The Hellenic Radio (ERA): News in English, 06-02-03

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

CONTENTS

[01] Wallet Returned After 39 Years Back to the Future

By Vagelis Theodorou

It was springtime in 1967 when the 18-year-old Doug Schmitt from Pennsylvania, USA, forgot his wallet on the counter of a petrol station somewhere in the Utah State. To his astonishing surprise, 39 nine years later, he got back his wallet exactly as he had left it! The owner of the petrol station saved Dougs wallet in a drawer in case its absent-minded holder would come back to claim it. Decades went by and the petrol station owners son-in-law found the long-forgotten wallet while cleaning out his father-in-laws belongings. After tracking down Mr Schimtt via the Internet, he posted the letter to Doug.

The 57-year-old antiques dealer couldnt believe his eye! He opened his wallet and took a trip back to his college years, seeing $5 in cash, a traffic ticket, 8-cent airmail stamps hisfreshman ID card, as well as photos of his former girlfriends. "I had a real head full of hair back then," Doug commented.

"Its just so wonderful that people will take the time to research that, then return something to someone they dont even know," said his wife, Vickie Schmitt, who was very much attracted to the way her husband looked when he was a freshman in college.

Translated by Areti Christou

Read the story on other sources:

ABC: Man Gets Wallet Back After Nearly 40 Years

ิhe Times: Long-lost wallet returns to the fold

[02] Carrying 1,400 Passengers and Crewmembers Ferry Sinks in Red Sea

By Tina Valaoura

Sources: ANA, MPA, Reuters, BBC, AFP

The dismal scenarios over the fate of Egyptian passenger ferry al-Salam Boccaccio-98, which disappeared last night in the Red Sea, have been tragically confirmed. As per Egyptian maritime officials, helicopters located rescue boats with survivors, as well as floating bodies approximately 90km off the port of Safaga, 600km southeast of Cairo, a fact which proves that the ferry, transporting 1,310 passengers and 96 crewmembers, mainly Egyptians, as well as Somalis and Saudis, sank. Naval and air rescue operations were immediately carried out. Latest reports by international news agencies spoke of 100 survivors, while previously an announcement was made saying that 14 dead bodies have been recovered.

Did Not Send SOS Signal

The 35-year-old ferryboat (weighing 12 tonnes and passenger capacity of 1,487) was en route from Duba port in Saudi Arabia and was expected to arrive at the Safaga port at 02:00am local time. However, it never arrived and the Coast Guard stations did not receive an SOS from the crew. As spokesperson of the company Adel Shukri stated, he does not know what happened exactly, but high winds and rainfall were apparent in the Saudi coasts.

As per initial estimations, cars that shifted around due to the rough sea could have caused the ship to sink.

It is noted, that sister ferry to the sunken ship, Al Salam 95, had also sunk in the Red Sea last October after colliding with a Cypriot commercial ship. Two persons were killed and 40 injured. The ship belongs to Egyptian El Salam Maritime Company.

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

Read the story on other sources:

BBC-Egyptian ferry sinks in Red Sea

REUTERS-Ferry carrying 1,300 sinks in Red Sea

[03] Arrestees Granted Deadline for Monday Search over Assault Continues

Sources: NET

The two accused over GSEE President Christos Polyzogopoulos assault were granted a deadline to testify on Monday. The two men, a 41-year-old and a 29-year-old, were arrested yesterday charged with attempted homicide, robbery, damage to foreign property and were taken to the interrogator. As per sources, the 41-year-old man reportedly confessed participating in the group, which attacked Mr Polyzogopoulos, and as he stated he beguiled into doing so. On the other hand, the 20-year-old said that he was not at the scene of the attack and was only participating in a protest. In the meantime, the Police Headquarters announced that photographs of the assault were found. The photos, which depict the perpetrators faces, were taken by a mobile phone of an eyewitness. Moreover, the four fingerprints found on Mr Polyzogopoulos vehicle are being examined in the forensics labs.

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

Related News:

Arrests over Brutal Beating

[04] During his Tour in Florina Papandreou Launches New Attack

By Vicky Keleri

Sources: NET, NET Radio 105.8

PASOK President George Papandreou harshly criticized the Government on the way it handled the wiretapping scandal. G. Papandreou, who is currently touring Florina, accused ND of keeping the truth well hidden rather than revealing it and of being incompetent to handle the crisis, thus increasing the feeling of insecurity among Greek citizens. "The Government is promoting a feeling of insecurity in all areas," he underlined. "For more than three hours, ministers kept telling us police stories, but still revealed the weakness, irresponsibility and wrong handlings of the Government. PASOK is always ready to contribute to the major problems of Greece. But we can't do that when there is lack of information and collaboration in major issues of national security," added Mr Papandreou, concluding, "How can citizens feel they are protected, that there rights and freedoms are protected?"

Translated by Sofia Soulioti

[05] The Largest in the Southeastern Mediterranean International Airport in Crete

By Vicky Keleri

Sources: NET, ANA

Ministers of Transport and Communications and Mercantile Marine Messrs Michael Liapis and Manolis Kefalogiannis announced the creation of a new international airport at Kasteli, Heraklion Crete. The Ministers made the announcement from Heraklion, noting that the Governments ambition is for Crete to become the centre of air transport in the southeastern Mediterranean. The new airport is expected to be completed in eight years. The estimated cost of the airport comes up to 1.1 billion euros and will be co-financed. As per Mr Liapis statements it "will constitute another successful application of cooperation by the private and Public Sector and will substantially contribute to the development of the region and the countrys economy in general." On his part, Mr Kefalogiannis spoke of an inspiring work, which will determinatively contribute to the development of Crete, adding that a longstanding demand will be materialised.

