The Hellenic Radio (ERA): News in English, 05-10-26

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

CONTENTS

[01] Informal EU Summit on Thursday Answer to Globalisation

By Vagelis Theodorou

The two-day informal EU Summit, to be held on Thursday in the UK, will focus on the modernization of European Economies, in order to preserve the European social model against the challenges of globalisation and the ageing of population. The proceedings, which will start at 10:00 CET, will focus on a five-point proposal adopted by the European Commission, while the fiscal prospects of the period 2007-2013 are also expected to top the agenda, but without reaching an agreement. These proposals are supported by the British Prime Minister and EU President for the current semester, Tony Blair, who presented on Thursday in Parliament five points for the Unions future. Greek Prime Minister Kostas Karamanlis is in the British capital to attend the Summit, while Main Opposition President George Papandreou is also there to attend the European Socialist meeting.

Aim at Preserving Social Model

According to the Commission's proposal, which will be presented by its president, Josep Manuel Barroso, the EU should boost competitiveness, establish a fund to deal with the globalisation consequences, redistribute agricultural expenditures, modernize the Community budget and reinforce the cohesion of the 25's foreign actions.

As Mr Blair underlined, the Commission's proposal is tough, but right, as it focuses on the competition coming from India and China, the need to deal with 20 million unemployed, energy matters, demographic challenge and on the balances between family life and work.

The aim of the British presidency is to have the necessary consensus and commitment of the 25, in order to lift obstacles towards improving the European economy's competitiveness and completion of the interior market.

The British Prime Minister stressed that the EU Member-States should reach an agreement on the document, so that it can be set as the basis for talks regarding Europe's social model and financial future.

The priorities presented before the European Parliament also include larger Community budget funds for research and education, for the development of a single energy policy, more sufficient control of immigration, and the deregulation of the services market.

All Eyes on Budget

The British Prime Minister also underlined the need to reach an agreement on the upcoming Community budget.

As per information, negotiations for the budget of the next fiscal period (2007-2013) would begin in November, based on a new compromising proposal.

Mr Blair underlined that the purpose of this Summit and the upcoming one on December 15-16 in Brussels is to agree on Europe's proper course in the Economy and then set some new priority points before reaching an agreement on the Budget in December.

Translated by Sofia Soulioti

[02] "Serious Developments in Balkans"

By Mary Lou Tzempelikou

From Thessaloniki, where he attended an official dinner hosted in his honour by Macedonia-Thrace Minister Nikos Tsiartsionis, President of the Hellenic Republic Karolos Papoulias spoke of serious developments in the Balkan region. "Expected negotiations for the finalisation of the regime in Kossovo will neither be easy nor painless," stressed Mr Papoulias, noting that the upcoming developments "should concern us all," as they regard stability in the entire area. The President of the Republic voiced hopes that the Principles of International Law, the UN Charter, as well as human and religious rights will be respected. He also underlined the need to reach a solution based on European principles and values.

We Support Neighbouring Countries' EU Prospect

At the same time, Mr Papoulias stressed that Greece supports the European prospect of the Balkan countries, hoping it would reinforce stability, security and cooperation in the wider area "in the context of the big European family," and based on the rules of "International Law and the principle of reciprocality."

The President of the Republic also said that Greece's strategic choice to support the neighbouring countries' European prospect stems from the vision on the future of South-Eastern Europe "which can only be based on historic truth, clear rules and obligations and International Law."

In his speech, Mr Tsiartsionis stressed, "Being fully aware of its historic responsibility over the European prospect of its neighbours, Greece continues to steadily support this effort. We respect other peoples' history and asked them to respect our own and it is self-evident we will not back down when it comes to history, symbols and the civilisation of our ancestors."

Translated by Sofia Soulioti

[03] Caution and Modesty

By Vicky Keleri

Sources: ANA, NET, NET Radio 105.8

After an emergency meeting, the Greek National Council for Radio and Television (NCRTV) issued a recommendation to radio and television stations to be more caution and modest when broadcasting news bulletins. Based on article 9, paragraph 2, of Presidential Decree 77 of 2003, people participating or being mentioned in television shows or news bulletins should be treated with fairness and dignity, while criticism can be exercised with respect to these people's rights. As per the NCRTV, "Generalisations, exaggerations and use of illicit means of collecting information lead to the degradation of institutions and undermine democracy." The announcement also read, "The purpose of objective information should not be affected by competition and conflict of interests and news bulletins should not substitute the institutions of law and order." Lastly, the NCRTV "monitors the implementation of the rule of law and will proceed with penalty inspections and fines."

According to NCRTV President I. Laskaridis, television station Alpha is slready under penalty inspection for a telephone interview during the main news bulletin.

"A reporter's job is to reveal and not conceal things. The way of presenting the news should be decent and with respect to the people and this is exactly what the National Council for Radio and Television is investigating," stressed Mr Laskaridis.

