The Hellenic Radio (ERA): News in English, 05-07-11

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

CONTENTS

[01] Panagiotopoulos-GSEE Fail to Reach Agreement Unproductive Meeting

By Vagelis Theodorou

There was a difference of opinions between Employment Minister Panos Panagiotopoulos and the GSEE (Greek General Confederation of Labour) presidium, during their meeting today, in the context of a dialogue that has commenced between the Government and social bodies over the reforms to labour relations. Mr Panagiotopoulos defended the government initiatives, noting that they would boost employment and contribute towards dealing with unemployment, while he added that the dialogue should soon bear fruit. On his part, GSEE President Christos Polyzogopoulos accused the Government of ostensible dialogue and of satisfying the needs of the employers, while he announced that the Confederation would commence bilateral dialogue with the employers, as well as collective actions in collaboration with ADEDY (Supreme Administration of Greek Civil Servants Trade Unions). Actually, the presidiums of the two labour unions will be meeting on Tuesday to decide on their joint future stance. In the meantime, on Wednesday, the Ministries of Economy and Interior are commencing negotiations with ADEDY on a new Collective Work Agreement, which will set the 2006 pay increases for the public sector, while they will also discuss unified wages and benefits.

Intense Disagreement

The Government and the Unions mainly disagree on the organisation of working time and the cost of overtime. Actually, there was a distinct difference of opinions between the Employment Minister and the GSSE during the meeting.

The dialogue is over, declared the President of GSEE, who also claimed that there was no real dialogue, while the agenda only contained matters concerning the employers.

Whoever severs the path of dialogue has to assume his responsibilities, stressed Mr Papaniotopoulos, while he also noted that the Government could not remain idle against the great social problems. Meanwhile, he invited his social partners to a new meeting, adding that the dialogue could not go on indefinitely, leaving open the possibility of the Government proceeding with a legislative reform soon.

Mr Polyzogopoulos noted that the Gianitsis Law governs the organisation of working time, but the employers do not apply it as it contains countervailing benefits for the employees. On his part, the Employment Minister stressed that the 8-hour working day would not be abolished and whoever supports such views, creates fears.

Reactions by the Opposition

The Government is now presenting an overtly one-sided face, abolishing fundamental institutions, including the 8-hour working day, overtimes and collective bargaining, declared PASOK MP Evangelos Venizelos.

On the other hand, SYNs President Alekos Alavanos claimed, There is no room for dialogue, but only resistance to the Government and defending the labour conquests of the last few decades.

It should be noted that GSEE has warned of a 24-hour nationwide strike in the case that a relevant Employment Ministry bill is submitted to Parliament. In addition, on Wednesday it will be giving a joint Press conference with ADEDY, during which it will also be presenting an opinion poll on the views of employees concerning the cost of overtime.

Translated by Vicky Ghionis

Related News:

Week of Changes

[02] To Locate the Terrorists Manhunt in Britain

By Mary Lou Tzempelikou

Sources: ANA - BBC

Speaking in British Parliament on Monday, PM Tony Blair voiced his certainly that the British authorities would be launching an "intensive manhunt" to catch those responsible for the London bombings. "We will pursue those responsible wherever they are and we will not rest until they are identified, and as far as possible, brought to justice," he said during his speech. Meanwhile, he announced that the Government would be voting for additional articles to the anti-terrorism act, granting greater power to the police and the secret services and aiming at countering terrorist activities. The British Parliament expressed its absolute support towards Blairs Government, while the leader of the Conservatives, Michael Howard, praised the Governments prompt response to last weeks atrocities.

Death Troll Will not Exceed 100

With regard to the death toll, Mr Blair said that it is at 52, while 56 of those injured are still being hospitalised.

In the meantime, in a press interview given by Metropolitan Police Commissioner Sir Ian Blair, he said that the death toll would not exceed 100, while he described the attacks as a "murderous carnage". He also added that three of the victims were named on Monday.

During his speech at the FBI Academy in Virginia, US President George Bush spoke of an attack against the civilised world, while he expressed his solidarity towards the people of Britain. He also stressed that America and the free world would not yield to the terrorists and murderers, while he called the Iraq war the "central front" in the battle against terrorism.

