The Hellenic Radio (ERA): News in English, 05-11-15

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

CONTENTS

[01] Following Actions at the Focus Discussion on Olympic Airlines

By Tina Valaoura

Sources: ANA, NET

At 11am, the Governmental Committee will be convening, presided by Prime Minister Kostas Karamanlis, with the subject matter of the future of Olympic Airlines. In the afternoon, the Biministerial Denationalisation Committee will also convene on the matter. During the meeting, the fifth competition is expected to be announced as unproductive, while the Government will discuss its following actions in relation to the future of the national air carrier. As per existing indications, it is expected that the beginning of the procedure for the creation of a new Olympic Airlines Company will be investigated, which foresees a smaller company than the present one, which will include, except for flights, the technical base and ground handling activities.

Steady Ahead at Providing Services

The aforementioned departments are considered to be the strong points of Olympic Airlines Services S.A. As per the companys announcement, on handling services in particular, OA is stationed in 45 civil airports and facilitates more than 175 airlines, resulting in the company holding first place in ground service nationwide, and with its market share exceeding 80%.

Moreover, regardless of the decrease of passengers in 2005, the ground handling services had a positive economic turnout, with incomes remaining steady at 137 million euros.

In closing, the announcement noted that one of the biggest European tourism organizations, TUI, awarded OA the first prize for quality, selecting it among hundreds of partner companies, for the second year running.

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

Related News:

Liapis-Barrot Meeting

Related Links:

Olympic Airways Services S.A.

[02] In View of the Anniversary Celebrations Tight Security Measures in Athens

Sources: NET

As of today, the three-day celebrations for the Polytechnic have began. The gates of the institution will be open as of 9am until 9pm. A large-scale guarding and protection operation has been organised by the Ministry of Public Order for this years celebration. The arson attacks in Athens and Thessaloniki are indicative of the heated atmosphere, following the incidents in France. As of tomorrow morning, approximately 7,000 policemen will be positioned around the area. One of the first measures is the removal of vehicles parked at the surrounding areas of the Polytechnic.

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

Related News:

Measures for Polytechnic Anniversary

[03] Chewing Gum that Kills Bacteria Operation "White Teeth"

By Vagelis Theodorou

The US Army will be acquiring a new weapon in approximately four years. It is not a hitech weapon to be used in battle, but a chewing gum, which promises to contribute to operation "white and clean teeth." The experimental gum, which was presented at the American Association of Pharmaceutical Scientists last week, contains the protein KSL that kills mouth bacteria, allowing soldiers to spend days in battle without having to brush their teeth. "Chewing gum can be neatly stored and may help these soldiers who are out in the field return from duty with fewer cavities and dental decay," stated Dr Patrick Deluca, one of the scientists of the research. Furthermore, he added that the gum could be useful in cases of persons being away from home for many hours a day.

Clean and Immaculate Teeth

As per the scientists data, dental health is a very serious problem of soldiers, since around 15% suffers from periodontitis or other diseases, while toothbrushes and dental floss are considered a luxury.

Apart from the fight against bacteria, the specific chewing gum differs from other anti-bacteria gums containing chlorhexidine, which is usually to blame over side effects, such as problems in taste and discolouration. The active ingredient of the chewing gum breaks down in the stomach and does not affect the microorganisms of the digestive system.

The research, which is expected to be completed next year, is now focused on the taste factor. The aim of the scientists is to preserve the flavour, as well as the properties of the gum, from half to one hour.

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

Related Links:

American Association of Pharmaceutical Scientists

[04] The Developments on the Cyprus Issue Papandreou-Anastasiadis Meeting

By Anna Kourti

Sources: NET, ANA

The Democratic Rally (DISY) President Nikos Anastasiadis and PASOK leader George Papandreou met on Tuesday morning and discussed the latest developments on the Cyprus issue prompted by Turkeys accession talks with the EU. "Greece missed two golden opportunities on 17 December 2004 and more recently on October 3 to create a road map favouring the solution of the Cyprus issue," argued Mr Papandreou. On his part, Mr Anastasiadis underlined, "We all have to realise that time has an adverse effect on the interests of the Greek-Cypriots when it is not wisely used for the issue to be solved. There 12 months ahead with Turkey trying to prove how compatible the Turkish law is with the EU acquits."

