The Hellenic Radio (ERA): News in English, 05-09-19

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

CONTENTS

[01] Schroeder and Merkel Running The Stretch Seeking for Allies

By Athina Saloustrou

In Germany, Gerhard Schroeder and Angela Merkel are running the stretch for the formation of a coalition government, since yesterday the polls indicated an unclear result and a three-seat difference, causing surprise and reservations to European politicians. Merkels Christian Democrats (CDU-CSU) ensured 35.2% and 225 seats, as opposed to the Social Democrat (SPD) governing party with 34.3% and 222 seats. Outgoing PM Gerhard Schroeder ruled out the event of a broad governmental collaboration with the Christian Democrats, and states he wishes to remain head of a "stable government" for the next four years, even if Mrs Merkel insists on becoming Chancellor. On her part Angela Merkel said that she will commence discussions for the formation of a coalition government with all parties, except the Left. It is estimated that she will approach the Green Party first. With this given fact, the percentages of the rest of the parties are of special importance in the 612-seat Parliament: The Liberals receive 9.8% and 61 seats, the Left Wing Party 8.7% and 54, and the Green Party 8.1% and 51. Since none of the big parties receive absolute majority, together with its close allies, new coalitions are a highly likely scenario. For the time being this is the big question, in order for Germany to not be driven to new elections. However, a final result will not be announced before October 2, when the election will take place in the constituency of Dresden, with 219,000 voters, in which 2-3 MPs are elected. In the meantime, the German Press speaks of a debacle of the Christian Democrats and the conservative candidate, for whom it foresees an uncertain political future, while newspapers in France and Great Britain foresee confusion, non-governance and uprisings in Europe by the result of the German elections.

Tactic Manoeuvres

Regardless of the marginal win of the CDU-CSU, Angela Merkel will try and win the collaboration of Joschka Fishers Greens, the current allies of the Social Democrats, in order to form a three-party government with the Free Democrats (FDP) and keep her hopes to succeed Gerhard Schroeder in Germanys Chancellorship.

As per sources, this tactic was judged as necessary in an informal lengthy meeting of the Christian Democrat President with her close associates in Conrad Adenauer House, while the decision will be officiated in the meeting of the partys Presidency later on.

One of Merkels close associates and Vice President of the partys Parliamentary group, Roland Pofala, confirmed the story in the morning, saying that the event cannot be ruled out "because our differences with the Greens in financial policy issues are not as great as they may seem []."

The Co-President of the Green Party, Reinhard B&#252;tikofer, was clearer as to the confirmation and what will arise by Merkels invitation to the Greens, as well as the context and future of these talks, and noted: "Of course we will accept the discussion invitation, as we have good manners. However, in order for no misunderstandings to arise, our pre-election pledges will be supported post-election, and I do not see how our views converge."

Referring to the FDP, given the fact that the Greens and Liberals consider themselves "incompatible" and in every given chance the leadership of the two parties voice their mutual dislike towards each other, B&#252;tikofer added that he cannot imagine that the Liberals can "invent" a new identity, and even if they do so they will not be reliable.

Fisher: "I Dont See Merkel or Stoiber in Jamaica []"

The leader of the Greens and Foreign Minister, Joschka Fishers statements, were along the same lines, saying that he does not rule out discussions, but "discussions and negotiations are two different issues." The reality, he added, foresees no delusions, given the fact that the Greens, pre-election, fought against the "social coldness" and the "environmental back fall," which compose the main issues of the Christian Union parties programme.

"A Jamaica coalition," he said jokingly, the term arises from the colours of the exotic country; black, yellow and green, which are the colours of CDU-CSU, FDP and Greens, brings forth many word associations and pleasant pictures of the Caribbean, but I cannot find Mrs Merker or Mr Stoiber in them []."

Merkel's Mandatory Self-Help Manoeuvre Tactic

However, Merkels invitation to the Greens will present the notion, long-term, that the CDU-CSU candidate takes up the initiative of movements, broadening the capability of the three-party alliance government.

At the same time, Merkel has no other choice in seeking allies apart from the usual suspect, FDP, after the rejection by Gerhard Schroeder, of a great coalition, which is CDU-CSU with SPD under the leadership of Merkel.

