The Hellenic Radio (ERA): News in English, 06-01-27

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

CONTENTS

[01] Weather Conditions Are Improving Problems "Melting" Down

By Dimitris Alexopoulos

Weather conditions are getting better throughout Greece, following the grave problems bitter cold left in its wake. Some 56 villages across the country are still snowbound, while the road axis connecting Chalkida to Aidipsos before the village of Mantoudi remains closed. In the Attica basin, some parts of the Pentelis Streets and Parnithas Avenue are still closed. Drivers travelling on the Varibobi Street all the way to Tatoiou Street had better use snow chains, whose use is also imperative in the bulk of the regional road axis, since the snows have not yet melted. PPC crews have applied themselves to painstaking efforts to fix the power shortages reported on Evia and the islands of Kefalonia and Ithaca. So far, 40% of the power network has been reinstated on both islands, whereas full restoration is not expected until Sunday.

Power Generators on Kefalonia and Ithaca

The Civil Protection Authority ordered the immediate transfer of power generators to cope with the power shortages still hampering the two Ionian islands of Kefalonia and Ithaca.

Within the next 24 hours, some 26 generators are expected to be dispatched to the two islands.

At the same time, by the decision of the Public Power Corporation (PPC), the collection of bills expiring in January and February are to be called off.

Furthermore, all overdue tax obligations of the residents of the two much affected islands are suspended for late February, whereas the payment of their contributions to all social security funds for late April.

Deputy government spokesman Evangelos Antonaros made it cleat that the Prefect of Kefalonia never filed a request to declare the Prefecture in a state of emergency.

Referring to the power shortages reported on the island, he argued that 40% of the power network has already been reinstated on both islands, adding that 100 PPC special personnel are on the island painstakingly working to fully reinstate the entire power network.

When questioned about PPCs executive adviser Mr Maniatakis appearance on TV on Thursday, the Deputy government spokesman claimed that everyone drew his conclusions and that PPCs Executive Adviser demonstrated the seriousness and responsibility once more.

Finally, when questioned whether responsibilities will be attributed, he replied that, for the time being, what really matters is repairing the damages.

PASOK parliamentarian Anna Diamantopoulou, who visited Kefalonia leading a PASOK panel, spoke of lack of coordination, while KKE secretary general Aleka Papariga requested the Prefecture be declared in a state of emergency.

Satisfaction Over Response

At the same time, a K-Research opinion poll demonstrated that six out of ten citizens are quite satisfied with the way the state authorities responded to the problems caused by the inclement weather conditions. In particular 66.5$ of the participants in the poll said they were satisfied, compared to 31.1% who thought otherwise.

Furthermore, some 52.9% viewed the governments response as better, as opposed to 19.9% who claimed it was worse than before.

Finally, when asked to compare and contrast between the current and the previous government, 40.5% of the participants were of the opinion that NDs government performed better.

The K-Research opinion poll was conducted over the phone on a sample of 1,200 people.

Translated by Areti Christou

Related News:

Compensations in Three Months

Bitter Cold Subsides

[02] For Much Affected Farmers Compensations in Three Months

By Dimitris Alexopoulos

Sources: ÍÅÔ-ÍÅÔ 105.8-ANA

All farmers who were seriously affected by the recent inclement weather conditions will be compensated in three months time, underlined Rural Development and Food Minister Evangelos Basiakos, adding that ELGAs (Hellenic Organisation of Agricultural Insurances) crews will start recording the damages as soon as snow melts down. Regarding the damages on agricultural buildings, including stables, henhouses and bams, as well as damages on animals or harvests, Mr Basiakos noted that the Ministry of Rural Development is to draft a special programme, which will be submitted to the EU to get authorised. As per an announcement issued by the Ministry built upon the figures provided by ELGA, the severe weather conditions have seriously damaged wheat crops in central and north Greece, citrus trees, as well as vegetables.

Translated by Areti Christou

[03] For the Shaping of Government Hamas Awaiting Order

By Vagelis Theodorou

Analysts are voicing their uncertainty over the developments in the Middle East after the emergence of Hamas in the Palestinian Parliamentary elections, while Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas announced that he will give the order for the shaping of government in a few days. "Up to now I have not asked for the shaping of government from anyone, but I will surely ask of it by the majority," said Mr Abbas. Earlier, high-ranking Hamas official Ismael Haneya stated that he had asked for a meeting with the Palestinian President in the coming days, over the creation of a new administration. At the same time, the international community is numbly watching the developments, while Israel explained that it will not sit at the negotiating table with Hamas.

