The Hellenic Radio (ERA): News in English, 05-08-24

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

CONTENTS

[01] New Evidence on Air Tragedy Key Witness

By Vicky Keleri

The British pilot who had flew the fatal Helios airliner on August 7, a week prior to the air tragedy, is expected to shed light to the causes of the crash. Cypriot top-selling O Fileleftheros said that the British pilot had reported major problems in the air-conditioning and cabin pressure, while smokes had been reported. Whether the problems had been recorded in the planes logbook or not as well as which checks had been conducted or whether the presumable procedures were taken remain be answered by the experts. In the meantime, Air Accidents Investigation Committee President Akrivos Tsolakis is on his way to Cyprus. At the same time, tests on the identified bodies are still in progress. So far, 55 bodies have been identified.

Translated by Areti Christou

[02] Concern and Prevention Over Bird Flu Non-Migratory Concerns

By Tina Valaoura

Bird flu, which can be contracted by humans, remains a source of constant concern for the global community. Russia, which in mid-July confirmed the existence of the virus in poultry, quarantining 12 villages in Siberia, officially announced that the epidemic has been set under control and that the situation is stabilized.

However, Kazakhstan was affected next. The H5N1 virus was found in poultry houses (in which cases previously had been mentioned) and in the west Prefecture of the country, from where birds in their migratory course to the Caspian Sea fly above, was described as a "dangerous zone." This is due to the estimation that the disease can spread through migratory birds such as wild geese, swans but mainly wild ducks, which according to Dutch and Swedish scientists can be carriers of six different variations of the flu.

The Health Ministry of Kazakhstan announced that even thought no new cases have been reported since August 15, the precautionary measures taken will be in force until October.

Even though the H5N1 virus has cost the lives of more than 50 victims in Asia since 2003, up to now no people have contracted it in both of the countries.

"Global Problem"

Regardless of killing more than 120,000 poultry in breeding units, Russia states that the problem has not gone away, and on its part will not stop taking measures. Addressing the global community it speaks of "a global problem that has to be countered in an international level." Top scientists are taking the side of the country and do not hide their fears of a flue pandemic, even in Europe.

The EU proposes keeping a low profile over the issue. The Commission, with statements by its spokesperson Phillip Tod, described the diseases expansion in the above manner as limited. "We are observing the situation from up close and without optimism," he said, repeating that the ban import of any live poultry deriving from Russia and Kazakhstan "ensures sufficient protection." Furthermore, he noted that the "Member-States owe to check wild poultry in their territory." However, an unscheduled meeting of European scientists will convene on the issue within the week.

At the same time, EU Member-States voice their concerns and are decided to take actions. In the Netherlands, the term "free range" has gone out the window, since poultry breeders have to keep chickens, geese, ducks and turkeys in confined spaces in an effort to keep their animals disease-free and avoid contact with wild populations.

Germany is preparing to follow the example of the Netherlands, while France even if it adopted the Commissions stance, advised its poultry breeders to be on alert in case symptoms of the disease break out. Great Britain, which is presiding the EU, made clear that taking measures of that kind are not necessary.

In the meantime, once the green light is given by the National Medical Ethics Committee is given to Hungary, a trial vaccine against the bird flu will be given to 150 volunteers, among them a high-rank Health Ministry official. The results will be made known six weeks after the procedures completion.

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

[03] Air Tragedy in Peru

By Tina Valaoura

An aircraft of the Peruvian airlines Tans crashed near the town of Pullcapa, in A Peruvian Amazon area. The Boeing 737-200 which was en route from Lima to the tourist resort of Iquitos, near the Colombian border, with 92 passengers and eight crewmembers, including the pilots, on board, crashed in a swamp area, 5 km away from the Pullcapa airport where the pilot attempted an emergency landing.

Rescue crews rushed to the scene and collected 40 bodies and at least 52 survivors. The injured were taken to the nearest hospitals with burns and contusions. The identities of the passengers have not been make public, however it was announced that among the passengers were 16 foreign tourists; 11 Americans, one Australian, two Italians, one Spaniard and one Colombian, while among the survivors were a five-member American family.

