The Hellenic Radio (ERA): News in English, 05-10-07

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

CONTENTS

[01] Policeman Steals Uniforms!

By Mary Lou Tzempelikou

Sources: Reuters

This may not be the first time that a corrupted policeman is arrested by his co-workers, but surely it is the first time that policemen arrest a co-worker of stealing their uniforms and selling them to a movie producer! The story was revealed when policemens uniforms in a Dublin Police station started to vanish. The fact was not immediately observed, as during the past year, policemens uniforms were disappearing without anyone explaining the bizarre incidents. After an investigation, the policemen concluded that the culprit was a co-worker, who stole the uniforms and sold them to a movie producer, thus equipping entertainments stylistic needs. As per public television RTE, more than 50 uniforms were stolen and the policeman who wished to earn some extra cash was subsequently arrested.

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

[02] Quiet Sleep is Hereditary Sweet Dreams Gene

By Tina Valaoura

Sources: ANA, AFP

Do you sleep lightly or soundly? Do you have a worried or anxious sleep or awake in the same place you fell asleep in? If you are wondering the above, just ask your parents, since sleep patterns is a hereditary issue, claimed Swiss scientists, who discovered the existence of a gene determining the quality of sleep. In the past, scientists discovered that specific genes responsible of rare diseases cause sleeping disorders. However, it is the first time that the "normal sleep" gene has been identified.

Waves of Sleep

These discoveries published today in US magazine Science , belong to a team led by Mehdi Tafti, a Professor of the Centre for Integrative Genomics, in the Lausanne University

Using an electroencephalograph, scientists studied low frequency waves, the so-called delta waves, on mice. It is noted that delta waves on humans are restricted as time goes by, a fact that explains why children sleep deeply, while the elderly usually have trouble sleeping.

"We realised that some mice slept less well because they lacked delta activity," Tafti said. "When we compared their genes with those of other mice, we localised the gene responsible for this difference," he said, and added that it points at a gene that encodes cell receptor for retinoic acid, which is known to act on this receptor. Scientists were aware that vitamin A, found in eggs, carrots and other orange or yellow vegetables, is extremely important to vision and for specific diseases of the nervous system, such as schizophrenia, Parkinsons and Alzheimers, which are described by a lack of delta waves.

The research on mice proved that the excessive intake of vitamin A created sleep disruptions, however scientists cannot say if its deficiency brings negative results, or which is the ideal intake for a worry-free sleep. However, it is known that too much vitamin A can be dangerous, especially by pregnant women.

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

[03] White House Dismisses Allegations "Mission From God"

By Betty Savourdou

Sources: BBC

US President George Bush said that God advised him to invade Afghanistan and Iraq, claimed Palestinian official Nabil Shaath. The Palestinian official told the upcoming BBC series "Elusive Peace: Israel and the Arabs," that during the Israeli-Palestinian Summit Meeting at the Egyptian tourist resort Sharm el Sheikh, four months after the invasion in Iraq, US President George Bush said to everyone, " Im driven with a mission from God. God would tell me, George, go and fight those terrorists in Afghanistan. And I did, and then God would tell me, George, go and end the tyranny in Iraq... And I did." A spokesperson for the White House has dismissed these allegations as absurd.

Holy War

As per Nabil Shaath, George Bush added, "And now, again, I feel Gods words coming to me. Go get the Palestinians their state and get the Israelis their security, and get peace in the Middle East. And by God Im gonna do it."

The Palestinian Authority for the first time admitted the dialogue after it had been revealed by the Israeli daily Haaretz immediately after the Summit Meeting. However, back then, the Palestinian Authority had refused to comment on the information.

Related Links:

BBC

[04] Announcements on Programme by Souflias 35-Euro Fee for Cadastre

By Jenny Charalampidou

The procedures of setting up the Hellenic Cadastre are simplified, as the institutional context and the financing are changing, in order for its completion to be speedily made. As Public Works Minister Giorgos Souflias announced, the cadastre will have covered all Athens and Thessaloniki Municipalities, and all capitals of the countrys Prefectures in five years. As Mr Souflias explained, the cadastre fee will be 35 euros per right, with the exception of subsidiary areas (warehouses, garages) for which a 20-euro fee will be paid. On agricultural areas, the fee will be paid for two agricultural properties the most, even if the same owner declares more properties. The second stage will be 1.4 per 1,000 of the objective value of the property, from which 20,000 euros will be subtracted. This stage will be taken up by the co-owners. Thus the properties worth at least 20,000, a cadastre fee will not be charged.

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

[05] New FIR Violations

By Tina Valaoura

Sources: ANA

Violations of the national air space in the Aegean, by Turkish aircrafts, continued yesterday. As per the Hellenic National Defence General Staff, 11 Turkish aircraft formations made the same number of violations of air traffic regulations in the Athens FIR (not submitting flight plans), which evolved in 22 violations of the national air space in the north, central and south Aegean. The 28 Turkish aircrafts were recognised and intercepted by the same number of Greek fighter planes, while there was one case of a scramble. As it was made known, the seven Turkish formations were armed.