Schroeder made clear that his party will not accept a discussion invitation, as long as Merkel insists on being Chancellor, and that he will commence discussions, without disclosing with whom and how, in order to form "a stable government" under his rule.

However, the call to the Greens is a personal issue for Merkel, after her failure to win the elections, and the bad performance of CDU-CSU, as in this way intra-party doubts and disputes, already on the horizon, are unavoidable if she does not finally form a government.

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

Related News:

Electoral Overthrow

[02] Dog Performs Prayer Rituals!

By Vagelis Theodorou

How do you fancy the idea of a dog performing prayer rituals? Well, this is the case with a cute dog on Chindo Island off the coast of South Korea. One-year-old Hama has been instructed to perform rituals alongside the Buddhist monks at Buljang Temple. A temple official said that a month ago, Hama, whose name means hippopotamus in Korean, followed the monks into the temple and started bowing the same way they did! The news quickly became the talk of the town and many believers hurry to the temple to witness it themselves. Hamas achievements are attributed to reincarnation. Believers have already started wondering what Hama may have been in his past life.

Translated by Areti Christou

[03] Nintendo Unveiled a New Controller One-Handed Game Controller

By Vagelis Theodorou

Unveiling its new achievement, a wireless game controller, Nintendo cleared the way for a new era in the field of videogames. The controller is similar to that of television, and its being one-handed puts an end to everything videogame lovers have experienced so far. What makes it revolutionary is that the sensors it contains turn movement into action, allowing it to be transformed into a sword or a racket. "We thought that while members of a family want to use the television remote control, many are intimidated by game controllers," said Nintendo President Satoru Iwata during the showing off of the new invention at Tokyo Game Show. The new game controller is to make it to the market in 2006 along with Revolution game console. However, Nintendos new game will be released to the market much later than its rivals. Microsofts Xbox 360 is released in early December, while Sonys Playstation 3 will not be launched until the end of 2005.

Translated by Areti Christou

[04] Best Time to Have Babies is up to 35 Have a Baby Soon!

By Annita Paschalinou

Sources: BBC

British scientists sounded the alarm for the continuously increasing number of women who opt to give birth to their first baby after the age of 35. The age for pregnancy remains 20 to 35, said the scientists and underlined that after the age of 35, fertility problems and risks of heartbreaks build up. The aforementioned findings were brought to surface by a study conducted by leading British obstetricians. As per the study, the average British woman has her first baby at 29, while two decades ago, the average age for a woman to give birth to their first baby was 26.

Against Nature

The study, which appears at the British Medical Journal, made an extensive reference to the problems reported on pregnancies after the age of 35, since after that age barrier women run greater risks of miscarriage, foetal and chromosomal abnormalities, and pregnancy-related diseases.

"Women want to have it all, but nature is unchanged. Delaying having babies defies nature and raises heartbreaks," warned the scientists and added that society should encourage women have babies much earlier.

Translated by Areti Christou

[05] European Commission Orders Today Crucial Week for OA

By Annita Paschalinou

The upcoming days are viewed as crucial for OAs future. Information has it that the OA will appeal to the European Court within Monday requesting the fines be reviewed. The developments with regard to the OA are to attract the attention of the cabinets meeting. "We need to be patient and wise to settle this rather difficult case and there is no room for populism," commented Transport Minister Michael Liapis and underlined, "The government has a complete plan."

At the same time, OAs employees, in collaboration with GSEE (Greek General Confederation of Labour), are to coordinate their collective actions.

the companys engineers have been staging a rally at OAs technical base at the Athens International Airport since Monday morning.

At noon, the employees of the Federation of Associations of Civil Aviation (OSPA) will take part in the meeting of all Labour Federations.

The issue of OA will also be at the focus at the meeting between Economy Minister Giorgos Alogoskoufis with GSEEs Presidency. SYN President Alekos Alavanos will also meet with OSPA representatives as well as with OAs aviators.

