The Hellenic Radio (ERA): News in English, 05-10-22

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

CONTENTS

[01] For Transactions with the Extrajudicial Network Associate of an ND MP Charged

By Athina Saloustrou

A case concerning an associate of an ND MP and his involvement in the extrajudicial network has surfaced. Lawyer Christos Chatzipanagiotou, who was an associate of the law firm owned by current ND MP for Piraeus Petros Mantouvalos, was allegedly involved in suspicious transactions with First Instance Judge Evangelos Kalousis, who is being remanded in custody over extrajudicial activities. As per the brief, the defendant deposited 7 million drachmas (approximately 20,000 euros) in Kalousis bank account in November 2000. The judicial authorities uncovered the MPs associate after opening the bank accounts of the Judge, since the confidentiality clause was lifted, and discovering various punishable transactions with lawyers and citizens. They then investigated the relation between Kalousis and the people who deposited the money.

For a Felony and a Misdemeanour

Based on the evidence, Special Appellate Examiner G. Sideris brought charges against Chatzipanagiotou for money laundering, a felony, and bribing a judge, a misdemeanour. Chatzipanagiotou has already testified and was released under special conditions.

In a statement, Mantouvalos claimed that the young lawyer had deposited the money on behalf of an elderly lawyer, who has passed away, so that she could buy a car from Evangelos Kalousis. He further added that he trusted Chatzipanagiotou and claimed that, after an investigation he conducted, he concluded that there was no suspicious connection between his firm and Evangelos Kalousis.

Translated by Vicky Ghionis

Related News:

"Orchestrated Attack"

Papandreou's Fire on Corruption

Gerasimou Resigned

[02] Highway Reaper Beware of Grandpa

By Tina Valaoura

It may seem macabre and absurd, but is very true, as per the international news agencies. A 93-year-old driver from Florida was stopped by police as he was driving along, without having realised that there was a dead body stuck to his windscreen. As it turned out, it was not the only thing that Ralph Thomas Parker, who actually suffers from senile dementia, hadnt realised. According to the police, he was unaware of the fact that he had earlier been involved in a hit and run accident, killing a pedestrian, who he then carried on his windshield for a few kilometres.

The pedestrian was probably thrown head-first through the windshield of the 2002 Chevrolet Malibu, with his body resting on the roof. However, the driver did not realise he had been involved in an accident and kept driving for another 5 kilometres to a toll bridge, where the tollbooth attendants stopped him and called the police. The officers questioned the driver about the body and he told them that he thought the body had dropped from above, possibly from an overpass. The police confiscated his drivers licence, which he had last renewed two years ago, and referred him to Justice. It is now up to the court to decide what charges it will be bringing against him.

Translated by Vicky Ghionis

[03] For the Avian Threat Building Defences

By Athina Saloustrou

The three EU experts on avian pathology have concluded their autopsies in Greece and attended the meeting at the Veterinary Directorate of the Ministry of Rural Development and Food, while they are now preparing to leave. As per the supervisor of the Veterinary Directorate, P. Triantafyllou, no cases of avian flu exist in Greece; however, new samples were collected from Oinouses and sent to London, in order to eliminate all suspicions. In the market, consumers have started reinstating their confidence in poultry. In the meantime, the British authorities advised their citizens to remain calm, following the death of a parrot, which was in quarantine since it had been imported from Latin America and was diagnosed with bird flu (It should be noted that, as per British legislation, all animals imported to the UK are placed under 6-month quarantine). However, the British Ministry of Agriculture has not clarified yet whether the parrot was infected by the H5N1 virus, which is dangerous to humans. In addition, yesterday, Croatia reported the first case on its soil, after the virus was detected on wild swans, while a new outbreak of bird flu was also recorded in Russia. Meanwhile, the Australian Government is placing all passengers coming from countries where avian flu cases been detected on 6-day quarantine. On the other hand, Taiwan is determined to proceed with manufacturing Tamiflu, the drug considered as the most effective in case humans are infected by avian influenza, without taking into consideration the talks held with Swiss pharmaceutical company Roche, which owns the patents for the drug. Finally, Hungary has rekindled hopes for the development of a vaccine.

