The Hellenic Radio (ERA): News in English, 05-10-30

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

CONTENTS

[01] To the Turkish Nationalists Bartholomew Responds

By Dimitris Alexopoulos

Sources: NET, ANA

Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew sent a crystal-clear message to the Turkish ultra-nationalists following the new provocations by the far-right wing party Grey Wolves, who demand the Patriarchate be removed from Istanbul. Bartholomew referred to Turkeys tedious path towards Europe and underlined that extreme phenomena of nationalism pose obstacles and that are in conflict with the countrys course. "They (Turkish nationalists) are not only targeting the Ecumenical Patriarchate and the minority groups. They are targeting Turkeys European prospect and course, they are targeting the Turkish Prime Minister himself, who is struggling to bring the Turkey within the European Union," said the Ecumenical Patriarch when addressing pilgrims from Greece. However, Bartholomew voiced his hope that in the end Turkey will meet its goal and it will join the EU. PASOK leader George Papandreou contacted Bartholomew to offer its most heartfelt support, while he reiterated PASOKs stance on the issues related to the Patriarchate.

Earlier, Archbishop Christodoulos voiced his support to the Patriarch pointing out that Constantinople has been hosting the Ecumenical Patriarchate for 17 centuries and that no one has the right to demand its being removed.

Archbishops of Thessaloniki and Kalavryta, Anthimos and Amvrosios respectively, also expressed their support.

Translated by Areti Christou

[02] Discussion in Parliament Foreign Policy at Focus

By Dimitris Alexopoulos

The week will start off powerfully with foreign issues currently being at the focus. On Monday evening, a discussion on national issues will take place in Parliament, after an initiative taken by Prime Minister Konstantinos Karamanlis. Earlier, the Prime Minister of Serbia, Vojislav Kostunica, will visit Greece, and hold contacts with the countrys political leadership. Tomorrow, in New York, Greek Foreign Minister Petros Molyviatis will participate in the UN Security Council meeting, which will investigate the conflict risen by former Lebanese PM Rafik Hariris murder, after the verdict that concluded interference by Syria and Lebanon. Greece is a non-permanent member of the Security Council of the United Nations for two years.

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

[03] When Taking a Bubble Bath Becomes an Extreme Sport Sent from Above

By Despina Hristopoulou

In the town of Solnechnaya, a Russian woman, literally, made a visit to her neighbours, from above. The woman decided to take a relaxing bubble bath, getting rid of the days tensions. So, she filled the bathtub with warm water and her favourite bath cr&#232;me, dipped in and closed her eyes. The moments of absolute relaxation did not last for long. She was awoken by a loud noise, followed by a crash. Before she realised what exactly had happened, she found herself, naked in the bathtub, at her neighbours living room, a floor below. The couple just stood there, astounded, trying to figure out how their neighbour had dropped in, and if she had rang the doorbell!

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

[04] European Left Congress Concluded For a Social Europe

By Dimitris Alexopoulos

The signing of the declaration of Athens and the re-election of Fausto Bertinoti to the Presidency of the European Left Party marked the end of the proceedings of the first European Left Congress held in Athens. The declaration contains the pledge made by the European left-wing forces to uproot unemployment, part-time employment, anti-terror laws as well as wars. SYN leader Alekos Alavanos made a plea for a joint action aiming at creating a new social Europe. Re-elected President Fausto Bertinoti, on his part, called upon the forces of progress to work together against neo-liberal policies and war.

"Declaration of Athens"

The "Declaration of Athens" underlined that the EU has come up against a conflicting era due to the neo-liberal choices "which are adopted in Brussels and at the same time make the policies decided by the national governments."

Furthermore, the members of the European Left Party made a plea to everyone "so that movements and left-wing political forces work alongside to thwart the priorities and change the policies that have been adopted so far."

The Declaration committed the European Left Party to fight against unemployment and social cut-off.

Finally, the Declaration voiced the opposition of the left parties to "the established immigration policies, which are made up of police and anti-terror measures."

