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

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

CONTENTS

[01] PM is Determined Focus on Reforms

By

Greek PM Costas Karamanlis appeared determined to proceed with the radical changes and the reforms his government announced at the cabinets meeting, which focused on the energy policy and the judicial officials promotions. Mr Karamanlis urged his Ministers to raise productivity levels and pointed out that the reactions to the reforms come from those who have been benefited by the current situation for years. At the same meeting, Development Minister Dimitris Sioufas referred to the major energy works as well as the study the government prepares with a view to unifying the excise duty on diesel and heating fuel to avert tax evasion.

Bill on the Excise Duty

Following the Development Ministers proposal, unifying the excise duty on diesel and heating fuel topped the meeting.

Development Minister Dimitris Sioufas and Economy Minister Giorgos Alogoskoufis are expected to present a bill by the end of July regulating the issue of the unified excise duty.

The government spokesperson assured that consumers will not be burdened and that government has drawn its attention to seeking new means to deal with the problem of fuel smuggling. He also mentioned that the system will fight tax evasion in a fair and simple manner.

Mr Sioufas gave an overall briefing on the latest developments regarding the energy policy and he made a special reference to the inauguration of the natural gas pipeline connecting Greece and Turkey as well as the Greece-Italy natural gas pipeline.

The Development Minister maintained that the two pipelines, which provide Central Europe with natural gas from the Caspian countries, along with the Bourgas-Alexandroupolis pipeline make Greece a pivotal energy interchange and upgrade the countrys geostrategic significance. Exiting the meeting, Mr Sioufas reminded that these developments will earn the energy field investments that will reach 3,5 billion euros during 2005-2009. He then briefed the cabinet on the bill regarding the re-establishment of the Council for National and Energy Policy to provide the government with a body with a long-lasting energy planning.

PASOK seemed reserved concerning the unification of the petrol tax, and through Anna Diamantopoulou stated that the measure should not affect the citizens income, while she added that she is waiting for the complete submission of the governments proposal in order to state her views.

On its part SYN estimated that the measure will lead to the increase of heating fuel prices, thus burdening Greek households. Moreover, it accused the government that with the alibi of the counter of smuggling it is actually advancing measures for money collection purposes, instead of taking measures that will alleviate the low classes.

Productivity Levels in Ministries Should Increase

Greek PM Costas Karamanlis urged his Ministers to persist with the reforms and intensify their efforts. Mr Karamanlis described the radical changes and reforms as the only solution pointing out that, "We undertook a Public Sector that malfunctions. When you proceed with radical changes and reforms, you encounter reactions from those you have been benefited from this situation for years. Fortunately, these are few. We proceed with the reforms to benefit the majority and that is why we enjoy the peoples support."

Mr Karamanlis addressing his Ministers required they raise their Ministries productivity levels to achieve greater goals. He then described PASOK as being unable to break its bonds with the past, which under no circumstances must divert Greece from its development course.

Translated by Areti Christou

[02] Skeleton Found in Cave in Taygetos Light Shed on Liadinis Mystery?

By Annita Paschalinou

Sources: NET

The disappearance thriller of Professor Dimitris Liadinis is in the forefront once again. Seven years after his disappearance, the Laconia Police Directorate was informed that this morning in the area of Portes, west of the refuge of Taygeti, human bones were found in a cave. According to information the bones were found by his wife, daughter and his son-in-law, who following alerted the authorities. EMAK rescue crews will arrive at the area where the bones were found on Wednesday, and a DNA test will take place in order to conclude if the bones belong to the Professor.

DNA Test for Bones

On July 1 1998, the day of his disappearance from his house in Nea Kifisia, the 56-year-old University Professor had left a letter to Diotima, his only child.

"I will try and live the dear death of Oedipus," the professor wrote among others.

As Liadinis wife had said, he had chosen the time and day of his death, as he wanted to be in charge of it and not the grim reaper.

According to information, seven years after his disappearance, his wife, daughter and son in law were the ones that found the human bones in a cave and alerted the authorities.

Before his disappearance Liadinis had confessed to a fifth cousin of his that he would leave and indicated the place where he would have to search for him.

