The Hellenic Radio (ERA): News in English, 05-10-04

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

CONTENTS

[01] European Future Ahead Excitement in Turkey

By Dimitris Alexopoulos

A brief ceremony, which was held at 2am in Luxemburg, paved the way for the talks over Turkeys accession to the EU. The talks are viewed as tedious and long-running, without enjoying any guarantees regarding their final outcome. Ankara should proceed with a string of institutional reforms as well as harmonising its legislation with the EU one. However, the "yes" to the countrys membership bid, irrespective of the harsh terms, was enough to spread waves of enthusiasm in Turkey. Addressing the Parliamentary Group of his party, Turkish Premier Recep Tayyip Erdogan spoke of a "Diplomatic triumph that rocked not only Europe, but also Asia, Africa and America." The Turkish Premier also noted that Sundays decision was pivotal for both the countrys future and the EU, which is to be elevated to a world power. "Turkey lies at a strategic position, and the EUs decision bears a huge strategic dimension," he added.

Full Membership

However, referring to the stance Turkey has to adopt on the EU Member-States and the rest of the international organisations, Mr Erdogand argued, "Turkey will not back down from its acquits in the international organisations, while as for the countrys position within NATO, Turkey will be based on its free will."

On the issue of the criticism that has already been launched regarding the open outcome of the talks, Mr Erdogan stated, "The negotiating framework clearly states that full membership is the only objective. The term open outcome simply accounts for the nature of the talks."

In a Press Conference in Luxemburg, Turkish FM Abdullah Gul claimed, "The negotiating framework clearly refers to the prospect of full membership, without being influenced by any alternative."

As for the Cyprus issue, Abdullah Gul maintained that Turkeys stance on the issue will not alter unless a permanent settlement of the matter is achieved and added, "The Cyprus issue will be dealt with within the UN."

Mr Gul also made a reference to Turkeys unilateral statement on July 19 and made it clear that the ratification of the customs Protocol does not force Turkey to recognise the Republic of Cyprus.

On the same issue, the Turkish Premier dismissed the claim that Turkeys national rights are relinguished. Referring to the far-right National Movement Party and its criticism, he stated, "I fail to grasp the fact that those who had consented to the countrys future in Europe, now oppose the developments. That is not a decent stance."

Baykal's Objections

Deniz Baykal, leader of the Republican Peoples Party, argued that the negotiating framework favours a privileged partnership rather than full membership. Addressing his partys Parliamentary Group, Mr Baykal noted that his party, "had described the European Council resolution in December 2004 as negative," and pointed out, "Unfortunately, the negotiating framework, which was approved on Monday and is to rule the talks, is even worse. Turkey is directed towards a privileged partnership, and no one can claim it is a full membership."

Baykal also referred to Lipponens letter to say, "What we were promised in 1999 with that letter, namely that the Cyprus issue will not stand in the way, has come into effect with the EU counter-statement." "This means recognition," argued Baykal and added that the EU counter-statement requests Turkey ease its relations with the Greek-Cypriot side, which equals to recognition.

Rehn: "Recognizing Cyprus Top Prerequisite"

Irrespective of the opinions expressed in Turkey on the Cyprus issue and Turkeys accession, EU Commissioner for Enlargement Olli Rehn made it clear that recognising Cyprus is a top prerequisite for the accession talks. At the same time, he urged those involved to work on settling the Cyprus issue.

With regard to Turkeys accession talks, Olli Rehn announced his travel to Ankara to discuss the details of the accession process.

Furthermore, he added that the screening procedure of the EU acquits compared to the Turkish law, a procedure that is expected to last a year, will commence on October 20. In the beginning, the screening procedure is scheduled to focus on the issues of research and technology and it will then move on to the fields of education and culture.

Mr Rehn also voiced his satisfaction about the fact that the accession talks point in the direction of Turkeys full membership. He noted, however, that it is going to be a long lasting process with an open outcome. He finally concluded that the European Commission is closely monitoring Turkeys ability to fit in the EU.