Translated by Areti Christou

Related News:

European Left Convenes

[05] TV Programmes: Not an Eyeful

By Despina Hristopoulou

Sources: Eleftherotypia newspaper

For seven out of 10 Greeks, as per a V-PRC opinion poll for the Sunday edition of Eleftherotypia, the aim of television programmes and news bulletins is the creation of impressions for increasing viewing, than objective informing. This indicated that Greeks may spend a lot of time in front of their television sets, but that does not mean that they approved of what they saw. The majority of the persons questioned (36%) said that ERTs news bulletins and news programmes are the most objective. Furthermore, the overwhelming majority (73%) considered that private television has more power than foreseen by the Constitution and the law, and 74% thinks that it mainly serves "the business interests of the channels owners." 44% believed that the way television journalism is exercised, many a times, violated basic constitutional and human rights, as opposed to 35% that said that this is necessary.

Dissatisfied with the Quality of News

In a relevant opinion poll conducted by ALCO for newspaper To Thema, 78% of the persons asked said Yes to revelations, even if they are made in an extreme way. As per Eleftherotypias opinion poll, 58% of the citizens are dissatisfied with the quality of the news in Greece, as opposed to 40% that appeared satisfied.

More than half of the persons questioned (52%) considered that exaggeration is the main characteristic of television journalists. 18% spoke of objectivity and 15% of arrogance.

Maria Choukli ranked second, with 9%, on the question "which journalist of the news and political programmes do you trust based on his/her objectivity," while Nikos Chatzinikolaou ranked first (23%) and Elli Stai third (8%).

The opinion poll was conducted on October 26-27, 2005, and 656 persons throughout Greece were questioned via telephone.

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

Related Links:

Eleftherotypia Newspaper

VPRC

[06] Problems at Athens-Corinth Highway Return With Delays and Traffic

By Dimitris Alexopoulos

The holidaymakers of the October 28 long weekend returned to the urban centres amid troubles and chilling cold. The biggest problems were recorded at the Athens-Corinth national highway and in particular near the area of Kakia Skala cars created a line stretching for 11km. On the contrary, traffic was smooth at the Athens-Lamia national highway. The Traffic Police employed emergency measures and strict inspections across the countrys national highways. Holidayers, who broke free from routine by visiting the Aegean islands and Crete, were also be met with delays. The sailing ban being into force until Sunday morning did not allow the passenger ships to sail the scheduled time.

Translated by Areti Christou

[07] His Popularity to the Lows Free Fall for Bush

By Dimitris Alexopoulos

An ABC News/Washington Post poll showed that the US Presidents popularity slipped to 39% as opposed to 42% on September 11. The indictment of Dick Cheneys chief of staff on the CIA leak case sustained a heavy blow to the credibility of Bush administration. Meanwhile, according to TIME magazine the CIA leak case has caused George W. Bush to fell insecure and lose his trust in his closest aides, including Vive-President Dick Cheney. TIME cited a White House official, who requested his name not be revealed. As per the same source, Bush no longer trusts his political adviser Karl Rove, as well as White House Chief of Staff Andrew Card, who are both involved in the case. US Secretary of State, Condoleezza Rice is the only person who enjoys Bushs trust, underlined the magazine.

Translated by Areti Christou

[08] By the Syrian Parliament UN Report Rejected

By Dimitris Alexopoulos

Syrias Parliament rejected on Sunday the UN report on the assassination of former Lebanese Premier Rafik Hariri, claiming, "It is fraught with controversies and fails to fall in line with the laws." The announcement released by the Parliament also mentioned that the report was drawn up with clear political ends in mind and that it withheld the truth. Furthermore, the Syrian MPs assured the international community that Syria is committed to enhancing its ties with all political parties in Lebanon irrespective of the tensions some special circles wish to orchestrate against brother nations. On his part, Syrian Deputy Foreign Minister Walid Moallem accused the UN of wishing to turn Mondays Summit, which is to discuss possible measures against Syria, into a court. He went on to call the decision expected to be taken by the Security Council "dangerous."

