The Hellenic Radio (ERA): News in English, 06-01-11

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

CONTENTS

[01] Markogiannakis out of the Cabinet Comments on Resignation

Sources: NET

Deputy Public Order Minister Christos Markogiannakis is not a member of the Cabinet as of midnight last night, after handing in his resignation citing personal reasons, once it was revealed that he had called Supreme Court Prosecutor Dimitris Linos "foolish" and "illiterate". In statements he made today, Mr Markogiannakis stressed that the case could not have taken a different course. He also said that he was leaving the Ministry with his head help high because, although he handled sensitive economic matters, he had never been criticised in a negative way. At the same time, he thanked PM Kostas Karamanlis for the trust he showed in him, as well as Public Order Minister Giorgos Voulgarakis for their excellent collaboration and his support. Meanwhile, asked to comment on the case today, Mr Linos said he considered the case closed, while he added that the right solution was given.

Markogiannakis' Letter

Initially, Mr Markogiannakis denied ever making those statements, but was later dismissed from the Government, once an audiotape of his comments was aired.

In his letter of resignation, Mr Markogiannakis mentioned that he respected Justice, noting that it was a private conversation between friends and questioning the principle of recording private conversations of Greek citizens.

"Does anyone have the right to secretly record private conversations of Greek citizens? I reserve all legal rights when it comes to that," noted Mr Markogiannakis.

Mr Markogiannakis associates also admitted that the statements were made during a private conversation, while they underlined that he would not have said anything to that effect if he was speaking publicly.

Greek reporter Makis Traintafyllopoulos also referred to the matter. Speaking on TV station NET, he claimed that the statements were made during a political party event in Kastelli, Crete, and not during a private conversation.

Reshuffling not an Issue

Government spokesperson Thodoris Roussopoulos said that the responsibilities of the former Deputy Public Works Minister would be undertaken by Mr Voulgarakis, while he added that there will not be any substitution or reshuffle.

Asked whether Mr Markogiannakis resigned or whether he was asked to tender his resignation, the Government spokesperson said that he had resigned, adding there is no tension between the Government and the Justice sector.

Mr Roussopoulos appeared to share the views of the former Deputy Minister concerning the circumstances under which the conversation was tapped, stating that a major issue arose. Finally, asked to comment on legal repercussions, given that some politicians have threatened certain journalists with lawsuits, he noted that, on the one hand, there is respect for the freedom of the Press, but, on the other hand, any citizen can resort to Justice if he feels that he is being offended.

The Ministers of Employment, Panos Panagiotopoulos, and Mercantile Marine, Manolis Kefalogiannis, also referred to Mr Markogiannakis resignation. "The matter is closed and we have to turn a new leaf," declared Mr Panagiotopoulos, while Mr Kefalogiannis noted that Mr Markoginnakis had covered everything in his statements.

In its announcement, the Greek Prosecutors Union Board of Directors, which held an emergency meeting today, voiced its sorrow over the matter, speaking of offensive statements, which also constitute an institutional blunder. It also added that the solution provided was the correct one.

Criticism by Athanasakis

"The selection and monitoring way of Ministers and Deputies belongs to the Prime Minister," stated PASOK Press spokesperson Nikos Athanasais and accused the Government, and Mr Karamanlis personally, of delayed reactions. "The case of Mr Markogiannakis is descriptive and a continuation of the cases of Mr Tsitouridis, Mr Regouzas or Mr Paleokrassas and once again indicates, in the most tragic way the meaning of the words modesty, humility and ethos for the ND Government, which the Prime Minister frequently states. Obviously, his Ministers and Deputies do not pay attention to his sayings," added Mr Athanasakis.

In replying to yesterdays comments by Mr Roussopoulos over hypocrisy by PASOK, the Main Opposition Press spokesperson claimed that the members and Ministers of his party made criticism with respect and faith to Justice and concluded: "We want the correct operation of institutions, while ND wants control, and in this case, the control of Justice."

