The Hellenic Radio (ERA): News in English, 05-07-21

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

CONTENTS

[01] "No Reports of Victims" New Terror Shock in London

By Vicky Keleri

Sources: Reuters- Associated Press- AFP

Exactly two weeks after the deadly terrorist attacks in the centre of the British capital, terror once again strikes London. At noon, three small explosions occurred in Underground stations. In the meantime, an explosion occurred in a bus in the area of Hackney. Tony Blair seemed reassuring in his speech to the British people, stating that up to now there has been no information of fatalities, and added that the police will give a detailed announcement later on. He also noted that the authorities acted effectively. The British PM estimated that the target of todays explosions was to spread fear, and called on the citizens to keep calm. On the issue of who is behind the attacks this time around, he noted that it is too early to make assumptions. Shortly before, the Chief of Scotland Yard reassured that the situation is under control, and called on Londoners to report any information linked to the incidents to the police, while he confiremed that one person has been injured. At this hour, alert has sounded at St Albans' station, north of London and only two stops away from Luton airport, after suspicious packages were located.

Explosions Occurred Simultaneously

The small explosions were noted nearly at the same time in the stations of Shepherds Bush, Warren Street and Oval, while the explosion on bus number 26 occurred in the area of Hackney in southeast London. As it emerges from the current evidence, only the detonators exploded, thus there were no fatalities.

As Scotland Yard Chief Sir Ian Blair stated, the three lines that were hit are still not in operation.

He described the four explosions as serious incidents, however he noted that there were no victims, only an injured person in Warren Street.

In the meantime, the police operation in University College Hospital in Warren Street, which is searching for a dark skinned man who reportedly was strapped with explosives, is in development.

According to police information a man in Shepherds Bush Station threatened to blow himself up and following ran away.

Another man was arrested outside the Prime Ministers residence but no information was given on this case also.

Furthermore, the three stations were investigated by police forces, trained for the counter of chemical warfare. However, no trace of chemicals was found.

In relation to the bus explosion there was only small damage, while the driver in his statements said that he was very scared but well.

Meanwhile, an alarm was sounded in New York and the area around the Pentagon has been set on alert. Also, from the time that the news over the new explosions in London was broadcast, the guarding in subway stations and central parts of the city has increased.

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

[02] The Captain Came Home

By Dimitris Alexopoulos

Accompanied by his spokesperson, Kimonas Kokorogiannis, and amidst cheers and applause by over 4,000 PAOK fans, Thodoris Zagorakis arrived in Thessaloniki. The captain of the Greek national football team went to PAOK's offices and signed his new two-year contract. Later on, he arrived at the Press hall, where he was more than warmly welcomed, and made his first statements as a PAOK player. The Greek captain received his new shirt (No7) by PAOK FC president Giannis Goumenos.

Translated by Sofia Soulioti

[03] By GSEE's Side Press on Strike

By Anna Kourti

The Steering Committee of the Press announced a 24-hour strike for all Media next week, in the context of GSEEs (Greek General Confederation of Labour) collective actions regarding the Bill on labour relations. As of 06:00 Monday morning, 25 July 2005, until 06:00 Tuesday morning, 26 July 2005, all reporters working in all newspapers, Press technicians and lithographers will be on strike, while all reporters working in electronic media (private and public), the Athens News Agency, the General Agency of Information, Periodic Press, all executive staff in Press businesses and employees in Distribution Agencies will go on strike from 06:00 Tuesday morning, 26 July 2005, until 06:00 Wednesday morning, 27 July 2005. Only reporters covering the demonstrations at the time of their realization will be excluded from the strike.

According to the Steering Committee's announcement, "the Government is launching an attack against labour and social security. The Bill in question is in essence offering a gift to businesses, reducing the cost of labour and pensions and adding working time, thus abolishing working hours."

Translated by Sofia Soulioti

[04] Controversial Article Voted On Trading Hours Bill Passed

By Betty Savourdou

Early on Thursday morning, Article 12 of the Ministry of Developments Bill was voted for in a charged atmosphere. The Bill concerns the extension of trading hours and was voted with 55 votes for and 44 against. The vote was made by roll call after a demand by PASOK, while the controversial Article was voted only by ND MPs. The President of the Opposition, George Papandreou, lashed out against the government, and stated that PASOK will repeal NDs decisions once it takes up power and that everyone is opposed to the reform of trading hours. In the meantime, the dispute between Minister of Development Dimitris Sioufas and PASOK MP Anna Diamantopoulou continued. SYN will support the middle class and trade employees in order for a different Bill, than the one decided in Parliament, to be enacted, stated Alekos Alavanos.

Challenge for Early Elections

Speaking at the Recess Session of the Parliament, Opposition leader George Papandreou accused the Government of authoritarianism.

Mr Papandreou pledged that when PASOK ascends to power again, it will abolish all ND's unilateral laws.