Translated by Vicky Ghionis

Related News:

London Games Will Go Ahead

Thorough Search

[03] Discussion in Parliament on Wednesday Disagreement over Trading Hours

By Mary Lou Tzempelikou

Sources: ÍÅÔ, ÍÅÔ 105.8

The discussion on trading hours of shops, which includes the Employment Ministrys bill on trade that is expected to become a law by the end of July, will commence in Greek Parliament on Wednesday, with the war between the Government and GSEVEE (General Confederation of Small and Medium Sized Businesses) still raging. On the same day, GSEVEE will proceed with symbolic blockades of roads, which, as per their President Dimitris Asimakopoulos, will not inconvenience the citizens. In the meantime, independent MP Stefanos Manos submitted an amendment, proposing the complete freeing up of trading hours. Speaking on NET 105.8, he claimed, The needs of consumers, employees and traders will be better served if they are free to choose their hours of operation. On the other hand, associates of the president of PASOK declared, Stefanos Manos submits his personal views, as an independent MP. On his part, Evangelos Venizelos accused the Government of presenting an overtly one-sided face, abolishing fundamental institutions and guarantees, including the 8-hour working day, overtime and collective bargaining. Finally, he called on the Government to respect the collective bargaining institution and let the social partners reach a solution.

The collective actions of trade merchants and employees will include symbolic blockades of roads at Tempi, Rio-Antirrio and the Corinth Isthmus, while shops on the island of Crete will remain closed. At the same time, the GSEVEE board of directors is planning an appeal to the European Commission, while trade merchants in every Greek Prefecture will be deciding on their future collective actions individually.

It should be noted that the suggested trading hours are until 9pm on weekdays and until 8pm on Saturdays.

Translated by Vicky Ghionis

Related News:

Week of Changes

[04] Mount Rushmore Carvings Get Cleaned Up Presidents Get a Facelift

By Vagelis Theodorou

A clean-up and facelift operation began on Mount Rushmore, where the rock carvings of four US Presidents have been adorning the mountain over the last 60 years. The 18m-high sculpture, which portrays George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Abraham Lincoln and Theodore Roosevelt, started being corroded by lichen, and although the carvings are being checked every year for cracks, they have never been cleaned up. Actually, it is feared that the facial features, which were created between 1927 and 1940 by Danish-American sculptor Gutzon Borglum and 400 hired labourers, may eventually drop off due to corrosion. For the next five weeks, park rangers will be seen hanging from rope harnesses, employing hot water blasters and silicone sealant dispensers. The German company Alfred Karcher, which has also restored the statue of Christ above Rio de Janeiro and the Brandenburg Gate in Berlin, will be overseeing the operation.

Translated by Vicky Ghionis

[05] Works to Be Completed by 2007 Souflias Reactions over Maliakos

By Mary Lou Tzempelikou

Public Works Minister Giorgos Souflias reacted fervently to everything that has been said about the works and the responsibilities for the accident, which claimed the lives of nine people on Saturday. I consider unacceptable that, at an hour of agony, some people grabbed the opportunity to surpass themselves in hypocrisy, Mr Souflias said, while he added, It is impossible for works that have not been done for 20 years to be completed in just 15 months. The Public Works minister repeated the pledge that most of the works will have been completed by 2007, with the exception of a small part, which will be completed by 2008. He also attributed responsibilities for the delays to the previous governments. Meanwhile, he referred to the progress of works in the most dangerous parts of the road and noted that placing a median strip in such a narrow road would be a "criminal" act.

Specifically, with regard to the progress of works, Mr Souflias noted that the Agios Konstantinos and Kamena Vourla bypasses are proceeding at a fast pace, while public works have also commenced on the Thermopile-Lamia Interchange-Agia Marina part (total length of 17km). He also added that the study for the interim part Skarfia-Thermopile has been completed, while the works will be assigned to a contractor by the end of August.

Furthermore, Mr Souflias announced that ten cameras, which operate on a 24-hour basis assisting the Traffic Police, were mounted on the Maliakos part.

SYNs President Alekos Alavanos also referred to the tragic accident in Maliakos, describing the temporary measures announced by the Public Works Ministry as effective. He also added, It is inexcusable that the State cannot fix a small part of the road of just a few kilometers, where dozens of lives are lost every year.

