The Hellenic Radio (ERA): News in English, 05-10-31

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

CONTENTS

[01] Discussion in Parliament in Progress Karamanlis' Double Message

By Anna Kourti

At this hour, the discussion in Parliament over the foreign policy is held amidst tension between political leaders. Prime Minister Kostas Karamanlis sent clear messages to Turkey and FYROM. Casus Belli and possession of northern Cyprus do not fit Turkey's European course, clarified the Prime Minister in Parliament, while he asked FYROM to go for a mutually acceptable solution. "The Government's goals and strategy regarding foreign policy are targeted on a safe Greece, in a peaceful environment with strong citizens, living in safety," stressed the PM. On the other hand, PASOK President George Papandreou accused the Government of having no plan and of being inefficient and irresponsible when handling foreign policy matters. When ND took the lead, Greece was in the core of development and the current Prime Minister will go down in history as the man who put the country in the corner, supporting it has reached a negotiating bankruptcy," underlined Mr Papandreou. KKE Secretary General Aleka Papariga was hard both on ND and PASOK, stressing that the Government's policy is on the footsteps of PASOK. At the same time, she referred to the FYROM issue, underlining it could have been settled if we had declared from the very start that the name is a geographical and not national definition." As for SYN President Alekos Alavanos, he called all political parties to cooperate in reaching a quick solution for the Cypriot issue.

Translated by Sofia Soulioti

[02] In Basra Bomb Attack

By Anna Kourti

Twenty people lost their lives and another 45 were injured, when a booby-trapped car exploded on Monday afternoon in Basra. "The death toll is not final. Rescue crews continue the task of removing victims from the blast area," stressed an Interior Ministry source, citing Basra police reports. As per the same source, the attack aimed at a police patrol, but the majority of victims were civilians. The blast occurred on Al Jazaer street, in front of a mall, which opened recently and was packed with people shopping for the end of the Ramadan. As per other information, the car exploded in front of a restaurant crowded with customers.

Translated by Sofia Soulioti

[03] As per an Athens Trade Association Study No Changes in Working Hours

By Annita Paschalinou

Shops in Athens say no to the new expanded working hours. A study conducted in September by the Athens Trade Association indicated that the overwhelming majority of shop owners in Athens did not change working hours. "The positions of the Athens Trade Association confirm the Government's view on mild adjustment and not violent change," stressed the Deputy Development Minister, commenting on the findings of the study.

Mild Adjustment

According to the study, 83% of shop owners in markets around the Athens Municipality, 74% of shop owners in the centre and 87% of shop owners in other Attic regions would not expand their working hours.

"The positions of the Athens Trade Association confirm the Government's view on mild adjustment and not violent change," stressed the Deputy Development Minister, commenting on the findings of the study.

"It is too early to be jumping into conclusions," added Giannis Papathanasiou, noting that based on competitive conditions and the passage of time, all businesses are free to decide whether it is to their benefit to make use of the new expanded working hours or not.

The Deputy Minister also said he would soon release data on the course of this venture.

Translated by Sofia Soulioti

[04] Against Individuals Only No Sanctions on Syria

By Dimitris Alexopoulos

The UN Security Council approved on Monday a unanimous resolution urging Syria to fully cooperate with the probe into the assassination of former Lebanese Premier Rafic Hariri. The 1636 resolution read that the UN is likely to reflect on taking further measures if necessary, without making any clear reference to sanctions against Syria. The resolution is directed at imposing sanctions against Lebanese and Syrian officials as well as against anyone viewed as being involved in Hariris assassination.

Translated by Areti Christou

Related News:

UN Rules on Syria

[05] Main Shareholder Has Been Submitted

By Annita Paschalinou

The Main Shareholder Bill has been submitted in Parliament after finding common grounds with the European Commission. The provision on the incompatibility issue has been amended in relation to the previous statute and now Mass Media owners will not be allowed to pursue favourable terms when promoting other business transactions with the Public Sector. Referring to the Main Shareholder Bill, the Prime Minister stressed this matter is solved with the EU's accordance, thus paving the way for great reforms on Mass Media concentration and television station licensing. He time has come, he said, for the State to claim its responsibilities and put an end to anarchy and lawlessness. Earlier, the Government spokesperson had underlined that the reforms fully serve the Constitution and Community Legislation.

Translated by Sofia Soulioti

[06] 20 More Indictments Are Drawn Up Awaiting Developments on Extrajudicial

By Tina Valaoura

Sources: NET

The prosecutors investigating into the extrajudicial network tend to believe that they are nearing getting to the bottom line of the case. The drawing up of up to 20 new indictments is underway and as soon as it is complete, many will be brought to justice. As per NET television network, the new indictments refer to judges, lawyers and a doctor. The latest on the issue are to be released in the days to come.

