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

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

CONTENTS

[01] In Central and Northern Greece Snowfalls in Greece

By Vagelis Theodorou

A new wave of extreme weather conditions has been affecting Greece since Sunday afternoon, with low temperatures, severe thunderstorms and gusty winds. It is snowing in Central and Northern Greece, while the meteorologists forecast snowfalls in Athens for tomorrow. Due to the weather conditions, ships are not sailing from the port of Piraeus to the islands of Chios and Mytilene, from the port of Rafina to the islands of Andros, Tinos and Mykonos, from the port of Kavala to Thasos and from the post of Volos to the Sporades islands. Twenty-two villages are snowbound (11 in Trikala, 5 in Ilia, 3 in Alexandroupoli and 3 in Magnisia), while snow chains are necessary on many parts of Macedonia, Epirus, Thessaly and Fthiotida. The Traffic Police stopped the traffic flow of all vehicles on the National Highway, in Platamonas, while the snow is constantly being cleared in Tempi. The schools in the Prefectures of Kilkis, Pella, Rodopi, Evros and Grevena, as well as ten in Athens, will remain closed on Tuesday. "The State is on alert and we are hoping that it will cope with the adverse weather conditions," stressed Interior Minister Prokopis Pavlopoulos.

Snow Chains on Many Roads

The Chortiatis-Agios Vasileios and Peristeri-Livadi roads, as well as Egnatia Odos (at the Sappoi and Kipoi intersections, and at Petrochori, Xanthi) are closed due to the snowfalls. In Attica, Pantitha Avenue is closed from the 19km onwards.

Snow chains are necessary throughout the national and regional roads in the Prefectures of Florina, Kozani, Grevena, Kastoria and Katerini, as well as in northern Chalkidiki, the old national Katerini-Elassona highway and the roads leading to the ski resorts of Macedonia.

In addition, snow chains are needed on all the mountainous national and regional roads of the Prefectures of Macedonia and Thrace. Specifically, snow chains are needed on the old Elefsina-Thiva national highway, and the Ioannina-Trikala, Ioannina-Milia-Grevena-Egnatia Odos and Ioannina-Kozani highways. Furthermore, the Ioannina Traffic Police banned trucks over 3.5 tonnes from travelling on the aforementioned roads, while the ban is expected to be lifted tomorrow morning, provided it has stopped snowing.

Dirsuptions in Transportation

The adverse weather conditions caused disruptions with the public transport and the flight schedules. The Olympic Airways flights from Athens to Alexandroupoli, Kavala, Samos, Rhodes and Kythira, and Kozani-Kastoria, as well as the Aegean Airlines flights from Athens to Alexandroupoli, Kavala, Ioannina and Rhodes, were cancelled. In addition, the flights from Rhodes to Kastellorizo and Mytilene were cancelled, while only one Olympic Airways flight departed from Ioannina Airport on Monday morning. In addition, KTEL buses are not performing the Alexandroupoli-Orestiada route.

Problems were also recorded at the border outposts in Kipoi and Ormenio, Evros, and in Evzonoi, Kilkis (on the borders with Turkey and Bulgaria), due to the severe snowfalls that are hindering the traffic flow.

At the same time, PPC (Public Power Corp.) crews are working non-stop to restore the power in Samothraki, which is experiencing a power cut since 3am. Four villages on the island, as well as two settlements in Pomakochoria, Xanthi, are still in the dark.

Due to a fault in the heating system, the following schools in Athens will remain closed tomorrow: 1st and 2nd Lyceums in Galatsi; 21st, 22nd, 40th and 61st High Schools-Lyceums in Athens; 1st, 2nd and 3rd Technological-Vocational High Schools in Galatsi; and the 6th School Workshop Centre in Athens.

Schools will be open tomorrow in the Municipality of Thessaloniki, while as for the rest of the areas, the local mayors will make the relevant decisions after consulting with the school principals and the education inspectors.