New Cases in Russia

A new outbreak of bird flu was recorded in Russia. At least 31 birds were found dead in the village of Sunaly in the Chelyabinsk region, at the Ural Mountains. As per the Emergency Situations Ministry, initial tests revealed that six of the birds were infected by avian flu. On Friday, the countrys Health authorities announced that the disease had spread to 24 regions, 20 of which were in Novosibirsk, Siberia, three in Kurgan and one in Stavropol.

The village of Yandovka in Tula, where the deadly H5N1 strain of the virus was detected, has been in quarantine for three weeks, while all the poultry have been slaughtered and burnt.

In Britain, the parrot, in which the H5 strain was detected, had been imported from Latin America on 16 September along with another 148 exotic birds, all of which were placed under 6-month quarantine, as per the local legislation. The competent British authorities are conducting tests in order to determine whether the parrot was actually infected by the deadly H5N1 strain, which is dangerous to humans.

In addition, the first bird flu cases may have been detected in Croatia. As per the local authorities, the six wild swans were migrating south and stopped in Croatia, where they died, to rest. A total of 12 birds have been found dead in the country, but it has not been determined yet whether they were infected with the H5N1 virus.

On Monday, the European Commission is expected to issue a ban on all birds imported from Croatia, while it also announced that they are monitoring the developments in the UK, as they are expecting the results of the tests on the parrot.

Taiwan to Manufacture Tamiflu

Taiwan is determined to proceed with manufacturing Tamiflu, the drug considered as the most effective in case humans are infected by avian influenza, without taking into consideration the talks held with Swiss pharmaceutical company Roche, which owns the patents for the drug. The islands National Health Research Institute showed Media late on Friday a generic version of Tamiflu produced by its laboratories, which it said was 99% similar to Roches drug.

"The Congress and the Government in Taiwan have already decided to produce Tamiflu, starting from right now [] once we obtain the material," Su Ih-jen, head of the clinical division at the health institute, said. The Government of Taiwan was among the first in the world to seek permission from Roche to make Tamiflu, but it has yet to receive an authorisation.

In the meantime, the Asian Development Bank (ADB) estimated that a possible bird flu outbreak in Asia would result in the loss of millions of human lives and $90-110 billion in damages.

Hungary Develops Vaccine

Hungarys Health Minister, Jeno Racz, announced that a Hungarian vaccine against the deadly H5N1 strain of bird flu has been discovered and proved to be effective, as the final results from tests on humans showed. The vaccine was developed by the Hungarian National Epidemiology Centre and private company Omninvest

According to Hungarian news agency MTI, many countries, including the USA, the UK and Russia, have expressed interest in the vaccine, while the Government said it could produce up to half a million vaccines per week.

The vaccine was tested on around 100 volunteers, including the Health Minister, in late September.

However, experts claimed that the vaccine may need to be improved if bird flu starts getting transmitted from humans to humans.

Australia Imposes Quarantine on Passengers

Australia is implementing strict measures in an effort to protect the country from the disease. As published today in the Sydney Morning Herald , all passengers coming from countries where cases of bird flu have been detected will be placed under compulsory 6-day quarantine. Passengers arriving at Australian airports would have to pass in front of thermal screens that would show whether they have a temperature. The newspaper also added that, if any of the passengers are considered suspect, they would be held in hangars, which will be converted into quarantine facilities.

The hangars can host up to 500 people, while the Government decided to purchase the necessary beds and linen to equip them, declared a Health Department spokesperson.

"In some situations, large numbers of people arriving at the border may need to be quarantined from others, to prevent transmission of pandemic influenza," stressed the spokesperson.

International Conference in Canada

In the meantime, Health Ministers and experts from 30 countries worldwide will meet in Ottawa, Canada, on Monday to discuss the international coordination for dealing with a possible influenza pandemic, at a time when the deadly H5N1 virus is prompting global concerns.

Canadian Health Minister Ujjal Dosanjh declared that the Ottawa Conference aimed at reinforcing coordination globally, in view of a possible flu pandemic.

