The Hellenic Radio (ERA): News in English, 05-09-20

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

CONTENTS

[01] The Future of OA

By Anna Kourti

The Cabinet, which is meeting at this hour under Prime Minister Kostas Karamanlis, will focus on the future of Olympic Airlines. "We need to find a solution to ensure public interest and employees' rights, in combination with the implementation of Community regulations" stressed Kostas Karamanlis during the meeting. The Minister of Economy said the Public Sector could take part in a future stock-holding venture in OA, in case the ongoing privatisation process fails. In the meantime, employees in various airports around the country are holding a demonstration at this hour in the El. Venizelos airport. "We want OA to become a modern, competitive and profit-making, but still public company," stressed OSPA President Manolis Patestos on NET radio 105. In the meantime, the Groups that had shown some interest in OA, have been briefed on the new developments, while Olympic Investors founder Kostas Alexakis, stated on Greek News that his company is still interested in buying Olympic Airlines, despite the penalty imposed by the Commission.

Translated by Sofia Soulioti

[02] Children Prefer Adults' Bad Habits Children Imitate Bad Habits

By Annita Paschalinou

Sources: Reuters

The following is common knowledge to parents. Dads and moms behaviour and habits pose a row model for children and play an instrumental role in shaping the latters future habits. But what happens when the grownups set a bad example? A research conducted in the USA showed that preschoolers aged 2-6 go for their parents bad habits: the mom that is smoking, the dad who is enjoying his beer or vice versa.

Children Go for Bad Habits

The research took the form of a role-playing.

Dr. Madeline Dalton from Dartmouth College in Hanover, monitored a group of 120 children aged 2-6. The children had to buy from a mini grocery store, which sold 73 different products, including beers, wine and cigarettes. 28% of the children bought cigarettes, while 62% of the children went for alcohol.

The children, whose parents are smokers, were found four times more prone to buy cigarettes, while the children, whose parents drink alcohol at least once a month, were three times prone to go for alcohol.

Translated by Areti Christou

[03] Alpha is on The Way Greek Hurricanes

By Annita Paschalinou

What do meteorologists do when they have run out of names to call the hurricanes and tropical storms? They go Greek! The National Hurricane Centre in Miami announced that there are only four names left for the hurricanes and tropical storms that are expected to hit the Atlantic Ocean, and that their next choice would be the first letter of the Greek alphabet. So, after Stan, Tammy, Vince and Wilma, we will be hearing about Alpha. We hope that the Greek hurricanes will not leave damages and victims in their wake.

Short And Distinctive Names

At the beginning of each hurricane season, the meteorologists release a list with 21 male and female names, which are used alphabetically.

The US National Weather Services has been naming hurricanes and tropical storms since 1953.

Until 1979 hurricanes and tropical storms had been named only after female names, but since that year male names were included in the list.

But what is the best name to call a weather condition?

American meteorologists answer that short and distinctive names do a better job.

Katrina is History

The World Meteorological Organization, which has its headquarters in Geneva, has lists of names for regions that are to be affected by storms worldwide. The list for the Gulf of Mexico, Caribbean and North Atlantic contains names that will cover a six-year period.

From the seventh year on, names will be used alternatively. However, the names of the hurricanes that claimed many victims and caused extensive damages are to be excluded. For example, the world will never hear about Katrina.

That was the case with hurricane Andrew that hit Florida and Bahamas in 1992. Andrew left 26 people dead and 26,5 million dollars damage in his wake.

Translated by Areti Christou

[04] Huge Compromise!

By Athina Saloustrou

Head of the Christian Union (CDU/CSU) and President of the Social Democrats (CDU) Angela Merkel has already started contacts for the formation of a new Government, excluding the Left party of former Social Democrat Oscar Lafontaine. What is more, the Green party is opening talks with the parties of the Christian Union and the Liberals in the context of talks between political parties for the formation of a coalition Government. Jurgen Trittin, Minister of the Environment, said on public television that the outcome of these talks "is more than uncertain," given the significant difference of views, which become apparent during the pre-electoral campaign. "We converse willingly, but these conversations are in no case negotiations for the formation of a coalition," said Green leader Claudia Roth on radio station Bayerische Rundfunk. In the meantime, German newspapers find the solution to the dead-end of Sunday's elections are the formation of a "major coalition" between the Social Democrats of outgoing chancellor Gerhard Schroeder and the Christian Democrats of Angela Merkel.

Translated by Sofia Soulioti

[05] Molyviatis Valinakis' Contacts in the UN

By Anna Kourti

The Greek Foreign Minister will be completing his contacts today as part of the 60th United Nations General Assembly. At 17:00 Greek time), Mr Molyviatis will take part in the meeting of the EU's Foreign Ministers with their American counterpart, Mrs Condoleezza Rice. Mr Molyviatis will then have lunch with Mrs Rice and his EU and NATO counterparts. Earlier, Mr Molyviatis will hold meetings with Liz Chaney (Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary of State For Near Eastern Affairs and Coordinator for Broader Middle East and North Africa Initiatives-State Department), as well as with his counterparts from Switzerland, India, Albania and Algeria. In the early morning hours, Mr Molyviatis will leave from New York, where Deputy Foreign Minister will remain until Thursday to continue with his cycle of contacts. Mr Valinakis will take part in the UN's Security Council conference on the role of society in the prevention of conflicts and the peaceful settlement of differences." Apart from Mr Valinakis, Foreign Ministry spokesperson Giorgos Koumoutsakos and other ministry officials have also escorted Mr Molyviatis in New York.