Authorities on Alert

Interior Minister Prokopis Pavlopouilos repeated the Civil Protection Authoritys recommendations, i.e. avoiding unnecessary travel and using snow chains where needed. He also added, "We have to make simple moves that will facilitate us and the others, while the State is responsible for everything else. That is how adverse weather conditions have to be handled. They are quite normal and we have to learn to live with them."

Fire Department crews have been deployed around the country, implementing the special planning for dealing with extreme weather conditions.

As announced by the Fire Department, 13 base stations throughout the country have been manned with 100 firefighters and 50 specialised vehicles (including water carriers, patrol cars, track-laying trucks and cranes). In addition, 60 firefighters and 30 vehicles were assigned to eight base stations in Athens

In Ioannina, dozens of vehicles - either belonging to the prefecture and the municipalities, or that have been leased - were lined up along the national and regional road network to remove the snow and throw salt. Similar measures were implemented in the Prefecture of Evros.

Translated by Vicky Ghionis

Related News:

Greece in the Freezer

Related Links:

Hellenic National Meteorological Service

Greek Civil Protection Authority

[02] Investigations Still in Progress Week of Developments

By Tina Valaoura

Sources: ΝΕΤ-ΝΕΤ 105,8-ANA

The wiretapping case has once more prompted a political wrangling between the government and the Main Opposition. PASOK leader George Papandreou requested the ministers involved tender in their resignations and went on to blast the government for handling the issue in an arrogant and amateur fashion. Answering back, government spokesman Thodoris Roussopoulos accused PASOK of creating impressions and underlined that Mr Papandreou and his party are not accustomed to transparency. On Tuesday, the Ministers of Public Order and Justice are to brief Parliaments Standing Committee on Institutions and Transparency on the issue raised, while the government has suggested a Parliament inquiry committee be set up, as soon as the judicial authorities finish their work. In the meantime, investigations are still in progress. Greek Police Chief and former head of the Anti-Terrorist squad Stelios Syrros, who was in charge of the police probe into the case, testified this morning anew to First Instance Prosecutor Ioannis Diotis. The brother of Kostas Tsalikidis, the Vodafone official that committed suicide after the wiretapping case came to light, is due to testify to the Public Prosecutor probably on Tuesday. As per information, the confidentiality of the deceaseds telephone conversations and bank accounts during the controversial period of time is to be lifted, while Vodafone officials and Ericsson technicians are also to testify in the days to come.

Secret Meeting

The case appears to be taking a new turn after an article appeared in daily Ta Nea under the title "The Meeting of the Six." The article made an in-depth reference to a meeting held among Vodafone officials on March 8, 2005, a day prior to the revelation of the "phantom software." Vodafone CEO Giorgos Koronias, Technology Director Nikos Mastorakis, Technical Director Nikos Plevris, head of network design Kostas Tsalikidis, head of the legal department Dimitra Katsafadou and Customer Services Director Nikos Adamopoulos were the six who allegedly attended the meeting. According to the article, soon after the meeting was over, Kostas Tsalikidis confided in a partner of his that things were pretty hard for the company and that grave problems were looming.

Vodafone issued an announcement denying that there was a meeting on March 8, calling the information "fictitious and groundless." On his part, editor of Ta Nea Pantelis Kapsis underlined that the companys denial merely serves its ends and stressed, "We insist on the accuracy of our [Ta Nea ] information."

At the same time, the family of the 39-year-old former Vodafone official announced their intention to file a lawsuit against unknown perpetrators.

Regarding Mr Giorgos Konstantinopoulos, who tendered in his resignation last December after serving as Vodafones Information Security and Telecom Fraud Prevention Manager for nine years, it was confirmed that he is now employed by OTE (Hellenic Telecommunications Organisation). His close associates also made public that Mr Konstantimopoulos is the advisor of OTEs CEO and has been working for OTE since January 16, 2006. They also said that in his former capacity in Vodafone, it would have been impossible for him to know anything about the illegal software.

