The Hellenic Radio (ERA): News in English, 05-08-03

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

CONTENTS

[01] New Code of Contact for Doctors Penalties for Offenders

By Despina Hristopoulou

Health Minister Nikitas Kaklamanis made public the new code of contact for doctors. According to the new code, harsh penalties, fines and even revoke of authorisation will be imposed on doctors who receive bribe or participate in drug businesses or any other medical material. In particular, doctors violating the provisions of articles regarding medical incapacities and incompatibility are to face revoke of authorisation for at least two years and fines ranging from 50,000 to 200,000 euros. The relevant decision is to be taken by the Health Minister following the opinion by the Executive Board of the Central Health Council. Should the offence is repeated, an absolutely final revoke of authorisation is provisioned.

Harsh Penalties

The new code of contact for doctors also includes articles forbidding doctors to proceed with euthanasia and cloning. Doctors, who employ test methods lacking any authorisation on the part of the Central Health Council, will face absolutely final revoke authorisation.

Furthermore, as per the new code, medical certificates, opinions and prescriptions issued lawfully are of the same validity irrespective of their being issued by public hospitals doctors or not. False medical certificates constitute a disciplinary and penal offence.

The code in question also protects doctors from possible groundless reports and allegations by granting them the right to ask for compensation and restoration of any financial harm or mental distress.

The draft code was sent to the relevant bodies, which should provide their remarks and suggestions within 20 days.

Translated by Areti Christou

[02] 62.47 Dollars a Barrel Petrol Station Owners at Focus

By Despina Hristopoulou

Sources: NET 105.8 - ANA

While oil prices achieving a new record high world wide with 62.47 a barrel in New York, Development Minister Dimitris Sioufas sent an urgent letter to the President of the Competition Committee Dimitris Zisimopoulos to proceed with all necessary checks on the existence of cartels in petrol stations and companies trading oil products. The Prefectures of Herakleion, Chania, Rethymno, Lasithiou, Thesprotia, Evrytania, Kephalonia, Levkada, Zakynthos, Corfu, Lesvos and Dodekanisa as well as Athens-Patra and Athens-Thessaloniki national highways are at the focus of the investigations. It was the official data regarding the high fuel prices in the aforementioned regions that prompted Mr Sioufass reaction. Development Minister called on the Competition Committee to take all necessary measures should phenomena of coordinated practices are located.

Translated by Areti Christou

[03] Villages in Danger Fires on Crete

By Despina Hristopoulou

Sources: NET 105.8 - ANA

The fire that broke out in the area of Mesara in Herakleion threatening the villages of Siva, Listratos and Kouses as well as Odigitria convent was brought under control on Wednesday night. The firefighters assisted by the inhabitants of the municipalities of Moires, Tympaki, Zaros and Rouva battled against the blazing hell that threatened houses. A fire helicopter and two water-carrying aircrafts were employed to operate where fire engines and foot firefighters did not have access.

The fire south of Rhodes is receding

The fire destroyed thousands of olive trees, crops and drillings in its wake. The final account of damages will be complete on Thursday as soon as the sun breaks through.

Regional Secretary General of the Prefecture Serafeim Tsokas and Regional Fire Brigade Chief G. Vasileiou rushed on the site.

Meanwhile, a 37-year-old man from Siteia was caught red-handed in the village of Babakado in Chania the moment he was starting a fire in the forest. The Prosecutor charged him with arson and set a date for his trial. He was then released with restrictive terms. The fire south of Rhodes is receding.

Mines Exploded

The fire blazed through 10 square metres of forest near Asi Fonia in Rethymno. The fire broke out at 9.30 on Wednesday morning and fanned on by gale-force winds. Meanwhile, the fire that destroyed 70 square metres of forest in eastern Ierapetra was put out. Firefighters flirted with danger since the fire triggered the explosion of long forgotten mines. In the area of Nea Anatoli two civilians were slightly injured by a mine explosion on their effort to prevent the fire from reaching the aluminium factory.

