The Hellenic Radio (ERA): News in English, 05-10-28

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

CONTENTS

[01] From Papoulias to Turkey and FYROM Dual Message

By Despina Hristopoulou

Sources: ΝΕΤ - ΝΕΤ 105.8 - ANA

The festive celebrations for the 28 October National Day culminated today in Thessaloniki with a grand military parade, before the President of the Hellenic Republic, Karolos Papoulias, and Defence Minister Spilios Spiliotopoulos. After the military parade, the Greek President sent a message to the leaders of Turkey and FYROM. Mr Papoulias stressed that Turkey would have to realise that it is in its interests to collaborate with Greece without ulterior motives, while he underlined that Greece will fight hard for a fair and final solution to the issue with Cyprus. Referring to FYROM, he noted, "We will give a battle to find a mutually acceptable name. We will neither accept accomplished facts, nor blackmails." In Athens, the school students paraded proudly before the Monument of the Unknown Soldier and the officials stand, watched by Education Minister Marietta Giannakou, Opposition leader George Papandreou and representatives of other political parties, the Armed Forces and the Church. Thousands of citizens in Athens, Thessaloniki and the rest of Greece, flocked the streets to watch the parades, while the excellent weather was a big plus.

"We Will Give More Battles"

In Thessaloniki, thousands of citizens gathered at the costal avenue of Megalou Alexandrou to watch the men and women of the armed and security forces.

The military parade included a procession of German Leopard A4 tanks, acquired by the Greek Armed Forces last August, sets of Patriot anti-missile systems and other state-of-the-art systems owned by the Greek army.

At the same time, Air Force Mirage and F16 fighter planes ripped through the sky, while Apache and Chinook helicopters hovered over the officials stand. Furthermore, frigates and navy carriers sailed in the Gulf of Thermaikos.

After the parade, the President of the Hellenic Republic greeted the war veterans and the fighters of the National Resistance. He then went on to declare, "This is a significant day. A day of historical remembrance and national pride. It is also a day for paying homage and respect to countrys Armed Forces, which have the paramount duty of defending our homelands territorial integrity and security." He also added that the country has to give more battles in the days to come, both overseas, as well as domestically.

"Overseas, for a fair and final solution to the issue with Cyprus. A solution that will not tolerate the presence of occupational forces in a member of the European Union. We will give a battle to find a mutually accepted name for FYROM. We will neither accept accomplished facts, nor blackmails. And we are giving a daily battle to improve the Greek-Turkish relations. Neighbouring Turkey has to realise that it is in its interests to collaborate with Greece, without ulterior motives."

Furthermore, the President noted that, domestically, "We will give battles for a society of solidarity, with fewer unemployed and more social solidarity for the poorer echelons."

On his part, Spilios Spiliotopoulos pointed out that 28 October is a day for honouring "the heroes who offered their lives, so that we can today enjoy freedom and democracy." He also stressed that the strong and contemporary Armed Forces constitute an impenetrable shield and a guarantee of defence and security for the Greek citizens, who are contributing to its costly modernisation, even though many cannot afford to do so. Finally, he congratulated everyone who participated in the grand parade.

School Parade in Athens

The Greek capital dressed in blue and white. The school students paraded proudly before the Monument of the Unknown Soldier, watched by Education Minister Marietta Giannakou and Opposition leader George Papandreou. However, minor incidents were recorded when members of the Hellenic Nationalist Movement "Chrysi Avgi" tried to penetrate the procession, but were forced back by the police.

"The schools students paraded today and demonstrated that they comprehend the significance of the Nations perennial struggles," declared Ms Giannakou.

On his part, the President of PASOK noted, "Greece is not just a geographical unity, but a great tradition and a grand idea; an idea to serve the human values of peace, democracy and social solidarity."

A Holy Mass officiated by Archbishop Christodoulos took place at the Athens Cathedral this morning, attended by Education Minister Marietta Giannakou, former Greek President Kostis Stefanopoulos, PASOK President George Papandreou, ND secretary Evangelos Meimarakis and the Armed Forces leadership.

A Holy Mass officiated by Archbishop Christodoulos took place at the Athens Cathedral this morning, attended by Education Minister Marietta Giannakou, former Greek President Kostis Stefanopoulos, PASOK President George Papandreou, ND secretary Evangelos Meimarakis and the Armed Forces leadership.