The Hellenic Authority for Information and Communication Security and Privacy (ADAE) is still investigating the issue hoping to come up with more evidence that will lead to the perpetrators. A spokesman of Vodafone is to testify to the Authority on Thursday morning.

Furthermore, a television show speaking about a disagreement between Supreme Court Prosecutor Mr Linos and First Instance Prosecutor Mr Papaggelopoulos on the death of the Vodafone official prompted the latter to clarify that his collaboration with Mr Linos is immaculate and that they are not in conflict.

Businessman Thodoros Angelopoulos visited today Mr Papaggelopoulos and asked to be informed if he was listed among the people whose phone conversations had been bugged. As it was made public, Mr Aggelopoulos name is not on the list the Public Prosecutors Office has at its disposal.

Political Clashes Escalate

At the same time, the Main Opposition keeps lambasting the government for the way it handled the situation. While addressing the two-day conference held by PASOKs Political Council on municipal elections, its leader, George Papandreou, noted the Prime Ministers personal responsibilities, blasted the government for improvising and requested the Ministers involved to resign. "The least thing that would have happened in every well-governed country would be for the Ministers involved to tender in their resignations," argued the PASOK leader and added that this is what the Ministers of the Karamanlis government should do. He then went on to accuse the government of dealing with the wiretapping case in an arrogant fashion, although it is a rather grave matter that violates civil rights, democratic institutions and national security affairs. He also spoke of a much-delayed effort on the part of the government to ask for consensus just to cover up its responsibilities.

"Not being accustomed to transparency, Mr Papandreou and PASOK are struggling to sidestep their intra-party problems by creating impressions. What bothers them? That all evidence went public and that Justice is working without interferences? Probably both," answered back State Minister and government spokesman Thodoris Roussopoulos.

PASOK parliamentarian Evangelos Venizelos noted that the government forced Justice to adopt methods that are not approved by the code of criminal procedures and spoke of a long-lasting judiciary investigation.

Thodoros Pangalos requested Prosecutor Mr Papaggelopoulos be replaced, claiming that he wastes time without stepping up specific actions. "To my mind, the case should be assigned to another Prosecutor, who will guarantee an objective and fully independent of the governments directives course of actions.

Answering back, Mr Roussopoulos stressed the fact that PASOK's questioning of the judiciary workers assigned to the case clearly demonstrates that its objections to Mr Markogiannakis questioning Supreme Court Prosecutor Mr Linos were merely insincere. He also called on Mr Papandreou to restore order among PASOK's MPs. "I hope he makes that clear, otherwise, he himself will be held accountable," the government spokesman suggested.

When questioned whether surveillance was conducted during the Olympic Games, the government spokesman declared he knew nothing of the subject, he underlined, though, that if phone conversations were bugged, they were legal. He further noted that if more legislation is needed to safeguard telecommunications more efficiently, it will be drafted.

With regard to the governments initiative to set up an inquiry committee, Mr Roussopoulos underscored that the need to put an end to the climate created by journalists, as well as certain political circles, dictated that proposal.

In a question whether there are more people who had their phone conversations tapped, Mr Roussopoulos pointed out, "All the names on the list have been released."

PASOKs spokesperson, Nikos Athanasakis, claimed that the Government did not make all the facts relating to the case public.

"The Government did not operate with responsibility," stressed Mr Athanasakis, adding, "We want Justice to do its job as required by the law and without interventions by the Government, which systematically ties to manipulate Justice."

"PASOK cannot mislead and cannot convince anyone of its belated concerns. [] Once again, in its effort to create havoc and impressions, PASOK impresses everyone with its gross lack of responsibility," responded Mr Roussopoulos, who added that the question he posed to Mr Papandreou about how he can stand the fact that top PASOK members are attacking a judicial official remains unanswered.

ND parliamentarian Miltiadis Evert sent a letter to the Speaker and to Vodafone asking for his telephone subscription to be terminated, for he has lost his trust.