PASOK president Mr Papandreou stressed that the extension of trading hours was never an issue among social or unionist bodies, but a government move, which was made regardless of what the Greek society wants and in fact, regardless of the European Observatory report, which read that the extension and deregulation of trading hours would afflict small and medium sized businesses, as they are not able to handle competition.

We are not consumers only, stated George Papandreou, but also people above all, and said that the decision in such matters should arise from local societies.

As he said, this reform affects the majority and helps only the few, while only big chains of department stores will gain from it.

Mr Papandreou referred to early elections. I challenge you, he said, to go forth with elections and to ask for the vote of the Greek people, if you think that they will believe you after all these great post-election promises.

"No to Rules of the Past Century"

Replying to the Opposition leader, Minister of Development Dimitris Sioufas noted that Mr Papandreou was late coming to the Parliament meeting over trading hours, and underlined that the change is demanded by the Greek market and that trade cannot operate with rules that existed in the past century.

In relation to Mr Papandreous reference of repealing the Bill, Mr Sioufas noted that Oppositions are judged in the future and the works they will make, and not from works they promise to destroy.

Measures Against the People

As for KKE, Nikos Gatzis stressed that both the Government and the Opposition are in fact agreeing to the deregulation of trading hours and the only difference between them is that the Government says it's an issue to be decided by Trade Associations, while the Opposition says it should be decided by local administration councils.

SYN Parliamentarian Asimina Xyrotiri stressed that government reforms like this one are part of measures against the people and against workers, and further added that the Government's allegations that these measures will boost the competitiveness of Greek Economy are simply an alibi.

In statements, SYN president Alekos Alavanos stressed that society always rejects measures which satisfy the needs of the few and of big multinational companies, while he went on to underline that national, local contracts and deals between employees and trade bodies provide for trading hours, which were constitutionally right up until now.

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

Related News:

Voted for in Principle

[05] Karamanlis' Trip to Ankara

By Betty Savourdou

Sources: NET

Athens and Ankara are in constant contact to set a date for the Greek Prime Minister's visit to Turkey. As Foreign Ministry Press spokesperson Giorgos Koumoutsakos stressed, they are looking for a date to please both sides and the aim is to schedule the visit as soon as possible. The preparation of Mr Karamanlis' trip to Turkey was discussed in the meeting between the Prime Minister and the Foreign Minister on Thursday morning. Commenting a question in Eurobarometre for Turkey's accession to the EU, in which Greeks gave a negative answer, the ministry's spokesperson said the opinion poll has a certain gravity, however at least 10 years of negotiations will have passed before Turkey's actual accession.

Briefing the PM

Regarding the meeting between the PM and Foreign Minister, Mr Molyviatis informed Mr Karamanlis on Greece's initiatives as part of its President at the UN's Security Council, especially regarding terrorism.

Translated by Sofia Soulioti

[06] New Recall of Product

By Betty Savourdou

Sources: NET

Another defected product is recalled from the market. It is a depilatory foam called "Perky Aloe Vera" of the company "Laboratories Billy," of which a defect was detected on its packaging. Specifically, the reason for the products recall is an alteration on the pink aluminum can. The company has recalled the product for preventive reasons, as only batch number L53003 indicated defects. In the companys announcement, it states that there is no problem with the content of the can that the foam is safe and does not cause skin rashes or side effects. Consumers that have bought the specific product in aerosol form have to carefully empty its contents in a washbasin, in order to decrease pressure, and following wrap it up in a newspaper and discard.

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

[07] Flights will Run As Planned

By Mary Lou Tzempelikou

Flights on Friday will take place as planned, since the indefinite strikes planned by contract workers, were ruled illegal and improper. It is noted that the workers are employed in ground services and are asking that their contracts be changed to permanent. The aforementioned persons are employed in ground services for a number of airlines, among them Olympic Airlines.

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

[08] International Community Not Responding Famine Threatens Niger

By Betty Savourdou

Sources: ANA

More than 2.5 million people in Niger, in northwestern Africa are threatened by famine, a fact that seems to leave the international community unaffected. As UN Emergency Relief Coordinator Jan Engeland stated, there is insufficient collective action, regardless of the pleas made by the UN. Statistically, it is estimated that every third resident of the African country, which in the past was a province of Nigeria, and among them 800,000 children are threatened by famine. Already, 150,000 children are a stage before death. According to the UN official the sum of 30 million dollars is needed for the relief of the population of the poor country.

No Cooperation

During the African summer, a persisting drought and an invasion of huge grasshoppers assisted to a humanitarian destruction in one of the poorest countries of the world.

"We could have made the situation less tragic than it is, but unfortunately the international community did not cooperate," noted Engeland.

The sum of the donation, which was necessary to be collected and provided for the relief of the population in the verge of starvation, was around 16 million dollars, a sum that the UN did not manage to collect.

The UN coordinator concluded that what remains, in order to help our fellow citizens is double the money.

