The Hellenic Radio (ERA): News in English, 05-10-14

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

CONTENTS

[01] New Cases in Romania Shielded Against Virus

By Vicky Keleri

Sources: ANA, NET, NET radio 105.8

The World Health Organisation has addressed an appeal to European Governments to monitor birds and humans even closer, in order to control the bird flu contagion, stressing the contagion of the fatal virus in Europe increases the possibilities of infecting humans. As per the WHO, there is no reason to increase the alert level, as the virus does not seem to be easily transmitted from birds to humans. At the same time, EU experts are meeting in Brussels to decide on further measures, which need to be taken to prevent the virus from spreading. The EU's Foreign Ministers will convene extraordinarily on Tuesday in Luxemburg, while the test results from the three ducks found dead at the Danube delta are expected tomorrow. At the same time, the Romanian Health Ministry announced that two new cases were spotted in Maliuc, a Romanian village near the Danube delta, where the first bird flu cases were recorded. EU Commissioner for Health and Consumer Protection Markos Kyprianou suggested all vulnerable groups should be vaccinated, while stressing the need of preparedness in case of a pandemic.

Seeking Drastic Prevention Measures

In the meantime, in Turkey, nine members of a family were placed under quarantine, after forty dead pigeons were found at their back yard. All of them were submitted to blood tests as a precaution, but were released after showing no signs of the virus.

The worst-case scenario, as per the Turkish authorities, would be the mutation of the virus into human-contagious.

What is more, citizens are cautioned to avoid all contacts with migratory birds, while the Health Ministry banned will birds hunting.

So far, 9,000 birds have been culled in Turkey, while consumers avoid buying chicken, although Prime Minister Erdogan is trying to reassure them.

At the same time, emergency meetings on the matter are held in many European countries, like Italy and France, which asked for increased monitoring of migratory birds on a European level.

In Germany, the Environment Minister did not exclude the possibility of limiting poultry to confined areas, a measure taken by the Netherlands for some time now.

The latest bird flu developments spread panic in Serbia, where citizens bought 20,000 masks in two days, while flu vaccines have been sold out.

However, authorities in Spain said estimations that we are coming close to a bird flu pandemic are exaggerated.

Greece Prepared

In Greece, health authorities estimate that in the upcoming weeks will be fully prepared to deal with potential cases of people infected by the deadly virus.

However, they do repeat the dangerous bird flu is not transmitted from human to human.

It should be noted that an effective vaccine is the only protection shield, but such a drug would be ready in six months or more.

Translated by Sofia Soulioti

[02] Said Nicholas Burns "Veto, a Disgrace for Greece"

By Annita Paschalinou

The stance of former American Ambassador to Greece and acting US Under Secretary of State Nicholas Burns over the likelihood of Greece imposing a veto on FYROMs accession to NATO has created uproar. In an interview to a FYROM newspaper, he declared that it would be a disgrace if Greece imposed a veto, as it would not be right. He also added, "Macedonia has the right and interest in becoming a member of NATO and the EU and it would be a disgrace if problems were created." He also noted that he could only speak for NATO, since the USA is not a member of the EU. Agreeing with earlier statements made by State Department spokespersons, he also clarified that the USA will not get involved in the negotiations with the UN over the name of the neighbouring country. In the meantime, speaking from Rhodes about FYROMs European prospects, Greek FM Petros Molyviatis referred to the 1995 Interim Accord, in which the name whereby the neighbouring country is to accede in international organisations is mentioned. Sources of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs spoke of "unfortunate statements" made by Mr Burns. "If those statements have been properly interpreted, then they are unacceptable," stressed PASOK spokesperson Nikos Athanasakis. "Mr Burns statement revealed the weakness of Mr Karamanlis foreign policy strategy," commented PASOK Head of Foreign Policy, Security and Defence Christos Papoutsis.

Nimitz and the USA Stay Clear

"We did not draw up Mr Nimitzs proposal. The USAs stance is clear: We support the process in the context of the UN and Mr Nimitzs efforts. He is the one making the proposals, while it is not our job to agree with them or not," added Nicholas Burns.

As for the Prime Minister of FYROM, he said Greece cannot exercise its veto right at this point, but it will be able to do so if the accession agreement with the EU would be signed.

He also added that by then "there should be plenty of time to solve this matter in a constructive climate of good neighbouring," while he expects Greece's support in FYROM's accession prospect.

In Greece, diplomatic circles mentioned that the UN mediator would wait a while before proceeding with his next move.

This was also announced by Matthew Nimitz on Thursday, who advised everyone to remain calm.

Referendum Not about the Name

The same circles clarified that the recent mention of a possible referendum was not about the issue of FYROMs name, but the ratification of FYROMs Treaty of Accession to the European Union.

"A referendum is our most powerful negotiating advantage and we will not annul it," mentioned Foreign Ministry circles, noting that convocation of the political leaders council was not necessary, but would take place if needed.

The Greek FM has presented Greeces views on the issue with FYROMs name to many of his European counterparts, while, according to information, they showed understanding towards Greeces stance.

Translated by Vicky Ghionis

[03] 'Yes' to Balkan European Course

By Tina Valaoura

Sources: ANA

The informal meeting of the Foreign Ministers in the Cooperation Procedure of Southeastern countries in Rhodes, was adjourned. The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Petros Molyviatis, making his conclusions after the proceedings, described the discussion as constructive, and praised the effort made by Balkan countries to overcome the tension and friction, and repeated that Greece supports their European prospect. "Irrespectively, all countries of the area should proceed with accession, each one in its own pace and time, and according to how quickly they fulfil the required criteria ", stated Mr Molyviatis, explaining however "there will be no bargains or exceptions in the fulfilment of criteria, which apply for all". On the FYROM issue, he reminded of the 1995 Interim Agreement between Greece and the neighbouring country, in which the name by which it can be accessed in international organizations is recorded.

