellenic Radio (ERA): News in English, 05-06-03

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

CONTENTS

[01] Match against Turkey at 21:00 Let's Charge Ahead

By Dimitris Alexopoulos

Inside Istanbuls packed and brimming with passion Inonu Stadium, the reigning European Champions will be called upon to demonstrate what they are made of in the match against Turkey, aiming for a positive result, which might even be the most important one in their journey towards the World Cup. The match is scheduled for Saturday 4 June at 21:00. As per coach Otto Rehhagel, without key players Zagorakis (penalised) and Dellas (injured), but with the rest of the team ready to charge ahead and in excellent physical shape, the Greek National Team will try to protect its defence, so that they will not receive any goals, as well as launch severe counterattacks to score a goal. And only one is enough to secure the second place in case of a tie, or bring them a step closer to the top in case of a victory. Another negative point was the injury of Giannis Amanatidis during tonights training. The player experienced some problems with his quadriceps and as a precaution Rehhagel decided not to use him. However, he is expected to be fully prepared for the match against the Ukraine on Wednesday.

We are Experienced and Responsible

The experience of the last few years has taught the Greek players to rise to the challenge and face each game responsibly. Although the match is crucial, this does not seem to faze them and, as they declared upon departing, following tomorrows match they are aiming to finish on top of Turkey in the rankings.

"It will be a tough and very crucial game for both teams. We are aware of the atmosphere the Turkish fans can create during their teams home games, but I am hoping that there will be no problems. We will enter the pitch aiming to win. We want the three points, but a tie would not be a bad result," commented Giorgos Karagounis before departing.

"We are aiming to stay alive until the end of the qualification tournament, either in first or second spot in our group," commented Takis Fyssas, who added, "Every game ahead of us is crucial. We are going to Istanbul to do what we usually do. We do not know whether we will win or draw, but we will surely enter the pitch aiming at the three points. I do not think that the absences of Zagorakis or Dellas would affect us. Football is a team game and we will try to succeed together."

Michalis Kapsis noted that from now on it would be better if the team focused on tomorrows game, leaving for next week the worries concerning the match against the Ukraine in Karaiskakis Stadium on Wednesday. "We have played in more difficult home pitches. It is eleven of them against eleven of us. We will play to win," commented Bordeauxs defender.

Apart from Zagorakis, Dellas and Amanatidis, the rest of the players will be included in the squad.

Antonis Nikopolidis will be guarding the posts, while Basinas will probably be replacing injured Dellas, with Kyrgiakos and Kapsis assisting in the defence. Seitaridis and Fyssas will be taking on the positions of right and left wingback, while Karagounis and Katsouranis will play as centre midfielders. Finally, Giannakopoulos and Charisteas will be the left and right wingers respectively and Vryzas will play as centre forward.

With the Back against the Wall

The Turks, knowing that they will be playing with their backs against the wall, as a tie would not be of benefit to them, will be facing the game as a finals match.

It should be noted that victory is a one-way street for Ersun Yanals team, since in the case of victory by the Ukraine and Greece, Turkey will be trailing Blachins team by eight points and Rehhagels team by five, with just four games to go until the end of the preliminaries.

The Turkish fans are expected to literally bring the house down in Inonu Stadium. If they could, they would try and win the game just with their cheers.

However, this is quite natural, since every fan wants to see their team win. Just as long as the situation does not get out of hand. After all, it is just a football match and not a war.

With regard to the Turkish squad, Ersun Yanal is facing a couple of problems, as international star player for Real Sociedad, Nihat Kahveci, and Fenerbahces striker Servet Cetin are both injured. Despite all that, though, the coach appeared optimistic, while he even urged the supporters not to stress. "There is no need to worry. We have prepared very well for the specific game," he told his countrys Media. He further added, "All the games in our group are important. At this given moment, none of the teams can afford the luxury of losing to an opponent."

Possible starting lineup for the Turkish squad: R&#252;&#351;t&#252; Re&#231;ber, Serkan Balci, Tolga Seyhan, Erdin&#231; Yavuz, &#220;mit &#214;zat, Yildiray Ba&#351;t&#252;rk, Emre Bel&#246;zo&#287;lu, H&#252;seyin &#199;im&#351;ir, Hamit Altintop, Necati Ate&#351;, Fatih Tekke.