Translated by Areti Christou

[06] Fine for Offenders Amounts to 83 Euros New Bus Lanes

By Jenny Charalampidou

Sources: ERA

Seven new bus lanes, stretching for a total of nine kilometres, will be running as of today the Lenorman, Vasileos Konstantinou, Mavromateon, Ethnarchou Makariou Avenues in Peristeri, Dimokratias Avenue in Agioi Anargyroi and Xaveriou Plaza in Piraeus. The fine for offenders amounts to 83 euros. Speaking on NET 105.8 radio station, Hellenic Institute of Transportation Engineers Panagiotis Papadakos said that the bus lanes are a measure that aims to make citizens use the public transportation system.

Translated by Areti Christou

[07] German Press Comments on German Elections Surprise and Reserves

By Vagelis Theodorou

The thriller of the German elections made the Press in Germany, Britain and France involve in a rally of extensive coverage and possible scenarios for the day after. The German Press described the result as an indication of disapproval of Angela Merkel and noted that a coalition with the participation of the Conservatives, the Liberals and the Greens is the most probable solution. "Two Losers for Chancellors," German daily Die Velt said in its headline and wondered whether the German citizens are aware of the countrys political crisis or they are trying to leave behind the problems of unemployment, deficits, inefficient education system and social security. Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung read, "Lets Get the Ball Rolling," while Bilds main article is entitled "Merkel Won, But Lot." On its part, Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung wondered whether the new government will manage to run its four-year term and regarded the possibility of re-elections pretty strong. "Both Losers Want to Become Chancellors," read Financial Times Deutschland, which pointed out the German industrials disappointment over the result. In closing, Berliner Zeitung claimed, "The voters have spoken, but it is difficult to make sense out of what they said," while Sueeddeutsche Zeitung argued that Merkels term as a Chancellor ended before it even started. "Chaos," "confusion," "power vacuum" and "upheaval in Europe," commented the Press in France and Britain, while the Russian Kommersant reported, "Schroeders era is not over."

Power Vacuum in Germany Upheaval in the EU

"The election setback for Germanys Thatcher brings chaos to Europe," read Times on its cover and added that Germany is on the verge of a "political paralysis.

Financial Times spoke of a stalemate and underlined that the results have raised concerns in London and Washington. The newspaper also noted that Germany has two would-be leaders that each one is to try to form a coalition meant to spark a prolonged confusion.

British top-selling Guardian commented that Germany was plunged into uncertainty, since none of the two main rivals managed to win a clear majority. Commenting on "Germanys Thatcher," the newspaper underlined that the Christian Democrats head is not at all reminiscent of the British "Iron Lady," while Gerhard Schroeder depicted a "remarkable political and communicative skills."

The French Press gave a "Yes" answer to the question, "Is there a power vacuum?" and underlined that Germanys inability to form a government is to have bleak implications for Europe as.

Liberations title is pretty indicative. "Two Losers on a Chair." The newspaper argued that there will be a power vacuum in Germany, while the EU will become more undecided.

In closing, Figaro read that the result is rather worrying and clears the way for a government void of prestige to proceed with radical reforms. At the same time, the newspaper voiced its fear that Germany will experience a power vacuum as well as that the European policy is in danger of further paralysis following the French no to the European Constitutional Treaty.

Translated by Areti Christou

Related News:

Electoral Overthrow

[08] Agreement at Six-Party Talks Pyongyang Backs Down

By Annita Paschalinou

The six-party talks on North Koreas nuclear weapons presented positive results. Pyongyang pledged to abandon its nuclear programme and sign the nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty. It also agreed to allow International Atomic Energy Agency watchdog to inspect its nuclear facilities. In return, North Korea requested oil and energy aid. The USA, on the other hand, assured that they are to use neither nuclear nor conventional weapons to attack North Korea, and that the USA along with North Korea will work on settling their differences. As per analysts, the agreement is a really pivotal step. However, problems are likely to arise during its implementation.

Translated by Areti Christou

[09] National Basketball Team Advanced Israel's Turn Has Come

By Stathis Petropoulos

The Greek national basketball team overcame the obstacle of ambitious Bosnia- Herzegovina, and won in todays last game of the groups round, with 67-50 and finished in second place of the third group. The next test for Panagiotis Giannakis team is Israel, which today earned a surprising win against Spain. The game against Israel will take place on Tuesday at 21:30 in Hala Pionir and broadcast by ERTSAT.

