The Hellenic Radio (ERA): News in English, 05-06-25

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

CONTENTS

[01] For Bulgaria's Socialist Party Problematic Victory

By Annita Paschalinou

The exit polls are giving Bulgarias Socialist Party the victory with 32.2%, as opposed to 21.7% for incumbent Prime Minister Simeon Saxcoburggotski. The result is not considered very satisfactory for the Socialists, who fell short of winning a majority in Parliament and will probably have to form a coalition partnership. So far, only the Movement for Rights and Freedoms has indicated it would join a coalition with the Socialists. The official results of the elections are expected on Monday. The fall in incumbent Saxcoburggotskis popularity has been attributed to the peoples discontent for the measures implemented by the Government.

The new government has the task of leading the country into the European Union in 2007. Socialist leader Sergei Stanishev, voting at a downtown polling station, said, "Bulgaria needs a government supported by a stable majority that will guarantee the necessary changes ahead of Bulgarias admission into the European Union."

On the other hand, Saxcoburggotski called on Bulgarians to give him a chance to carry on with his reforms, saying the remaining 18 months until the country is admitted into the EU are of "decisive importance."

Translated by Vicky Ghionis

Related News:

Parliamentarian Elections in Bulgaria

[02] Car Bomb Explodes outside Peineta Stadium ETA Strikes Again

By Annita Paschalinou

Sources: El Mundo

The phone call placed by unknowns to the newspaper Gara, warning of a car bomb explosion in the car park of Madrids Peineta Stadium proved a lifesaver. The authorities had ample time to evacuate the area, so there were no victims and the damages were minor. Members of the police bomb squad and Red Cross ambulances arrived at the scene immediately. The car containing the bomb was parked in the Glorieta de Grecia Square, which allows access to the Peineta Stadium car park. The Stadium is being promoted lately in view of Madrids bid for the 2012 Olympic Games.

Sabotage to the Bidding?

Two cars that were parked next to the car bomb sustained minor damages from the blast.

The incident will probably create a headache to the Spanish authorities, especially as there are only 11 days left until the IOC makes its final decision on the city that will be hosting the 2012 Games.

Madrid is one of the candidate cities, and Peineta Stadium has been promoted lately in view of the bidding.

A few months ago, on 9 February, just one day after an IOC delegation visited Madrid, ETA had launched a similar attack, which resulted in the injury of 43 people.

Translated by Vicky Ghionis

[03] Karamanlis-Alogoskoufis-Sioufas Meeting Strike Wave and Energy Policy

By Anna Kourti

Sources: NET, ANA

The energy policy, the strike wave and the trading hours were the main topics of discussion during Saturdays morning meeting at Maximos Mansion between Prime Minister Kostas Karamanlis and the Ministers of Economy and Development. After the end of the meeting, Mr Alogoskoufis underlined the three men discussed issues of common jurisdiction, adding that he informed the PM on the latest developments regarding the banks social security and the measures to be taken by the Economy Ministry for combating unemployment, which "unfortunately continues." The Minister of Economy further added he has asked the Union of Hellenic Banks to submit its views in order to deal with problems in bank transactions.

Banks' Social Security

In a question regarding the amendment submitted Mr Miltiadis Evert, Giorgos Alogoskoufis answered there is no such issue, the discussion for his amendment was completed in the Parliament's competent authority and will b submitted to the Plenary Session on Monday.

However, he repeated that his amendment refers to supplementary funds issues and there will be no extra cost to the Public Sector.

On the contrary, he added, the new bill ensures the deposit of supplementary fund pensions, without affecting pension rights.

What is more, conditions of fair competition will be created in the banking system and the major problems of state banks will be dealt with.

We have heard, stressed the Minister, the views of all implicated parties and perhaps we will include some technical details during the voting process of the amendment.

Mr Alogoskoufis was also asked about the real estate Bill and he said it will be soon submitted, while the Ministry is also looking into the possibly of excluding VAT from new constructions for the acquisition of a primary habitat.

