The Hellenic Radio (ERA): News in English, 05-07-19

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

CONTENTS

[01] Bill Discussion has Started Actions Over Trading Hours

By Vicky Keleri

The discussion of the Development Ministrys Bill, which includes regulations on trading hours, opened this afternoon in Parliament amidst reactions. Employees and tradesmen started collective actions as of today, thus expressing their opposition to the promoted changes. In the morning, tradesmen from Eastern Macedonia and Thrace blocked the Nestos river bridge for half an hour and as a result long queues of stopped cars were formed along the road, giving drivers a hard time. At 18:00, tradesmen from Corinth, Megara and Argos blocked the Isthmus of Corinth at the Kalamaki tollbooths.

Rallies and Roadblocks

The federation of tradesmen from Serres will block the border station at Promachonas from 19:00 to 21:00, while tradesmen in Thessaly will block the Tembi tollbooths. Also, the blocking of the Ministry of Employments entrance in Stadiou Street from PAME is in development, while it has organized rallies and marches in Athens and Thessaloniki at 19:00. The All Workers Militant Front is protesting over the flexibility of the eight-hour working time and the decrease of payment for overtime that is included in the Bill for labour relations.

In the meantime, street market vendors protested this morning outside the Parliament regarding the regulations on open-air trade included in the Bill.

Opposition Reacts

In the meantime, during a meeting of PASOK steerers, it was decided that a nominal voting for the Bill, which concerns the trading hours of stores, should take place. KKE in an announcement, stated that the "anti-labour and anti-populist attack of the government has to find a determined counter from the peoples movement." The government should redirect its policy and measures, not to the employees but to the employers, stated SYN President Alekos Alavanos to NET 105.8. Also, the SYN President noted that his party disagrees with the broadening of the trading hours, as it will cause thousands of small-middle sized businesses to close down and increase unemployment. On his part, Minister of Development Dimitris Sioufas referring to the stance of the Opposition on the governments reforms described PASOK as "a slow part of the nation," and added that the people who say yes to everything have proved to be exactly the opposite.

Translated by Sofia Soulioti

[02] Recall of Pacemakers

By Mary Lou Tzempelikou

Sources: NET- Guidant

Nine models of pacemakers, manufactured from 1997 to 2000, by the American company Guidant have been recalled, due to problems they presented in some cases. In the companys announcement, it is noted that in 69 cases problems had been reported, which were dealt with, without any deadly incident taking place. The company which represents Guidant in Greece suggests that patients implanted with the specific pacemakers of the batch should be examined in order to avoid problems. It is estimated that the pacemakers have been implanted in 300 Greek patients, while many have been replaced due to oldness. The manufacturing company will personally inform patients implanted with the specific models. Initially, 78,000 pacemakers were implanted in patients around the world, while 50,000 of the specific batch have been replaced.

In the companys announcement it is stated that the following models present problems:

PULSAR MAX 1170, 1171, 1270 PULSAR 0470, 0870, 0970, 0972, 1172, 1272 DISCOVERY 1174, 1175, 1273, 1274, 1275 MERIDIAN 0476, 0976, 1176, 1276 PULSAR MAX II 1180, 1181, 1280 DISCOVERY II 0481, 0981, 1184, 1186, 1187, 1283, 1284, 1285, 1286 CONTAK TR 1241 VIRTUS PLUS II 1380, 1480 INTELIS II 1483, 1484, 1485, 1384, 1385, 1349, 1499

Moreover, it adds that the above models have not been implanted during the past four years.

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

Related Links:

Guidant

[03] Advice for All Summer Trends A Stylish Suitcase for Summer

By Vicky Keleri

A few days or hours are left until your summer vacation begins, and surely you cant wait for the moment that either by ship or an airplane you will reach your destination. And exactly what is needed for a great and unforgettable time? Good spirits, good company and a suitcase filled with all the necessary accessories. We cannot offer help on the first two ingredients but only on the third! A good, respectable and stylish summer suitcase owes to abide by the rule of light traveling. Which means it has to be light, but fully equipped just so you feel comfortable and completely safe.

This Summer's Must Haves

We will begin with clothes. The number one must have are shorts.

Easy to wear, roomy and airy they have become the total trend of this summer.

You will wear them in safari colors, which are beige, brown and khaki, with t-shirts and flat sandals.

The most elegant versions will accompany your nightly outings combined with eccentric shirts, sequined ones are an excellent idea, and of course with high heels.

And from shorts we move on to gypsy skirts. We totally loved them and are a top priority in our everyday life and in our wardrobes! That is why we will take them fro a stroll with us to the islands!