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

[04] Overwhelming Victory

By Ilias Papaioannou

Panathinaikos will participate in Champions League one more time. The Athenian football club won the game after extra time in an overwhelming 4-1 victory over Wisla Krakow. Panathinaikos players managed to overcome their 3-1 defeat in Krakow and celebrated their qualifying to the Champions League in Athens Olympic Stadium (OAKA) along with its 60,000 fans that had crammed the Stadium. Panathinaikos showed two faces in the game with Greek-Cypriot midfielder Constantinos Charalambides being its best player. Galinovic also performed brilliantly for he averted Wislas strikers from scoring a goal. On Thursday, Panathinaikos along with Greek reigning champion Olympiakos will find who their opponents will be in Champions Leagues groups. Panathinaikos Italian coach directed his boys brilliantly, thus showing class over his Polish peer. Morris (62), Olisadebe (65), Papadopoulos (87) and Kotsios (114) scored for the Greek team. On the other hand, the only Polish player who managed to put his name on the scoring sheet was Sobolewski (79).

The Green Team Woke Up in Halftime

In the beginning, Panathinaikos looked like a team lost in the pitch, since strikers Olisadebe and Gekas were on their own, while the teams weak halfway line allowed Wislas strikers to visit Galinovics area quite often. On the other hand, the Polish demonstrated an iron defence and managed to counterattack with Frankowski and Brozek three times.

In 6 Brozek forwarded the ball to Frankowski who kicked the ball but missed the goal. Five minutes later, Frankowski kick was blocked by Panathinaikos keeper. Wisla kept pressuring Panathinaikos and in 14 Frankowski assisted Zienczuk who also failed to direct it inside Panathinaikos nets.

Bickan and Conceicaos poor performance gave Charalambides the opportunity to excel. The Greek-Cypriot midfielder took many initiatives and tried to assist his teams strikers On their part, Wislas players dominated the game and in 25 they missed one more chance to open the score. Frankowski entered Galinovics area and tried to head the ball in. However, Galinovic saved his nets on time.

Towards the end of the halftime, Panathinaikos improved mainly because of Charalambides performance and managed to threaten the opposing team. In 32 the Cypriot midfielder kicked the ball from the centre trying to find Olisadebe, but Wislas keeper managed to send it off with the tips of his fingers before Olisadebe. However, Panathinaikos defender received the ball outside Wislas area. His kick was stopped by Majdan. Panathinaikos revival sent his 60,000 fans in cloud nine and started cheering to give an additional boost to the "green" boys.

Panathinaikos was a totally different team since Malesanis boys managed to threaten Wisla three times within five minutes. In 36, Olisadebe forwarded the ball to Wooter who missed to put his name to the scoring sheet, since Wislas keeper saved his nets.

The Start of the Battle

Since the beginning of the game of the third round of Champions League, the aims for Panathinaikos in order to overcome the previous defeat of 3-1 were two. Firstly, to score a quick goal, and to not receive one from the Poles. In the second half, after two good opportunities by Brozek (48) and Frankowski (50) that Galinovic blocked, made the Poles more anxious. In the 55 Olisadebe unmarked, entered the goal area, and came face to face with Majdan, but being over-confident shot the ball over the nets of the Polish goalie, losing the best opportunity up to that moment.

Panathinaikos appeared quite high-spirited and in the 57 its top player after hassling his opponents, put Gekas in a good position, who with the corner of his eye found Olisadebe, but the kick of the Greek teams forward was blocked by the Polish defense. In the 58 it was Serics turn to threaten the nets of Wisla, but Majdan blocked the straight kick into a corner. A similar opportunity came up in the 59 after a shot by Charalambides, Wooter was in a good position but the Polish goalie blocked into a corner. All these goal opportunities spread excitement to the home team, but that nearly came to an end, since Frankowski taking advantage of Vintras mistake send the ball a few centimeters away from Galinovics nets.

From the moment that the players of the two teams did not manage to send the ball into the nets, the coaches tried all they could to send their team to the qualification groups. The Italian coach substituted Wooter with Papadopoulos, and Jerzy Engel substituted Zienczuk with Rodriguez.