Translated by Areti Christou

[09] On the Occasion of Statements Made Rice Raised her Voice

By Dimitris Alexopoulos

On Saturday, US Secretary of State Condoleeza Rice condemned the Iranian Presidents statements on Israel, ruling that "they violate the principles" of the UN, in which Iran belongs. "I believe we should take them seriously," she noted in a Press conference in the Pentagon, classifying Iran in the countries reinforcing terrorism. Ms Rice connected Ahmadinejads statements with Irans nuclear programme, stating, once again, the USs efforts to obstruct its development for security reasons. On his part, Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, speaking in a Tehran University, on Sunday, described his statements as the fixed point of view of the Iranian Islamic Republic, for the past 27 years.

In Support of the Nuclear Programme

However, today, Mahmoud Ahmadinejad speaking to students, stated that he supports the restart of activities in uranium enrichment units, since as he said, the government recently detected that the Wests claim on trust is false.

"What they want, is for us to not enter the cycle of producing nuclear fuels," he noted, and at the same time criticised the previous government of "backing down in the name of trust, reaching the point of willingly stopping all production of nuclear fuel activities in Isfahan and Natanz, which were 100% legal."

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

Related News:

UN Condemns Iran

[10] Provided Necessary Reforms Take Place European Socialists Favour Accession

By Despina Hristopoulou

Sources: Ethnos tis Kyriakis

"Yes" to Turkeys EU full membership, "no" to bargains and "yes" to the immediate recognition of the Cypriot Republic read the joint article signed by PASOK leader George Papandreou, Speaker of Finnish Parliament Paavo Lipponen and head of the Party of European Socialists Paul Rasmussen. The article appeared on many European Sunday papers, including Greek paper Ethnos tis Kyriakis and Turkish Radikal. The article also highlighted that Turkey has gone a long way, but there is still much to be done, and noted that the fear of the European citizens is sparked by a general feeling of insecurity fuelled by unemployment and low economic growth rates rather than hatred towards the Turkish people.

"Turkey Has to Recognise the Republic of Cyprus"

Messrs Papandreou, Lipponen and Rasmussen underlined that Europe and Turkey should embark on a joint trip towards Turkeys EU full membership. However, they did not miss pointing out that Turkeys accession should not be taken for granted. Therefore, they noted that the Party of the European Socialists is in favour of Turkeys aspirations and that it will help it to meet this goal. They also maintained that the accession will not be automatically granted and that Turkey had better fully comply with the standards set and under no circumstances should it bargain the accession criteria.

Turkeys stance on human rights and minority groups, as well as the armys power over the countrys political life remain serious obstacles to accession. Furthermore, a political solution taking into account the rights of the Kurds, good neighbouring relations and the signing of the customs union protocol with all the EU Member-States, including Cyprus, are key prerequisites. "Turkey has to recognise the Republic of Cyprus," stressed Messrs Papandreou, Lipponen and Rasmussen.

However, they mentioned that Turkey has gone a long way over the last years, but there is still much to be done. It needs to accelerate deeper reforms, which must be applied and ratified by the Turkish Parliament. Religious rights, including the reopening of the Halki Theological Seminary, should be boosted. They further went on to say that Turkey should not perceive the reforms as a string of compromises, for the reforms will be beneficial to the Turkish people.

Translated by Areti Christou

[11] Stated the Minister of Development 'Yes' to 1 and 2 Euro Bills

By Dimitris Alexopoulos

On Sunday, Minister of Development Dimitris Sioufas supported the issuing of one and two euro bills, whilst applauding the initiative taken by 371 EU Parliamentarians from all countries and parties, who signed the relevant resolution, reintroducing the issue. "The remark of such a large number of EU Parliamentarians on the absence of 1 and 2 euro bills, and its consequences in the full comprehension of the currencys value, as well as the smooth operation of markets and the price forming, is a very important fact, and we estimated that it will impose creative pressure both to the European bodies and the European Central Bank (ECB)," stated Mr Sioufas, making special reference to the introductory text of the statement accompanying the resolution.

ECB Should Review the Issue

Moreover, Mr Sioufas also referred to the initiatives he had taken as an MP in September 2002, as well as the Minister of Development after March 2004, submitting the same demand to the Competitiveness Councils of the EU Ministers.

