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

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

CONTENTS

[01] For the Holidaymakers' Safety Excursion Prompts Alert

By Betty Savourdou

Sources: ΝΕΤ - ΝΕΤ 105.8

Traffic Police are on alert in view of the three-day holiday of the Carnival and Clean Monday, since many are believed to leave the capital and the rest of the countrys urban centres. Traffic flow on the national road network is constantly on the increase. In particular, a truck curfew on the National Highways from 15:00 to 22:00 will be in force, starting as of today until Clean Monday. Furthermore, on Clean Monday, an extra lane will be available on the Athens-Corinth Highway from 14:00 to 22:00 to holidaymakers coming back. The National Centre for Emergency Medical Care (EKAV) is also on alert, having stationed ambulances is several parts along the national road network to provide immediate held in case of accidents. Problems are expected to present themselves on the Athens-Lamia National Highway near Kifisia, since the 3E companys employees have announced to block the street on Friday noon. In the meantime, Public Works Minister Georgios Souflias announced on Wednesday an integrated programme with interventions to enhance road safety. Using radars and changing speed limits are listed among the interventions suggested.

Increased Traffic Flow

Traffic Police crews will be conducting inspections throughout the three-day holiday to avert dangerous offences, like high speed and intoxication.

Traffic flow will be monitored by police helicopters, thus coordinating ground forces interventions where necessary.

Measures have also been scheduled to come into force in the rest of the Attica Basin, as well as in shopping malls, ports, train and bus stations and airports.

Translated by Areti Christou

Related News:

Shielding Measures for Road Accidents

Related Links:

Public Works Ministry-Traffic Police

[02] Survival Guide for George Bush

By Despina Hristopoulou

Sources: BBC

Aiming to make the US Presidents stay in India as pleasant as possible and with as few surprises as possible, Bachi Karkaria of the Times of India compiled a tip-off guide especially for George W. Bush. After welcoming him in her country, Mrs Karkaria let him on petty secrets of the Indian way of life, secrets that Condi Rice failed to brief him on, so that no one makes use of his ignorance. Mrs Karkaria underlined that the mysterious East is nothing quite what it appears to be.

Instructions by Bachi Karkaria

"In Delhi, there used to be stalls selling tandoori chicken at every corner. There arent any now. This is not because Dick Cheney came hunting here. It is because we have had a real bad bird flu scare. So everyones chickened out of eating anything with wings.

In fact, Mr President, please do not see a terrorist behind every Bush. These days, the most suspicious-looking guys around are your secret service agents.

In fact, even if you hear gunshots, do not dive for cover. It is not a terrorist attack. It is the average Delhi-ite celebrating a wedding, or Indias cricket victory, or simply the fact that his daughter has been admitted to a good nursery school. This is more difficult than getting into Yale, and probably more expensive.

We understand your paranoia, but do not panic if you see large groups of people angrily waving their fists. They are not protesting against your vicious role in Iraq. They are all demanding more American visas.

The streets may remind you of the USs lasting contribution to the topography of Afghanistan. Dont worry, you have not landed in a war zone, or even on the moon. This is the normal potholed surface of our city roads.

And, despite what you have been told, the average Indian isnt one bit exercised over nuclear establishments. Why should she worry about heavy water for reactors when she still has to carry a heavy pail for her own bath?

As for fast breeder reactors Mr President, I hope you will not presume to teach anything about fast breeding to a nation of one billion people.

Have fun!"

Related Links:

The Times of India

[03] Water Level Exceeded Alarm Limit by 8cm "Xenokratis Plan" Implemented in Evros

By Athina Saloustrou

As of this morning, the water level of Evros River is 8cm above the alarm limit, which is 5.70m, while the Prefectures services have implemented "Xenokratis Plan." Due to the continuous rise in the water level, the Prefectures services decided on the opening of two dams within the day in the area of Pythio, in order to artificially flood around 450 hectares for the phenomenon to subside. The water level rise flooded 250 hectares at the Psathades plain, while potable water supply has been stopped. Problems in the water supply are experienced in Didimoticho. In both of the areas the water supply is being made with the municipality, the Fire Service and the Armys water carriers.

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

[04] Hamas Refuses to Recognise Israel Hamas in Moscow

By Despina Hristopoulou

Sources: ANA, Reuters, BBC

Hamas is holding its first talks with a major power, since a six-member delegation of the radical Islamic militant group has arrived in Moscow. Khaled Mashaal, head of the Hamas delegation, is expected to be involved in a round of talks with Russian officials, who will urge the Islamic group to adhere to the peace process. In the meantime, Western political analysts underlined that although Moscows decision to invite Hamas is a blow to Washingtons bid to isolate the Palestinian militant group, they estimated that the Russian intervention may push the Palestinian group to make steps towards renouncing violence and recognising the state of Israel. However, on the eve of the talks in Moscow, Mohammed Nazzal, member of the Hamas delegation, reiterated that Hamas remains firm in its refusal to recognise the state of Israel. Israel, on the other hand, is on standby, estimating that the visit to Moscow may bore some fruit.

