The Hellenic Radio (ERA): News in English, 05-11-01

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

CONTENTS

[01] Six Judicial Workers and Three Lawyers New Indictments

By Athina Saloustrou

As per a briefing of the Minister of Justice, six more judicial workers and three lawyers will be indicted for participating in the extra-judicial ring, which has been festering the Justice department for years. Moreover, an arrest warrant of dismissed First Instance Judge Antonia Ilia, who is accused of participating in the extra-judicial ring, has been issued, after her address was made known by her lawyer, who said she is in Greece. The Swiss Authorities seem to agree on opening former interrogator Konstantina Bourboulias accounts in Swiss banks, while the lawyer that will represent the Greek Public Sector in contacts with Switzerland, will be appointed soon. Bourboulias case seems to be touching the deep end of the extra-judicial ring, since the investigation has uncovered persons behind the Stock Exchange scandal, as well as former Supreme Court President and President of Judges and Prosecutors Union Achilleas Zisis. Meanwhile, the case of bribery, made by a partner of independent MP Petros Madouvalos, of remnant prisoner Kalousis, is taking a new twist.

Starting to Speak Up

Already, the involvement of Mr Zisis has caused changes in the unions leadership, as its former General Secretary, Panagiotis Athanasopoulos, was elected as the new President of the Judges and Prosecutors Union. In their testimonies to Supreme Court Vice Prosecutor Giorgos Sanidas, published in Ta Nea newspaper, six out of twelve Judges spoke of Mr Zisis involvement in the cases of defendants Kostas Avramidis and the Tsitsirigos brothers.

On the case of the Tsitsirigos brothers, Appellate Judge Evangelos Tabakopoulos said: "With an extremely austere look, Mr Zisis chastised me and said, What kind of verdict is this?"

Also commenting on Zisis case, First Instance President Konstantinos Kalligeris stated: "With his attitude and speech, he sounded like he was asking us why we took this decision; to take the Tsitsirigos brothers into custody."

On the Avramidis case, Appellate judge Filippos Manolaros claimed the following: "Mr Achilleas Zisis called me and said he wanted to meet me. He said that Avramidis was very ill, and what is happening to him is very unfair."

Mr Zisis described his involvement as a frame up, noting that he has already submitted complaints and lawsuits.

Suffered from Dementia

Meanwhile, the case of bribery, made by a partner of independent MP Petros Madouvalos, of former judiciary Evangelos Kalousis is taking a new twist.

The bank accounts of Petros Madouvalos, his wife and partners, are still being investigated, in order to conclude if there was a withdrawal of 21,000 euros (7mn drachmas), reportedly deposited by Christos Chatzipanagiotou in Kalousis bank account. Questions have arisen over the claim that the money was deposited for the purchase of Mr Kalousis car, which was ordered by Aspasia Delli. As per a verdict by the Athens One Member First Instance Court, published in To Vima newspaper: "Aspasia Delli of Nikolaos and Marigo suffered of dementia with memory gaps, lack of judgement and perception, and cannot communicate with the environment," thus not being able to make such transactions.

The special Appellate interrogators are continuing with compiling 20 new briefs on whoever seems to be involved in the cases of Evangelos Kalousis and Antonia Ilia, while as per sources, and they will be called to testify in the coming days.

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

Related News:

Aiming at Complete Purgation

[02] In the Justice Sector Aiming at Complete Purgation

By Betty Savourdou

Sources: NET 105.8 - ANA

Greek Justice Minister Anastasis Papaligouras repeated the Governments intention to get to the bottom of the extrajudicial networks. On Tuesday, the Minister met with the Supreme Courts Chief Justice, Mr Romylos Kedikoglou, and Prosecutor, Mr Dimitris Linos, to discuss the progress of the investigations into the purgation of the Justice sector. "A common and nonnegotiable intention to thoroughly purge the Justice sector exists. And this intention is demonstrated daily. The investigations are continuing, both into the Justice body, as well as the extrajudicial networks," declared Mr Papaligouras. During his 2-hour meeting with the Justices, the Minister was informed that another six judicial officers, including Appellate Judges, and three lawyers will be prosecutions in the next few days. Later today, the Minister is scheduled to meet with the presidium of the Greek Bar Associations.

