The Hellenic Radio (ERA): News in English, 06-01-21

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

CONTENTS

[01] Between Greece and China Boosting Collaboration

By Tina Valaoura

Sources: ÁNA - ÍÅÔ 105.8

Speaking at a business conference in Shanghai, the last stop of his official visit to China, Greek Prime Minister Kostas Karamanlis extended an invitation for boosting the economic relations between Greece and China. "I strongly believe that there are many margins available for the further growth of our economic relations. My visit constitutes the last step of an effort that our economic diplomacy started a while ago and the commencement of a partnership that we believe will bring significant, , mutual and beneficial results for both sides," said the PM. He further added that the aim is to boost Greek exports of goods and services, stimulate collaboration and attract Chinese investments. Specifically, the PM referred to the areas of shipping, transports and trade, and mainly agricultural products, energy, tourism and constructions. In concluding, Mr Karamanlis urged the businessmen to focus their investment interests in the Greek market, pointing out the benefits of post-Olympic Greece, the stable environment, the infrastructure, the tax reforms, the new investment law and the countrys geostrategic position. Later on, the PM visited the Mayor of Shanghai, who hosted a luncheon in his honour, while he concluded his three-day trip to China with visits to the TV tower and the citys exhibition centre.

Landmark Visit for Greek-Chinese Relations

From the 468-metre high Oriental Pearl TV tower, Mr Karamanlis marveled at the views of Shanghai and witnessed the citys growth. Earlier, he had visited the citys exhibition centre and saw models and 3D pictures depicting the new infrastructure works underway, as well as the history of Shanghai.

The PMs wife, Natasha, had a different schedule. She visited a model school, where the students can develop their talents in over one hundred different activities, including music, theatre, dancing and technology.

During a discussion with reporters in the morning, the PM appeared satisfied with the results of his trip, while he voiced the belief that that there will be positive developments in shipping and tourism. He also stressed that all his contacts included specific talks and plans for a closer collaboration between the two countries on the economic and trade sectors. Referring to the agricultural products, he noted, "Greater effort, persistence and continuity are needed so that Greek agricultural products, such as olive oil, can conquer the people of China." Asked to comment on whether a government reshuffle would take place on 14 February, Mr Karamanlis answered, "I am not giving any dates."

Earlier, in Beijing, Mr Karamanlis had met with the countrys President Hu Jintao. The two men confirmed the excellent relations between the two counties, which are based on strong foundations that ought to be developed, while they also pointed out the historical progress and the culture of the two nations. Furthermore, the Greek PM spoke of a "landmark visit."

Referring to the political matters, Mr Karamanlis stressed that both countries associate closely with the UNs Security Council, while he noted that their views are similar in many areas. In addition, the PM thanked the Chinese President for his stance on the issue with Cyprus.

Moreover, Mr Karamanlis repeated Greeces stance on matters troubling China. "With regard to the issue with Taiwan, I confirmed our fixed stance in favour of one China and our opposition to Taiwan becoming independent. With regard to lifting the EUs weapons embargo against China, I voiced the Greek governments favourable stance on the matter, noting, however, that the embargo will be lifted once the changes on some points of the code of conduct are concluded."

In addition, he supported Chinas request to the EU for granting the country free-market status, underlining, "The Greek government supports the relevant dialogue and will contribute actively."

According to information, during the meeting, the Chinese President focused especially on shipping matters, while referring to tourism, he mentioned that he encourages the Chinese to travel to Greece.

Yesterday, Mr and Mrs Karamanlis visited the Great Wall of China. The PM was given a tour of the historic monument, while he wrote in the visitors book, "After 27 years, it is touching to return to one of the most impressive monuments built by man ever." He then visited the Forbidden City.

Translated by Vicky Ghionis

Related News:

Greek Premier in Beijing

[02] 54 Illegal Aliens Quarantined Rescued from the Freezing Water

By Tina Valaoura

Sources: Greek Mercantile Marine Ministry

The alarm was sounded last night at the Mercantile Marine Ministrys Search and Rescue Coordination Centre when a Turkish ship notified the Greek authorities that two inflatable boats were running adrift some nine nautical miles east of Cape Kafireas. Port Authority patrol boats rushed to the scene immediately and recovered 57 illegal aliens (all male), three of whom were dead. In addition, many of them were in poor physical condition.

This morning, the patrol boats sailed into the port of Lavrio, and after implementing the necessary protection measures against communicable diseases, they led the immigrants to the Municipality of Lavreotiki engine shop, where they were examined by doctors and were given first aid, food and water. The 54 illegal aliens were fairing well, apart from two, who were transferred to Amalia Fleming Hospital to undergo further treatment.

The bodies of the three dead immigrants were transferred to the Athens Morgue for post-mortems.

The two inflatable boats were impounded, while Lavrios Port Authority is conducting a preliminary interrogation.

Translated by Vicky Ghionis

[03] PASOK Leader on Education

By Vivian Papastefanou

Sources: ANA

Addressing an event organized by PASOKs education sector along with teachers and professors, PASOK leader George Papandreou accused the government of trying to manipulate education and undermine its financing. The way ND perceives education, said Mr Papandreou, enhances social inequalities, offers high-standard education to the rich and low-standard to the socially weak. Referring to public and private universities, he underlined that PASOKs keynote pillar is the state universities, as well as free access to non-state but state-funded universities. Furthermore, he blamed the businessmen arguing that private capitals have to invest in education. The Greek businessmen, he noted, have failed to live up to that demand. He finally claimed that all parties are to be held equally responsible for the current situation in the universities.

On her part, PASOK parliamentarian responsible for education Mrs Maria Damanaki elaborated on PASOKs proposals on education, pointing out that the Greek universities fail to meet modern needs and that they have to go a long way to meet the challenges of the future.

Translated by Areti Christou

[04] Praising Islamist Militants Al Zawahri's Message

Just a day has gone by since Osama bin Ladens warning of new attacks against the USA, and Al-Qaedas scond-in-command Ayman al-Zawahri posted a new message on the Internet singing the praises of the Islamist militants in Afghanistan. The voice heard sounds like that of Zawahris and according to the website, the message is new. However, this information has not yet been confirmed. "I am honoured to recite this Jihad poem," he said, praising the mujahedeen fighters. "We will keep our oath alongside the Afghan mujahedeen."

In Washington DC, a US official, who requested his name not be revealed, argued, "We are aware and are examining it."

However, it is still not clear whether the tape was recorded after the US air strike in Pakistan targeting Al Zawahri last week.

[05] Deadline for US Journalist Expired

By Vivian Papastefanou

The deadline given by the captors of American journalist Jill Carroll, 28, expired today. Her captors had threatened on Tuesday to kill her unless all Iraqi female prisoners were freed within 72 hours. However, it has not yet been made public if Carroll is still alive. A rather influential Shia leader made a plea for her release, and so did her father while speaking on Arab television networks. It is noted that the Al Jazeera television network had broadcast on Tuesday a brief video showing Carroll surrounded by armed men. US officials stressed there are no plans to release female detainees, contrary to statements by the Iraqi Justice Ministry.

Translated by Areti Christou

Related News:

Six Female Iraqi Detainees Freed

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