Translated by Vicky Ghionis

Related News:

New Tragedy in Maliakos

[06] At Least 20 Dead and 17 Injured Explosion in Russia

By Betty Savourdou

Sources: ANA

An explosion was recorded in a shopping centre in Ukhta, northern Russia, resulting in the death of at least 20 people, while another 17 were injured, as per an Emergencies Ministry spokeswoman. She also clarified that the explosion was recorded in a two-storey building, while the police was looking into the causes of the accident. According to the local police, the first indications suggested a gas leak. A police source told the Itar-Tass news agency that the damages were consistent with the explosion of a domestic gas canister and the experts were looking into that. They also added that were no traces of explosive devices, attributing the incident to a business conflict. On the other hand, the local prosecutors office said that the fire appeared to have broken out after a container of inflammable substance was thrown into the store. The town of Ukhta is located in the far northern region of Komi, about 1,300 kilometres northeast of Moscow.

Translated by Vicky Ghionis

[07] Three Suspects Released Thorough Search

By Despina Hristopoulou

The three suspects, who had been arrested on Sunday morning at Heathrow airport, have been released without charges. This type of arrest happens every week, underlined Brian Paddick, Scotland Yards third in command, stressing that it would be clear speculation to support there is a direct link to the terrorist attacks. In the meantime, London is trying to recover from the terrorist shock. The citys authorities are urging people to go back to their daily lives, while the police are addressing an appeal to the public to hand in any piece of information, photos or videos taken through their mobile phones on the day of the attacks, in an effort to collect as many clues as possible to track down the terrorists. At the same time, they have asked mobile telephony and Internet companies to store all text messages and emails sent on July 7. The official death toll remains the same so far. 49 people are recorded dead and 700 are injured, but there are still many people missing.

Zarqawi Involved

The first victim of the terrorist attacks in London was officially recognized today. The late persons name is Suzan Levi from the village of Newgate Street, Hertfordshire, north of the British capital.

At the same time, the manhunt to track down the perpetrators continues at the same intense pace. At Tavistock square, where the bus explosion occurred, the area remains sealed off and policemen are sweeping the place for evidence.

Below Russell Square, special rescue crews are working day and night under extremely difficult conditions trying to search every inch of the wrecked compartment, where there are fears that most missing people will be recovered dead.

Time magazine is implicating the name of Al Qaedas Jordanian head in Iraq, Abu Musab al-Zarqawi, in the July 7 attacks. The article stressed that Zarqawi may have supplied the London terrorists with explosives, as according to sources, he controls huge quantities of explosives in Iraq.

Michael Chertoff, second Secretary of the US Department of Homeland Security, stated that the United States are worried that Zarqawi may be linked to the London attacks. However, he added there is no proof to back this allegation.

At the same time, the British Opposition is asking Tony Blair to hold an independent investigation on secret services, which as it stressed, delayed to inform on possible hits, a fact which the British Prime Minister is expected to deny, as top priority for the moment is to track down the bombers.

Telephone Calls to Be Recorded

In the meantime, in two days British Home Secretary Charles Clark will submit to his European counterparts suggestions to cope with terrorism.

From information so far, Mr Clark will suggest the recording of all telephone calls and e-mails for a period of 6 to 12 months.

European Justice Commission Franko Frattini was in favour of this proposal, but stressed that this initiative should be introduced with the new European legislation on the protection of personal data, so as to safeguard citizens rights. On the contrary, Austrian President Heinz Fischer is against the proposal, underlining that it is pure interference of security forces with peoples lives.

Translated by Sofia Soulioti

[08] Fines Up to 1 Million Euros Fines for Fuel Adulteration

By Tina Valaoura

Sources: ÁNA-ÍÅÔ-ÍÅÔ 105.8 FM

Hefty fines were imposed on fuel station owners who were distributing adulterated fuel to consumers. Development Ministry checks located twelve violators in the Attica Prefecture, while the fines amounted to a total of a million Euros. The Development Ministry is mainly aiming at protecting consumers from incidents of adulteration and promoting healthy business activities, declared the Development Minister, Mr Dimitris Sioufas. He also spoke of continued, intensive checks, which will not be confined to the fuel sector. Six violations of the pricing regulations were also recorded in ship canteens, while another ten trade businesses were referred to the Prefecture, as they did not uphold the law regarding summer sales.