Awaiting Developments

As per analysts, international diplomacy for the Middle Eastern issue is at the verge of a nervous breakdown, fearing the end of the peace procedure after Hamas overwhelming victory, which ensured 76 out of the 132 seats of Parliament, as opposed to 43 of Palestinian Presidents party, Fatah.

Many foreign leaders, as well as the Quartet (UN, EU, USA, Russia) are focusing on persuading the organisation, which believes in the destruction of Israel and is responsible for most suicide attacks, to become more temperate and denounce violence.

Moreover, many are voicing fears over an internal Palestinian clash. The explosive atmosphere is indicative in the Palestinian turf by the exchange of fire between Hamas and Fatah supporters, near Han Unis, which resulted in the injuring of three persons. Moreover, thousands of Palestinians, shouting slogans and firing shots in the air, protested outside Mr Abbas home, demanding his resignation from the Fatah leadership.

Actually, the EU, which had funded Palestinians with 280 million euros last year, warned that funds will be cut if Hamas does not conform to advices over temperament, while a similar stance is expected to be kept by the US, as per statements by State Department spokesperson Sean McCormack, who said "we will reinvestigate all sides of the programme," adding that the US will not fund terrorist organisations, including Hamas.

"The electoral result is respected," stated alternate Greek Government spokesperson Evangelos Andonaros, adding that Hamas should implement the fundamental democratic principle of rejecting violence, which will contribute to the resolution of the problem. On his part, President of PASOK George Papandreou asked for an opportunity to be given to Hamas, in order for it to show its real intentions over the peace process and the abolishment of violence.

China, through its Foreign Ministry, hailed the impartial conduction of elections, urging Hams to find a peaceful solution to the dispute with Israel.

On its part, Turkey stated that it is ready to act as a "go-between" to Israel and a Hamas Palestinian government, as announced by Turkish PM Recep Tayyip Erdogan, in the context of World Economic Forum in Davos.

Israel Rejects Negotiations

At the same time, interim Israeli PM Ehud Olmert warned that his country will reject any negotiation with a Hamas Palestinian leadership, a stance which the political spectrum of Israeli agrees with.

Moreover, Mr Olmert repeated Israels focus to the Roadmap, the UNs peace plan for the Middle East, and called on the international community to not allow a terrorist organisation to participate in a government of international legality. In fact, Minister of Foreign Affairs Tzipi Livni will hold contacts with the Quartet and European FMs in the coming week.

As Israeli radio broadcast, the interim PM held discussions over Hamas win with Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak and King of Jordan Abdullah II. Mr Mubarak stated that he will hold discussions with the Palestinian administration next week, while the Jordanian King called on Palestinians to claim their responsibilities.

In the meantime, two months before the March 28 elections, the Israeli right-wing accused the Government of contributing to the Hamas win by stepping down to violence and making a unilateral withdrawal from the Gaza Strip last September.

Hamas win apparently has consequences in the political scenery of Israel. As per an opinion poll by Yediot Ahronoth newspaper and Dahaf Institute, Ariel Sharons party, Kadima, is reinforced further, earning 44 seats, as opposed to 21 of the Labour party and 13 of the governing Likud.

However, in an interview to Italian newspaper La Repubblica , exiled leader of Hamas Khaled Meshaal rejected the Roadmap and the disarm of the organisation, while he descried a coalition government with Hamas as premature.

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

Read the story on other sources:

Yiediot Ahronoth: Olmert demands Hamas disarm

New York Times: Palestinian Leader to Ask Hamas to Form a New Government

Le Monde: Pourquoi le Hamas a gagne

The Australian: Israelis warn of terror on doorstep

Der Spiegel: Warum sich die Hamas zu Tode siegen konnte

Related News:

Pressures for Disarmament

[04] Rises in Fruits and Vegetables Due to Bitter Cold Frost Caused Price Hike

By Vagelis Theodorou

Sources: NET

The bitter frost and the damages they caused to the crops hiked the prices of fruits and vegetables. Both at the Varvakio market and the rest of the open-air markets, the available quantities of fruit and vegetables are limited, for they were destroyed by the frost, while their prices are rather steep. The destructions were even worse in Marathonas Viotia and Argolida, the areas that mainly supply the Athens market. Rises have also been reported on products that had been long collected and stored in fridges, as well as on products cultivated in greenhouses. The relevant authorities have intensified the inspections to avert any profiteering phenomena, while consumer unions advise people to be quite cautious.