Rice: "Multiple Benefits from Turkey's Accession"

During a scheduled meeting, on Tuesday, with EU Ambassadors in Washington, US Secretary of State Condoleeza Rice estimated that Turkeys accession course will not only benefit Europe, but also the "transatlantic family." State Department spokesperson Sean McCormack said that the US diplomatically and publically support Ankaras accession prospect, but respect the EUs procedures and do not intervene in them.

When questioned whether Turkeys European prospect could assist the Cypriot issue, Mr McCormack repeated that the US views have not changed, as it supports the efforts and the Annan Plan.

Translated by Areti Christou

Related News:

Ticket to Europe

Momentous Agreement

[02] Charisteas and Fissas Still Injured

By Ilias Papaioannou

Once again the training session of the Greek national football team, in Agios Kosmas, faced obstacles. Players Aggelos Charisteas and Takis Fissas, who are suffering from injuries and as it all seems will not play in the decisive match against the Danish on Saturday, trouble Coach Otto Rehaggel. The good news is that Giorgos Karagounis was included in tonights training session, and is expected to participate as of tomorrow.

Doubts Over Participation

The training session of the Greek team took place in Agios Kosmas, without the participation of Aggelos Charisteas and Takis Fissas, but with Giorgos Karouginis presence. Charisteas followed a personal training session, and was examined by the teams doctor, Mr Christopoulos, who concluded he suffered from a concussion.

"Things did not go as planned," stated the Greek player who was injured in the last game of his team against Arsenal, in Champions League. "I thought I was going to be ready for Saturdays game, but it seems impossible at this given moment. My doctor advised me to follow a personal training session until the end of the week, and if I am able to play, I will. It is too early to say if I will be in the team roster, but the chances are slim," he stated.

Our centre forward does not lose his optimism over the game. "A win is what is important. I believe all the guys have understood the importance of the game. The national team is above the players and everyone is replaceable. Denmark is in a good condition, but we can win, and I think we can make it."

Takis Fissas also trained on his own, as he is suffering from a knee injury. The Greek medical team is trying to treat them as soon as possible, in view of the game with Denmark.

Tomorrow the Greek team will train with the instructions of Mr Rehaggel in Agios Kosmas, at 10:30.

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

Related News:

Vrizas Voices Optimism

[03] Athens and Nicosia Voiced Scepticism Conflicting Views on Agreement

By Dimitris Alexopoulos

Greece and Cyprus welcomed the result on the accession negotiations context of Turkey in the European family with satisfaction but also scepticism on national issues. Foreign Minister Petros Molyviatis spoke of a historic moment, noting that Greece and Cyprus fully established all of their aims. Deputy Foreign Minister Evripidis Stylianidis talked of a success of Greek foreign policy to NET 105.8, since as he noted, "Turkey commits to taking measures concerning its behaviour towards Greece, Cyprus, the minorities and the Patriarch for the first time." PASOK described the decision of historic importance, but accused the government of backing down in national interest issues. The announcements by KKE and Synaspismos were along the same lines. There are conflicting views in Nicosia, with the Opposition and the ruling party concluding negative points, and imputing mistakes to the governments handlings.

Criticism by the Opposition

The PASOK President, speaking at his partys Parliamentary team today, made strict criticism on the Greek sides handlings in the crucial negotiations of Turkey with the EU.

"The Greek voice was non-existent," he stated, compared to other countries, Greece, did not negotiate until the end.

"What it did," he said, "is that in the end attempted to negotiate on what it would give away, not what it should have received," adding that it accepted the explanative statement of the 25 Member-States on Cyprus participation in international organisations.

Speaking to NET 105.8, PASOK Chief of Foreign Affairs Christos Papoutsis noted "yesterday was a great day for the European Union, with Turkey adjusting to a pattern that will lead it into Europe, however, it is a shame that strict timelines and safety measures in all issues of Greek and general national interest, were not fully established within this procedure."

KKE in an announcement stated "the accession negotiations began without Turkey having recognised the Cypriot Republic."

Leader of Synaspismos Alekos Alavanos spoke of a win of Turkey in a diplomatic context, and criticised the ND government, stating that it could not utilise the positive climate created, especially after the referendums in EU countries, to set specific goals and timelines on the Cypriot issue and differences in the Aegean.

