The Hellenic Radio (ERA): News in English, 05-10-13

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

CONTENTS

[01] Healthy Brews

Sources: ANA, MPA

Mountain tea, chamomile, aniseed, pomegranates, strawberries, honey and royal jelly have been scientifically proven as valuable in the fight against breast cancer, as well as osteoporosis. This was concluded by scientific research that concerns the biological action in cells of the Greek flora plants extracts. The research was conducted in the Biochemistry Department of the Athens Medical School, in collaboration with the Pharmaceutical Department, and financed by the General Secretariat for Research and Technology.

"For the first time the biological effects of Greek flora products are tested on the humans with scientific validations", stated alternate Professor Paraskevi Moutsatsou to the Athens News Agency and the Macedonian Press Agency, in the context of the 1st European Conference entitled "Forests, Trees, Areas of Green, Health and the Well-Being of Humans", which began today in Thessaloniki and will be concluded on Saturday.

"These unions identified in the extracts, thus we can make pharmaceuticals or enrich foods with the given knowledge", explained Mrs Moutsatsou and added, "An example of the so-called bio-functional foods is yoghurt with honey".

She also explained that it is important for all to be aware that natural pharmaceuticals should be taken with a specific dosage, as excessive intake can have dangerous side effects.

Mrs Moutsatsou stated that up to now the Greece flora has not been carefully studied, while there are many studies performed in other countries. " Once again, this research proved the importance of a balanced diet, with products derived from the environment", she added. "Today we concluded that everyone can benefit by drinking one to three cups of tea daily", she noted.

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

[02] Deadly Raid

By Tina Valaoura

Death toll rose to 62, with 12 civilians among them, in Nalchik, capital of Kabardino-Balkaria, where fierce clashes broke out on Thursday morning among Chechen rebels, Islamist militants and Russian troops. The Russian authorities announced that the situation has been brought under control, however, a group of gunmen has taken over a police station, where it holds hostages. Russian President Vladimir Putin ordered that no one leave the city and that those resisting be taken down.

Under Control

"The situation is not chaotic, nor has a mass attack been mounted. The gunmen, who attacked police stations and some other government buildings have been dispersed for the most part," the Kremlin spokesperson to southern Russia, Dmitry Kozak said.

As for the attack against the police station, which turned into a hostage situation, he said that a police operation is underway.

As per the website run by the Chechen rebels, the Forces of the Caucasus Front, a unit of the Chechen Republics Armed Forces, along with the Islamist Brigades from the Kabardino-Balkarian Yarmuk have claimed responsibility for the assault. However, the Russian authorities have dismissed this information.

Chechnyas President Arsen Kanokov announced that the gunmen numbered 150, but a representative of the Federal Security Service in Kabardino-Balkaria spoke of 300. Kanokov mentioned that 12 civilians were killed.

The motives of this mass and meticulously organised attack, which broke out early on Thursday morning and quickly spread throughout the city, are yet to be determined. A military source argued that the raid was in retaliation for the recent arrest of an extremist militant.

The gunmen stormed into police stations and the offices of the Russian federal security forces, as well as the areas airport. A school was immediately evacuated. No injuries among the students have been reported.

Translated by Areti Christou

Related News:

Dozens Died in Caucasian Battles

[03] He Turned 75 a Few Days Ago Pinter Wins Literature Nobel

By Athina Saloustrou

The 2005 Nobel Prize for literature was awarded to distinguished British playwright Harold Pinter. Pinter, who is widely viewed as Britains greatest living playwright, turned 75 on October 10. The well-known playwright, who has written more than 30 plays, is also renowned for his political campaigns. Son of a tailor of Jewish descent, Pinter was born in Hackney, London in 1930. Pinter is mostly famous for his comedies, which depict a high sense of humour combined with cynicism. He is also singled out for his dialogues, which deal with the alienation experienced among his characters and for his ability to explore the notions the tools of pauses and silence nourish. His austere style, full of silences, established a new style described by the adjective "Pinteresque," while the Swedish Academy called him the most celebrated British dramatist of the second half of the 20th century. Pinter was accepted at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (RADA) in 1948. However, hardly a year had passed, when he dropped out and started working with various theatre companies throughout Britain until 1957.