Checks Intensify

The rise in prices is mainly detected in vegetables, which are exposed to the cold.

Thus, cabbages reached 0.80 eurocents from 0.60, lettuces 0.90 eurocents from 0.50, while leeks and celery 1,40 euros from 1.

Refrigerated produce, such as carrots and tangerines are sold in higher prices, while increases are detected in greenhouse produce such as tomatoes, which are sold for 1.50 euros.

The destruction caused by the bad weather resulted in the multiplication of imports, which has consequences on the prices. For example, Greek parsley and dill were sold for 0.50 eurocents, while imported cost 0.70 eurocents.

Imports are usually made from northern Africa, Italy, Spain and Israel. The quantity of vegetables derived from Turkey has decreased due to the lengthy customs procedures by avian flu inspections.

However, prices are stable in some fruits, such as oranges and apples, which are sold for 0.60 eurocents and 1 euro respectively.

Sellers estimated that if the cold continues in the next days, prices will be increased further.

In an emergency circular sent to the Municipalities, the Minister of Development asked for continuous and thorough inspections in the market.

Related News:

Problems "Melting" Down

Compensations in Three Months

[05] Greece Stands Chances for EURO 2008

By Ilias Papaioannou

Todays draw for the EURO 2008 qualifying competition in Montreux, Switzerland, built up reigning European champions Greece hope to qualify and defend their trophy. Otto Rehhagels squad was drawn to overcome Turkey, Norway, Bosnia/Herzegovina, Hungary, Malta and Moldova in Group C. Being the holder of EURO 2004 trophy, Greece avoided playing against the Netherlands, Portugal, England, the Czech Republic, France and Swede. The first two teams from each Group, as well as Austria, and Switzerland, the countries to host the tournament, are to progress to the finals automatically.

The Groups

Group A Portugal Poland Serbia/Montenegro Belgium Finland Armenia Azerbaijan Kazakhstan

Group B France Italy Ukraine Scotland Lithuania Georgia Faroe Islands

Group C Greece Turkey Norway Bosnia/Herzegovina Hungary Moldova Malta

Group D Czech Republic Germany Slovakia Republic of Ireland Wales Cyprus San Marino

Group E England Croatia Russia Israel Estonia FYROM Andorra

Group F Spain Denmark Latvia Iceland Northern Ireland Liechtenstein

Group G Netherlands Romania Bulgaria Slovenia Albania Belarus Luxemburg

Rehhagel: "We Fear no Opponents"

Speaking on NET, coach of Greece Otto Rehhagel claimed that what it is not the opponent that matters, but the team to be ready on time, instead. At the same time, the man behind the wonder achieved in Portugals football pitches advised the Greek fans to be optimistic and called on them to stand by the team during the preliminary phase.

"It is not an easy group, yet we stand pretty good chances to advance," argued Mr Rehhagel shortly after the draw and then went on to say, "Right now we fear no opponent. We will be prepared as best as possible to book the ticket for the next round. It is not the opponent that really matters, but our state during the tournament," underlined the German couch, whom Germanys coach Jurgen Klinsman called "his mentor."

Nikopolidis: "There Were Even Harder Groups"

Speaking on NET, Greek players Antonis Nikopolidis and Traianos Dellas appeared optimistic over Greeces qualification to the EURO 2008 finals. The Greek goalie, whose amazing triple save stole the show in the recent "LG Cup" in Saudi Arabia, underlined that it is a somewhat easy group that resembles the one for the World Cups preliminary round. "We (Greece), Turkey and Norway will play for the two first places. The draw was ok and we have to perform well to qualify. There were even harder groups," concluded Nikopolidis.

