The Hellenic Radio (ERA): News in English, 05-12-02

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

CONTENTS

[01] Submitted by Alogoskoufis and Sioufas Letter to Supreme Court

By Vivian Papastefanou

Sources: NET, ANA

PPC President Giannis Palaiokrassas tendered his resignation in writing to the Prime Minister, and the Ministers of Development and Economy suggested his replacement. In his resignation letter, Mr Palaiokrassas stated that he resigns from his post with his head up, for he never compromised with corruption. Commenting on Palaiokrassas letter, government spokesman Thodoris Roussopoulos underlined that the government is incessantly battling for transparency, while regarding the corruption allegations, he pointed out that they should be well-documented and be brought to Justice. While briefing the reporters on Friday noon, deputy government spokesman Evangelos Antonaros underscored that Mr Palaiokrassas referred to allegations he could not back up. In the meantime, Messrs Sioufas and Alogoskoufis submitted the resignation letter to the Supreme Courts Prosecutor to examine whether the allegations need to be further investigated.

Roussopoulos-Antonaros on Resignation

Earlier at noon, government spokesman Thodoris Roussopoulos released a written statement regarding Mr Palaiokrassas resignation. "The battle for introducing transparency is incessant. Its success rests with institutional interventions, which are underway, and with well-documentation, which should lead to Justice. This constitutes the governments firm choice and the order given to us by the Greek citizens," read the statement. At the same time, it underlined that cases on issues regarding the PPC have already been brought to Justice.

Later, while briefing the reporters, deputy government spokesman Evangelos Antonaros underlined that Mr Palaiokrassas resigned because he failed to present evidence backing his allegations. When questioned on Mr Palaiokrassas incentives, Mr Antonaros replied, "I am not going to give his psychological profile and I do not intend to make any comments." With regard to the allegations that the government has compromised with corruption, Mr Antonaros argued that no government official has compromised with corruption.

Joint Proposal on PPCs New President

Development Minister Dimitris Sioufas and Economy Minister Giorgos Alogoskoufis issued a joint statement suggesting Kostas Kyriakopoulos, accomplished managing-director of the banking sector, be appointed to the post of PPC President. The two Ministers are to submit their proposal to the Prime Minister to approve it.

Mr Kyriakopoulos was Alpha Banks Governor until 31-5-2003 and member of the banks Board of Directors from 1995 to 17-4-2005. He also acted as President, Managing-Director and member of the Board of Directors of the Banks subsidiaries. He was appointed to the post of Deputy Governor of the bank in 1982, following a brilliant career in top-ranking posts in Emporiki Bank. He also served as a member of the Governing Board of the Hellenic Bank Association, member of the Board of Directors of DIAS Interbanking Systems, as well as member of the Board of Directors and Governing Board of the Foundation for Economic and Industrial Research.

Furthermore, Messrs Sioufas and Alogoskoufis stated they submitted Palaiokrassas resignation letter to the Supreme Courts Prosecutor, "since it contains allegations on issues of major significance that may need to be further investigated."

Criticism by Opposition Parties

PASOK leader put the blame on the Prime Minister, for, as he said, both the relevant Minister and the PPC President are his choices, and underlined that it is the Greek people and the Greek economy that will pay the governments irresponsibility. Mr Papandreou also pointed out that the government managed to bring a prosperous company on the verge of destruction. He then went on to add, "PASOK is numbed by the developments in the PPC and the degrading of this grand Greek company brough forth by the way the government is handling the case."

Commenting on Mr Papandreous criticism, government spokesman Thodoris Roussopoulos claimed, "The obvious difference between PASOK and us is that this government leaves no accusations unanswered and always resorts to Justice is deemed necessary."

PASOK parliamentarian Evangelos Venizelos argued that the government heralding modesty, unity, humility and transparency is defending itself.