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

[06] Hand Grenade in Parking Lot

By Tina Valaoura

An explosion occurred around half an hour before midnight in a parking lot, near the University of Athens, on Metsovou Street. A bomb squad and policemen rushed on the scene and concluded that the explosion was due to a hand grenade, and resulted in small damage to a vehicle.

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

[07] Seeking for a New Chancellor Achtung: Latest News on Sunday

By Tina Valaoura

Sources: ANA, BBC

The first four-hour meeting of the Christian Democrat and Social Democrat parties ended without final decisions and statements being made, yesterday, in Berlin. Angela Merkel (Christian Democrat Union), Edmund Stoiber (Bavarian Christian Social Union), Franz M&#252;ntefering (Social Democrat Party), as well as the former Chancellor of Germany, Gerhard Schroeder participated in the discussions, aimed at the formation of a coalition government. The negotiations were fruitless, since both Merkel and Schroeder still have their eyes turned to the Chancellorship. Regardless of the major issue of who will lead a "Grand Coalition" government, other issues are pending, such as the issue of the Speaker of the new Parliament, the appointment of Ministries and their structure, and the basic rules of the government.

Merkel had stated that the Chancellorship is an "nonnegotiable demand for her party, and that the new Speaker of Parliament should be from the Christian Union, but at the same time, she seemed open to respond to the Social Democrats demands in reference to the appointment of Ministries.

SPD President M&#252;ntefering, on the issue of the Chancellorship, insisted, "We want to govern led by Gerhard Schroeder, and to materialise the maximum of our election programme pledges."

Yesterdays "summit meeting", accompanied by a dinner, may have not produced a result, however, the contacts between the two sides will continue, in full secrecy, with the hope that a decision will be made on Sunday night, Monday the latest. Schroeder departed for St Petersburg today, as he is invited to the birthday celebration of Russian President Vladimir Putin, and will return to Berlin on Saturday.

In the meantime, is seems that Schroeder and Merkel are willing to step down from the Chancellorship, as it is not an aim of the SPD.

This development may have been caused by opinion polls, as the one conducted by Infratest Dimap, in collaboration with the First Programme of ARD, as per which the majority of the Germans support the withdrawal of Schroeder, regardless of the fact they prefer him in the position to Merkel.

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

[08] Conferences in the US and Athens on Bird Flu Bird Flu: A Global Nightmare

By Jenny Charalampidou

One of the most nightmarish scenarios on the future of mankind is a pandemic of a disease. Pathology Professor Sotiris Raptis voiced his deep concern on the reaffirmation of such a scenario, in the case that bird flu can be transmitted between humans. The cause of these statements was the 11th Pathology Conference, which will take place in Athens from October 10 to 15. In the meantime, the bird flu issue will be at the focus of the International Conference in Washington, with representatives from 80 countries and international organisations. The aim of the proceedings is the coordination of all relevant bodies actions, for the immediate countering of the disease before becoming a pandemic and taking the lives of millions of people.

Unprepared for a Pandemic

"The world is unprepared or inadequately prepared on a H5N1 virus pandemic," stated US Health Secretary Mike Leavitt. The conference is taking place backed by the State Department, and the participants agreed to the exchange of information on the disease, in order for all countries sanitation services to be immediately informed.

"With proper coordination we can immediately intervene," stated a Health Ministry official.

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

[09] Aimed at Economy

By Anna Kourti

Sources: NET, ANA

The policy of a mild fiscal adjustment until the end of 2006 is to bring down the public deficit to levels lower than 3%, claimed Greek Prime Minister Kostas Karamanlis during his speech at the dinner he gave to honour the Board of Council of the European Central Bank. At the same time, he reiterated that reforms are viewed as necessary to make economy more productive, competitive and outward looking. "Greece has now turned into the best hosting centre for the headquarters and research institutes of the greatest European enterprises, which are investing in the neighbouring countries," pointed out Mr Karamanlis. As for Greeces economic situation and the investments, he mentioned that the climate in Greece has improved over the last year and a half and that it keeps improving. "Greece has put forth an important fiscal adjustment in an environment that boasts high domestic growth rates, which are to accelerate in the near future," he added. On the issue of the Athens Olympic Games, he underscored that Greece proved it can both aim high and achieve its objectives in a remarkable way.

Kostas Karamanlis noted that the Economic and Monetary Union is an advanced pillar of the European Union. "The introduction of euro and the setting up of the European Central Bank make two of the most important landmarks towards European integration," the Greek Premier underlined.

He also referred to the effects the Economic and Monetary Union produced on Greece pointing out, "The monetary stability as well as euros low interest rates gave a significant boost to the private consumption and eased the managing of the public deficit."

Translated by Areti Christou

[10] Extension for VAT

By Tina Valaoura

Sources: ANA

The deadline for farmers submitting supporting documents for VAT return was extended until October 31, 2005, and concern deliveries of agricultural produce and agricultural services made in 2004. The adjustment was ruled necessary in order to facilitate farmers, due to the difficulties faced in the collection and submission of supporting documents until 31/7/2005, which was the previous deadline.