Intensive Checks in Fuel Stations and Ship Canteens

The fuel stations where spot checks revealed that the fuel specifications were not followed are the following:

The BP fuel stations on: Salaminas Avenue, Keratsini; 109 Zisimopoulou St, P. Faliro; 63-65 Pelasgias St, Peristeri; and 222 Thivon Avenue, Agios Ioannis Rentis The ETEKA fuel stations on: 7 Anapafseos St, Persiteri and 87 Thivon Avenue, Peristeri The EKO fuel station on 65 Pindou St, N. Philadelphia The AVIN fuel station on Agiou Ierotheou St, Peristeri The JETOIL fuel station on 39 A. Papagouli St, Chalandri The AEGEAN fuel stations on: 2 Pindou St, N. Philadelphia and 2 Salaminos St, Kallithea An independents fuel station on 31 Athinon Avenue, Acharnai

Out of those, nine were selling adulterated transport fuel and heating oil, two were selling super unleaded fuel that had been mixed with unleaded and one was selling adulterated heating oil. The fines imposed amounted to a total of 973,509 Euros.

Meanwhile, the 90 checks preformed on ship canteens over the last two months revealed six cases of violations that have been referred to the Prefecture. Four of the violations regarded the non-sale of low-price products, as set by the pricing regulation. Another violation was failing to post a price list, while the last violation related to the sale of a product at a price higher that the one set by the regulation.

However, as per the relevant announcement by the General Secretariat of Trade, the majority of the ship canteens do follow the pricing regulations.

Finally, trade stores that commenced sales prior to 18 July were also fined. Ten businesses were referred to the Athens Prefecture, as they had either printed brochures advertising the sales or were proceeding with illegal sales. It should be noted that the summer sales end on 27 August.

Translated by Vicky Ghionis

[09] First Arrivals in Montreal

By Dimitris Alexopoulos

The Greek womens water polo team arrived in Montreal on Monday, in order to participate in the upcoming World Aquatics Championship, which is commencing on 17 July and will last until 31 July. At the same time, the rest of the Greek athletes who will be taking part in the event are also packing their bags. The synchronised swimming team will depart on Tuesday, while the diving team on Wednesday. The swimmers of the Greek delegation will depart for Canada next week, as the swimming events are set to begin on 24 July. The President of the Greek Swimming Federation, Dimitris Diathesopoulos will arrive in Montreal tomorrow, to battle it out with the rest of the candidate cities bidding to host the 2009 Championship. FINA will be announcing the name of the city on 16 July, while the candidate cities are Athens, Rome, Moscow, Yokohama and Dubai.

Mylonaki Does not Make it to Canada

Koulis Iosifidis squad arrived in Montreal today, after completing their preliminaries during the World League in Long Island, USA. The only problem for the silver Olympians was the injury of their goalkeeper Anthi Mylonaki, who was not included in the team. She will be replaced by Maria Tsouri, who will be departing for Montreal on Tuesday.

The rest of the athletes are: Georgia Ellinaki, Eftychia Karagianni, Kiki Liosi, Sofia Iosifidou, Voula Kozomboli, Katerina Economopoulou, Antigoni Roubesi, Evi Moraitidou, Yiouli Lara, Markela Ploumi, Kelina Kantzou and Vaso Mavrelou.

In the preliminaries, the Greek team will play against New Zealand (17 July), Russia (19 July) and Uzbekistan (21 July). This is the fourth time that the womens team is participating in a World Championship. It came 5th in 1998 (Perth), 7th in 2001 (Fukuoka) and 9th in 2003 (Barcelona).

The Men Will Arrive on Friday

With regard to the mens water polo team, after completing the Toronto games and the World League preliminaries, they will arrive in Montreal on Friday. Giannis Thomakis will not be included in the team and will be replaced by Petre Santa, while Marios Chatzikyriakos will also be returning to Athens. Sandro Campagnas team consists of: Antonis Vlontakis, Giorgos Afroudakis, Tasos Schizas, Thodoris Chatzitheodorou, Christos Afroudakis, Nikos Deligiannis, Giorgos Doskas, Petre Santa, Argyris Theodoropoulos, Manolis Mylonakis, Dimitris Mazis, Giorgos Reppas and Manthos Voulgarakis.