SYN parliamentarian responsible for Economy and Social Welfare Panagiotis Lafazanis underscored that Mr Palaiokrassas resignation letter surfaces the crisis that have long plagued the company. The crisis, as he argued, has its roots in the fact that the largest Greek company has turned into a field housing the conflicts and plundering launched by the private interests. At the same time, he noted that PPC should be "immediately upgraded and reorganised as a public company free from the government and the private interests. He also accused the government of following in the footsteps of the previous governments and reducing itself to changes in people, at a time when the bill on the opening-up of electric energy excludes the company from new investments in the construction of new electricity-producing units to benefit private enterprises.

The Letter of Resignation

On Friday morning, Giannis Palaiokrassas tendered his resignation in writing. In his three-page letters, the former PPC President dropped hints on corruption, while he referred to Prime Minister Kostas Karamanlis using the first singular.

In particular, Mr Palaiokrassas noted that he hands in his resignation with mixed feelings of relief and profound sorrow. "I resign with my head up, for I never compromised with corruption and I never betrayed my ideals and the expectations of the Greek people. My only regret is that at the elections, I influenced my voters to embrace my vision of a new and honest Greece, and then I made thousands of PPC employees share the same hopes." Furthermore, he underlined that he tenders his resignation on a day that coincides with the 17N trial and pointed out, "On this day, following a ruthless and dirty war mounted by the Media, a war that dates back to the time I submitted the files to the Prosecutor and Nezis resigned, the government makes me resign."

On the causes of the war, the former PPC President noted, "They are the same causes that kept Nezis in charge of PPC Presidency almost a year after ND assumed power," and added, "it is the compromise with a system which nourished and backs corruption, a system that managed to survive the latest elections contrary to vote of the Greek people."

Referring to the Prime Minister, Mr Palaiokrassas argued, "For your own protection, you should investigate and find out when it started, who start it, how it started and how far it has reached."

At the same time, he wondered why the fact that he submitted seven files to Justice to investigate whether penal actions had been committed caused troubles.

Answering the criticisms over the fall in the companys earnings and the profress of its share, he noted that PPC suffered a more than 200 million euros burden over the last nine months due to the fuel hike. The cost in question, he stressed, was slightly covered by the rises in the invoices the Ministry of the Development approved, while in the rest of the European countries, it was the relevant companies that undertook to deal with the fuel hike.

Mr Palaiokrassas is to give a full-scale press conference on Monday at 11.30am. the press conference will take place in the Titania Hotel, central Athens.

Translated by Areti Christou

[02] .eu in Force as of December 7 Europe Gets its Own Domain Name

By Vagelis Theodorou

The European Union is to have its own domain name as of December 7. Information society and media commissioner Viviane Reading announced that public organisations and companies will be the first to apply for, while registration rights will be gradually granted to the EU citizens. "The .eu domain will become as important for European business as .com", argued Mrs Reading and added that the .eu will allow companies to expand their range of activities and will protect them against cyber squatters. Regarding the citizens, the .eu can contribute to the better presentation of them or their school, university or club across the EU. As per estimations, more than a million registrations are expected in the first year, with competition running high among television.eu, press.eu, business.eu and sex.eu.

Three-Phased Registration

According to the plan drawn up by the European Commission, during the first four months, namely until 6 February 2006, only public organisations and registered trademarks will have the right to apply for .eu.

Then and until 6April 2006, the company names will take turn, while as of April 7, registration will be open to all European citizens.

The gradual application scheme aims at keeping off cyber squatters, who get an Internet address under a companys name and then sell it at an inflated price. Only three companies from three countries bearing the same name will be granted the right to apply for .eu.

The applications will be submitted to EURid, a group of three independent records DNS BE (Belgium), IIT CNR (Italy) and NIC SE (Sweden) chosen by the European Commission following a tender.

For the record, the .eu was first brought up in 1997 with a view to promoting e-commerce within the EU. The European Commission approved it on April 2002, while the green light was given by ICANN, the body authorised to assign names on the Internet. It is noted that the existing domain names of the European countries, including .gr, .uk and .it, will keep operating.