However, he asked to be looked for after seven years from his disappearance, whilst asking that at the spot a monument such as the Petrobeis Mavromichalis in the 1st Athens Cemetery should be erected. It is noted that on July 1, seven years were completed since the Professors disappearance.

Earlier, the Laconia Police Directorate was informed of the bones in the Taygetos cave from relatives of the Professor. Following it asked help from the Fire Brigade for their collection.

An 8-member EMAK crew with a coroner arrived from Athens to Sparti and will ascend the mountain on Wednesday morning. This was not possible today due to the bad weather conditions. DNA testing on the bones in order to conclude if they belong to the Professor will also shed light on the Liadinis mystery.

The 56-year-olds descent was from the village of Liadina. After his disappearance his car was found outside the Sparti Library. Shortly after, many fruitless searches took place in Taygetos.

The Philosophy Professor was very dear to his students, who flooded the amphitheaters to listen to his speeches.

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

[03] Kapsis in Olympiacos

By Vasilis Kalpinos

Since Tuesday, Michalis Kapsis is a player of Olympiacos. The international central defender returns to Greece and the team of Piraeus after a year in Bordeaux. His transfer was made known with a simple announcement late this afternoon by the football club. "Olympiacos FC announces the transfer of international player Michalis Kapsis. The footballer signed a contract for 2+1 years," the announcement reads. Shortly after, the international defender arrived in the offices of the FC and signed his contract. The cost of his transfer from Bordeaux will reach 500,000 euros, while he will receive 800,000 euros annually.

Reinforcement of Defense

The transfer was made known from the afternoon, but no official confirmation had been made by the FC. Furthermore, when the President of the FC was questioned in relation to the above he replied "We are a serious football club and we do not announce names before our agreements," hinting at Panathinaikos.

A while later the confirmation came from the President of Bordeaux FC Jean-Louis Triaud, with statements made in newspaper L Equipe, praised the Greek players morals and sportsmanship and added "Michalis, who will play with Olympiacos in Champions League wanted to return to his country a year after the Germany World Cup." According to information, Kapsis will sign a 2+1 year contract, while his annual income will come up to 1 million euros.

Finally, Olympiacos officially announced his transfer.

"I am happy that I came to Olympiacos; a team with an active role. Bordeaux did not have high aims and did not fulfill me my aspirations that is why I talked to them. They let me go and I thank them. The future of a footballer is never secure and stable. From one minute to another he changes teams. I am happy to be here and I will try to help the team achieve its goals. I do not want to talk about myself as everyone knows who I am. The rest will be played in the pitch. My family is satisfied as I have returned to Greece and will be near them. I hope I can help Olympiacos with my experience to achieve the best in Europe," were Kapsis first statements as a player of Olympiacos.

The international defender did not want to make reference to last summer and why his transfer to Olympiacos did not take place.

He repeated that Bordeaux fought to save itself, regardless of the fact that its aspirations were different in the beginning of the season. "It had a hard time but it made it," he said.

Kapsis career in numbers:

1993/94 Ethnikos Piraeus: 7 participations, 0 goals 1994/95 Ethnikos Piraeus: 30, 0 1995/96 Ethnikos Piraeus: 17, 0 1996/97 Ethnikos Piraeus: 30, 0 1997/98 Ethnikos Piraeus: 26, 1 1998/99 Ethnikos Piraeus: 13, 0 1998/99 ΑΕΚ: 15, 0 1999/00 ΑΕΚ: 26, 2 2000/01 ΑΕΚ: 25, 1 2001/02 ΑΕΚ: 6, 0 2002/03 ΑΕΚ: 20, 0 2003/04 ΑΕΚ: 19, 0 2004/05 Bordeaux: 29, 0

Kokkalis Talks About All

Earlier, the official presentation of Trond Sollied as new coach of Olympiacos as well as the associates of the Norwegian, Chris Van Puyvelde and Cedomir Janevski, from Sokratis Kokkalis took place in Karaiskakis Stadium. The President of Olympiacos spoke of the teams goals, aspirations and transfers, while he made reference to the issue of Konstantinou, stating that he has not made mention about his acquirement. He also seemed to agree with the bill for the combat of violence that will be submitted by the government over sports, while Intracom was also mentioned in the discussion, and as he said the company will not be transferred abroad.

