The Hellenic Radio (ERA): News in English, 06-01-22

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

CONTENTS

[01] 32-year-old Woman Undergoing Tests H5Ν1 Case in France?

By Vagelis Theodorou

Health authorities in France are alarmed, as a 32-year-old woman, who had recently returned from a trip to Turkey, showed symptoms reminding of bird flu. According to the Police and the Health Ministry, the 32-year-old woman, whose identity still remains concealed, has been subjected to all necessary tests in a Montpelier hospital to see if she has been infected with the H5N1 strain of the bird flu virus. The results of the first tests came out negative, however the woman is in isolation and has been given antibiotics, while the results of further examinations are due later on Sunday. The 32-year-old woman had just returned from Tarsus, Turkey, where she saw many dead poultry. However, according to the National Health Institute (Institut de Veille Sanitaire), the conditions of her trip seem to have favoured her exposure to the bird flu virus.

It should be noted that at least 21 bird flu cases have been reported in Turkey and five people, mainly children, have lost their lives, while the deadly H5N1 cases around the world have exceeded 80.

Translated by Sofia Soulioti

Read the story on other sources:

BBC: France tests woman for bird flu

France 2: Suspiscion de grippe aviaire sur une Franηaise

[02] Kapa Research Opinion Poll "Yes" to the Review

By Vagelis Theodorou

Θετικά κρίνει η πλειοψηφία των Ελλήνων την πρωτοβουλία του Πρωθυπουργού για αναθεώρηση του Συντάγματος, σύμφωνα με δημοσκόπηση της Κάπα Research που δημοσιεύεται στο "Βήμα της Κυριακής". Όπως προκύπτει, το 50,1% των ερωτηθέντων τάσσεται υπέρ των αλλαγών στο Σύνταγμα, αν και το 69,8% δηλώνει καθόλου ή λίγο ενημερωμένο για τα θέματα της Αναθεώρησης, έναντι 25,6% και 4,5% που δηλώνει αρκετά και πολύ ενημερωμένο αντίστοιχα. Επίσης, η έρευνα καταγράφει μεγάλο ποσοστό αποδοχής από την κοινή γνώμη στα θέματα για τα οποία προτείνεται να υπάρξουν αλλαγές, όπως η άρση της μονιμότητας στο Δημόσιο, ενώ καθολικό είναι το αίτημα για Αναθεώρηση με συναίνεση, αν και ένας στους δύο ερωτηθέντες θεωρεί πως στη σχετική συζήτηση θα επικρατήσουν "μικροκομματικές σκοπιμότητες".

Main Changes

According to the opinion poll, the most important changes are the establishment of non-public universities and the foundation of a Constitutional Court (38.6%), the lift of Parliamentarian immunity (26.2%) and the lift of the permanent working status in the Public Sector (26.2%)

In fact, the overwhelming majority agrees with the above-mentioned changes. A typical example is the lift of the permanent working status in the Public Sector, which is approved by 77.3% of the people that took part in the poll.

What is more, 68.3% think the President of the Republic should be directly elected by the people, while 41% feel there should be no issue of separating the State and the Church, while 33.5% feel otherwise.

39.2% think ND's proposals are more complete, while only 15.5% feel so for PASOK, 5.1% for KKE, 1.5% for SYN and 1% for LAOS.

Translated by Sofia Soulioti

[03] To Elect the New President Portugal to the Ballots

By Vagelis Theodorou

Some 9 million voters are called to the ballots today to elect the new President of Portugal in the first round of Presidential elections. Ballots will close at 20:00 (CET), while voters will be able to cast their votes for an extra hour on the Azores Islands. The main candidates for the Presidential office are two politicians who starred in the 80s and 90s; 66-year-old centre-right former Prime Minister Cavaco Silva, who is in the lead as per opinion polls and 81-year-old socialist former president Mario Soares. Other claimers to the presidential throne are 69-year-old Socialist parliamentarian Manuel Alegre, Communist Party leader Jeronimo de Sousa and Francisco Louca. If none of the candidates manages to get the majority of votes (ie 50%), elections will take place on 12 February between the two first candidates.

However, according to four opinion polls released on Friday, Mr Silva has a clear lead of 52%, followed by Manuel Alegre with 16.2% to 20.6%, Mr Soares with 12.4% to 16.9% and Messrs Sousa and Louca with a little over 6%. Still though, 25% of those asked, had not still made up their minds.