A Bit of History

This is the ninth time that the Greek National Team will play against Turkey.

In their stand-offs so far (four friendly matches, three Eastern Mediterranean Friendship Cups and one qualifying match for the 2006 World Cup), the scales tip towards the Turkish side, since they have won five matches, while the Greek team has only won two and one match ended in draw (first qualifying match for the 2006 World Cup in Karaiskakis Stadium 8/9/2004, 0-0).

German Markus Merk has been assigned with the task of refereeing the match, while this is the fourth time that he will be blowing his whistle in a game for the Greek team.

The other three times were: 4/9/1999 in the Norway vs Greece match for the 2000 Euro Cup preliminaries (1-0); 7/9/2002 in the Greece vs Spain match for the preliminaries of the 2004 Euro Cup (0-2); and 5/7/2004 in the 2004 Euro Cup final, where Greece defeated Portugal by 1-0 and was crowned European Champion.

Translated by Vicky Ghionis

Related News:

Rehhagel: "Have to Overcome the Pressure"

[02] On the Brink of War

By Athina Saloustrou

The meeting between Minister of Economy Giorgos Alogoskoufis and OTOEs presidium hit on a brick wall. The Minister of Economy presented the proposed ammendment for social security that will come into force within the following ten days, unless a mutually accepted solution with bank administrations is reached. OTOE (Hellenic Federation of Bank Employees Unions) reacted speaking or pure blackmail, underlining that the situation is on the brink of war. "The Government aims at mutually accepted solutions, but if there are some who wish to wage war on society, so be it," underlined Giorgos Alogoskoufis. The government promotes a single social security fund in the form of a legal entity of public law, which employees in any bank will fall under. As the Minister of Economy and Finance stated, two thirds of the cost will be covered by banks and one third by the increased public subsidy to IKA. Earlier, Mr Alogoskoufis had met with the Presidium of the Greek Banks Union.

Reforms for Employees Hired After 1993

The Minister went on to add that the new system will not affect bank employees hired before 1992, while those hired after 1/1/1993 will have to adjust to the new facts in effect for all Greek employees.

As per the Minister's statements, the Government proceeds with the solution of banks' social security problem, a solution imposed by the need to ensure pensions and the smooth operation of the banking system and Economy.

"The present status in banks, added the minister, features many and different social security bodies with particularities and fragmentation. This has resulted in inequality in pensions and viability problems for banks' funds, as well as in deviations regarding the social security status of other groups of workers."

Mr Alogoskoufis went on to add that the Government encourages dialogue, which however has lasted for over a semester and finally reached a dead-end. The government has been informed on the views of all bodies and is ready to make its final decisions.

However, the minister underlined that there is not much room for dialogue anymore and if talks reach an unfavourable result, then the Government will proceed with the already announced decisions.

Lastly, Mr Alogoskoufis accused the Opposition of wishing to manipulate the unionist movement.

"As far as New Democracy is concerned, someone else is always to blame, and in every case it happens to be PASOK," responded Nikos Athanasakis on behalf of the Opposition. He further added that the accusations launched against PASOK concerning the manipulation of unionists are due to the tight spot Mr Alogoskoufis is in, because of the fiscal inventory, as well as the Governments incompetence to carry out the 2005 budget.

The Economy Ministry responded to Mr Athanasakis statements with an announcement which mentioned, "Without a shred of shame, the Opposition is provocatively trying to cover its intra-party confusion, triggered by the lack of proposals and the absolute deficiency of stances, by attempting to manipulate the unionist movement. It consciously chooses to fight with society. They are alone in that war."

"The Government, having the majority of the citizens as an ally, boldly and decisively proceeds with reforms and changes, which are to the benefit of the majority and not the minorities that are taking advantage of the state. Preservation and misery belong to the past and to those who believe in them," concluded the announcement.