Related News:

Markogiannakis Resigned

[02] WHO Awaits New Cases in Turkey Calmness and Vigilance

The public opinion is gravely concerned over the dramatic rise in avian flu cases in Turkey, where at least 15 people have been infected with the deadly H5N1 strain of the virus. In Greece, the Prime Minister chaired an interdepartmental meeting, where the directives relating to the level of alertness for avian flu were discussed. As per Health Minister Nikitas Kaklamanis, there is no reason for concern presently, but complacence is required. In addition, he announced that the checks have intensified at all entry points to the country. The World Health Organisation (WHO) is on high alert, while the alarm was also sounded in Brussels, where the EU Food Safety and Animal Health Committee approved the European Commissions proposal for extending the precautionary measures in place until 31 December 2006. On its part, the World Health Organisation stressed there were no signs of a human-to-human transmission, since all patients were infected after coming in contact with diseased poultry.

"Neither Panic, Nor Complacence"

In Greece, the interdepartmental committee, which convened in Maximos Mansion under the PM, decided to implement the directives on the level of alertness in relation to avian flu.

Health Minister Nikitas Kaklamanis stressed that the epidemiological development in Turkey was not good. He noted, however, that everything that was humanly possible was done in Greece over the last few months to safeguard the country.

In addition, posters reminding the ban on poultry products imported from specific countries will be posted at all of the countrys points of entry, from Evros to the smallest Greek islands. "There are no reasons for concern or panic presently, but complacence is needed, stressed the Minister, who noted that the epidemiological evidence keeps changing daily.

On his part, Interior Minister Prokopis Pavlopoulos underscored that a special leaflet containing information the avian flu, its symptoms and means of protection, has already been handed out to Greeces points of entry, as well as to all relevant authorities.

Finally, Rural Development Minister Evangelos Basiakos stressed all Prefectures and veterinary labs have been staffed with further 500 vets.

Poultry imports from countries counting avian flu cases have been banned, and inspections to avoid any illegal poultry imports are more than thorough. At the Kipoi Customs Office, where thousands of vehicles from Turkey pass through daily, all advisable disinfection systems are applied.

"There is no need to panic. Greece, in collaboration with the health authorities of other European countries, is closely monitoring the situation and the necessary measures have been taken," noted Government spokesperson Thodoris Roussopoulos.

"Readiness, complacence, public awareness and implementation of measures dictated by international organizations are needed, in collaboration with the other EU countries and neighbouring Turkey," declared PASOKs spokesperson Nikos Athanasakis

The action plan drawn up by the Ministry of Health, already handed out both in Greece and the rest of the Balkan countries, provides for:

· Establishing special units in hospitals · Vaccinating doctors and nursing personnel · Administering vaccine against silicosis to sensitive groups · Recording flu cases on a 24-hour basis · Distributing new anti-viral vaccines (as soon as they are available) · Monitoring of the animal cases (birds and pigs) · Using public buildings for offering assistance · Raising public awareness through the Media

Intensive Checks

The Health Authorities are focusing their interests on the preventive measures that have to be implemented at Eleftherios Venizelos airport, the sole entry point via airplane from Turkey to Greece, as well as the borderline from Evros to Rhodes.

Customs houses have been equipped with auxiliary disinfection systems for travellers and vehicles, while products coming from suspect countries, and which may be other than poultry, are confiscated in many cases.

After a relevant meeting on Wednesday afternoon, the measures implemented at the Athens International Airport were described as satisfactory and in accordance with the scientific specifications of the WHO and the EU. In addition, it was decided that yet another brochure containing information should be added to the ones being handed to travellers since October, this one emphasising the ban on the importation to the EU of poultry and other birds from countries where the virus was detected.

On Samos, experts from the Veterinary Service are carrying out inspections, while the locals have complied with the rules set out by the authorities. An isolation unit has been prepared in the islands hospital, while hunters are constantly being informed on the situation. In addition, the Ministry of Mercantile Marine ordered the immediate arrest of any illegal immigrants, who should be taken directly to the hospital to undergo medical tests.

