The Hellenic Radio (ERA): News in English, 05-07-01

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

CONTENTS

[01] Over Social Security as a Whole Long-term Dialogue

By Annita Paschalinou

Economy Minister Giorgos Alogoskoufis pointed out that the dialogue on the social security issue will be a long-term one and it will exceed the governments four-year term. He further noted that should an agreement is achieved developments are to be expected prior to next general elections. On Thursday, Bank of Greece governor Nikos Garganas said that the reform on the social security was absolutely necessary, and he added that the viability of social security will be on the line after 2050.

Garganas' Statements

Mr Garganas sustained that age limits and early retirement should be key priorities.

He then made it clear that on no account does he suggest age limit be increased to 65 years old following IKAs standards, but its compliance with that of the rest of the funds.

On his part, Economy Minister Giorgos Alogoskoufis said, "Mr Garganas expresses his own views. The government will proceed with a long-term dialogue on the social security issue with all bodies concerned. Within the context of the dialogue in question, all views will be taken into account."

On his meeting with the reporters, MrGarganas recommended a supervisory body be created in order to monitor the funds investments and the management of their reserves.

Translated by Areti Christou

[02] Over Banks' Social Security Evert Persists

By Vagelis Theodorou

Sources: ANA - NET 105,8

Miltiadis Evert defended his stance on the bank employees social security a day after the Greek Parliament approved of the relevant reform. The former ND leader, giving an interview to NET radio 105,8, said it was his duty to be consistent, and he sustained that he did not rule out the possibility to similarly intervene against main government choices if needed. "When you believe something is true and you underline the problems and provide solutions, you have to defend it to the end," said Mr Evert, pointing out that people expect honesty, and he concluded that, "I do not distinguish Greek people into blue, green and red." "Mr Evert remains former ND leader and a high-rank ND official," marked government spokesperson Thodoris Rousopoulos answering a torrent of questions during the regular press conference.

Government Regards Issue Settled

At the same time, Mr Rousopoulos made it clear that the government regards the issue settled, and that no meeting has been scheduled between the Greek PM and former ND leader. He also pointed out that Mr Evert has nothing to do with his son-in-law and Economy Deputy Minister Petros Doukas opinion.

"Although Evert insisted on his opinion, Mr Alogoskoufis stance and statements proved correct," said ND parliamentarian Andreas Lykourezos speaking on NET radio 105,8.

On his part, PASOK spokesperson Charis Kastanidis claimed, "It was pretty obvious that our party would support Everts amendment on the grounds that it falls in line with PASOKs policy and with everything George Papandreou has said on this thorny issue."

Translated by Areti Christou

Related News:

Banks Packed

New Social Security Law

[03] Lost Notes Were Found Newton the Alchemist

By Anna Kourti

Researchers from the Royal Academy of Science in Britain accidentally found a collection of notes on alchemy by the 17th century English mathematician and founding father of physics Sir Isaac Newton. Newtons notes were originally discovered after his death in 1727 but were sold at an auction in July 1936 for 15 pounds, and they were considered lost since then. Not long before, the scientists that had undertaken to catalogue manuscripts discovered the notes that were written in English by himself at the Royal Society. The notes will be on display at the annual Summer Science Exhibition in London.

"An Exciting Finding"

"This is an exciting finding for Newton scholars and for historians of science in general," said in a statement on Friday Dr John Young of Londons Imperial College Newton Project. Newtons celebrated work "Philosophiae Naturalis Principia Mathematica" (or Mathematical Principles of Natural Philosophy) is viewed as one of the most important works in the history of modern science. In this work, Newton provides an analysis on the key laws of motion and gravity. In Newtons time, scientists were of the opinion that alchemy was the key to transform base metals into gold.

Translated by Areti Christou

[04] The Virgin of Secrets

By Annita Paschalinou

Sources: BBC

A new picture by Leonardo da Vinci has been discovered, the National Gallery in London has said. It said experts using infra-red techniques found a drawing under the surface of the Virgin of the Rocks painting which hangs at the gallery. The drawing shows a woman kneeling with one arm stretched out. Experts believe the Italian Renaissance painter was planning a picture of an adoration of the child Christ but abandoned the idea.

New Da Vinci Painting

Leonardo was commissioned to paint the Virgin of the Rocks to decorate an altarpiece in a chapel in Milan in 1483. The artist appears to have painted two versions.

One, which now hangs in the Louvre, was probably sold to a private client The other, which hangs in the National Gallery, was placed in the chapel in 1508.

It is under this painting that experts believe they have found a drawing of a kneeling woman. She is pictured with her eyes downcast and one of her hands stretched out. Experts think Leonardo da Vinci was probably planning a picture of an adoration of the Christ child, but abandoned the idea before drawing Jesus as a baby, our correspondent says.

However, why he painted over the work may never be known, she adds. The Virgin of the Rocks was the first painting executed by Leonardo after his arrival in Milan. Critics have argued over exactly what the painting depicts. Some claim it shows the Immaculate Conception, while others believe it recalls the moment when the infant Christ met St John the Baptist.