Translated by Sofia Soulioti

[04] Government Did not Ask for Resignation "Orfanos' Decision Was Correct"

By Despina Hristopoulou

Sources: NET - ANA

The Government did not ask the president of the Board of Directors of OAKA (Athens Olympic Sports Complex), Manolis Katsiadakis, to resign, stressed Government spokesperson Theodoros Roussopoulos today. Katsiadakis handed in his resignation yesterday, prompted by the decision to assign 1.9 hectares of the Olympic Stadiums premises to the construction company ConTent, for the construction of an exhibition centre. On Monday night, the Deputy Culture Minister responsible for Sports, Giorgos Orfanos, declared in Parliament that Katsiadakis decision was not valid, as it contained legal gaps. In the meantime, ConTent described the contract as fully legal, while, in an announcement, it noted that the procedures followed leading to the contract were legitimate and transparent.

Irregularities Corrected

Today, the Government spokesperson explained that, although Ministers Alogoskoufis, Souflias and Palli-Petralia had given permission for the premises to be used as an exhibition centre, Orfanos did not approve the decision, since the joint ministerial decision related to the town planning permit for the law pertaining to the development of Olympic facilities. As he added, this is very different to the decision made by OAKAs Board of Directors concerning the specific contract, which, after having been validated, had to be approved by the competent Minister, ie Mr Orfanos, who, however, rejected it.

Mr Roussopoulos also clarified that OAKAs Board operated legally, but, as Mr Orfanos mentioned in his letter to the CEO, the decision did not undergo legal verification, and therefore, OAKAs administration could not enter into contract. In other words, the Government spokesperson noted that OAKAs Board did not await the Deputy Ministers approval and proceeded with the contract. "As per the Government, this is not right and the specific irregularity has been corrected," he concluded.

PASOK's Comments

"The Government has been caught out," declared PASOKs spokesperson Nikos Athanasakis, who spoke of underhanded approaches in the case concerning the construction of a private exhibition centre on the premises on the Athens Olympic Stadium, especially as it is located very close to the facilities of HELEXPO and the TIF.

Mr Athanasakis also noted that the approval of the PM, who is personally responsible in his capacity as the Minister of Culture, forced Giorgos Orfanos to annul three Ministers, who, as he said, were aware of the private contract that was effected in March when they signed the joint ministerial decision in August.

He also noted that the Government delayed in carrying out the legal verification.

Finally, he underlined that the matter cannot be finalised with the resignation of Mr Katsiadakis, noting that the president of the Olympic Stadium brought the number of people who have resigned from government posts to 32.

Translated by Vicky Ghionis

[05] 43 Owners before the Prosecutor Illegal School Canteens

By Vagelis Theodorou

New violations were detected in school canteens, after inspections performed by the Prefecture of Athens. Specifically, 56 out of the 452 canteens have been operating without a permit since the beginning of the school year, while 177 offered foods not approved by the relevant legislation. By decision of the Prefectures Health Directorate, 43 canteen owners were referred to the Prosecutor, while warnings were given to the other 158. "The results of these inspections demonstrate that some people do not respect the law," declared the Prefect of Athens, Giannis Sgouros, while he added, "They should know that they will keep finding us in their way."

Translated by Vicky Ghionis

[06] At Alexandra's Infant ICU Lethal Microbe

By Athina Saloustrou

Twelve infants in Alexandra Hospitals Infant ICU caught a health-hazardous hospital-acquired infection on 7 October. After tests were performed on two of the infants that died, it was established that they had been infected by the anaerobic microbe serratia, a harmful human pathogen responsible for many hospital-acquired infections. In addition, doctors are also examining they way in which the infection was transmitted, since anaerobic microbes cannot be transmitted through the air. However, it has not been clarified yet whether the two infants died of the infection, since all the infants hospitalised in the specific Infant ICU have serious health problems. Speaking on radio station NET 105.8, Deputy Health Minister Thanassis Giannopopulos put fears to rest, stressing that there is no reason for concern, while he spoke of an unfortunate incident, which can happen anywhere, anytime.

"Common Occurrence"

The Unit closed for three days so that it could be disinfected, while the infants were transferred to a special unit within the hospital. According to ICU doctors, infections in hospital ICUs are quite common, while the mortality rate for adults ranges between 20 and 36%, depending on how critical the condition of the patient is. Serratia, however, may kill people with weak immune systems, as is the case with infants hospitalised in ICUs.

In the meantime, in an announcement, the First Regional Health Care Administration mentioned that the mortality rate recorded at Alexandra Hospital does not differ to the one mentioned in Greek and foreign statistics as regular. The announcement also mentioned that periodical outbreaks are detected in all contemporary centres, while it clarified that the epidemiological tests did not point to a specific source of infection.