The result of these negotiations will be credited to the negative points of the Greek government, and unfortunately will burden the context of Greek Turkish relations on the coming years," he concluded.

Cyprus' Statements

Commenting on the decision of accession negotiations based on the context decided by the 25 Member-States, Cypriot government spokesperson Kypros Chrysostomidis stated that Cyprus is insisting on its proposals set in the negotiating context of Turkey with the European Union.

However, he added that Turkey is forced to adhere to its accession negotiations, as per the terms set by the European Union, stating that is should understand that the 25 Member-States are not ready to roll out the carpet unconditionally, but the country has to adjust to the strict terms and prerequisites set.

AKEL spokesperson Andros Kyprianou described the negotiating context for Turkey as satisfactory, saying that is contains very strict terms for the country, while he applauded Greeces stance, noting that has immensely supported Cyprus efforts.

President of EDEK Giannakis Omirou voiced his reservations, stating that yesterday "should be a day of national recollection and the start of a preparation of collective efforts" for Cyprus.

President of the Democratic Rally Nikos Anastasiadis stated that the Cypriot Republic has not benefited by the developments, as it had limited aims, and did not demand a reconnection of Turkeys accession course with the Cypriot issue.

In closing, alternate President of the United Democrats Michalis Papapetrou spoke of a crash landing of whomever, before the referendum, claimed that better days will come, and added that the countrys isolation was proven.

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

Related News:

Excitement in Turkey

Enthusiasm and Reservations

[04] 2005 Nobel Prize in Physics

By Tina Valaoura

Americans Roy Glauber and John Hall and German Theodor Haensch were awarded the 2005 Nobel Prize in Physics for their work in the field of optics.

The Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences singled out Roy Glauber for his "for his theoretical description of the behaviour of light particles, " and awarded him with half of the $1.29 million prize. The 80-year-old physicist established in 1963 the quantum theory of optical coherence that could account for the fundamental differences between hot sources of light and leasers, said the Academy.

John Hall from the University of Colorado and TheodorHaensch from the Ludwig-Maximilians-University in Munich shared the prize for "precisely determining the colour of the light in atoms and molecules," that made it possible to measure frequencies with the accuracy of fifteen digits. 71-year-old Hall and 63-year-old Haensch will share around 600,000 dollars.

The History of Nobel Prize in Physics

The first Physics Nobel was awarded to German physicist Wilhelm Conrad R&#246;ntgen in 1901 for discovering the X-rays.

Albert Einstein won the prize in 1921 for his discovery of the law of the photoelectric effect.

The youngest to win the Nobel Prizze was 25-year-old William Lawrence Bragg, who along with his father Sir William Henry Bragg were awarded for their services in the analysis of crystal structure by means of X-rays in 1915.

The oldest winner was 88-year-old Raymond Davis Jr. who was singled out in 2002 for his contribution to the fields of astrophysics.

Translated by Areti Christou

[05] Harsh Criticism

By Annita Paschalinou

While addressing the partys Parliamentary Group, PASOK leader George Papandreou launched harsh criticism to the government with regard to the 2006 draft budget as well as to the way the government handled the talks over Turkeys accession to the EU. Mr Papandreou described the budget as socially unfair, since it envisages "zero rises in wages, pensions and benefits," and "indirect tax at the expense of the Greek people." "The 2006 budget foresees nothing for the sectors of development, education, health and the social welfare services," he mentioned and went on to say that the draft bill is in the air, for the EU has not cleared the way for the government to proceed with the securitisation of the dues.

Harsh Tongue on Foreign Policy

"NDs way is not the only one for Greece," he said and accused the Prime Minister of "Keeping criticizing PASOK instead of recognizing the responsibilities of his Ministers and partners."

"The ND government is merely preaching," he added and spoke of a neo-right government of hardness.

George Papandreou also lashed out at the way the government handled the crucial talks over Turkeys accession to the EU.