Translated by Areti Christou

[05] Passengers Set Foot on Piraeus All is Well for Ship's Passengers

By Anna Kourti

Sources: NET

The 205 passengers travelling from Samos, who were stranded due to a technical failure of Express Apollon after its sail from Karlovasi on Sunday, finally arrived in Piraeus. Moreover, the Ministry of Mercantile Marine decided to impose strict fines to the companies hassling the passengers. Aphrodite Express will perform the routes of Apollon Express until the failure is completely repaired.

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

Related News:

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[06] Confessed to his Wife's Murder

By Tina Valaoura

Sources: ANA

A 48-year old man, resident of Neo Souli, Serres, confessed to the murder of his 44-year-old wife. The man revealed that the body his wife is located at the Strymonas River, while the men of the Serres Police Directorate are starting investigations as of today. Her relatives had reported the disappearance of the woman on November 12.

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

[07] Causes of Crash Being Investigated Air Crash in Colombia

By Despina Hristopoulou

Sources: AFP

Six people were killed, when a small single-engine Cessna 206 aircraft crashed on a mountainous area in northwest Colombia, on Monday. The air crash took place in the province of Antioquia, between Girardota and Copacabana. The aircraft had taken off from the airport in the town of Medellin and was headed towards Ituango. The regional civil disaster director, Carlos Montoya, announced that the pilot and the five passengers have been killed.

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

Read the story on other sources:

El Espectador: Mueren seis personas en accidente aereo en Medellin

[08] 6.9 Quake in Japan

Sources: AFP, ANA

A small tsunami measuring 50cm hit the shores of Japan, following a strong undersea earthquake measuring 6.9 on the Richter scale. The wave hit the coastal zone of Ofunato, at 7:26am local time (00:26 Greek local time), while small waves were observed in other parts of the prefecture of Iwate. As television network NHK reported, the authorities of the Tanohata community ordered the evacuation of 400 homes.

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

[09] Two Dead and Fifteen Injured Car Bomb in Karachi

By Anna Kourti

Sources: Reuters

The Pakistani Police announced that two persons were killed and fifteen injured, when a car bomb exploded outside of a KFC fast-food restaurant in Karachi, Pakistan. "We have two confirmed dead," stated chief of investigation for Karachi Police Manzoor Mughal, whilst stating that the dead were security guards in a bank. Earlier the Police had announced that six persons were killed. A Police official reconfirmed the bomb attack. The explosion took place at 8:40am local time, (5:40am Greek local time) at a parking lot of the fast-food restaurant near the centre of town, near many big hotels. As per the Police, the explosive device was detonated by a remote control and was very strong, since it was heard throughout the centre of the town. "Apparently the KFC was the target," noted the chief of Police, Mr Khan. The explosion destroyed the fast-food restaurant and a branch of a bank, while several cars were burned.

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

Read the story on other sources:

Reuters: Car bomb outside KFC in Karachi kills 2

[10] Two Dead and Seven Injured Explosion near Baghdad Restaurant

By Anna Kourti

Sources: AFP, ANA

Two policemen lost their lives and six injured, when a car packed with explosives blasted near a restaurant, in the eastern suburbs of Baghdad. The car was parked near a restaurant where policemen frequent, at the neighbourhood of Mashtal. The explosion destroyed three police cars and another nine vehicles. In the meantime, two Iraqis, former detainees, claimed they were tortured and threatened with mock executions by American soldiers.

Threatened with Mock Executions

In an interview given to US television network ABC, two former Iraqi detainees claimed that American soldiers beat, electrocuted and deprived them of sleep and food. Thahee Sabbar and Sherzad Khalid claimed they were shot with rubber bullets and threatened with mock executions.

The two men were arrested in July 2003 in Iraq and repeatedly tortured, while they were released several months later, without charges being brought against them. The network did not clarify as to where the arrests took place. The two Iraqis were detained in Abu Ghraib, near Baghdad, and in one of Saddam Husseins palaces seized by the US Army after the fall of the regime. "I was very surprised when they arrested me. They did not give any reason why they were taking me. And we asked them, but no answer. The only answer was severe beating," said Khalid.

Furthermore, he said that he was taken to a cage with a lion and was threatened that if he didnt "confess" they would throw him in.

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

[11] Rice Held Talks With Both Sides Rafah Crossing Reopens

By Despina Hristopoulou

Sources: ANA, Reuters, BBC

The talks held between US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice and the Palestinian and Israeli officials resulted in the reopening of Gazas border crossings. The Israeli radio station reported that the accord achieved allows the reopening of the border crossings and especially that of Rafah's, which is the only crossing connecting Gaza with Egypt. The US top diplomat voiced her gratification over the accord. She also stated that the Rafah crossing is expected to reopen on November 25. On Monday, Ms Rice had met with Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon as well as with the President of the Palestinian Authority, Mahmoud Abbas. Following her meeting with the Palestinian leader, she had underlined the importance of an accord advancing the free movement of the Palestinians residing in Gaza. The content of the accord will be announced later during a Press Conference. The likelihood of such an accord had delayed Condolleezza Rices departure from the area.