On his part, AEKs defender, Traianos Dellas agreed with his team-mate in the national team that Greece, Turkey and Norway would battle for the first two places. "Turkey and Norway are very good teams and along with us (Greece) they will claim the first two places that lead to the finals. However, these are nothing but words, since we have to prove ourselves in the football pitches."

Translated by Areti Christou

[06] Scenarios over Government Reshuffle Political Proceedings

By Dimitris Alexopoulos

Sources: NET, NET 105.8

Scenarios over changes in the governments formation are firing up. Kostas Karamanlis consecutive meetings with his Ministers during the previous days, the return of the President of the Republic from his official trip to Italy tomorrow afternoon, and the statements of high-ranking Government officials indicate that a reshuffle is being prepared at Maximos Mansion. However, the Government rushed to refute relevant scenarios. Alternate Government spokesperson Evangelos Andonaros stated, "Whatever the Prime Minister has stated are in force," adding, "The reshuffle is solely a privilege of the PM."

Statements by Ministers

Giorgos Souflias voiced his certainty over a reshuffle.

"A reshuffle is necessary to a government, which has been in power for two years," stated the Minister of Public Works, adding, "During this time, the Prime Minister has reached his conclusions and will proceed with the structural changes needed."

This morning, the Prime Minister held consecutive meetings with Giannis Varvitsiotis, Dimitris Avramopoulos and Fani Palli Petralia.

Regardless that only official issues were on the meetings agenda, the journalists insisted on the reshuffle.

"The Prime Minister estimates and analyses situations and if he judges as necessary, he will take his decisions and you learn about it then," stated Minister of Tourism Dimitris Avramopoulos.

Alternate Minister of Culture Fani Palli Petralias statements were along the same lines, noting, "The first and last word on the reshuffle always belongs to the Prime Minister." "The issue solely concerns the Prime Minister," stated head of the European Parliamentarians Ioannis Varvitsiotis.

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

[07] A State of Emergency Should Be Declared KKE's Proposals for Kefalonia and Ithaca

By Despina Hristopoulou

Sources: NET - ANA

As per an announcement issued by KKE, general secretary Aleka Papariga was fully briefed on the situation on the islands of Kefalonia and Ithaca by Interior Minister Prokopis Pavlopoulos and Development Minister Dimitris Sioufas over the phone. Mrs Parariga asked that a state of emergency be declared and immediate financial restitutions and reductions to apply for low-income earning families, professionals, tradesmen and farmers. In addition, she asked that special care should be provided to the students at Kefalonia Technological Institute. Furthermore, addressing the Development Minister, she raised the matter of dealing with the serious and age-old problem of power supply to the islands and the frequent power cuts, irrespective of the current problem, while she said that the power cables should run underground. Messrs Sioufas and Pavlopoulos briefed Mrs Papariga on the efforts being made, agreed that emergency measures should be implemented and reassured her that they would take her proposals into consideration. Finally, KKE announced that it would be raising the matter in Parliament.

Translated by Vicky Ghionis

[08] With Varvitsiotis, Avramopoulos, Petralia Greek Premier's Contacts

By Vivian Papastefanou

Sources: NET,ANA

The constitutional review topped the meeting held in the morning at Maximos Mansion between Greek Prime Minister Kostas Karamanlis and the head of the ruling partys MEPs Ioannis Varvitsiotis. Upon exiting Maximos Mansion, Mr Varvitsiotis told reporters that a solid review is needed for a Constitution with vision and future. When asked if he discussed the issue of a cabinet reshuffle with the Prime Minister, he said that they did not, noting that the issue falls under Mr Karamnlis jurisdiction, when asked if a MEP moves to a Ministry, Mr Varvitsiotis said that since the cabinet reshuffle issue was not brought up he has not a say in it. Kostas Karamanlis then met with Tourism Minister Dimitris Avramopoulos and Deputy Culture Minister Fani Palli-Petralia. Exiting the meeting, Mr Avramopoulos argued that it was the current affairs, as well as the escalation of the advertisement campaign that topped the agenda. In a question on the possibility of cabinet reshuffle, he pointed out that he discussed no other matters with Mr Karamanlis and added, "When the Prime Minister decides to go on with the reshuffle, I will be informed on that along with the reporters." Furthermore, he mentioned that his Ministrys policy is built upon a ten-year programme, noting that only time will show who are to handle it. Mr Karamanlis recent trip to China mostly drew the attention during his meeting with the Deputy Culture Minister, providing, at the same time, the directives for promoting agreements closely related to the Ministry of Culture. Referring to the constitutional review, Mrs Petralia praised the fact that the fixed-term contracts are to be based on hierarchy, while on the issue of reshuffle, she underlined that the first and last say rests with the Prime Minister. At the same time, Mrs Petralia underscored that the switch of 1,450 contracts of hourly-waged personnel to fixed-term ones appeared on the official gazette. This is an important achievement and further 1,500 ones are to follow, argued the Deputy Culture Minister.