"Greece failed to make itself heard," he argued, noting that contrary to the rest of the other countries, Greece did not negotiate to the end. Greece only tried to negotiate its retreat and not its claims, he argued, adding that the Greek delegates accepted the clarifying statement of the UK Presidency that referred to the issue of Cyprus participation in the international bodies.

"The road map should have guaranteed peace in the region. Instead, this negotiating map lacks the necessary timetables, safeguards and monitor mechanisms," he added and went on to voice his belief that the EU may encounter future continuous crises, which Greece will have to face on its own.

Translated by Areti Christou

[06] Opening Up Energy Market Private Companies Supply Electricity

By Annita Paschalinou

The government committee cleared the way for three bills to open up the energy market. It also approved a third one that provisions the anew establishment of a National Strategic Council on energy issues. The bill on the opening up of the power market is to be submitted to Parliament by the Development Minister within the current week. The rest related to the opening up of the natural gas market as well as that of biofuels.

More Investments in Energy Sector

The Development Minister said that the bill will pave the way for more investments in the energy sector and noted that the government aims at reducing the diesel use by 5-6% by 2010.

On the issue of the newly hired in PPC, he mentioned that the OTE plan is to be implemented, while when questioned about the collective actions scheduled by GENOP (General Federation of Employees of Sector of Electric Energy), the Minister pointed out that Greece is in bid to fall in line with the EU directive, something that should have been done six years ago.

Translated by Areti Christou

[07] GENOP-PPC Reacts Strikes on "Private" Electricity

By Athina Saloustrou

In an announcement, GENOP-DEI repeated its decision to proceed to strikes, disagreeing with the bill on the freeing of the electric energy market approved by the Governmental Committee today, as well as the lift of permanency of the newly hired in DEKO, speaking of "racism" between the old and new employees. The decision by GENOP foresees 24-hour rolling strikes, the times of which are expected to be finalised in a unions board meeting tomorrow.

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

Related News:

Private Companies Supply Electricity

[08] Announced Collective Strikes "No" to Work Hours and Budget

By Annita Paschalinou

ADEDY expressed its opposition to the budgets draft bill and the new working hours of public services, and announced collective strikes. On the changes in the work hours, the unionists organisations claimed that the government has not conducted a scientific research, while the budget draft bill constitutes another austerity burdening the incomes of wage makers and pensioners. Collective strikes in the Public Sector are expected to be announced next Friday, after ADEDYs meeting with the Minister of Economy and Finance, on incomes policy of the following year.

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

[09] Athens and Nicosia Voiced Scepticism Conflicting Views on Agreement

By Dimitris Alexopoulos

Greece and Cyprus welcomed the result on the accession negotiations context of Turkey in the European family with satisfaction but also scepticism on national issues. Foreign Minister Petros Molyviatis spoke of a historic moment, noting that Greece and Cyprus fully established all of their aims. Deputy Foreign Minister Evripidis Stylianidis talked of a success of Greek foreign policy to NET 105.8, since as he noted, "Turkey commits to taking measures concerning its behaviour towards Greece, Cyprus, the minorities and the Patriarch for the first time." PASOK described the decision of historic importance, but accused the government of backing down in national interest issues. The announcements by KKE and Synaspismos were along the same lines. There are conflicting views in Nicosia, with the Opposition and the ruling party concluding negative points, and imputing mistakes to the governments handlings.

Criticism by the Opposition

The PASOK President, speaking at his partys Parliamentary team today, made strict criticism on the Greek sides handlings in the crucial negotiations of Turkey with the EU.

"The Greek voice was non-existent," he stated, compared to other countries, Greece, did not negotiate until the end.

"What it did," he said, "is that in the end attempted to negotiate on what it would give away, not what it should have received," adding that it accepted the explanative statement of the 25 Member-States on Cyprus participation in international organisations.

Speaking to NET 105.8, PASOK Chief of Foreign Affairs Christos Papoutsis noted "yesterday was a great day for the European Union, with Turkey adjusting to a pattern that will lead it into Europe, however, it is a shame that strict timelines and safety measures in all issues of Greek and general national interest, were not fully established within this procedure."

KKE in an announcement stated "the accession negotiations began without Turkey having recognised the Cypriot Republic."