Translated by Areti Christou

Read the story on other sources:

BBC: Rush expected on EU domain name

Related Links:

EURid

European Commission

[03] Under Tight Security 17N Trial Commenced

By Mary Lou Tzempelikou

Sources: NET, ANA

The trial of the members of terrorist group 17 November, who are appealing their prison sentences, commenced on Friday morning at a special wing in the womens prison of Korydallos, under tight security. Of the thirteen defendants, the twelve appeared in court, since Savvas Xiros had filed his appeal late. However, he requested that his lawyer represent him at the trial and he be admitted to hospital. The court accepted the presence of his lawyer on the condition that he will not be entitled to present his arguments, but overruled his claim to be transferred to hospital. In case he cannot attend the trial due to health problems, his lawyer can represent him. Pavlos Serifis and Kostas Tellios, who were released on conditions, and Giannis Serifis and Ageliki Sotiropoulou, who were ruled innocent, but an appeal was filed against them, also appeared in court. The trial will be continued on Monday.

Disruptions and Dismissals

Witnesses, relatives, friends of the defendants, reporters, photographers and TV crews started cramming the premises of the special wing since early in the morning. Athens Mayor Dora Bakoyianni, escorted by her children Alexia and Kostas, ND parliamentarian Kyriakos Mitsotakis, Giannis Palaiokrassas, Heather Saunders, Michalis Peratikos, and Giorgos and Eirini Momferatou were also there.

Upon arriving, Mrs Bakoyianni stated that the families of the victims have faith in Justice and said she is waiting for evidence not made known yet to surface. With regard to Pavlos Serifis statement that he dismisses terrorism, she argued, "Such statements are welcomed."

The court was briefly adjourned, since the lawyers requested they not undergo body searches upon entering the courtroom. Their claim was overruled, because, as the Chief Justice said, it is up to the Ministry of Public Order to decide.

The defendants' lawyers also requested a system for recording and transcribing the minutes of the trial be installed. However, Mrs Goutzamani said that they lack the infrastructure for that. On their part, the lawyers asked for a brief adjournment of the trial until the necessary equipment is installed. So far, the court has not ruled on that and the hearing process is underway.

In the meantime, Kostas Tellios felt discomfort and was transferred to hospital. In his statements, Christodoulos Xiros dismissed the accusations, while he argued that his brother Savvas wishes to attend the trial as soon as his health improves.

Speaking to the reporters, Vasilis Tzortzatos spoke of a ring consisting of two or three people who have been trying to "keep two defendants in prison" for three years.

During recess, two of the defendants, Alexandros Giotopoulos and Dimitris Koufontinas, read their written statements to the reporters.

In his statement, Koufontinas mentioned, "It is a trial taking place in a climate of decay, scandals and corruption. The entire judicial system is in a state of deep crisis and untrustworthiness."

The alleged leader of the terrorist group, Alexandros Giotopoulos, asked to be acquitted. "My sentence is absurd and ludicrous. Even in this bill of indictments they were forced to admit that I did not even participate in one out of the total of 90 violent acts."

Seventeen defendants appeared in court, with twelve serving their time in prison.

Around 350 witnesses for the prosecution were called, while the indictment numbers 1,000 pages.

Appellate Judge Dionysios Vertelis presides the Five-Member Courts of Felony Appeals, while Appellate Judge Efterpi Goutzamani has been appointed to the post of permanent Court Prosecutor.

Translated by Areti Christou

[04] Invention by a Welsh Mosquito Sends Teens Away

By Vagelis Theodorou

Are your moppets and the rest of the neighbourhoods obstreperous teenagers giving your ears and nerve system a really hard time? A 39-year-old Welsh inventor claims that he has the solution and calls it the Mosquito! No! He does not refer to the irritating bug, but to a devise that generates an acute and high-frequency sound. But where does its usefulness lie? According to the "father" of the devise, Howard Stapleton, the sound in question can be heard by children and teenagers only and can replace a desperate cry for silence! In fact, the Mosquito has already been successfully tested in a store at his hometown making the foul-mouthed teenagers fooling around, as well as aspiring shoplifters a history.

Sound Deters Gangs

A high-frequency welding equipment Howard experienced at the age of 12 was what really gave him the inspiration to come up with the Mosquito idea.