Meanwhile, on Monday evening, the Union of Judges and Prosecutors will be voting for a new president following Achilleas Zisis resignation. Mr Zisis has been called on to answer for his interventions in favour of businessmen, while the question of his final dismissal is still pending.

Translated by Areti Christou

[07] On the Relocation of the Press Ministry Protest at Panteion University

By Dimitris Alexopoulos

The students voiced their opposition for the relocation of the Press Ministry in a building next to Panteion University. As they said, the re-location will endanger the University asylum, due to the presence of Police forces and CCTV systems. Tomorrow, at 13:00, the students will close off Syggrou Avenue, while on Thursday, at 12 pm, they will gather at the Ministry of Education. The Senate of the institution, which gave a Press conference today, and representatives of journalists unions also voiced their opposition.

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

[08] Authorities Gather Evidence Lament and Grief in Delhi

By Despina Hristopoulou

Heavily armoured police officers are guarding every single corner in New Delhi, two days after the triple bomb attack, which cost the lives of 62 people and injured more than 200. The Police have taken draconian measures in view of the great Hindu celebration of Diwali and the end of the Ramadan. All access to the capital has been blocked, while policemen and soldiers guard public buildings. Citizens are called to be vigilant. In the meantime and while the city is still trying to recover from the blasts that made the whole of India get into deep mourning, many are still searching for their relatives among the dead and the missing. The markets, where the attacks occurred, were almost empty on Monday. Turnout at some temples and mosques on the eve of the Diwali is also said to be lower than expected. However, life in New Delhi is slowly returning to normal.

Sweeping the City for Evidence

An unknown group called Inqilabi, fighting for Kashmir's independence, has taken responsibility for the blasts. Security specialists believe that Pakistan-based groups, like Lashkar-e-Toiba and Jaish-e-Mohammed, could hide behind the attacks. However, authorities stress that the Police is carefully following leads that could pinpoint the perpetrators of this massacre.

As per information, the Police are investigating all telephone conversations that took place at the time of the attacks, while many people have been brought in for questioning, although no arrests have been yet announced. In fact, the police have raided many houses and hotels in search of clues that could lead them to the perpetrators.

Home Minister Shivraj Patil said "lots of information" had been gathered, but refused to give details.

At the same time, Pakistani President Pervez Musharraf pledged Pakistan would fully cooperate in the investigation, describing the terrorist attacks as most hideous. In the meantime, Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh told the President of Pakistan there are indications the bomb attacks in New Delhi could be linked to extremist groups in Pakistan.

Translated by Sofia Soulioti

Related News:

Seeking for the Perpetrators

[09] For the US Supreme Court Alito Instead of Miers

By Dimitris Alexopoulos

US President George W. Bush is most likely to nominate Judge Samuel Alito for the Supreme Court. White House counsel Harriet Miers was the most favourite nominee, however, she withdrew due to the criticism she came in for on the part of the conservatives who questioned her qualifications. As per a CNN reporter, Alito is viewed as a favourite of the conservatives. He further added that Alitos nomination will allow the White House to draw the publics attention to the Supreme Court issue following a tedious week, during which Bush popularity significantly slipped. Ms Miers withdrawal as well as the indicted Vice President Dick Cheneys former chief of staff on charges including perjury and obstruction of justice also contributed to the negative climate that has prevailed over the White House over the last days.

Translated by Areti Christou

Related News:

Operation 'Positive Image'

[10] Under Conditions Sharon Says Yes to Peace

By Despina Hristopoulou

On Monday, addressing the opening of the first parliamentary session after a weeklong surge of Israeli-Palestinian violence, Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon voiced Israel's intention to do its best for peace with the Palestinians. However, Mr Sharon underlined that the Palestinian Authority should take measures against armed terrorist groups. "Israel has already proven its readiness to make painful concessions. Now, we demand to see real action by the Palestinian Authority and Palestinian people on the road to genuine peace," underlined Sharon. At the same time, he promised to continue constructing a "safety wall" at the West Bank and settlements at the Syrian heights of Golan.

Israel Will Continue to Defend Itself

What is more, commenting Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad's remark that Israel should be "wiped off the map," Sharon stressed that this statement reflects the situation in the area and faced with this reality, Israel would continue to defend itself and afflict those who instigate terrorism, because as he said, "We have no alternative."

Translated by Sofia Soulioti

[11] Security Council Convenes UN Rules on Syria

By Dimitris Alexopoulos

The UN Security Council is to hold a crucial meeting in New York to issue a resolution imposing sanctions on Syria regarding its negative stance during the UN probe into the assassination of former Lebanese Premier Rafic Hariri. Greek Foreign Minister Petros Molyviatis is to attend the meeting, which is viewed as highly important. British Foreign Secretary Jack Straw argued that a good majority of the UN Security Council members is to back a resolution forcing Syria to cooperate with the international organisation. He also voiced his hope that the resolution enjoys a full consensus. However, his wish may not come true, since Russia has already claimed that it is to veto any UN resolution threatening Syria with sanctions.

