The Hellenic Radio (ERA): News in English, 06-01-30

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

CONTENTS

[01] G. Papandreou of the Socialist International Elected to Presidency

By Vicky Keleri

Sources: NET-ANA

PASOK leader George Papandreou was unanimously elected President of Socialist International. In his speech, Mr Papandreou thanked the members and referred to the priorities of Socialist parties in the globalisation era, as well as the their differences from Conservative political formations. Moreover, the leader of the Main Opposition voiced the need for strengthening common will for the creation of a more peaceful world with greater collaboration, which he described as the most urgent problem in reinstating the balance between economic production and social justice. "The moral obligation to revive a responsible policy on environment and developing countries, rests with us, the socialists," said the President of PASOK, among others, noting that the moral duty of the Socialists is to revive political life and give hope to the world, bringing the citizens to the focus of the political agenda. President of the Republic Karolos Papoulias hosted a reception in honour of the leaders of the Socialist International.

Reception at Presidential Mansion

On Monday evening, the President of the Republic, in the presence of Prime Minister Kostas Karamanlis, hosted a reception for the leaders participating in the Socialist International Council. George Papandreou, who accepted Mr Papoulias' congratulations on his election as President of the Socialist International, escorted the foreign officials to the Presidential Mansion.

The President of the Republic and the Prime Minister spoke with all foreign leaders and exchanged views on the developments in international issues.

The reception was attended by General Secretary of Socialist International Luis Ayala, President of the European Socialist Party Paul Rasmussen, Prime Minister of Portugal Jos&#233; S&#243;crates, President of Serbia Boris Tadic, Prime Minister of Bulgaria Sergei Stanishev, former Prime Minister of Italy Massimo Dalema and President of the Turkish Socialist Party Denis Baykal, among others.

Minister of State and Government spokesperson Theodoros Roussopoulos, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Panagiotis Skandalakis, Secretary of ND's Central Committee Vangelis Meimarakis, former Prime Minister Kostas Simitis, MPs and members of the diplomatic body, also attended the reception at the Presidential Mansion.

Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew sent a congratulatory letter to the President of PASOK.

Translated by Areti Christou

Related News:

"We Can Change the World"

[02] EU and the USA Pressure Hamas Financial Aid Under Conditions

By Vagelis Theodorou

International pressure intensifies towards the winner of Palestinian Parliamentary elections, Hamas, in order to exhibit temperance, an issue that the EU and the USA are connecting to financial aid. In a meeting of the 25 EU Foreign Ministers in Brussels, they called on Hamas to renounce violence, recognise Israel and adhere to the Oslo agreements, in order for EU financial aid to continue, which in 2005 reached 400 million euros. On the part of the US, White House spokesperson Scott McClellan reiterated the countrys refusal to offer financial aid to the Palestinian Authority if Hamas forms a government and continues to believe in the destruction of Israel, however, disassociating the distribution of humanitarian aid to the Palestinians. Earlier, both Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas and Hamas called on the international community to not cut-off aid. The situation forming in the Middle East will be at the focus of the Quartet (UN, EU, USA, Russia) convening in London.

Awaiting the New Government

Following the meeting with the German Chancellor, Mr Abbas stated that he will hold a meeting with the winner of the elections over the forming of government in two weeks.

"The European Union expects the new Palestinian assembly to support the formation of a government committed to a peaceful and negotiated solution of the conflict with Israel," stated Austrian Foreign Minister Ursula Plassnik.

Moreover, Mrs Plassnik voiced EUs support to Mr Abbas, adding that the Union is ready to continue supporting the Palestinians financial growth and the creation of a democratic state.

The statements of French Foreign Minister Philippe Douste-Blazy were along the same lines, who described the threats of cutting-off of aid as unproductive, particularly before the new Palestinian government is formed.

In an interview given in London, US Secretary of State Condoleeza Rice supported that all western countries have the same view on Hamas, and are expecting its actions, adding that they all desire "for a Palestinian government pledging for peace with Israel."