Interior Minister Prokopis Pavlopoulos attended the school and military parade in Patras. Mr Pavlopoulos noted, "National Day symbolises the unyielding determination and the inexhaustible strength of the Greek people. Based on these legacies, we can today say no to regression, conservatism and the interests of those few who are trying to level the image of Greece."

Deputy Defence Minister Vassilis Michaloliakos attended the celebrations in Drama, declaring, "Apart from the gratitude we owe to our ancestors, our duty is to contribute with all our strength to Greeces progress in all sectors."

Translated by Vicky Ghionis

Related News:

Political Party Messages

Honouring National Day

[02] For the 28 October National Day Political Party Messages

By Despina Hristopoulou

The messages by the Prime Minister, the Speaker of Parliament, and the leaders of PASOK, KKE and SYN, focused on the significance of the 28 October national holiday and the challenges faced by Greece. "October 28 is a day of celebration for all Greeks. It is a day of pride for the strength demonstrated by Hellenism at the time of the war. It is an anniversary for paying homage to all those who opposed the totalitarian forces and violence," stressed the Greek PM Kostas Karamanlis. He also added, "Today, Greece continues the tradition of a country that led the fight for liberty and peace. [] Today, 60 years later, the European citizens demonstrate that faith in the values, and the ideals of democracy, freedom and collaboration are more effective and beneficial than hopeless clashes and disputes."

A Day of Commemoration

"28 October 1940 concentrates in one single historic moment the memories, experiences and values that have always guided our nation. It symbolises the opposition to totalitarianism, the resistance to tyranny and the fight for freedom and national dignity. The message of 28 October 1940 is clear: the country can achieve a lot if the people are united. When they are divided, though, the country becomes defenceless," stressed the Speaker of Parliament, Anna Psarouda-Benaki.

"Us Greeks have demonstrated that we know how to stand firm. This is the message conveyed by the 1940 epic, which remains current for everybody and every nation that wants to live in freedom. [] This message encourages us to always reflect upon the fact that we are a nation that defended the human values during some crucial times," noted George Papandreou. He further added, "Todays 28 October anniversary coincides with a very tough period for Greece and the Greek people. [] We need to give a fight so we can regain prospect and optimism. We can succeed."

"Despite the fact that 65 years have gone by, the messages remain current and extremely useful for the people and the younger generation. The main one is: The people who trust their strength can deal with any force trying to steal their rights. Just as long as they dismiss the chains of fatalism and the submission cultivated by various parties and plutocrats, restructure, and fight with clear programme and aims," was mentioned in KKEs message.

"Today, the 'No' anniversary constitutes a source of inspiration for the new generation, which has to keep the historic memory of the National Resistance and the visions of a liberated country and world peace alive. The struggles and sacrifices of those who chose the path of contribution to social dues established the human values and the ideals of democracy and culture," noted SYN.

Translated by Vicky Ghionis

Related News:

Dual Message

Honouring National Day

[03] Mars Comes Closer to Earth Visit from the Red Planet

By Dimitris Alexopoulos

Sources: BBC

On Sunday morning, astronomers and space buffs will have the chance to study the surface of Mars from a very close distance, since the Red Planet is set for a close encounter with Earth, approaching to within 69.4 million km. This is not set happen again for another 13 years and, weather permitting, anyone with a small telescope will be able to see Mars as a brilliant ball, while observers with more powerful instruments will be able to see features on the surface. In August 2003, the Red Planet made an even closer approach to Earth, when it was at its nearest for about 60,000 years, at a distance of 55.6 million km. But Mars will be higher in the sky this time than it was in 2003, meaning that the planets light will not be affected as much by the Earths atmosphere. This will make for better viewing in the northern hemisphere.

Translated by Vicky Ghionis

[04] Harry Potter's Car Missing

By Despina Hristopoulou

The Ford Anglia that was used in Harry Potters movies has magically disappeared! The flying blue car, which had started to rust, was stolen from a film studio in St Agnes, Cornwall, some time between Wednesday and Thursday afternoon, as declared by a police spokesperson. Actually, the car, which could not be driven, was probably loaded onto a trailor. Police believe that it was the work of either a Harry Potter fan, or a classic car enthusiast. The car was being stored in the studio until a buyer was found.

