The Hellenic Radio (ERA): News in English, 06-01-02

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

CONTENTS

[01] Of the 23-year-old Russian Criminal Suicide Scenario Confirmed

By Tina Valaoura

Sources: ANA - NET

Larissas coroner confirmed the suicide scenario concerning the death of the Russian executioner who killed two police officers. The body of 23-year-old Maxim Zhelin was located by a police helicopter this morning on the banks of the River Malakasiotis, approximately 1.5 km from the site of the bloody getaway. It carried a bullet wound to the temple, possibly from the last bullet in the gun he had taken from one of the policemen. According to the coroner, he died late on Sunday afternoon. Police Chief Giorgos Aggelakos and the General Inspector of Northern Greece, Vice-General Stratos Kyriakidis, gave a Press conference in Kalampaka after finding the Russian murderer. They described as successful the huge operation that commenced on Friday afternoon around Kalampaka and Katara to locate Zhelin and the other fugitive, 17-year-old Ilmi Dada from Albania, who was arrested yesterday morning.

Large-Scale Operation

During the Press conference in Kalampakas police station, Messrs Aggelakos and Kyriakidis thanked all those who collaborated in the operation, as well as the citizens for providing valuable and prompt information to the authorities. They then gave a detailed account of the operational part of the three-day effort to locate the two men and mainly the ruthless Russian. As they said, a 40km2 area i.e. within a three-km radius from the site of the double murder was mapped during the initial planning, while they mobilised all means to block any escape routes, as well as secure that the Russian would not approach any inhabited areas and endanger any citizens.

The fact that the terrain was quite rough and the weather conditions extreme (River Malakasiotis had swelled up due to the rain and was impossible to cross) led the authorities to the assumption that culprit could not have gotten very far. However, the weather conditions also hindered the search. Ten Special Police Force units (EKAM) with specially trained dogs and thermal cameras were continuously sweeping the area during the day, since, as they explained, the operations could not continue at night because of security reasons, unless there was serious threat of the fugitive getting away.

Finally, the body was recovered this morning, approximately at a 1.5km line from the site of the getaway (3.5km by car). The empty gun of the unfortunate policeman was lying next to it. It should be noted that the criminal was not wearing shoes (he was initially wearing cowboy boots, which probably made walking difficult) and was wearing the jumper and pants he was wearing on the day he escaped. Later on, the coroner announced that he had shot himself some time between 15:00 and 18:00 on Sunday afternoon.

As per Vice-General Kyriakidis, the area where he was found had been searched a number of times, both by ground units and by helicopters, and it is believed that the Russian was not hiding there for the past two days. The two officers also said they believed that the 23-year-old kept constantly relocating at night, trying to find an escape route, but was unsuccessful.

On Friday night, EKAM officers using thermal cameras had located a person moving in an inaccessible area. However, the search at daylight did not bear any fruit. Furthermore, at some point, the police dogs showed that they had picked up a scent, but that search did not produce any results either.

The two senior officers believe that the Russian decided to terminate his life because he could not find a way to break the police cordon, while he was probably in a state of desperation, being cold, hungry and trapped.

Upon concluding, Mr Aggelakos said that he would have wanted the culprit arrested and taken to Justice, but the fact that the aim of the operation, i.e. that he did not manage to get away, was fulfilled, was hailed a success.

"Should Have Been Arrested"

As soon as the relatives of the two officers who were killed by the Russian fugitive were told that he was found dead, they declared that they would have preferred if was arrested and led to court.

In addition, the relatives of the woman from Corfu, who was also killed by the 23-year-old criminal, said they felt justified.

Translated by Vicky Ghionis

Related News:

Russian Found Dead

One Fugitive Arrested

[02] Seeking a Solution Light at the End of the Gas Pipe?