Referring to the Palestinian elections, spokesperson of the Greek Foreign Ministry Giorgos Koumoutsakos stated that our country hailed the smooth procedure, adding that Hamas should renounce violence and to recognise Israel, as "this is the only way for a common and acceptable solution to be found."

In the meantime, two Hamas officials, Khaled Abu Anza and Assad Abu Abed, were wounded in a drive-by shooting at Khan Younis, south of the Gaza Strip. As per Hamas officials, Fatah is behind the attack, while no organisation has claimed responsibility thus far.

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

Read the story on other sources:

Ha'aretz: Condoleezza Rice: U.S. wants countries to cut off aid to Hamas

Le Monde: Mahmoud Abbas determine a rester a la tete de l'Autorite palestinienne

Der Spiegel: Das Hamas-Dilemma

[03] Awaiting a Hit by Nyxem Three Times... a Virus!

By Tina Valaoura

Internet security companies have sounded the alarm of the speedy expansion of a virus called Nyxem-E, which is infesting Windows. The virus initially appeared on 16 January, while it is programmed to take action on 3 February overwriting 11 types of files, among which Word, Powerpoint, Excel and Acrobat. The companies advised users to safeguard their PCs with anti-virus systems, renewing or reinforcing existing software, and meticulously look of any threatening signs.

The virus circulated with the names, Blackmal, MyWife, Kama Sutra, Grew and CME-24, infecting via emails, in the form of attachments with pornographic content such as Hot Movie*", "Fw: SeX.mpg", "Re: Sex Video", "Miss Lebanon 2006", "School girl fantasies gone bad", or "Fw: Funny :)", "Fw: Picturs". Once the user opens the attachment the virus enters the computers address book and starts sending copies of the email to other recipients. Moreover, it can infect other computers on the same local network. Firstly it tries to deactivate any anti-virus protection or its automatic update and secondly the operation of the mouse or screen.

Nyxem-E also posts a report for every new infection it causes on a website with a counter, which records the number of victim PCs. A few days ago, the counter showed some million, which as per Lurhq Company is not realistic since many of the virus reports are false. The company spoke of 300,000 infected PCs, as per its research. Whoever has been infected, which are usually home users who are less careful, should take their measures soon enough. The virus is programmed to overwrite 11 types of files on 3 February and every third of the month. The files and their acronyms are:

DMP - Oracle files DOC - Word document MDB - Microsoft Access MDE - Microsoft Access/Office PDF - Adobe Acrobat PPS - PowerPoint slideshow PPT - PowerPoint PSD - Photoshop RAR - Compressed archive XLS - Excel spreadsheet ZIP - Compressed file

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

Related Links:

F-secure

Lurhq

[04] Excellent Bilateral Relations Karamanlis-Stanishev Meeting

By Annita Paschalinou

Sources: NET - ÁNA

The discussions during the meeting in Athens between Greek PM Kostas Karamanlis and his Bulgarian counterpart Sergei Stanishev focused on bilateral and regional matters, as well as the prospects of boosting trade relations between Greece and Bulgaria. In statements they made a little after the meeting, the two PMs referred to their excellent bilateral collaboration, which, as per the Greek Premier, is becoming closer. Mr Karamanlis also announced that he will visit Sofia on 14 April. As for the regional matters, the talks focused on the issue with Kosovo, with both PMs having similar views. On his part, Mr Stanishev, who is visiting Greece to attend the proceedings of Socialist International, thanked the PM for Greeces support in Bulgarias accession to the EU.

Similar Views on Kosovo

Both Premiers voiced their joint will to support the European prospects of the countries of the western Balkans.

The PM repeated Greeces stance "in favour of a multicultural Kosovo that will respect human and minority rights," while he underlined that the future regime will have to "be compatible to the principles and values of the EU, and promote stability and safety in the area."

On the other hand, Mr Stanishev underlined the excellent bilateral relations between the two countries, while, with regard to Kosovo, he mentioned, "The standards and the historic monuments have to be forgotten, so that the people of Kosovo can live in peace and tranquility, irrespective of the religion or nationality they belong to."