Translated by Sofia Soulioti

[06] Quake on Cephallonia

By Anna Kourti

An earthquake measuring 4.9 on the Richter scale upset the inhabitants of Cephallonia shortly after 01:00 in the morning. As per the Athens Geodynamic Institute and the Thessaloniki Geophysics Laboratory, the quake's epicentre was located in the sea area southwest of the island. Seismologists are reassuring. No reports on damages so far.

Translated by Sofia Soulioti

[07] Problem No 1

By Annita Paschalinou

The first problems predicted by political analysts have already emerged after the agreement in Beijing for North Korea's nuclear weapons. During the six-party negotiations, Pyongyang delegation head stressed their country will not abandon the nuclear programme, unless they first acquire a light water reactor for the production of electricity. "The US will have to prove they have changed their hostile policy and provide us with light water nuclear reactors," stressed Vice Foreign Minister Kim Kye-gwan, requesting for tangible proofs in order to built up trust. Japanese Foreign Minister Nobutaka Machimura said the North's reactor demand was "unacceptable." However, South Korean Unification Minister Chung Dong-young said the issue would be discussed before the next round of talks, which is set to take place in November.

Translated by Sofia Soulioti

[08] Fears for the New Tropical Storm On Alert for Rita

By Annita Paschalinou

After the unheard-of neglect after Katrina's hit, Louisiana authorities know better and appear to be ready for a new tropical storm, expected to hit the US Coast of the Mexican Gulf on Thursday. Cathleen Blanco, the Governor of Luisiana, asked inhabitants to be ready for Rita, which could evolve into a hurricane. "We are taking Rita very, very seriously. Be ready for possible evacuation," stressed Cathleen Blanco and asked inhabitants to be properly prepared, making sure they have enough provisions for several days.

Emergency Measures in Florida

As of Sunday, Florida has been declared in a state of emergency for Rita.

Authorities said it was imperative to evacuate Florida Keys, while evacuation in Miami-Dade and Broward is optional.

Florida Governor Jeb Bush has already asked for the help of the National Guard and has been allowed to use public buildings as shelters.

Translated by Sofia Soulioti

[09] The '25' Agree on a Text EU Agreement in Principle

By Tina Valaoura

Sources: Reuters - NET - NET 105.8

Following long successive deliberations in Brussels, the EUs Permanent Representatives Committee (COREPER) reached an agreement over the text of the counterstatement to Turkeys one-sided declaration refusing to recognise new Member Cyprus. According to Reuters, which is quoting a British diplomat whose country holds the EU rotating presidency once the text of the declaration has been finalised it will be presented to Turkey at the start of the accession talks, which, as he said, will commence as scheduled in the beginning of October. The Permanent Representatives are expected to convene anew within the next few days, in order to decide on an official declaration.

It should be noted that Ankaras initial negative declaration over the issue with Cyprus, despite the fact that Turkey had signed the customs union protocol with the 10 new Member-States on 29 July, had created headaches within the EU, as it constituted an obstacle for the commencement of accession talks.

Following a series of meetings, COREPER reached a common counterstatement, which, as per initial information, will remind Turkey that "recognition of all Member-States is a necessary component of the accession process." In addition, it will set deadlines on Turkey to remove all obstacles to the free movement of goods, including the restrictions on means of transport, i.e. it will demand that the country opens its ports to Cypriot means of transport carrying goods and passengers.

As per reliable sources, the Cypriot diplomats have asked for a deadline until tomorrow, before giving their final response over the text. Once the Cypriot side agrees, the text is expected to be officially adopted by the EU.

Translated by Vicky Ghionis

Related News:

Ongoing Deliberations

[10] Eyes Set on Quarterfinal

By Dimitris Alexopoulos

On Tuesday, the Greek National Basketball team will battle it out for a place in the quarterfinals of the European Championship. Its opponent, Israel the team coached by Zvi Sherf, well known in Greece from his stints with Aris, Makedonikos and PAOK qualified after defeating Spain last Sunday. The chances of the Greek squad qualifying are quite good, just as long as the team shows spirit and does not repeat its dismal performance, as was the case in the game against Slovenia. In the rest of the pairs, Croatia is set to play against Italy, Germany against Turkey and host Serbia/Montenegro against France.

Israel not a Threat

Israel does not constitute a threat for the Greek team; however, this does not mean that the game will be easy.

In addition, the Greeks still remember their bitter experience from 2003 in Sweden, when, although they were considered the favourites against Italy, they missed out on the chance of winning a medal.

Even though that was the teams sole loss, it was enough for Greece to be ranked fifth overall.

Lets hope the boys have learnt their lesson, because Zvi Sherfs team is a well-respected team in Europe, as Greeces head coach Panagiotis Giannakis noted, but not a threat for the team.

