The Hellenic Radio (ERA): News in English, 05-08-25

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

CONTENTS

[01] For PAO and Olympiacos Difficult Draw

By Vasilis Kalpinos

Panathinaikos and Olympiacos will face the greatest powers of European football. The team of Piraeus, Olympiacos, was drawn in Group F and will play against Real Madrid, Lyon and Rosenborg. The team of Panathinaikos was drawn in Group C and will play against Barcelona, Bremen, and Udinese.

First Reactions by the "Reds"

Shortly after the completion of the draw for the groups, reactions in the Olympiacos camp were mixed. Trond Sollieds team will face the superstar team of Real, which as it is known has the worlds top players in its roster. The Spanish team, which ranked second in Primera Division last year, has never lost a match in Champions League, and only its name brings shivers down its opponents backs. Olympiacos will have to outdo itself in order to gain points from the team with the largest number of titles in Champions League.

Following there is Lyon. Surely it is not a threatening team but during the last years it has an exceptional presence in Europe, as last year it reached the 8 qualifying Champions League teams. The French team is weakened compared to last year, especially after the loss of Michael Essien, however with players such as Juninho and Wiltord, which reinforce the strikers line, can cause damage to every team they play against.

In closing, Rosenborg is a valuable team in Champions League, since it is always included in the groups. The Norwegian team is quite a difficult one, especially in its home turf, but does not manage to do just as well away, which makes it a team cut in the "reds" measures.

"Greens'" Reactions

Panathinaikos will have a hard time as well. The "greens" will play against Barcelona, one of the biggest teams in Europe. The Spanish team after being crowned Champions for the first time after six years, seems to be unstoppable, while in the previous Champions League it was disqualified by Chelsea in the "16" phase, which was fairly described as a premature final. Players such as Ronaldinho and Deco and the rest of the superstar footballers will surely give the Athens team a hard time.

Bremen is a typical German team. It is quite weakened in relation to the previous years, but with players such as Klose makes it stronger.

In closing, Udinese is quite an enigmatic team. The Italian team was in a mediocre place in the Italian Cup standings, but with a good overall course in the Campionato and qualifying in Champions League, it will be a tough team for the "greens" to face.

The Greek Teams' Program

OLYMPIACOS

Olympiacos vs. Rosenborg September 13-14 Real Madrid vs. Olympiacos September 27-28 Lyon vs. Olympiacos October 18-19 Olympiacos vs. Lyon November 1-2 Rosenborg vs. Olympiacos November 22-23 Olympiacos vs. Real Madrid December 6-7

PANATHINAIKOS

Udinese vs. Panathinaikos September 13-14 PAO vs. Bremen September 27-28 PAO vs. Barcelona October 18-19 Barcelona vs. PAO November 22-23 PAO vs. Udinese November 22-23 Bremen vs. PAO December 6-7

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

[02] 116 Bodies Were Identified New Revelations

By Vicky Keleri

Sources: ANA - NET - NET 105.8

The investigations into the causes of the Helios airliner crash that claimed the lives of 121 people continue at a fast pace. So far, 116 bodies have been identified, with the pilots body still missing. The authorities requested his daughter give a blood sample anew, in order to determine whether his body is listed among those that remain to be identified via DNA tests. Air Accidents Investigation Committee President Akrivos Tsolakis is to arrive in Cyprus on Monday, while the reconstruction of the Helios Boeing fatal flight is expected within the coming fortnight. In the meantime, speaking on Cyprus broadcasting corporation (RIK), director of the authorisation department Charalambos Chatzigeorgiou voiced grave accusations of omissions in the operation of the Cypriot Civil Aviation Authority. He also claimed that no checks had been conducted on the fatal airliner to test its airworthiness over the last 10 years, although the airline companies had paid considerable amounts of money for that end. Furthermore, he revealed that the Civil Aviation Authority and the Cypriot Transport Ministry had ignored reports and testimonies on the Authoritys internal problems. The latest revelations have started heated discussions in the Cypriot political parties.