By Tina Valaoura

Sources: ANA - MPA - AFP - Reuters

Russian power company Gazprom is trying to put fears over an imminent energy crisis, created after Russian cut off natural gas supplies to the Ukraine, to rest, with pledges towards the EU, reassuring that it will implement all the necessary measures for the adequate supply of gas to Europe tomorrow. In the aftermath of the dispute between Moscow and Kyiv over the price of natural gas, the EU, which imports 25% of its energy resources from Russia via Ukrainian pipes, is monitoring the developments in puzzlement, since some Member States watched the supplies drop by up to 40% in some cases, in the midst of a heavy winter. Moscow attributed the responsibilities to the Ukraine, accusing it of siphoning off quantities of natural gas destined for European use, while it reassured that already provides an additional 95 million cubic metres to its European customers. Kyiv, on the other hand, denied stealing Russian natural gas, however, it warned that it has the right to do so, provided the temperatures drop below zero. EU Member States have already sent letters to both sides, asking them to secure the steady flow of natural gas towards European markets. In Greece, Development Ministry officials appear reassuring.

Greece Implements Measures

Today, Greek Development Minister Dimitris Sioufas met successively with the ambassadors of Russia and the Ukraine, asking them for the smooth supply of natural gas, while he declared that the country agrees with the EUs stance. According to information, despite the fact that DEPA (Greek Public Gas Corporation) was reassured by Gazprom that there will be no problems with the supply of gas to Greece, it decided to increase the import of natural gas from Algeria, to deal with any possible hitches.

Greeces natural gas needs are mainly covered by Russia and subsequently by Algeria. In an interview to radio station Flash, Mr Sioufas noted that Greece has natural gas reserves in Revythousa, but the dispute might create problems, since all the pipes pass through Ukrainian soil.

The ambassadors of the two countries also met with the Director of Foreign Minister Petros Molyviatis diplomatic office, Ambassador Konstantinos Rallis.

During the meeting, which was proposed by Mr Molyviatis, the men wished for the prompt settlement of the matter regarding natural gas prices.

At the same time, the Foreign Ministry contacted the EUs Austrian presidency in order to brief them on Greeces stance and also voice the Greek Foreign Ministers support towards his other four counterparts, who have already sent letters to the relevant Russian and Ukrainian ministers over the crucial matter.

Appeals to Repeat Talks

Austria, which took on the reins of the rotating EU presidency yesterday, confirmed Gazproms reassurances that the deliveries of Russian natural gas to Europe will be secured anew within the next 24 hours, irrespective of the problem with the Ukraine. If this comes true, it would also signal the diffusion of the situation. Earlier, Austrian Vice-Chancellor Hubert Gorbach had declared that Europes intervention in the row was not needed yet.

However, many European countries that import Russian natural gas are already suffering the consequences after Russia cut off natural gas supplies to the Ukraine. The first indirect victims were the countries of Eastern Europe, which recorded a drop in the quantity of natural gas reaching their borders, without, however, any impact to consumers just yet. Hungary recorded 40% drop in the pressure of natural gas at the Hungarian-Ukrainian borders. In addition, Austria, Slovakia, Poland, Romania, Croatia and Italy also noted drops in pressure.

The Energy ministers of Austria, France, Germany and Italy sent letters both to Russia and the Ukraine, asking the two former Soviet republics to secure the steady flow of natural gas towards European markets. They also reminded Moscow and Kyiv that for many years, they considered the delivery system of Russian natural gas via Ukraine as reliable, noting that that it constitutes a good with prospects for greater demand. Finally, they urged both sides to recommence negotiations. It should be noted that the dispute arose when Russia asked to increase the price of natural gas paid by the Ukraine from $50 to $230, which is the international level.

On the other side of the Atlantic, the US State Department referred to the insecurity created in the energy sector, as well as the major questions raised by the use of energy to exert political pressure. As per the Departments spokesperson, the United States has told both nations it supports a gradual move toward market pricing for energy supplies.

