The Hellenic Radio (ERA): News in English, 05-10-18

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

CONTENTS

[01] Greece Prepared for Everything Calm and Ready

By Dimitris Alexopoulos

Greek Rural Development Minister E. Basiakos declared that Greece is fully prepared to deal with avian flu, while speaking at the European Unions General Affairs Council today. "Greece implemented all the necessary measures promptly and is fully prepared to take specific actions at every subsequent stage, if this is deemed necessary," mentioned the Minister, stressing that the country is closely collaborating with the competent Commissioner for Health and Consumer Protection, Markos Kyrpianou, concerning added measures. On his part, Mr Kyprianou pointed out that the detection of bird flu cases in southeastern Europe does not increase the risk of a flu pandemic among humans, stressing that coordination between Member-States to deal with a possible pandemic was imperative. Furthermore, during an unscheduled Council, the EU Foreign Ministers also focused on the specific subject, while they mentioned the excellent communication with the Greek authorities, as well as the need for coordination at an international level, in order to deal with the global threat of bird flu.

Initial Results Tomorrow

At the same time, scientists are testing blood samples of the turkey found on the Aegean island of Oinousses in labs in Thessaloniki and London, so as to determine whether it is a simple form of bird flu, or whether it contains antibodies of the deadly H5N1 strain.

As announced by the Director of the Institute for Infectious and Parasitic Diseases (ILPAN) in Thessaloniki, Panagiotis Stefanou, the initial results of the tests are expected on Wednesday.

However, as per ILPAN scientists, this will just be an indication, since the final results will arise from serogical tests that will show whether the samples contain antibodies of the dangerous to humans H5N1 virus.

At the same time, viral tests are also being conducted, in order to establish whether the H5N1 virus is present, while those results are expected in approximately eight days.

As announced by the Rural Development Minister, the final results will be available in seven days, as they are expecting the results from the histological tests from Thessaloniki and London.

Two doctors from the Hellenic Centre for Infectious Diseases (KEEL) arrived on Oinousses today and examined the Komninaris couple, who owned the turkey, but no announcements have been made yet.

The couple will have to stay indoors and will be monitored for seven days, which is how long the incubation period of the virus lasts, while they had been vaccinated in the beginning of autumn as a precaution.

It should also be noted that the island doctors had vaccinated most of the locals, since they are predominantly senior citizens.

Meanwhile, the KEEL experts, along with the head of the Local Self-Government and the doctors of the hospital on the island of Chios, performed inspections on Oinousses.

After disinfecting the Komninaris chicken farm, the authorities will start disinfecting the rest of the hen houses in the area tomorrow, as they are waiting for supplies from Chios.

In addition, two poultry experts from Athens will arrive on Oinousses tomorrow morning to conduct epizootiological investigations.

Kaklamanis: "All Necessary Measures in Place"

In a Press conference today, Health Minister Nikitas Kaklamanis stressed that all the necessary measures are in place on Oinousses, noting that an isolation ward has been prepared in the hospital of Chios

The Health Minister also pointed out that 100,000 vaccines have been ordered from the pharmaceutical company Gerolymatos, 90,000 from Glaxo and 50,000 from Giannakopoulos, while IKA has also ordered another 40,000 flu vaccines.

Out of those, which will also include 25,000 from the Institute Pasteur, half will be distributed to the market, while the rest will be reserved by the Ministry, in order to vaccine vulnerable groups.

In addition, as noted by the Health Minister, 200,000 boxes of the anti-viral drug Tamiflu will be delivered by April, despite the fact that it is considered highly unlikely that any human cases will be detected.

Finally, Mr Kaklamanis said that Greece aspires to coordinate all the efforts for the prevention of bird flu, not just in the European Union, but also in the Balkans, during a meeting that is scheduled for 15 and 19 November on the subject.

Greek Prefectures on Alert

At the same time, all the cases of dead birds found in areas around the country are being examined with care.