"The vision, the planning and the euros establishment was based on political and economical facts and criteria," noted the Development Minister, furthermore stating "the worst service to the euro will be for it to be left substantially weakened, due to impolitic handlings based on mere technocratic criteria."

"I think that the European Central Bank should review its position, as we believe that the 1 and 2 euro bills are needed for the smooth operation of markets and fighting against expensiveness," he concluded.

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

[12] Stated the Minister of Development 'Yes' to 1 and 2 Euro Bills

By Dimitris Alexopoulos

On Sunday, Minister of Development Dimitris Sioufas supported the issuing of one and two euro bills, whilst applauding the initiative taken by 371 EU Parliamentarians from all countries and parties, who signed the relevant resolution, reintroducing the issue. "The remark of such a large number of EU Parliamentarians on the absence of 1 and 2 euro bills, and its consequences in the full comprehension of the currencys value, as well as the smooth operation of markets and the price forming, is a very important fact, and we estimated that it will impose creative pressure both to the European bodies and the European Central Bank (ECB)," stated Mr Sioufas, making special reference to the introductory text of the statement accompanying the resolution.

ECB Should Review the Issue

Moreover, Mr Sioufas also referred to the initiatives he had taken as an MP in September 2002, as well as the Minister of Development after March 2004, submitting the same demand to the Competitiveness Councils of the EU Ministers.

"The vision, the planning and the euros establishment was based on political and economical facts and criteria," noted the Development Minister, furthermore stating "the worst service to the euro will be for it to be left substantially weakened, due to impolitic handlings based on mere technocratic criteria."

"I think that the European Central Bank should review its position, as we believe that the 1 and 2 euro bills are needed for the smooth operation of markets and fighting against expensiveness," he concluded.

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

[13] First Win for PAOK

By Vasilis Kalpinos

PAOK chalked up their first win in this years Championship, as it achieved an away victory over Panellinions on match day two of the A Basketball Division. Thessalonikis team performed better throughout the game and chalked up an easy win. On the other hand, Panellinios suffered a second defeat running. Ten-minute periods: 15-23, 36-38, 50-58, 69-80.

Translated by Areti Christou

[14] Mantzios Gave PAO the Win

By Vasilis Kalpinos

Panathinaikos achieved a 1-0 hard-won victory against PAOK on match day eight ofthe A Football Division. Panathinaikos players did not perform that well, but thanks to Vangelis Mantzios, who scored the winning goal, Malezanis team put the three points in the bag. The Sundays victory helped Panathinaikos to climb to the third place of the scoreboard along with AEK (AEK will be playing against Panionios on Monday).

Referee: Terovitsas (Aitoloakarnania)

Yellow Cards: Salpigidis, Zagorakis, Tziolis

PANATHINAIKOS: Galinovic, Kotsios, Morris, Seric, Vintra, Darlas, Conceicao, Gonzales (+90 Gekas), Nilsson, Papadopoulos (80 Tziolis), Mantzios (46 Olisadebe).

PAOK: Fernandez, Fatih Akyel (80 Egomitis), Hasiotis, Udeze, Maladenis, Zagorakis, Feutchine, (68 Shikabala), Iliadis (50 Christodoulopoulos), Konstantinidis, Haralabous, Salpigidis.

Translated by Areti Christou

[15] Xanthi Still on Top

By Stathis Petropoulos

Lucianos goal in the 45 was made of gold for Xanthi, since it was the winning one against Larissa and kept Xanthi on top of the scoreboard. The home team entered the pitch determined to achieve an early lead, so that things could become easier for them. Larissa managed to balance the game after the 20 and tried to prevail. However, in the 45 Luciano scored relieving his teammates and Xanthis fans, who had crammed the stadium, of their anxiety.

Referee: Stiliaras (Aitoloakarnania)

Yellow Cards: Paviot, Baykara Red Cards: Katsiaros (2nd yellow card)

Lineups:

XANTHI: Pizanowski, Sikov, Paviot, Chiquinho, Emerson, Leo Mineiro, Garpozis (83 Kazakis), Maghradze (65 Baykara), Torosidis, Luciano (88 Carabas), Labriakos.