Regaining Absolute Trust

When the Government says that it will get to the bottom of the matter, it means just that, declared the Minister, reassuring everyone that the investigations are continuing, both into the Justice body, as well as the extrajudicial networks.

He also mentioned that criminal proceedings were brought against another two judicial officers for submitting false financial declarations of assets and withholding information relating to their personal assets.

On his part, the Supreme Courts Chief Justice noted that he reassured the Minister that the efforts to purge the Justice sector will continue, since they wish to cast away all the shadows.

At the same time, Mr Kedikoglou declared, "With the support of the State, the Justice leadership is taking all the necessary actions, so that the Greek citizens can regain absolute trust in the judicial officers, since the overwhelming majority of those fulfil their duties with integrity."

Translated by Vicky Ghionis

Related News:

Awaiting Developments on Extrajudicial

[03] Karolos Papoulias' to Albania Visit Cancelled

By Dimitris Alexopoulos

Sources: ANAN, NET, NET 105.8

The visit of the President of the Hellenic Republic Karolos Papoulias to Albania, where he was to hold an informal meeting with his Albanian counterpart Alfred Moisiu in Sarada, was cancelled. The gathering of 200 ultra-nationalists demanding Camerias emancipation triggered the cancellation. Athens issued a fiery letter of protest, while the Greek Presidency voiced its sorrow over the incidents that led to the cancellation of the visit. The Albanian President also expressed his sorrow. However, a spokesman for the Albanian Presidency released an announcement commenting on the decision of the Greek side. The announcement read that the cancellation of the visit was the result of a rushed and not well-thought decision. The same announcement also wrote that the incident will not affect the relations between the two countries.

The History of the Cancellation

The heated climate was created, when 200 ultra-nationalist Albanians gathered outside the hotel, which was to host the meeting between Messrs Papoulias and Moisiu, demanding Camerias emancipation.

The protestors, who had been transferred from the northern Albania, remained there making groundless claims against Greece. The Police failed to prevent them.

Mr Papoulias stayed at the Greek Consulate to Gjirokastra for two hours and a half waiting for the protestors to leave the hotel premises.

However, the Albanian ultra-nationalists did not leave and the Greek President decided to cancel his meeting with Mr Moisiu and return to Greece.

The two men agreed on a future meeting. Mr Papoulias continued his trip back to Athens without making any comments.

Letter of Protest to Tirana

However, the Greek Presidency expressed its sorrow over the cancellation of the scheduled meeting due to the unacceptable stance of the extremists, underlining that such attitudes are not at all conducive to the mutual efforts towards the improvement of the bilateral relations and Albanias European prospect.

The Greek Foreign Ministry immediately instructed the Greek ambassador to Tirana to issue an intense letter of protest to the Albanian government.

Foreign Ministry spokesman Giorgos Koumoutsakos stated that the letter of protest asked the Albanian authorities to explain why they failed to take all the necessary measures to avert the extremists, who in their effort to obstruct the smooth development of the two countries relations, insisted on promoting unacceptable and non-existent issues, especially at a time when Albania is trying to meet its European expectations.

Rushed Decision Albania Said

On its part, the Albanian Presidency issued an announcement that called the decision of the Greek side to withdraw due to a peaceful gathering of a small group belonging to the Cameria group rushed and inexplicable.

The announcement also read that the Albanian President voiced his most profound sorrow over this rushed and inexplicable decision of the Greek side, which based on wrong information dismissed the guarantees of the Albanian authorities that it was a peaceful demonstration of minor importance.