The USA, the UK, China, South Africa, Mexico, Indonesia and Kazakhstan are some of the countries that will participate in the conference. In addition, representatives from the World Health Organisation, the UNs Food and Agriculture Organisation and the World Organisation of Animal Health will also be attending the meeting. The conference will focus on enhanced international coordination, better surveillance and testing for avian flu, the health policy of international travel, and vaccine development and testing. Furthermore, they will look into measures for better informing the public in dealing with the threat and averting panic.

Canada also announced that it will be supporting Mexicos proposal, whereby, in case of a pandemic, the richer countries will share the vaccines and drugs with the poorer ones.

The conference will conclude on Tuesday.

Vaccines for the Elderly

With regard to Greece, speaking on radio station NET 105.8, Deputy Health Minister Giorgos Konstantopoulos reassured that the Ministry has seen to supplying flu vaccines to the elderly and other vulnerable groups. In addition, referring to the bird flu vaccine, he stressed that we cannot talk about an effective vaccine, when no clinical tests have been carried out yet.

Translated by Vicky Ghionis

Related News:

Suspected Cases in UK and Croatia

EU Implements Measures

[04] Giakoumatos Over Bribing Case "Orchestrated Attack"

By Tina Valaoura

In an emergency Press Conference today, Deputy Employment Minister Gerasimos Giakoumatos spoke of an orchestrated attack against him regarding the attempted bribe of his associate, Mr Rembis, by a 60-year-old woman, a case which hit the top news yesterday. Mr Giakoumatos spoke of an incident, which was probably set up by his political opponents and stressed that the interrogation process will reveal if the lady had associates and a plan under which she operated. The Deputy Employment Minister also clarified he chose the discreet way, because it was a Police matter, underlining it is the first time a member of the Government is referring a citizen to the Public Prosecutor for trying to bribe them. He emphatically stressed his sole motive was the implementation of the law, noting, "Previous mentalities and covering up of corruption belong to the past." State Minister and Government spokesperson T. Roussopoulos referred to the matter today via an announcement. Mr Roussopoulos totally backed up the Deputy Minister, while answering to PASOK accusations on corruption, he stressed, "Those who make laws to protect citizens are not hostages of corruption and intrigue, those who make photographic laws to serve interests are." "The Government spokesperson is trying to justify the unjustifiable. He is trying in vain. Reality will contradict him," claimed Nikos Athanasakis.

Roussopoulos: Zero Tolerance to Corruption Phenomena

"The difference is that the present government rushes to investigate all cases of corruption and refer them to Justice. The previous government, the PASOK government, turned a blind eye to all relevant cases," said Mr Roussopoulos and referred to Mr Giakoumatos' case, who took his associate's bribing case to the Public Prosecutor.

Mr Roussopoulos said on the matter that the accusations are conflicting and raise many questions, which will be answered by the interrogation process. "You will have to admit yourselves that Greek citizens do not go around with a tape recorder and a hidden camera in their pockets to record those they want to bribe," ended Mr Roussopoulos.

It should be noted that Mr Eleni Voulgani is the key person of the story, as she contacted the deputy minister's associate, Mr Giorgos Rembis, asking him to hire her son. She had brought two boxes of sweets with her, one of which included a 5,000-euro check. Mrs Voulgani has been charged with active bribery.

Mr Giakoumatos stood by the side of his associate, Mr Rembis, stressing his honesty and adding that Justice will investigate his stance.

Translated by Sofia Soulioti

Related News:

Associate of an ND MP Charged

Papandreou's Fire on Corruption

Gerasimou Resigned

To Prosecutor on Bribery Charges

[05] After Reporters' Revelations Gerasimou Resigned

By Tina Valaoura

This morning, IKA Deputy Governor Nikos Gerasimou handed in his resignation after last night's revelations on ALPHA channel that as a lawyer he had collaborated with a man awaiting trial for drug trafficking. Employment Minister Panos Panagiotopoulos accepted his resignation, which competent Deputy Minister Nikos Angelopoulos had asked for on Friday night "for reasons of ethical order and to protect the government and ND, which put faith in him." In a statement on the matter, Mr Gerasimou said he decided to resign because he does not want to harm IKA's work nor the Government's, and clarified he would take all required measures "against those who brutally smeared his personal and professional reputation."