Translated by Areti Christou

[09] Tragic Ambulance Accident

By Betty Savourdou

Sources: NET

On Friday afternoon, the transport of a patient suffering from serious heart problems, from Kalamata to Athens, on an Emergency Service (EKAV) ambulance had a tragic result. The vehicle overturned at Nemea, when, as per sources, one of its tires burst. The patient passed away just as he was being transported to the Corinth hospital, while the driver and the two chaperones suffered light injuries. A postmortem will be conducted on the deceased in order to conclude the exact causes of death.

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

[10] Imported Products Weighing 275 Tonnes Rejected Unsuitable Foodstuffs Confiscated

By Tina Valaoura

Sources: ANA

The inspections of the Ministry of Rural Development crews bore new "fruit," since in mid-January, more than 275 tonnes of foodstuffs were confiscated, in customs, due to unsuitableness. They are derived from vegetables and animals and are: 16,960 kilos of squid from India, 12,104 kilos of corned beef from Argentina, 15,916 kilos of white sheep cheese from Bulgaria, 6,848 kilos of shrimp from Senegal, 1,364 kilos chilli from India, 74,492 kilos of peanuts from China, 19,958 kilos of pistachios from the USA, 1,408 kilos of crackers from Singapore, 17,500 kilos of pistachios from Iran, 68,430 kilos of coffee from Vietnam, 5,000 of tomato seeds (propagating material) from the USA and 38,000 kilos of citron peel in saltwater from Brazil.

Deputy Minister of Rural Development and Food Alexandros Kontos repeated that the main priority is the protection of health and consumers interest and moreover, spoke of the intensification of inspections.

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

[11] At the Age of 75 Johannes Rau Passed Away

By Vagelis Theodorou

Former President of Germany Johannes Rau breathed his last on Friday aged 75. As announced by his office, he passed away in his house in Berlin, suffering from chronic health problems and after undergoing two operations. A member of the Social Democrat Party (SPD), Rau was one of the most popular German politicians. In fact, voters called him "brother Johannes" and Der Spiegel magazine described his as a "royal citizen." His successor to the Presidential seat, Horst K&#246;hler, personally condoled the deceaseds family, while German Chancellor Angela Merkel stated that the country has lost an eminent personality.

A Few Words About Rau

The son of a Protestant pastor, Rau, was born in Wuppertal-Barmen, now North Rhine-Westphalia, on January 16, 1931.

He abandoned school and before getting involved in politics, he worked as a journalist. In 1969 he was elected Mayor in his birthplace and in 1978 became Prime Minister of North Rhine-Westphalia, the richest and most industrialised state of Germany.

In 1987, he asserted Chancellorship with SDP, however, he lost by Christian Democrat candidate Helmut Kohl. He continued exercising his Prime Ministerial duties until 1998.

In 1990, he was elected President of Germany, a seat he resigned from in 2004, thus ending his political career.

Rau was the first President of Germany, who speaking in his native tongue at the Israeli Parliament, on 16/2/2000, apologised about the Holocaust. Moreover, he frequently travelled to Poland, in an effort of reconciling a nation, which the Nazis tried to destroy.

Johannes Rau was married to Christina Delius and the father of three children.

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

Read the story on other sources:

Die Welt: Trauer um Johannes Rau

Der Spiegel: Johannes Rau ist tot

Reuters: Ex-German President Johannes Rau dies aged 75

[12] Dialogue in 2006 "Social Security Issue a Time Bomb"

Sources: NET, ANA

Minister of Economy Giorgos Alogoskoufis described the social security issue as a time bomb, which at some point will explode if the necessary measures are not taken, voicing the need for a dialogue between social bodies and parties to proceed within the year. Speaking at a seminar entitled " A Difficult 2006: A Year of Challenges for the Greek Economy," the Minister also referred to the challenges of the economy in 2006 and the establishment of two tax factors, as of 2007, which are 25% for incomes up to 23,000 euros and 35% for higher incomes.

