The Hellenic Radio (ERA): News in English, 05-06-23

The Hellenic Radio (ERA): News in English Directory - Previous Article - Next Article

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

CONTENTS

[01] From the Government Committee Green Light for Trading Hours

By Betty Savourdou

Sources: ANA

The bill for the reinforcement of trade and the establishment of national trading hours of stores was approved by the Government Committee, which met on Thursday, presided by the Prime Minister and participated by Deputy Minister of Development Giannis Papathanasiou. Minister of Development Dimitris Sioufas stated that the bill includes 14 measures for the support, upgrade and development of trade, among which are two programmes worth 200 million euros each and funded by the EU. The General Confederations of Small and Medium Business (GESEVEE) reacts to the extension of trading hours and is planning a nationwide protest on July 6.

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

[02] Blair Pushes for Renewal Responding to the Challenges

By Betty Savourdou

Sources: ΑNA - Reuters

The EU is facing a political leadership crisis and that is why it is in need of a radical renewal, almost 50 years after its birth, so it can respond to the challenges of the modern era. That is what the British PM stressed on Thursday, while presenting the priorities of the British presidency before the European Parliament, or "the lions den" as newspaper Guardian called it. Actually, Tony Blair refuted the scenarios concerning him wanting to change the Common Agricultural Policy overnight, while he denied bearing any responsibilities over the failure of the European Summit Meeting for the 2007-2013 Budget.

Reforms are Necessary

Tony Blair stressed that it would be wrong to continue believing that Europes choices lie between political unity and a free-trade zone. He further added, "Now almost 50 years on, we have to renew and there is no shame in that. All institutions must do it and we can, but only if we re-marry the European ideals we believe in with the modern world we live in."

"The issue is not between a free-market Europe and a social Europe, between those who want to retreat to a common market and those who believe in Europe as a political project. This is not just a misrepresentation. It is to intimidate those who want to change Europe by representing the desire for change as a betrayal of the European ideal," he said. Finally, the British PM addressed a plea for "open and frank exchange of ideas," concerning the future of the European Union, so that it can come closer to the people.

"Passionate pro-European"

Commenting on the developments following the French and Dutch No to the EU Constitution, Blair stressed that Europe is not facing "a crisis of political institutions, but a crisis of political leadership."

"I am a passionate pro-European. I always have been," noted the British PM, amid protests by the audience, since many European leaders consider Tony Blair responsible for the failure of the EU Summit.

Translated by Vicky Ghionis

Related News:

Blair Presents his Plans

[03] At the Age of 80 Manolis Anagnostakis Passed Away

By Despina Hristopoulou

The world of the Arts has lost one of its most important representatives. The great Greek poet Manolis Anagnostatis breathed his last at 5:31am (Greek local time) in Amalia Fleming Hospital, at the age of 80. Anagnostakis had been transferred to the hospital around midnight, suffering from heart and respiratory problems, but unfortunately the doctors could not do anything. Manolis Anagnostrakis poetry reflects the atmosphere of the German Occupation in Greece, as well as that of the post-WWII era. He was the only Greek poet who was involved very heavily in politics, but never transferred his views to his poems; something that demonstrates his deep poetic conscience. His poems have been translated in many languages, while his most important works include the Seasons trilogy, as well as his collections of poems between 1946 and 1956.

A Few Words about the Poet

Manolis Anagnostrakis was born in Thessaloniki in 1925. He studies Medicine at the University of Thessaloniki and specialised in Radiology in Vienna (1955-56). Following his studies, he practiced in Thessaloniki. He moved to Athens towards the end of 1978, while he lived in Pefki during the last few years of his life.

In 1948, he was sentenced to death by a Court Martial for his political activities when he was studying at the University of Thessaloniki. In 1951, the Plastiras Government granted him amnesty and he was subsequently released from prison.

His first poems were published in the magazine Peraika Grammata (1942) and the student journal Xekinima (1944), in which he also held the position of chief editor from issue 1 (15/2/44) to issues 11 and 12 (1 and 15/10/44).

