The Hellenic Radio (ERA): News in English, 05-11-09

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

CONTENTS

[01] At Least 23 Dead and Hundreds Injured Series of Explosions in Amman

By Mary Lou Tzempelikou

Sources: Reuters, BBC, NET

On Wednesday night, at least 23 persons lost their lives and hundreds injured, by three strong explosions targeted at international hotels in Amman. Radisson SAS, Grand Hyatt and Days Inn are popular destinations for visitors from the West and Israel, while the Police estimated that the explosions were made by suicide bombers, who are linked to Al Qaeda. Security forces set up road blockades around the areas hit, which are in a short distance from each other, resulting in serious traffic problems, while ambulances and fire engines rushed to the scene. The Authorities voiced the fear that the death toll will increase. The attacks were condemned by King Abdullah II, describing them as "criminal acts by terrorists," and ensured that the perpetrators will be taken to justice, while the White House spoke of "disgusting attacks against innocent civilians."

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

Read the story on other sources:

BBC: Explosions rock Jordanian hotels

Jordan News Agency: Three blasts went off in Amman hotels

CNN: Explosions rock hotels in Jordan

[02] Of Lifting the Immunity of MP Madouvalos Awaiting Developments

By Mary Lou Tzempelikou

Sources: NET

The lift of immunity for independent MP Petros Madouvalos is quite likely, in order for his indictment on the charges of bribing a judge, since the connection of his law firm with remnant prisoner First Instance Judge Evangelos Kalousis has been established. As per information, this is being investigated, since his partner Christos Chatzipanagiotous claims are not reconfirmed, over the deposit of 21 million euros (7 million drachmas) in Kalousis bank account, in November 2000. In the meantime, rapid developments in the extra-judicial ring are expected during the coming days, as investigations are continuing in a feverish pace, while the special interrogator is preparing new indictments.

New Indictments

On the case of Antonia Ilia, new evidence arises daily, and as per judicial sources, it seems that more than the ten judges, than initially estimated, are involved, as well as many more lawyers.

Moreover, it is quite likely that another clergyman will be indicted within the coming days, as in his testimony he has admitted of giving an amount of money, as a loan, to a judge who had a main part in the extra-judicial ring.

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

Related News:

War Against Corruption

[03] At the Benaki Museum Kostas Simitis' Book Presented

By Mary Lou Tzempelikou

Sources: NET

On Wednesday night, the much-discussed book of former Prime Minister Kostas Simitis was presented. Mr Simitis presenting his book entitled "Policy for a Creative Greece, 1996-2004" spoke about his decision to discuss figures and circumstances during his eight-year term as Prime Minister. Mr Simitis said that he referred to issues, such as the crisis on Imia, in order for the Greek people to learn the truth. Common people, the President of PASOK, George Papandreou, and top party officials were at the book presentation, at a packed hall of the new Benaki Museum. A commotion was stirred outside the Museum, when retired officer Antonis Naxakis, after negotiations with Mr Simitis personal guards, spoke to journalists, and accused the former PM over the Abdullah Ocalan case. Moreover, he claimed that the political choices of the former Government on the night of the Imia issue were catastrophic, and as he said, led to the second Asia Minor destruction.

Reactions from Political Parties

In the meantime, the Government commenting on the criticising views of Mr Simitis, that ND serviced and is servicing interests and that as opposition adjusted its words to television news programmes, started a counterattack.

Replying to a journalist's relevant question, Government spokesperson and Minister of State Thodoros Rousopoulos said that above case "is a case which is also returned to Mr Simitis," and added: "It is a well known fact who he serviced and which interests in the world of politics and businessmen."

KKE General Secretary Aleka Papariga criticised the former PM, on the occasion of his statements about the Communist Party.

Replying to a journalist's relevant question, Mrs Papariga observed that KKEs strategy "is not related" to all that is mentioned in the book, and continued, "I believe he could have made his criticism to KKE from his view point, and not from a propaganda mechanism, which does not want a substantial dispute with a party, but uses specific fictitious statements."

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

Related News:

Lymberis Answers Back

Reactions to Simitis' Book

Kostas Simitis' Book

[04] Armenian President in Athens

Sources: NET

The three-day visit of President of Armenia Mr Robert Kocharian to Greece gave a new boost to the existing excellent bilateral relations of Greece and Armenia. President of the Republic Karolos Papoulias, welcoming the Armenian President, referred to the strong ties of the two countries in all areas, while he stated that Armenia has a very difficult neighbour, as Greece; Turkey, and thus he understands very well the problems of Greek-Turkish relations. The Armenian President held a private meeting with Prime Minister Kostas Karamanlis, where the further reinforcement of economic partnership of the two countries was discussed. Mr Kocharian also met with Speaker of Parliament Anna Benaki-Psarouda and leader of the Main Opposition Party George Papandreou.