[05] PASOK Leader in Istanbul Papandreou-Bartholomew Meeting

By Vagelis Theodorou

PASOK leader George Papandreou met with Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew in Fanari, and called upon Ankara to respect the Ecumenical Patriarchate following the EU directives. "We support the Ecumenical Patriarchate in relation with the minority and the issues of Vakoufia (Department of Religious Affairs) and Chalki Theological School," said Mr Papandreou, and described Fanari as Turkeys link to Christian world reflecting the countrys multicultural identity. Answering the questions posed by Turkish reporters, PASOK leader noticed that Ankara fears Fanari, although they should not, since "The fact that a Muslim state hosts the centre of Greek Orthodox Christians is an asset for Turkey, Europe and the whole world."

Speech at Sabanci University

George Papandreou, in his speech delivered at Sabanci University on the occasion of the 2005 class graduation ceremony, confirmed that Greece is vehemently in favour of Turkeys European future, and he noted that Turkey can be a raw model for all EU Member-States for it combines Islamic tradition with European values.

He then called upon his listeners to grant to the Ecumenical Patriarchate its lawful rights.

"The fact that a Muslim country hosts Orthodoxys Mecca is an asset," pointed out Mr Papandreou.

Referring to the natural gas pipeline, which is to be planted in the Greek-Turkish borders, he spoke of a project meant to unite the two countries, a project that rests with the policy he himself launched during his term in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Translated by Areti Christou

[06] 10 Days in the Intensive Care Life Smiles to 11-month-old Boy

By Vagelis Theodorou

Sources: NET

The 11-month-old little boy from Herakleion, Crete, Stavros Alexandros will remain in the intensive care of a specialized medical centre in Paris for10 days, after the successful liver transplant he underwent on Thursday. Speaking on NET, his foster father expressed his gratefulness to the donors family, the Health Minister and everyone who contributed to his son being transported to the French capital, and he further noted that his sees the issue of organs donation from another standpoint. Stavros Alexandros, who will celebrated his first birthday in16 days time, can hope for a better life, since the transplant successfully fought the rare disease he suffered from. The boys transference to Paris was deemed necessary since liver transplants are rare in Greece. Therefore, most patients, including 30 children over the last years, have travelled abroad to undergo the operation in question.

It is noteworthy that a government plane, which left the Venizeleio Hospital in Crete two days ago, urgently transferred the 11-month-old boy to the French capital. They boys critical condition earned a first place on the priority list, and on Thursday he undergone a liver transplant that lasted approximately 12 hours.

Translated by Areti Christou

Related News:

Hope for Life

[07] In Achaia New Hydroelectricity Plant

By Vagelis Theodorou

The new station on the Keryniti River in Achaia, which was inaugurated by Development Minister Dimitris Sioufas, is expected to produce approximately 8.5 million kilowatts on an annual basis. The plant was completed within 15 months, and has been operating since January. It is expected to supply Achaia Prefecture and Peloponissos. In his speech, Mr Sioufas made reference to the further energy production from renewable sources and he noted that both the countrys geographical location and its climate favour similar enterprises. At the same time, he mentioned the benefits that investments of this kind provide for the Greek countryside, including job creation, rise in investments and environment protection. He further underlined the governments intention to solve the problems plaguing Achaia, and invited Greek investors to support the efforts on "green" energy.

Translated by Areti Christou

[08] Greek Church's Initiatives Archbishop Becomes Organ Donor

By Vagelis Theodorou

Sources: NET - NET 105,8

Archbishop Christodoulos and the members of the Holy Synod appealed to the congregation to become organ donors. The churchs leaders filled in the relevant form on Friday. The Greek Church deeply moved by little Dimitirs from Rhodes, who died while waiting for a transplant, take initiatives to support organ donation. On the days to come, every parish will distribute a special form to be completed by those interested in becoming organ donors, while the Holy Synod issued an encyclical hosting the Synods stance on the issue. The Holy Synod has been a staunch supporter of organ donation since 1999. The only prerequisite it posed was that donation must come as a result of the donors free will.

Translated by Areti Christou

[09] Parliament Didnt Give Vote of Confidence Germany to the Ballots

By Vagelis Theodorou

Sources: BBC, Reuters

German Chancellor Gerhard Schroeder engineered his own defeat in a parliamentary vote of confidence on Friday in a bid to force elections he is gambling will return him to power with a new mandate for reform. The 601-strong Bundestag lower house voted 296-151 against the government, with 148 abstentions. Schroeder resorted to the vote after his Social Democratic Party (SPD), facing criticism over unemployment and social and economic reform plans, suffered stinging regional poll defeats and lost its former stronghold of North Rhine-Westphalia to the CDU. Mr Schroeder explained, "If we are to continue with this agenda, legitimisation through new elections is needed," while Christian Democrats leader Angela Merkel said early elections are more than welcomed.

Christian Democrats in the Lead

Harshly criticising the economic policy of the Social Democrats, who govern since 1998, Mrs Merkel voiced her satisfaction over the German Chancellor's decision. Further more, she admitted that Mr Schroeder's social reforms "were a step towards the right direction," but also accused of going "back and forth" because of the reactions caused within his party.