Before Papadopoulos started his game, Panathinaikos opened the score 1-0. In the 62 Conseisao allowed Charalabides to kick a foul shot. The Cypriot player passed the ball to Nasif Morris who with a header beat Majdan, causing the delirious response of the fans.

In the 65 and after the 63 when Wisla had proceeded to its second substitution, the "greens" after a dead-ball situation doubled the score. Brazilian Conseisao kicked a foul shot, which found Seric who aimed at the Polish goalie. Majdan shakily blocked and Olisadabe with an up close header scored 2-0.

The Polish seemed to be confused,, but at the time when Malezani had made two more changes (70 Andrich-Olisadebe, 74 Leontiou-Biskan) the goal for Wisla came. In the 79 in the few corners of Poland, Conseisao, in an attempt to block Sobolewski only fueled an unmatchable kick and beat Galinovic scoring 2-1. In the 85 the Poles came to near to tying since one more mistake by Vintra caused Paulista to score but Galinovic greatly blocking.

The golden change of Malezani, Papadopuolos passed the ball in the 87 and after a scramble it ended up in Majdans nets. From then one Wisla lost its scorer, as he received a second yellow card for a foul on Leontiou.

PAO Deserved Qualification

In the first part of the extra time, Panathinaikos managed to keep the initiative of its movements and nearly scored thrice: Charalambides (97), Gekas (99) and Leontiou (101). In the last part of the game that surely fans and players will remember for the years to come Panathinaikos speeded up and tightened the ropes on the Poles. In the 114after a corner shot by Charalabides Ilias Kotsios kicked the ball in Majdans nets and triumphantly ended the game and acquired the qualification.

Referee: Mark Righley (UK)

Yellow cards: Papadopoulos, Flavio Conseisao, Kotsios-Frankowski, Sobolewski, Penksa

Red: (two yellow) Sobolewski 89

Panathinaikos: Galinovic, Vintra, Kotsios, Morris, Seric, Biscan (74 Leontiou), Conseisao, Charalabides, Wooter (60 Papadopoulos), Gekas, Olisadebe (70 Andric).

Wisla: Majdan, Baszczynski, Glowacki, Uche (75 Kuzba), Zienczuk (60 Rodriguez), Cantoro, Dudka, Clos, Sobolewski, Pavel Brozek (63 Penksa), Frankowski.

Faith in Qualification

The players of Panathinaikos were overwhelmed with joy after the end of the game, as against a very dangerous and worthy team, while their win showed that their club is follows a true European style. Dutchman Wooter, obviously relieved after the qualification, stated that the "greens" not for a moment believed that they had to be absent from the European event. "We scored a great victory," said Wooter and noted, "we believed in the qualification. We put four goals and even when the Poles scored we did not stop." As it was proved, the golden substitution of Italian Alberto Malezani, Dimitris Papadopoulos, expressed the feeling of justification: "We had to proceed to the next stage. We were better than our opponents and it would be unfair if we didnt qualify. The presence of our fans helped and we thank them from the bottom of our hearts." The handclaps of the Panathinaikos fans for the worthy opponent and the congratulations of the 800 Wisla Krakow fans for its effort, were not enough to esase the disappointment of the Polish teams coach Jerzy Engel: "Congratulations to Panathinaikos, it was a good opponent. We were unlucky as we didnt score 3-2 to clear the qualification."

[05] Political Council Meets on Wednesday Meetings Ahead of TIF

By Vicky Keleri

Sources: ANA, NET, NET 105.8

Maximos Mansion is currently hosting several meetings ahead of the Thessaloniki International Fair (TIF). Public Order Minister Georgios Voulgarakis briefed the Prime Minister on Wednesday morning on the reorganisation plan for the Greek Police (ELAS) in the wider area of Thessaloniki. The draft law regarding the Security Studies Institute that is currently under discussion in Parliament also drew the attention of the two men. They also sorted out the details with regard to Mr Voulgarakis trip to China, where he is to discuss the assistance and know-how Greece can offer ahead of Beijing Olympic Games. In the meantime, NDs Political Council is to hold a meeting chaired by PM Kostas Karamanlis to discuss the proposals regarding the municipal elections.