The Main Characteristics of the New Airport

Take-off and landing runways measuring 3,000 metres in order for all types to aircrafts to be able to land. ILS dual direction system for "blind" landing. Space for 44 aircrafts. Terminal facilities measuring 70,000sqm for the facilitation of 5,000 passengers during peak time.

Regional Airports a Priority

Referring to the strategy on the development of airports of the Ministry of Transport and Communications, Mr Liapis noted that priority is given to the development of the countrys regional airports.

As he said, strategic development for the coming years foresee investments up to 2.1 billion euros, the total of which is intended for the upgrade and modernisation of regional airports.

"The aim is the balanced development and boosting of border areas. Island regions, such as Crete, particularly need this development for securing a better communication with the rest of the country, as well as for its tourism and financial development," he said.

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

[06] Citing Health Reasons Metropolitan Bishop Kallinikos Resigned

By Tina Valaoura

80-year-old Piraeus Metropolitan Bishop Kallinikos submitted his resignation citing health reasons. In a letter sent to the Holy Synod at noon, he stated that his resignation from the throne is voluntary and that he desires to spend the remainder of his life in deep collection and prayer. On Tuesday, during the Holy Synods convocation it will investigate the issue and accept the resignation, whilst appointing a suffragan to the Bishopric until the election of the new hierarch.

It is reminded, that a year ago ecclesiastic hearings were ordered against Mr Kallinikos, on the occasion of accusations over financial irregularities and an older complaint over sexual harassment filed by a chorister. The evidence presented was ruled as contradicting and the Metropolitan Bishop was acquitted, while the brief filed in the archives.

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

[07] Announced Eurostat Demand for Securitisation Accepted

By Tina Valaoura

Sources: ANA

Eurostat gave the Greek Government the green light to securitise Public Sector overdue debts. In a relevant announcement, the Ministry of Economy and Finance said the Greek Statistics Agency was informed on the decision yesterday, after receiving a letter from Eurostat, which read among others that according to the regulations of the European Union, securitisation of Public Sector overdue debts is recorded as a Budget income. The results of the task force on securitisation, which Eurostat introduced in October 2005, are underway. However, in its announcement, the Economy Ministry stressed it won't use securitisation as a Budget income, neither for 2005 nor 2006.

Translated by Sofia Soulioti

[08] Vintra Renewed his Contract

By Ilias Papaioannou

After Argentinean Eki Gonzalez, who renewed his contract with Panathinaikos until the summer of 2009, it was time for Loukas Vintra to do the same. The 25-year-old ace had a meeting with Panathinaikos FC President Giannis Vardinogiannis with whom he agreed to renew his contract until the end of 2008 with higher rewards and bonuses, in relation to his previous contract, which paid him off 100,000 euros, plus 50,000 euros in bonuses. Referring to the renewal, Panathinaikos FC stated, "Panathinaikos would like to announce the renewal of Loukas Vintra's contract until 31 December 2008."

Translated by Sofia Soulioti

[09] All for the Win

By Vasilis Kalpinos

The curtain unveils for the A Division Football Championship with two games on Saturday. AEK has a tough game ahead of it as it is facing Egaleo and no. 3 Panathinakos is expecting Levadiakos. Initially, AEK wanted to return to its winning streak, as well as to good performances, and following the heavy defeat by Iraklis in Thessaloniki will try to warm up the atmosphere. On the other hand, Egaleo will play for a win, after an excellent performance against Akratitos. Panathinaikos wants to continue winning, coming from a win against Ionikos, and further on is expecting a mistake by AEK in order to rise in standings. The "greens" will play without Eki Gonzalez, who is punished. On Monday, no. 1 Olympiacos is playing against Kallithea and wants a win in order to stay far away from its opponents, trying to forget a mediocre performance against Xanthi 1-1 for the Cup in Karaiskakis Stadium.

Derby in Thessaloniki

In the remainder of games on Sunday, the one that stands apart is the derby PAOK vs Iraklis in Toumba. PAOK is coming from an away defeat by Atromitos and wants to win and rank in the fourth place. On the other hand, Iraklis will arrive in Toumba with high-spirits after a victorious win against AEK and wants to stay at 4th place.

From then on, OFI will try for an away win against Atromitos, Larissa will play against Akratitos, Apollon Kalamaria against Xanthi and Ionikos against Panionios.

The 18th Round of Games

SATURDAY

17:45 (Egaleo) Egaleo vs มลส Alpha

19:15 (ฯมสม) Panathinaikos vs Levadiakos Supersport

SUNDAY

14:45 (Pancretan) OFI vs Atromitos

14:45 (Alkazar) Larissa vs Akratitos

17:45 (Kalamaria) Apollon Kalamaria vs Xanthi Alpha

19:00 (Neapoli) Ionikos vs Panionios Supersport

19:30 (Toumba) PAOK vs Iraklis Supersport

MONDAY

21:00 (G. Karaiskakis) Olympiacos vs Kallithea Alpha

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

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