Referring to reporter Vaxevanis' revelations on his suspicious business collaboration with Antonis Gkofas, who is wanted by the Interpol, he stated that in his 23-yearlong career as a lawyer he handled the cases of hundreds of clients, including Antonis Gkofas, whom he knows since 1990.

"There Was Never Anything Suspicious About Gkofas"

"Mr Gkofas was a small-scale ship owner, whose ships carried cement from the port of Patras. There was never anything suspicious about him. In 1999, Mr Gkofas has asked me to undertake the transfer of UNITY III. After the transfer was completed, I never dealt with that ship again.

In 2000, Mr Gkofas purchased another ship from a well-known Greek ship owner and I handled the transfer, while in 2001 one of his ships, MIRAGE, sank and my law firm undertook the case and claimed compensation from his insurance policy. There was never a person to inform me or even insinuate Antonis Gkofas was a drug dealer.

In 2003, if my memory serves me right, I was informed Mr Gkofas was arrested on the charge of drug trafficking. I was surprised because I had known him as a family man and testified in court on the issue of transferring the ships. I also said I couldn't believe that this man could have been involved in such a hideous activity," underlined Mr Gerasimou.

Translated by Sofia Soulioti

[06] Waters Have Risen from 5 to 8m in Cancun Mexico in the Eye of Wilma

By Athina Saloustrou

With winds reaching 280kph, Hurricane Wilma hit the resort of Cancun, Mexico, and the waters have risen from 5 to 8m along the coast, where most of the hotels are located. The countrys authorities declared a state of emergency in 55 regions, while some 45,000 people were transferred to shelters. Major damages were recorded on the resort island Cozumel, off the Yucatan Peninsula, east of Mexico, while the level of water rose by one metre, flooding hotels and shops, as per the Interior Ministry. Cozumel is a very popular resort for lovers of diving and was hit by Wilma yesterday morning. Today, Wilma, which dropped to a 3 on the Saffir-Simpson scale, continues to clobber the Yucatan Peninsula. Wilma is expected to head for Cuba, which is already experiencing torrential rains.

Translated by Vicky Ghionis

[07] Three People Killed in Demonstrations Bloodshed Over Theatrical Play

By Tina Valaoura

Sources: ANA - BBC - AP

A theatrical play, whose context was considered "offensive to Islam" has triggered clashes between the Christian and Muslim community in Alexandria. Once more, thousands of Muslim protestors some 5,000 people took to the streets of the city holding a demonstration outside the Coptic Church of Saint George, which ended in bloodshed. During the incidents, three people were killed, 20 police officers and 40 protestors got injured, while 53 people were arrested. The Egyptian Interior Ministry described the protesters as "fanatic elements" who "escalated a negative reaction to a play." Coptic Bishop Armia refuted accusations on the play, stressing, "Copts would never tolerate anyone insulting Islam."

Wave of Outrage by Muslims

The source of all evil was the premiere of a theatrical play at Saint George Church two years ago. Back then, the play entitled "I Once Was Blind But Now I See," had triggered a wave of reactions and all shows had been cancelled as a result, since the drama tells the story of a poor young Copt who is drawn to Islamist militants who then try to kill him. The play enacted by amateur actors was recently released in DVD, a fact which triggered a new Muslim outbreak of rage.

Last week, Islamist groups held two demonstrations condemning the play, while last Wednesday a young and stabbed a nun and a man, before policemen arrested him.

However, yesterday's riots were much bigger. They started off with the participation of some 5,000 outraged Muslims in the early afternoon hours, right after noon prayers, in front of the Saint George Church. Demonstrations escalated in the night, taking an even more violent turn, when a protestor died of inhaling tear gases, as per eyewitnesses.

Shouting mottos against the Christians, demonstrators tried to burn the al-Hamra church in Moharem Beq and raided the Isis hospital, belonging to the Copts, as well as a drug store, the owners of which are also Christian. A police car and six more vehicles were set afire, while the police had to use tear gases and sticks to hold back the crowd.