Translated by Vicky Ghionis

[05] In Reference to the Concentration of Mass Media Mass Media Dialogue Begins

By Mary Lou Tzempelikou

Sources: NET, ANA

On coming Thursday, the public dialogue of the bill over the concentration and registration of Mass Media begins. Minister of State Theodoros Roussopoulos called on political parties to appoint a representative for the discussion. A letter sent to the parties referred to the first stage of the discussion, with the participation of involved bodies on 16 January, while a third stage will take place following the dialogue with the parties, during which, a new discussion will take place based on the consolidation of the proposals already submitted. The preparation of the bill and the briefing of the Institutions and Transparency Committee will follow, where MPs will be able to express their views. During the briefing of political reporters, Mr Roussopoulos referred to digital television, which he described as "a long-forgotten case," which during NDs rule proceeded to such a degree, that three new digital channels are now digitally broadcast by ERT. On Monday, Mr Roussopoulos delivered the building on 6 Pindaros Street, where the seven provincial Mass Media Associations will be housed.

The Minister of State said that following the relevant pre-election pledge by the Government, the building was rented by the Press Communication and Briefing Secretariat, in order to facilitate the needs of provincial Mass Media offering studios and conference rooms and suggested for it to be named "the House of the Province."

Mr Roussopoulos was toured in the areas of the building and upon reaching a fully equipped radio and television studio remembered his journalistic past. Services of the Athens News Agency were housed in the building previously.

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

[06] At the National Bank of Greece Building Fire on Panepistimiou Street

Shortly after 10pm, a fire broke out in a branch of the National Bank of Greece on 40 Panepistimiou Street, at the arcade of Orfeas Theatre, in the centre of Athens, after petrol bombs were thrown by unknown perpetrators. Due to the thick smoke, two persons were trapped in offices of the 6th floor, who were later on rescued by a Fire Service truck. 21 firemen and seven fire engines took part in the extinguishing operation and set the fire under control, while the traffic of vehicles was stopped at Syntagma Square.

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

[07] Thanks to the Intervention of Authorities Internet Suicide Prevented

Sources: NET

A 13-year-old, who wanted to commit suicide, was rescued thanks to the intervention of the Electronic Crimes Squad. The case was revealed when policemen of the squad read the teenagers blog, where he stated his intentions and traced his whereabouts. An alarm sounded and the 13-year-old was located within four hours. Following, his family and the Juvenile Prosecutor were informed, while the boy is under psychological observance. As experts noted, parents should keep a good communication with their children and supervise them when surfing the Internet. Moreover, they should install special software, designed to block access to undesired websites and to check their childrens web activities.

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

[08] At Metro Train Stations New Ultra-Modern Parking Lots

By Anna Kourti

Sources: NET

Overground and underground parking lots will be constructed in the new metro train stations in 2007. Parking spaces near stations of the Metropolitan Railway will be doubled, while transfer stations to ETHEL buses are foreseen. Currently, parking lots ensure a space for 2,100 drivers, while in the end of 2007 will exceed 5,200. At Nomismatokopio, the parking will be overground and underground with 600 spaces and will operate with the new station. Apart from the above station, other overground metro train parking lots will operate in Eleonas, Chaidari, Anthoupolis, Elliniko and Argyroupolis. At the intersection of Iera and Pireos Streets, in Keramikos, an underground parking lot with 285 spaces will be constructed and will be ready in mid 2008.

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

[09] Three Persons Wounded Explosion in Adana, Turkey

By Anna Kourti

Sources: Reuters

On Monday noon, a strong explosion occurred at a building housing a Turkish-US association in Adana, south of Turkey. Three persons were wounded, while a fire broke out and was soon put under control. The Authorities are on a manhunt in order to locate a man suspect. Up to the moment, no organisation has claimed responsibility of the explosion. The building, in which the explosion occurred, is in the centre of Adana, while the air base of Incirlik, which is used by the US Army for the refuelling of its forces in Iraq and Afghanistan, is also situated in the area. Moreover, a US consulate is located in Adana.