Beginning with the presentation of the Norwegian coach, Sokratis Kokkalis said: "I believe that Olympiacos made the best choice it could for the next two years. We trust in his abilities, aspirations, and his communication issues in the football department. Our inspiration is to have a team that will play modern and spectacular football that will win titles in Greece, and will fight a battle in Champions League. It is not that easy to do to all the above, but an effort will be made in order for the team to take a step forward."

Shortly after, the President referred to the transfers saying: "The transfers that will be made during these days have not been finalized. Olympiacos is still negotiating with many players that will reinforce the team. The Administration Board and myself are very satisfied with the acquirement of Mr Sollied."

Following, Mr Kokkalis referred to the bill about sports: "An issue which concerns us the past period is the combat of violence, because Olympiacos had received most of the penalties last year. The new bill is ready and Olympiacos will have responsibility of its actions, the members of organized groups and the people that buy tickets. The positive point concerns the structure of the bill that the President of the government has studied. The positive is that Mr Karamanlis is a football fan, and he wants people to come to the stadiums without violence incidents taking place. It will be structured in order to help the above department."

On his part, Trond Sollied, said: "My two associates and myself are very happy to be here with all of you. We chose this team for two reasons. The first is that I believe it will participate in Champions League. This will be the third time for me and I hope that we will be more successful. The second reason is that I met Mr Kokkalis and saw that he wants to take Olympiacos far. We can have successes this year. I know that Olympiacos won the double, and that is very hard for me, but we will try to win this year as well."

Sollied also said that he considers Olympiacos as a step further in his career. Furthermore, he spoke of the style of game that it is suitable for the team, saying that it has to play defensively aimed at more goals (more than this years 54). In closing, he did not want to make any statement on why the deal was not made with Panathinaikos. On the question of the two teams game in the premier of the Greek Cup, he answered that he is aware of its importance, just as the game between Brugge and Anderlecht is in Belgium.

In the question of if there is a special term in his contract in the case that Olympiacos wins Champions League he answered: "We never expected Greece to win the European Championship. In football everything is possible."

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

[04] Lashed Out Against ND Over Main Shareholder Harsh Criticism by Papandreou

By Vicky Keleri

Sources: ANA- NET 105.8

The stance that PASOK will keep on the issue of the main shareholder issue, the bill for immigrants, as well as other current affairs were at the focus of the meeting of the steerers of the partys Parliamentary Group. According to information, President of PASOK Mr Papandreou, making reference to the issue of the main shareholder, noted that New Democracy is presumptuous, having specific aims that want to be kept captive and to put the pressure on and create bridges with specific economic interests. He also claimed that NDs choice is aimed at the full control of power. In an intervention, former Speaker of the Parliament Apostolos Kaklamanis described the main shareholder issue as a collapse in the political system. In the meantime, George Papandreou making reference to the reforms being advanced by the government estimated that they are dislocations that burden many and are made for the interest of the few powerful.

On the issue of PASOKs stance in the immigrants bill the decision to vote it down was made.

During the meeting, the changes in the leadership of the Justice were discussed, which were described as solely political choices, while ND was accused of trying to bring the climate of 89-90 in the forefront.

After the meeting, Mr Papandreou met with expatriate MPs from different Parliaments, who are visiting the country. Making reference to the latest developments in Europe, Mr Papandreou noted that the EU is in a political and economical crisis, however he claimed that its enlargement process should not stop, but continue with the accession of the areas countries.

He made clear that the enlargement has terms and conditions for all and especially for Turkey.

In closing, he accused the government that last December it abandoned the efforts Helsinki, which resulted in an opportunity being missed in relation to Greek-Turkish relations.

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

[05] By the Side of Repatriates

By Mary Lou Tzempelikou

On Tuesday, after a proposal by the Ministry for the Interior, the Governmental Committee adopted important measures aimed at the housing and social rehabilitation of repatriate Greeks and Gypsies. As relevant Minister Prokopis Pavlopoulos stated after the completion of the meeting, the governments announcements for these two social groups "will be executed the soonest possible," while the specific actions will be announced at the end of the month. More specifically, the completion of the infrastructure programme for the repatriates is underway, and issues concerning the grant of funds and the financing of rent are being dealt with immediately, while concerning the Gypsies Mr Pavlopoulos made known that the issue in relation to the guarantee of the Public Sector over the housing grants will be also be dealt with.