In Europe, the "Gas Crisis" has been monopolising the Press. Actually, French Le Monde spoke of the first war of the millennium. "Russia, the first global natural gas producer, just pushed the button of an energy weapon," it mentioned in an article, while it urged Europe to deal with the need for political reassurances in the energy sector.

The European Commission called an emergency meeting on Wednesday, in order to decide on how to deal with the crisis.

Translated by Vicky Ghionis

Read the story on other sources:

BBC: Russia vows to end gas shortage

CNN: Russia cuts off gas to Ukraine

ABC: Russia cuts off gas to Ukraine, Europe at risk

Le Monde: Gazprom tente de rassurer ses clients europeens

Related News:

Russian Freeze on Gas Supplies

[03] Part of the Roof Collapsed Deadly Ice Rink in Germany

By Vagelis Theodorou

Rescue crews in the town Bad Reichenhall, on the Bavarian Alps, are giving a battle against the extreme weather conditions, after part of the roof of an ice skating rink collapsed, trapping dozens of people beneath. According to initial information, four people, including an 8-year-old child, were killed and another 20 were injured. Eleven of those were taken to hospital in critical condition. At the same time, the number of people missing remains unclear, as the roof collapsed after the rink had closed down and no one knows how many people were inside the building. As per a spokesperson of the local police, though, some 50 people were still inside.

Snow and Cold Hinder the Search

The site was evacuated, and ambulances and firefighters rushed to the scene immediately, while tents were put up to provide first aid to the victims.

The rescue operation by firefighters, police officers and ambulance personnel is continuing and is expected to last throughout the night.

The subzero temperatures and the heavy snow, which delayed the arrival of rescuers, constitute a negative factor for the fate of those still missing. Actually, as per the rescuers, many of those still trapped have probably sustained serious injuries, so the death toll is likely to increase.

According to the initial estimates, part of the roof collapsed under the weight of snow, following the heavy snowfalls of the last few hours.

Earlier in the same town, ten people were buried under an avalanche, resulting in the death of one person, while another two are still missing.

Translated by Vicky Ghionis

Read the story on other sources:

Der Spiegel: 20 Menschen in eingesturzter Eishalle vermisst

CNN: 3 dead as ice rink roof collapses

[04] Results on 1 January 2007 Voting for the Seven Wonders

By Vagelis Theodorou

More than 2,000 years after Philon of Byzantium drew up the original list, citizens from every corner of the globe are asked to vote for the new Seven Wonders of the World. Among the entries short-listed are: the Acropolis, the Taj Mahal, the Eiffel Tower, the Statue of Liberty, the Colosseum, Hagia Sophia, the Great Wall of China and Stonehenge. The initial list of landmarks was drawn up in collaboration with UNESCO from the World Heritage List, which includes 630 monuments. Some 5.5 million voters participated in the initial stage of the poll, which is being conducted by the New 7 Wonders Foundation, based in Switzerland. Twenty-one monuments (out of a total of 77) were short-listed towards the end of 2005. The new Seven Wonders of the World will be chosen by phone voting throughout 2006, while the results will be announced on 1 January 2007.

The Finalists

The criteria for selection were that the entries had to be man-made and finished by 2000, while they had to be at an acceptable stage of preservation.

The 21 nominees include: the Acropolis, Athens; Hagia Sophia, Istanbul; the Eiffel Tower, Paris; the Statue of Liberty, New York; Jesus the Saviour, Rio de Janeiro; Sydney Opera House; the Colosseum, Rome; Stonehenge, Great Britain; the town Petra, Jordan; the Taj Mahal, India; the Stone Statues on Easter Island; the Great Wall of China; the Kremlin, Russia; Timbuktu, Mali; Machu Picchu, Peru; the pyramids of Chichen Itza, Mexico; the castle of Alhambra, Spain; Neuschwanstein Castle, Germany; the temple of Angkor Wat, Cambodia; and the temple of Kiyomizu, Tokyo.