Translated by Vicky Ghionis

[05] According to "Forbes" The King Remains on his Throne

By Despina Hristopoulou

Nearly 30 years after his death, Elvis Presley remains the King, as far as his annual revenues are concerned, according to the magazine Forbes. Elvis has been topping the list of the Top-Earning Dead Celebrities for the last five years, with $45 million annually. Cartoonist Charles Schulz, the creator of "Peanuts", is second in the list, with annual revenues reaching $35 million. Although Presley died in 1977, his records continue to sell like hotcakes, but it will still take years for him to surpass Shakespeare, who counts 5,000 play performances and thousands of book sales annually. Actually, as per the magazine, if copyright applied for Shakespeare, then his descendants would be entitled to some $15 million per year.

Golden List

John Lennon of the Beatles is in third place with $22 million, followed by: American artist Andy Warhol ($16 million); childrens book author Theodore Geisel, creator of Dr Seuss ($10 million); actor Marlon Brando ($9 million), actress Marilyn Monroe ($8 million), author JRR Tolkien, creator of The Lord of the Rings ($8 million); George Harrison of the Beatles ($7 million); American country singer Johnny Cash ($7 million); Jamaican king of reggae Bob Marley ($6 million); and legendary soul musician Ray Charles ($6 million).

Translated by Vicky Ghionis

[06] Sales, but No Delivery Internet Fraud with Drugs

By Dimitris Alexopoulos

A 37-year-old man of Swedish origin was arrested late last night in the centre of Athens, as he was accused of selling unavailable drugs, and mainly the antiviral Tamiflu, which is considered the only effective drug for combating bird flu, through the Internet, without ever delivering the orders to his customers. According to the Electronic Fraud Unit, over the last ten days, the man had received orders for great quantities of the drug, charging double the retail price. However, as it turned out from the investigation, although he had collected the money, he never delivered the drugs. A brief has been drawn up for the case, while the culprit will appear before the Prosecutor. In addition, the police appealed to users to avoid purchasing drugs through the Internet.

Translated by Vicky Ghionis

[07] Opportunity for Collaboration Castro Says 'Yes' to US Aid

By Despina Hristopoulou

Sources: BBC, ANA

In a surprise decision, Cuba accepted the USAs offer for aid, following the destruction left behind by Hurricane Wilma last week. The two countries severed diplomatic relation in 1959, when Fidel Castro assumed power, while the USA has imposed an embargo on the Caribbean island for the last few decades. The USA made the offer last Tuesday, while Havana responded positively the next day. As a result, Washington will be sending a team of three experts to assess the magnitude of the disaster, while the money will be funnelled through a non-government organisation. State Department spokesperson Sean McCormack said that as far as anyone can remember, this was the first time that the government of Cuba accepted assistance from Washington. On his part, Fidel Castro confirmed the news, underlining, however, that Cuba had never appealed for international assistance, while he noted that the visit by the American experts was an opportunity for the two countries to work together and exchange views concerning natural disasters. According to the BBC, though, Havana accepted the USAs offer in principle, but there are still disagreements on details.

Previous Offers Rejected

Last July, the USA had offered assistance to Cuba, following the devastating blow of Hurricane Dennis, but Havana kindly rejected it. Furthermore, the USA then rejected Cubas offer for aid, when Hurricane Katrina devastated New Orleans.

Hurricane Wilma caused major damages in Cuba, as it destroyed hundreds of houses and left thousands of Cubans homeless.

Translated by Vicky Ghionis

[08] By the Grey Wolves Tension at the Patriarchate

By Dimitris Alexopoulos

Today, the Turkish nationalist group Grey Wolves staged a rally outside the Ecumenical Patriarchate in Phanar, demanding the transfer of the Patriarchate to Greece. Chanting "Patriarch Leave" and "Patriarchate to Greece", a group of about 200 Turkish nationalists proceeded to the gate of the building, where they laid a black wreath, thus inaugurating the campaign for the collection of signatures to oust the Ecumenical Patriarchate from Istanbul. The demonstration ended in peace, since the police had implemented strict security measures in the area. "The Patriarchate has been there for centuries and it will not move just because the Grey Wolves are collecting signatures," stated Greek Education Minister Marietta Giannakou. In addition, referring to Turkish PM Recep Tayyip Erdogan, she stressed, "We respect his country and if he wants this European progress, this depends on him and his country."

Translated by Vicky Ghionis

[09] To the Comments by Ahmadinejad Israel's Diplomatic Retaliation

By Dimitris Alexopoulos

Israel responded to President Mahmoud Ahmadinejads comments that it should "be wiped from the map" by requesting an emergency session of the UN Security Council. In addition, it also posed to the international organisations plenary session the matter of expelling Iran. However, today, the Iranian President insisted that his remarks were "just", condemning Israels policy in the Palestinian territory. Former Iranian President Ali Akbar Hashemi-Rafsanjani also intervened in the matter, in an effort to settle the international outcry prompted by Ahmadinejads comments. The former President declared that Iran respects the Israelis and their state. During Friday prayers, and before the start of an anti-Israel, the former President noted that Iranians have no problems the Israelis and they respected the Jewish religion.