The Importance of Good Relations

Petros Molyviatis underlined the importance of good neighbouring relations "which constitute the basis for the construction and reinforcement of the European prospect of areas countries", while he referred to the importance given to the development of infrastructures in the areas of energy and transport. It is reminded that Bulgaria and Romania are very close on entering the EU. The Greek FM invited his counterparts to attend the celebratory meeting of the Greek Parliament, on the accession ratification on November 2.

Mr Molyviatis also referred to the Kosovo issue, praising the Eide Report that was recently submitted to the UN Security Council, with the subject of the situation in the area, describing the document as "a detailed and balanced analysis, which does not attempt to hide the negative points of the situation". He repeated the wish to find a viable solution which will be derived by dialogue, and will respect the international legality and European values and criteria.

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

[04] Described as Especially Dangerous Kalousis Taken Into Custody

By Despina Hristopoulou

Sources: NET 105.8

Former President of First Instance Judges Evangelos Kalousis was taken to the Korydallos Prisons, after a unanimous decision by the interrogator and Prosecutor, after his statement to special interrogator Ioannis Sideris. Kalousis was temporarily taken into custody, described as especially dangerous, and for the prevention of committing new crimes. This is the second judge, after Leonidas Stathis, who is taken into custody for involvement in the extra-judicial ring. Kalousis statement lasted 4 hours, and he is charged with the capital offences of legalising incomes by illegal activities, abuse of power, and the misdemeanours of bribery and aiding such actions.

Deadline for Kechagioglou

Athens lawyers Sakis Kechagioglou, Thessaloniki Giorgos Nikolakopoulos and other unidentified persons are accused of membership in the ring formed by Evangelos Kalousis, from 2000-2004. As per the charges, the two lawyers are said to have paid amounts of money totalling 650,000 euros, eight times, to the former judges bank accounts.

In the meantime, Kechagioglou was called to make a statement today, and asked for a deadline for October 19, in relation to his involvement in the ring made up of First Instance Judge Antonia Ilia and Archimandrite Iakovos Giosakis.

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

[05] In Nea Erythraia and Patisia Shoot-Out Robberies

By Jenny Charalampidou

The day began with an attempted robbery, which proved fruitless. At 08:10, two unidentified men fired shots in the air, in an attempt to rob a Eurobank branch in Peristeri, but when they saw that the door was blocked, fled. At noon, an unidentified man with a gun stole a bag of money from a PYRSOS Security Company van, at 121 Charilaos Trikoupis Street, in Nea Erythraia. The armed robbery took place shortly before 12:00, and the perpetrator fled after firing two shots in the air. The PYRSOS vans passengers were at an Agricultural Bank branch, drawing out money from the ATM. A few minutes later, at 86 Agios Meletios Street, in Kato Patisia, an attempted robbery took place in an Agricultural Bank branch.

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

[06] Suspects Arrested for Terrorist Actions Terror Threats in the Netherlands

Law Enforcement agencies in the Netherlands proceeded in a series of arrests in three cities, after threats were launched against two Parliamentarians. They had both spoke openly against Muslim extremists. In particular, six men and one woman were arrested in operations in the Hague, Amsterdam and neighbouring Almere. On Dutch of Moroccan origin was among them, who had been arrested in April on the charge of planning terrorist attacks against the Amsterdam airport, but was acquitted. Security measures have increased around the Prime Minister's office at the Binnenhof castle.

Translated by Sofia Soulioti

[07] New Adventure Launched Today Asterix Strikes Again!

By Vagelis Theodorou

What is the greatest fear of the Gauls? It is not the Romans, but the sky falling on their heads, and it has come true! The new adventure of Asterix is launched today in 27 countries, including Greece. After a four-year absence the favourite cartoon character of young and old returned with a sci-fi story entitled "Asterix and the Falling Sky". The story takes place after Asterix and Obelixs return from Egypt, continuing the story of "Asterix and Cleopatra". Planet Earth "which is under Roman occupation except for a small village", is attacked by two different and rival groups of aliens. The outer space visitors land in the Gallic village with a round space ship, which makes the peaceful Gauls believe that the sky has fallen on their heads. The reason of the visit is the magic potion of druid Panoramix, with which they aspire to conquer the Universe.

The Romans are just bystanders, Panoramix is helpless and Asterix is called to set things straight! Upon their departure, the aliens erase this adventure from the Gauls memory, and life returns to its normal pace.

What is different in this adventure is that heroes who participate in it are reminiscent of Mickey Mouse (as the album is dedicated to the late Walt Disney), as well as Superman!

The new 48-page album has been released in Greece in 100,000 copies by Mamouth Comix and its price is 3.90 euros.

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

Related Links:

Asterix

Mamouth Comix

[08] Margaret Thatcher Celebrates 80th Birthday Birthday Party for Iron Lady

By Vicky Keleri

On Thursday, Margaret Thatcher celebrated her 80th birthday in London, with a 2-½- hour reception given in the Mandarin Oriental Hotel, in the presence of 650 special guests. Among the guests were Queen of Great Britain Elisabeth II with her husband Prince Phillip and British PM Tony Blair and his wife Cherie. As of 2002, Thatcher has not traveled outside of Great Britain, without presenting herself in public appearances abroad. Actually, many predicted that this reception will be her last public appearance.

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

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