The Swedish Academy on Pinter

On the occasion of his being awarded the 2005 Nobel Prize for Literature, the Swedish Academy said, "Pinter uncovers the precipice under everyday prattle and forces entry into oppressions closed rooms. He restored theatre to its basic elements: an enclosed space and unpredictable dialogue, where people are at the mercy of each other and pretence crumbles." The 2004 Nobel Literature laureate was Austrian author Elfriede Jelinek.

Translated by Areti Christou

[04] On the Intention to Vote Steady Difference

By Dimitris Alexopoulos

An opinion poll by VPRC on the account of Skai radio station gives a steady lead to ND, as opposed to PASOK, by a 3.5 unit difference, on the intention to vote. The opinion poll was conducted during October 10-11 2005, to 950 persons by telephone, and included questions on Mr Adam Regouzas resignation from the government, the publics view on Olympic Airlines and political favours. In the intention to vote, ND received 42.5%, PASOK 39%, KKE 8%, LAOS 3% and the rest of the political parties 2.5%. The percentages in the previous opinion poll on 12-13/9/2005 were the following: ND 42.5%, PASOK 38.5%, KKE 7.5%, SYN 5%, LAOS 3% and the rest of the parties 3.5%. On the question of who is more suitable for the position of Prime Minister, Mr Karamanlis is steady on the lead by 45% as opposed to George Papandreou by 25%.

As per the opinion poll, 74% of questioned persons consider the removal of Mr Regouzas as correct, while on the question of the difference of policies between the two big parties, 37% answers that both parties have a small difference, 24% no difference, 22% sufficient difference and 12% very big difference.

On the issue of the public views on the OA issue, 25% believe that is should remain public, with the participation of private businesses, 59% answered that the national air carrier "could be saved", while 73% answer that possibly a state air carrier company is needed, as opposed to 20% who believe otherwise.

Furthermore, 47% of the persons questioned believe that corruption occurrences have not decreased, while 32% believe that they have increased.

In closing, 57% fully agrees that "without assistance one cannot achieve anything", while 88% stated that they have not found a job through political means.

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

[05] Papandreou's Visit in Turkey Concluded EU-Turkish Contacts in Ankara

By Mary Lou Tzempelikou

President of PASOK George Papandreou, during his two-day visit in the neighbouring country, held a series of contacts with Turkeys political leadership, together with a delegation of the European Socialist Party (ESP). In Ankara, the ESP panel met with Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan, Minister of Foreign Affairs Abdullah Gul and the leaderships of the Socialist Parties of Deniz Baykal (CHP) and Tuncer Bakirhan (DEHAP). The conclusions of the aforementioned contacts, as well as the meetings with the ESP delegation with Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew in Phanar, were presented in a Press conference given by former Prime Minister of Finland Pavo Lipponen and Mr Papandreou that jointly led the European panel.

Positive Impressions

"It was a very good start in the new era of European-Turkish relations, which have began. Our contacts will continue, and our first impressions will be recorded in the report we will compile in view of the ESP Conference, at the end of next year," stated Mr Lipponen.

On his part, Mr Papandreou observed that Turkey "is going through an era of a new dynamic, and because the EU reflects common values, which are ecumenical and from which exclusions are not included, this process is positive for Turkey, the broader Middle East and the EU."

Referring to the visit in Phanar, the President of PASOK described the Ecumenical Patriarchate as "the Mecca of Orthodoxy", and Mr Bartholomew as "the greatest ambassador of Turkey in its accession in the EU."

Right Timing for Solution of Cypriot Issue

Questions on the Cypriot issue were also asked in the Press conference, on which Mr Papandreou said that a way should be found in order for the EU to help the Turkish Cypriots, without violating the institutional principles of the Cypriot Republic, which is an "EU Member-State and a recognised country". Moreover, he estimated that now is the right time for the efforts of resolving the Cypriot issue to be repeated, since all the countries "are in the common European family", and added that the solution should bring security to both communities of the island.

On his part, the former Prime Minister of Finland said that the ESP delegation was encouraged by the positive messages and the constructive approach projected by the Turkish leadership during their contacts.