Russian Calls for Adherence to Peace Process

Russian President Vladimir Putin himself invited Hamas to visit Moscow, shortly after the Palestinian Islamic group had scored a sweeping election victory in January. Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov will lead the Russian delegation to hold talks with the Palestinians. Hamas talks will last for two days. The Russian leadership, which served as a mediator to drawing up the so-called road map to peace, is expected to urge Hamas to make peace with Israel should they want to achieve international legitimacy.

"We will listen to the Russian governments vision on the Arab-Israeli conflict and we will clarify our own vision," said Hamas spokesman Sami Abu Zuhri, adding "the visit in itself is a declaration of the failure of pressure exerted by the United States on the world to besiege Hamas." He also underlined that the visit to Moscow has brought them before "the threshold of international legitimacy.

Upon his arrival to the Russian capital, chairman of the Hamas political bureau Khalid Mesal blasted Israel for defying the road map, arguing that the Israels stance is problematic rather than Hamas. Regarding the visit to Moscow, he pointed out that they mean to listen to the Russians and express their views.

Russia Must be Clear

Israel, on the other hand, voiced its exasperation over the Russian initiative. In fact, the Israeli Prime Minister called the Russian provocation a "stab in the back."

In the meantime, although Russia thinks that Hamas should not be politically isolated and that talks are worth a try, the EU and the USA view Hamas as a terrorist organisation. Our position is that if you are going to meet with a terrorist group, you should make it clear to them that their way of doing business is unacceptable, that their philosophy is contrary to the norms of the civilized world, and that they should get with the programme," State Department deputy spokesman Adam Ereli said.

Translated by Areti Christou

Read the story on other sources:

BBC: Moscow offers Hamas talks chance

Reuters: Hamas, before Moscow talks, says won't recognize Israel

[05] For Two out of the Four Defendants Heavy Sentences for Kalamata Robbery

Sources: NET

The Kalamata Court of Felony Appeals imposed heavy sentences to two out of the four defendants for the robbery of 5.9 million euros in a Bank of Greece branch in October 2004. Konstantinos Anazikos was sentenced to life and his accomplice Konstantinos Sakkas to 20 years incarceration, taking into consideration his repentance recognised by the court. Both Anazikos and Sakkas were employees of the bank. The court acquitted Efstathios Anazikos, the father of Konstantinos Anazikos, and Vasilios Kobotis, who were accused of accomplice. The trial in the Kalamata courts took place in a calm manner until the announcement of the sentences, when a commotion was stirred, caused by the relatives and friends of the convicted. The spirits calmed down with the polices intervention. However, even if the case was concluded criminally, it remains unsolved, as 4.6 million euros have not been located yet.

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

[06] The Heist's Mastermind Located British Heist Prompts Arrests

By Athina Saloustrou

British Police tracked down the alleged mastermind of the Kent heist, a 60-year-old car salesman, as well as three of his accomplices. Police are also searching for the rest members of the gang and the money stolen, which amount to some 78 million euros. Late on Thursday night, Kents police announced that charges were also pressed against Jetmir Bucpapa, 24, who is to be brought on Friday to court. Earlier, the court had overruled the claim of the other three arrestees to be released and ordered their detention until March 13. The alleged mastermind of the gang, John Fowler, 60, is accused of conspiracy to rob, handling stolen goods and kidnapping the depot manager, his wife and son. One of his accomplices, Stuart Royle, 47, is charged with conspiracy to rob, while his friend Kim Shackleton, 38, is charged with handling stolen goods.

A Millionaire and a PlayBoy

Dressed like policemen, the perpetrators had kept the depot manager, his wife and son hostages.

As per the British Mass Media, John Fowler is a pretty well-off businessman, owner to a mansion with a swimming pool and a tennis court in Kent. His mansion, whose worth stands at 2 million sterlings, is 30 minutes away from the Tonbridge depot, where the heist took place. Police believe that the kidnapees were taken to an isolated building.

Fowler, who is a self-made businessman and is known as a playboy, is also believed to own another house in Spain, as well as several other real estate in Kent. As per newspaper Evening Standard, his personal fortune nears 7 million euros.

