The Hellenic Radio (ERA): News in English, 05-09-02

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

CONTENTS

[01] Millions of People Helpless in SE USA "We Want Help!"

By Athina Saloustrou

The international community is shocked as it monitors the humanitarian disaster unfolding in New Orleans and the inability of the greatest superpower in the world to provide aid to its citizens. The historical jazz city has been converted into a macabre lake, full of floating bodies, while the looting has escalated beyond measure. The citizens of New Orleans are enraged, since they have ran out of food and drinking water. The situation in the Superdome, where thousands of people have found shelter in an effort to flee the city, is chaotic, while there have also been reports of rapes. A could of black smoke, which as per the authorities is harmless, has covered parts of the city following explosions in a chemicals storage facility. The citys Mayor condemned the federal authorities for their inadequate contribution to this biblical catastrophe, while US President George Bush, who is currently visiting the affected areas, described the efforts of the rescue crews as unacceptable. Three hundred soldiers who were previously stationed in Iraq have been called to assist the thousands of National Guards who are already in New Orleans, while they have been ordered to shoot against looters. Given the magnitude of the disaster, dozens of countries have offered financial aid to the USA, while Germany, as well as the EU, announced that they are prepared to give oil to the USA, if they ask so. According to an American company specialising in managing natural disasters, the cost of the damages left behind by Katrina in Louisiana and Mississippi will exceed $100 billion.

Cries of Despair

A Louisiana Member of the House of Representatives launched an urgent plea to the American people to offer buses and fuel to save the citizens of the destroyed areas, who remain trapped and are in danger of dying. "Send us buses and gas; that is what we need," begged Mrs Karen Carter, with tears in her eyes.

"I am addressing the American people. There are people trapped under the waters and the rubble and they are in danger of dying any minute. You have to help us get them out," she added, while speaking to journalists in Baton Rouge, NW of New Orleans.

In the meantime, the local authorities announced that over 4,800 people have been rescued up until today, due to the immediate reaction of the rescue crews in the states of Louisiana and Mississippi.

According to the same sources, 28 rescue crews were in the area, 18 of which continue to provide help, while another 8 are expected to arrive soon from California, in order to assist in the operation.

No End to the Crisis

As per the local Press, Houstons authorities closed down the gates of the citys Astrodome, which was to provide accommodation to 23,000 homeless who were staying in New Orleans Superdome, while they sent the refugees to other shelters, thus creating confusion.

More than 11,000 refugees had already found shelter in the Astrodome, when the chief of the Fire Department decided that allowing any more people to enter would create security hazards. A Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) spokesperson declared that the stadium was close down for safety reasons and in order to better facilitate the people who are already inside.

However, dozens of buses continued arriving at the Astrodome, filled with tired refugees who had travelled for more than seven hours. The buses kept circling the stadium for hours with the enraged and weather-beaten people inside, until a solution was found. They were then redirected to neighbouring Reliant Stadium and other Texan cities.

On their part, Astrodomes authorities asked for more supplies and medical teams, since many of the people are suffering from dehydration and other diseases. One doctor declared that they needed assistance and doctors to deal with the crisis, since many pregnant women and people with heart problems are among the refugees.

Bush: "Unacceptable Situation"

While the army is trying to control the situation in New Orleans, President Bush is being targeted due to the lack of immediate response to the disaster. Both the US, as well as the European Media, are covering the top story, while the US Government launched appeals for help, in an effort to deal with the energy crisis.

A little before departing for the affected areas, President Bush described the results of the rescue crews efforts as unacceptable, despite the fact that many people are working very hard.

In the meantime, the cost of the damages to the states of Louisiana and Mississippi will exceed $100 billion, as announced today by Risk Management Solutions, a company specialising is disaster management. The company also noted that at least half of the damages were caused by the floods.

On Monday, RMS had estimated the damages covered by insurance at $25 billion. However, the company clarified that this estimate has to be reviewed after the dam that was protecting the city broke.