Successive Meetings

On Friday, OTOE's presidium had successive meetings with Opposition representatives. After the meeting with PASOK's delegation, National Council Secretary Mariliza Xenogiannakopoulou stated that PASOK's stance is a "unified approach of the banks' social security policy in a way that will ensure its long-term viability, without harming social security rights and without transferring the cost to IKA and society in general."

In fact, Mrs Xenogiannakopoulou said that PASOK will oppose "any effort of unilateral legislative amendment, which will violate the autonomy of collective negotiations."

OTOE's presidium also met with SYN president Alekos Alavanos, who said that "the Government proceeds with the sell-out of public property [] starting with the Commercial and Agricultural Bank," while he accused the government policy of ignorance and violation of collective contracts to the benefit of future buyers. At the same time, Mr Alavanos voiced his support to OTOE's positions and to the strike scheduled for next week.

Next Monday, OTOE will meet with KKE General Secretary Aleka Papariga in Perissos.

OTOE Speaks of Pure Blackmail

We are on the brink of war, we will go forth with strikes and demonstrations on Tuesday and Wednesday, we will be closely monitoring the stance of the government and employers and we will react accordingly, said OTOE representatives after meeting minister of Economy Giorgos Alogoskoufis at the Ministry's offices.

OTOE's presidium said the dialogue over social security is ostensible and came out as blackmail. This blackmail concerns the establishment of a single fund, "where anyone could participate," stressed bank employees' representatives.

OTOE's presidium supported that with the new reform, at any given moment any bank could denounce contracts. Their proposal, as they added, was to be integrated in IKA. The blackmail has a wider context aiming to break the front of bank employees.

In the meantime, OTOE's president Dimitris Tsoukalas announced a bank employees' meeting at "Vretania" theatre on Monday June 6, while a rally will be held on Tuesday outside the Agricultural Bank headquarters.

Translated by Sofia Soulioti

Related News:

Seeking A Collective Solution

Progress and Reforms

[03] Their First Facilities Discovered In Greek Marseilles

By Annita Paschalinou

Sources: INRAP

A few metres from the old port of Marseilles, archaeologists have brought to light the first facilities of Ancient Greeks in Frances oldest city. It is a settlement, which was mainly made up of houses on rock foundations with plinthite walls, dating back to 600-480BC. At around 550BC, an impressive building, approximately 120 sq m is size, was situated in the centre of the archaeological site and is believed to have been either a temple or the city walls. The facilities, as well as all the artefacts that were discovered in the port of Marseilles, are all in excellent condition. This, combined with the fact that the site takes up 400 sq m and is 3 m deep, has prompted the French archaeologists to speak of a great discovery.

A Place of Worship

An impressive building was constructed in the settlement at around 550BC.

The archaeologists are almost certain that it was either a public building or a military facility (walls).

The building is orthogonal and the walls are 1.20m thick. More facilities started being built around the main building later on.

As per the archaeologists, the whole settlement was probably a shrine for Greek merchants and sailors, where they worshipped their patron deities, Aphrodite, Hercules and the Dioscuri.

One of the most interesting finds was a Blue Egyptian veneer, which was considered a luxurious decoration at the time and is usually found in Greek trade centres in the Delta of the Nile, Egypt.

Greek Pots

Some of the pots discovered in the area are of Greek origin (Attican, Corinthian and Ionian).

Some of the Attican and Corinthian depict the well-known red and black figures, characteristic of the period.

They also discovered numerous Etruscan amphorae, as well as some from Corfu, Athens and the Aegean islands.

Numerous Finds

A team of archaeologists from the French National Institute for Research in Preventive Archaeology, led by Philippe Mellinand, made the discovery.

This is not the first time that an archaeological dig brings to light constructions of the Ancient Greek period. However, according to Philippe Mellinand, this is the first time ever that the buildings and artefacts are in such excellent condition and that the site is so vast.

Translated by Vicky Ghionis

[04] Chicken Suits? Why Not?