Former SYN President Nikos Konstantopoulos requested the Prime Minister brief Parliament on the issue, as well as the Standing Committee on Institutions and Transparency be turned into an Inquiry Committee. He further filed an interpellation asking the Prime Minister to inform him why the independent authorities were dodged and why the government has not yet stepped up measures against the phone companies by recalling their licenses.

Translated by Areti Christou

Related News:

Testimonies Begin

[03] First Face Transplant Unveiled Same Person Different Face

By Vagelis Theodorou

French Isabelle Dinoire, 38, made her first public appearance since undergoing the first face transplant ever on 27 November. In a Press conference she gave in the hospital of Amiens, northern France, she thanked the hospitals medical personnel and the family of the donor, voicing the hope that this medical procedure will help others live their lives again. On the other hand, her attending physicians announced that they are looking into performing another five similar operations and have already asked the health authorities for the relevant permits. Permission has been granted to the USA to carry out face transplants, while the operations has not been approved by the competent bioethics committees in Great Britain, since the scientific community still voices doubts over the physical and moral consequences.

"I Have a Face like Everybody Else"

Ms Dinoire, who lives in Valencienne, was grossly disfigured last May, after being mauled by her dog, a Labrador, and as a result she was left without a nose, lips and a chin.

The doctors used tissue, muscles, arteries and veins from a clinically-dead woman in a hospital in Lille, and the operation lasted for about five hours. The procedure was carried out by a team of doctors headed by Dr Jean-Michel Dubernard, who is widely known for performing a hand transplant in 1998 and a double forearm transplant in 2000.

"At the moment, I can open my mouth, eat and use my lips. I have to continue treatment and exercises so as to regain full use of my facial muscles," explained Ms Dinoire, adding, "Since the day of the operation, I have a face like everybody else."

Face transplant have become a major scientific matter, while doctors and researchers are trying to overcome the moral and legal boundaries so as to carry out the procedure on disfigured patients.

The reservations pertain to the possible consequences both at a physical and a psychological level. The possibility of the body rejecting the transplant constitutes the greatest fear, while there are quite a few who wonder whether the recipient will end up with the same facial features as the deceased. In addition, the immunosuppressive drugs, which the patients have to take for the rest of their lives to suppress signs of rejection, also raise doubts, as they increase the risk of infection and cancer.

Translated by Vicky Ghionis

Read the story on other sources:

New York Times: Woman Makes 1st Appearance Since Face Transplant in France

Liberation: "J'ai un visage, comme tout le monde"

The Australian: French face transplant woman grateful for new life

Corriere della Sera: Trapianto di faccia: svelata la donna operata

[04] On 17 February Banks on Strike Again

By Despina Hristopoulou

Sources: NET, ANA

The Hellenic Federation of Bank Employees Unions (OTOE) is continuing its collective actions with a new 24-hour strike next Friday 28 February, reacting to the decision of six major banks to forge business contracts with their respective employee unions. The meeting between the union leadership of bank employees and the Governor of the National Bank, Takis Arapoglou, bore no fruit, while the Economy Minister repeated that the Government does not get involved in collective bargaining agreements. Todays 24-hour strike severely disrupted transactions mainly in state-run banks (National Bank of Greece, Emporiki Bank and Agricultural Bank), while participation percentages in private banks were rather low. Due to the strike, family benefits to OGAs (Agricultural Insurance Organisation) families with 4+ children will be granted with a two-day delay, namely on Wednesday.

"The Government Cannot Intervene"

On Monday morning, the bank employees marched towards the Ministry of Economy and met with Economy Minister Giorgos Alogoskoufis.

Soon after the meeting at the Ministry of Economy ended, Mr Alogoskoufis reiterated that the government has no intention of interfering with the collective bargianing agreements, adding that everyone would be right to accuse it if it did so. He also underlined that the banking system runs independently of the public sector.