Intense Reactions by Cypriot Parties

The Democratic Rally Party (DYSI), in a written statement, states that the shocking revelations and accusations justify its view for the appointment of an independent criminal law committee for the investigation of the Helios crash and the appointment of a committee of specialists from the EU for the investigation of the Cypriot Civil Aviation Authority.

Alternate President of the Democratic Party of Cyprus (DIKO) Nikos Kleanthous stated that everyone involved in the tragic accident should study the law and learn its practices and procedures before voicing their views. He noted that DIKO demands for the truth to shine and for the causes and the perpetrators of the air tragedy to be found and brought to justice, in order to avoid another accident in the future.

President of the Social Democrat Party Giannakis Omirou expressed his shock over the revelations and described Chatzigeorgiou as a bright exception.

Ecologist MP Giorgos Perdikis expressed the fear that Chatzigeorgious revelations will be put aside if a high level investigative committee is not set up to study the evidence collected.

The United Democrats, in an announcement, state that the revelations witness the proportion of the responsibilities, and demand for a full reinvestigation of the check and security system of air flights.

Actually, the second preliminary "verdict" expected shortly over the causes of the Helios crash will be given by the Greek Air Accidents Investigation Committee.

This was stated by the president of the relevant Cypriot Committee Kostas Orfanos, who added that the investigations are proceeding as planned and speedily.

He noted that the Greek Air Accidents Investigation Committee, the leadership of which will be in Cyprus on Monday, cannot press charges since it is the States duty to do so.

Today, Mr Orfanos met with the two European experts who have arrived in Cyprus. On the issue of the meeting, he stated that he briefed the two specialists over the course of the investigations and exchanged views on the air tragedy.

Mystery over the Pilot

In the meantime, 116 bodies have been identified. Seventy bodies were identified by DNA, while 26 were in a satisfactory condition and following their characteristics and their personal items were recognized by their relatives.

Two bodies have not been yet identified, and according to the evaluations of the relevant bodies, do not belong to Cypriot passengers. Thus, except for the 3 bodies not identified, one out of the two should belong to the German pilot.

Through Interpol, the relevant service of the Greek Police crime labs asked for the contribution of the German Embassy in Athens, in order for the relatives of the German pilot to send a sample, thus proceeding with his identification.

In the meantime, President of Air Accidents Investigation Committee Akrivos Tsolakis in an interview given to "Flight International," is nearly certain that the flight attendant was the man that tried to fly the aircraft, without mentioning Andreas Prodromou.

"The Helios Boeing 737-300 crashed due to lack of fuel, while a trainee pilot tried to regain control of the aircraft in the Athens Airport, as the crewmembers had been unconscious," he stated.

As Mr Tsolakis stated, the flight attendant, who had a few hours of flight in a Cessna aircraft, hesitated before he took control of the airplane.

In another part of the interview he states: "I am troubled since the air crafts air condition system had been repaired five times during the last two months. There are questions among the Helios engineers over if the specific aircraft should be flying."

According to sources, next week the Committee will record the flight attendants fathers voice in order to identify the one heard in the pilots cabin.

Translated by Areti Christou

Related News:

Key Witness

[03] In View of the Permanent Representatives Meeting Diplomatic Actions in Cypriot Issue

By Athina Saloustrou

Great actions and discussions are underway in view of the Permanent Representatives Council meeting of the EU Member-States in Brussels, on August 31. The meeting will focus on the Turkish supplementary statement of the non-recognition of Cyprus in the Customs Union Protocol with the ten new EU Member-States, as well as the informal Council meeting of the EU Foreign Ministers on September 1-2 in Newport, UK, where the context of Turkeys European future will be discussed. In the next 24 hours, Foreign Minister Petros Molyviatis will have a telephone contact with British FM Jack Straw. Foreign Ministry official Ertugrul Apakan will try to explain the Turkish views in his visit in Athens where he will have contacts with the Greek Foreign Ministry, on August 31. Press spokesperson Giorgos Koumoutsakos described Athens contact with Nicosia as "frequent and excellent," while answering to a journalists question over the aims of the Greek side he stated "they are the best possible." The view of the Greek side is that no shadow shall be cast on the full implementation of the Protocol by Ankara.