The announcement viewed the fact as unheard-of and went on to mention that Albania has faith in the Greek-Albanian good ties and that it remains committed to the unrelenting improvement of the relations through dialogue, mutual trust and tolerance in the interest of both countries, peace and stability in the region.

Reactions by Greek Parties

"Greece will keep working on establishing good neighbouring relations, friendship and cooperation between the two countries. In any case, though, the Albanian government should halt the activities of extremists, who pose obstacles to the relations of the two countries," said PASOK parliamentarian responsible for Foreign Policy, Security and Defence Christos Papoutsis.

A KKE announcement underlined that the demonstrations against the Greek President orchestrated by a group of Albanians are not an isolated incident, but they are a part of a wider negative climate in the region due to imperialistic interventions and rivalries.

"The demonstrations came after the Grey Wolves attack against the Ecumenical Patriarch, the provocative US intervention in favour of FYROM and the UN Security Council statement that leads to an independent Kosovo," read the KKE announcement and added that imperialism is an obstacle to peace in the region.

"SYN is highly concerned about todays unfavourable development in the Greek-Albanian relations. Todays incident should not have an adverse influence on the relations between the two people who have every right to live together in peace and friendship," underlined the SYN announcement.

Translated by Areti Christou

[04] Important Discovery for Pluto Not One But Three Moons?

By Vagelis Theodorou

NASA astronomers seem to have corrected one of the false beliefs regarding Pluto, the smallest and most remote planet of our solar system. Observing the planet last May through Hubble Space Telescope, astronomers at the Southwest Research Institute glimpsed two new satellites moving around Pluto, which means that the planet may have three moons instead of one. The two moons, which have been temporarily named S/2005 P1 and S/2005 P2, will get their official names from ancient Greek or Roman mythology, if the discovery is confirmed by the International Astronomical Union. The until recently unknown satellites remained in the dark, because they are 5,000 times fainter than Pluto, while they move around the planet over three days in what looks like a nearly circular orbit. However, this new discovery does not shed much light on Plutos mystery, as scientists are still baffled whether they should consider it a planet or not, because of its highly eccentric orbit (Pluto orbits around the Sun in an elliptical path and rotates in the opposite direction from most of the other planets).

Charon's New Company

If the existence of these two new satellites is confirmed, the only known moon orbiting around Pluto, Charon, which was discovered in 1978 by J. Christy, will get company.

Charon is half the size of Pluto, which was discovered in 1930. Pluto's diameter equals to 0.18 of the Earth's diameter and its mass equals to 0.003 of our planet's mass. Each Plutonian year lasts for 248 earth years and its surface temperature reaches minus 210 degrees Celsius.

The scientific community is still questioning whether Pluto should be included among planets, as its features are closer to asteroids than planets. In fact, many scientists consider Pluto and Charon to be a binary system.

The new moons, which are much smaller than Charon and some 27,000 miles away from Pluto, give more food for doubt. "Whether or not an object has a moon is not part of the criteria that we've considered, because so many small objects in the solar system have moons," stressed Alan Stern from the Southwest Research Institute. "But I think, just on a visceral level, the fact that Pluto has a whole suite of companions will make some people in the public feel better about its status of planethood."

Translated by Sofia Soulioti

Related Links:

Pluto's New Moons

Southwest Research Institute

International Astronomical Union

[05] To Alogoskoufis, Sioufas and Panagiotopoulos GSEE Letters to Three Ministers

By Mary Lou Tzempelikou

Sources: ANA

GSEE (Greek General Confederation of Labour) sent on Tuesday three letters to the Ministers of Economy, Development and Employment. The letters provide an in-depth analysis of the unions opinions and asked for a meeting with the three Ministers to further discuss them. In the letter to Economy Minister Giorgos Alogoskoufis, GSEE pointed out that the draft bill of the new budget is described by new austere measures imposed on the labour, the unfair distribution of the tax burdens and the drastic cuts in social provisions, while it requested the heating benefit be granted to the low-income earners. The GSEE letter addressing Employment Minister Panos Panagiotopoulos, GSEE underlined that the national committees of Employment and Social Protection have convened once only, while it called on the Minister not to transfer the dialogue on the social security issue to OKE (Economic and Social Council of Greece). The letter also requested the committees in question immediately convene to perform their mission.