Translated by Sofia Soulioti

[08] Victory at Last for Iraklis

By Stathis Petropoulos

Iraklis defeated Atromitos in Kaftatzoglio Stadium, in the first match of 7th round for the Greek A Ethniki championship. The home team, which was on edge as it could not afford any more mishaps, was in control of the game, but had some trouble converting its efforts into goals. They had some opportunities from early on, with the most impressive one in the 26, when Herrera hit the post. In the second half, Atromitos upped its performance, but kept missing the shots. In the 69, Chalaris pushed Kepatanos within the box and Iraklis was awarded a penalty, which Epalle kicked successfully. The second goal was scored by Lawal during added time.

Referee: Dabosis (Pieria) Yellow Cards: Herrera Mikes, Chalaris

IRAKLIS: Abaris, Stefanis (80 Perperidis), Katsabis, Papazacharias, Sznaucner, Poursanidis, Georgiadis (64 P. Kapetanos), Prittas, Lagos, Epalle, Herrera (86 Lawal)

ATROMITOS: Michailidis, Sotirchos (82 Manikas), Karadimos (74 Katemis), Georgiou (46 Chalaris), Mikes, Doe, Korakakis, Dimos, Koutsis, geladaris, Zacharopoulos.

Translated by Vicky Ghionis

[09] He Accuses the Government of Party Corruption Papandreou's Fire on Corruption

By Athina Saloustrou

Today, PASOK president George Papandreou launched a harsh attack against the Government, focusing especially on corruption. The president of the Main Opposition accused the Government of operating as a conqueror in a foreign country and establishing party corruption, underlining that never has a Government in Greece fallen so fast on the dark side of politics. "New Democracy is becoming part of the corruption problem it is supposed to be fighting against," stressed Mr Papandreou and underlined, "ND uses didacticism to conceal corruption." Referring to the attempted bribing of Deputy Employment Minister Gerasimos Giakoumatos, he supported it is not an accidental incident, but the result of the Governments efforts to make citizens realise it takes more than just skills to get a job; it takes money and knowing the right people in the right posts. "This is a case of deep political corruption," ended Mr Papandreou. Minister of State and Government spokesperson Thodoros Roussopoulos attacked PASOK on the issue of corruption.

"Citizens Educated in Corruption"

Mr Papandreou mentioned that the Government and Mr Karamanlis are in a weak position, since, when they were in the Opposition, they took advantage of the existing and non-existing negative incidents recorded during PASOKs long governing. As a result, they operated with small-party mentality, empathy and verbosity, he stressed.

Never has a Government in Greece fallen so fast on the dark side of politics, mentioned Mr Papandreou, stressing that ND is following evil party politics.

However, as he mentioned, corruption cannot be attributed to the whole party, as was the case with ND, which accused everyone within PASOK.

Mr Papandreou also mentioned that ND is becoming part of the problem of corruption, instead of an opponent.

Furthermore, he rejected the mentality of compensation, referring to the eight-part proposal he had submitted in Parliament, while he added, The most significant thing is to try and change ourselves and that is what we are doing in PASOK, a fact that constitutes the biggest guarantee and credibility for the future Government.

Apart from the mentality of compensation, Mr Papandreou also rejected the statement that everyone is the same, accusing the Government of creating this impression. By saying that everyone is the same, they are attacking the confidence of Greek citizens, declared Mr Papandreou, while he added that they are trying to create the impression that Greeks are incorrigible, when the Greeks have demonstrated what they can do when they put their hearts to it.

We will not allow this impression to stand, because it demands that the citizens stand in the corner and not participate, giving way to various interests and not the will of the Greek people, he added.

Referring to the attempted bribing of Deputy Employment Minister Gerasimos Giakoumatos, he stressed that it was the result of NDs main choice, since it has promoted to the people that they have to bribe someone in order to have their children hired, while personalities, merits and education do not count.

Contrary to NDs policies, PASOK is in favour of transparency at all levels and that it why the Greek people will give a loud answer in the next elections, since they have realized what is happening, he noted.

Speaking about Education, Mr Papandreou noted that it is a liberating process for society. In addition, he mentioned that the people chosen to attend the vocational seminars were selected with meritocracy, which has nothing to do with the interview instituted by ND.