The local authorities on the island of Rhodes are also on alert, while experts are continuing their inspections of poultry farms at a rapid pace. Furthermore, a meeting will take place tomorrow to decide on any added measures that need to be implemented.

Ioannina Prefect Alexandros Kachrimanis announced that emergency measures had been implemented in the area since last October, as the Prefecture of Ioannina supplies 50% of the Greek market with chickens. He also announced that domestic birds were banned from exiting poultry farms to avoid contact with migratory birds, while veterinary crews are performing inspections, poultry farms were disinfected and the local residents were informed on the disease.

In addition, thorough inspections are also being carried out in the market. As per the experts, fresh Greek chickens and Greek eggs available in the market are totally safe, since inspections were performed prior to and after they slaughter.

In Larissa, a Prefecture panel took samples from poultry bred by a family, to establish whether they had been infected by avian flu, since continuous deaths of poultry were detected. The first lab tests were negative; however, the samples have been sent to Thessdaloniki for further histological and blood tests, while the results are expected on Friday.

WHO Expects Decline in Outbreaks

In the meantime, Turkey is trying to limit the spreading of the virus, reassuring that the situation in under control, although the country counts 15 cases and three deaths from the disease.

In addition, the WHO voiced its satisfaction over the measures implemented by Turkey to prevent the further spreading of the disease. "We are satisfied both by type of action taken by the Ministry of Health and (the) possibility by our team to act freely and in transparency," WHO European Regional Director Marc Danzon told a news conference in Ankara.

Danzon also declared, "There is no transmission from human to human so far with a mutation of the virus. We are not there at the moment, but it is the responsibility for the WHO to look at this." The WHO Director further added that the people of the country need to comprehend the danger posed by avian flu and implement measures to avoid infection.

Furthermore, the WHO expects that some new human cases of avian flu will surface in Turkey, but their number is expected to decrease. "In the future we will probably see some other cases in humans, but then we will see less and less cases," said a WHO official, ading that there is no evidence indicating some dramatic change in the behaviour of the deadly H5N1 virus.

In the meantime, the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) said that the bird flu virus could become endemic in Turkey, thus posing a serious risk to neighbouring countries, describing the coordination efforts to combat the virus as extremely significant.

The FAO urged neighbouring countries, such as Armenia, Azerbaijan, Georgia, Iraq, Iran and Syria, to be on high alert, apply surveillance and control measures and ensure that the public is fully informed about the bird flu risk.

The FAO said Turkey needed to apply "a centrally coordinated and country-wide control campaign based on efficient local actions carried out in a transparent manner." In addition, Juan Lubroth, senior FAO animal health officer, said infected poultry should be reported immediately and all internationally recommended control measures should be used in outbreak areas, including bird culling, strict isolation and vaccination.

The Turkish Agriculture Ministry announced that 306,000 birds had been culled in 15 out of the 81 provinces of the country in order to stop the spreading of the virus. On the occasion of the local sacrifice festival, the experts had tried to warn the people of Turkey of the dangers posed by the transfer of animals, which could facilitate the spreading of the disease, but to no avail.

According to tradition, hundreds of thousands of lambs and bulls are taken from rural areas to big cities on the day of the festival, so they can be sacrificed. The animals may carry the virus on their skin or paws if they came into contact with infected birds.

Today, the Turkish Press criticised the fact that the Turks once again failed to observe basic hygiene rules during this Muslim celebration.

The headline of Turkish newspaper Aksam read, "Black Ignorance", while it also printed photos of animal sacrifices in an infected area, where the practice had been banned.

Bulgaria on Alert

At the same time, new suspect cases of avian flu were detected in Romania, west of the Danube Delta, where the deadly virus was first reported last October.

"Preliminary tests taken from domestic birds in the villages of Ciresu and Dudesti in Braila county showed potential signs of the H5 type," the Agriculture Ministry said in a statement.

In Sofia, Bulgarian Agriculture Minister Nihat Kabil said in Parliament that the virus had not yet been detected in Bulgaria, but the risk of its emerging remained high due to the outbreaks in neighbours Romania and Turkey.