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

[04] By the Opposition and KEDKE Reactions Over 42%

By Mary Lou Tzempelikou

Sources: NET, NET 105.8, ANA

The governments decision to change the Municipal elections electoral bill, aimed at the emergence of Mayor from the first round by 42%, has caused discussions on all levels. The Central Union of Municipalities and Communities of Greece (KEDKE) opposes the changes and proposes that the election takes place by 50%+1. All Opposition parties stated their disagreement to the advanced reforms, while the issue was discussed in the ND Political Council on Wednesday. On Thursday, the President of PASOK speaking at the partys Political Council accused ND of "playing games with the elections as ERE did in the past," and estimated that the discussion over Municipal elections shows the deep defeatism of the governing party, underlining that PASOK begins a victorious course in the battle of Local Administration. "The discussion over the 42% in Municipal elections interest the parties in power and everyone that wants to lick a bone," stated KKE General Secretary Aleka Papariga, while SYN President Alekos Alavanos spoke of a "party intervention with selfish criteria."

End to Hassle, Expenses and Non-Transparency

Public Works Minister Giorgos Souflias referred to the issue, noting that in this way the hassle of the citizens and the expenses of the elections end as will the non-transparency between the first and second round, while he claimed that it is not logical for a government to be elected by 42% but not a Mayor or a Prefect.

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

Related News:

"We Will Not Back Down"

[05] By Georgios Papandreou Head-on Attack

By Vicky Keleri

PASOK leader Georgios Papandreou unleashed a harsh attack against the government, at his speech during the two-day conference of the partys Political Council held at the Technology Park in Lavrio. Mr Papandreou pointed out that PASOK is ready to implement its plan to the benefit of the country. At the same time, he introduced his partys march to the people and spoke of a new context of proposals to be processed with the peoples participation. As for the municipal elections, Mr Papandreou underlined that PASOK is to launch a victorious course for the battle to be given for Local Governments and accused ND of devising tricks with regard to municipal elections.

Translated by Areti Christou

[06] Emergency Measures Taken On Alert over Bird Flu

By Tina Valaoura

Sources: NET 105.8

Greece is on alert over the eminent case of bird flu, reassured Deputy Rural Development Minister Alexandros Kontos. "We have an immediate intervention plan ready, for immediate disinfection, and whatevers ruled as necessary, in the case that the disease appears in a facility. We have been equipped with vaccines and are meeting in the Ministry of Health over the above event," he stated to NET 105.8 radio show "Epikindines Apostoles" and Dionysis Chatzimichalis. Mr Kontos stated that a case has not been reported in Greece, however veterinary and health services are fully prepared.

In statements to journalists, Mr Kontos noted that the country has the necessary defensive shield against the dangerous disease. The precautionary measures being taken are the constant check in the countrys entrance points (airports, ports etc) of passengers coming from countries affected by the disease (Asian countries, South Africa, Texas, US), and from which the import of live poultry, meat and similar products is banned.

Also, as he said, this is the third year that an EU approved program of research of the bird flu in poultry and wild birds will take place.