Legislative Initiatives for the Economy

Referring to the economic challenges of 2006, Mr Alogoskoufis said that a series of legislative initiatives are being programmed, aimed at the optimum efficiency of economy and the resolution of the pasts problems.

The initiatives include:

The formation of a Fiscal Inspectors Body, through which the inspection of Public Sectors expenditure will be secured and the optimum handling of subordinate funds. The utilisation of Public Sectors assets securing highest efficiency for the department and consequently the better management of public property. The reformation of the law on the Community Support Framework (CFS) and the promotion of the National Support Framework. The reformation of the law on the Community Support Framework (CFS) and the promotion of the National Support Framework.

Shortly after, Mr Alogoskoufis held a meeting with Minister of Employment Panos Panagiotopoulos over issues concerning the implementation of the reform over the social security of banks.

On his part, Mr Panagiotopoulos briefed the Minister of Economy over issues, which will submitted at the National Employment Committee for labour issues on Monday.

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

[13] Return to the Pitch

By Vasilis Kalpinos

The 17th round of A Division Championship, following a break due to the Greek national football teams duties in the Saudi Arabian tournament, includes important games. Difficult times are ahead for Olympiacos and AEK, which will face Panionios in Nea Smyrni on Monday, and Iraklis in Thessaloniki on Sunday, respectively. The "red and whites" are aiming to another win, which will maintain them at the top of standings. The only problem is Erol Bulut, who did not train on Thursday and Trond Sollied is waiting for the Turkish player, in order to see if he will include him in the team lineup. On the other hand, Panionios is after a win, as it ranks at the bottom of the standings and having recently acquired Luciano in its team lineup, is hoping for the best. AEK wants a win against Iraklis, a strong team in the Championship, and Fernando Santos has Emerson all ready to play and aimed at winning. The curtain will unveil with Akratitos vs Egaleo and Kallithea vs Larissa on Saturday.

The Rest of the Games

Panathinaikos is after a winning streak, as it will welcome Ionikos. After the defeat by Olympiacos, the "greens" are far-off the title, but as everyone in the team stated, "we will fight it and see," which means that a win is imperative. Mikael Nilssons return to the team line-up is a positive point.

In the remainder of games, Xanthi will face OFI, and Atromitos PAOK, while the game between Levadiakos and Apollon Kalamaria is cancelled due to the unsuitability of the stadium, by the snowfall.

The 17th Round's Games

SATURDAY

17:45 (Ano Liosia) Akratitos vs Egaleo Alpha

19:00 (Kallithea) Kallithea vs Larissa Supersport 1

SUNDAY

14:45 (Pigadia) Xanthi vs OFI

14:45 (Livadia) Levadiakos vs Apollon Kalamaria

16:45 (Peristeri) Atromitos vs PAOK Alpha

19:00 (Êáftatzoglio) Iraklis vs AEK Alpha

19:30 (ÏÁÊÁ) Panathinaikos vs Ionikos Supersport 1

MONDAY

21:00 (Panionios GS) Panionios vs Olympiacos Alpha

Standings

Team: Pld, W, T, L, GS, GA, Pts

1. Olympiacos: 16, 14, 14, 0, 35, 9, 42 2. AEK: 16, 12, 3,1, 23, 8, 9 3. Panathinaikos: 16, 9, 3, 4, 26, 15, 30 4. PAOK: 16 ,7, 6, 3 ,26, 15, 27 5. Xanthi: 16, 7, 4, 5, 19, 15, 25 6. Iraklis: 16, 7, 4, 5, 17, 17, 25 7. Ionikos: 16, 5, 7, 4, 23, 21, 22 8. Egaleo: 16, 5, 7, 4, 13, 17, 22 9. Atromitos: 16, 6, 3, 7, 18, 18, 21 10. Larissa: 16, 5, 5, 6, 17, 20, 20 11. Kalamaria: 16, 5, 4, 7, 11, 22, 19 12. Levadiakos: 16, 3, 5, 8, 10, 17, 14 13. Panionios: 16, 3, 3, 10, 11, 25, 12 14. OFI: 16, 2, 6, 8, 10, 21,, 12 15. Akratitos: 16, 2, 4, 10, 8, 20, 10 16. Kallithea: 16, 1, 6, 9, 12, 24, 9