He published many poems and other works in various magazines, while he also wrote at times for the newspaper Avgi, focusing on literary and political articles. He published the magazine Kritiki (Thessaloniki 1959-61), while he also a member of the editing group for Dekaokto Keimena (1970), Nea Keimena and I Synecheia (1973).

His poems have been translated in English, French, German and Italian. Furthermore, many of his poems were set to music by Greek composers Mikis Theodorakis, Thanos Mikroutsikos, Aggeliki Ionatou and Michalis Grigoriou.

Translated by Vicky Ghionis

Related Links:

Find out More about the Poet

[04] Literal Bloodbath Series of Suicide Attacks

By Betty Savourdou

Sources: AFP

At least 15 people were killed, including six police officers, and 50 wounded in three consecutive car bombings in central Baghdad, as per AFP. The first attack was recorded near a Shiite mosque in the Karradah district, killing six Iraqis, all police officers. Within five minutes, a second suicide car bomber blew himself up close to a police station in the same area, while a third car bomb blew up outside a hamam. The attacks came less than 24 hours after at least 18 people were killed and 46 wounded in a trio of car bombings in another area of Baghdad.

Translated by Vicky Ghionis

[05] Olympic Flights Cancelled

Sources: ΝΕΤ 105.8

Olympic Airways domestic flights have been disrupted since the early hours of Thursday morning, since approximately 250 seasonal flight attendants unexpectedly decided to stop providing their services to the companys scheduled flights. The attendants are demanding for their seasonal contracts be converted to fixed term. Specifically, this mornings flights from Athens to Larnaca, Tel Aviv, Thessaloniki, Sofia, Bucharest, Heraklion, Mytilini, Leros, Santorini, Chios, Samos and Chania have been cancelled. Any interested parties are advised to contact the Olympic Airways call centre on +30 210 9666666 for further information.

Company Deems the Action Illegal

Furthermore, the following flights are also cancelled: 175 Thessaloniki-Frankfurt, 802 Athens-Ioannina, 908 Athens-Thessaloniki, 906 Athens-Thessaloniki, 506 Athens-Heraklion, 062 Athens-Paros, 624 Sitia-Preveza, 018 Athens-Astypalaia, 556 Athens-Santorini, 054 Athens-Kythira, 002 Athens-Naxos, 732 Athens-Kos, 706 Athens-Rhodes, 117 Athens-Tirana and 766 Athens-Chios.

The announcement issued by Olympic Airways noted that the contract workers orally asked that their contracts be converted to fixed term and their salaries to equal those of permanent flights attendants and ground crew.

The company described the action as illegal, unconventional and an attempt at blackmail, while it seriously inconveniences the passengers.

It should be noted that flights will also be disrupted tomorrow, as the company is participating in the 24-hour strike called by GSEE (Greek General Confederation of Labour).

Translated by Vicky Ghionis

[06] Turkish General in Defense Ministry

By Despina Hristopoulou

Sources: NET 105.8

The issue of airspace violations, which yesterday were increased and continued today, was discussed between Minister of Defense, Spilios Spiliotopoulos, and General of the Turkish General Army Staff. General Yasar Buyukanit, who was invited by the Greek Lieutenant General, Nicholas Douvas, was accepted with military honors and met with the political and military leadership of the Ministry. At the time when the Turkish official was in the Ministry, four Turkish aircraft formations violated Greeces airspace. The Greek Minister spoke of a contradiction of words and actions from Turkey and underlined to Mr Buyukanit "we are discussing an improvement in bilateral relations, but the words come against your actions in the Aegean Sea." The Turkish General, who visited the Ministry of Defense for the first time, noted that Ankara wishes for good relations and a good partnership. The meeting took place in a positive atmosphere and the two men exchanged gifts. Following, the Turkish General met with Lieutenant General Mr Douvas. This afternoon he will visit the Acropolis and tomorrow will arrive in Thessaloniki where he will speak at the Military Academy.