By Vagelis Theodorou

Everyone wishes to be dressed in the latest fashion, and always look trendy chic. But, what about chickens? Since they are also Gods creatures, clothes designers from Austria and Japan have launched a new series of clothes exclusively designed for our feathered friends! Austrian designer Edgar Honetschlaeger joined forces with his colleagues from the land of the Rising Sun, and hopes to turn the chicken house into the point of reference for the chickens haute couture. "Its something that you dont really need but everyone wants to have anyway," said Honetschlaeger, and added that he aims at providing a worldwide chicken label clothing. Strange though it may sound, the idea has already "taken off" after the designers staged a fashion show. Several farmers have already had chicken suits ordered in order to have their chickens dressed in the seasons "must", while many advertisers hurried to leave their marks on the chicken suits.

The first "chicken fashion" show was held in the World exhibition in Nagoya, Japan, where 20 chickens paraded a catwalk wearing their new outfits with Mozart music playing in the background.

If you cannot wait to see the suits that every self-respecting chicken has to wear, be patient! World-wide tour continues with shows planned in Vienna, Paris, Mexico City and Tokyo!

Translated by Areti Christou

[05] He Departs for Ankara Tonight Prendergast's Contacts in Athens

By Vicky Keleri

UN Undersecretary-General for Political Affairs Kieran Prendergast held successive meetings today with the political leadership of the Greek Foreign Ministry and the President of PASOK. In the context of his contacts in Cyprus, Greece and Turkey, Mr Prendergast will try to establish whether there is room for recommencing talks concerning the issue with Cyprus. The UN official declared that he had a series of fruitful meetings, while he referred to Greeces great support in the process towards solving the issue with Cyprus. He further noted that the matter will be solved only if a package of proposals is drawn up that both sides can accept, while he avoided answering whether the Annan Plan would be completely rejected.

Government Needs to Take Initiatives

In statements he made after his meeting with Mr Prendergast, George Papandreou insisted on the need for the government to take initiatives.

"I have already stressed, even to the Greek Government, that it cannot wait, it cannot just stand as an observer, it has to take initiatives. We cannot remain optimistic or hope for a quick resolution of the issue with Cyprus without initiatives by the Greek side. That is why we need systematic efforts, programming and aims."

Furthermore, the President of PASOK reassured that he is always ready to contribute in the effort to resolve the issue with Cyprus, noting that now, the UN has new levers for the resolution process.

As per Mr Papandreou, the UN has to seriously consider the new state of affairs, ie that Cyprus is a member of the EU and Turkey is continuing on its European path, in order to reach a fair solution on the matter.

Tonight, Mr Prendergast will depart for Ankara, where he will be continuing his contacts.

Translated by Vicky Ghionis

[06] Prosecutor Intervenes for the Rubbish

By Athina Saloustrou

The accumulation of over 25 thousand tones of rubbish in the streets of Athens has caused serious problems and prompted fears over public health. The Ano Liossia dump remains closed for one more day in protest for the transfer of sewage sludge from the waste water treatment plant on the island of Psittalia and only opens for hospital waste. In the meantime, there was a new public prosecution intervention a while ago. First Instance Prosecutors Head Dimitris Papaggelopoulos intervened for the second time asking the Ano Liossia mayor to comply with the Supreme Administrative Courts decision and allow the dump to open. Otherwise, he will call all competent bodies at the Athens Public Prosecutors Office on Monday morning.

Translated by Sofia Soulioti

[07] TEKA Appliances Announces Ceramic Hobs Withdrawn

By Athina Saloustrou

Multinational company TEKA withdraws 82 items of ceramic hobs. As per its announcement, types Ç186-GK-60.1, H188- GK-60.Z 2, H189-GK- 60ZB are withdrawn. These items are believed to have been released to the Greek market from November 16, 2005, to May 25 of the same year. The company calls for those who have purchased the hobs in question to immediately contact the companys headquarters in Greece in the telephone numbers 210 9760283 and 210 9712514, in order to make an appointment to check their hobs, and replace them.

Translated by Areti Christou

[08] Woman Froze Her Dead Babies Four Newborns Found Dead

By Annita Paschalinou

Sources: Agence Francaise de Presse - Associated Press

Even the most morbid imagination would be incapable of conceiving such a gruesome scenario. The Austrian policemen were stunned when, during an investigation at a house in Graz, they witnessed something that words could not describe. In the houses freezer, they found two newborns bodies, one of which must have been there for at least a year. But horror does not stop here. Two days later, the body of a third newborn, which had been stuffed in a box full of cement, was added to policemens grisly findings. According to CNN, a fourth one was found earlier today.