We can wear them in our evening excursions and reveal our most carefree and romantic side.

If you think that they have been overrated, look a little closer! There are so many designs and patterns that if you search a little bit you harder can find your own personal favorite!

Of course, you will pack jeans in your suitcase. They are essential because they are an easy choice for difficult decisions! Just make sure you do not over do it since wearing jeans all day in not popular any more.

As far as t-shirts are concerned, tight tank tops decorated with badges, pearls or any other materials can become a fashionable choice for this summer. They can be matched with all other items and are easy to wear, which is the perfect combination!

Also for the more playful characters, t-shirts with cartoon characters are a fashion must have.

Do not forget the glamorous versions of the t-shirt, which are sequined or lacy for a night out.

As for shoes, since you are going on a vacation you might as well leave your high heels in your closet, or if you cannot part from them, choose a bronze or gold pair. You cannot take a step further without your flat sandals and flip flops, which should be decorated with shells or coral for a very summertime look.

On the issue of swimsuits, classic black or white choices are out and flowery versions in different designs are in fashion. Do not forget your sarongs in many colors and lengths! Remember that sarongs can be worn in the evening and night for a total summer look!

We have left accessories for last. Necklaces, bracelets and earrings made out of coral and shells are an all time must have of this summer, while ethnic pieces are not missing in a variety of choices.

This is all from us! All you have to do is pack your suitcase and prepare for one of the most special and fashionable vacations of your life!

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

[04] National Plan Ready by October 15 Cabinet on Lisbon Strategy

By Athina Saloustrou

The growth of competitiveness and employment as part of the Lisbon strategy topped the Cabinet meetings agenda today at the Maximos Mansion. As Economy Minister Giorgos Alogoskoufis stressed in his speech as a national coordinator on the Lisbon strategy, the National Plan to materialize the Lisbon strategy will be ready by October 15 through the dialogue with social partners. The Minister underlined that despite the difficulties of achieving the set goals, we are on a good track and stressed that Europe is left behind and that Greece is left ever more behind. Mr Alogoskoufis admitted there was no coordination between implicated bodies nor between implicated Ministries to promote measures that would help Greece apply the Lisbon strategy. As for Development Minister Dimitris Sioufas, he launched a harsh attack against PASOK, describing the Opposition party as the slowest part of Greek society, which always says no to necessary reforms.

Actions

The Economy Minister also said that Government initiatives and all Ministries' actions are moving to the direction of the guidelines established during the Spring EU Summit, which are as follows:

fiscal adjustment, aiming at reducing deficit to 3% of the GDP by the end of 2006, the new investment law, tax reforms, privatisations, operation restructuring of the Capital Market, consortiums between the public and private sector, simplification of processes for licensing new businesses, reform of bankruptcy legislation, regulation of job market, deregulation of the energy market, reinforcement of the Competition Committee's role, national dialogue on Education, exploitation of public property, etc. "All the above refer to actions, which will contribute to the achievement of the Lisbon strategy goals," ended Economy Minister Giorgos Alogoskoufis.

Translated by Sofia Soulioti

[05] PASOK: "Labour Bill Should Be Repealed"

By Mary Lou Tzempelikou

PASOK once again has asked for the repeal of the bill over labour relations, noting that the Regulation will be banned once that party will have full Parliamentary majority. In a Press interview on the issue given by Department Head of Employment Evangelos Venizelos noted that with the specific regulations the government is indicating a socially unfair and one-sided class character, bans social dialogue while implementing measures that not even the Mitsotakis government had taken. Moreover, he estimated that the bill violates Article 22 of the Constitution, deregulates the job market, and undermines the income and security rights of the employees, while it reinstates the job market to the labour regime of 1950. Answering to a question in relation to the issue of early elections Mr Venizelos said that with this manner the deceiving of public opinion is attempted, a manipulation by the members of ND, while he challenged the Prime Minister to give up the order received from the people if he considers that he cannot handle it. On his part, Press spokesperson Nikos Athanasakis said that Mr Meimarakis with his statements threatens the government and not the Opposition.

Reforms Are a One-Way Street

Minister of Employment Panos Panagiotopoulos answered to Mr Venizelos statements, accusing PASOK of "taking cover behind a denial for any change towards good" thus showing that the Greek society "should remain trapped in the dead end of unemployment and restricted development inherited by the governments of Mr Simitis." "Reforms are a one-way street for the Karamanlis government," stated Mr Panagiotopoulos and concluded, "the rest will be discussed in Parliament."