The health authorities in Thessaloniki are on alert in order to deal with possible bird flu cases in the wider area of Lakes Koronia and Volvi, a haven for domestic and migratory birds.

In a circular, Athens Prefect Giannis Sgouros urged school principals to contact their local Veterinary Directorates in case they locate dead birds on and around school premises.

No Added Measures

Upon returning from the General Affairs Council, Mr Basiakos stressed that, apart from banning the transport of poultry and poultry products from the island of Chios to Greece and overseas, no added measures will be implemented, other than those adopted yesterday.

Mr Basiakos also underlined that, at present, the Greek Governments two main priorities are to protect the consumers and support the poultry breeders.

He also mentioned the need to provide compensations to poultry farming, since it is being affected by the reduction in consumption, as well as the restrictions that are, or will be put in place.

According to the Greek poultry breeders, a 70% reduction in chicken consumption has been recorded since the detection of the case on Chios.

Furthermore, they noted that similar reductions are expected in the consumption of eggs.

As per the estimates of producers, out of the 15,000 tonnes of Greek chickens, some 10,000 will remain sold just this month.

Following the announcement of the suspect case on Chios, the Ukraine and Bulgaria banned all poultry imports from Greece.

PASOK Claims Measures Are Sufficient

After being briefed on the issue by KEELs president Angelos Chatzakis, PASOKs Section Head for Health, Evangelos Venizelos, announced today that all the necessary steps have been taken in order to prepare for bird flu. At the same time, he stressed that the Opposition will be supporting the State on this matter.

On his part, SYN President Alekos Alavanos asked the State to keep the public informed and secure the necessary medical supplies for the more vulnerable groups.

Furthermore, Mr Alavanos proposed immediate compensations to anyone affected, as well as strict inspections in order to prevent the distribution of dangerous products, stressing that creating panic was the worst possible outcome in such cases.

Translated by Vicky Ghionis

Related News:

Turkey Sample Raises Concerns

Suspect Case in Greece

Vaccine with Prescription

[02] As per Transparency International's Index Global Corruption Map

By Annita Paschalinou

Transparency Internationals Corruption Perceptions Index for 2005 has provided some interesting facts on the global situation. Chad, Bangladesh and Myanmar emerged as champions of corruption, while Iceland proved squeaky-clean. Other countries that topped the list include Finland, New Zealand, Denmark, Singapore, Sweden, Switzerland, Norway, Australia and Austria. Greece is in 47th place, along with the Czech Republic, Namibia and Slovakia. Although it improved this year, climbing up two spots compared to last year, it appears more corrupt than Botswana, Uruguay and Lithuania! Fortunately, Greece is more transparent than Colombia, Costa Rica and Mexico, but trailing far behind the Netherlands and the United Kingdom, which are both in 11th place. It should be noted that the USA lacks in transparency compared to the UK, since it is in 17th place.

Translated by Vicky Ghionis

Related Links:

Transparency International

[03] Measuring 6.0 and 5.2 on the Richter Scale Quakes Rock Zakynthos

By Anna Kourti

Two strong earthquakes, measuring 6.0 and 5.2 on the Richter scale, spread panic on the Ionian island of Zakynthos this afternoon. The first quake, measuring 6.0, was recorded at 6:26pm in the sea south of Zakynthos, while an aftershock, measuring 5.2, followed a few minutes later in the same place. Both earthquakes were felt in Kefalonia, Ilia, Achaia and Messinia. According to information, chunks from the Red Rock, a local landmark, as well as parts of marquees, broke off. In addition, a fire broke out in a home in the village Vasilikos, when a vigil candle fell on the floor. There have been no reports on any victims or injuries yet. On Wednesday, all schools in the Prefecture of Zakynthos will remain closed, as special crews will inspect the buildings for possible damages. Finally, smaller-scale aftershocks were recorded late in the evening.

Translated by Vicky Ghionis

Related News:

4.9 Earthquake West of Konitsa

[04] Love Above All!