Howard worked on his children testing a wide range of sounds until settling on the most unbearable one, which can be broadcast at 75 decibels,

Expert scientists have not yet tested the devise.

Over the years, peoples ability to hear high frequencies steadily dwindles. Although there are some grownups that can hear the Mosquito, only the teens get irritated.

"People congratulate me," said Howard, adding that no one has looked down on his devise. At the same time, he claimed that even some teens welcomed the Mosquito, since it keeps underage gangs off their neighbourhoods.

As it was expected, the Mosquito has turned the 39-year-old inventor a TV and radio star in the UK, the USA, Canada and Australia.

Translated by Areti Christou

Read the story on other sources:

The India Telegraph: Mosquito to bug teens

New York Times: What's the Buzz? Rowdy Teenagers Don't Want to Hear Itteens

[05] International Day of Disabled Persons Messages of Hope and Love

By Despina Hristopoulou

Sources: NET - ANA

This years International Day of Disabled People, which falls on 3 December, is dedicated to providing better access to the natural environment, communications and the information society for people with disabilities. As per the Greek Confederation for People with Disabilities (ESAEA), "3 December has been established as a day dedicated to our fellow human beings with disabilities and it has to remind everyone that these people are entitled to equal opportunities in life, employment and everyday affairs." In the context of the events being organised, which aim at raising public awareness and sending messages of hope and love, dozens of athletes attended a ceremony at the Olympic Stadium dedicated to the International Day of Disabled Persons, while Paralympians participated in basketball and volleyball matches.

Political Messages

On the occasion of the International Day of Disabled Persons, Speaker of Parliament Anna Psarouda-Benaki, ND MP Katerina Papakosta and PASOK MP Apostolos Kaklamanis visited the Rehabilitation Centre for People with Disabilities, where they had the opportunity to admire the creations of the children living at the institution. Mrs Benaki stressed to the employees, "You are giving lessons in human kindness."

In his message, Interior Minister Prokopis Pavlopoulos announced that the new Code for Municipalities and Communities provides for the possibility of reducing municipal taxes, up to 50%, or even eliminating them altogether for people with disabilities, In addition, the Ministry has already implemented an action plan aiming at upgrading the quality of life of people with disabilities, by opening the employment market to them and securing their access to public buildings. Furthermore, the Ministry is promoting the creation of special software, which will allow access to the Government Gazette for visually impaired people. Finally, the Municipalities and Communities will include in their responsibilities the support and care of people with disabilities, especially by establishing support and rehabilitation centres and making efforts to facilitate their everyday lives.

At the same time, PASOK President George Papandreou visited the offices of ESAEA, accompanied by other party members. Mr Papandreou met with members of the Board and was briefed on the problems and initiatives of the Confederation. After the meeting, he stressed, "We want to demonstrate our support to those people, as well as the fact that our political aim is to incorporate them in society," while he handed to the members of the Confederation PASOKs charter and stances written in Braille.

In its announcement, SYN noted, "In the 20 months that the country is being governed by ND the problems of the people with disabilities have been further exacerbated," while it added, "3 December 2005 will become a day of fighting and struggling against neoliberal policies and the social segregation of hundreds of thousands of our fellow citizens."

Equal Opportunities

In a special event hosted at the Transport Ministry, Michalis Liapis handed over 15 specially designed vehicles to unions of disabled people. In addition, the Ministrys new website, which caters for people with disabilities, was also presented at the event.

Mr Liapis pointed out that the Government aims at improving accessibility to public transport and information for people with disabilities, as well as providing better services to them.

The Ministrys plan also includes educating people with disabilities on the Internet through special seminars, issuing special parking permits, issuing licences to taxi companies for specially designed vehicles, creating a service offering free transportation to people with disabilities in Thessaloniki and creating accessibility programmes in all of the countrys airports, starting from Athens International Airport.

Standing by Those with Needs

In his message, Archbishop Christodoulos mentioned, "We keep close to our heart the faces, the images of God, with special needs, caring and praying for them," adding, "Let our thoughts for our dear fellow human beings be full of hope and calmness, because God is standing by us and them."