Opposed to Adrianopoulos-Manos' Views

The MPs of state Andreas Adrianopoulos and Stefanos Manos described their statements to the Press, in relation to the reforms and PASOKs stance, as personal views

"PASOKs views are different and progressive and are directed at the Greek people," said Mr Venizelos, while steerer of Public Administration Miltiadis Papaioannou spoke of neo-liberal views that are not related to the social and economic programme of PASOK.

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

Related News:

Labour Bill Underway

[06] Papaligouras-Alavanos Meeting

By Mary Lou Tzempelikou

Sources: NET- ANA

On Tuesday, the Minister of Justice, Anastasis Papaligouras after the meeting with the President of SYN, Alekos Alavanos, reassured that the measures for the counter of terrorism will be in complete accordance with the democratic way of life, and the acquits of beliefs and values in the civilized world. On the focus of the discussion, which was also attended by SYN Parliamentary delegate Fotis Kouvelis, were the new anti-terrorism measures that have to be taken by the Greek government after Great Britains proposal in the EU Council. Mr Kouvelis expressed his concern over the new measures and asked for the protection of personal data and expressed the evaluation that a political solution is needed. On his part, Mr Papaligouras made clear that the specific measures were not decided in the Summit Meeting, but only a general guideline of regulations was discussed, and added that the Greek side expressed its reservations noting that terrorism should be countered in a political manner.

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

[07] In A Cordial Atmosphere Petralia-G W Bush Meeting

By Despina Hristopoulou

Sources: ANA

The meeting of alternate Culture Minister Fani Palli Petralia with American President George W Bush took place in a very cordial atmosphere. The meeting took place in the context of the International Womens Democrat Union conference, which is taking place in Washington, which is focused on the importance of political initiatives for the counter of terrorism. Mrs Petralia was representing the government. As the Minister noted, the American President "confirmed the existing good relations between the two countries" and described PM Kostas Karamanlis as "a very good friend" and "a very good politician." Moreover, Mr Bush congratulated the Greek government once again for the flawless and safe Athens Olympic Games, and gave special emphasis to the issue of terrorism and the need of countering it.

Bush Will Support Conference

The alternate Culture Minister briefed the American President over the proceedings of the conference of the International Womens Democrat Union, which will take place in October 7-9 in Athens, and Mr Bush reassured that he would give his full support.

Mrs Petralias meeting with Undersecretary of State and Political Affairs Nicholas Burns also took place in the same cordial atmosphere. As the Greek Minister stated she is a friend with Mr Burns for a number of years, and noted that they discussed the utilization of Olympic facilities and the opportunities to "cultivate excellent relations between the two countries in the department of culture."

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

[08] Threats to Hit Europe Al Qaeda Ultimatum

By Betty Savourdou

Terrorist network Al Qaeda gave an ultimatum to European countries, which still have troops in Iraq. In particular, with an announcement posted on the Internet, if these countries do not pull their troops out of Iraq within the next 30 days, the group will launch new attacks in Europe, after the London hit. "This message is the final warning to European states. We want to give you a one-month deadline to bring your soldiers out from the land of Mesopotamia," said the statement signed by the Brigades Abu Hafs al-Masri dated July 16, 2005. The authenticity of the statement could not be verified.

30 Days Deadline

After the end of the ultimatum on August 15, "there will be no more messages, just actions that will be engraved on the heart of Europe," said the statement, signed by one of Al Qaeda's groups, which has also claimed responsibility for the London attacks.

"It will be a bloody war in the service of God. It's a message we are addressing to the crusaders who are still present in Iraq: Denmark, the Netherlands, Britain, Italy and those other countries whose troops continue to criss-cross Iraqi territory," reads the message. "These are our last words. The mujahedeen, who are on the lookout, will have other words to say in your capitals," warn the Brigades Abu Hafs al-Masri.

"After the laudable strikes that have shaken London and the cities of other Crusaders still present in Iraq, we have renewed the ultimatum that we had given. We give you all one month to reflect carefully on your policy towards Islam and Muslims," stressed the message.

"We're giving you this deadline so that you stop running behind the United States and the Zionists, without paying attention to the blood that has been shed and continues to be shed in the land of Islam -- in Iraq, Afghanistan and Palestine," reads the message posted on the Internet.

Translated by Sofia Soulioti

[09] Says "Yes" to Europe While is Unsure of Future Greeks' European "Yes" and "No's"

By Athina Saloustrou

Sources: NET

Europeanists, pessimistic over the future and concerned with their income. This is how the Greek citizens are described by a EU opinion poll by the Eurobarometer. On the question of "how do you see your life in the next twelve months, " 33% of Greeks answer that it sees it as good (as opposed to 34% of the Europeans), 22% see it as worse (as opposed to 11% of Europeans), while 42% of the Greeks foresee a deadlock (as opposed to 51% of the Europeans.) The views on the euro are also divided. On the question of if "you agree to a common European currency," 49% of the Greek people respond positively while 49% negatively.