At the same time, the Economy Minister noted that the government is in constant contact with all the social partners, underlining that doors are wide open to anyone who wants to meet with government members, without that giving the government the ability to intervene.

On his part, OTOE President Dimitris Tsoukalas made public that the Economy Minister sent the OTOE delegation to Employment Minister Panos Panagiotopoulos. Mr Tsoukalas declared that the OTOE submitted a letter of protest to Mr Alogoskoufis over the issue raised, and added that three private and three stet-owned banks could not form a cartel and cause give rise to problems of unfair competition for the other 44 banks.

Dimitris Stratoulis, member of SYNs Political Secretariat, accused Mr Alogoskoufis of creating a climate of terror among employees and pensioners "so that they can more easily accept the radical restrictions of their social security rights, prepared by the current ND government at the recommendation of SEV and the National Monetary Fund and the consent of PASOK."

Related News:

OTOE on Strike

Related Links:

ΟΤΟΕ

[05] Pavlopoulos-Josic Meeting Support for Serbia's European Course

By Mary Lou Tzempelikou

Sources: NET - ANA

Serbian Interior Minister Dragan Josic met with his Greek counterpart, Prokopis Pavlopoulos, on Monday. Mr Josic asked for Greeces support and technical know-how on matters relating to administration, immigration and protection of women who fall victims of domestic violence. During the meeting, the two men confirmed the good relations between the two countries, while Mr Pavlopoulos declared that Greece will stand by Serbia to assist it in solving its problems during its course towards the European Union. In addition, he said that the two countries agreed to collaborate, with Greece providing technical know-how and information to Serbia. On his part, Mr Josic voiced the belief that Greeces support will continue during the countrys European course, while he stressed Serbias will to adopt a bill similar to the Greek on immigration. Finally, he was briefed on the General Secretariat for Equality and described the idea of establishing a similar agency in Serbia as very good.

Translated by Vicky Ghionis

[06] Russian FM in Athens

By Anna Kourti

Sources: ΝΕΤ

The Greek-Russian bilateral ties and the developments in the issues of Cyprus and Kosovo are to top the talks of Russian Foreign Affairs Minister Sergey Lavrov, who is on a working visit to Greece. The head of the Russian diplomacy met with Greek Prime Minister Kostas Karamanlis at Maximos Mansion, and he is expected to be welcomed by President of the Republic Karolos Papoulias in an hours time. In the meantime, he also held talks with his Greek counterpart Petros Molyviatis. No comments were made after the end of their meeting.

Translated by Areti Christou

[07] Towards the End of February Vavilis in Greece Soon

By Annita Paschalinou

Sources: NET

Apostolos Vavilis is expected to arrive in Greece towards the end of February, so as to serve the rest of the sentence imposed by the Italian judicial authorities in Athens. His transfer will be secret and will be carried out in collaboration with Italian and Greek police officers at Interpol. Vavilis will also have to answer to Greek Justice for a series of severe charges relating to his activities in Greece, Italy and Israel. He kept asking to be transferred to Greece because, as he said, he wanted to present his views for the accusations against him, as well as be close to his friends and relatives.

Vavilis is serving a 7-year sentence for drug trafficking.

His return to Athens is expected with great interest, since he will testify on his activities in Greece, Italy and Israel.

Upon returning to Greece, he will have to answer for a series of felonies and misdemeanours against him.

Specifically, he is charged for:

Violating state secrets (concerning his relation with Israeli secret services) Fraud Forgery Direct complicity to embezzlement (concerning the formation of the non-profit association Magna Grecia)

Retired Hellenic Police officer Giannis Trintafyllakis is also accused for the latter case.