Finally, the entries include the Great Pyramid of Giza in Egypt, which is the only monument still standing from the original Seven Wonders of the World.

It should be noted that the Seven Wonders of the World were chosen in the 2nd century BC by Philon of Byzantium, while all the monuments were located within the Mediterranean basin. Those were: the Great Pyramid of Giza in Egypt, the Hanging Gardens of Babylon, the Statue of Zeus at Olympia, the Temple of Artemis at Ephesus, the Mausoleum at Halicarnassus, the Colossus of Rhodes and the Lighthouse of Alexandria.

Translated by Vicky Ghionis

Read the story on other sources:

BBC: Old and new in Seven Wonders poll

Hindustan Times: Taj Mahal short-listed for 7 wonders' list

Related Links:

The New Seven Wonders of the World

[05] In the Village Charokopi Fears for Landslides in Ioannina

By Vagelis Theodorou

The village Charokopi in Ioannina subsided by three to four metres, following the heavy rainfalls of the last few days. Five homes were deemed unstable (three of which collapsed), while the residents were evacuated and are staying with friends and relatives until they can move into rented homes or houses provided to them for free in the same village. The landslide also affected the road linking Tzoumerka to Ioannina, since quantities of soil blocked the regional road, while traffic is being diverted through alternate routes, accommodating smaller vehicles only. The geologists initial estimates speak of shaky ground, due to underground currents. As per Deputy Public Works Minister Spyros Kalogiannis, who visited the site, the scientists are putting fears to rest and are monitoring the event, in order to decide on the measures needed to deal with the situation.

Translated by Vicky Ghionis

Related News:

Village in Ioannina Evacuated

[06] It Was Accidentally Found in Surgery On the Scorpion Found in Surgery

By Despina Hristopoulou

Sources: ÍÅÔ, ÍÅÔ 105.8

The report conducted by the Sworn Administrative Inquiry described the appearance of a live scorpion in the surgery rooms at the Venizeleio General Hospital in Heraklion, Crete, as accidental. As per the report, no one could be held accountable, nor was a threat posed to the hospitals personnel, while all planned surgeries took place according to schedule. The report also mentioned that the scorpion was found in the surgery room along with objects that had earlier been put in storehouses. Its appearance in the storehouses was put down to the sharp fall in temperature reported in Heraklion. The fall in temperature resulted in a high percentages of this particular species of scorpion making its appearance. Actually, the report, noted that this species of scorpion is commonly found in the wider area and is thought to be harmless, except exceptionally rare cases.

Translated by Areti Christou

Related News:

Scorpion Found in Surgery

[07] By the Court on the Occupied Part Cypriot MEP's Trial Adjourned

By Anna Kourti

Sources: ANA

A court on the occupied part of Nicosia, Cyprus, adjourned the trial of Cypriot MEP Marios Matsakis until 5 January. Mr Matsakis was arrested by the authorities of the occupied part of the island and accused of stealing a Turkish flag. The MEP has already crossed over to the Cypriot side from a vehicle checkpoint in Agios Dometios. However, he was forced to sign a bail for 17,850 Cypriot pounds, which he will have to pay if he does not appear in court on 5 January. The Cypriot MEP mentioned that he will be in Brussels on 5 January and asked that the hearing takes place on Monday 9 January, but his motion was rejected by the judge, quoting the commencement of the Bairam Mohammedan festival. When Mr Matsakis was arriving in court, members of the group Grey Wolves started chanting threatening mottos against him, holding Turkish flags.

Earlier, the Court Martial of the occupied side accepted the parliamentary immunity of the Cypriot MEP and decided to postpone the case against him until he completes his term in the European Parliament, in 2009.

However, Turkish-Cypriot leader Mehmet Ali Talat considered Marios Matsakis stance provocative. The MEP was forcefully arrested last Saturday by occupational forces at the Lydra Pallas roadblock, while he was asking to cross over to the Turkish-Cypriot side to visit Mr Talat and offer him a gift, in view of the New Year.