The PMs wife, Natasha Karamanli, also showed her support by visiting an education and rehabilitation centre for the visually impaired.

Meanwhile, on Monday 5 December, Greek President Karolos Papoulias will visit the Special High School of Athens to attend the ceremonies dedicated to the International Day for Persons with Disabilities.

Translated by Vicky Ghionis

[06] To Be Ratified by the EU Parliament Phone Data to Be Stored

By Despina Hristopoulou

Sources: ANA - NET

As per diplomatic sources, the EUs Justice and Home Affairs Council decided to store all information concerning telephone calls within the Union. The specific decision forms part of the new anti-terrorism measures being adopted by the EU. The Member States are mainly aiming to reinforce their collaboration at a judicial level, therefore obligating telephone companies to archive all phone data, such as the time and place the call was made, the duration of the call or Internet connection, but not the content of the call. The data will be kept from 6 to 24 months, with each Member State deciding individually on the exact timeframe. The decision will come into effect once it is ratified by the European Parliament. The only countries that opposed the decision were Ireland, Slovakia and Slovenia.

National Parliaments to Ratify Details

On the part of Greece, Justice Minister Anastasis Papligouras noted that Greece accepted the Councils decisions, because it was up to the individual Member States to regulate the crucial details. Specifically, he clarified that the Member States can decide on the timeframe the personal data is to be stored, i.e. from 6 to 24 months, and this will be set by the Greek legislation. He also added, "Anyway, the Councils decision provides for the storage of the time and place of the call and not the content."

In addition, Mr Papaligouras pointed out that the decisions in question will have to be incorporated in the national legislation of each Member State within 18 months, for telephone calls, and 36 months, for Internet connections.

Finally, as per the Greek Minister, one of the major disadvantages of the decision was the great cost for the phone companies, while it will be up to each Member State to decide who will bear the cost.

Translated by Vicky Ghionis

[07] Olympic Flame Rests in Naousa

By Ilias Papaioannou

After its sixth day on the road to Torino, the Olympic Flame will spend the night in Naousa. The Torch Relay started off from Kozani this morning, while its first stop was Veria. It then headed towards the popular Greek ski resorts of Seli and 3-5 Pigadia. The flame was then passed on to Swedish athlete Pernilla Weinberg, a member of the IOC and thrice medallist (2 gold and 1 silver), who lit the cauldron in Naousa. Tomorrow, the eighth day of the Torch Relay, the Olympic Flame will arrive in Thessaloniki, after travelling for 125kms. It will pass from Skydra, Edessa, Giannitsa, Ancient Pella, while it is expected in Thessaloniki at 17:05.

Translated by Vicky Ghionis

[08] Greek President at Handover Ceremony

By Ilias Papaioannou

On Tuesday 6 December 2005, the President of the Hellenic Republic, Karolos Papoulias, will attend the handover ceremony in Panthinaiko Stadium, when the Olympic Flame will be passed over to the Italian organisers of the XX Winter Olympics in Torino. Entrance at the Stadium will be free to the public. During the ceremony, the last Greek torchbearer, golden Olympian Fani Chalkia, will pass the Flame on to the President of the Hellenic Olympic Committee, Minos Kyriakou, who in turn will hand it over to the President of the Torino 2006 Organising Committee, Valentino Castellani.

Translated by Vicky Ghionis

[09] Greek PM's Optimistic Message

By Ilias Papaioannou

Sources: Greek Secretariat General of Sport

Greek PM Kostas Karamanlis delivered a message, which was read by Chairman and Deputy Minister Giorgos Orfanos, to the 1st Informal Meeting of Ministers of Sport of South-East European Countries, taking place in Thessaloniki. Among other things, Mr Karamanlis pointed out that these meetings are significant for the future of sports, while he appeared optimistic that the spirit of sports will be re-established if everyone joins forces for a common effort. Similar messages were sent by Foreign Minister Petros Molyviatis and Minister of Macedonia-Thrace Nikos Tsiartsionis.