Translated by Vicky Ghionis

Related News:

Vavilis to Be Surrendered to Greece

[08] Of State and Church Christodoulos on Conditional Separation

By Vagelis Theodorou

Archbishop Christodoulos declared that he was prepared for a "velvet separation" as he called it of the Church and State, leaving open for the first time ever the possibility of the Church participating in a relevant dialogue, under certain conditions. Speaking at a meeting on the character of the Church, the Archbishop declared that the Church cannot discuss the possibility of a priest not participating in sworn oaths and holy blessings, and was against matters such as removing the icons from classrooms and abolishing religious studies in schools, as well as abolishing the cross on the flag masts. The matter is expected to be discussed in Tuesdays meeting of the Holy Synod, which will assign a suffragant in the position of Metropolitan Bishop Kallinikos of Piraeus, who bade farewell to his congregations clergy on Monday morning.

Kallinikos' Farewell

After 28 years of service, Metropolitan Bishop Kallinikos visited Agia Triada Cathedral on Monday morning to address his congregation for the last time.

Referring to his health problems, the Metropolitan Bishop, who resigned last week, said that he has grown old and time wears people down, stressing that he is often out of breath and needs treatment.

At the same time, he asked his clergy to pray for him and continue their social work, while he wished that his successor will not only continue his work, but will also prove superior.

Translated by Vicky Ghionis

Related News:

Metropolitan Bishop Kallinikos Resigned

[09] Event by C. Karamanlis Institute for Democracy Emphasis on Reforms

By Despina Hristopoulou

Sources: NET, ANA

While delivering his keynote address at the event on "Economic Reform: New Structures for Economic Development and Social Cohesion" organised by Constantinos Karamanlis Institute for Democracy, Economy Minister Giorgos Alogoskoufis put emphasis on privatisations and public and private sector partnerships, describing the year 2006 as a year of reforms. The Economy Minister underlined that the government intends to discuss the social security issue, which he called a "time-bomb", in Parliament. Mr Alogoskoufis underscored, "The society will have to pay out the pensions," citing a study according to which expenses on pensions will stand at 25% of the GDP by 2050, as opposed to current 12.5%. "These developments make the social security issue a major problem demanding everyone depict a high sense of responsibility," noted the Minister, pointing out that the government has pledged to boost the dialogue and that the Economy Ministry to fund a mutually accepted study on social security. He further added that the new generation of privatisations would be forwarded focusing on banks, where the lack of competition has a direct effect on interests, as well.

Facing Challenges

The Minister described tax evasion as a "great adversity" the past has bequeathed, adding that the governments efforts have started bearing fruit and that the rise in the tax revenues since January 2006 has reached 17.8$. He also argued that taxation on natural persons would witness a reduction in 2007. However, he pointed out that economy is facing several challenges, including high public debt, deficit and abundant public sector.

Furthermore, he lambasted the Main Oppositions stance, suggesting it be inconsistent, while he urged for greater cohesion.

Mr Alogoskoufis also referred to the initiatives taken by the government to boost Economy. A new generation of privatisations, the new working scheme for Public Utilities and Enterprises (DEKO), the best possible absorbance of the 4rth Community Support Framework and the settling of the banking sectors social security, are among the initiatives the Minister talked about.

Finally, he underscored that employment rates are on the rise, exports are being enhanced, as well as tourism, while economy is being boosted.

Translated by Areti Christou

[10] Olympiacos' Sweeping Victory

By Vasilis Kalpinos

Olympiacos played extremely well and left no margins for Panellinios, crushing them by 90-65 in the game for round 14 of the Greek A1 basketball championship. After this win, Olympiacos returned to the second place in the rankings, while at the same time, it stopped Panellinios amazing winning streak, which counted six consecutive victories. The top scorer for Olympiacos was Printezis with 18 points, while Mulaomerovic scored 22 points for the home team. The score per period: 21-25, 25-51, 49-69, 65-90.