Regardless of the reservations on the European currency, Greeks are among the Europeans that believe that the countrys accession to the European community is "something positive." More specifically, one out of two Greeks give that answer to the opinion poll. According to the Eurobarometer, the Europeans seem concerned over Turkeys accession into the EU. 52% of the citizens are opposed to the European prospect of the neighboring country and 35% support it. The percentage is also high in Greece. 70% say "No" to Turkeys accession and 26% "Yes."

Eight out of ten Greeks support the common foreign and defense policy of the EU, while unemployment, the economic status of the country, deficit and crime, in that order, are the most important problems concerning citizens.

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

[10] Seven Out of Ten Business Violate Regulations Fines Imposed to Chinese Stores

By Athina Saloustrou

Seven out of ten businesses, which sell Chinese products, were found to have made serious tax and regulation violations during checks of crews consisting of members of the Ministry of Economy, IKA, Labour Inspectorate and the Ministry of Development. The fines imposed exceed 160,000 euros. The intensive checks by the aforementioned bodies for the counter of tax evasion, illegal trading and uncontrolled trade is extended to all tourist areas of the country. According to the data announced today by the Ministry of Economy, 298 businesses were checked in total. "The checks serve two main goals; to protect the legal businesses and their employees from illegal practices and illicit behaviors and to ensure the income and interest of the state from the constraint of tax evasion," stated the General Secretary of the Ministry of Economy Mr Michalos on the occasion of the first results.

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

[11] According to International Samplings in June Cheap Petrol and Diesel in Greece

By Athina Saloustrou

Last June, Greece had the second lowest price in petrol and diesel in Europe, according to data publicized by the International Tourism Alliance (AIT) and the European Road Information Center (ERIC) in Geneva. According to the data which were samplings taken on June 20, 2005, our country had the lowest prices in unleaded (average price 1.01 euro/liter) and in diesel the second lowest (average price 0.88 euro/liter). In petrol prices, Spain had the lowest with 0.95 euro/liter, followed by Luxemburg and Austria (1.01 euro/liter), Ireland (1.21 euro/liter), Portugal (1.11 euro/liter), Italy (1.21 euro/liter) and Germany (1.18 euro/liter). In diesel prices, following Luxemburg with the average lowest price of 0.87 euro/liter, came our country with 0.88 euro/liter and followed by Portugal 0.91 euro/liter, Austria 0.92 euro/liter and France 0.93 euro/liter. The highest prices are noted in Germany and Italy with 1.10 euro/liter, Belgium 1.08 euro/liter and the Netherlands with 1.05 euro/liter.

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

[12] Greek Volleyball Team Qualifies

By Vasilis Kalpinos

The Greek Mens Volleyball team will be present in the final stage of the World Volleyball Championship in Japan in 2006. Greece, with the support by its fans that flooded the Larisa Stadium, defeated Turkey with 3-0 set, in the context of the 8th preliminary group and ensured the qualification to the finals. The sets were as follows: 25-22, 25-23, and 29-27.

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

[13] Zagorakis Ends Contract

By Dimitris Alexopoulos

The road for Zagorakis return to PAOK has opened, since the end of his contract with Bologna FC was announced on Tuesday. In the morning, the captain of the Greek team met with the Administration Board of the Italian team, and the two sides decided on the players release, and who is expected to return to Toumba Stadium after 7.5 years of absence. Zagorakis will arrive in Thessaloniki on Thursday evening with the fans of PAOK preparing a warm welcome to the footballer. Kimonas Kokorogiannis, the captains manager commented on Sports Metropolis radio station "Thodoris is not concerned with money when there is the desire to return to Greece and PAOK. There is the will of PAOK to incorporate him in the team and the players desire to return to the team which he has close to his heart."

"I Thank Bologna"

The news, which was immediately broadcast in Thessaloniki, made the fans of PAOK joyful, since the President of the FC spoke of the biggest transfer this year in Greece.

The team of Thessaloniki is importantly reinforced in the centerfield area with a player that except for experiences, power and passion holds great respect to the club.

The announcement on his official site on the Internet reads as following:

"Today, Tuesday July 19, after the wish of the footballer and a joint consensual decision, Thodoros Zagorakis contract with Bologna FC has ended. The captain of the Greek team, accompanied by his spokesperson Kimonas Kokorogiannis, met with the bodies of the Italian team and agreed on the break of the contract, which initially ended in 30.6.2006.