By Vagelis Theodorou

A woman in Belgium gave a lesson of superiority, as she became the "best man" in her ex-husbands wedding. The strangeness of this incident is that her former sweetheart tied the knot with her hairdresser! As per the local newspaper, Guy Van Autreve, 40, the former husband of 41-year-old Tania Van Rysselberghe, and Danny Van der Heyden, 44, were previously married to women five years before their eventful meeting. One beautiful morning, and while taking their dogs out for a walk, the two men met and fell madly in love. Initially, they kept their relationship a secret, however love cant be hidden for too long. "For a very long time I thought they were just friends. It was only during a summer holiday in Spain with the other couple, I got suspicious," stated Mrs Rysselberghe to the newspaper. The suspicions were reconfirmed by the hairdressers wife, who called the woman and revealed the secret relationship. The distressed womans reaction was the following: "At the beginning, I was furious. But then I learned to accept it," she said. If you are wondering why she agreed to marry the two men and forget all about the past, the woman stated that her former husband and her hairdresser are like "ying and yang", while she would have reacted in a completely different way if her husband married another woman.

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

[05] At PASOK's Coordinators Meeting Public Works at the Focus

By Vicky Keleri

Sources: ÁNA - ÍÅÔ - ÍÅÔ 105.8

The progress of major public works and the National Cadastre were at the focus of the meeting between PASOKs parliamentary group coordinators. According to information, it was mentioned that Greek public works are in the red due to the great discounts, as well as the referrals to court by construction companies. The Public Works Ministrys negotiating contracts for tenders were also criticised, while the coordinators spoke of lack of transparency in contractual undertakings. Earlier today, PASOK President George Papandreou met with the partys Section Head for Education, Maria Damanaki, and the Deans of the Athens and Thessaloniki Schools of Theology, Fathers Georgios Metalinos and Christos Economou. They all voiced their opposition to the Education Ministry Bill for upgrading Ecclesiastical Schools.

Translated by Vicky Ghionis

Related News:

Reactions on Ecclesiastical Universities

[06] Consensus in Foreign Policy Council Levelheaded Handlings on FYROM

By Annita Paschalinou

Sources: NET 105.8

The latest developments in the FYROM issue, European and Turkish relations and Kosovo were at the focus of the Foreign Policy National Council meeting, convened by Petros Molyviatis, following a demand by SYN. The Greek government reassured that the handlings on the FYROM issue are levelheaded and responsible, while on Turkeys accession negotiations it was stated that Greece and Cyprus positions have been secured. "The discussion took place in a consensual climate," stated the head of the Parliamentary Foreign Affairs Committee Sotiris Chatzigakis, noting that opposed to some irresponsible and dangerous criticism, the governments handlings in the FYROM issue and European-Turkish relations were approved of.

Papoutsis on Veto and Referendum

The head of PASOK Foreign Affairs Issues, Christos Papoutsis, spoke of irresponsibility and lack of strategy, noting that on the FYROM issue " at the time, the veto and referendum are irresponsible positions."

He added that a commonly accepted solution for a single name, which cannot be made by international alliances, has to be reached.

PASOKs strategy is consensus in national issues, but this does not mean well give a carte blanche to the government," he added.

Konstantopoulos Asks for Initiatives

Nikos Konstantopoulos asked for alertness and initiatives, and wished that foreign policy issues will not be used for political interests, in view of Municipal and national elections.

"We have two years ahead of us," he said, and added that Turkeys negotiating context and the EU counterstatement give Greece the capability of continuing its efforts in a positive context.

On the issue of FYROM, he described Nicholas Burns recent statements as unacceptable and insulting, underlining that "if Mr Burns wants to become the ruler of the Balkans, he cannot use Greece to do so."

As per sources, during the next 10-12 days, a discussion will be take place in Parliament on foreign policy.