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

[10] Statements by Alogoskoufis-Panagiotopoulos Social Security at the Focus

By Vagelis Theodorou

The Greek Minister of Employment and Social Protection, Panos Panagiotopoulos, repeated his assurances that the social security issue will not be affected before the end of the governments four years in office, adding that the proposals of all the parties will be judged by the voters in the elections. As he noted, private companies have a lot to offer towards social security, but its character has to remain social and public. Economy Minister Giorgos Alogoskoufis also referred to the same issue, stressing that the relevant dialogue would not start from zero and would not lead to a reversal of the system.

At the same time, Mr Alogoskoufis referred to the problems faced by social security funds, pointing out that, among other issues, they demonstrate a proportional deficit of 400 billion euros. As per the Economy Minister, who described social security as a "time bomb", it is in danger of collapsing in about 20 years, thus mild and targeted interventions are necessary.

"The Governments policy is the actual time bomb, as it wants to blow up the employees social security and pension rights, which they wrested after tough and bloody struggles," commented Panagiotis Lafazanis, member of SYNs Political Secretariat.

Translated by Vicky Ghionis

[11] Following the Snowfall High Prices and Compensations

By Mary Lou Tzempelikou

Sources: NET

Following a meeting in Eastern Attica Prefecture on Monday, with the participation of President of the Hellenic Agricultural Insurance (ELGA) Nikos Katsaros, Minister of Rural Development Evangelos Basiakos announced that farmers, stricken by the wave of bad weather, and whose crops were destroyed, will be compensated within a trimester. Mr Basiakos visited crops and greenhouses in Marathonas, where lettuce, aubergines and broccoli were destroyed, while no damage to greenhouses was reported. In the meantime, the recording of damage in all areas stricken by the frost has begun, while the payment of ELGA compensations are being speeded-up. At the same time, prices of fruits and vegetables in the markets remain high, while imports of agricultural products have increased, in order to cover needs. The organisation for consumers advised for a market investigation before shopping, while wholesale sellers in the fruit and vegetable market in Rentis spoke of deceiving cases in outdoor markets and an organised illegal trade ring.

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

[12] Euroleague Final Four in Athens

By Ilias Papaioannou

Euroleague Basketball CEO Jordi Bertomeu officially announced on Monday that the Final Four for 2006-07 will take place in Athens. During a joint Press conference at the Athens City Hall, Athens Mayor Dora Bakoyianni and Jordi Bertomeu signed the memorandum for the hosting of the 2007 Final Four. Panathinaikos BC President Pavlos Yanakopoulos also attended the event. He pledged to undertake the business and financial risk of the venture, while he promised to host the greatest European Final Four in the history of the event. The official announcement was made before the Deputy Minister of Sports, Giorgos Orfanos, while others who were invited to the Press conference were: Olympiacos BC President Sokratis Kokkalis, AEK BC President Giannis Filippou and Vice-President Giannis Granitsas, and Panellinios President Minos Kyriakou.

Translated by Vicky Ghionis

[13] Programme of 18th Round of Matches

By Stathis Petropoulos

The battle for second place for the 18th round of matches will escalate on Saturday, since the organising authority of A Division Championship includes the matches of Egaleo vs AEK and Panathinaikos vs Levadiakos. The game in the Stavros Mavrothalassitis Stadium will begin at 17:45, while the game in OAKA at 19:15. The remainder of games will take place on Sunday, and the ones standing out will be the UEFA derby, which is PAOK vs Iraklis, while Olympiacos will once again play on a Monday, due to the Cup game with Xanthi vs Kallithea at Karaiskakis Stadium.

The Programme

SATURDAY 4/2 Egaleo vs AEK (S. Mavrothalassitis) 17:45 Supersport Panathinaikos vs Levadiakos (OAKA) 19:15 Supersport

SUNDAY OFI vs Atromitos (Pagritio) 14:45 Larissa vs Akratitos (Alkazar) 14:45 Apollon Kalamaria vs Xanthi (Ap. Kalamarias) 17:45 Alpha PAOK vs Iraklis (PAOK) 18:00 Supersport * Ioniko vs Panionios (Neapolis) 19:00 Supersport

MONDAY 6/2 Olympiacos vs Kallithea (G. Karaiskakis) 21:00 Alpha

*The game PAOK vs Iraklis will take place behind closed doors.