Benefits from Extended Trading Hours

As for the Minister of Development, Dimitris Sioufas, he informed the two men on the important agreement he reached with his Italian counterpart for the construction of an underwater natural gas pipeline, which will link Greece to Italy and Europe.

He described it as an important agreement and also informed on the inauguration ceremony for the Greek-Turkish pipelines to be held by the two countries prime ministers next week in Evros.

"With these two agreements, Greece becomes an energy intersection and its geostrategic role in the area is upgraded," underlined Mr Sioufas.

The Minister of Development also referred to shopping hours, adding that sales will regulated in such a way so there can be actual sales two months annually and actual prices for the rest of the year.

Lastly he underlined that the extension of shopping hours has benefits primarily for employees, then for unemployed as there will be new job openings, following for shop owners and merchants because there will be new selling opportunities and lastly for the countrys productive web and for consumers.

Translated by Sofia Soulioti

[04] Pan-Hellenic Conference on the Weekend SYN Preparing for Municipal Elections

By Annita Paschalinou

Speaking during SYNs Pan-Hellenic Conference this weekend, party secretary N. Hountis clarified that SYN will not be participating in the intraparty dispute for the Municipalities and Prefectures. He further added that the Local Government elections would be taking place at a time when neo-liberal and conservative policies are being promoted both at a European and at a national level. He also noted that the danger of losing funds from the 4th CSF would aggravate the problems locally and regionally. Party president Alekos Alavanos will be speaking on Sunday, the second and final day of the Conference.

No to Intraparty Disputes

Earlier, Mr Hountis harshly criticised ND, which, as he mentioned, has launched a head-on attack against the rights of employees. He further expressed his belief that the privatisations of public property promoted by the government would further aggravate regional and local problems.

He also accused the Government of its intention to grant the use of the Olympic facilities to private investors, instead of the Municipalities, while he claimed that the bill for the private-pubic sector contracts equates to extra services and infrastructure for Local Governments.

Furthermore, he launched an attack against both major parties, stressing that they will attempt to bring party politics in the municipal elections, in the context of an intraparty dispute for the Municipalities and Prefectures, in which SYN will not be participating.

On the contrary, as he noted, his party would be supporting the role of Local Government and would aim at drawing up wider ballot papers of the Left wing and Ecology forces.

On the other hand, Spyros Lykoudis voiced his objections, claiming that in case the local bodies decide on collaborating with other parties, ie PASOK or KKE, then that should be done.

Translated by Vicky Ghionis

[05] Bridge of Life

By Annita Paschalinou

Members of OKANA's rehabilitation centre "The Bridge" sent a message of courage, strength and will by swimming from Rio across to Antirrio. Despite the adverse conditions caused by strong winds and sea currents and with the support of their families and friends, who were there to reinforce them, more than 40 swimmers managed to swim to the opposite coast, thus sending a loud message of life. The members of the "Bridge" rehabilitation centre proceed with the venture in question every year since 1998 on the occasion of the International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Drug Trafficking, which is observed on June 26.

Translated by Sofia Soulioti

[06] Ultra-Conservative Mahmoud Ahmadinejad New President in Iran

By Anna Kourti

Sources: ANA, Reuters

Ultra-conservative Mahmoud Ahmadinejad was elected president of Iran with an overwhelming majority of 61.5%, thus prevailing over reformist ex-president Hashemi Rafsanjani during the second round of presidential elections. Ahmadinejad will assume duties in August, while he presented himself as an alternative "Robin Hood," pledging to redistribute a part of oil profits to the poorer Iranians. Earlier, however, Hashemi Rafsanjani, who was defeated in the second round, accused those who, as he said, used public money to discredit him and his family. Rafsanjani did not name anyone in specific and he clarified that he would not be resorting to Justice.

International Reactions

White House spokeswoman Maria Tamburri declared that the USA would stand by those who call for greater freedom for the Iranian people.