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

Related News:

Non-Migratory Concerns

[07] Local Prime Minister Wounded Bomb Explosion in Ingushetia

By Mary Lou Tzempelikou

Sources: Reuters, BBC, ANA

The bomb explosion in Ingushetia, targeted at the PMs convoy, resulted in one person being killed and three injured, among whom the Prime Minister of the country, Ibragim Malsagov. From the attack, Malsagovs bodyguard was killed, while the PM was seriously injured. A spokesperson of the Russian Ministry for Emergency Situations stated that the explosion resulted in the destruction of the PMs car, while he did not rule out the event that Malsagov will be taken to a hospital outside of Ingushetia. The Republic of Ingushetia, in southern Caucasus, borders with the Chechen Republic, where for the past 10 years battles between Russian forces and Chechen rebels take place. Nazran, the biggest city of Ingushetia has at times suffered from the battle, since many Chechens have moved to Ingushetia to carry on their clashes. In April 2004, pro-Russian Ingush President Murat Zyazikov was slightly injured from a blast of a car packed with explosives, while two months later, 92 people lost their lives in attacks of Chechen rebels against policemen and border guard posts near Nazran.

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

[08] By France for Security Reasons Blacklist of Airlines

By Mary Lou Tzempelikou

Sources: ANA, AFP

With a view to achieving transparency and safety in flights, France decided to post on the Internet a list of the airline companies that are banned to operate in its territory for safety reasons. The announcement was triggered by the recent air accidents, while by late October, France will have submitted to the EU a cluster of measures aiming at increasing security standards in flights. The list will be available on the site run by the French Civil Aviation Authority (DGAC) as of coming Monday, said French Transport Minister Dominique Perben. The list is to include the banned airline companies as well as those that are allowed to rend airliners. Britain is also in favour of this move, while European Commissioner for Transport Jacques Barrot stated that the measure is likely to be applied throughout the EU.

Translated by Areti Christou

Related Links:

DGAC

[09] Fires in Portugal Are Put Out Fire Inferno Under Control

By Vicky Keleri

All fires that have been blazing through central and northern Portugal for two weeks were brought under control thanks to the 3,000 firefighters employed by the authorities and the favourable weather conditions. "The fires that were burning yesterday night are under control and are to be distinguished," announced the countrys Fire Service and Civil Protection Authority. However, around 900 firefighters and army forces remain on alert fearing possible rekindling.

Translated by Areti Christou

Related News:

Portugal on Alert

[10] From September 12 Aegean Increases Ticket Prices

By Mary Lou Tzempelikou

From September 12, Aegean Airlines domestic and international tickets are increased by 3 euros. The company proceeded with the imposing of extra fuel primage due to the continuing rise in crude oil prices globally. It is noted that Olympic Airways increased the price of specific types of tickets for the same reason.

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

Related News:

Upward Spiral

Related Links:

Aegean Airlines

[11] Recall of Yamaha Jet Skis

By Mary Lou Tzempelikou

Sources: ANA

On Thursday, another recall was announced by Motodynamiki S.A. and concerns two Yamaha jet ski models. They are Waverunner VX1100 Sport and VX1100A Deluxe which will be tested for possible faults in two of their parts: the propulsion system and the APS. According to an announcement by the company, the above can become oxidized and cause the engine to overheat and the gas pedal to not function. The company, which has informed the General Secretariat for the Consumer, has sent letters to its clients and technical directions to its partners network. Moreover, it calls on the owners of the above models to immediately contact Technical Administrations at +0030 210-6293562 and fax +0030 210-6293565 (Monday to Friday, 09:00 to 17:00). The jet skis will be checked and their parts changed free of charge by the company.

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

[12] Karamanlis-Tatoulis Meeting Culture to Maximos Mansion

By Mary Lou Tzempelikou

Sources: ANA, NET 105.8

Culture issues with regard to Thessaloniki topped the meeting held between the Greek PM and the Deputy Culture Minister Petros Tatoulis at Maximos Mansion on Thursday. Exiting Maximos Mansion, Mr Tatoulis said that he briefed the Prime Minister on culture issues, for which Mr Karamanlis set specific guidelines. In answer to the question regarding the changes on the board of directors of Athens Festival, Mr Tatoulis stated that this lies with the Culture Ministry and EOT (Greek National Tourism Organisation), while he pointed out that the changes reflect a "mentality change". He also added that the fact that great figures man the Athens Festival board of directors gives an impetus to the Festival to deal with the challenges to come.

Translated by Areti Christou

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