The Message

"Sports are one of the most effective friendship bridges connecting people and nations. The sports ideal is identified by friendly rivalry and the constant and creative battle of mankind. That is why it forms the centre of the values that constitute the global ecumenical culture.

With the hosting of the 2004 Olympic Games, Greece sent a message of re-approaching the values and ideals that emerged in this place [Greece] and spread all over the planet. In this age, the challenges we have to answer to are certainly many. We remain optimistic, though, that we will be able to re-establish the spirit of sports if everyone joins forces for a common effort.

Working towards this direction, meetings such as this one commencing here in Greece are of extreme importance. I wish and hope that this informal meeting will constitute the start of a closer collaboration between people and countries in the region. It is up to us to make South-East Europe a place with a long and significant sports tradition in a pioneering effort for contemporary sports."

Translated by Vicky Ghionis

[10] AEK Gets off Easy

By Vasilis Kalpinos

The sports judge imposed a 60,000-euro fine and two matches behind closed doors to AEK for the incidents that erupted during the game against Levadiakos. The judge did not take into consideration AEKs previous offence for the incidents that took place in the match against Atromitos, during the 1st round of the championship, when the club was penalised with one match behind closed doors. So, no AEK fans will be present in the clubs matches against Kalamaria, for the championship, and Ethnikos, for the Greek cup. As per the Sports Tribunal, the incidents in Livadia were different to those in Peristeri, against Atromitos, and therefore the court did not consider it as a second offence.

Related News:

Testimony by AEK

[11] Testimony by AEK

By Vasilis Kalpinos

AEK FC asked the Sports Judge for the teams protection and not its acquittal, over the foul incidents in Livadia, in the game against Levadiakos. Charis Georgiou, representing the "yellow and blacks" described the troublemakers as "members of a terrorist organisation aimed at harming the FCs administration," while referring to the brief, claimed that responsibility should be attributed to the police as "they were incapable of taking the necessary measures." The verdict is expected to be announced in the afternoon, with AEK being possibly penalised with two to four games behind closed doors, since it is a persistent offender and a fine of 50,000 euros.

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

[12] Karamanlis-ESHEA Meeting ESHEA to Maximos

By Despina Hristopoulou

The Presidency of the Journalists Union of Athens Daily Newspapers (ESHEA) met with the PM at Maximos Mansion and discussed all issues involving the Press. The journalists briefed the Prime Minister on their claims, including transparency in the Media ownership regime, as well as securing the jobs. The Prime Minister listened carefully to their claims and announced that a new meeting, which will be attended by the Ministers of State, Economy and Development, will be scheduled to settle the problems. The meeting held on Friday was also attended by Minister of State Thodoris Roussopoulos, who briefed the Presidency on the Media bill that is currently drawn up. Exiting the meeting, ESHEA president Panos Sobolos described the meetings atmosphere as cordial.

Another Meeting Will Follow

Mr Sobolos mentioned that the journalists briefed the Prime Minister of "all the issues that are troubling the journalists, as well as wider problems of our sector," and underlined, "we met a generally cordial atmosphere."

He further added that Mr Roussopoulos noted that some issues are still pending and therefore another meeting was decided to take place in the future. "I believe that everything will work out well, " Mr Sobolos claimed.

Translated by Areti Christou

[13] Conditional Release for Machas

By Betty Savourdou

Sources: NET - ANA

Lawyer Petros Machas, who was called to testify before Special Appellate Examiner G. Sideris for the case concerning the extrajudicial network, was conditionally released, after paying a 2,000-euro bail. According to the charges, while acting on behalf of his colleague and defendant N. Emmanouilidis, Machas allegedly signed the compensation lawsuit for monk Kloponin, who received 480,000 euros, based on the ruling passed by former First Instance Judge Antonia Ilia. Machas denied the charges, stressing that there is no evidence against him. He also claimed that the controversial signature pertained to a common judicial tactic, whereby Emmanouilidis, who practices law in Volos, could be authorised to practice in Athens.

Translated by Vicky Ghionis

Related News:

Deadline for Kechagioglou

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