Translated by Vicky Ghionis

Related News:

Sinking in Anarchy

"Superpower Humiliated"

[02] Powerless Superpower Sinking in Anarchy

By Annita Paschalinou

The USA are facing one of the greatest crisis in their history. The situation in New Orleans, after Katrinas passage, remains chaotic and authorities seem unable to offer any kind of help to the stricken. People are still trapped under the ruins without food and water, bodies are still lying on the streets in plain sight, looters pillage everything in their path, and the National Guard in vain is trying to place the situation under control. In an effort to reinstate order, soldiers serving in Iraq arrived in New Orleans with clear orders to open fire against pillagers. Snipers are stationed on rooftops with their fingers fixed on the trigger. The UN addressed an appeal to the international community for the dispatch of aid in the USA, while there are conflicting views on the kind of help they should send the USA in the EU.

Desperation

EU High Representative for the CFSP Javier Solana stated that Member-States are ready to help the USA by giving oil from their strategic reserves.

However, British Foreign Secretary Jack Straw refuted such a claim, stating the aid will be humanitarian.

At the same time, the situation in New Orleans is a true nightmare. Those trapped in the ghost city are living dramatic moments.

Without food or water, they are anxiously waiting for the next bus that will take to Huston's shelter. The living conditions in Superdome are unbearable, while there have also been reports on rapes.

"National Shame"

The extent of the natural disaster and authorities' weakness to manage the crisis has become a living nightmare for President Bush and his government.

ABC speaks of national shame, a phrase used earlier by the head of emergency operations in New Orleans.

"We are disposing huge amounts of money to help he tsunami-stricken areas and yet we cannot get the water out from New Orleans. This is national shame," stressed Terry Ebert.

Translated by Sofia Soulioti

[03] Meetings with Social Partners Growth and Investments

By Betty Savourdou

Sources: ÍÅÔ - ÁNA

Upon concluding the first round of meetings with social partners in view of the Thessaloniki International Fair, the Greek PM described the progress of the economy over the next year as crucial. According to sources, while addressing the leadership of the Greek General Confederation of Labour (GSEE) on Friday, Kostas Karamanlis voiced the Governments will to boost employment and income, as well as improving the investment climate. On the part of GSEE, its leadership handed to Mr Karamanlis a seven-page letter in which they criticised the Governments reforms, asking for support for the workers, heating oil benefits for the unemployed and other low-income earners, as well as a new framework for labour relations. The president of DAKE (Democratic Independent Workers Movement), Kostas Poupakis, noted that they would be present in all of the workers issues. Earlier, after meeting with the PM, the president of SEV (Federation of Greek Industries), Odysseas Kyriakopoulos, voiced the Federations support for the Governments reforms, while the Northern Greek industry owners also appeared in favour of the reforms.

No New Measures Needed

The PM spoke of a tough new period, as the Government is attempting to bring fiscal equilibrium, while he expressed the view that no new measures would have to be implemented.

According to information, while addressing GSEE, Kostas Karamanlis noted, "It would be proper not to see ghosts behind the doors, as we have the same aims, but different approaches. We are trying to improve the investment climate and boost employment and income. Next year, which will be very crucial, we will aim for fiscal equilibrium. I believe that we will not need any new measures."

Reassuring Signs

On his part, Development Minister Panos Panagiotopoulos stressed that the Governments efforts have already shown some reassuring signs, both in the reduction of unemployment, as well as the economys growth rates. He further added that the Governments work would be assessed at the end of their four years in office.

Following the end of the meeting, GSEE president Christos Polyzogopoulos noted that the money is being passed from the many to the few as a result of the Governments choices. In addition, he asked for heating oil benefits for the unemployed and pensioners, while he criticised the Governments reforms.

Finally, DAKEs President Kostas Poupakis clarified that DAKE only co-signed the demands of the workers and not the entire content of the letter given to the PM by GSEE.