In the preliminaries, the Greek team will play against China (18 July), Germany (20 July) and Australia (22 July). This is the tenth time that the mens team is participating in a World Championship, while its best achievement so far was fourth place in Barcelona, two years ago. It came 12th in 1973 (Belgrade), 1978 (Berlin) and 1982 (Guayaquil), 11th in 1986 (Madrid), 10th in 1991 (Perth), 7th in 1994 (Rome), 8th in 1998 (Perth) and 6th in 2001 (Fukuoka).

The Rest Are Also on their Way

The Greek synchronised swimming team will be departing on Tuesday, while the diving team on Wednesday. The members of the synchronised swimming team are: Eleftheria Ftouli (Duet, Team, Combo), Eleni Georgiou (Team, Combo), Natalia Anthopoulou (Solo, Duet substitute, Team, Combo), Evi Makrigianni (Solo substitute, Duet, Team, Combo), Olga Pelekanou (Team, Combo), Evgenia Koutsoudi (Team, Combo), Eirene Iordanopoulou (Team, Combo), Eleftheria Tsarpela (Team, Combo), Amaryllis Aggouridaki (Team, Combo) and Apostolia Ioannou (Team, Combo). The girls will be accompanied by Anastasia Guecheva, her assistant Gabor Snaouder and Eleni Stavrakopoulou (squad leader).

With regard to diving the athletes are: Thomas Bimis, Alexandros Manos, Giannis Gavriilidis, Sotiris Trakas, Christina Tsiripidou and Eleni Chatzimitrou. They will be accompanied by head coach Petros Fyrigos and his assistant Stelios Kondellis.

The Greek swimming team will arrive in Montreal next week, as the swimming events are scheduled to commence on 24 July. The athletes included in the team are: Aris Grigoriadis (50m & 100m backstroke, 100m freestyle), Spyros Gianniotis (400m, 800m and 1500m freestyle), Angeliki Exarchou (50m, 100m and 200m breaststroke), Andreas Zisimos (200m and 4X200m freestyle), Dimitris Magganas (400m, 800m and 4X200m freestyle), Apostolos Antonopoulos (100m, 200m and 4X200m freestyle), Giannis Drymonakos (100m, 200m butterfly and 400m individual medley), Giannis Kokkodis (200m and 400m individual medley), Neri Niaguara (50m and 100m freestyle) and Nikos Xylouris (4X200m freestyle). The athletes will be accompanied coaches Nikos Gemelos, Chrysafis Vaggelakakis and Giannis Orfanidis.

Translated by Vicky Ghionis

[10] London Games Will Go Ahead

By Dimitris Alexopoulos

Despite the fact that London was targeted by terrorists, just one day after being awarded the right to host the 2012 Olympic Games, Jacques Rogge boosted the British capitals morale, as he clarified that the IOC would not be reconsidering the decision it made in Singapore. "Well keep the Games in London. Theres absolutely no reason to reconsider that. We trust the London organisers to secure the best possible security arrangements in 2012," stressed Dr Rogge.

Frances Arguments Refuted

Meanwhile, he defended PM Tony Blair, who, along with London bid leader Sebastian Coe, had been accused by the Mayor of Paris, Bertrand Delanoe, of breaking the rules of the International Olympic Committee during the bidding process.

Jacques Rogge claimed that not only London, but all the other candidate cities as well, respected the rules and regulations instituted by the IOC. This statement was repeated later by the British PMs spokesperson, thus refuting France's arguments.

However, this morning, speaking before Paris' municipal council, Bertrand Delanoe voiced the view that Blair and Coe had "crossed right over the line to win the contest," while he added that the victory was achieved in a way that was inconsistent to the Olympic ideal.

Delanoe also claimed that Tony Blair overstepped the mark by sending letters to IOC members asking them to meet with him. Then, the British PM met with IOC members in his hotel suite in Singapore, just before the crucial voting session. Finally, Deleanoe said that the meetings were contrary to the rules, while he added that he saw people coming put of Blairs hotel suite.