Shelef, Burstein and Greek AEKs Hajaj can do serious damage, but to Greeces benefit, Israels talent is concentred in those three players. As for the others, Sherf relies mainly on power rather than technique.

The Other Games

Germany is expected to have an easy task against Turkey, and Serbia against France. The game between Italy, silver Olympian in Athens, and Croatia is expected to be a close battle.

Although the Germans have not really demonstrated what they are capable of, with Dirk Nowitzki of the Dallas Mavericks heading the pact, they should be able to overcome the Turkish obstacle.

During the preliminaries, Germany lost to Italy by 82-84, but easily defeated Ukraine (84-58), while their one-point victory over Russia was enough for the team to qualify.

Nowitzki, however, will have to give a tough battle against two very familiar faces from the NBA, Hidayet Turkoglu of Orlando Magic and Mehmet Okus of Utah Jazz.

Those two players can make the difference, but, on the other hand, they cannot lead their team to the top. Anyway, as the results have indicated so far, the Turkish team seems to rely more on luck rather than ability.

The Turks were defeated by the 2003 European Champions, Lithuania, with a score of 75-87, while they defeated Bulgaria, which is considered a weak team, in the overtime by 89-94 (79-79 final score). Then they were defeated by Croatia (80-67) and only managed to qualify, because Bulgaria did not win any games.

Having the crowd by its side, host Serbia/Montenegro will probably not have any problems against France, a team which, apart from NBAer Parker, has nothing else to demonstrate.

With four of its players competing in the NBA (Milicic of Detroit Pistons, Krstic of New Jersey Nets, Rebraca of Los Angeles Clippers and Jaric of Minnesota Timberwolves), Serbia/Montenegro is expected to have an easy time against the French team.

Although Serbia lost to Spain by 19 points in the opening game, it scored two subsequent victories against Israel (93-77) and Latvia (82-67) to qualify for the next round.

On the other hand, France has not convinced anyone with its performance so far, as it counts two losses against Greece and Slovenia respectively and only one victory over weaker Bosnia.

Finally, the game between Italy and Croatia is one of the most difficult to predict in this phase.

The Italians have a slight advantage, as they defeated Germany (84-82) and Ukraine (99-62), but lost to Russia (61-87).

Croatia, on the other hand, has a vibrant and eager squad, which, as per head coach Neven Sahija, aims at wowing the crowds at the upcoming 2008 Beijing Olympics.

This, however, does not mean that they cannot pull a surprise against their opponent, the silver Olympians, as they have nothing to lose and plenty to gain.

Translated by Vicky Ghionis

[11] They Stayed at Nil All

By Dimitris Alexopoulos

Unable to shake off the mediocrity of their previous performances, Iraklis and PAOK tied against each other, during the first northern Greek clash of the new 2005-06 football season. For the third consecutive round, both opponents demonstrated major problems, while they had no pace and did not take risks for a better result. The only positive aspect of the match was that Iraklis won its first point, but remains at the bottom of the rankings.

Iraklis Had More Opportunities

Both teams started off with caution, and neither of them managed to achieve anything during the first twenty minutes.

After the 20-minute mark, Iraklis took initiatives and in the 25, it nearly took the lead. Epalle crossed from the right and Herrera clipped the ball towards PAOKs goalkeeper, but it hit Fernandezs bar.

Three minutes later, and following Fernandezs early dash, Murati crossed to Herrera, who sent the ball wide, while in the 31, Herrera came face-to-face with Fernandez once again, but was unable to defeat the goalkeeper.

On the other hand, the only thing the visitors had to show in the first half was a kick by Salpigidis in the 40, which was easily cleared away by Abaris.

The second half was not as slow, while the first opportunity for a goal came in the 64 for Iraklis. Drougas centred the ball from the right, but Muratis header was wide.

Seven minutes before the final whistle, the home team missed yet another opportunity to score. Following a counterattack, Epalles strong kick went over the crossbar. So, the match ended in a nil all draw.

Referee: Koukoulakis (Iraklio)

Yellow Cards: Sznaucner, Lawal, Kapetanos Shikabala, Udeze, Andralas

IRAKLIS: Abaris, Perperidis (46 Drougas), Seghiri, Sznaucner, Papazacharias, Prittas, Lawal, Epalle, Murati, Herrera (68 Lagos), P. Kapetanos (61 Fortuzi)

PAOK: Fernandez, Udeze, Megahed, Akyel (53 Andralas), Charalabous, Zagorakis, Balafas, Feutchine, Shikabala (69 Christodoulopoulos), Salpigidis, Giasemakis.

Translated by Vicky Ghionis

[12] They Are Still Counting Wounds Katrina's Black List

By Annita Paschalinou

The list of victims in the American South from hurricane Katrina grows longer and longer. The grim predictions are verified and as per the latest reports, the death toll has reached 970. In much-affected Louisiana, 90 more bodies were located, increasing the number of dead to 736. In the other states, the death toll remains the same. 218 victims in Mississippi, 14 in Florida and two in Alabama.

Translated by Sofia Soulioti

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