Translated by Vicky Ghionis

Related News:

Proposals Over Regional Development

[04] HCAA Findings Published Faults and Mistakes

By Athina Saloustrou

According to the conclusions of the Air Accident and Flight Safety Committee, which is located in Larnaca, a multitude of human errors combined with mechanical faults contributed to the airplane tragedy in Grammatiko. Specifically, the report drawn up by the Hellenic Civil Aviation Authority (HCAA), which has been submitted to Transport Minister Michalis Liapis and is expected to be publicised soon, attributes responsibility for negligence to the two air traffic controllers on duty during the Helios Boeing crash on August 14. In the meantime, the President of the Greek Air Accidents and Incidents Investigative Committee, Akrivos Tsolakis, briefed the Cypriot President, Tassos Papadopoulos, on the course of the investigations over the air tragedy. Upon exiting the Presidential Mansion, Mr Tsolakis thanked Mr Papadopoulos for the remarkable support offered by the countrys government to the Committees mission in Cyprus.

Only for Disciplinary Misdmeanours

The two air traffic controllers who were on duty on 14 August have been referred to the Civil Aviations Disciplinary Board for negligence. The two HCAA employees are only being examined for disciplinary misdmeanours, as per the findings of the Sworn Administrative Investigation, which had been ordered by the Authoritys commander Dimitris Stamatis.

The fated Boeing entered the Greek air space at 9:37. As they have already testified before the police, the controllers saw the plane on their radars, but they were not worried, as it was on a steady course. That is the reason why they did not notify the commander, which they did when the final approach process was due to commence.

According to the report, the two controllers of the Athens Control Centre did not follow the air traffic regulations and responsibilities were attributed as they did not proceed with voice recognition as soon as the plane entered the Athens FIR.

HCAAs Disciplinary Board is expected to convene in the next few days, at which time, the two employees will be called to testify.

However, as per the report, the controllers negligence was not the reason for the planes ill-fated conclusion.

Tsolakis in Great Britain Next Week

"I came to Cyprus to finish a job and it has been completed," stated Mr Tsolakis, while he added that he is satisfied over the progress of the Committees proceedings. Asked to comment on the first findings, he said that the Committee is at the second stage of the investigation, which is the collection of evidence, information and statements, and the findings will start emerging from the third stage, which is the analysis of statements.

Mr Tsolakis noted that he will depart for Great Britain within the week, in order to take statements from the two British Helios mechanics in cooperation with the relevant British committee, with whom he said there is a substantial cooperation. Earlier, Mr Tsolakis met with the parents of Helios flight attendant Andreas Prodromou. The investigative work of the Committee continued with the interrogation of pilots, co-pilots and crewmembers of the Helios aircrafts.

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

Related News:

Time for Statements

[05] Wedding Beating Present

By Despina Hristopoulou

A 32-year-old Egyptian man paid for his love for an older woman with serious head injuries, multiple concussions and a free fall from the 5th floor. As per Egyptian newspapers, Hani Ahmad secretly married 48-year-old Nasifa, a widow, which caused the anger of her two sons from her previous marriage. Ahmad fell madly in love with the woman, who is 16 years his senior, but her children could not respect the couples feelings, or give their blessings to their mother and their newly acquired stepfather. Instead, they gave the groom a bed in the ICU, where he is hospitalized in a comma, since the violent beating forced to him to escape by jumping from the 5th floor.

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

[06] Proposals Over Regional Development

By Tina Valaoura

Sources: ANA

The Presidency of the Federation of Greek Industries (FGI) submitted four proposals, over regional development and the penetration of Greek businesses in the Balkans and Black Sea countries, to Prime Minister Kostas Karamanlis, in a meeting also attended by Ministers of Development and Economy Messrs Sioufas and Aloskoufis. As per the members of the Federations Presidency the meeting was important, constructive and took place in a positive atmosphere. The Prime Minister, who is continuing his contacts in view of the Thessaloniki International Fair, met with delegates of the Greek Industrialists Union and the Greek Confederation of Labour (GSEE).