Translated by Vicky Ghionis

[11] PAOK Avoided Relegation Zone

By Vasilis Kalpinos

Amazing win for PAOK today, after prevailing over AEK 60-79 in match day 14 of the A1 Basketball championship. This was PAOKs third win in a row and the Thessalonikan team has escaped the dangerous zone of relegation. Back to the game, AEK got off to a better start and had the lead in the first period (23-13). However, PAOK answered back and managed to win with a significant difference. The score per period: 23-13, 34-36, 49-58, 60-79

Translated by Sofia Soulioti

[12] PAOK Defeated Iraklis

By Stathis Petropoulos

The derby of Thessaloniki between PAOK and Iraklis took place in a freezing atmosphere. The stands were empty, as the home team were playing behind closed doors, and heavy snowfall was stepping in the fans' shoes. Nevertheless, it was a fairly good match with PAOK claiming victory 1-0. Iraklis were in a disadvantageous spot due to the absences of Lagos and Epale, while PAOK's superiority was evident from early on. In the 23', Miecel got a hold of Abaris and opened the score with a wonderful kick. Despite the absebce of fans, PAOK managed to claim an easy victory and bagged three points.

PAOK: Fernandez, Konstantinidis, Udeze, Maladenis, Karypidis, Arabatzis, Zagorakis (54' Balafas), Vangelis, Salpigidis (89' Christodoulopoulos), Sikabala (71' Charalambous), Miecel

IRAKLIS: Abaris, Papazacharias, Drougas, Snauzner, Katsabis, Poursanidis (81' Diamantidis), Prittas, Georgiadis, Murrati (53' Stefanis, 71' Perperidis), Erera, Kapetanos

Translated by Sofia Soulioti

[13] Relief for Panionios

By Stathis Petropoulos

Panionios surprised their fans after claiming a surprise away victory over Ionikos 0-1. Luciano scored the sole goal of the match in the 83' and confirmed his team's amazing improvement after January's transfers. However, the match could have ended with a bigger score, as both teams had some good moments out on the field, but the ball could not hit its target.

IONIKOS: Beqaj, Tsiblidis (63' Kotistas), Melabianakis, King (82' Onwuachi), Poulopoulos, Ukar, Vourexakis, Da Costa, Perone (56' Triantafyllou), Makor, Konstantinidis

PANIONIOS: Vaniak, Makos, Spyropoulos, Smiljanic, Exouzidis (70' Maniatis), Giannopoulos, Magdy, Zografakis, Koutsopoulos, Luciano (89' Mitrou), Krassas (74' Breska)

Translated by Sofia Soulioti

[14] Important Win for Apollon

By Vasilis Kalpinos

Apollon Kalamarias claimed an important win after prevailing over Xanthi 2-1 in match day 18 of the A National championship. Such a win was vital for Apollon, as they now have bagged a total of 22 points, which could help them remain in A National. The home team took the lead in the 25' with Clayton's goal and then Karaliopoulos doubled the score in the 33'. Xanthi answered back in the 66' with Barkoglou, but it was not enough. Xanthi had to finish the match with 10 players, as Lambriakos was sent off during extra time.

APOLLON KALAMARIAS: Kovac, Papadopoulos, Amponsah, Fytanidis, Galanopoulos, Karaliopoulos (90+ Spyropoulos), Petkakis, Parmaxidis, Orfanos, Clayton (87' Muzawi), Pappas (90+ Samouilidis)

XANTHI: Pizanowski, Torosidis, Papadimitriou, Sikov, Paviot, Zuela (59' De Mattia), Maghradze (46' Kazakis), Manso, Quintana, Garpozis (63' Barkoglou), Labriakos

Translated by Sofia Soulioti

[15] Will Remain in Hospital for a Few More Days Vengos' Health Improving

By Mary Lou Tzempelikou

Sources: NET

All is well for popular Greek comic actor Thanasis Vengos, who, as per the latest medical bulletin, could have even been released from hospital on Monday. However, he will remain hospitalised for further monitoring and treatment. It should be noted that the 80-year-old actor was rushed to Evangelismos Hospital on Saturday afternoon, after suffering a mild stroke. His family is constantly by his side, while his friends, colleague and fans have sent a multitude of messages for a healthy recovery.