CDU leader shows she has nothing to fear, as a series of polls give her party increased percentages and a clear lead against the governing party.

In fact, according to the last poll publicised on Thursday, Christian Democrats have the lead with 47% instead of 26% for the Social Democrats.

For the election to happen, a number of hurdles still need to be cleared. German President Horst Koehler, the only person with the right to dissolve parliament, must now decide whether the confidence vote conforms with the constitution. He has 21 days to make his view known. According to estimations, ballots will open on September 18, one year earlier than scheduled.

[10] Conceicao Joins Panathinaikos?

By Vasilis Kalpinos

As per reliable Brazilian website the Brazilian midfielder has decided to play for Athens football club, Panathinaikos. He is expected to arrive in Athens on Sunday to sign his three-year contract. However, this new was laid public not by the player himself but by his family members.

Happy End?

Flavio Conceicao is ready to put on green, Panathinaikos colours. According to Brazilian websites, Galatasarays midfielder has decided to leave the Turkish club and continue his football career with the Athens football club. Rumour has it that he is not to get any money, something that was Galatasarays wishful thinking.

As per information coming from Brazil, Conceicao is expected to arrive in Greece either on Saturday or on Sunday to sign his new three-year contract, which will earn him the amount of 1.6million euros.

However, the player himself has not said anything on the matter, while he has told his friends he has not yet decided which team will be his next stop, something that he will decide next week. On the other hand, sources sustain that he has already made up his mind to join Panathinaikos.

Although Panathinaikos football club have not yet discussed with the player, they honour the deadline set until Saturday and at the same time consider alternatives. Argentinean Lucas Bernardi, who played for the national team of his country in the Confederations Cup, appears to be the clubs first choice.

Pellegrino and Draw

Italian player Mauricio Pellegrino is rumoured to be Panathinaikos first choice for the teams defence. The "green" club is also said to have submitted a proposal and wait for the Italians reply.

Finally, the draw for the Greek football championship, according to which the Panathinaikos vs Olympiacos match will open the championship, caused mixed feelings. Panathinaikos spokesmen pointed out that playing against their "eternal" opponent was not the ideal opening match, however, they said that their team will appear ready since the quarterfinals for the Champions League will have been preceded.

Translated by Areti Christou

[11] On Saturday the Concerts Against Poverty Countdown For Live 8

By Vagelis Theodorou

The preparations for the large music festival against poverty, Live 8, are in full progress. Many famous artists will honour the music event, which is scheduled for Saturday. It is noteworthy that it is going to be held in nine different cities worldwide. G8 Summit triggered the organisation of this music protest against poverty, irrespective of the fact that the Economy Ministers who participated in the Summit agreed on writing off the debts of African countries. The concerts will be taking place in London, Paris, Moscow, Johannesburg, Tokyo, Rome, Berlin, Ontario and Philadelphia, USA, while on July 6 another concert will be held in Edinburgh on the occasion of G8 Summit in Scotland. Among the artists meant to participate are Madonna, Elton John, Bob Geldof, REM, U2, Robby Williams, Sting, UB40, Paul McCartney, Cure, Shakira, Dido, Duran Duran and Pink Floyd. Live 8 was inspired by Bob Geldof, who had earlier organised Band Aid and Live Aid aiming at relieving the poverty-stricken African countries, as well as at sensitising the globe regarding the problems African people face.

Translated by Areti Christou

Related News:

Live 8: Make Poverty History

Related Links:

Live 8

[12] British Programme Warns Junk Food on the Dock

By Vicky Keleri

British scientists have launched a programme in an effort to motivate children to say "no" to junk food. The programme in question functions as a mirror reflecting how they could look in middle age unless they change their unhealthy eating habits. A team of experts, led by child psychologist Kris Murrin, used approved medical and scientific tests to collect data regarding the familys lifestyle. They then used high-tech computer graphics to show how the children would look as adults unless they adopted a healthier lifestyle. Jason, aged 10, and Joanna, eight, were the first children to participate in the programme. The results of the experiment were presented on BBC3 show "Honey Were Killing the Kids!"

Jason and Joanna consumed up to two litres of fizzy drinks each day and enjoyed eating mainly fried chips and sweets before the telly, while they never bothered to tidy their room. Their images as adults produced by the programme shocked both the two children and their parents. "So far weve been giving the children what they want, and this has got to change. Im actually quite scared," said the childrens mother Julie Buc.

The group of psychologists and nutritionists, working together on this programme, conducted a four-week dietary plan and gave advice on how to change their living habits.

Jason and Joanna excluded frizzy drinks, sweets, fried chips and crackers from their eating habits, and replaced them with salads, fruits and vegetables. Furthermore, they adopted set bedtimes, and they started having their meals at the dining table, instead of the small screen.

At the end of the project, the children were excited, and pointed out that their lives have completely changed. Their parents were also happy since their children entered a healthier dietary path.

Following the programmes success, the scientific team in charge andBBC3 producers are looking for six further families to take part in the project.

Translated by Areti Christou

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