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

[05] For a Four-Day Formal Visit Prime Minister in Japan

By Dimitris Alexopoulos

As of tomorrow, Prime Minister Kostas Karamanlis will make a four-day formal visit to Japan, invited by his counterpart Junichiro Koizumi. Mr Karamanlis will depart for the "Land of the Rising Sun" tonight at midnight. On a question over the purpose of the PMs visit to Japan, government spokesperson Thodoris Rousopoulos noted that it is incorporated in the context of the improvement of the existing good relations with Japan, and surely for our countrys projection to a very big market. During his stay in Tokyo, Mr Kostas Karamanlis is expected to hold discussions with the Japanese PM over bilateral and international issues, and will be welcomed, accompanied by his wife Natassa, by the imperial couple. Moreover, he will give interviews to big Japanese newspapers and television networks, and will attend a lunch meeting hosted by Japans Business Federation (KEIDANREN) in his honour. On Sunday, at 12:00pm local time he will depart for Athens.

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

[06] On Strike

By Tina Valaoura

Tomorrow, November 10, ADEDY (Supreme Administration of Greek Civil Servants Trade Unions) will go on a 24-hour strike demanding for salary and pension raises, new salary scale with a minimum wage of 1,200 euros, employment of more staff, increase of social expenditures and others. Employees in ministries and public agencies, doctors and medical staff in hospitals, air traffic controllers and academics will also be participating in collective actions. A rally has been scheduled for 11:00 at Korai Square towards the Economy Ministry and the Parliament.

Translated by Sofia Soulioti

[07] Effective as of 1 January 2006 Programme "Union"

Sources: NET

According to the Greek Interior Minister, the new Progamme "Union", which was presented this morning in Zappeio Mansion, aims at securing the smoother operation of public agencies and quicker customer service. It provides for the implementation of all the state-of-the-art telecommunications methods, which will be used by 2,500 public administration agencies, as well as citizens and businesses. As per Prokopis Pavlopoulos, the programme will serve the whole country.

Customer Service at the Focus

Currently, citizens sometimes have to visit up to 10 different public agencies, in order to get something done.

The new applications in telecommunications, combined with information technology, will unite most of the public agencies. The aim is to save citizens time and effort, especially when they live in remote areas.

The national Union public administration network will connect electronically:

Ministries Health Ministry agencies Citizen Service Centres Conscription offices and other agencies

As per Mr Pavlopoulos, the specific programme can effectively combat bureaucracy, while at the same time creating customer-friendly public administration

In addition, the Minister demonstrated one of the programmes capabilities to all those present in Zappeio Mansion.

He signed online an official document pertaining to people with disabilities.

Furthermore, the Interior Ministry estimates that the public sector will save a lot of money, since it will no longer be necessary to send faxes from agency to agency, while many office supplies will no longer be needed, since everything will be done online.

Translated by Vicky Ghionis

[08] 15-year-Old Perpetrator Shooting at American High School

By Tina Valaoura

New incident of unreasonable violence at a US school. The perpetrator was a 15-year-old student, who opened fire against the school's principal and two assistant principals, killing one of the assistant principals. The young boy was arrested by the authorities and the school, in which some 1,400 students are enrolled, was evacuated and locked down. As per CNN, the 15-year-old, whose motives remain unknown, was out on the courtyard when he slipped a small calibre handgun under a napkin and fired at the administrators. A professor, present during the shooting, disarmed the boy before hurting any of the other students. The 48-year-old assistant principal fell dead from the multiple shot, while the other two men were seriously injured and were airlifted to the University Hospital of Tennessee.

Translated by Sofia Soulioti

[09] For their Relations with the EU EU on FYROM and Albania

By Mary Lou Tzempelikou

Sources: NET

On behalf of the European Commission, Enlargement Commissioner Olli Rehn, who submitted the EUs annual progress report, announced that FYROM would accede in international organisations with the same name it acceded in the UN. In addition, Commissioner Rehn recommended to the 25 EU Member-States to accept FYROM as a candidate to the bloc, stressing, however, that accession negotiations will only commence once it has reached a sufficient degree of compliance with the membership criteria. As for Albanias accession, the report mentioned that the progress the country has made justifies the conclusion of talks and the establishment of a Stabilisation and Association Agreement, which Albania has been negotiating with the EU since 2003.

Translated by Vicky Ghionis

Related News:

Double Hit Against Turkey

[10] To 3.8% from 3.9% Inflation on the Decline

By Dimitris Alexopoulos

Sources: NET

The Greek inflation rate for September dropped marginally from 3.9% to 3.8%. This small reduction is mainly due to the decrease in the international oil prices, which affected the retail price of fuel and heating oil. In addition, according to the current figures for November, the inflation rate is expected to drop further, while the average for 2005 ranges between 3.5% and 3.6%. The Greek National Statistical Services figures demonstrate that the greatest increases on annual basis are recorded in heating oil prices, followed by potatoes, which increased by 22.9%, and nuts, by 15.8%. On the other hand, the greatest reductions are recorded in the prices of fresh fruit, by 6%, followed by hospitality expenses, 2.4%.