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

[11] Spectacular Show

By Despina Hristopoulou

"Yes Mom, I Will Become a Star," sang Zak Stefanou at the opening of the grand night and we add that yes, the dreams come true! The total of the new, young singers, who offered the Greek public an outstanding and memorable night know that for sure. For those who experienced their anxiety and anticipation, all contestants have won, and the audiences applaud definitely proved that. After the voting process the first prize along with 20,000 euros went to the song "Kseno Roucho" (Unfamiliar Cloth) composed by Dimitris Livanos, written by Christos Stavrakoudis and performed by Stavroula Arvanitopoulou. Mimis Plessas and Giorgos Chatzinasios, two musicians that have made history in Greeces music arena, awarded the prize to the winner singer, who also qualified for Sundays final. Greek prominent singer Giannis Kotsiras awarded the second prize and 10,000 euros to Sozos Liberopoulos who sang "Kommatia gia sena" (Fall Apart for You) with Dimitris Laskaridis being both the composer and the lyrist of the winning song, while journalist Maria Choukli awarded the third prize and 5,000 euros to Efstathia for her song "Horis esena" (Without You). However, it was the people that had packed Pylaias Stadium in Thessaloniki and embraced all the contestants that deserved a special prize.

Twelve Dreams Come True

Prominent figures of the Greek music industry, Giannis Spathas, Stefanos Tsitsopoulos, Giorgos Andreou, Filippos Grapsas, Giannis Kotsiras, Mimis Plessas, Tania Tsanaklidou, Giorgos Chatzinasios and Maria Choukli were the members of the voting committee.

October 6 was exactly what ERT (Hellenic Broadcasting Corporation) and the Thessaloniki International Fair (TIF) had promised. Dozens of people had been working ceaselessly for four months to realise Thursdays biggest celebration of Greek music that restored its former glow.

The two hosts of the show opened the big night. Singer Zak Stefanou kindled enthusiasm among the audience with the witty lyrics he had written along with Greek prominent lyrist Lina Nikolakopoulou to present the 12 contesting songs. His co-host Margarita Mytilinaious warm voice gave a colourful tone to the show.

The flashback to the old songs of the Festival, songs that have made history, galvanised the crowd. Dimitra Galanis unique voice gave the signal for the trip back to music history. Iro and Giorgis Christodoulou excited the audience making everyone sing memorable old songs. When Giannis Voyiatzis and Yiovanna, two the greatest Greek singers ever, the people that had crammed the stadium went crazy!

Froso Korous dancers, who danced to the beat of a remix of old songs performed by Nikos Antypas, Giorgos Dimitriadis and Mikro, offered a unique spectacle to the lucky ones that had packed the Pylaia Stadium.

Up to the last minute, Stamatis Kraounakis, who was in charge of the performers stage presence, Manolis Fammelos, in charge of the songs orchestration, Lina Nikolakopoulou, Dimitra Galani, Antonis Andrikakis watched the singers with satisfaction and emotion carved on their faces, since they watched a dream, for which all gave their best, become a reality.

The man in charge of the spectacular show was Menelaos Karamaggiolis. The director was Giorgos Sioulas. The unique scenery constructed by Ilias Ledakis, lights by Andreas Bellis, while Eva Nathena was the clothes stylist.

Translated by Areti Christou

[12] New Case of Religious Violence

By Tina Valaoura

Sources: ANA

This morning, followers at a mosque in the area of Mandi Bahauddin, 160km south of Islamabad, were targeted by armed men. The death toll is at least eight dead and more than 20 wounded, all of them followers of the Ahmadi sect, who had gathered there for their morning prayer. The armed men were aboard on three motorcycles and after opening fire escaped.

In 1974, Pakistani Authorities declared the Ahmadi sect as non-Muslim, and in 1984, with a Presidential decree, banned its followers praying in mosques used by Muslims. Human rights organisations accused Pakistani Authorities of prosecuting the followers of the Ahmadi sect.

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

[13] In New York's Underground Draconian Security Measures

By Anna Kourti

Sources: REUTERS

Υπό δρακόντεια μέτρα ασφαλείας βρίσκεται το μετρό της Νέας Υόρκης, μετά από προειδοποίηση για τρομοκρατικό χτύπημα. Σύμφωνα με ανακοίνωση της υπηρεσίας διαχείρισης του μετρό της πόλης, υπάρχουν αδιευκρίνιστες απειλές εναντίον του δικτύου. Ο δήμαρχος της πόλης, Μάικλ Μπλούμπεργκ δήλωσε ότι "το FBI μας ενημέρωσε για μια συγκεκριμένη απειλή που αφορά το δίκτυο του μετρό". Από την πλευρά του, ο αρχηγός της αστυνομίας ανέφερε ότι υπάρχει "αξιόπιστη" πληροφορία που κάνει λόγο για απειλή επίθεσης στον υπόγειο σιδηρόδρομο "τις επόμενες ημέρες".

Translated by Areti Christou

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