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

[07] Criticism on New Education Bill Continues Reactions on Ecclesiastical Universities

By Annita Paschalinou

After a meeting with the Deans of Athens and Thessaloniki Theological Schools, Maria Damanaki developed PASOKs views on the operation of four ecclesiastical schools, foreseen in a Ministry of Education bill. The PASOK MP underlined that the Main Opposition Party is not reacting to the bill due to hostility against the Church, but because it presents several Constitutional problems. "It does not create a free university, as we would have like to, but leads to a situation which takes Greece many decades into the past," she said. Dean of the Athens Theological School Father Metallinos described the bill as a torpedo aimed at the foundation of the countrys academic system.

Deans Express their Opposition

"We are trying to safeguard the Churchs prestige," added Father Metallinos, and estimated that when Parliament understands the essence of the problem, it will not adopt such a bill.

Dean of the Aristoteleion Universitys Theological School Christos Oikonomou stated that the bill is spurious, as educated clerics will not emerge from it, but is the operation of four Universities offering wide-range knowledge, thus constituting a different department.

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

[08] Alexakis in Athens OSPA's Proposals on OA

By Annita Paschalinou

In a Press conference, the delegates of the Federation of Associations of Civil Aviation (OSPA) announced their proposals on the future of Olympic Airlines, while Kostas Alexakis has arrived in Athens for the second time this month. The spokesperson of Olympic Investors, repeated the companys interest on the purchase of Olympic Airlines, even if he cannot understand the reason the negotiations have stopped. As per sources, during his stay in Athens, the event of meeting with government officials has not been ruled out.

Administration without Party Interests

In the meantime, OA employees are staging a rally at the Ministry of Transport. Earlier, the employees asked for a new administration, which will be composed of air carrier experts and will be appointed by two-thirds of the Parliament, in order to operate without party interests.

As per OSPA President Manolis Patetsos, the new administration will have to materialise specific goals in the context of a five-year growth programme.

It has to give a briefing ever six months, and to face clear cut terms in the case of failure.

In order for this programme to be successful, OSPA, among others, proposed making strategic importance agreements with big airline companies, and the rationalisation of the network and fleet, based on the countrys needs and the companys capabilities.

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

[09] Felt Throughout the Ioannina Prefecture 4.9 Earthquake West of Konitsa

By Annita Paschalinou

An earthquake, measuring 4.9 on the Richter scale, occurred at 15:06pm, west of Konitsa, near the Greek-Albanian borders. The epicentre of the earthquake was located 380km northwest of Athens, while it was felt throughout the Ioannina Prefecture. Up to now, there have been no reports of damage.

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

[10] The local Media spoke of a dead male New Clashes in Nalchik

By Despina Hristopoulou

Sources: BBC

Nearly a week following the release of the seven hostages taken by Chechen rebels in the city of Nalchik, new clashes broke out in this Caucasian city. Russian officials stated that they are amid new military operations against the gunmen, who are believed to be Chechen rebels affiliates. The Russian Media reported that policemen killed a man, who had denied showing his identity card to the policemen. Two more men, who were with the deceased, managed to break free. Eyewitnesses mentioned gunshots, while the authorities are urging the residents to stay indoors and are advising the parents to take their children from the school. Last weeks clashes between the rebels and the security forces in Nalchik claimed the lives of at least 86 people. Chechen warlord Shamil Basayev, accountable for the Beslan school siege, took responsibility for the deadly clashes in Nalchik last week.

Translated by Areti Christou

Related News:

Deadly Raid

Dozens Died in Caucasian Battles

[11] Turkey Will not Change its Policies Insisting on the Restrictions

By Dimitris Alexopoulos

Turkish Foreign Minister Abdullah Gul appeared once again adamant over the issue of the restrictions imposed by Turkey to ships and aircrafts registered to the Republic of Cyprus, as well as the international restrictions in place on the northern part of Cyprus. Today, Mr Gul declared that any lifting of the restrictions would have to be reciprocal and simultaneous. Furthermore, commenting on the statements made by Yashar Yakish, the President of the Turkish Parliamentary Harmonisation Committee, who declared that opening the Turkish ports to ships under Cypriot flag did not constitute the end of the world, Mr Gul said, "The Governments daily agenda does not include this matter."