Papandreou in Komotini

On Friday, Mr Papandreou will visit Rodopi Prefecture, upon his departure from Istanbul. As per the schedule, he will visit the grating shed of Meletis in Aigeiros Municipality, as well as the industrial area of Komotini and Filyras Municipality. The President of PASOK will also meet with party organisations of Thrace, while in the evening he will make an open political speech in the Komotini Gymnasium.

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

[06] New Reforms on Public Works Minister's Bill Construction Licenses on Government Committee

The bill that introduces a novel way of issuing construction licences topped the meeting of the Government Committee. As per the bill, roof gardens are not abolished, but their percentage is to be limited. Exiting the meeting, Public Works Minister Giorgos Souflias announced that from now on it will take 40 days for the construction licenses to be issued and also claimed that strict sanctions await those who fail to comply with the rules. Mr Souflias further added that the cadastre, whose financing has been secured, is of fundamental significance for it will enhance Greeces development.

Translated by Areti Christou

[07] White Cane Day

Sources: ANA, NET

The Panhellenic Association of the Blind condemns the closing of ones eyes to their problems. On the occasion of White Cane Day, on Saturday, October 15, which is dedicated to the visually impaired, blind students staged a protest rally asking for the improvement of educational and occupational rehabilitation programmes, and later on a delegation visited the Ministry of Education. As they claimed, only 60 children attend the two schools for the blind in Athens and Thessaloniki, when blind children of school age reach 2,000. On the issue of their transport in the city, they stated that they are a daily hardship.

The accessibility problems faced are important, and without the support of the state they cannot be overcome. The Panhellenic Association of the Blind asks for the following:

Vocal announcements at trolley bus and blue bus stops Sound signals at traffic lights More frequent patrolling of ramps and special parking spaces The operation of an office, servicing people with special needs in the Athens Airport, KTEL Bus Stations, and the departures station of the Suburban Railway in Larissa Station The Greek Parliament to recognise Braille

The operation of a kindergarten and an elementary school for blind and deaf kids in Athens and Thessaloniki was also asked for.

An important parameter is the awareness and information of the wider public. The Centre of Education and Rehabilitation for the Blind (KEAT) is organising a three-day event, which will begin today, and end on October 15. They include seminars on the problems faced by visually impaired persons, the causes of blindness, actions of the state and special programmes, as well as cultural events performed by people with vision problems.

Furthermore, citizen information stands will operate in the squares of Syndagma, Kotzia, Omonoia and Davakis, the Kallithea train station and the Nea Smyrni Square from 10:30 to 20:30. Citizens can also visit the KEAT offices, on 210 Eleftherios Venizelos Street, in Kallithea, from 09:00 to 15:00.

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

[08] Explosives Were Not Connected Gas Bottles in Train Station

Sources: NET

A makeshift explosive device, made up of gas bottles, dynamite and a clock, was found in the Athens-Piraeus Electric Railway (ISAP), at Thisseio station. An unidentified man warned of the existence of the explosive device with a telephone call to a private television channel and evening newspapers at 15:25. Police forces and the bomb squad immediately rushed to the scene, while routes towards Omonoia to Piraeus were stopped. The device was located 300m from the station, and was dismantled by a controlled explosion. The relevant authorities investigating the suspicious package concluded that it contained parts of an explosive device, but the correct connection was not made in order for its detonation. Straight after the policemen collected the necessary evidence for further investigation, train routes were reinstated.

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

[09] Minister of Public Order Visited Zefyri By the Side of Gypsies

Sources: NET, NET 105.8

On Thursday, Minister of Public Order Giorgos Voulgarakis visited Zefyri, one of the most under-privileged and crime inflicted areas of Attica. Mr Voulgarakis visited the 3rd Elementary School of the area, where he met with teachers and students, as well as the Gypsies Association. The Minister carefully listened to the problems faced by the residents, and promised every possible action for the improvement of their lives, while he pledged that he will convey their demands to the Prime Minister and the government, in order for the solution of their problems. On her part, the Head of the school, Vasileia Kalarchaki, asked for security measures to be taken in the school, and for secretarial support, while the Gypsies asked for financial aid for housing, as well as other adjustments, like driving licences to be given with verbal tests, due to illiteracy problems. Mr Voulgarakis was accompanied by the Mayor of Zefyri, Kostas Papachristos, who pledged to serve the basic demands of Mrs Kalarchaki.