Translated by Areti Christou

[04] New Prerequisite for Public Sector Harsh Tongue on Interview

By Vagelis Theodorou

As per Greek Interior Minister Prokopis Pavlopoulos, the establishment of oral interview as a new prerequisite for employment in the Public Sector comes into effect. Mr Pavlopoulos decision fuelled a fierce dispute between the government and the Opposition. PASOK said that allegations regarding party-oriented policies employed by ND are confirmed and accused Mr Pavlopoulos of establishing interviews even for the selection of cooks. "You judge others as you judge yourselves," Interior Minister replied. According to the new reform, the interview is to be held before a three-member committee with ASEP (Supreme Council for Personnel Selection) being authorised to determine the majority of the members. Furthermore, the three-member committee is to set the date and the place where the interview will be taking place, and is to give the candidate a five-day notice. The grade given by each committee member is to be classified and it is to be tabled in an aggregate board. Objections regarding the grades are not provisioned.

Both Sides Launch Criticism

"Mr Pavlopoulos, after establishing an interview even for the selection of cooks, after making sure that the interview undermines the typical and essential qualifications of the candidates, clearly declared that objections against the interview grading are ruled out. Therefore, nobody should have any doubts on what comes next," said in their statement PASOK parliamentarians Miltiadis Papaioannou and Ntinos Rovlias.

On his part, Mr Pavlopoulos pointed out that the statement issued by the Opposition launched a direct attack against ASEP, since it views the interview as necessary and it is authorised to carry out the interview. "Being the masterminds of favouritism and nepotism in terms of the personnel selection for 20 years, PASOKs official continue to judge other as they judge themselves," Interior Minister concluded.

Translated by Areti Christou

[05] Employee Disclosed Confidential Information Battle Over A Dismissal

By Vagelis Theodorou

With the accusation that she was aware of confidential information concerning the stock exchanges of ND MP Achilleas Karamanlis and their disclosure, the Service Council dismissed a Parliamentary employee after a decision. The news caused the strong reaction of PASOK Parliamentary spokesperson Charis Kastanides who spoke of an unfair and unprecedented decision that is reminiscent of "past glorious eras of the right-wing" and leads to the inspection of administrative action of employees "within a regime of fear and threat." According to Mr Kastanides, the controversial information is recorded in a declaration of assets that every MP submits annually. The Parliaments reaction was immediate, and in an announcement states that the procedure would be followed for any employee and there is no issue of discrimination. According to the announcement, which also states that Mr Kastanides statements are groundless, the employee "without a right, service reason or order" searched the files of previous years and collected data that only chartered accountants can access. In closing, according to sources of Speaker of Parliament Anna Psarouda-Benaki, the ND MP is not aware of the issue.

Strong Criticism

As it is mentioned in the Parliamentary announcement, the wrongdoing of the employee was made public after a complaint by employees of the same service and a relevant report of her senior. A sworn administrative enquiry was ordered during which five employees were questioned and confirmed the accusations, while following the issue was committee to the Service Council that decided on her dismissal.

"Parliament acts in a just way and requires from its employees to adhere to the confidentiality rules. These rules cannot be used for parties own interests as it unfortunately occurred with Mr Kastanides announcement, who is only trying to involve Parliamentary employees in party feuds," ends the announcement.

"The anonymous editor to my reply accounts me with use of groundless facts. I warn him or her that I am very well aware of the specific cases facts," Mr Kastanides replied, and wondered how an employee can search through confidential information in front of her co-workers without them obstructing her, while adding that he wanted proof that the employee had handled the MPs file and added data herself.