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

[07] The Captain Returns to PAOK

By Vasilis Kalpinos

He came, he saw, he conquered and now will end his career in PAOK. The captain of the Greek national team returns to the crime scene once again, since he was offered a 2-year contract with the "black and white" team for 400,000 euros. The only pending matter is the official announcement of the agreement, since he has unfinished business with Bologna.

The Great Return

Since yesterday, the captain of the Greek national team is a player of PAOK. The European Champion and MVP of the EURO in Portugal, agreed with the Thessaloniki team and he will play until the summer of 2007. The yearly income of Thodoris Zagorakis will be 400,000 and the official announcement is expected by the teams administration.

The secret agreement between PAOK and the captain had been made three weeks ago, but was not revealed since Zagorakis still had a commitment with the Italian team of Bologna. The journey back home started on Wednesday, when the players spokesperson arrived in Italy in order to sign his release. The 34-year-old will return to Greece, since the Greek team did not qualify in the next round of the Confederations Cup, and following he will start his vacation. His appearance in Thessaloniki will begin with the official start of the training sessions.

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

[08] With Their Heads Up High

By Stathis Petropoulos

This time Greece was really unlucky and found a very good Sanchez against it, who was the one that stole the chance to score its first goal in the Confederations Cup. The 0-0 against Mexico came not because both teams were bad, but because the Greek defense stood its ground and the Greek attack was unlucky in the good opportunities it created. The adventure of the Confederations Cup ended with one point and no goals, but this team that made every Greek proud a year ago, tried to overturn the bad picture that was created in the first two games, even if it didnt manage to achieve its goals.

The start of the game found Greece presenting its best image in the Confederations Cup. Without stress and with a spirit to run and forget the tiredness that seemed to be the greatest disadvantage of the two previous games, Rehhagels players managed to enforce their pace and they were the ones that lost the first great opportunity. An opportunity that was special, since Vryzas header ended in the horizontal post of Sanchez, while in the recall, Vryzas once again, saw the Mexican goalkeeper actively stop his kick. The first good moment for the Mexicans came in the 14 with a kick by Fonseca in a t&#234;te-&#224;-t&#234;te that Nikopolidis blocked. In the continuation of the attempt the long shot by the Olympiacos goalkeeper found Charisteas on his own but for a few centimeters did not manage to kick the ball in Sanchezs nets.

Quick Pace and Opportunities

The first half continued with Greece keeping the reigns of the game. The Greek players, with its captain Thodoris Zagorakis being the top player of the pitch, and with activeness in the center field, showed that it could score easier than the first two games and many times approached the nets of Sanchez who was always alert. The other good moments of the Greek team were in an explosive two-minute effort, with Stelios Giannakopoulos taking up the main role and in the 25 and 27 since he found himself in the goal area and very close to opening the score. On the other hand, the Mexicans started to balance out the game and to enter attacks with greater will, thus in the 30 Rodriguez and the 32 Perez forced Nikopolidis into blocking the ball.

Effort and Pressure

In the second half, Gekas entrance in Amanatidis position took the team higher up in the pitch, and the pressure of the Greek players seemed to be getting nearer to a goal. Zagorakis was better in the first half and took more offensive initiatives, while Papadopoulos entrance in Vryzas position gave a greater freshness to the offense line. However, in the 70 the tiredness was apparent as it was natural and the Mexicans found the opportunity to take over. Even then, Rehhagels players did not give up but tried to continue pressing. The 74 was the Greek teams best moment was when Charisteas with a move exited the right and made a center shot that finally passed from all the defense and offense players parallel from the goal line of Mexico. The second good opportunity for Greece came in the 89 when Charisteas with a strong kick made Sanchez kick the ball into a corner.