In statements he made about the Matsakis case, Mr Talat said that the law and the court handling his case would solve the problems and not the politicians, whose duty is to deal with the political dimensions of the case after the courts decision.

Finally, he mentioned that Mr Matsakis entered the Turkish-controlled side even though he knew that an arrest warrant against him was pending, adding that the occupied part constitutes "a state and the law will solve the problem."

On the other hand, Mr Matsakis mentioned that he was not mistreated during his two-day detention, but the conditions in the jail were deplorable.

The Cypriot MEP also added that the decision of the so-called court martial, i.e. that his immunity was in force, was significant, and had to be examined and assessed.

Translated by Vicky Ghionis

Related News:

Trial of Cypriot MEP Commences

[08] Over Hariri's Assassination The UN Calls Assad

By Vagelis Theodorou

The investigation into the assassination of former Lebanese Prime Minister Rafik Hariri reached the Syrian Presidential Mansion. The independent UN committee investigating the case officially asked to meet with Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, the Foreign Minister and the countrys former Vice-President, Abdel Halim Khaddam, who on Friday hinted that Assad had given the order for the assassination. Damascus declared it was willing to collaborate with the UN, however, the request will probably be denied. As per a governing party official and advisor to the Intelligence Ministry, a meeting will not take place, since President Assad is protected by international law. Furthermore, he pointed out that Syria will be making a new political and diplomatic initiative to deal with the request.

Translated by Vicky Ghionis

Read the story on other sources:

Sydney Morning Herald: Fury at Syrian betrayal

Le Monde: La commission d'enquete de l'ONU exige l'audition du president syrien

[09] Austria Took Over the EU Presidency Viennese Waltz for the EU

By Mary Lou Tzempelikou

Sources: Independent, Reuters, BBC

In a pretty harsh era for the European family, Austria took over the EU Presidency. In a press conference, Austrian Chancellor Wolfgang Schuessel outlined the problems he is called on to settle, arguing that 2005 had been a "terrible year" for the EU, mostly due to the French and Dutch no to the European Constitutional Treaty. Restoring trust in the European Constitution and favouring the opening of accession talks with further four countries (Romania, Bulgaria, Croatia and FYROM) ranked among the keynote challenges of the Austrian EU Presidency, claimed Mr Schuessel. He did not miss referring to Turkey, by saying that it is likely that it will never manage to enjoy a full EU membership. "The outcome should remain open," the Austrian Chancellor noted.

Austrian Chancellor Wolfgang Schuessel values the scheduled-for-April meeting on the Principle of Subsidiarity as Austria's great asset. The Principle of Subsidiarity regulates the exercise of powers within the EU and it is intended to determine whether the Union can intervene or should let the Member States take action. "Although the Europeans have been united their economies, respect to national sovereignty remains instrumental," he argued.

Following months of disputes over the Unions course of action, Schuessel claimed that Europe needs "certain moments of fantasy, flexibility and fresh ideas." At the same time, he pledged to work on the building up of a new Constitutional Treaty, during the conference on the European identity. The conference is to take place in Salzburg in late January.

Critical Stance

In fact, he did not hesitate to criticize the building-up process of the European Constitutional Treaty by describing it as elitist and obsolete.

He also opposed to past court judgments on women serving in Germanys armed forces and the admission of foreign students to Austrian universities.

He did not miss referring to the new European political scene, voicing his belief that, following Angela Merkels election to the German Chancellery, a political accord between the two countries is highly possible. He also praised his German counterparts negotiation skills, on the occasion of the latters arbitration between Jacques Chirac and Tony Blair on the EU budget.

Now, Austria is directed at managing to convince the European Parliament to ratify the 2007-2013 budget.