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

[06] ND Meeting Over Changes Municipal Elections at Headquarters

By Vagelis Theodorou

The event of enacting the new institutional context for the emergence of Mayors and Prefects starting by the upcoming elections in Local Government Organizations (OTA), on October 2006, has not been ruled out. This was discussed in a ND meeting at Rigillis Street, presided by Secretary Vangelis Meimarakis and the participation of Organizations and Local Administration Secretariats. Mr Meimarakis claimed that the election of Mayor from the first Sunday, with 42% or above, will bring more capable persons in Local Government and will remove political parties from the process. Moreover, he criticized PASOK over its stance and called on the government to explain its views. According to the ND Secretary, the aim of the governing party is for changes to be enacted in the forthcoming elections in OTA, while the issue over the election percentage of the Prefect will also be placed under discussion. "Our main principle for the function of the Local Government is one without the involvement of parties. We want more democratic and effective procedures, thus we give the capability of emergence from the first Sunday," stated the Secretary for the Local Administration Giannis Tziamtzis on his part, stating that the aim is a broad dialogue so parties and Local Government can form new conditions in local societies.

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

Related News:

Changes in Municipal Elections

[07] Change of Guard in Iran

By Betty Savourdou

In his first official speech after the approval of his appointment by the spiritual leader of the country, Ali Khamenei, the new President of Iran, Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, supported the end of mass destruction weapons. "Historically, the Iranian nation always kept a defensive stance and never attacked anyone. The oppressors led by the Great Satan, know that the Iranian nation does not succumb to blackmail," stated Khamenei referring to the US. The 49-year-old politician is taking over the country in turbulent period during which Tehrans relations with the international community are especially tense, due to Irans decision to repeat its nuclear activities. Furthermore, it is ready to restart work in a uranium conversion plant. Meanwhile, Iran describes the demand of the International Atomic Energy Agency to wait a week for the installation of observance equipment, as unacceptable.

IAEA not Ready

Spokesperson for Irans Supreme National Security Council Ali Aghamohammadi stated that the IAEA and Iran inspectors are working in the plant, near the city of Isfahan.

However, IAEA spokesperson Melissa Fleming stated that the Agency couldnt install the observance equipment before the middle of next week, in order to remove the seals and for nuclear activities to start.

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

Related News:

Terror in Tehran

Turbulent Talks

[08] Army in Action Stations Coup d'Etat in Mauritania

By Anna Kourti

Sources: AFP, Reuters

On Tuesday morning, a military coup detat occurred in Nouakchott, Mauritania. Members of the Presidential Guard have taken over the Army General Staff of the countrys Armed Forces and the National Broadcasting Corporation, the shows of which have been disrupted since 05:00 local time. The soldiers have closed off access to the Presidential Mansion and the Ministries. The President of the country, Maaouya Ould SidAhmed Taya, who was in Saudi Arabia since Tuesday for the funeral of King Fahd, has been transported to Niger. As per coup leaders, a Military Council is to hold power for not longer than two years aiming at "establish favourable conditions for an open and transparent democratic system on which civil, society and political players will be able to give their opinions freely". Spain voiced its concern and noted that it keep a close eye on the developments in the African country.

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

[09] Anorthosis Qualifies

By Dimitris Alexopoulos

Playing against all odds and in a stadium crammed with fanatic Turks, Anorthosis Famagusta FC from Cyprus achieved a historic qualification over the Turkish team Trabzonspor and made it to the third preliminary round of the Champions League. Cypriot super league champions did not let any provocation by the Turkish fans distract them, and performed well. Despite their 1-0 defeat, they were the ones to qualify, since they had coasted a 3-1 vicotry over the Turks in Nikosia a week ago. Anorthosis is to play against Rangers in the next preliminary round.

Translated by Areti Christou

[10] Damage on Discovery Repaired Discovery In Flight Repair

By Vagelis Theodorou

The first repair space walk was undertaken by Discovery astronaut Stephen Robinson at 11:48 Greek time. The aim was for the damage to the thermal wall of the space shuttle to be repaired, in order for the craft to safely return to Earth. The 49-year-old American, assisted by Japanese Soichi Noguchi, successfully removed the gap fillers that were protruding from the underside of Discovery. The space repair lasted around five hours and thirty minutes, while the procedure stopped only when Nasa technicians concluded that the damage had been fully repaired. "The procedures are simple, but have to be made very carefully," stated Robinson shortly before his exit to space and concluded "see you later."