On the other hand, Russian President Vladimir Putin congratulated Ahmadinejad on his victory and declared that Moscow would continue to work with Tehran in the nuclear sector; a collaboration that the USA opposes, as it considers that it would assist Iran to obtain nuclear weapons.

German Foreign Minister Joschka Fischer voiced his hope that the discussion underway between the EU and Iran would continue during the days of the new President.

On his part, Xavier Solana declared that the EU is prepared to establish relations with any Iranian Government that is open to collaboration in the nuclear sector and human rights.

Danish PM Per Stig Moeller noted that Mahmoud Ahmadinejads election gives rise to great challenges, including the modernisation of the Iranian society and its relations with the rest of the world. He further noted that Denmark would attempt to assist Iran come closer to the rest of the world and contribute to finding a solution to the nuclear issue, both at a bilateral, as well as at a European level.

The Pakistani Foreign Minister voiced his satisfaction over the election of Ahmadinejad, while he also hoped that the partnership between the two countries would be reinforced.

Ahmadinejad's Profile

Mayor of Tehran since 2003, Ahmadinejad is a former member of the hardliners Revolutionary Guards and former leader of Basij, the religious civil guard.

Before the first round of elections on July 17, few were those who considered him capable of defeating the other six candidates.

In his pre-electoral campaign, he presented himself as a people's person, who took care of senior citizens, the poor and the injured from the war against Iraq, while he preserved a hard attitude against the rich who tried to make profit by violating the laws. As soon as he was elected mayor of Tehran, he helped municipal workers clean the streets.

He used his humble origin (he is the son of a blacksmith) as a political weapon, while he has pledged to redistribute the oil wealth of the second biggest oil-producing OPEC country to the people.

"A new political era starts today," he stated while casting his vote.

As the mayor of Tehran, he tried to combat traffic problems and he promoted groups of young people. However, many have underlined that he has closed down cultural centres to establish prayer halls, while he strongly supported the separation between men and women, imposing it even in elevators.

Ahmadinejad states the restoration of relations with the USA will not solve Iran's problems.

Western analysts support that his prevalence in the elections will put a halt to resolving the issue with Iran's nuclear programme, which Washington sees as a project of developing nuclear weapons.

"Access to nuclear technology is Iran's indefeasible right and the world should recognize this right," Ahmadinejad has said in the past.

Mahmoud Ahmadinejad was born in the rural village of Aradan, 100km southeast of Tehran, but he moved to the capital with his family when he was still a child. He was considered a brilliant student and received his PhD in civil engineering. In the 1990s, he was the governor of Ardbil, a conservative city in northwestern Iran, where he dealt with floods and a strong earthquake. Those who know him well underline his simplicity and immediate character. One of his cousins stated that "when he was once asked if he would live in a palace if he were to be elected president, he said he would only if each Iranian would acquire his own palace."

Translated by Sofia Soulioti

Related News:

Presidential Elections in Iran

[07] Daniilidou Eliminated from Wimbedon

By Dimitris Alexopoulos

It was not third time lucky for Lena Daniilidou. After defeating this years Roland Garros winner, Belgian Justine Henin-Hardenne, in the first round and American Laura Granville in the second, the Greek tennis champion did not make it against Italian Flavia Pennetta, losing by 2-0 sets (6-4, 6-3) in the third round of Wimbledon. So the 23-year-old champion was eliminated from the tournament, after having achieved a great performance. Daniilidou has been suffering from many injuries, which held her back both physically and mentally. Lately, she seems to have bounced back, promising successes in the future with her performance in London.

Translated by Vicky Ghionis

[08] Three Greek Bronze Medals

By Dimitris Alexopoulos

Greece won two bronze medals today in karate, during the Mediterranean Games, which are taking place in Almeria, Spain. Alexia Karypidou finished in third place in the womens 65kg category, while Spyros Margaritopoulos snatched the bronze in mens +85kg. Furthermore, Greece won another bronze medal in the mens 4X100m freestyle. The Greek team of Tsagarakis, Antonopoulos, A. Grigoriadis and Zisimos finished in third place with a time of 3:22.95.