Cemetery of Newborns

The policemen arrested the 32-year-old mother and her partner, a 38-year-old man.

As per Associated Press, the "mother" confessed to killing the babies, because she could not get by, as well as for fear that she might lose her partner.

On the other hand, the 38-year-old man said that he had nothing to do with the killings, and that he knew nothing about his partners pregnancies.

Translated by Areti Christou

[09] To the Europeans Over the Constitution Schroeder's Appeal

By Athina Saloustrou

On Thursday, German Chancellor Gerhard Schroeder urged Europeans to continue ratifying the European Constitutional Treaty despite "No" votes in France and the Netherlands and pledged to keep on fighting to save the Treaty. In order to overcome the crisis, he asked the leaders of the "25" to reach an agreement on the EU budget for the 2007-2013 period at the Summit Meeting in Brussels on June 16 and 17. In the meantime, Irish minister of Foreign Affairs, Dermot Ahern, voiced doubts whether Ireland will proceed with the referendum for the European Constitution, after France and the Netherlands said "No," as per an article in the Irish Times. This is the first time, a member of the Irish government implies that Ireland may not hold the referendum, for which a date has not been yet set. As per the paper, when Ahern was asked if after the French and Dutch "No" there will be a referendum in Ireland, he replied: "I cannot say. We have to wait and see what will come up from the Summit Meeting in mid-June."

Changing Their Stance

"Countries should have different views on how we should proceed and we have to wait and see how these views will be voiced until June 16 and 17," added Ahern. Before the referendum in France, Ahern had stated that the Irish government would hold the referendum even if "No" prevailed.

"We will proceed with the referendum. Renegotiations are not included in our agenda," had said Ahern at that time.

"Ratification Has to Continue"

"Any exaggerated reaction is bad," said Schroeder speaking to reporters after meeting with the Prime Minister of Luxemburg and president of the EU for the current semester, Jan Claude Junker. Their meeting in Luxemburg had been scheduled for the following week, but it was shifted a week earlier because of the EU crisis.

"I will not stop working for this Constitution, for the Europe we need," added Schroeder, repeating his whish for remaining countries to continue ratifying the EU constitution, despite the "No" voters in France and the Netherlands. The German Parliament ratified the European Constitutional Treaty on May 27, two days before the referendum in France.

Translated by Sofia Soulioti

[10] Sambanis Won't Claim His Medal

By Vasilis Kalpinos

Leonidas Sambanis decided to put an end to the issue of being stripped of his medal in the Athens Olympic Games in August 2004. In cooperation with his lawyer Alexandros Lykourezos, the Greek Olympian decided to withdraw his appeal at the Court or Arbitration for Sport (CAS) in Lausanne against the original decision that had cost him his medal.

Penalty Stands

It all happened today and while the case was pending trial next Monday, June 6. Mr Lykourezos informed CAS that the appeal is withdrawn and so the penalty still stands. In the 2004 Athens Olympic Games, the 33-year-old weightlifter competing in the 62kg, who had already won two silver medals in Atlanta in 1996 and in Sydney in 2000, was tested positive to a high quantity of testosterone and was thus stripped of his bronze medal.

As per the CAS "no reasons were given explaining this decision," while the President of the Greek Weightlifting Federation, Giannis Sgouros, said this development is Mr Sambanis personal choice. However, he voiced his opinion that the matter isn't closed and that the Greek Olympian will seek vindication in another way.

Translated by Sofia Soulioti

[11] British Scientists' Research Pylons Accountable for Cancer

By Vagelis Theodorou

Oxford University conducted a survey which confirmed rise in leukaemia in children living near high voltage power lines, thus accusing once more the usual suspects, the high voltage pylons. The researchers looked at 29,000 children diagnosed with cancer, including 9,7000 with leukaemia, born between 1962 and 1995 in England and Wales. At the same time, they examined a sample of healthy children. They found that the children who live in a distance less than 200 metres off the line run a 70% higher risk to develop leukaemia. However, confusion has aroused, since researchers are unable to prove the connection between cause and effect, and they do not provide sufficient scientific data as to whether residential areas situated within 600 metres from the pylons should be evacuated or not.