Thodoros Zagorakis would like to thank the Administration Board of Bologna FC for the partnership of the previous year, their stance and behavior towards him, while he would also like to wish the team all the best in the fulfillment of its goals and its return to the A Division."

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

[14] Sweet Medicine Vs Blood Pressure

By Mary Lou Tzempelikou

Sources: ANA- Reuters

It seems that whatever has been written at times about chocolate is not enough, since new studies and researches see the light that prove that the consumption of chocolate has positive effects to our health, just as long as it is eaten with measure. A research that was recently published in the journal of the American Heart Association claims that the consumption of dark chocolate has beneficial consequences for persons suffering from hypertension, since it decreases blood pressure. The findings of the research conducted by a group of scientists indicate that the flavonoids contained in dark chocolate help in the smooth function of arteries, since it is very possible they contribute in decrease heart episodes.

Only Dark Chocolate Helps

Similar findings were indicated by research that was conducted in the past and it is considered certain that a good and natural medicine that helps persons with hypertension is black chocolate.

However, scientists note that this does not mean that they have to increase the consumption of chocolate, but that flavonoids contained in cocoa help in the good function of arteries. Meanwhile, dieticians warn that chocolate contains a large quantity of vegetable fats, sugar and calories.

This does not occur with white or milk chocolate. According to the scientists participating in the research, white chocolate does not contain flavonoids, while milk chocolate contains a less quantity of these ingredients.

During the research that was conducted by Tufts University in Boston, 10 men and 10 women suffering from hypertension were separated into two groups. The one group consisting of 5 men and 5 women consumed 100 grams of dark chocolate daily, while the other group ate the same quantity of white chocolate.

After, the groups changed and started consuming the product of the other group.

This comparison led the scientists to the conclusion that only the consumption of dark chocolate helps blood pressure.

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

Related Links:

American Heart Association

[15] Marriage Is Not His Strong Point

By Vicky Keleri

After having not one, nor two, but 5,000 marriage proposals turned down, a wealthy lawyer from Croatia says he must be the ugliest man in the world. Whatever Emil Kacic may have done, however hard he tried in each of his relationships, none of his companions ever agreed to marry him. So he decided to look for his other half by placing adverts in local papers stressing his wealth with words like "tender and rich lawyer looks for a pretty lady to marry." However, the profile of the ideal husband did not do him any good and then decided to stress his financial advantages using expressions such as "disgustingly rich lawyer looks for a pretty lady to marry." Still, as he admitted money cant buy you love and his adverts went down the drain.

He even got to the point where he asked women he met in the streets to marry him, but they always said no Kacic, from Zagreb, said he had now accepted that he must be the ugliest man in the world.

However, he doesnt give up and despite his disappointment he will keep looking for a woman to marry. This is why he decided to go public with his unfortunate life story, hoping to have better luck next time. "I hope all the publicity over my failed search for love might bring me love at last," he stressed.

Translated by Sofia Soulioti

[16] His Appeal Was Rejected Eirinaios Not Justified

By Mary Lou Tzempelikou

Sources: ANA

The High Court of Israel rejected the motion of monk Eirinaios who had appealed asking for the proceedings for the election of the new Patriarch to be ruled as illegal and to decide over the legitimacy of not of the new Synod. Moreover, the court imposed Eirinaios a 3,000-euro fine for the expenses of the trial. It is noted that the decision of the court is considered as an indication of no support to Eirinaios from Israel even if it is the only country that has not denounced him yet. Earlier, the Palestinian Authority had gone forth with the recognition of the Jerusalem Patriarchate suffragan, Petras Metropolitan Bishop Kornilios. Analysts estimate that the recent developments open the way for the Nominating Council of the candidates for the seat of Patriarch, which will take place on Wednesday. Following, the suffragan will publicize the list of names to the governments of Jordan, Israel and the Palestinian Authority in order to be ratified. If all goes well and without postponement the elections will take place until August 15 the latest.

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

[17] To Testify to Vice Prosecutor Sanidas Deadline for Bourboulia

By Athina Saloustrou

Former interrogator Konstantina Bourboulia asked and received a deadline for the preparation of her testimony from Supreme Court Vice Prosecutor Giorgos Sanidas, who is conducting the investigation over corruption in Justice. Konstantina Bourboulia had been called to testify as a suspect of abuse of power. According to sources, during her performance of duties in a case of litigation between two businessmen, she reportedly favored one of the two. She denies this allegation.

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

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