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

[06] New Presidents for Supreme Court and SAC New Leadership in Justice

By Athina Saloustrou

Following Justice Minister Anastasios Papaligouras proposal, the cabinet unanimously named the new Supreme Court and Supreme Administrative Court presidents, as well as two Supreme Court vice-presidents, five for the Supreme Administrative Court and two for the Court of Auditors. Former Vice-President Romilos Kedikoglou is now the new Supreme Court President, while Giorgos Panagiotopoulos advanced to the presidential seat of the Supreme Administrative Court. Mr Panagiotopoulos was also former vice-president. Supreme Court judges Andreas Moschadreou, Spiros Giafis, Theodoros Apostolopoulos, Christos Baltas and Evripidis Antoniou were promoted to new Supreme Court vice-presidents. Panagiotis Floros and Sotiris Rizos are the new vice-presidents of the Supreme Administrative Court, and Elenis Fotiou and Ioannis Balafoutis are the new vice-presidents of the Court of Auditors. Justice Minister Anastasios Papaligouras pointed out that the government based its choices on meritocratic standards.

Translated by Areti Christou

[07] Historical Visit to the Ecumenical Patriarchate Pope Will Visit Phanar

By Annita Paschalinou

Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew has made an invitation to Pope Benedict XVI to visit Phanar. Press articles in Italy and Turkey state that the Primus of the Roman Catholic Church has accepted the invitation and will arrive in Istanbul in November 30, on St Andrews name day, which is greatly celebrated in the Ecumenical Patriarchate. However, the Holy See has not confirmed the articles.

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

[08] Letter to Social Bodies Invitation to Dialogue

By Mary Lou Tzempelikou

Employment Minister Panos Panagiotopoulos sent a letter on Tuesday inviting all social bodies involved to discuss labour relations. The letter personally addresses the presidents of GSEE (Greek General Confederation of Labour), FGI (Federation of Greek Industries) and GSEVEE (General Confederation of Small and Medium Sized Businesses). The working-hour management on an annual basis and the reduction in overtime cost are to top the agenda. The meeting with FGI is scheduled for Thursday, while that with GSEE President Christos Polyzogopoulos is expected to take place next week, since the latter is abroad. In the meantime, bank employees that work in banks within the Municipality of Athens will stage a stoppage at 12:30pm on Wednesday protesting against the new enlarged working-hour scheme in stores, while stores owners decided to keep their stores closed reacting to the same reform.

GSEE Says "No" to Legislative Interventions

In its reply letter GSEE lashed out, stating that the 24-hour deadline is not proper in cases of an official meeting, since such a case is an ultimatum. Following it reads that Mr Polyzogopoulos is on a trip aboard, while it adds that July 6 is a day of collective strike in which GSEE will participate in.

Furthermore, it states that GSEEs participation in the dialogue will depend on its context, which will have to include the general issues of the reform and not the dislocation of labour relations from the adequacy of time, in order for agreements to take place, as well as the government commitment that legislative interventions will not take place during the dialogue process.

SYN Reacts

SYNs reaction was immediate. General Secretary Dimitris Stratoulis spoke of employees being taken advantage of.

"The government is offering the cheese of dialogue to the syndicates, in order to catch them in the mousetrap of implication in its decision for the collapse of the already downgraded labour relations," states Mr Stratoulis and adds that SYN will support the fights of the employees "for the counter of the neo-liberal winter that has come up during the summer."

Translated by Areti Christou

Related News:

Dialogue Under Way

Related Links:

ΓΣΕΒΕΕ

Υπουργείο Ανάπτυξης

ΣΕΒ

ΓΣΕΕ

[09] Over the Harmonized Prices Policy Fines to Supermarkets

By Annita Paschalinou

Seven chains of supermarkets and their Association are called to pay their dues, accused of the practice of harmonizing prices. The Hellenic Competition Committee Commission imposed fines of 17.9 million euros for the breach of competition regulations. The Association of Greek Supermarket Enterprises (SESME) has been fined 15 million euros and fines ranging from 6,000 to 721,000 euros were imposed to seven supermarket chains. More specifically the supermarkets that are called to pay fines are the following: Atlantik 430,000 euros, Veropoulos 500,000, Metro 338,000, Sklavenitis 611,000, Masoutis 374,000, AB Vasilopoulos 721,000 and Trofino 6,000.