Earlier, the head of Sofias Veterinary Service voiced his fear that the deadly avian flu virus is likely to hit Bulgaria within a month, since no H5N1 cases have been detected in Bulgaria so far.

At the same time, FYROMs Health Ministry announced it was intensifying inspections at entry points to the country, due to the detection of the H5N1 virus in Turkey. The checks will mainly focus on those travelling to the country from Turkey. In addition, the authorities reassured that there are no reasons for concern, while the only possible carriers are migratory birds and not travellers returning from Turkey.

Finally, Croatias team of experts monitoring a possible spread of the virus announced that no new cases of avian flu were recorded among wild birds in the country.

77 Mild Cases in Japan

The 77 mild avian flu cases recently reported in Japan have gravely concerned the international community, irrespective of the fact that the infected people have been cured, said today a researcher of Japans Centre for Infectious Diseases Control. The people infected were working in poultry units in the wider area of Tokyo, as well as their family members.

Tests conducted on 350 poultry unit employees showed that 77 of them were carriers of antibodies they probably obtained after being infected with the H5N2 virus, which is less dangerous than H5N1 that has claimed the lives of about 80 people worldwide since its first outbreak in Asia in late 2003. The 77 people have been cured and pose no threat to others. However, this remains the first proof that the H5N2 virus is transmitted to humans, according to the Japanese Health Ministrys announcement.

"Even if the people infected ran no risk, paying less attention to this virus would have been dangerous, for it stems from H5," a Japanese official told AFP.

The Japanese official went on to say, "If a patient coming down with the common flu is infected with a mild avian flu virus, this might create a new type of virus, for which there are no vaccines nor drugs."

The Japanese government has urged the people infected with the common flu to avoid contact with poultry.

Read the story on other sources:

BBC: UN warning over Turkey bird flu

Reuters: Turkey steps up efforts to halt bird flu outbreak

CNN: Turkish bird flu 'may be endemic'

BLOOMBERG.COM: Human Bird Flu Cases May Exceed 150, Experts to Meet

Related News:

Alert and Measures

New Avian Flu Case in Turkey

Related Links:

Ministry of Health and Social Solidarity

Hellenic Centre for Infectious Diseases Control

[03] Films and Sports Events on PC Films on PC

By Annita Paschalinou

Sources: Sky Broadband

From now on, subscribers of digital platform Sky News will be able to watch films on their PCs free of charge. The new service is entitled sky by broadband and subscribers can legally download films and excerpts from great sports events, such as Champion Leagues games. The online film library includes 1000 films ranging from blockbusters to classics. A necessary precondition is a high-speed connection and installation of Windows XP.

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

Read the story on other sources:

BBC: Sky launches film download site

[04] From the Ministers of Justice and Public Order Briefing on Abductions Issue

By Despina Hristopoulou

Sources: NET, ANA

Ministers of Justice and Public Order Anastasis Papaligouras and Giorgos Voulgarakis are briefing the relevant Parliamentary Committee on the issue of Pakistani abductions. The Minister of Public Order gave information over actions of security authorities, which conducted investigations to foreigners this summer. Minister of Justice Anastasis Papaligouras briefed the MPs on the progress of the investigation in development by the judicial authorities. In particular, Mr Voulgarakis explained that the Greek authorities conducted investigations related to activities of persons residing in Greece, concerning the terrorist hit in London. In the context of the investigations, more than 5,000 foreigners were interrogated and more than 2,000 summoned, without anything concerning emerging.

"No Secret Agreements"

"Not us, nor any other Greek government could have resorted to masks, hoods or other James Bondesque methods, not only on reasons of principle, but because our system allows us to fulfil our goals legally and effectively," observed Mr Voulgarakis.

In fact, the Minister attributed the expansion of rumours over Pakistani immigrants abductions to a small minority of the Hellenic National Intelligence Service (NIS) "who refuse to adjust to the national role constituted by their services during the previous years, as well as the general stance of Mass Media, some of which demonstrated irresponsible and criminal behaviour."

