The Hellenic Radio (ERA): News in English, 05-06-24

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

CONTENTS

[01] Fallen Heroes Memorial in Kaisariani Patriots Honoured

By Despina Hristopoulou

Sources: NET, NET Radio 105.8

The President of the Hellenic Republic, Karolos Papoulias, the Prime Minister and Manolis Glezos attended the inauguration ceremony of the Fallen Heroes Memorial in the historical shooting range in Kaisariani, where 694 Greek men and women were executed from 1942 to 1994. In his speech, the President of the Republic, who also laid a wreath, stressed that younger generations are in need of the teachings of the Greek people's fights, while he also addressed an appeal for the erection of a National Resistance Museum. Kostas Karamanlis underlined that it took the State a long time to live up to its duty before history and underlined the will of society for unity, national solidarity and respect. The statements of historic Left member Manolis Glezos, who witnessed the executions of his compatriots back in those days, moved all those who attended the ceremony. Many people who fought for the National Resistance were also present, as well as former PM Konstantinos Mitsotakis and representatives from all political parties.

"We Are United by Expectations for a Better Life"

Inaugurating the Fallen Heroes Memorial in Kaisariani, the Prime Minister addressed a message of solidarity and unity, paying tribute at the same time to those who sacrificed their lives for freedom, democracy and justice.

The Prime Minister was very moved to "be in the neighbourhood of struggles and sacrifices, in the city were History was made with the blood of hundreds of patriots," stressing he bows before their sacrifice.

He also underlined that the National Resistance became the symbol of unity and struggle and left us with the task of keeping those memories alive so that we dont repeat the mistakes of the past but remember the bright moments.

"We are united by the expectations of society for a better life. We are also united by experiences that once kept us apart and hurt us all. We are united by the struggle for a more just future," stressed Mr Karamanlis ending his speech.

Translated by Sofia Soulioti

[02] Government Won't Back Down

By Despina Hristopoulou

Sources: NET Radio 105.8

Prime Minister Kostas Karamanlis and ND secretary Vangelis Meimarakis, who met today, focused on the reforms promoted by the Government, like the banks' social security and shopping hours. As per information, they underlined that the Government will proceed with radical changes without taking a single step back. In fact, Mr Meimarakis allegedly told the Prime Minister that reforms come as a result of long dialogue and the wide acceptance of the Greek society. The same sources said that during the discussion the two men also referred to Miltiadis Evert. Rigillis' cycles stressed there is no case of taking disciplinary measures against him.

Translated by Sofia Soulioti

[03] 4.2 Magnitude Quake in Aliveri

By Vicky Keleri

A mild quake measuring 4.2 on the Richter scale was recorded at 17:20 on Friday afternoon. Its epicentre was the sea area of the South Euboean Sea, off the coasts of Aliveri. So far, there have been no reports on damages or injuries. Two more tremors occurred in the early morning hours in Samos and Southern Euboea.

Translated by Sofia Soulioti

[04] Presentation of Rural Police Bill Karamanlis-Voulgarakis Meeting

By Vivian Papastefanou

The bill for the establishment of a rural police was at the focus of the meeting between Minister of Public Order Giorgos Voulgarakis with Prime Minister Kostas Karamanlis, in Maximos Mansion. As Mr Voulgarakis stated, next week the proposal over the establishment of rural police will be announced. The issue will be discussed with the relevant bodies and the society before the government decides in the establishment of the specific department. The Minister of Public Order presented the complete proposal to Kostas Karamanlis with details of how it will be established, how it will operate and distributed around the country, as well as the relative schedule.

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

[05] Government - Sri Lanka's Guerrillas Pact Pact on Aid

By Vagelis Theodorou

Following months of secret negotiations and countless rallies, which triggered the government alliances collapse, Sri Lankas government signed a pact with the Tamil Tiger guerrillas on aid distribution to the tsunami-stricken population last December. The total amount will reach 3 billion dollars, and will be distributed equally to all sufferers, including the Tamils. The operation will be coordinated by a three-member committee made up of spokespersons of all parties involved, namely the government, the guerrillas, and the Muslims. Norwegian pacifists reached Sri Lank to sign a pact with the guerrillas, and make sure the pact will come into effect. While talks on the pact were still in progress in parliament, police forces clashed with the fans of JVPs, the political party that opposes the pact.