FGI: Meeting is Important

The first proposal voiced by the Northern Greece Industrialists was the creation of an innovation zone for high technology businesses. The Prime Minister, as per the President of the Federation, responded positively and made a commitment on its further advancement.

The second proposal concerns the creation of free trade in the borders, in order for Greek business to not transfer to Balkan countries. The Prime Minister was reserved on this issue due to community parameters and legal restrictions.

Another idea was the decreasing regions, in order for the absorbance of Community Support Frameworks and in closing the creation of an Entrepreneurship Planning Centre under the monitoring of the Ministry of Macedonia-Thrace, an issue which will be examined by the government.

As Mr Mylonas stated to the journalists the tax and the labour issue was not included in the discussion, while on the insurance issue, he stated that it is a very serious matter that the government is handling. On the issue of strikes and protests staged by the Workers Unions in Thessaloniki he stated that it is a critical moment and cooperation is needed between all involved bodies.

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

[07] 15 Food Companies Before the Prosecutor Dangerous Prawns Impounded

By Vicky Keleri

Sources: ANA

A total of 1,240kg of frozen prawns were impounded by the Prefecture of Athens Veterinary Department at the company AMASA Hellas AEVE, since checks revealed that they contained cadmium. Furthermore, it was discovered that another 1,670kg of the same batch have already been distributed to the market. In an announcement, the company stated that it would be notifying the buyers regarding the immediate withdrawal. All 2,910kg of the prawns had been imported by the company IN Karabelas from Australia and the production and used by dates on the packaging were May 2005 and May 2007 respectively. The prawns were then sold to AMASA Hellas AEVE. On its part, a company spokesperson declared that they would be lodging an appeal, so that the second batch can also be examined. In the meantime, the Prefecture of Athens referred 15 food companied to the Prosecutor for health violations.

Translated by Vicky Ghionis

[08] Adaptor Plugs Recalled

By Tina Valaoura

The General Secretary for the Consumer in cooperation with the Swedish company has ordered the recall of "Rabalder" triple adaptor plugs distributed in April through August by IKEA.

As it is stated in the announcement of the General Secretariat for the Consumer, even though an accident has not been reported, its recall is being made as a precaution due to the danger of electrocution.

Consumers who have bought this product should return it to IKEA and the company will refund their money.

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

[09] Destructive Typhoon is SE Asia

By Betty Savourdou

Sources: ÍÅÔ 105.8

Typhoon Talim swept across Taiwan and China, where thousands of people were forced to abandon their homes due the landslides, killing at least 14 people, while it caused major damages. Specifically, 11 people lost their lives and 15 are missing in the eastern Chinese province of Zhejiang, which was mainly hit by the typhoon. In Taiwan, three people were killed and 60 were injured, while thousands of houses remain without power and drinking water. At the same time, a severe typhoon named Nabi (Butterfly) is already threatening Japan, with winds reaching 180 kph.

Translated by Vicky Ghionis

Related News:

Threatening Butterfly

[10] If New Terms Are Imposed Turkey Threatens

By Athina Saloustrou

As per statements by Turkish Foreign Minister Abdullah Gul published in The Economist, Turkey appears ready to abandon its accession in the European Union, if the EU enforces new terms or attempts to offer Ankara partnership without full accession. On his part, Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan, during a rally in Naples, Italy, broadcast live by Turkish television, stated that Turkey will not make any more compromises to the European Union, in view of the start of accession negotiations on October 3. "Turkey does not have anything further to give. We have done everything in relation to the Copenhagen political criteria," while referring to the discussions in Wales in the informal EU FMs Summit Meeting he said, "The only agenda ahead of us is the accession negotiations on October 3. Turkey is feverishly preparing for the negotiations. We are focused on this issue and on nothing else." In the meantime, during the first informal Summit Meeting in Newport, Wales, the 25 FMs decided on the referral of the final document of the community counterstatement to the Permanent Representatives Council on September 7, in Brussels. The Cypriot FM, Giorgos Iakovou, spoke of the need for the further improvement of the document submitted by the British Presidency, since changes in wording need to be made, while the Greek sides comments are along the same lines. According to Greek FM Petros Molyviatis, the second proposal also needs changes in order to more accurately reflect the general consensus and the common denominator of the stances presented by Greece and Cyprus, as well as other Member-States.