On his part, Minister of Justice explained that there is no lack of cooperation between the Ministry and the corresponding Ministry of Public Order and underlined that the "Government proposing the judicial investigation, opposed dangerous rumours by legality."

Moreover, he noted "independent Justice will perform its duty without interventions from anyone," while referring to idle talk over the existence of secret agreements of Greece with foreign countries in the context of the fight against terrorism, said there are no such agreements.

"The Government, with repeated statements, has explained that it wished for the clarification of complaints from Justice, which actually has heard two cases in question," noted Government spokesperson Theodoros Roussopoulos.

Asking for Voulgarakis' Resignation

In the meantime, following the Committees meeting in Parliament, PASOK through Miltiadis Papaioannou asked for the resignation of Minister of Public Order Giorgos Voulgarakis. "We do not trust that Mr Voulgarakis can secure the safety of the citizens and the security of the country," stated Mr Papaioannou and added that what will follow is an issue of Mr Voulgarakis and the Prime Minister.

"Voulgarakis resignation or claiming responsibility," noted Mr Papaioannou "will mean that the Prime Minister does not tolerate such occurrences, such as the case of the Pakistani immigrants and that they will not be repeated in the future."

Moreover, he noted that PASOK was not satisfied by the discussion, underlining that as long as the people do not learn the truth and no one claims responsibility over the specific case the issue remains open. He also accused Messrs Voulgarakis and Papaligouras that they chose the way of political escape in todays procedure and did not answer the questions posed.

The only positive development in the procedure, noted Mr Papaioannou, is that Mr Voulgarakis refuted the existence of secret agreements in the strongest terms.

The Left: Secret Services are Active

During her meeting with Prime Minister Kostas Karamanlis, KKE General Secretary Aleka Papariga referred to the issue, and said that he replied as he has positioned himself and as has his Government previously. "We said that we didnt know if the Minister of Public Order knew, but Secret Services have acted and are active in Greece," noted Mrs Papariga. In the meantime, in a letter sent today to President of the EU Parliament Josep Borrell, SYN EU Parliamentarian Dimitris Papadimoulis briefed him over the issue of the Pakistanis and proposed the case be investigated in the context of a relevant probing Committee, which the European Parliament established with a decision on December 15.

The SYN EU Parliamentarian in his letter to Mr Borrell connected the abduction and interrogation case of the Pakistani immigrants with the transportation case of terrorism suspects in secret prisons throughout Europe, which were conducted with the guidance of US Secret Services.

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

[05] Karolos Papoulias' Meetings Briefing on Development and Defence

By Despina Hristopoulou

Sources: NET, ANA

President of the Republic Karolos Papoulias held consecutive meetings with the Ministers of Development and National Defence. Mr Sioufas briefed the President over the energy and development programme of Greece, in view of his official visit to Italy in January, and voiced his confidence that 2006 will be an important year for development. The Minister stated that the Government has set the bases for the improvement of competitiveness and the reinforcement of development, adding, "we will continue with changes and reforms, which will transform the country into a leader of developments in the broader area, whilst securing new prospects in economy, which will bring about new employment positions."

Social Character

Mr Spiliotopoulos presented the new structure of Armed Forces operation to the President, noting their mission is not only avoiding social confrontations, but also of a social character. Moreover, he briefed him on the goals of the Ministry of National Defence for 2006. Mr Spiliotopoulos announced that on January 19 he will accompany the President of the Republic on the fleets submarine, while their flight in a training air craft, cancelled due to the weather conditions, will be performed on another day.

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

[06] Pavlopoulos KEDKE Meeting Code Running the Stretch

By Vagelis Theodorou

Following a meeting with the Interior Minister, the President of the Central Union of Municipalities and Communities of Greece (KEDKE) voiced his satisfaction over the scheme of the new Code of Municipalities and Communities. Following the meeting between Minister for the Interior Prokopis Pavlopoulos with KEDKE, the new Code of Municipalities and Communities is running the stretch and is expected to be submitted to Parliament during the coming days. President Paris Koukoulopoulos voiced his satisfaction over the final scheme "which resolves an important number of problems of Local Self Government," while Mr Pavlopoulos noted that the consensual climate formed will assist the implementation of a new scheme for smooth running and longevity. Referring to the discussion over the review of the Consitution Mr Koukoulopoulos queried why there is not reference to the boost of decentralisation with the transfer of authorities and stated that KEDKE will announce its proposals shortly. Replying, the Minister for the Interior stated that the Code includes important arrangements towards that direction, such as the subsidiary of the State and the documentation of Local Self Governments Association, while reminding that Article 102 of the previous review included many important improvements for Local Self Government.