Translated by Vicky Ghionis

[11] AEK to Reach Solution

By Ilias Papaioannou

AEKs historical stadium in N. Philadelphia is past tense after the meeting between Environment Minister Giorgos Souflias and AEK president Demis Nikolaidis regarding the construction of the football clubs stadium. The two sides concluded in two options located along the Attiki Odos, one in the east and the other in the west, without however announced the exact location. However, the final solution is expected, as per Mr Nikolaidis statements, to be given in 15-20 days, when one of the two locations will be chosen.

Countdown Has Started

Countdown has started underlined AEK President Demis Nikolaidis in his first statements and continued, We have indeed come up with something good. We met with Mr Souflias again and realized the State is in the mood to help us. In cooperation with competent bodies, we concluded in two possible locations, one on the eastern side of Attiki Odos and the other on the western side. There will be a new meeting with the Minister by the end of July. I can tell you one thing for sure. There will be no stadium in N. Philadelphia, stressed Mr Nikolaidis, who refused to announce the accurate locations.

As for Mr Souflias, he spoke of an honest and very good cooperation with Mr Nikolaidis and announced their new meeting will be held in about three weeks to decide on the final location. The State wants to held and in cooperation with competent bodies, we came down to two locations along Attiki Odos. We will carefully look into them and meet again in 20 days to see which one we will finally choose.

At the same time, Mr Souflias revealed that a Metropolitan Park will be established in Goudi, while he also asked Panathinaikos to inform the Ministry if they will hold on to the Votanikos solution, because they have to decide what will happen with Helliniko.

Translated by Sofia Soulioti

[12] Discovery Ready to Launch See You in Space

By Thanasis Karlos

Manned space shuttle Discovery is only a heartbeat away from being launched to the International Space Station (ISS). As of Sunday afternoon at 18:00 (01:00 Greek time) the US space agency, NASA, initiated countdown for the launching of the space shuttle. At Cape Canaverals Kennedy launching center in Florida, experts are optimistic since this is the first flight after the horrible Columbia accident in 2003. Discoverys mission is to carry equipment and supply to the international space station.

Countdown

Even though we are counting less than 43 hours to launch, the launching process will actually start in 70 hours taking various programmed delays during countdown under consideration. Preparations continued on Sunday as planned and the team in charge encountered no last-minute problems. According to the latest information, the chances for fair weather conditions on the day of the launch are to 70%. If there should be any problem and the launching process is postponed, then the two following days will be les favourable, as forecasts for satisfactory weather conditions on Thursday and Friday do not exceed 60%.

Translated by Sofia Soulioti

[13] The Cloud Brought Lawsuits

By Vagelis Theodorou

Weathermen are being sued in Romania by hotel and restaurant owners, who say the rain they keep forecasting has frequently failed to arrive. They say reports every week that resorts will face heavy rains have hit business hard and left hotels in tourist areas like the Black Sea coast only half full. Despite the forecasts of bad weather, in many cases the whole weekends have been sunny and bright. Nicu Popescu, the owner of a large villa compound in the Costinesti resort, said: "When the forecasts are this bad and yet the weather proves excellent, it is obvious that we have a problem. "The seaside season is short and the forecasts make all our efforts to get business useless." The news comes just four months after Ion Poiana, head of Romanias National Meteorology Agency, was sacked by the environment ministry for making incorrect weather forecasts. He failed to predict a cold snap which left three people dead, the Black Sea frozen and record temperatures of minus 36 Celsius.

Translated by Sofia Soulioti

[14] Kylie Stands by the Children

By Despina Hristopoulou

Sources: ANA - "Mirror"

Australian pop singer Kylie Minogue chose the Royal Childrens Hospital in Melbourne for her first public appearance since she was diagnosed with breast cancer. Kylie, who underwent an operation recently, visited the cancer unit of the hospital, where she cheered some of the sick children. She spent over an hour with her little friends, while she also gave away CDs and gifts. As per the hospitals communications director, Kate Dunston, the singer was accompanied by her father and two of her assistants. On his part, Dave Rodgers, from childrens charity Challenge who organised the visit, added, "This did Kylie as much good as it did the kids. [] She has been supporting us for 15 years. So when she contacted us and said she wanted to come in, we were happy to see her."

Translated by Vicky Ghionis

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All is Well for Kylie

Kylie Faces Serious Health Problem

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