Erdogan: "Political Interests"

"We have done what has been asked by us on December 17," said the Turkish PM referring to the Brussels Summit Meeting that gave the green light for the start of the accession negotiations with Turkey on October 2005. Mr Erdogan accused "specific countries" of using the Turkish accession issue for internal political reasons. "Let us stop the demagogue and let us try to reach a conclusion. This is what I desire and be directed towards," he said.

Frances public opinion is hostile to the Turkish accession, as it has stated that it is inconceivable for Turkey to begin accession negotiations before recognizing Cyprus.

On her part, the leader of the German Opposition, Angela Merkel, had repeatedly urged the European Union to propose a privileged partnership to Turkey instead of full accession.

However, neither the French government nor Merkel, a favorite of the Chancellorship in the upcoming elections as per opinion polls, have stated that they will veto Turkeys accession negotiations with the EU on October 3.

Satisfaction Voiced by Cyprus and Greece

Cypriot government spokesperson Kypros Chrysostomidis described the fact that the Cypriot Republics views were supported by other European Union Member-States, in the informal FM Summit Meeting in Newport, Wales, as optimistic.

The spokesperson expressed the hope that the British Presidency will record the reactions by other EU countries, and evaluate them, and when a new discussion will take place then there will be the necessary unanimity in the counterstatement of the European Union to Turkeys statement.

Mr Chrysostomidis also said that further improvements are needed in the British Presidencys text, and that there is continuous contact with the Greek government over the handlings.

He also confirmed that there was a discussion with Greek FM Petros Molyviatis with President Papadopulos.

On his part, Cypriot FM Giorgos Iakovou voiced the expectation that by the end of next week the EU Permanent Representative Council will decide on the document of the community counterstatement to the declaration of Turkey on the non-recognition of the Cypriot Republic.

Mr Iakovou in statement to RIK from Newport, Wales, said that the document will be referred to the Ministerial Council on September 15.

The Cypriot FM stated that there is no reference based on the law ("de jure") or the diplomatic recognition of Cyprus, but something more encouraging, which he did not explain.

Mr Iakovou also stated that the document presented by the British Presidency in yesterdays Ministerial Council had incoherencies, while changes in wording have to be made.

Such references, he said, is the reference to the Turkish-Cypriot state as a predestined pattern, while the inspection imposed on Turkey for the implementation of the Protocol is not determined.

Mr Iakovou said that the Legal Adviser of the European Council submitted his view in writing, according to which the signing of the Protocol by Turkey as a de facto recognition of the Cypriot Republic is proposed, and added that he agrees with the optimism of British FM Jack Straw over the start of Turkeys accession negotiations on October 3 as planned in the European Council last December.

The alternate government spokesperson described the British proposal over the Turkish-Europe issues, and the issue of the implementation of the Union Protocol is the basis for further negotiations in the next Permanent Representatives Council

Mr Antonaros added that during the informal EU FM Council in Newport, the Greek government through Greek FM Petros Molyviatis expressed its reservations over some issues of the British proposal, which will be discusses in the next Permanent Representatives Council.

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

Related News:

Discussion Continues

FM Summit In Development

[11] Without Cost to the Citizen's Quality of Life Energy-Saving Measures

By Vicky Keleri

Greek Development Minister Dimitris Sioufas urged the citizens to curb fuel consumption. He also announced that within the next ten days the Ministry would be issuing practical directions for energy saving, which would not burden the citizens quality of life. At the same time, the Minister reminded that the plan for the gradual replacement of oil by alternative energy sources was approved during the Government Committees recent meeting. Regarding the immediate measures, Mr Sioufas noted that Greece has not decided yet on reducing petrol consumption, as opposed to US President George Bush and French PM de Villepin, who have already asked their citizens to do so.