The Greek team started as yesterdays game against Slovenia ended; with bad performance and stress, since in the specific game the continuation of its presence on Serbian ground was tested. The Bosnians took advantage of the above, and attacked the numbed Greek team, which brought it in the lead since Giannakis players preferred unsuccessful three pointers. In the second period, the Greek players kept slightly ahead in the score, and thus the first half ended with Greece leading 33-29.

In the third 10 minutes, the Greek team scored ten points, but thankfully Bosnia only scored two more. With a man-to-man defence Greeces opponents pressured and forced Giannakis players into consecutive mistakes. The coach was seeking for the player that would shoot and score, and these ten points came from a three pointer by Papaloukas, and initiatives by Kakiouzis and Papadopoulos. With Bosnias top player Domercant, the Bosnians reduced the score to 41-43 in the 30, and tied 43-43 with a jump shot by Hukic with the start of the 4th period. Nikos Zisis became the hero of that time, since with five consecutive points, 48-43, Greece avoided the surprise. What if Mrsic scored his first points straight after. How? But with a three pointer of course. The first stage had a good ending for the Greek team. The first place that leads to the semi-finals may have not been earned, but second place is worth respect.

The ten minutes: 15-16, 33-29, 43-41, 67-50

Referees: Lamonica (Italy), Dubravko (Croatioa), Ryzhyk (Ukraine)

Greece (Panagiotis Giannakis): Papaloukas 9 (1), Spanoulis, Zisis 5 (1), Bourousis (2), Vasilopoulos, Fotsis 15 (3), Chatzivrettas 5 (1), Dikoudis, Tsartsaris 12 (2), Diamantidis 5, Papadopoulos 10, Kakiouzis 4.

Bosnia-Herzegovina (Mensur Bajramovic): Princ, Ovcina 4, Teletovic 7 (1), Leric 1, Bavcic, Domercant 9, Kovacevic 3 (1), Tuljkovic, Mrsic 3 (1), Hukic 12 (3), Radojevic, Bajramovic 10.

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

[10] Comedown Continues

By Vasilis Kalpinos

In yet another game, the third in particular, Panathinaikos did not gain the three points of victory, since it tied 0-0 against Levadiakos in Livadeia. The "greens" in todays game were quite bad and disconnected during most of the game, and could not threaten the opponents nets, with some exceptions. With this point, Panathinaikos has reached two points, and is seven whole points away from the top of the standings. On the other hand, Levadiakos remained undefeated in this years Championship with three ties.

Poor First Half

The excitement was little in the first half from both of the teams. Levadiakos was the one that made the first opportunity of the game, when in the 6 Gourma entered the penalty area, and with a shot sent the ball off Galonovics post. The home team continued to threaten with Gourma kicking another good shot but without success. On the other hand, up to that point Panathinaikos did not have a single goal opportunity. In the last minutes of the first half, there were two other good opportunities, one for each team.

The home team had a good shot by Zisopoulos, with the ball passing by the goalpost, while the first opportunity for the "greens" was in added time with Torgelle kicking the ball out.

Effort in Second Half

Panathinaikos started off better in the second half. Having better movement it took over midfield and in the 55 Torgelle from a good position kicked the ball by Zafeiropoulos nets. The visitors reached a goal five minutes later but Charalabidis kick found the goalpost.

In the 75 the "greens" were near a goal, this time when Gonzales, after a pass by Mantzios, kicked the ball and Zafeiropoulos nicely blocked. The last good opportunity for Panathinaikos was in the 85 but Charalabidis kick was out.

It is noted, that incidents occurred near the city of Levadeia early this afternoon between Panathinaikos and local fans. Panathinaikos had not received tickets for the specific game and its fans arrived in Levadeia with their own initiative.