We are creating new perceptions and new values, such as transparency, participation, dialogue and deliberations, which we consider imperative, he stressed. Mr Papandreou also talked about the new PASOK, while its main axis demands that all new members participate in educational seminars.

Finally, he talked about a party with an array of opinions, proposals and ideas that will serve Democracy, Solidarity, participation, freedom, transparency and social cohesion.

Roussopoulos' Attack

State Minister and Government spokesperson Thodoris Roussopoulos accused PASOK on the issue of corruption.

"Those who make laws to protect citizens are not hostages of corruption and intrigue, those who make laws to serve interests are," answered back Mr Roussopoulos.

"The current government," added the Government spokesperson in his announcement, "investigates all corruption cases and refers them to the Public Prosecutor." He set the case with Deputy Employment Minister Gerasimos Giakoumatos as an example, as the Minister informed the Public Prosecutor on the bribery case, which hit the headlines the last couple of days.

However, Mr Roussopoulos said on the case in question, "There are many questions to be answered," hopefully from the interrogation process. "You will have to admit yourselves that Greek citizens do not go around with a tape recorder and a hidden camera in their pockets to record those they want to bribe," ended Mr Roussopoulos.

"The Government spokesperson is trying to justify the unjustifiable. He is trying in vain. Reality will contradict him," claimed Nikos Athanasakis.

Translated by Sofia Soulioti

Related News:

Associate of an ND MP Charged

"Orchestrated Attack"

Gerasimou Resigned

[10] Over Turkey's Accession to the EU Citizens Reserved

By Tina Valaoura

Sources: Kathimerini Newspaper

Every five out of ten citizens feel Turkeys accession to the European Union is to Greeces benefit, as per a VPRC opinion poll published in Kathimerini newspaper, which was conducted throughout Greece one week after negotiation talks between the neighbouring country and the EU opened.

As per the poll, 58% of the people asked do not approve of Turkeys European prospect, however 46% think its accession is to the benefit of the country. On the other hand, 38% disagree. At the same time, 65% feel that Greek-Turkish relations would improve, while 28% feel otherwise.

What is more, 60% believe that negotiations will have a successful outcome, while the majority think Turkeys accession to the EU will contribute to solving the Cypriot issue.

Questioned how they view government handlings, 41% said they are probably moving towards the right direction, while 37% criticised them. 48% have a negative opinion of the Opposition stance, while only 29% approve it.

The opinion poll was conducted via telephone interviews from 11 to 13 October and 1,003 people participated.

Translated by Sofia Soulioti

[11] For IKA Deputy Governor Nikos Gerasimou Late Night Revelations

By Tina Valaoura

Sources: ALPHA Television Station

Last night, Deputy Social Protection Minister Mr Angelopoulos asked for the resignation of IKA Deputy Governor Mr Gerasimou, after ALPHA television station revealed that when the deputy governor was a lawyer, he had collaborated with Antonios Gkofas, who is awaiting trial for drug trafficking.

Reporter Kostas Vaxevanis revealed that as per Interpol documents dating back in 2003, wanted Antonios Gkofas, who was accused of trafficking cocaine with ships from Latin America on behalf of the Italian mafia, had set up companies owned by non-existent foreign persons.

The companies, which had been set up through Nikos Gerasimous law firm, operated as a front for the ships carrying the drugs, like the Mirage 2 in 1997, which sank off the coasts of Peru, loaded with cocaine, and Zeta, which sailed in Katakolo and authorities found out it was carrying 3.5 tonnes of hashish.

His case was brought to court and Mr Gerasimou was a defence witness for Mr Gkofas. When Mr Vaxevanis asked him if he knew Antonios Gkofas, he admitted knowing him and drawing up his ships transfer contracts. Questioned whether the transfers were fake, he replied that nothing of the sort had come to his attention.

After being informed on the revelations, Deputy Social Protection Minister Panagiotis Angelopoulos stated that for ethical reasons alone, Mr Gerasimou should have already resigned and not expose the Government and ND, which entrusted him with this office. As for Nikos Gerasimou, he said on ALPHA central news bulletin that he would issue an official announcement on the matter on Saturday.

Translated by Sofia Soulioti

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