It is noted that Austria is to host a one-day Summit on May, between Europe and Latin America, as well as a possible EU-American Summit with US President George W. Bush attending it.

Finally, Schuessel argued that it is a fortunate coincidence the fact that the Austrian EU Presidency goes together with the 300th anniversary of the birth of Mozart and the 150th anniversary of the birth of Sigmund Freud. He then went on to add that the two anniversaries could serve as a hook underlining that Europe does not have one identity only. Instead, it is made up of a wide variety of images, ideas, languages and cultures.

It is Austrias second term in the EU Presidency, while Finland is to take over after a six-month period.

Translated by Areti Christou

[10] By 13.5% Increase in Tax Revenues

By Tina Valaoura

Sources: ÁNA - ÍÅÔ 105.8

The Greek Economy Ministry recorded a significant 13.5% increase in tax revenues for December. The increase is mainly due to the revenues from VAT, while it is also linked to the coordinated efforts to combat tax evasion, leading to a total increase of tax revenues by 6% annually and surpassing the 5% target set by the budget. The Economy Ministry appeared optimistic for a continuous upward trend in 2006 and especially in the first months, which are crucial for the budgets performance.

Translated by Vicky Ghionis

[11] Vryzas Moves to Torino

By Ilias Papaioannou

Following Perugia and Fiorentina, Zissis Vryzas was added to Torinos roster as of yesterday. As per the Italian Media, the Greek ace chose to leave Serie A of the Italian Football Championship and to compete for a Serie B team. According to information, his deal with Torino is to earn him around 400,000 euros.

Translated by Areti Christou

[12] In Eastern Turkey Negative H5N1 Results

By Anna Kourti

Sources: Reuters, ÁNA

The death of a 14-year-old boy in eastern Turkey, who breathed his last on Sunday, was due to pneumonia. As the chief physician of a hospital in the town Van told CNN-Turk, the tests showed that he had not been infected by the deadly H5N1 virus. In addition, quoting Health Ministry officials, the Anatolia news agency broadcast that the tests conducted on another five patients for possible avian flu were also negative. The unfortunate boy was one of six patients that were taken to the hospital in Van, after manifesting bird flu symptoms. The patients are all from the town Dogubeyazit, close to the Iranian borders and some 100km south of the village Aralik, where an avian flu case on a bird was confirmed last week. The authorities of Dogubeyazit banned the transfer of poultry, while the culled dozens of others as a precaution. Birds in the same village tested positive to the H5 virus, but the authorities do not know yet whether it is the deadly H5N1 strain of the virus.

The three brothers of unfortunate 14-year-old Mehmet Ali Kocyigit were also taken to hospital on the weekend, after having consumed poultry and manifesting symptoms similar to bird flu. The other two patients are a 35-year-old woman and a 5-year-old, who are also being hospitalised in Van, suffering from the same symptoms.

Translated by Vicky Ghionis

Read the story on other sources:

Reuters:Bird flu tests in eastern Turkey negative-agency

Related News:

Yet Another H5 Case in Turkey

[13] Over 185 Million Messages Sent Happy New Year via SMS

By Vagelis Theodorou

Sources: ANA

Mobile phones in Greece worked overtime over the festive season, as per the figures made public by mobile telephony companies for the period 24 December to 1 January. SMSs proved most popular, since they exceeded 185 million, while mobile calls reached record numbers. Specifically, 342 million calls (11.5% increase compared to last year) were made through Cosmote, while 61.2 million written messages were sent. Out of those, 8.3 million were sent on Christmas day and 13.7 million on New Years. On the other hand, Vodafone customers made 365 million calls over the holidays and sent more than 78 million written messages, 11 million of which were sent on Christmas day and 16.2 million on the first day of 2006. Tim customers sent 39 million SMSs, while calls increased by 15% compared to last year. A total of 13,850,000 messages were sent on 1 January 2006, while Q clients sent 4.1 million of those.

Translated by Vicky Ghionis

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