Disallowed Goal for Mexico

The Mexicans have every right to protest to the referee and his helper since a wrong offside pointer resulted in Medinas goal to not be counted. This happened in the 79 at a moment where the Greek defense delayed, while the only good opportunity for La Volpes team was in the 67 with Pineda finding Torado on his own in Nikopolidis area but for another time he said "no" completing todays great performance.

Referee: Carlos Amarilla (Paraguay) Cards: (Yellow) Amanatidis-Pardo, Rodriguez

Greece (Otto Rehhagel): Nikopolidis, Goumas, Kapsis (75 Tavlaridis), Fyssas, Vyntra, Basinas, Giannakopoulos, Zagorakis, Amanatidis (46 Gekas), Vryzas (60 Papadopoulos), Charisteas.

Mexico (Ricardo La Volpe): Sanchez, Osorio, Mendez, Salcido, Pardo (46 Medina), Perez, Rodriguez, Morales, Pineda, Lozano (73 Marquez), Fonseca (60 Torado).

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

[09] Bride in 24 Hours

By Vagelis Theodorou

Everything was set for the big day. Ilie Floricica was preparing to see his beloved Alina Popescu walk down the aisle and exchange vows of eternal love with her. But, literally at the last moment, ,Alina got cold feet and instead of heading for the church, she headed for Bucharest, just one day before the wedding. However, 29-year-old Ilie proved very determined not to change his wedding plans. He found himself a new bride within 24 hours and got married to her. The lucky girl was one of his former girlfriends, since Ilie called all of them up and started proposing. "My nephew looked for another bride quite discreetly. The guests had no idea he switched brides the last moment. But it was a happy wedding in the end," said one of his uncles. However, all the relatives eyes popped out at the wedding, since they saw a different bride walking down the aisle!

Translated by Vicky Ghionis

[10] National Standards in Operation of Shops Bill for Shops to Gov Committee

By Betty Savourdou

Sources: ΝΕΤ 105.8 - ΑΠΕ

The Government Committee, which is convening under the Prime Minister today, is expected to approve the extended trading hours for shops. The Development Ministry bill also provides for national standards in the operation of all stores. The trading hours are extended by one hour during weekdays to 21:00 and by two hours on Saturday to 20:00. Referring to the relevant reforms on Wednesday in Parliament, Kostas Karamanlis stated that the issue of Sunday trading was never raised. He further noted that the bill will not deregulate trading hours, but just adjust them, so that they can be uniform on a national level. Before todays session, Mr Karamanlis met with Public Works Minister Giorgos Souflias.

Translated by Vicky Ghionis

[11] New Mobilizations Over Sewage Sludge Reactions Continue

By Vagelis Theodorou

The atmosphere in West Attica reeks of gunpowder on the occasion of the transfer of sewage sludge from Psitalia to the Ano Liosia refuse dump. Even if the transfer on Wednesday took place without problems and with the presence of police forces, citizens and bodies of the area are planning new mobilizations. Tomorrow, Thursday, the Municipality authority of Ano Liosia is planning a rally against the transfer, in Mitropoleos Square, at 19:30, while it condemned MAT intervention during the incidents for the removal of the refuse dump. The organization is made-up from representatives of social bodies and municipal parties of Ano Liosia, Kamatero, Aspropyrgos, Ilion, Petroupolis, Zefiri and Menidi. More specifically, next Sunday at 12:00, Fylis Avenue at Panagia Kanala will be closed down.

Also in June 30, at 19:00, a rally will take place in Klathmonos Square and a march towards Maximos Mansion, where the protestors will ask from the PM to stand by his pre-election commitment to review the issue of refuse dumps from the beginning.

At the same time, the Municipal Committee that designated its further stance in a rally on Wednesday night in Ano Liosia, accused the mayors of Ano Liosia and Fyli, Nikos Papadimas and Dimitris Bouraimis that they have signed since 1999 a contract with an EYDAP contactor for the transfer of sewage sludge in the Ano Liosia refuse dump until 2009.

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

The Hellenic Radio (ERA): News in English Directory - Previous Article - Next Article