Need for Further Research

Researchers found that 64 children who developed leukaemia lived within 200 metres off the high voltage power line, as opposed to 258 children which lived in a distance between 200 and 600 metres off such a line.

The findings appear to prove that leukaemia's development in around five children out of 400-420 new cases reported in England and Wales each year, is associated with the pylons.

However, Dr Gerald Draper, one of the doctors who carried out the research, claimed that the pylons may be innocent after all. "It may be due to the type of environments where pylons are located, or the type of people who live in these areas, and we are to examine both hypothesis," added the doctor.

Yet, it is noteworthy that the scientific community views genes, heredity and radiation as factors contributing to cancer development.

Translated by Areti Christou

Related Links:

Oxford University

[12] British Research on Noise Aircrafts Harm Learning

By Vagelis Theodorou

The implications of aircraft noise on children is proved by British researchers study, which is published in the scientific journal The Lancet. Researchers studied data on more than 2,800 children which live near the airports of Heathrow (Great Britain), Schiphol (the Netherlands) and Barajas (Spain), and reached the conclusion that a five decibel increase in noise level resulted in children being up to two months behind in their reading age. Exposure to aircraft noise was associated with failing reading comprehension, while factors such as socio-economic differences between schools were taken into account. The findings of the British researchers were verified by their German peers, whereas the researcher in charge stressed that implications from long-term exposure to noise are still unknown, and that studies should be focusing on them.

Studies on Long-term Exposure

Overall, a difference of approximately 20 decibels between children who were exposed to the lowest and highest levels of aircraft noise, which was discovered by the researchers, results in delaying childrens expected reading age up to eight months.

Furthermore, the increased levels of exposure to aircraft noise, as well as to that of cars, were related to stress on children and low quality of life. However, surprisingly enough, exposure to car noise was found to boost memory.

Researchers claim that children learn how to ignore the aircraft noise. Yet, this may mean that they ignore other "noises", such as their teachers instructions.

At the same time, researchers make it clear that schools located near airports should be adequately insulated, although it is favourable that schools be located away from airports runways.

The findings of the British study were verified by a group of German scientists, who looked at children living near Munichs old airport, before and after its shutdown. As per the study in question, children who attend schools near the airport improved both their reading skills and recollection ability, whereas the students whose school is near the new airport had low grades in exams.

Translated by Areti Christou

Related News:

Suffocation by Air Travel

[13] Three Times its Original Estimated Size Gigantic Andromeda

By Vagelis Theodorou

Sources: Reuters

Astronomers from France, the USA, the UK and Australia, who observed the neighboring galaxy of Andromeda using the worlds largest telescope, Keck II in Hawaii, are faced with new findings and ready to make up for a long-lasting mistake. After endless measurements and observations, they concluded that the spiral galaxy so close to our own Milky Way, is in fact three times bigger than original estimations. In particular, it is more than 220,000 light years across, instead of the original estimate of 70,000 to 80,000 light years. New observations also brought to light new findings on Andromeda, which were presented in a meeting of the American Astronomical Society in Minneapolis.

New Findings

As per the astronomers, the outer fringes of Andromeda's disk were made when smaller galaxies slammed together. The structure is too bumpy to have been formed otherwise.

What is more, the thin sprinkling of stars, once thought to be a halo, is in fact part of Andromeda's main disk and moves at a velocity that suggests it is in orbit around the center of the galaxy.

"This giant disk discovery will be very hard to reconcile with computer simulations of forming galaxies. You just don't get giant rotating disks from the accretion of small galaxy fragments," said Rodrigo Ibata, member of the research group, on Reuters.

Andromeda, 1.5 times bigger than the Milky Way, is 2 million light years away from Earth and you can see it with a naked eye on a clear night. What is more, it is approaching the Milky Way at a speed of 140km per minute and expected to collide with it in three billion years.

Translated by Sofia Soulioti

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