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

[09] By Non-Government Russian Foundation Honorary Distinction to M. Theodorakis

By Vivian Papastefanou

The non-Government Russian Foundation of Andreas Protoklitos and the Russian Centre of National Glory will honour Mikis Theodorakis in Chania on July 31 at 21:00 with the "Dialogue of Cultures" award, as part of the honorary events to be held in the city for the 80 years of the famous Greek composer. The award praises Mikis Theodorakis for his contribution, through his music and cultural and social action, to peace and cooperation between the peoples of the world. It will also symbolize his great role in the further growth of traditional bonds between Russia and Greece. The Russian delegation will give Mr Theodorakis his award during a major event, in the presence of thousands of friends, shortly before the beginning of the concert. The Greek composer has also received two "Lenin" awards in 1967 and 1983, and was awarded this year for his contribution in the anti-fascist struggle.

Translated by Sofia Soulioti

[10] Medical Examinations Are Expected Suspense Over Siamese Twins

By Despina Hristopoulou

Sources: NET- NET 105.8

The two newborn Siamese twins that were born on Wednesday with a cesarean section in Alexandra Hospital have been taken to the Aglaia Kyrikou Childrens Hospital. A 30-year-old Nigerian woman gave birth to the two girls, which are connected at the navel. The prenatal checks did not indicate that they were Siamese twins. The doctors express their reserved optimism, and estimate that the separation surgery will be relatively easy, since the babies are not connected at vital organs. Further examinations will indicate if a separation surgery can take place and how, since there is no previous experience from similar incidents. Until the examinations come out, the doctors state that the babies are in a critical condition. The birth of Siamese twins is a very rare phenomenon and occurs once in 800,000 births.

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

[11] The Largest Moon Touch the Moon Tonight!

By Despina Hristopoulou

Sources: ΝΕΤ 105.8, ΝΕΤ

Tonight, leave all your chores aside and marvel at the Moon. Even if you do not consider yourselves a romantic, make an exception and cast your eyes at the sky. Tonights Full Moon is quite unique, since it will be the largest of the last ten years, as the body will pass from the closets point of its orbit around the Earth. At 22:46 on the dot, the Moon will be just 357,158km away from our planet. Although, it is a phenomenon that does not occur very often, this year we will be able to see it again on 19 August.

The Moon, Earths sole natural satellite, has been an object of admiration since antiquity and a source of inspiration for poets, worshippers and lovers.

According to Greek mythology, the Moon was actually ancient goddess of hunting Artemis, who helped hunters find their way in the dark, while it was believed to have divine and destructive properties.

Translated by Vicky Ghionis

[12] Cows Addicted to Pot?

By Mary Lou Tzempelikou

Milk farmers on the small principality of Liechtenstein are quite upset, as the Government banned their feeding hemp, which is related to cannabis, to their cattle. Although it seems unbelievable, farm owners in Liechtenstein chose to feed this particular plant as it mellows cows down and as a result they produce more milk. However, the Government decided to ban the use of the fodder in question, enraging the farmers, who declared determined to fight back.

They Don't Get High

"Hemp is good for cows because it serves as a very small tranquilliser," said the hemp farmers, since, as they claimed, many of the cows are stressed nowadays!

"A milk cow which is calm produces better milk. That is a fact," argued the enraged milk farmers.

According to the authorities, however, the trouble is that a chemical called THC - the chemical that helps give the "high" associated with cannabis use - can get into the milk. Actually, Peter Malin, of the Liechtenstein Department of Agriculture, argued that it was not right for children to consume this type of milk.

On the other hand, the framers are claiming that European hemp has none of the narcotic properties found in its Indian cousin. As a result, the cattle are more relaxed, but they are not stoned.

There are some other dairy-cow farmers, though, who are sceptical about the milk-yield benefits of hemp, so they welcomed the ban.

However, the only ones that have no say in the matter are the cows themselves!

Translated by Vicky Ghionis

[13] CFS and DETH Issues Economy Discussed in Maximos Mansion

By Mary Lou Tzempelikou

Sources: NET- NET 105.8- ANA

On Thursday, Prime Minister Kostas Karamanlis held a meeting with Minister of Economy Giorgos Alogoskoufis and Deputy Minister Christos Folias. The subject matter of the meeting with Mr Folias was the materialization course of the 3rd Community Support Framework. Following, Mr Karamanlis met with Mr Alogoskoufis who briefed him over the planning and the financing reports content that he will make in his speech in the Thessaloniki International Trade Fair. Upon his exit from Maximos Mansion, Mr Alogoskoufis announced that due to the extended discussion with the PM, the planned meeting with OTE President Panagiotis Vourloumis would take place in the Ministry of Economy and not OTE. In a journalists question related to his visit in OTE, Mr Aloskoufis replied that there is no such issue. Earlier, it had been mentioned that Mr Liapis expressed his dissatisfaction since he had not been informed of the aforementioned meeting.

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

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