Translated by Vicky Ghionis

[12] No Problems over Bank's Social Security and OTE Alogoskoufis-Garganas Meeting

By Vicky Keleri

Sources: ÁNA - ÍÅÔ 105.8

Greek Economy Minister Girogos Alogoskoufis met with the Governor of the Bank of Greece, Nikos Garganas, this afternoon at the Economy Ministry. Their discussion mainly focused on the situation and the prospects of the Greek Economy. After the meeting, Mr Alogoskoufis stressed that the salary increases being implemented by Mr Garganas are not an issue, since they are set by the rules of the central bank of Greece. With regard to the banks social security, he noted that the European Commission has not voiced any objections. Furthermore, according to the Minister, the Commission will also not get involved in the issue with the OTE (Greek Telecommunications Organisation) voluntary redundancies, since the Ministry has informed the EU that the cost will burden the Organisation by 80%, otherwise it would have burdened the Public Sector by 100%.

National Opera at the Focus

Earlier, Mr Alogoskoufis had met with Deputy Culture Minister Petros Tatoulis and discussed the housing problems faced by the Greek National Opera.

According to information, the Ministry is in favour of erecting a new building, in collaboration with Public-Private Partnerships.

Referring to the matter, the Economy Minister stressed that the new premises of the National Opera have not been decided yet. Asked whether it will be relocated to Helliniko (former Athens Airport), he mentioned that the specific area forms part of a wider zoning plan.

Translated by Vicky Ghionis

[13] Sollied: "Anything Can Happen"

By Vasilis Kalpinos

During the scheduled Press conference in view of the match against Lyon in Gerland, Olympiacos coach Trond Sollied declared, "Nothing is over as far as qualifying for the next round of Champions League." The Norwegian coach also noted that Wednesdays game would be tough and that the Greek team would have to try their best. He also stressed that his team has hopes of qualifying, while a positive result would put them back in the game.

No One is Irreplaceable

In the Press conference, Sollied also praised Lyon, as well as Real Madrid, both of which are competing in the same group as Olympiacos.

"In our group there are two teams who can win the competition, Lyon and Real Madrid. However, mathematically, we have chances and we have not been eliminated yet."

Olympiacos will be missing two very important players in Wednesdays game: Rivaldo, who is experiencing problems with his adductors, and Georgatos, who suffered a sprain in the match against PAOK for the domestic championship on Sunday. Although Sollied stressed that their absence was significant, he noted that the other players also have qualities. "It gives us the opportunity to prove we are not dependent on two men," he concluded.

Translated by Vicky Ghionis

[14] Asklepieion at Epidraurus Being Restored Restoring the Oldest Healing Centre

By Varvara Toumazatou

Sources: Ta Nea -Ministry of Culture

The restoration works on the sanctuary of Asklepios at Epidaurus, the most renowned oldest healing centre, are underway. The cult in the holy place started in the 6th century BC. Asklepieion grew in popularity and reached its peak in the 4th and 3rd century BC, when a string of monumental religious buildings, including the temple, the altar of Asklepios, the Tholos, the Abaton, and later of secular buildings, such as the theatre, the ceremonial hestiatoreion and the palaistra (training ground) were erected. The Asklepieion survived the end of the ancient era and rose back to prominence in the 2nd century AD. Until recently, the temple, which stretches for nearly 10 hectares under the shadow of the ancient theatre of Epidavros, was buried in the ruins. The restoration works have surfaced the first buildings and more clues on the cult of Asklepios, while long-established conceptions regarding the temple were overruled. Except the stadium and the temple of Asklepieion, further six monuments are also being restored.

It is noted that the Asklepieion was a religious and treatment centre dedicated to the God of Asklepeios, who had therapeutic properties. There were many such centres throughout ancient Greece.