Other Results

Markos Nikolopoulos lost the medal in the mens 200m backstroke by a hairs breadth. With a time of 2:01.73, the Greek swimmer was defeated by Egyptian Ahmed Hussein by just 0.08 seconds.

Ioanna Pachi finished in seventh place in the womens 50m freestyle with a time of 26.63. It is worth noting that Cypriot Anna Stylianou finished in eighth place with 26.66.

Konstantinos Sarvogiannakis finished in seventh place in the mens 10m air rifle. The Greek marksman gathered 589 points (98, 99, 98, 99, 97, 98) in the preliminaries and another 102 in the finals, finishing with 691 points overall.

The mens Greek Basketball team started off victoriously, defeating Bosnia-Herzegovina with a score of 74-49, during their first game for group B.

On the other hand, the womens Greek Handball team lost to Serbia-Montenegro by 37-30 (18-15 halftime score), during their first game for group B. The goals for the Greek team were scored by: Psatha (3), Pimenidou (1), Skoutela (5), Golia (3), Skara (4), Patsiou (4), Gioupi (10), while Erics was top scorer for the Serbians with 9 goals.

Finally, beach volleyball duo Hounta and Kitsou bade farewell to the tournament after losing to Oblak/Sirk (Slovenia) by 2-0 sets (21-16, 21-15).

Translated by Vicky Ghionis

[09] Adriano Leads Them to Victory

Sources: Associated Press

Brazil became the first team to qualify for the final in the Confederations Cup. Carlos Pareiras team defeated Germany in todays semi-final with a score of 3-2, thus booking a ticket to the final, which will be held in Frankfurt on Thursday. The reigning World champions snatched the victory owing to the goals of Adriano (20, 76) and Ronaldinho (42 penalty), while the Germans tied the score twice with Podolski (22) and Ballack (+45 penalty). Germany will now play in the consolation final, which will take place in Leipzig on Wednasday.

Great First Half

Although, the hosts were the first with the opportunity to score in the 16, but Schneiders kick went over Didas crossbar, it was Brazil that scored first.

Ronaldinho lined up to take a 30-meter kick in the 21, but instead left it for Adriano. His left-footed strike flicked a German player standing in the wall and flew past goalkeeper Jens Lehmann, who was moving the other way.

Two minutes later, however, it was 1-1 when Sebastian Deisler swung a corner into a crowded area and picked out Podolski, who guided a header inside the far post. The young Cologne striker pointed to his head as he celebrated a rare headed goal.

Ronaldinho regained the lead three minutes before halftime, when Robert Huth pushed Adriano as they chased a ball into the area. The Barcelona star drove the penalty past Lehmann.

The first half was well into injury time when Germany replied from the spot. The penalty was awarded for Emerson barging over Ballack, with the German captain driving the kick firmly past Dida for his third successful spot kick of the competition.

Following the very impressive first half, both teams pushed hard for another goal that would secure a place in the finals.

Lucio should have scored Brazils third when he headed a cross from Ronaldinho over the bar from five meters. But he was saved a minute later when Robinho sent a through ball to Adriano, who held off Huth before shooting low past Lehmann from just inside the area.

Referee: Carlos Chandia Alarcon (Chile)

Yellow Cards: Roque Junior, Cicinho, Emerson, Adriano Deisler, Ernst

Germany: Lehmann, Friedrich, Mertesacker, Huth, Schneider, Deisler (83 Hanke), Frings, Ballack, Ernst (86 Borowski), Kuranyi (63 Asamoah), Podolski.

Brazil: Dida, Maicon (46 Cicinho), Lucio, Roque Junior, Gilberto, Kaka (77 Renato), Emerson, Ze Roberto, Ronaldinho, Adriano, Robinho (86 Julio Baptista).

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