Translated by Vicky Ghionis

[12] Focus on Competition and Trade

By Vicky Keleri

Sources: ANA, NET 105.8

At noon, the Minister of Development, Dimitris Sioufas, held a meeting with delegates of stores chains LIDL, DIA, IKEA and Praktiker. The meeting focused on the implementation of the new bill on trade and competitiveness. The bills foresee the further participation of Greek products in the retail stores chains and the formation of a new businesses permit issue system, which will be completed until the end of the year. The issue of prices was not discussed, since as the Minister stated, "our aim is the setting and the upkeep of prices and healthy competition conditions in the market." Moreover Mr Sioufas described the discussion as creative, and noted that it will continue with the rest of the delegates of the market "in order to listen to their views and for them to be briefed over our intentions."

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

[13] Golden Girls out of the Final

By Ilias Papaioannou

European champions Vaso Karadasiou and Vicky Arvaniti will have the chance to win yet another medal in a world championship tournament tomorrow at 21:00. The two girls were defeated tonight for the first time during the INFOTE Athens Open. In front of 5,000 spectators flocking the stands of the Olympic Centre, the Greek beach volleyball duo did not manage to defeat the infallible Brazilians Ribeiro/Antunes, losing by 2-0 (23-21, 21-19), after an amazing performance. The golden team will now fight for the third place against either Adriana Behar-Shelda or Felisberta Silva-Fran&#231;a, both from Brazil.

Translated by Vicky Ghionis

[14] Michalopoulos/Xenakis Finish 9th

By Ilias Papaioannou

Thanasis Michalopoulos and Manos Xenakis finished in the highest place ever for a Greek team in the international beach volleyball circuit, as they ranked 9th (160pts, 6,000 euros) at the INFOTE Athens Open, thus writing history on the Greek sand. Unfortunately, the Greek champions were unable to surpass the obstacle of Austrians Berger-Doppler (No 6) yet again, as they lost by 2-0 (21-18, 21-16). This was the fourth time they lost to the Austrians in as many games.

Translated by Vicky Ghionis

[15] Michalopoulos/Xenakis Write History

By Ilias Papaioannou

Greek champions Thanasis Michalopoulos and Manos Xenakis (No 9) wrote beach volleyball history today, after qualifying to the top nine teams, during the INFOTE Athens Open. The Greek duo was initially competing in the losers bracket and defeated Austrians Nowotny-Gartmayer by 0-2 (19-21, 23-25), thus qualifying to the 13, where they were set to play against Russians Barsouk-Arkaev. Although this was the first time that the Greeks were competing against the Russians, they did manage to win a very close game, booking a ticket to the top 9 of the tournament. The Greeks won the first set by 21-19, but the Russians tied the score at 1 set all with 21-15. In the last set, Michalopoulos/Xenakis outdid themselves and after a spectacular game, which was going point for point from 15-15 onwards, they sealed the victory with a score of 21-18. At 20:00 tonight, they are scheduled to play against another tough Austrian duo, Berger-Doppler, who were beaten in the third round by Brazilians Benjamin-Harley with a score of 2-1(21-19, 16-21, 15-10).

Amazing Performance

Michalopoulos and Xenakis are living through some magical moments after qualifying to the top 9, writing history on the sand of the Olympic Beach Volleyball Centre. "It is the biggest success for a Greek team," claimed Manos Xenakis, who is looking for better things in view of the match against the Austrians. "We have been preparing for this tournament for months. We were expecting it. He found our pace and managed to defeat a really good team. We can do better, but we need time. We are playing against the Austrians next. It is time to beat them, although he have lost against them three times in three games, two of which with a score of 2-1," noted Xenakis.

Thanasis Michalopoulos statements were along the same lines, as he described this success as something out of this world for those who follow the sport. "We were aiming for the 13th place, so the 9th place is out of this world. Whoever knows the competition can comprehend this success. This is the first time we played against the Russians; they are a good team. We can do better. We believe it. We had the willpower. I hope we can be just as focused against the Austrians so that we can win."