Series of Reactions

Apart from the demonstrators that crammed the streets, JVP came up with a more intense way to react. Last week, it withdrawn its backing to the ruling coalition protesting thus to Sri Lankas President Chandrika Kumaratunga, who vehemently supports the pact as a means of boosting talks between the government and the guerrilla groups.

Ms Kumaratunga leads a minority government desperately searching for new political allies.

The Muslim community also voiced complaints, and requested a similar pact with the government.

It is noteworthy that international donors demanded both sides agree on the distribution mechanisms prior to the aids release to ensure its equal distribution.

Translated by Areti Christou

[06] No More Katsikaris for AEK

By Vasilis Kalpinos

Fotis Katsikaris is no longer AEKs coach. The Greek technician met with the teams general director, Dimitris Filippou, on Friday afternoon to plan the next season but they didnt seem to reach an agreement and Fotis Katsikaris decided to hand in his resignation. In an announcement posted on its official website, AEK BC stated: "AEKs administration would like to thank Fotis Katsikaris for his contribution so far." On the other hand, Mr Katsikaris thanked the people of his team "for their cooperation and AEKs fans."

Disagreement

Fotis Katsikaris' resignation came as a huge and surely unexpected surprise. The low budget and the team's financial problems were the main reasons that lead Katsikaris to reach this decision. AEK's president accepted the Greek coach's resignation and thanked him for their seven-yearlong cooperation.

Following, Fotis Katsikaris stated: "After seven year of coaching AEK and after meeting with AEK BC's general director, Dimitris Filippou, we failed to reach an agreement on next season's planning. As a result, I could no longer be a part of this team. I would like to thank the president and AEK's administration for having faith in me all these years. I have been trying for two years now to give my best and offer everything that I could and I have always believed that AEK should remain at the top. I would like to thank the people of this team for their cooperation and especially AEK's fand who have been supporting me for more than 14 years. I wish AEK all the best, besides AEK will always hold a special place in my heart. It has been a very important part of my life."

Now, the most possible candidate for the job is Dragan Sakota, while there could also be talks with Panagiotis Giannakis, Lefteris Kakiousis and Bane Prelevic.

Translated by Sofia Soulioti

[07] Biogas Train

By Tina Valaoura

With the price of oil climbing to distressful heights and grim scientific predictions over the future of the planet, the use of recyclable resources, except from the theoretic solution in force, is also becoming very competitive. According to the International Energy Committee, the price of $60 per oil barrel makes the solution of using "green" biofuels, such as biogas from major industries of the planet, as a very attractive choice.

The Swedes, who traditionally are in the forefront of developments in issues of environmental sensitivity, have already discovered the "green" power of biogas, which they used on busses and automobiles, while a few days ago they introduced the first train in the world to run on the environmental friendly fuel. It is noted that biogas is produced by the decomposition of organic waste and emits far less carbon dioxide in relation to traditional fuels.

The train has two engines that run on biogas, has a seating capacity of 54 passengers, and from coming September will travel 80 km east of the countrys shores, from Linkoeping to Vaestervik. Its maximum speed reaches 130 km/h and can travel 600 km without refueling. It has been made by Svensk Biogas and cost around 1 million euros, while hopes are expressed that in the future it will replace conventional trains that run on diesel, even electric trains.

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

[08] Greeks in the Srebrenica Massacre?

By Betty Savourdou

Judicial authorities ordered a preliminary hearing for the possible participation of Greek citizens in the Srebrenica massacre in the summer of 1995. As the Minister of Justice stated in Parliament, answering a question posed by independent parliamentarian Andreas Andrianopoulos, the government flatly condemns the crime committed against thousands of Bosnian Muslims, as well as the possible involvement of Greek citizens in the massacre. Anastasis Papaligouras stressed that if Greek citizens were indeed involved, then criminal proceedings will be brought against them. Mr Andrianopoulos underlined there are photographs and interviews of Greeks who fought in Srebrenica and asked competent bodies to check if they participated in the massacre of civilians. In the meantime, Bosnian authorities have arrested seven suspects for participating in the massacre, which is thought to have been designed by former Serbian political leader Radovan Karadzic and former military chief Ratko Mladic.

Translated by Sofia Soulioti

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