Translated by Vicky Ghionis

[11] On the Future of Olympic Airlines Liapis-Barrot Meeting

Sources: NET

This afternoon, Minister of Transport Michalis Liapis met with EU Commissioner for Transport Jacques Barrot, and discussed issues concerning the Olympic Airlines Group. Mr Liapis briefed the relevant Commissioner on the course of the fifth in sequence privatisation competition of the company, and the Governments plans concerning the future of OA. As per sources, the competition is expected to be announced during the Biministerial Denationalisation Committee, which will convene next Monday. Following, procedures will begin for the creation of a new Olympic Airlines Company, smaller than the existing one, which will include, except for flying works, a technical base and ground services.

After the meeting, Mr Liapis said that the Government will decide next week, after the proposal of the advisory investment bank, for the continuation or not of the competition, and added that in any case, Greece will ask for the opinion of the Commission on the specific proposal.

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

[12] Ergotelis Qualified

By Stathis Petropoulos

The second visit in Pankritio Stadium within the previous days did not have the same result for Panathinaikos, since the win on Sundays game with OFI was followed by a disqualifying defeat from Ergotelis for the Greek Cup. Thus, Panathinaikos bade farewell to the event, and Ergotelis continues, since it made the biggest surprise of the fourth round of games. The penalty was won by Ogonsuto in the 90 and the winning goal scored by Kovac.

Referee: Tsachilidis (Piraeus)

Yellow cards: Soutzis, Markov-Theodoridis, Tziolis, Vintra

Ergotelis: Pocha, Michos (84 Rizoulis), Giatas, Argyrakis, Georgopoulos, Soutzis, Markov, Hagen (78 Koiliaras), Kefaloukos (68 Kovac), Nachefski, Ogonsuto

Panathinaikos: Galinovic, Vintra, Darlas (78 Nilsson), Goumas, Kotsios, Adric, Tziolis (65 Wooter), Leontiou, Theodoridis, Mantzios, Papadopoulos (46 Gekas)

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

[13] From her Bedroom Onto Trees

By Vicky Keleri

She abandoned the warmth and comfort of her home to try out an original and rather primitive way of life! Roxana Pons from Mendoza, Argentina, decided to follow the popular saying "living on the edge" and hence has been living in a nest for a full year. In fact, she made the nest herself using branches and cushions! As she said on Chilean newspaper "Las Ultimas Noticias," she was inspired for this original moving by a book entitled "El Cobijo", which opened her new horizons. "I followed the instructions, which explain how to build a good nest, I thought it was a fantastic idea," she underlined. Roxana seems rather satisfied by her accommodation, as she clarified she is not homeless and has a house she could live in, if she wanted to. "I just chose to live in a tree, that's all." Do you think this strange move could signal the start of a new lifestyle trend?

Translated by Sofia Soulioti

[14] First Day of Trial Aggelopoulos Stands Accused

By Anna Kourti

Sources: NET

On Wednesday, in the Piraeus Three-Member Court of Felony Appeals, the trial of businessman Alexandros Aggeloppoulos and another four persons has started, who stand accused of trafficking 5.5 tonnes of cocaine with the fishing boat "Africa-1" in the summer of 2004. The court rejected Mr Aggelopoulos lawyers demand of postponing the trial, as well as the demand of their clients release due to the end of temporary custody. The first day of the trial adjourned with the testimony of the prosecution witness, Maria Poga, a SDOE employee. As per Mrs Poga, the boat was travelling to Turkey, however the change of sail confirmed the information of the Police Authorities, who raided the craft outside of Spain, where the huge amount of cocaine was located. The trial will continue on coming Monday with the cross examination of the witness by the counsel of defence.

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

[15] At the Defence Committee Dispute over F-16s

Sources: NET, NET 105.8

A political dispute broke out between the Government and the Main Opposition Party over the purchase of forty F-16s. Minister of Defence Spilios Spiliotopoulos noted that transparency is secured with the interstate agreement, and presented data in relation to the cost, which as he said, is relatively lower than previous same type aircrafts purchases during PASOK Governments. On the part of the Main Opposition Party, former PASOK Defence Minister Akis Tsochatzopoulos doubted that the order is cheaper, and accused the Government of avoiding contest procedures, which will exclude middlemen. In closing, SYN MP Nikos Konstantopoulos noted that the purchase is demanded by US interests, and referred to big joint ventures by the Mass Media, representing armament supply houses, at the same time.

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

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