Rafsanjani's Intervention

Mr Rafsanjani, who opposes the hard-line policies followed by the current Iranian president, stressed, "We have no problems with the Zionist circles in Israel, which we consider responsible for the oppression suffered by the Palestinian nation."

He also noted that Iran could even contribute to the reinstatement of peace and stability in the Middle East, while repeating Tehrans proposal for a referendum for all Palestinians, including refugees, so they could decide on their political future, in collaboration with the Israelis.

Furthermore, in an effort to alleviate the negative climate, Irans Embassy in Moscow issued an announcement, noting that the President had no intention of using harsh tongue and creating disputes.

It should also be noted that Mr Ahmadinejads remarks prompted negative criticism throughout the western world, as well as the Palestinians. Their chief negotiator in the talks with Israel, Saeb Erekat, described the comments as "unacceptable", noting that the Palestinians have "recognised the right of the state of Israel to exist."

Translated by Vicky Ghionis

[10] US Asks for Production of Vaccine Yet Another Case of H5N1

By Despina Hristopoulou

Sources: ANA

The Romanian Agriculture Ministry confirmed that the dead heron located last week in Romania, close to the borders with Moldova, had been infected with the deadly H5N1 virus. In the meantime, the US Health Secretary, Mike Leavitt, announced on Thursday that the government assigned a $62.5 million contract to pharmaceutical company Chiron to expand its production of an experimental vaccine against H5N1. The Health Departments announcement mentioned that a potent vaccine against H5N1 constituted the greatest hope for protecting Americans from a disease for which no antibodies exist. The contract forms part of the Departments programme aiming at gathering enough doses to vaccinate 20 million Americans. The US Government also seeks to create a stockpile of drugs, including Tamiflu, produced by Roche.

Translated by Vicky Ghionis

Related News:

Suspect Cases in France

New Bird Flu Outbreak in China

European Strategy Against Bird Flu

[11] At the Kiourka and Elefsina Toll Bridges Mishaps during the Exodus

By Dimitris Alexopoulos

Sources: ΝΕΤ 105.8 - ΝΕΤ

The Athenians exodus for the 28 October long weekend continued for the second day running. However, minor problems were recorded after 11am, mainly at the Elefsina and Kiourka toll bridges. The traffic bottlenecks, though, were relieved with the intervention of traffic police, which opened the tolls for a while to facilitate traffic flow. In addition, as per the Hellenic National Meteorological Service, the excursionists should brace themselves for some bad weather, since the temperature will drop significantly and the winds will intensify as of Saturday, while the adverse weather conditions will continue on Sunday. In the meantime, in an effort to raise public awareness among drivers, the National Service for Emergency Medical Care (EKAV) distributed 200,000 pamphlets, containing instructions on how to prevent accidents and how to react in case of a car accident. At the same time, mobile medical care units and EKAV ambulances are on alert all along the national highways, in order to deal with any emergencies.

Translated by Vicky Ghionis

[12] Situation under Control Excursionists with Gastro

By Despina Hristopoulou

Sources: ΝΕΤ 105.8

Sixty elderly excursionists were admitted to hospitals in Mesologgi, Aigio, Kalavryta and Patras, after manifesting symptoms of gastroenteritis, including high fever and diarrhoea. They were all members of a group from Macedonia and were staying in a hotel in Mesologgi, from where they embarked on small excursions. The situation is under control and the patients have been given antibiotics. The first symptoms occurred when they were in Mesologgi and nine were taken to hospital, where they remain. The rest continued their excursion, bound for Kalavryta, but more people starting showing signs of gastro on the way. Six were hospitalised in Aigio, while 14 in Kalavryta. As time went by, the rest of the group manifested symptoms and as a result, another six were admitted to Patras Agios Andreas Regional Hospital. The University Hospital of Rio is on alert, in case any more need to be hospitalised.

According to the head of the Regional Health Care System of Western Greece, Stavros Penteas, the incidents were dealt with right from the start. Scientists from the Hellenic Centre for Infectious Disease Control have collected samples from the patients, as well as the foods they consumed, in order to determine what caused the outbreak.

Translated by Vicky Ghionis

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