Finally, the letter to Development Minister Dimitris Sioufas spoke of high cost of life and asked for a meeting.

All three letters are signed by GSEE President Christos Polyzogopoulos and Secretary General Kostas Poupakis.

Translated by Areti Christou

[06] Dionisis Livanos Passed Away

By Vicky Keleri

Sources: NET

Former Minister and European Union Parliamentarian Dionisis Livanos breathed his last, aged 71. Dionisis Livanos was born in 1934 in Athens, studied political and economic sciences in Athens, Thessaloniki and Oxford University. He was elected as MP for Aitoloakarnania with New Democracy in 1974, and reelected in 1981 and 1985, when he became independent. He was elected European Union Parliamentarian with PASOK in 1989, while four years later he was appointed Minister of Tourism, holding the position for two years.

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

[07] Stated from the Church of Agious Anargyrous Christodoulos: "I Will Continue the Fight"

By Tina Valaoura

Sources: NET

Once again, the Archbishop made his presence felt stating his "high fighting conviction," whilst sending messages to all directions, from the Church of Agious Anargyrous where he performed mass. "I stand upright and will fight until the end. This is my mission. Otherwise I would prefer to return to my monastery. I will not head a Church that appears dead, lifeless, voice and spiritual power," said Mr Christodoulos speaking to the followers.

Moreover, he referred to the scandals, which have surfaced lately, saying that the people are disappointed with what they hear and read. However, he rejected generalisations. There are scandals, but that does not mean that everyone is the same, said the Archbishop, and called on the followers to be disappointed, as there is a positive side, which is not being broadcast. He concluded by saying "With our head upright and a clear conscience, we will fight for what we deserve."

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

[08] Malezani: "We Will Play for the Victory"

By Vasilis Kalpinos

Pananthinaikos are ready for the much-anticipated grand game against Barcelona on match day four of the Champions League on Wednesday. Panathinaikos are playing against one of the worlds top teams and getting a positive result is nothing but difficult. This is the point made by PAOs coach Alberto Malezani, who stressed that his team will play for the victory in Camp Nou Stadium. The Italian coach said, "We will enter the pitch to win the game, and this is the mentality I want to instil in my players."

"Mistakes Are Out of the Question"

Being aware of the difficulties of the game, Malezani said that a tie is also a pretty good result. He further went to say, "We should focus on Wednesdays game. However, if we do not achieve the desired result, there is still time to make up for the lost ground."

Finally, Malezani claimed, "We aim at doing our best. We will be 11 playing against 11. Playing against one of the worlds top teams means that we have to avoid mistakes and be precise. We are ready for the game and the teams spirit is up."

Rijkaard: "We Respect PAO"

Barcelonas coach Frank Rijkaard spoke of a rather difficult game and said that Barcelona has to try hard to win. At the same time, he praised Panathinaikos saying, "We respect our opponent and the match in Athens proved they are a good team."

"It is important to apply pressure from the very beginning and to have a fast pace in our game. It is rather difficult to display endurance throughout the match, but we will work on that. Panathinaikos will come to win. We respect our opponent and the match in Athens proved they are a good team. That should make us work even harder to defeat them," Barcelonas Dutch coach stated.

Barcelonas super star Ronaldinho claimed, "Barcelona always play to win. It is going to be a difficult game. We should stick to the same pace we have been playing in our latest matches to win. We fight for both titles, the Spanish championship and the Champions League. Getting one is hard. Getting the two is even harder, but we will do our best. We did not set off on a good start, but we have regained our self-confidence and have learned each others way of playing. We should be focused to chalk up the victory."