Results and Schedule

33 Maia-Brenha POR [16] - Herrera-Mesa ESP [15] 2-0 (21-19, 21-12) 34 Asahi-Watanabe JPN [24] - Kais Kr.-Ruul EST [23] 0-2 (15-21, 19-21) 35 Alvarez-Ramirez Bernal CUB [5] - Leinemann-Van Huizen CAN [11] 2-0 (27-25, 21-19) 36 Lione-Varnier "Osso" ITA [29] - Baracetti-Depiaggio ARG [19] 2-1 (21-16, 13-21, 17-15) 37 Ruiz Nu&#241;ez-Correa ESP [30] - Horrem-Pettersen E.P. NOR [13] 0-2 (19-21, 16-21) 38 Gosch-Strauss AUT

[27] - Rossell-Villar CUB [28] 1-2 (21-19, 20-22, 09-15) 39 Nowotny-Gartmayer AUT [26] - Michalopoulos-Xenakis GRE [9] 0-2 (19-21, 23-25) 40 Barsouk-Arkaev RUS [18] - Rosas-Pedrosa POR [17] 2-0 (21-14, 30-28)

[7] - Emanuel-Ricardo BRA [2] 2-0 (21-16, 21-18)

[18] 2-1 (21-18, 15-21, 20-18)

Round 4 53 19:00 Marcio Araujo-de Jesus Magalh&#227;es BRA [1] - Egger M.-Laciga M. SUI [4] 54 20:00 Benjamin-Harley BRA [3] - Schacht-Slack AUS [7]

Translated by Vicky Ghionis

[16] Michelangelo's David Mutilated

By Despina Hristopoulou

Sources: BBC

The Italians have found an extreme way to convince their fellow citizens to contribute to the fundraiser for the rescue of their countrys cultural heritage. Suddenly, Italians saw Michelangelos David mutilated, Da Vincis Last Supper with the disciples faces scratched out and Botticellis Venus canvas torn in strips. No, the people in charge of non-profit organisation CittaItalia did not go mad, and destroy great art works but proceeded in this advertising campaign in order to show their fellow citizens what they will lose if they do not take care of their heritage. Even though the specific artworks are not in danger, they have although become billboards with the slogan "Without your help, Italy could lose something."

A Third of Monuments In Danger

The campaign is the largest for the collection of funds for art, is the biggest ever been organised in Italy, while it will last from September 24 to October 2.

As the people in charge of CittaItalia stated, a third of the cultural monuments of the neighboring country is in danger. Among them is the Romes Colosseum and Venice. The main causes of the destruction are pollution, vandalism and natural decay. Also, an alarm has sounded over hundreds of churches, monasteries, castles and other buildings that need immediate repair.

The General Secretary of CittaItalia, Ledo Pratto, notes that Italy owes its reputation to its cultural heritage, and underlines that without is artworks and monuments Italy would be just an anonymous country.

In relation to the campaign, Culture Minister Roco Buttiglione said: "The care and defence of our cultural and artistic heritage isnt only the states responsibility, it is every Italians." "Italians must care for the great art they have around them today, or it may not be there for future generations," he concluded.

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

Related Links:

CittaItalia

[17] In View Of TIF Papandreou's Feverish Meetings

By Vicky Keleri

Sources: ANA, NET 105.8

This morning, the President of PASOK held consecutive meetings with production bodies of Northern Greece in view of the Thessaloniki International Fair (TIF). In particular, he met with the Small Businesses Unions Association, the Small Businesses Union and the delegation of the Workers Employees Centre. The delegates of the Small Businesses Union Association presented Mr Papandreou with their demand over tax relief and asked for his help. Moreover, they noted that the previous PASOK governments did not correctly handle the issues of small-middle sized businesses, and voiced the hope that the current government and Opposition will not follow the same tactics. On his part, the President of the Small Businesses stated that he agreed with the PASOK President over the upgrade of TIF as well as for a strategic development of the Balkans.

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

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