LARISSA: Kotsolis, Katsiaros, Parios, Dabizas, Galitsios (54 Bahramis), Digozis, Vela Junior (74 Nedelikovic), Aloneftis, Serban, Gavrilopoulos, Kalantzis (57 Kiparissis).

Translated by Areti Christou

[16] Goalless Derby

By Stathis Petropoulos

Good and careful defence has its pros. It has its cons, though, since a team needs to try harder to develop their offence and, at the same time, keep a clear head in the final shot. The derby between Atromitos and Aigaleo enjoyed good defence from both teams. However, none of the two managed to threaten the other sides nets. They both shared opportunities to open the score, but the 0-0 tie was the final result.

Referee: Kalopoulos (Thessaloniki)

Yellow Cards: Sotirhos, Karadimos, Manikas Psomas, Zabropoulos, Nikolopoulos, Popov Red Cards: Geladaris (2nd yellow card)

ATROMITOS: Mihailidis, Pappas (70 Manikas), Katemis (81 Skarmoutsos), Mikes, Sotirhos, Geladaris, Koutsis, Dimos, Karadimos, Doe (46 Korakakis), Zaharopoulos.

AIGALEO: Sidibe, Papoutsis, Edusei, Zapropoulos, Psomas, Popov, Omo, Fotakis (88 Chloros), Maric, Manousakis (74 Tsatsos), Nikolopoulos (54 Agritis).

[17] Last-Minute Tie

By Stathis Petropoulos

For 89 minutes OFI was near a really important away 1-0 victory over Ionikos in Neapoli. However, they failed to keep it that way until the end of the game and reduced themselves to a tie. The result is viewed as fair, since they prevailed the game although Machlas of OFI had given his team a 1-0 lead as early as in the 5. Ionikos players lost many opportunities to score the equalising goal, for OFIs goalie and the defence line did an excellent job. What they failed to do in the 90 minutes, they did it in the 4 of the injury time, when confusion created in the turf of the Cretan goalie resulted in the 1-1 tie. Makor of Ionikos kicked the ball, which after finding Coimbra, its course changed and ended in OFIs nets. It is noted that OFI had been playing with ten players since the 87, after Roubakis was shown the way out when he earned himself a second yellow card.

Referee: Germanakos (Athens)

Yellow Cards: Roubakis

Red Cards: Roubakis (2nd yellow card)

Lineups:

IONIKOS: Beqai, Poulopoulos, Gutman (19` King), Melabianakis (50` Perrone), Tsiblidis, Vourexakis, Lettieri, Da Costa, Konstantinidis, Makor, Coimbra.

OFI: Sifakis, Davidson, Anastasiadis, Kounenakis, Pitsos, Deyanof, Khachatryan, Stavrakakis, Roubakis, Machlas, Nwafor (62` Triantafillou).

Translated by Areti Christou

[18] Iraklis Recovers

By Vasilis Kalpinos

Two goals, an unsuccessful penalty kick and many opportunities created by both teams made the home match Iraklis played against Levadiakos, with Iraklis claiming a great 2-0 victory on match day eight of the Greek football first division. Epalle in the 23 and Lagos in the 52 led Iraklis to victory. This was the second consecutive home victory for Iraklis following his prevail over Atromitos.

Referee: Kakos (Corfu)

Yellow Cards: Georgiadis, Poursanidis, Sznaucner, Dimou

Lineups:

IRAKLIS: Abaris, Stefanis, Katsabis, Papazaharias, Sznaucner, Prittas, Poursanidis (84 Lawal), Georgiadis (62 P. Kapetanos), Lagos, Herrera, Epalle.

LEVADIAKOS: Zafiropoulos, Kallimanis, Pastos, Dimou, Dimitropoulos, Chrisafis, Zisopoulos (46 Bushi), Bassala, Rusev (69 Ribeiro), Masara, Alex.

Translated by Areti Christou

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