Translated by Vicky Ghionis

Related News:

Thanasis Vengos is Hospital

[16] City of Athens Entertainment Programme Carnival in Athens

By Annita Paschalinou

Athens is preparing for the Carnival with a rich entertainment programme and high spirits. The City of Athens celebrations will start on 23 February, Tsiknopempti (second-last Thursday before Lent) and will continue for the next two weekends until Kathara Deftera (Shrove Monday first day of Lent). During that time, the city will celebrate the Carnival with shows and events for young and old. "The Municipality is once again prepared to celebrate the Athens Carnival," stressed Mayor Dora Bakoyannis, while presenting the Municipalitys entertainment programme with Nitsa Loule, the President of the Cultural Organisation.

Premiere on Tsiknopempti

The show will begin on the morning of Tsiknopempti - the day when Greeks traditionally eat grilled meats - with masquerades, colourful costumes, bells, drums and accordions on central Ermou Street.

The parade participants will cross the centre of the city dancing and singing, and will end up in Kotzia Square.

At the same time, an antique car, with Greek actors Tzesi Papoutsi and Pavlos Kontogiannidis onboard, will set off from Zappeio to meet the parade in Kotzia Square.

The party will culminate in Varvakios Market with Greek snacks, wine, singing and skits.

Singers Kostas Feris, Theodosia Stinga, Theodoros Lizos and Giorgos Koutoulakis will sing rembetika and popular Greek songs, while bands from Epirus and Zakynthos will entertain the crowds with traditional music.

Wild Celebrations all over Athens

At the same time, celebrations have been scheduled in many parts of the Greek capital.

Shows for children, balloons and concerts will be organised at Kotzia Square, Panormou Metro Station, Fokionos Negri Street, Pangrati, Koliatsou Square, Plaka, Syntagma Square, Kolonaki and Zappeio.

Many artists will perform during the events, including Lakis me ta Psila Rever, Giannis Giokarinis, Lorna, Afentoula Razeli, the groups Palyrria, APURIMAC and Dytikes Synoikies, Stelios Dionysiou and others.

As for Shrove Monday, the Municipality has organized a special entertainment programme on the three hills of Athens (Philopappou, Skouze and Strefi), with many well-known entertainers.

Translated by Vicky Ghionis

[17] Searching in Imathia and Northern Greece 11yo from Veria Missing

By Tina Valaoura

Sources: ANA

The family of school pupil Alex Meshisvili, 11, in Veria is living through some tough times, as he has been missing since Friday night. The boy was last seen in Elia, Veria, after finishing basketball training. He was reported as missing at the local police station at 11pm on the same night. The search commenced immediately in the Prefecture of Imathia and other areas of Northern Greece, and is continuing, despite the adverse weather conditions. Unfortunately, though, it has revealed nothing. The relatives of the 11-year-old appealed to anyone who knows something about the case to contact their local authorities. Alex was born in Russia, but he has been living in Veria with his mother and stepfather for the last few years. The police searched for his natural father in Russia, but nothing suspect turned up.

Translated by Vicky Ghionis

[18] Against the President of the GSEE Remanded in Custody for the Assault

By Annita Paschalinou

After hearing their testimony, the third Regular Examiner decided to remand in custody the two men charged with participating in the assault against GSEE President Christos Polyzogopoulos. Immediately after the announcement that Nikos Kountardas and Stelios Malindretos were to be detained awaiting trail, an ERT crew and journalist Anna Kandyli were attacked by a group of youths who had gathered outside the courthouse to provide moral support to the two defendants. Some of them stole the journalists purse, as well as the private belongings of a sound engineer.

The two men were then transferred to Korydallos Prison.

Nikos Kountardas repeated that he had nothing to do with the incident and asked to meet with Mr Polyzogopoulos and Mr Robolis.

As for the second defendant, Stelios Malindretos, a psychological assessment was ordered due to the serious heath problems he is facing.

Translated by Vicky Ghionis

Related News:

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Brutal Assault

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