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

[14] At the Athens Concert Hall ERT's Special for the Mozart Year

By Mary Lou Tzempelikou

In the context of the events for the Mozart Year, ERTs Musical Ensembles will perform a concert on Saturday 4 February at 20:30 in the Athens Concert Halls Friends of Music Hall. In the first part of the concert, ERTs National Symphony Orchestra will perform the Serenade for strings "Eine Kleine Nachtmusik" (A Little Music Night K. 525), one of Mozarts most popular pieces. Then, the audience will hear the piece "Solemn Vespers" (K. 339) for choir, soloist and orchestra, which will be performed for the first time ever in Athens. In the second part of the concert, the Orchestra will perform the Introduction to the opera Don Giovanni, as well as Symphony No. 41 "Jupiter", Mozarts last symphony and one of the leading pieces in the history of music.

The following distinguished soloists will perform during the concert:

Sonia Theodoridou Soprano Giannis Giannisis Baritone Anna Filandrinou Alto Michalis Dimitrakos Tenor

Antonis Kontogeorgiou is ERTs choir master, while Nikos Christodoulou is the musical director for the concert.

Tickets are available at the Athens Concert Hall.

Ticket prices: 20, 15, 11, 6, 3.50 (students)

Translated by Vicky Ghionis

[15] The Three Afghan Illegal Immigrants Tested Negative to Avian Flu

By Dimitris Alexopoulos

Sources: ÍÅÔ-ÍÅÔ 105.8

The Greek Health authorities came up against serious commotion when three of the five Afghan illegal immigrants, who were located inside a truck coming from Turkey, were initially tested positive to avian flu. The national action plan called "Artemis" was immediately activated, however, as Health Minister Nikitas Kaklamanis announced, the results of the cross tests yielded in the early hours of Friday were negative. Mr Kaklamanis voiced his satisfaction over the quick and prompt response of the state authorities. The 14 seamen of the Turkish ship that sank off the island of Skopelos were also tested negative to the H5N1 strain.

Translated by Areti Christou

[16] Summit of Balkan Transport Ministers A New Leaf for Railway Transport

By Vivian Papastefanou

During a Summit Meeting today in Athens, presided by Michael Liapis, Ministers of Transport, of the Member-States of the Interbalkan Cooperation, agreed on the creation of a high-standard railway network, which will cross southeastern European countries. During the Summits proceedings, the Ministers of Transport from Albania, FYROM, Bulgaria, Romania, Turkey, Serbia Montenegro, Bosnia Herzegovina, Croatia, Moldova and Greece agreed to cooperate for the promotion of railway transport competitiveness in southeastern Europe, improving the quality of existing services and importantly decreasing travel time in main parts of the railway network in the area.

M. Liapis: Agreement is Bold Attempt

The plan will be completed in two stages, as it includes a network of 14 railway axis. The first stage is expected to be completed in 2013 and the second in 2020. In the first stage, as it is referred to in the Cooperation memorandum signed, there will be moderate intervention for the increase of passenger trains speed to 130m/hour, aimed at 160km/hour, even 220km/hour in some parts of the network, while the speed of cargo trains will be adjusted accordingly. Moreover, it is foreseen that obstacles in cross-border transit will be restricted or obliterated, the simplification of procedures, synchronisation of works deadlines carried out or programmed in bilateral or multilateral levels, as well as finding new funding formations (EU and international funding organisations). During the Summits proceedings, Greece was appointed the Presidency of the Administrative Committee, which will promote the materialisation of the agreement, as well as the Technical Secretariat. Mr Michael Liapis voiced his satisfaction over the agreement achieved and described it as a bold attempt for the upgrade of transport infrastructure in SE Europe, the promotion of railway transport as an environmentally-friendly means, promotion of tourism, as well as a viable economic growth and Greece playing a main role in the areas development. This afternoon, the Ministers of Transport will attend a concert at the Syntagma Square metro station.

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

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