Leader of Synaspismos Alekos Alavanos spoke of a win of Turkey in a diplomatic context, and criticised the ND government, stating that it could not utilise the positive climate created, especially after the referendums in EU countries, to set specific goals and timelines on the Cypriot issue and differences in the Aegean.

The result of these negotiations will be credited to the negative points of the Greek government, and unfortunately will burden the context of Greek Turkish relations on the coming years," he concluded.

Cyprus' Statements

Commenting on the decision of accession negotiations based on the context decided by the 25 Member-States, Cypriot government spokesperson Kypros Chrysostomidis stated that Cyprus is insisting on its proposals set in the negotiating context of Turkey with the European Union.

However, he added that Turkey is forced to adhere to its accession negotiations, as per the terms set by the European Union, stating that is should understand that the 25 Member-States are not ready to roll out the carpet unconditionally, but the country has to adjust to the strict terms and prerequisites set.

AKEL spokesperson Andros Kyprianou described the negotiating context for Turkey as satisfactory, saying that is contains very strict terms for the country, while he applauded Greeces stance, noting that has immensely supported Cyprus efforts.

President of EDEK Giannakis Omirou voiced his reservations, stating that yesterday "should be a day of national recollection and the start of a preparation of collective efforts" for Cyprus.

President of the Democratic Rally Nikos Anastasiadis stated that the Cypriot Republic has not benefited by the developments, as it had limited aims, and did not demand a reconnection of Turkeys accession course with the Cypriot issue.

In closing, alternate President of the United Democrats Michalis Papapetrou spoke of a crash landing of whomever, before the referendum, claimed that better days will come, and added that the countrys isolation was proven.

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

Related News:

Excitement in Turkey

Enthusiasm and Reservations

[10] Noted the Leadership of the Employment Ministry "GSEE Data is False"

By Mary Lou Tzempelikou

Sources: NET, ANA

The data made public by GSEE caused disputes yet again, and stated that during the past 18 months hundreds of Greek businesses closed off or migrated abroad, leaving thousands of unemployed. In a Press conference by Deputy Minister Gerasimos Giakoumatos and Minister of Employment Panos Panagiotopoulos, on Tuesday, accused the Panhellenic Workers Movement (PASKE) unionists of giving false data which following were presented by the General Confederation of Greek Workers (GSEE). On his part, the President of the Confederation, Christos Polyzogopoulos, accused the government of concealing "jump started businessmen," who are involved with the closing down or the transfer of businesses in the Balkans.

Businesses Were Not Transferred Abroad

Presenting the data received by the Ministry of Employment, Mr Panagiotopoulos noted that no businesses have been transferred abroad, and wandered how it is possible that GSEEs indexes makes reference on 13,633 employees in the closed businesses, while the dismissed from these businesses totalled 16,445.

Furthermore, the Minister of Employment said that the data presented by PASOK were 99% identical to the ones presented by GSEE, while there was a reference of businesses closed down during previous years (1999-2003), which had been recorded twice.

"Business with their second name are included, meaning that a business with a different name is recorded, and accounted for as if it was a different business," noted Mr Panagiotopoulos, stating that the EUROSTAT data showed that theres been a decrease of unemployment from 11.3% in March 2004 to 9.6%.

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

[11] Vrizas Voices Optimism

By Stathis Petropoulos

With a good performance, the Greek team can hope for good results said Zisis Vrizas in statements made to German magazine Kicker. The Greek forward appeared optimistic, and noted that the games will be different from the one with Kazakhstan, where our opponents were motivated and gave the Greeks a hard time. "Surely we will make a better appearance than the one with Kazakhstan. We have all realised the importance of the game. We have to prove our characters strength in the pitch, and find answers to all the games puzzles, to react to all attacks with the necessary smartness. It would be ideal if we win both games and I am optimistic that we can achieve that."

"However, we can hope for another tie in Copenhagen, but then we would depend on the results of the other games. In this case we have to use our powers to succeed. Surely we will not travel to Denmark just to lose. With passion, good will and running we can make it. The day of the game is of decisive importance. Sometimes everything depends on the small details. The Danish do not have one style of game, which we know and can face, as it seemed in our win at home turf, in February. In that game, especially in the first half, we had played extremely well. The top rule in to always be ready in the so-called big games," he concluded.