Translated by Sofia Soulioti

Read the story on other sources:

Le Monde: Le candidat de droite, M. Cavaco Silva, part favori pour le premier tour du scrutin presidentiel

BBC: Portugal votes for new president

Publico: 8.993.770 eleitores escolhem hoje o Presidente

[04] Before French Prosecutor on Wednesday

By Tina Valaoura

On Saturday, remand-in-custody former examiner Konstantina Bourboulia met with her mother, sister and French lawyer at Fresnes high-security jail on the outskirts of Paris, to plan their next moves in view of the trial that will determine her extradition to Greece. Konstantina Bourboulia, who has been convicted for the Greek stock exchange scandal and is accused of implication in the extra-judicial network, will appear before the French appellate prosecutor on Wednesday asking not to be extradited. Her lawyer, however, informed her that the Greek bill of indictment is fully substantiated and the only thing they could get is a 40-day delay before ruling. E also said the French authorities are high unlikely to accept her request for temporary release.

Translated by Sofia Soulioti

[05] Both Car Passengers Died Car Accident in Schimatari

Sources: NET

A couple died in a car accident that occurred today at 14:30 (CET) in Pantichi village, on the road from Schimatari to Chalkida. For yet unknown reasons, the car veered off its course at the 4th km of the Schimatari-Chalkida national highway and collided with a KTEL bus en route to Athens. Three passengers on board the bus were slightly injured and taken to hospital for precautionary reasons, but will soon return to their homes.

Translated by Sofia Soulioti

[06] Georgia and Armenia without Natural Gas Cut in Gas Supply due to Explosions

By Vagelis Theodorou

An investigation is underway in North Ossetia, after two explosions knocked out the Mozdok-Tbilisi natural gas pipeline on Sunday morning, resulting in gas cuts in Georgia and Armenia. According to the footage aired by local television, the point of the explosions is a mountainous passage. Members of the Federal Security Agency rushed to the scene in order to examine all the possibilities, while sabotage has not been ruled out. In fact, Russias Prosecutor described the attacks as deliberate, while Emergency Ministry spokesperson Vladimir Ivanov declared that the possibility of a terrorism attack is being investigated, but it was too early yet to draw any conclusions.

Georgia depends exclusively on Russia for its natural gas needs, while Armenia uses Russian natural gas, imported via Georgia, so the cut in supplies will create many problems, since both countries are experiencing extremely cold weather, with the temperature at -7 degrees Celsius in Tbilisi. Georgias reserves are enough for just one day and the local authorities are trying to import natural gas from neighbouring Azerbaijan, a procedure that is expected to take at least three days. On the other hand, Armenia is using its natural gas resources, while the Authorities urged the citizens to reduce power consumption.

As per the international news agencies, natural gas pipelines have been targeted in the past, but this is the first time that there is a cut to the supply.

Translated by Vicky Ghionis

Read the story on other sources:

The Moscow Times: Russia launches investigation into gas pipeline explosion

[07] Funeral Scheduled for Thursday Lament for Rugova

By Vagelis Theodorou

The members of the Kosovar Albanian community are about to pay their last respected to their president, Ibrahim Rugova, who passed away yesterday of lung cancer. According to the Kosovar news agency "Kosovalive", the funeral of the deceased will take place on Thursday and not Wednesday, as was originally planned. And while flags are at half-mast, thousands of people are flooding central squares to lit a candle in Rugovas memory. Kosovar Prime Minister Bajram Kosumi, joined by the Cabinet and representatives from other political parties, were among the crowd. At the same time, processes are underway for Rugovas successor and the Parliament is called to make a relevant decision in three months time. Until then, Parliament Speaker Nexhat Daci will act as interim president.

Condolences by Mr Karamanlis

Greek Prime Minister Kostas Karamanlis expressed his deepest condolences to the family of the deceased and to the people of Kosovo.

"I would like to express my sincere sorrow for the death of President Ibrahim Rugova after suffering for too long. In Kosovo's recent turbulent history, President Rugova was more than a beloved scholar, he was also a calm and lucid political leader, who was respected and loved by his people and the international community."