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

[10] Awarded With "Athens Gold Medal"

By Ilias Papaioannou

A year after the successful 2004 Olympic Games, Athens mayor Dora Bakogianni awarded today some of the front-line people who worked hard for the Olympics. Fani Petralia, Giorgos Orphanos, Vangelis Venizelos, Nasos Alevras, Spyros Kapralos and Costas Kartalis were awarded with the "Athens Fold Medal" for their contribution to the Olympic Games and to sports in general.

Translated by Areti Christou

[11] Made in the Philippines Soy Sauce Recalled

By Annita Paschalinou

The immediate recall of a soy sauce under the brand name Datu Puti Soy Sauce, which is sold in a 750ml glass bottle and made in the Philippines, was ordered by the Central Food Control Agency (EFET), after being informed from the relevant European authorities. The substance 3-MCPD (3-monochloropropane-1,2-diol) was traced in above the allowed levels set by the European legislature, which can be hazardous only if consumed in large quantities and over an extension of time. EFET is conducting investigations over the content in a wide range of food products. The specific soy sauce batch number is AI02421 and best before date 31/1/2006. It is produced by the company Asiana Ltd., which is based in the Athens.

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

[12] Tragic Ending

By Mary Lou Tzempelikou

Regardless of the doctors efforts, the second girl, who on Monday was found unconscious in a swimming pool in Ano Liosia, has also died. The two girls were taken to Thriasio Hospital immediately after they were found, where the death of one girl was pronounced. The other girl was taken to the Childrens Hospital, that regardless of the fact that after 40 minutes of efforts she was resuscitated, finally the doctors concluded she was clinically dead. The police station of Ano Liosia is conducting an investigation over the case, while as it was made known, the owners of the house have not been located in order to testify when the tragic incident occured. Meanwhile it has been asked by the Town Planning Service to investigate if the pool had been constructed legally, while the police are investigating the event of if responsibility falls on the childrens parents.

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

Related News:

Tragedy With Children in Pool

[13] "Social Security Issue Not Discussed" Garganas Visits Presidential Mansion

By Mary Lou Tzempelikou

Sources: NET 105.8

On Tuesday, President of the Republic Karolos Papoulias was briefed by the Governor of the National Bank of Greece Nikolaos Garganas in relation to the preparation of the meeting of the Executive Board of the European Central Bank that will take place in October 6, in Athens. Following the meeting, Mr Garganas answering to journalists questions stated during the meeting with Mr Papoulias the social security issue was not discussed, and referred to the National Bank of Greeces announcements over the proposals on the issue.

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

[14] Laid Wreath at Fallen Firemen Monument Papoulias Visits Fire Brigade

By Mary Lou Tzempelikou

Sources: NET- ANA

On Tuesday, President of the Republic Karolos Papoulias, during his visit in the Operations Coordination Center of the Fire Brigade in Chalandri, laid a wreath in the Fallen Firemen Monument. Mr Papoulias, who was accompanied by Minister of Public Order Giorgos Voulgarakis, was briefed on the ways of countering fires and other natural disasters. Mr Papoulias was welcomed by General Secretary of the Ministry of Public Order Leonidas Evagelidis, and the leadership of the Fire Brigade, while honors were given by a landing party of firemen. In his speech, the President of the Republic praised the self-sacrifice that firemen display during their work, while noting that the Greek people value and trust the Fire Brigade. On his part, Mr Voulgarakis noted that the successes are due to long-term planning, good partnership and modern equipment.

Chief of the Fire Brigade, Lieutenant General Christos Smetis offered the President of the Republic an icon depicting the patron saints of the Fire Brigade, in remembrance of his visit in the coordination center, while he noted that the Greek Fire Brigade has one of the most powerful fleets in Europe.

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

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