The Hellenic Radio (ERA): News in English, 05-06-17

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

CONTENTS

[01] Decision on Community Funds Need For Compromise

By Anna Kourti

EU Summit proceedings continue for a second day focusing on the crucial issue of the 2007-2013 community funds. The 25 Member-States have to reach a decision over the community funds today. The Greek PM is expected to fight a harsh battle lest the fund from the 4th Community Support Framework (CSF) should be lost. Yesterday the EU leaders decided on freezing the European Constitution ratification process for a year, after realizing that EU enlargement is not feasible by November 2006 as formerly planned. Denmark, Czech Republic, Portugal, Sweden and Finland announced their intention to postpone the already scheduled referendums on the European Constitution ratification process. Luxemburg and Ireland are expected to decide likewise.

Translated by Areti Christou

Related News:

EU Constitution Freezes

[02] Not Before 2007 EU Constitution Freezes

By Vivian Papastefanou

The leaders of the 25 EU Member-States decided on the continuation of the EU Constitution ratification process, and the deferment of the initial deadline that was given for November 2006. More specifically, they decided for the continuation of EU ratification process with the support of the Member-States, which will have the option of choosing their actions, whilst evaluating national particularities. During the Press conference, EU President and PM of Luxemburg Jean Claude Juncker ruled out the event of a "renegotiation" of the Treaty, while he noted that the EU is not in a position to ratify the EU Constitution before 2007. In the interim until November 2006 - when, as per the Treaty, the EU Council will be called to review the situation, provided problems have arisen in the ratification process - there will be a "recollection period" over the prospect of the EU Constitution. Furthermore, he mentioned that an agreement was not reached over the issue of whether the EU will have to change the timeframe of its Enlargement or not, after the rejection of the EU Constitution by France and the Netherlands. "Many leaders have asked for the review of the pace and size of the Enlargement, but for the time being, a final solution has not been found," said Juncker. He also noted that the EU will keep its commitments, which include the commencement of accession negotiations with Turkey, in October.

"Recollection and Action"

Commission President Jose Manuel Barroso, answering to journalists questions, noted that in the time that will follow "there will be recollection and action," since the EU has "an important and social plan of action" ahead, while President of the European Parliament Josep Borrell underlined, "No member of the EU Council has asked for the breakdown of the ratification process."

Portuguese PM Jos&#233; Socrates announced its intention to postpone the referendum on the European Constitution in Portugal, which was scheduled for next October, after the Summit Meeting decided to delay its ratification process.

In the meantime, PM of Denmark Anders Fogh Rasmussen announced that the EU Constitution ratification referendum, which would have taken place in his country on September 27, has been postponed. Mr Rasmussen added that a new date has not been set.

On the issue of the referendum in Luxemburg, Jean Claude Juncker stated that it is referred to the Parliament to decide whether it will postpone it or not. The referendum over the EU Constitution ratification was set for July 10.

Furthermore, PM of the Czech Republic Jiri Paroubek announced that he will propose to his countrys political parties the postponement of the European Constitution referendum, until the end of 2006 or the beginning of 2007.

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

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Crucial Negotiations

[03] 365 People Were Burnt Alive Unbelievably Cruel!

By Anna Kourti

Sources: REUTERS

A cruel incident shocked Paraguay last August. A supermarket owner ordered the stores doors locked when a fire broke out resulting in 365 people losing their lives. Juan Pio Paiva faces a 25-year imprisonment charged with murder. His son, Victor Daniel, and a security guard, who both carried out the owners order and locked the doors, will also stand to trial. The judges decision was based on hundreds of eyewitnesses testimonies. The trial is to start next month. Juan Pio Paiva denies all charges.

Translated by Areti Christou

[04] Greece Bows Down to Brazil's Superiority A Respectable 3-0!