Translated by Sofia Soulioti

Read the story on other sources:

Reuters: Kosovo mourns Rugova, searches for a successor

Related News:

Ibrahim Rugova Passed Away

[08] Just a Training Session for AEK

By Stathis Petropoulos

AEK had the opportunity to complete a great training session in Galatsi Indoor Hall, as it defeated Larissa by 105-69 in round 12 for the Greek A1 basketball championship. Unstoppable Chalmers scored 30 points (21 in the first half) with 6/8 three-pointers. The home team demonstrated who the boss was right from the start, accomplishing their mission quickly and easily. The score per period: 28-14, 53-29, 73-54, 105-69

Translated by Vicky Ghionis

[09] Nail-bitter in Larissa

By Stathis Petropoulos

Panellinios remained on its course for a place in the top four, after defeating Olympia Larissa with 68-67 in round 12 of the Greek A1 basketball championship. Argyris Pedoulakis team equalled Aris and Maroussi in third place, while it was the second loss this season for Vaggelis Alexandris squad. It was a very close game and neither team managed to score a significant lead at any point, while the victory came down to the last few seconds. The score per period: 17-18, 38-39, 54-53, 67-68.

Translated by Vicky Ghionis

[10] Kolossos Lost Fighting

By Stathis Petropoulos

The lack of strength in the last period cost Kolossos victory in the match against Olympiacos for match day 12 of the Basketball championship. This was the 10th win for Olympiacos, who finally prevailed over the home team 72-84, and now they are enjoying the top of the scoreboard, at least temporarily, as Panathinaikos have one game less. Kolossos, on the other hand, remain at the bottom. The score per period: 25-24, 43-47, 58-61, 72-84.

Translated by Sofia Soulioti

[11] Third Sunday in January Memorial Service for Terrorism Victims

Greek Education Minister Marietta Giannakou announced that from now on, the third Sunday in January will become the official day of remembrance for the victims of terrorism. This morning, Mrs Giannakou, along with other officials, attended the annual memorial service for Thanos Axarlian and other victims of terrorist attacks, which took place in the Piraeus Cathedral and was officiated by Metropolitan Bishop Kallinikos. "Remembering is the best way to head into the future; taking into account the errors and omissions that have been made, but also gaining an established right that relates to Democracy," noted Mrs Giannakou. On her part, Axarlians mother declared that the memorial service aims at reminding that Greek society and not just the people are victims of terrorism. Others who attended the commemoration ceremony where Deputy Defence Minister and victim of terrorism Vasilis Michaloliakos, Deputy Speaker of Parliament Giannis Tragakis, ND Parliamentarian Panos Kamenos, former Parliamentarian and victim of terrorism Mr Papadimitriou, and the British Ambassador to Athens.

Translated by Vicky Ghionis

[12] In Lasithi, Crete Tragedy With Climber

42-year-old Giorgos Souvlatzis lost his life, when a group of four climbers got trapped in an inaccessible area at the Lasithi plateau on Crete. On Saturday afternoon, the group tried to pass from the Limnakaro area towards the Afentis Christos peak on Dichty mountain, but were trapped due to the bad weather conditions. The climbers managed to contact the Fire Service in Lasithi and a rescue operation started at once with the participation of the EMAK (Hellenic Rescue Team). After long hours of efforts, the rescue crews managed to reach the trapped climbers. However, it was too late for the 42-year-old, who was injured, while the other members are safe and sound. The body of the unfortunate climber was taken to the University Hospital on Crete, where doctors will perform an autopsy.

Translated by Sofia Soulioti

[13] At Least 35 Injured Bloody Protest in Bangladesh

By Vagelis Theodorou

Roads in the capital of Bangladesh turned into a battlefield on the occasion of today's strike. More than 35 protestors were injured, most of them seriously, when the police clashed with them, using tear gases, wire netting and violence to disperse the crowds. Some 3,000 activists protested against the new electoral lists, which favour the governing party. In fact, Opposition members asked for the resignation of three Electoral Committee officials, who are accused of being controlled by the Government. Sunday is a working day in Bangladesh and the strike paralysed the entire country. Schools and businesses remained closed, while there were no operational means of transport in over 60 cities. Some 7,000 policemen have been deployed around the country for fear of new violent incidents.

Translated by Sofia Soulioti

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