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

Related Links:

Ministry for the Interior

KEDKE

[07] He Will Testify on Coming Monday New Deadline for Giosakis

By Vivian Papastefanou

Sources: NET

Detainee Archimandrite Iakovos Giosakis accused of his involvement in the extrajudicial clique, requested and received a new deadline, the third in a row, by the appellate examiners. Giosakis will finally testify on coming Monday at 10am, while he filed lawsuits against those, who, as he claims, are also involved, but have not been called to testify. Lawyers Giaggo Labiri, Christina Valinaki and appellate examiner I. Sideris are included among them.

In the meantime, lawyer Christina Valinaki issued an announcement reading, "The judicial officers, including myself, ought to serve Justice and contribute to the clearing-up of cases which undermine its prestige. Regarding the uproar currently created, as long as Justice calls on me, I will offer my testimony, I will do my duty both as a civilian and as a lawyer."

Translated by Areti Christou

[08] Juncker Alogoskoufis Meeting

Sources: ANA

Today, from Luxemburg where he held a meeting with President of Eurogroup and Prime Minister of Luxemburg Jean-Claude Juncker, Minister of Economy Giorgos Alogoskoufis repeated the commitment of the Greek Government over the decrease of the fiscal deficit below 3% of the GDP in 2006. All issues concerning the Eurogroup in the following semester and mainly the evaluation of reform and development programmes and stability of all countries were at the focus of the discussion. As Mr Alogoskoufis stated during his meeting with Jean-Claude Juncker, he had the opportunity to analyse all initiatives taken by the Greek Government and the decrease of the deficit, as well as reforms in the context of the Lisbon Strategy, in order for Greece to exit the procedure of the excessive deficit.

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

[09] Optimism Over the Course of 3rd CSF High Absorbance Rates

By Dimitris Alexopoulos

In a Press conference related to the issue, Deputy Minister of Economy Christos Folias appeared optimistic over the course of materialisation of the third Community Support Framework. As he stated, absorbance from 21.5% in March 2004 reached 42% in December 2005. Mr Folias voiced his satisfaction over the great progress achieved during the previous months, both in the absorbance issues from the 3rd CFS funds and the organisation of managing the "third packet." Moreover, he voiced his wish for the investment of the last remaining euro, as he said, and not expenditure. The potentials are great, noted the Deputy Minister, since the environment has reformed, further on stating that the absorbance in the Information Society from 11% in March 2004 has reached 33%. Chief of the Economy Department of PASOK Vaso Papandreou had a different view, as she spoke of "a seeming increase mainly due to the massive incorporation of works materialised with national funds in previous years to the CSF."

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

[10] Hassling Win for AEK

By Stathis Petropoulos

Even the repeat game of 1-1 at OAKA in Rizoupolis was not enough for AEK to overcome the obstacle of Ethnikos in the Greek Cup. The games 90 minutes found the team tied 0-0 while in the 30 minutes of added time the score was once again a tie 1-1, thus the qualification was judged in the penalties for AEK, which may have celebrated and enjoyed it but it cost more on the part of tiredness and hassle. AEK was constantly in the attack as of the first 15 minutes of the game, however the unyielding defence of Ethnikos, and its players bad choices did not allow it to take the lead. Actually, it should even complain since a penalty was not given when Tzimas touched the ball with his hand. The second was in the second half when a hand once again passed unnoticed by Kakos. In the added time, in fact, AEKs opportunities reached their peak with a spectacular move by Cirillo, however, Ethnikos in one of the two cases and with the well-known tactic of counterattacks could have caused damage.