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

[10] Alogoskoufis-Liapis Meeting OA Developments in 15 Days

By Vicky Keleri

Sources: NET 105.8

Within the coming fifteen days, the Biministerial Denationalisation Committee is expected to convene on the course of the Olympic Airlines privatisation, and the new facts created by the contacts with interested investors. Minister of Transport Michalis Liapis announced the above, after a meeting with Minister of Economy Giorgos Alogoskoufis this afternoon, stating that all cases will be discussed. In the meantime, the administration of OA, filed a lawsuit asking for 7 million euros as compensation for moral harm due to libel, by the Administrative Board of the OA Engineers Association, after accusations of passengers being in danger during flights with chartered aircrafts used by the company.

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

[11] By the Manager of the Bank of Greece Optimism and Proposals

By Dimitris Kalantzis

The Governor of the Bank of Greece, Nikolaos Garganas, appeared optimistic, believing that the economy, with structural reforms, will be able to overcome obstacles. As he said, employment seems to be doing well, the deficit decreasing, as well as the loan rate by households slowing down, the increase of which was of concern to the Bank of Greece. Today, the Governor submitted the 2005 Interim Report on Monastery Policy to Parliament and the Ministerial Council. The report was given to Speaker of Parliament Mrs Anna Psarouda-Benaki, and following a briefing on its content to the Mass Media took place.

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

[12] Papathanasiou on Flexible Trading Hours

Sources: ANA, ERA

Today, Deputy Development Minister Giannis Papathanasiou described articles, as per which the new working hours of stores have not create a single employment position, as false. Mr Papathanasiou called on workers unions to make factual accusations, if they have specific evidence, in relation to the effectiveness of the new trading hours of stores. Moreover, he stated, that data of the Ministry will be published, by which is emerges that personnel hires from the first month of the new trading hours have been made, while new businesses have voiced their intention to enter the Greek market.

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

[13] Award for KOSMOS 93.6

The show of KOSMOS 93.6 "The Songs of A Woman" earned third place in the 17th U RTI International Contest (International Radio and Television University). The contest took place in Lisbon, on October 2, with the participation of 33 radio shows submitted by 26 radio stations, around the world. The programme is a music show dedicated to women, from Sappho until modern times.

It is the idea of music producer Anna Paschalidiou for KOSMOS 93. The third prize "Medaille de bronze" is a very important distinction, since the majority of the European radio stations will broadcast the awarded show, but furthermore it will give the opportunity to ERA to participate in idea exchange programmes. The public radio stations of Egypt and Syria earned first and second place respectively.

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

[14] Front Cover Wedding Footage From Demi Moore's Wedding

Sources: Associated Press

They said absolutely nothing about their wedding. They made sure, though, their fans see the photos from their wedding ceremony in Beverly Hills. Demi Moore and her 27-year-old husband Ashton Kutcher allowed US magazine OK! to release footage from the grand event of their wedding. Not for free, that is for sure! The magazine had to pay a significant amount of money for the exclusive footage. Demi Moore and Ashton Kutcher walked down the aisle on September 24. Moores three children and her ex-husband Bruce Willis also attended her wedding.

Translated by Areti Christou

[15] The First Eight Months of 2005 Incomes Increase, Deficit Decreases

In the first eight months of 2005 the deficit of the budget recorded a decrease of 8.5%, in relation to 2004. As per the General Accounting Office, the deficit of the state budget in January-August 2005 is at 8,103 million euros, as opposed to 8,857 million euros in 2004 (a decrease of 754mn euros or 8.5%). As it is recorded in the report, the main cause of the decrease is the important recovery of tax incomes by 4.6%, in the eight months of the current year, in relation to 2004. However, as it is stated, the total expenditures of the regular budget were increased by 6.7%, while the increase of primary expenditures by 3.5%.

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

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