By Stathis Petropoulos

The Brazilians football magic did not have an antidote, not the good formation, or the excellent defense. Greeces credentials were not enough to stop the inspiring actions of Adriano and his gang, and the final 3-0 of the game that Greeks allover the world waited to enjoy, should not be disappointing for the European Champions. Rehhagels boys played quite well, but the Brazilians are the best footballers in the world, and it is very easy for them to score! Adriano proved the above with the inconceivable kick that defeated Nikopolidis in the first half, but also Juninho with the excellent foul kick that scored the final 3-0. On the other hand, the second goal came from the only Greek defense mistake in the game, and it seemed that when you are playing against Brazil you cant allow the slightest wrong move! The general conclusion is that we are enjoying the Confederations Cup with the hope still alive for the best to come and bowing down to the football magic of Brazil, that even when one loses against it deserves to be proud about it!

Hopeful Start

Greece entered the pitch of Zentralstadion with the boldness and audacity that it had in Portugal, and it was the first to attack the opponents nets with Giannakopoulos foul kick and Kirgiakos missing a header in the 2. Until the first quarter of the match was completed, the Greek players, without closing up, and without fearing the World Champions, had enforced their own pace, but it was obvious that every place kick of the Brazilians could be extremely dangerous. This occurred in the 15 when Ronaldinho sent Robinho out on his won in the goal area, but Nikopolidis said "No" in the first good opportunity of the Brazilians.

Greek Possession

Until the end of the fist half, the Greek team had great possession of the ball, with 55%, without however being dominating, since Parreiras players kept the Greeks away from Dida and waited for the first good opportunity to counterattack. In the 32 a wrong passing of the ball by Nikopolidis gave Ronaldinho the chance to cooperate with Robinho once again, but his kick was out of the Greek goalkeepers nets.

Adriano: A Playstation Character

And when it all seemed that the goal of a clear passive role for 45 minutes, against Brazil was reaching its achievement, in the 41 Adriano came to destroy every Greek dream! With a goal that you are happy to receive, the Inter attacker unfolded his talent and won Nikopolidis, thus opening the score. Kirgiakos intercepted Adriano in his first attempt, but the Brazilian took control of the ball a few meters away from the goal area, and from the side caught a magical kick, scoring a goal of extraordinary beauty. The positive point in the whole situation was that Greece responded positively to Adrianos goal, since in the first wasted time, Seitaridis found room from the right and with his kick found Charisteas in the goal area, but the Ajax attackers projection sent the ball to the outer side of Didas nets.

One Mistake is Enough Against Brazil

Charisteas' opportunity in the wasted time of the first half kept some hopes up for the hopeful fans for the recovery of Greece, however the beginning of the second half erased them in the most horrifying way. Gilberto Silva ran a few meters, reached the nets of Nikopolidis and did something between a shot and a ball kick. Nikopolidis and Goumas that were in the attempt, expected the ball to go out, but Robinho decided to change its course and speedily caught it, while catching the whole Greek defense in their sleep, and scoring 2-0. Then, the dream completely ended, and the 25,000, cheered Rehhagels players and continued to live the celebration of the Confederations Cup with the classic "ole" and many other songs.

Pace Slows Down

However, Rehhagel did something similar, since after the break he substituted Seitaridis with Vyntra and Vryzas with Papadopoulos, thus after the 2-0, and around the 70, captain Zagorakis left his position to Giannis Amanatidis, completing the experience collection for the younger players against the team with the most World Cups in is possession! The backing down of the Brazilians allowed the Greeks to make some good opportunities to the opponents nets, however their powers had started to go from the tiredness and the final attempts were relaxed. Parreira had entered the joyous atmosphere and thus Adriano and Ronaldinho gave their places to Renato and Oliviera, while a few minutes later Kaka exited the pitch and Juninho entered the game, and was the scorer of 3-0 in the 81 with an incredible foul kick. 3-0 was the final score of the game, since after the completion of the 90 minutes, the only remarkable point was a goal of the MVP of the match, Robinho but was cancelled as it was offside

Referee: Lubos Michel (Slovakia) Cards: (yellow) Gilberto-Karagounis, Kirgiakos

Brazil (Carlos Alberto Parreira): Dida, Lucio, Roque Junior, Cicinho, Gilberto, Emerson, Ze Roberto, Kaka (77 Juninho Pernambucano), Ronaldinho (71 Renato), Robinho, Adriano (71 Oliviera).