Translated by Vicky Ghionis

[07] Suicide Bombing in the City of Hadera Human Bomb in Israel

By Vagelis Theodorou

Sources: Reuters

A Palestinian suicide bomber blew himself up in a market in the coastal city of Hadera in Israel, killing five and injuring another 30. Ambulances and a strong police forced arrived on site immediately. According to a private Israeli TV network, Islamic Jihad claimed responsibility for the attack and said the attack was to avenge Israels killing of a senior leader (32-year-old Luai Saadi) in the West Bank on Monday. Earlier, an explosion was recorded in a 4-storey building in Tel Aviv, resulting in the death of three people. As announced by Israeli police, it was a bombing attack and not a gas leak, as was believed initially. According to analysts, the attack in Hadera signals the termination of truce in the West Bank, while it casts a shadow over hopes of a revival of Israeli-Palestinian peacemaking, since the Jewish state withdrew from Gaza last month. "We condemn this attack," said Palestinian chief negotiator Saeb Erekat. "We urge all to understand that violence will only breed violence and we dont want to go back to this vicious cycle." UN Secretary General Kofi Annan asked for the immediate de0escalation of violence, adding that the forces of modesty and negotiations should predominate. EU High Representative for the CFSP Javier Solana, as well as the USA, condemned the attack and urged the Palestinian Authority to disarm Hamas.

Translated by Vicky Ghionis

[08] By Gunmen in Baghdad Iraqi Official Shot Dead

By Anna Kourti

A top-ranking official at Iraqs Ministry of Culture Nabil Moussawi and his driver were shot dead by gunmen in Baghdad. Moussawi was on his way to the Ministry, when gunmen opened fire on the convoy. Earlier, in Amriya, west of Baghdad, gunmen also attacked the convoy of the Water Resources Ministers bodyguards. The time of the attack, the Ministry was not on a car. Four bodyguards were reported wounded.

Translated by Areti Christou

[09] WHO Voices Concerns New Bird Flu Outbreak in China

By Vicky Keleri

The World Health Organisation announced there is a new bird flu outbreak in central China. As per the WHO, 2,100 chicken and geese were contaminated in Tiansan, at the Anhui province, eastern China. According to the Chinese Agriculture Ministry, two cases had been infected with the H5 strain of the bird flu virus, which is considered less dangerous that the H5N1 strain, which is lethal for humans. The WHO is concerned over all outbreaks in new areas, because people are faced with increased danger, said a WHO official. Last week, Chinese authorities had warned of a new outbreak and reported that 2,600 birds had died from the H5N1 strain in a poultry unit in Inner Mongolia, northern China. In the meantime, as per a British Environment Ministry announcement, the H5 strain was also identified in some of the 32 birds which died in UK quarantine before 16 October.

Translated by Sofia Soulioti

Related News:

European Strategy Against Bird Flu

[10] Proof for Premenstrual Syndrome Justice for Women

By Annita Paschalinou

Sources: BBC

At last! There is scientific proof for a problem being faced by most women for years. Mood swings and outbursts of anger a few days before menstruation are not a myth, but reality, since they are linked to the way womens brains work before and after a period. A research by American scientists now proves that a womans emotional state has to be assessed based on her menstrual cycle.

Scientific Evidence

Just before a period, most women experience premenstrual syndrome.

So, mood swings, irritability, depression and outbursts of anger are not random, but are linked to the way womens brains operate.

According to the scientists, premenstrually, ie a few days before their period, women showed much greater activity in brain regions that control emotions

On the other hand, this activity disappeared postmenstrually.

The Experiment

Researchers from Cornell and Rockefeller Universities used MRI scans to monitor the brain activity patterns of women pre and postmenstrually.

They asked 12 women with no outward menstrual mood changes to read words with negative, neutral or positive connotations.

During the premenstrual phase, the women showed much greater activity in frontal brain regions that help control emotions when they were reading the emotive words.

Postmenstrually, this increased brain activity had disappeared.

Basically, this experiment confirms that women use their brains differently at different times of the month, while the psychological health of women patients must be assessed in relation to the menstrual cycle.

Translated by Vicky Ghionis

[11] By Endemol Mobile Reality Channels

By Anna Kourti

Sources: BBC

Endemol, the company behind Big Brother, is planning to launch two new channels for mobile phones. Taking into consideration the great success enjoyed by companies that offered similar services to mobile phone users in Australia, the UK and Italy, it will launch the Extreme Reality Channel, featuring "weird" clips from the world of entertainment, followed by a Comedy Channel. The project will be in partnership with mobile phone operators, which will be announced soon. However, the channels will be primarily launched in the UK.

Popular even on Mobiles

Endemols decision to expand its reality services to mobile phones is coming at the right time.

In 2005, Big Brother fans in Australia, Italy and the UK notched up more than 6,000,000 streamed minutes and 500,000 downloads on their mobiles.

In addition, in Italy, cashing in on the success of the popular TV soap opera "Vivere", the company decided to launch the show on mobile phones.

Finally, Endemols TV programmes in France (Star Academy Plus) and the UK (Totally Frank) also proved quite popular among mobile phone users.

Translated by Vicky Ghionis

[12] Janet Keeps Quiet "Bombshell" for Janet Jackson

By Annita Paschalinou

The disclosures made by Janet Jacksons brother-in-law have shocked the US public opinion. Young DeBarge, brother of her ex-husband James DeBarge, claimed that Janet has a secret daughter, Renee, aged 18. Renee has been living with Rebbie Jackson, Janets eldest sister. Janet Jackson married James DeBarge in 1984. They got a divorce a year later. The pop singer and her close family neither confirmed nor dismissed the disclosures.

Translated by Areti Christou

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