Translated by Areti Christou

[09] Olympiacos: Shock with Kostantinou

By Vasilis Kalpinos

Michalis Konstantinou is expected to return to his duties in Olympiacos in December. The Cypriot player, who will not participate in the game against Lyon for Champions League as well as the coming two, will also not take part in the Greek Championship. In particular, Konstantinou suffered an adductor muscle rupture, which means he will start training in four to six weeks, while he is expected to be able to play in around two months. The Cypriot will not play in the Greek Championship games against Xanthi, Atromitos, Iraklis, Egaleo and Larissa, as well as the Champions Leagues against Real Madrid and Rosenburg.

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

Related News:

In a Tight Spot, but Optimistic

[10] In a Tight Spot, but Optimistic

By Stathis Petropoulos

Sollied looked at every match separately and is not investigating if Olympiacos has already lost every chance for qualification or not, however, as it emerged from the Press conference, he has conducted his research on how the team can still believe in continuing in Champions League. The Norwegian coach noted that only two teams have earned qualification with zero points in the first round, which means that a miracle is needed! However, Sollied is keeping his optimism that an appearance such as in Gerland can take place. "We are looking at every match separately and we will see how far we can reach in the end," said Sollied and added, "In the past, a team with zero points in the 1st round qualifying in the next has only happened twice in Champions League. We can be optimistic and try to repeat the performance we had in France."

On the teams state, he said: "Lately we have played quite well but did not earn the results we should have, with the exception of the game in Kalamaria. It is important to see further than the results, and taken into account the positive facts. There is not problem in the team, moral wise." The coach of Olympiacos was also questioned on whether tonights game will be different than the one in Gerland, noting "I do not know if it will be different, as Lyon plays the same way, home and away, and I trust their abilities." Referring to the third place, which leads to the UEFA he noted, "I am a realist. There is a minimal chance of qualifying that I cannot ignore. The only aim of my players and myself is to beat Lyon."

Konstantinou Absent from Game

Sollied was not in a position to answer on the team roster, since he is waiting for the training session, and said that Michalis Kapsis will not be included, as will Michalis Konstantinou. The Cypriot player was injured during the training session and exited the team roster for tonights game. Furthermore, Antonis Nikopolidis will not participate and Rivaldos attendance is being questioned. The Norwegian coach answered enigmatically saying, "As long as they are well they may play, as will Rivaldo." Trond Sollied has not included Bulut and Schurer in the team roster. The players of the team that will possibly be on the roster are: Giannou, Lemmens, Mavrogenidis, Pantos, Kostoulas, Anatolakis, Vallas, Stoltidis, Toure, Kafes, Maric, Georgatos, Djordjevic, Rivaldo, Babaginda, DAcol, Dani and Okkas.

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

[11] On November 10 at the Athens Concert Hall Concert by ERT's Musical Ensembles

By Vagelis Theodorou

ERT's Musical Ensembles and the National Symphonic Orchestra promise to offer a splendid musical night. The concert will be held on November 10 at 19:30 CET at the Athens Concert Hall with works by Schumann, Skalkotas and Debussy, which will be played for the first time. ERT's Musical Ensembles aim at actively and essentially participating in Greece's music life. Nikos Christodoulou directs ERT's National Symphonic Orchestra. You can purchase tickets for the concert from the Athens Music Hall box office, with prices ranging from 3.5 to 20 euros.

Translated by Sofia Soulioti

[12] Concerts in Athens and Thessaloniki A-ha in Greece

By Vagelis Theodorou

The famous Norwegian pop music group will give two concerts in Greece. The first will take place on November 3, at the Peace and Friendship Stadium, in Athens, while the second at the PAOK Stadium in Pylaia, Thessaloniki. The concerts are in the context of A-has tour entitled "Greatest Hits Tour 2005." At the same time, their new album "Analogue" has been released, A-ha, who are Pal Waaktaar, Magne Furuholmen and Morten Harket, are appearing for the first time in Greece. The concerts begin at 8:30pm and tickets cost 31.50 euros, and can be purchased at PMW Music Stores and Ticket House (210 36 08 366 and 2310 24 05 49), as well as on the Internet at www.i-ticket.gr.