Hopes for Safe Return

Nasas plan for the repair of the problem is delicate and simple: the 49-year-old astronaut was transported on the underside of the craft by a robotic arm of the International Space Station (ISS), Canadarm 2, which was operated by Discovery co-pilot James Kelly. The 20m arm bended and encircled the fuselage of the shuttle, while Robinson tied by his feet reached the belly of the craft.

At 15:45 Greek time and while Discovery was above Massachusetts, the astronaut/mechanic pulled the first protruding heatshield with his gloved hand and a while later, above the French coasts, the second one.

Through the cameras in the robotic arm the rest of the astronauts as well as observers in Houston, Texas and the flight centre of the Russian space mission in Moscow observed the repair procedure.

It is reminded that Nasa mechanics feared that the problem in the thermal wall, which was located at an inspection of the space shuttle last Saturday, and it is believed that it appeared from launch vibrations, could result in overheating during Discoverys re-entrance in Earths atmosphere on coming Monday.

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

Related News:

Space Repair of Discovery

Related Links:

NASA

[11] Fit and Superstar Pets

By Vagelis Theodorou

Is your dog, cat, hamster or rabbit a little bit on the heavy side? A veterinary charity in Great Britain says the above fact is dangerous, and is searching for the plumpest pets in order to send them to a weight-loss camp! According to the PDSA, 48% of the pets owners show their love to their animals by giving them more food than allowed, while the owners that make sure their pets exercise are just a few. Thus, the PDSA took the big decision and is searching for the eight plumpest pets in Great Britain that will participate in a 100-day television weight-loss show, which will include physical exercise as well as showing ways to a healthier lifestyle. Except for helping the pet built a fit figure, the show will award the pet and its owner a two-day relaxation trip at the seaside resort of Dorset. The final date for submitting applications is August 31, and the animals will be selected in mid September, while the show will be aired in January.

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

Related Links:

PDSA

[12] Warning Over Venizeleio

By Despina Hristopoulou

Sources: NET 105.8

Public Healths inspectors reported health-hazardous food and unsuitable sanitary conditions in the kitchen facilities at Venizeleio Hospital in Herakleion, Crete. In particular, it was reported that the proper food conservation temperatures were violated, while food was off the refrigerator, thus facing immediate contamination danger. In their report, the inspectors warn that unless laundry, food preparation and storage facilities operate properly, legal proceedinfs will be employed. Speaking on ERA in Herakleion, Cretes Regional Health Authority President Giannis Kalatzakis argued that he will visit the hospital to work it out and discuss the Public Health Inspectors report with the board and the employees of the hospital.

Translated by Areti Christou

[13] Meeting Between Karamanlis and Petralia Utilisation of Olympic Property

By Betty Savourdou

Sources: NET 105.8, ANA

On Wednesday, Alternate Minister of Culture Fani Palli-Petralia met with the Prime Minister Kostas Karamanlis in Maximos Mansion. As the Alternate Minister stated, the two Athens Olympic Games museums and the Museum of Classical Athleticism are ready to be auctioned. Mrs Petralia stated that the post-Olympic utilisation of Olympic facilities is going ahead speedily, while she briefed Kostas Karamanlis over the results of her visits in the US and China. Our aim, said the Minister, is for the citizens to be given the high added value from the post-Olympic utilisation of the works, without paying a single euro.

New Competitions

The Minister stated that the second stage of competitions for the utilization of Olympic Works would follow at the end of August, while new competitions will be posted in September.

Answering to a question about the Oppositions criticism over the "Open Stadiums" programme, she said that the citizens participation is massive and this indicates that that they support it.

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

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