Prime Minister's Announcements

According to information, the Prime Ministers speech in TIF will focus on the guidelines for 2006 income policy, which is expected to provide rises above the inflation limits.

Furthermore, PM Kostas Karamanlis is likely to announce the governments intention to boost EKAS (Pensioners Social Solidarity Allowance) and the pensions given by OGA (Agricultural Insurance Organisation). He is also to announce incentives for families with many children.

Translated by Areti Christou

[06] Misadventure On Board

By Tina Valaoura

This morning, an alarm sounded in the Operations Chamber of the Ministry of Mercantile Marine, when Italian cruise ship "Cost Classica" with 1,585 passengers and 583 crewmembers sent an SOS. The fire broke out due to unknown reasons in the stern of the ship, while it was sailing off the coast of Poros. The Authorities mobilisation was immediate. Coast Guard Forces, a Super Puma helicopter and nearby ships rushed to the scene, and with coordinated efforts set the fire under control. Currently, the boat is on its way to Piraeus Port accompanied by Coast Guard crafts.

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

[07] Seismologists Are Not Concerned Quake in North-Eastern Aegean

By Vicky Keleri

Sources: ANA

A small earthquake measuring 4.6 on the Richter scale occurred at 06:06am on Wednesday. Its epicentre was located in the seabed between the islands of Limnos and Lesbos in north-eastern Aegean. Seismologists described the quake as a usual phenomenon for the areas standards and explained that the same region has experienced more powerful quakes measuring up to 7 in the Richter scale. None of the past quakes was destructive, since their epicentre was under the seabed.

Translated by Areti Christou

[08] Bush Sends Message to Sunnis

By Tina Valaoura

From Idaho, US President George W Bush sent a strict message to the Sunnis to vote for the Iraqi Constitution draft, in view of the new extension deadline given on Thursday, for an agreement on the new document, which will be passed by the Parliament. Regardless of Bushs intervention the chances of the above happening are minimal. The Shiite government of Iraq has processed the documents text and ruled out any possible change in the Constitution draft. The Sunnis on their part stated that they have serious objections and that the Constitution does not serve their interests.

"They Have to Choose"

Addressing the Sunni minority, President Bush said that the disagreement between the Iraqi leaders is not surprising. "We are watching the development of an extraordinary event: the drafting of the Constitution that ensures the rights of minorities, women and religious freedom. And all this in a country that only knew dictatorship. I think the Sunnis have to choose. Do they wish to live in a free society or under a violent regime?" said Mr Bush speaking to journalists, and added that he is optimistic that the result will be positive. The US President asked about the protesting voices against the war, such as Cindy Sheehan, a mother who lost her son during the war in Iraq and who has camped outside the Presidents ranch asking to meet with him. George W Bush ruled out the event, saying he respects her right to protest and understands her concern. Moreover, he made clear that American forces will not withdraw from Iraq and described it as a wrong move. "Whoever supports the withdrawal policy from Iraq and the Middle East is supporting a policy which will weaken the US," he commented.

As confirmation to the above, US Defense Secretary Donald Ramsfeld announced that there is a great possibility of "a temporary increase" of 1,000 to 2,000 persons in troops in Iraq before the Constitution referendum that will take place on October 15.

"The completion of the Constitution will not end the violence in Iraq or solve the countrys problems," estimated Ramsfeld in a Press interview.

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

[09] Meeting Over 2006 Budget

By Tina Valaoura

Sources: ANA, NET 105.8

A critical meeting for the drafting of the upcoming budget will take place this afternoon at the Ministry of Economy and Finance, in order for the limits of the incomes policy of 2006 to be investigated, as well as for grants that will be given to the Ministries for employments.

As Minister of Economy Giorgos Alogoskoufis stated, the intention of the economic leadership is to hold down the increase rate of public expenditure, in order to achieve the aim of the decrease of the deficit under 3% of GDP until the end of next year.

Prime Ministers schedule

In the meantime, the Political Council of New Democracy is meeting at 18:00 presided by Prime Minister Kostas Karamanlis. Earlier, at 11:00, the Prime Minister will meet with Public Order Minister Giorgos Voulgarakis, while the Central Committee of the governing party will convene on Friday.

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

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