Translated by Areti Christou

[15] A Greek National Statistical Service Research High Tech Generation

By Vagelis Theodorou

The Greek National Statistical Service research conducted in the first trimester of 2005 has outlined the profile of Greeks owning a PC and who surf the Internet. As it emerged, the interest of household on new technologies in steadily increasing, since 29% used a PC and 34% purchased one (a 5% increase since last year), while 22% has Internet access from their homes. Mobile phones seem to be very popular, since 76% stated that they own and use one, mainly for sending text messages (52% daily or nearly everyday). The profile of Greek cybernauts is the following: they are 16-34 years of age, high school or Vocational Educational Institute (IEK) graduates and employed. The main reason of Internet use is searching for information and online services 98% (such as travel and accommodation, reading newspapers and magazines), while for emails and chatting 46%. The percentage of Internet users who make transactions with the Public Sector (sending filled-out applications or tax statements) is very impressing, as it nears 32%.

Concern over Online Purchases

And while the entrance of new technologies in Greek households seems to be increasing, Internet users are doubtful over making online purchases.

As per data by the Greek National Statistical Service Research, the purchases from the Internet remain low (6.6%), even if it has increased by 2.7%, in relation to 2004. Furthermore, 13% of the cybernauts buy or sell products and services, or make banking or other economic transactions.

The main reasons of the low percentage are the different consuming habits of Greeks, and the lack of safety in online purchases, eg theft of credit card pin number.

However, Greeks seem to love their mobile phones, since the purchase of Internet accessible devices was increased by 11%, in relation to 2004. Except for sending short messages, 32% of the persons questioned stated that, in average, they speak 29 minutes a month, 26% from 30 to 60 minutes, while 42% talks for over an hour.

The research was conducted by telephone to 4,485 persons, aged 16-74 in households nationwide.

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

Related Links:

Greek National Statistical Service

[16] In Greece and the Eurozone Upward Trend for Inflation

By Dimitris Alexopoulos

The inflation rate in Greece for the month of September was around 3.8%, recording a 0.2% increase in relation to August. The data was made public by the EU Statistical Office, Eurostat, whilst stating that it is the fourth highest in the European Union. In the Eurozone, the inflation rate for September also presented upward trends, reaching 2.6% from 2.2% in August and 2.1% last year. In relation to August, the inflation rate increased in 21 Member-States, decreased in Malta, remained the same in Italy (2.2%) and Poland (1.8%), while there is no data available on Great Britain. In September, the lowest percentages were recorded in Sweden and Finland (1.1%), the Netherlands (1.7%) and Poland (1.8%), while the highest in Latvia 7.4%, Estonia 4.9%, Luxemburg 4.7%, Greece and Spain (3.8%).

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

[17] Members of Ring Uncovered Crack of Pornography Ring

By Dimitris Alexopoulos

The Athens Police Directorate broke up the largest ring of Internet child pornography. As per the brief, 20 persons from several areas of the country are involved in it, among whom a Law Professor in an Italian University, a mathematics teacher, an architect, businessmen, three high school students and three women. The Police arrested the University Professor, who resides in Greece, and four residents of Veroia, owners of a telecommunications company, who operated a server saving websites, among which child pornography, which they renewed and maintained.

In Operation Since 2004

The arrested members were taken to the relevant Prosecutors, while the investigation by the Athens Police Directorate continues in other countries through collaboration with overseas Police departments.

The ring operated from the beginning of 2004, and as per Athens Police Directorate officials they traded hardcore childrens pornography.

As the Athens Police Directorate Deputy General Stefanos Skotis and Electronic Crime Department Chief Manolis Sfakianakis announced, this is the largest case of Internet child pornography uncovered in our country.

The operation on its breaking up, which was entitled "Storm" had began six months ago, in Athens, Larissa, Elefsina, Naousa, Thessaloniki, Drama, Veroia, Serres, as well as Agios Nikolaos and Chania, in Crete.

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

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