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

[14] No Sex Until Elections Chastity Pledge for Elections

By Tina Valaoura

Sources: BBC

Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi made the most unusual on-air announcement/pre-election pledge to popular television preacher Massimiliano Pusceddu, as per newspaper Il Giornale. During an event in Sardinia, when Father Pusceddu praised the PM as a guardian of family values and an adversary of gay marriages, the Italian PM responded in the most zealous of ways, pledging before God and citizens "two and a half months of complete sexual abstinence until April 9."

The pre-election commitment by Silvio "Mr Temperate" Berlusconi surprised everyone. In fact, many are the times he has been criticised over the use of sexual innuendos or sexist jokes. Last June, he said that he used "playboy" tactics to convince Finnish President Taria Halonen to abandon her demand for the housing of the European Food Organisation in Helsinki, while in 2003 he argued with US leading investors that his country has " beautiful secretaries... superb girls." International correspondents say that the list goes on.

The 69-year-old politician left his wife 27 years ago and is now married to former actress and blonde bombshell Veronica Lario, and per the correspondents he considers himself a ladies man and does not hide his coquetry. It is reminded that in the previous five years he has recorded two cds with love song, while in 2004 he underwent a rejuvenating face lift. It is understandable that many temptations are looming until the elections on April 9. However, if he withstands and fulfils his pledge to the fullest, then surely the night of April 9 will be filled with rewards for his efforts, even if it not by the Italian voters.

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

[15] On Tuesday, 31 January KEP on Strike

Sources: NET

On Tuesday, 31 January, Citizens Service Centres will not operate due to the 24hour strike announced by its employees reacting to the laying-off of 1,000 employees and demanding that the number of positions announced to cover every employee. In an announcement, the General Confederation of Labour (GSEE) voiced its support to the fight of the employees, while Deputy Minister for the Interior Apostolos Andreoulakos explained that the 1,000, out of the 3,000 KEP employees, are not laid-off, given the fact that the positions, which correspond to contract workers with a duration of less than 24 months, will be announced in the second stage.

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

[16] Intense Political and Media Interest Discussions over Reshuffle

By Mary Lou Tzempelikou

Sources: NET

The discussions over a possible Government reshuffle are becoming more frequent. Naturally, on Monday, the matter was at the focus of the political and Media interest, monopolising the political reporters briefing by Government spokesperson Thodoros Roussopoulos. Answering to reporters questions, Mr Roussopoulos repeated that the reshuffle constitutes a privilege of the Prime Minister, while he stressed that everything he has already said on the matter continues to apply. At the same time, he denied that the rumours for a reshuffle have negatively affected the tasks of the Governments ministers and deputy ministers. Referring to the same issue, Employment Minister Panos Panagiotopoulos said that he continues doing his job, stressing that many of the reforms provided for by the Governments programme have already been implemented in his Ministry.

Translated by Vicky Ghionis

[17] Found to be Unsafe Children's Raincoats Recalled

By Annita Paschalinou

Childrens raincoats of brand Marmot, Boys & Girls PreCIP Jackets were recalled from the Greek market, after the General Secretariat for the Consumer was informed by EUs Rapid Alert System for Non-Food Products (RAPEX). Their hazardousness was detected by the British Authorities, since their hood has an elastic tightening cord, which is banned by childrens wear safety regulations, due to a danger of strangulation. ALPAMAYO SA distributed 120 raincoats to the Greek market in 2005. The company, in collaboration with the General Secretariat for the Consumer, immediately started the recall procedure from the market, while all stores selling the product have been informed. Even if an accident has not been reported, consumers are advised to return the raincoat from the store purchased in order to receive a refund or an exchange.

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

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