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

[12] Researchers Spoke of Fluorosis Does Amoxicillin Affect Teeth?

By Tina Valaoura

Sources: Reuters

Amoxicillin, a widely used antibiotic that is administered even to infants to treat several ailments, including ear infections, may cause teeth problems. A study, which appeared on the current issue of the American medical journal "Archives of Paediatrics and Adolescent Medicine," said that amoxicillin affects the teeth enamel formation and doubles dental fluorosis risk, an ailment that ranges from barely noticeable white flecks to pits and brown stains.

The researchers at the University of Iowa observed 579 infants from birth to the age of three. During the three-year period, 91% of the children were treated at least once with amoxicillin. The study showed that the children ran double risk of developing dental fluorosis, while the more frequent the use of the antibiotic, the more the danger increased. 24% of them finally developed the ailment. It is noted that dental fluorosis develops when the child takes bigger amounts of fluorine than normal.

"The findings suggest that amoxicillin use in infancy could carry some undocumented risk to the developing teeth," explained Dr Liang Hong, who headed the research, but made it clear that on no account should this finding prevent the use of the antibiotic early in life. "They do further highlight the need to use antibiotics judiciously, particularly during infancy," she pointed out.

Her colleagues, on the other hand, were cautious about the findings of the study and argued that the teeth problems may be put down to child infections and not to medicines. However, the wise use of antibiotics is preferred by an ever-increasing number of doctors.

Related Links:

http://archpedi.ama-assn.org/

[13] An End of An Era Flash Closes Down

By Athina Saloustrou

In a meeting with Press Unions, the owner of Flash S.A., Sotiris Poulopoulos, announced the closing down of radio station Flash 96, after 16 years of operation, and the news website flash.gr, after 5 years. Mr Poulopoulos announced that the majority of the employees will be dismissed, but will be fully compensated, and pledged that the money will be paid until October 20. On Wednesday, it will be announced if the radio station will be silenced and the website closed down immediately, or after the compensations are given to the employees. Mr Poulopoulos reassured that Flash 96 will not be transferred, and the frequency "96.0" will be given to the National Radio and Television Council.

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

[14] Small Airliner Sparks Upheaval

By Anna Kourti

The small private airliner that failed to communicate with the tower control shortly after 10am, was finally located. The airliner had taken off from Megara at 9:15 en route to Heraklion, Crete. However, the tower control lost contact with the pilot, the only person on board, 50 nautical miles off Heraklion. The Civil Aviation Authority was immediately mobilised and managed to restore communication via the pilots mobile phone. The airliner returned to Megara.

Translated by Areti Christou

[15] "Green" Award to ERTonline Award for Environmental Awareness

By Betty Savourdou

Ecocity 2005 awarded fourteen exceptional environmental actions of businesses, organisations, services, scientific institutions and Mass Media on Monday, October 3. The ceremony took place in Gaia Environmental Centre of the Goulandris Natural History Museum. The special website of ERTs Ecology and Environment site (nature.ert.gr) was among the awarded as the best Internet site for the environment. The organiser of the awards event is Ecocity, which is aimed at giving motives and recognition to the ones who gave funds, effort and time for finding and adopting ways for the upgrade of environment and quality of life in cities. The ceremony was attended by many officials, among whom Deputy Minister of Development Giorgos Salagoudis, who read the address of the Minister of Development, Dimitris Sioufas at the ceremony. Great figures from academia, the environment, communication and business worlds made up the assessment committee.

One More Award for ERTonline

ERTonline received the Ecocity Award, a tree made up of wood and steel, for its special site of Ecology and Environment, and was accepted by the Director of Multimedia Department, Christos Stathakopoulos, while members of ERTonline also attended the ceremony.

Thanking the Ecocity organisation for the award, Mr Stathakopoulos referred to ert.grs efforts on informing and raising the awareness of its users on environmental issues, as well as the informative role the site can play in the Internet.

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

Related Links:

Ecocity

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