The Penalties ETHNIKOS-AEK 0-1 Katsouranis Out Morales 0-2 Dellas 1-2 Da Silva 1-3 Kontis 2-3 Petrov Blocked by Julio Cesar 3-3 Dovas 3-4 Cirillo Out Kouboulis

Referee: Kakos (Corfu)

Yellow cards: Papapanagiotou, Karamalikis Pliatsikas, Pliatsikas

Ethnikos: Thomopoulos, Papapanagiotou, Tzimas, Kallipolitis (60 Morales), Vidalis, Da Silva, Petrov, Damiano (110 Dovas), Anthoulis (46 Kouboulis), Stratakis, Karamalikis

AEK: Chiotis, Kontis, Dellas, Cirillo, Tziortzopoulos (63 Georgeas), Katsouranis (91 Kyriakidis), Pliatsikas, Lakis, Julio Cesar, Lyberopoulos, Soares (79 Venglinskyi)

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

[11] Hollywood's Top 10 Worst Dressed 2005

By Annita Paschalinou

Sources: Reuters - Vogue

The moment of truth for the ladies of Hollywood and showbiz is here, as fashion designer Blackwell published his annual "Worst Dressed" list. His old time favourite, Britney Spears, known for her bad taste in clothes, topped the 2005 list. Blackwell described her as going from "the princess of pop to the ultimate fashion flop," while he placed Mary Kate Olsen, one of the twins who shot to fame through various TV series and movies, in second place.

"Praise" for Every One of Them

"It is time for her to fire her stylist and separate from her designer," he said about Jessica Simpson, who came in third place.

Next on the list was Eva Longoria, better known as Gabriel in "Desperate Housewives."

"She has a beautiful face, but her taste is garish. What a shame," commented Blackwell.

He also unleashed some of his venom on Mariah Carey, whom she praised for her talent in music, but not her stylistic choices.

Paris Hilton appeared in sixth place, since, as Blackwell said, "She still looks like yesterdays cheesecake, with a side of kitsch," while he called Anna Nicole Smith a "Queen Kong in cheap lingerie," placing her seventh.

The last three places were shared by Shakira, Lindsay Lohan and Renee Zellweger.

Translated by Vicky Ghionis

Read the story on other sources:

ABC News: Britney Spears Tops 'Worst Dressed' List

[12] Asked for the Repeal of the Film Industry Bill Alavanos Film Directors Meeting

By Vagelis Theodorou

Following a meeting with the Union of Greek Film Directors, SYN President Alekos Alavanos asked for the repeal of the bill by Deputy Minister of Culture Petros Tatoulis on the film industry and the formation of another proposal with the participation of all interested bodies. As Mr Alavanos stated, the advanced bill takes the side of big businessmen of Greek film industry and voiced the Governments intention to control the film industry. "We ask for a new proposal which will create a model of survival and development for the Greek film industry, reinforcing culture and education, which is non-existent, reinforcing initiatives, such as film clubs, a film archive and library and will mainly give a financial basis for the development of Greek cinematography," stated the President of SYN among others.

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

[13] Between Prime Minister and KKE Secretary General Meeting on Constitution

By Mary Lou Tzempelikou

Sources: NET, ANA

Greek Premier Kostas Karamanlis met on Wednesday with KKE Secretary General Aleka Papariga, in the context of the governments open dialogue on Constitutional Review. Upon exiting Maximos Mansion, Mrs Papariga declared that her party opposes the promoted Constitutional Review, not because it is unnecessary, but because it is to raise reactionary measures, however, she noted that KKE will release its official stance on the issue when the time is right. "KKE opposes the observance of legitimacy, for reactionary laws are voted for daily," Mrs Papariga argued, underlining that there is no legitimacy when civil rights are violated. During their meeting, Mrs Papariga also made a reference to the "anti-communist memorandum" of the European Council and requested Mr Karamanlis vote against it. Mr Karamanlis is scheduled to meet with PASOK leader George Papandreou on coming Monday.

Related News:

Dialogue on Constitutional Review

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