Greece (Otto Rehhagelo): Nikopolidis, Goumas, Kirgiakos, Katsouranis, Seitaridis (46 Vyntra), Basinas, Giannakopoulos, Zagorakis (73 Amanatidis), Karagounis, Vryzas (46 Papadopoulos), Charisteas.

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

[05] Over Social Security and Labour Issues Mobilisations Escalate

By Vicky Keleri

Trade unions are still on strike reacting to reforms on social security and labour issues. GSEE will stage a new 24-hour strike next Friday, while bank employees decided to continue their strike until Tuesday. In the meantime, the rift between the Ministry of Mercantile Marine and the dockworkers is growing with the latter proceeding with a new 48-hour strike starting today. On his part, Minister Manolis Kefalogiannis claims there are alternatives for the markets supply with goods in case mobilizations continue.

Translated by Areti Christou

[06] Seismologists Believe it is an Aftershock 6.5 Richter off the Coast of California

By Anna Kourti

A strong earthquake measuring 6.5 Richter was reported this morning in the Pacific Ocean off the coasts of California. As per Strasbourgs seismological centre, the earthquake occurred in 09.21 (Greek local time), and its epicentre was located 200 km west of Eureka in northern California. No damages were recorded, while the American authorities did not issue a tsounami warning. According to seismologist estimations, it was an aftershock from a major magnitude 7.2 earthquake that hit the coasts of northern California last Tuesday.

Translated by Areti Christou

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Earthquake Shakes Los Angeles

Disorder in California

[07] Six People Died Accident in Turkey's Coal Mine

By Vicky Keleri

Six coal miners died in the town of Kilimli north of Turkey when they were trapped in an underground tunnel after a ground subsidence. The rescue crews were late to reach them. As a result, they died after breathing methane, as the areas Governor Yavuz Erkmen reported. The bodies of the six coal miners were recovered several hours after the accident, added the Governor.

Translated by Areti Christou

[08] Polling Stations Open Presidential Elections in Iran

By Anna Kourti

Sources: REUTERS

Approximately 47 million Iranians vote today for a new President. As per opinion polls, moderate cleric Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani is expected to win the elections. His main challengers are reformist former Education Minister Mostafa Moin, 54, consvervative ex-police chief Mohammad Baqer Qaliabaf, 43, and conservative Tehrans former mayor Mahmoud Ahmadinejad. In case of a run-off, polling stations are to reopen on June 24.

Translated by Areti Christou

[09] Brazilian Cabinet Chief Resigns

By Anna Kourti

Brazilian Cabinet chief Jose Dirceu resigned after having being involved in a scandal over vote bribery on the part of the ruling Workers Party. The 59-year-old former Cabinet chief played a leading role in a scandal revealed in early June, and triggered the worst government crisis in Brazil since January 2003, when Lula assumed power. Roberto Jefferson, head of the Labour Party had accused Dirceu of being accountable for the crisis. In his testimony on the Congressional Ethics Council on last Tuesday, Jefferson accused Dirceu of keeping the truth from President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, and tried to isolate the head of the state.

Translated by Areti Christou

[10] 11 Missing Helicopter Crashes North of Peru

By Anna Kourti

Sources: REUTERS

Eleven people are still missing after a military helicopter crashed in an isolated jungle area, which is situated north of Peru. "The accident occurred during the flight near the borders with Colombia. Eleven people are missing, including two police officers, a young girl and a woman. Four army officers have been rescued suffering minor injuries," said the spokesperson of the Peruvian army Jorge Luis Lagunas. It is still not clear why the girl and the woman were aboard. The helicopter, which was crashed near the Putumayo River 1,400 km northeast of the capital Lima, has not been found and the causes of the accident remain unknown.

Translated by Areti Christou

[11] 5.3 on the Richter Scale Earthquake Shakes Los Angeles

By Vivian Papastefanou

A strong earthquake measuring 5.3 on the Richter scale shook Los Angeles today as the US Geological Institute recorded. The quake was felt in the city as well in South California. Its epicentre was located 114 km east of Los Angeles near the town of Yucaipa. No damages have been reported so far.

Translated by Areti Christou

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