Referee: Tsikinis (Messinia)

Yellow cards: Busi (10), Darlas (12), Basala (20), Conceicao (45), Pappas (90), Machairas (92)

Lineups:

Levadiakos (Takis Lemonis): Zafeiropoulos, Kallimanis, Chrysafis, Pastos, Dimou, Dimitropoulos (65 Pappas), Korea (77 Machairas), Zisopoulos, Bassala, Bushi (75 Karakatsanis), Gourma.

Panathinaikos (Alberto Malesani): Galinovic, Darlas, Goumas, Vintra, Nilsson, Gonzales, Biscan (46 Charalabidis), Conceicao, Theodoridis, Olisadebe (82 Gekas), Torgelle (60 Mantzios).

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

[11] AEK Fails in OAKA

By Stathis Petropoulos

AEK earned its second tie in this years Championship, this time in its home turf, since it did not manage to win Egaleo, which put up a fight. To be exact, AEK tied after the visitors scored first with Cesarec in the 64, and tied in the 77 with Nikos Lymberopoulos. Santos players had a hard time approaching Sidibes nets during the game, since all the opportunities in the first half were saved one way or another. Thus, they got behind, and were forced to materialise their efforts in order to avoid the worst.

The first good opportunity for AEK came in the 19 when a foul kick by Ivic was impressively blocked by Sidibe. In the 23 and 24 there were two good shots by Lymberopoulos and Vengliskyi, without any success, as in the 41 when Ivic passed on to Julio Cesar. The second half the game continued in the same pace, with AEK trying to attack, but the visitors being better prepared and quite easily recovering from their opponents efforts.

A goal for Egaleo came in the 64, when in a counterattack Manousakis kicked a centre ball and Cesarec beat Sorrentino. This was the first goal in AEKs nets in this years Championship. AEK reacted and managed to tie in the 77 when Lymberopoulos with a header, after a centre kick by Cesar, beat Sidibe. Straight after Egaleo reached a second goal, when Manousakis, after a mistake by Alexopoulos, was face to face with Sorrentino but missed, while AEK replied in the 82 with Vengliskyis kick blocked by Sidibe. AEK speeded up the pace up, and in the 85 Ivics header passed above the goalpost, while two minutes later, Sidibe blocked a new header by Lymberopoulos. In the 90, in a header by Lymberopoulos the ball went out.

In closing, it is noted that the organised fans of AEK, as announced before the game, left the stadium in the first 15 of the game.

Referee: Germanakos (Athens)

Yellow cards: Lymberopoulos (20), Tsatsos (43), Nikolopoulos (57)

AEK (Fernando Santos): Sorrentino, Georgeas (67 Lakis), Cirillo, Alexopoulos, Malbasa, Katsouranis, Ivic, Lymberopoulos, Julio Cezar, Soares (Sapanis 61, 75 Chanko), Vengliskyi.

Egeleo (Giorgos Vazakas): Sidibe, Papoutsis, Psomas, Zapropoulos, Edusei, Fotakis, Maric, Tsatsos, Manousakis (80 Chloros), Cesarec (87 Liapakis), Agritis (54 Nikolopoulos).

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

[12] Iran's Nuclear Programme to Vienna

By Annita Paschalinou

The Iranian nuclear programme is to top the meeting of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) board in Vienna. On Saturday, the Iranian Presidents speech infuriated the international community. Mahmoud Ahmadinejad maintained that Iran is determined to continue its nuclear programme and blamed the West for applying a "political apartheid." Diplomatic sources reported that the EU3, namely France, Britain and Germany, are working on a draft resolution to refer Iran to the Security Council, a decision that the USA has long been in favour of.

Translated by Areti Christou

[13] Explosion on Tourist Bus

By Tina Valaoura

Sources: ANA, AFP

Two persons were killed and ten injured, by an explosion on a tourist bus, in the province of Antalya in Turkey. As per a telegram by Anatolia news agency, an explosion took place in the baggage compartment on top of the passengers seats, and resulted in the vehicle catching fire. Thankfully, the fire was quickly set under control. The bus was en route from Antalya to Manavgat with 16 passengers and 4 employees on board. The Police is investigating the causes of the incident, however they do not rule out the event of this being the last of a series of attacks, which took place in July and August in Turkey, which as per the Authorities are acts by the PKK.

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

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