China Agrees With Russia

"Unless Russias objections are fully examined during the deliberations, Russian will vote against the resolution," reported the Interfax news agency.

China is also expected to adopt Russias stance, since as the Russian Foreign Ministry announced, Moscow and Beijing share the same opinion regarding the UN resolution on Syria.

The announcement did not miss referring to the talks held between the Foreign Ministers of Russia and China on Sunday in New York.

In Amman, the Vice-President of the Jordan government urged Syria to work alongside with the UN committee that is looking into Hariris assassination.

Translated by Areti Christou

[12] The Bill Was Submitted Natural Gas Market Opens Up

By Dimitris Alexopoulos

Development Minister Dimitris Sioufas submitted to Parliament a bill that allows the liberalisation of the natural gas market. The bill is directed at:

opening up the natural gas market by involving more suppliers apart from DEPA SA (Gas Supply and Transmission Company), setting up a societe anonyme under the corporate name "Administrator of the National Natural Gas System SA" (DESFA), which is a DEPA subsidiary and will have the ownership of the Natural Gas National Transfer System (ESFA), issuing permits for the construction, ownership, operation and exploitation of the Independent Natural Gas Systems (ASFA) offering indiscriminate access to ESFA so that healthy competition on the natural gas market is favoured.

Translated by Areti Christou

[13] Fines Will be Paid Measures on Incomes

By Dimitris Alexopoulos

The leadership of the Ministry of Economy and Finance took another measure directed at the reinforcement of the state budget incomes. Deputy Economy Minister Antonis Bezas, after discussions with Minister of Economy Giorgos Alogoskoufis, stopped signing decisions concerning the extension of lifting measures against big businesses, which are burdened with large fine, due to the issuing of false and fictitious invoices. The businesses will have to immediately pay the fines due, otherwise 50% of their bank accounts will freeze, which is one of the foreseen measures.

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

[14] Debut for Panathinaikos Basket Team

By Ilias Papaioannou

Aiming at a good start at the Euroleague, Panathinaikos is playing against Ulker at the Abdi Ipekci Stadium, Istanbul for Group C. The game is to be broadcast live by Supersport 3 at 20:45. The game was chosen by the organisers to mark the opening of this years top European organisation. The rest of the teams are to give their first games on November 2. Tonights game in Istanbul will be broadcast live by ERA radio station.

Translated by Areti Christou

Related News:

2007 Basket Final Four in Athens

[15] 2007 Basket Final Four in Athens

By Ilias Papaioannou

With 13 players in its lineup, Panathinaikos basketball team flew to Istanbul on Sunday morning for their debut game against Ulker at Abdi Ipekci Stadium for Group C of this years Euroleague. In the meantime, in view of the Euroleague General Assembly, Euroleague CEO Jordi Bertomeu said that Athens is only a stones throw away from hosting the 2007 final four. So, should Greece is also officially assigned to host the games of the four top teams of the European basketball, Athens can be described as the 2007 Sports Capital, since UEFA has named Athens as the organiser of the Champions League final.

Translated by Areti Christou

[16] ILSP Report Greek Language on the Internet

By Dimitris Alexopoulos

While inaugurating the exhibition on the activities of the Institute of Language and Speech Processing, the Development Minister underlined the importance of applying technology for properly learning and spreading the Greek language. The Development Ministry supervises the Institute, which produces and releases educational software in the market for learning the Greek language and culture, as well as electronic dictionaries and other relevant printed matter. In his speech, Development Minister Dimitris Sioufas stated among others that the Government's policy is "to boost the presence of Greek language on the Internet with the help of technology and multimedia," to make its known, recognizable, in other words to make it a language which people can learn how to speak and read. The exhibition is scheduled until November 18 and visitors will be receiving free presents and information leaflets.

Translated by Sofia Soulioti

[17] To Parliament Main Shareholder Submitted

By Despina Hristopoulou

Sources: NET 105.8

The bill on Main Shareholder is to be submitted to Parliament on Monday evening. Government spokesman Thodoris Roussopoulos underscored that the new provisions fully serve the Constitution on the incompatibility issue. This means that Mass Media owners are not allowed to pursue favourable terms when promoting other business transactions with the Public Sector. He also announced that a legislative act allowing the suspension of the existing law until new provisions are passed was voted on Monday morning. Mr Roussopoulos underlined that the provision on the incompatibility issue aims at avoiding the "exercise of illicit influence," and added that strict sanctions will be imposed on those who will try to exercise an illicit influence via their Media.

Translated by Areti Christou

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