Talks have Advanced

The US top diplomat carried on with the talks with both sides on Monday night and she presented the US proposals on the reopening of Gazas border crossing and especially that of Rafah's.

The Palestinian delegation participating in the talks consisted of Interior Minister Mohammed Dahlan and Economy Minister Salam Fayad, while Ariel Sharons personal counsel Dov Weinglass and diplomatic adviser Shalom Turgeman spoke for Israel. A top US official, who requested his name not be revealed, claimed that the reopening of the Karni and Erez border crossings was also discussed. Spokesman for the US Secretary of State, Sean McCormack pointed out that the USA is working on the issue alongside both sides. Condoleezza Rice noted that the talks have gone a long way.

Translated by Areti Christou

Read the story on other sources:

CNN: Rice: Gaza border deal 'in sight'

Reuters: Rice confirms Gaza border deal

BBC: Deal made to reopen Gaza borders

Yediot Aharonot: Deal on Gaza crossings reached

Related News:

Rice Pressures Israelis and Palestinians

[12] Roses for Otto

By Stathis Petropoulos

The good atmosphere in the Greek national team cannot be easily disrupted and Otto Rehhagels stay at the teams bench until 2008 reinforced it, as the teams fans rushed to the first training session after the formalisation of his stay and held him a warm welcome. Around 150 fans gathered at Karaiskakis Stadium welcomed the German coach with roses some even throwing them at him who could not resist and returned the greetings. Other than that, mottos and cheers were the main ingredient of the Greek teams preparations for the friendly game against Hungary, while the players seemed to be enjoying the good atmosphere.

Tickets on Sale

As of Monday, the sale of tickets for the game with Hungary has began, and thus on Tuesday morning they will be available at the ticket houses of the stadium and on Korais Street, from 10am to 4pm. The tickets cost 15, 20 and 25 euros and as the HFF decided, entry is free for all who own a yearly ticket.

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

[13] Until 30 January 2006 Exhibition of Iakovidis' Works

By Annita Paschalinou

Sources: NET

Greek Premier and Culture Minister Kostas Karamanlis inaugurated on Monday night the exhibition of 200 celebrated works by the leading Greek painter Georgios Iakovidis, who was also the founder of the National Art Gallery. "In an era that recognizes Greeces culture as one of the countrys biggest assets, Iakovidis work gains a new living perspective," Mr Karamanlis underlined.

Childhood Was His Favourite Theme

Children and the elderly have been Iakovidis main theme.

The old woman with the little boys around her or children on their own either laughing or playing music were some of his favourite themes.

The National Art Gallery is paying tribute to the painter that praised childhood and family life and the creator of the renowned "Child Concert" by exhibiting his celebrated works.

Greek Premier and Culture Minister Kostas Karamanlis inaugurated the exhibition. National Art Gallery Director Marina Lampraki-Plaka, Deputy Culture Ministers Fani Palli-Petralia and Petros Tatoulis, Nikos Kourkoulos and his wife Marianna Latsi welcomed Mr Karamanlis.

Nearly 200 works ranging from his first works as a student around 1875 to the end of his life are on display.

The exhibition is divided into three separate theme units. The first one focuses on his works from his apprenticeship next to Nikiforos Lytras in Athens. The second includes works that depict scenes from the Greek mythology and the last one is characterised by paintings drawing their theme from family life.

The exhibition will run until 30 January 2006 and is sponsored by ERT.

Translated by Areti Christou

[14] Between Limnos and Samothraki Four Earthquakes in the Aegean

Sources: ANA

This morning, four undersea earthquakes occurred between the islands of Limnos and Samothraki, from 7:01am until 9:00. The biggest quake measured 4.9 on the Richter scale. As per seismologist of the Geophysical Department of the Aristotle University in Thessaloniki Kostas Papazachos the area belongs to the northern Aegean trench and is the continuation of the Anatolia fault in Greece. "These quakes are not of concern and are normal phenomena," said Mr Papazachos. The area has been greatly affected by seismic activity, as in the past strong earthquakes had occurred; the biggest being a 7.2 on the Richter scale in 1981.

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

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