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

[13] He Stayed With the Family

By Vagelis Theodorou

The 56-year-old aspiring groom from Saudi Arabia seems to have been a great catch! Do you want to know why? As per the local paper, when the 21-year-old girl she had been promised to refused to marry him, he walked down the aisle with her mother! The 56-year-old was probably well-qualified, since the mother kept begging her daughter to marry him for a whole six-month period saying, "he is a good person and quite well-off." However, neither the begging, nor the compliments worked for the 21-year-old girl, and her mother announced her decision to the would-be groom. He, on the other hand, was not disheartened at all. Although, he was shown the door by the girl, he popped the question to the mother! Really startled in the beginning, the mother finally said "yes" and she was made an honest wife a few days ago! May the live in prosper!

Translated by Areti Christou

[14] Aleka Papariga Gives Press Conference 'No' to Collaborations

By Vicky Keleri

Sources: ANA, NET, NET 105.8

The forthcoming Municipal Elections will have a clear political character claimed KKE General Secretary Aleka Papariga, during a Press conference, given in relation to the issue. Mrs Papariga stated, "There are no ballots above parties," and that candidates are bodies of their parties politics. Moreover, the General Secretary of KKE stated her opposition to collaborations, while she urged voters to do the same, using their votes. She ruled out the event of collaborating with ND, PASOK and Synaspismos, and noted that the candidates supported by KKE will have a clear view against the three parties. She also explained that no discussion on figures was made in KKE, which does not mean that there is the slightest shortfall in that department. Referring to the selection criteria of the KKE candidates, she noted that they concern recognition of the fights and knowledge of the problems. The aim of KKE, as she said, is for bipartisanship to be stricken, and the vote be connected with the peoples dissatisfaction.

In the meantime, answering to a question on the recent conference of the European Left Party, Mrs Papariga said that it was created by an order of the EU, while she added that KKE is radically opposed to the creation of European parties, for ideological reasons among others.

Actually, she estimated that the creation of European parties is not feasible, because they end up being bureaucratic mechanisms, while she predicted that this endeavor, which SYN is participating in, will fail.

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

[15] Alavanos' Letter to Patriarchate

By Vicky Keleri

Sources: NET - NET 105.8

SYN leader Alekos Alavanos sent a letter to Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew voicing his partys solidarity and criticising the attacks mounted against the Patriarchate and the Patriarch himself. In the letter, Mr Alavanos put the blame on the Turkish government, noting that it has embarked on an effort to degrade the Patriarchate irrespective of Turkeys commitments resulted from the accession talks with the EU. At the same time, he urged the Turkish authorities "to immediately put an end to the provocations and the threats." He also called on the European Union to take actions "towards the protection of the Patriarchate and the safeguarding of its estate and its smooth pursuance of its ecumenical role."

Translated by Areti Christou

[16] After Providing Explanations to Mr Stavrou Georgiadis Issue Over

By Tina Valaoura

Corfu Parliamentarian Nikos Georgiadis provided explanations before ND Parliamentarian Group secretary Apostolos Stavrou for his statements on the issue with FYROM's name. In their brief meeting today, Mr Georgiadis stated he is fully covered by the Prime Minister's positions, which were heard last night in Parliament, while Mr Stavrou said the MP gave all necessary explanations and the matter is over.

Deputy Government spokesperson Evangelos Antonaros also referred to the subject and commenting on Metropolitan Bishop Anthimos' suggestion that Georgiadis should not go to Thessaloniki, he stressed, "All Greek Parliamentarians move freely around the country."

Translated by Sofia Soulioti

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