Read the story on other sources:

BBC: Fourth person charged after heist

[07] Turkish-Cypriot Side is Negative "No" to Annan-Papadopoulos Agreement

By Athina Saloustrou

The Turkish-Cypriot side negatively positioned itself on the agreement between President Papadopoulos and UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan for the formation of technical groups, which will pave the road for substantial negotiations on the Cypriot conflict. Rasid Pertev, undersecretary of Turkish-Cypriot leader Mehmet Ali Talat described the contacts in Paris as "a pre-election show" and stated "the Turkish-Cypriot side will not give pre-election feed to Papadopoulos." Referring to the formation of technical committees, Rasid Pertev announced the refusal of the Turkish-Cypriot side for cooperation. Moreover, he claimed that the Cypriot Republic, with the technical committees, is seeking to remove international pressures. As Rasid Pertev stated, there was not an understanding with the UN for the formation of technical committees especially in issues such as demilitarisation and Famagusta and consequently it is like it never happened. Moreover, Talats undersecretary said that the Turkish-Cypriot side asked for the transcripts of the Paris meetings from the United Nations, while he voiced dissatisfaction over the event that the meeting between Kofi Annan and Tassos Papadopoulos took place with the latter using his title as President of the Cypriot Republic. Prime Minister of the occupational regime Ferdi Soyers reactions were along the same lines.

Agreement does not Exist

In a written statement, he claimed that issues were presented in the joint announcement on the meeting, which will be discussed on a technical level as part of the full procedure for a resolution, a fact, which, as he stated, does not honestly respond to what was agreed on by the two sides.

Following, he stated that the fact that the joint announcement does not refer to the demilitarisation issue, out of the context of the resolution and the Famagusta issue, is not accepted, as he claimed was never on the UN daily agenda.

"The only thing that can be stated for Famagusta," added Mr Soyer, "is the expectation that the its port will open straight away for trade with our other seas and airports, the soonest possible."

Ferdi Soyer claimed "the Greek-Cypriot side is giving out false information" and "with the absence of the Turkish-Cypriot side, Kofi Annan and the Greek-Cypriot side have decided on the context and the parameters of a new probable negotiating procedure."

"Of course it is impossible," he added "for all these issues to be decided on with the absence of the Turkish-Cypriot side."

Concluding, he estimated "the reference of the UN Secretary-General to a chasm between words and actions concern the Greek-Cypriot side."

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

[08] EU-Iran Talks Commenced Iran's Nuclear Programme at the Focus

By Athina Saloustrou

The talks between the EU3 (France, Germany, Britain) and Iran on the latters nuclear programme commenced on Friday morning in Vienna, just three days before the assembly of the IAEA (International Atomic Energy Agency), which is likely to ask the UN Security Council to impose sanctions on Tehran. The talks, being held at the residence of the German ambassador to Austria, are attended by the Foreign Affairs Ministers of the three aforementioned European countries, High Representative for the Common Foreign and Security Policy of the EU Javier Solana and Irans chief nuclear negotiator, Ali Larijani. In the meantime, Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad blasted the IAEA for being politically motivated against Iran.

Translated by Areti Christou

[09] Second Win for Olympiakos

By Vasilis Kalpinos

Yet another step towards advancing to the Top 8 of the Euroleague made Olympiakos, following their second victory, this time against Zalgiris with 78-69. Chortsanitis of Olympiakos was the player of the game, since he scored 25 points, seeming unstoppable under the basket. Olympiakos started off rather sluggishly and Zalgiris made the best of it, since they achieved a 11-23 lead in the first ten-minute period. In the second ten-period, though, Olymppiakos fans, some 10,000, cheering up their players and the team managed to turn it all around and end the first half with a 36-35 lead. In the rerun, it was Chortsanitis turn to take control of the game. The Greek player started hitting shot after shot, earning his team a 54-49 lead after the third quarter was over. In the final quarter, Olympiakos kept expanding the lead and scored an important 78-69 victory. The score per period: 11-23, 36-35, 54-49, 78-69.

Translated by Areti Christou

[10] Fears for H5N1 Outbreak

By Despina Hristopoulou

Chinese Vice-Premier Hui Liangyu sounded the alarm regarding the avian flu cases in China. The top-ranking Chinese official warned of more human cases of avian flu, since the spring season is on the way and the migratory birds are coming back, increasing the risks of spreading the disease. Last year, China witnessed at least 30 avian flu cases and 14 human cases, with eight of them being fatal. The Chinese Vice-Premier also called on the local authorities to implement the decisions of the Government in order to make the most of the protection measures.

Earlier this week, Chinas Agriculture Minister Du Qinglin made a similar warning of a possible springtime resurgence of the disease, arguing "the possibility of a massive bird flu outbreak could not be ruled out".

Related News:

Advice on Keeping Pets Indoors

Avian Flu Hits Serbia

[11] Outbreak in Serbia Advice on Keeping Pets Indoors

The European Union is proceeding to new directions, in relation to keeping pets indoors to the residents of the areas where outbreaks of H5N1 were detected. The cause was the recent confirmed case in a cat, in Rugen Island, Germany. Actually, as the World Health Organisation confirmed, a second Iraqi man lost his life from the deadly H5N1 strain, raising the number of dead by the avian flu in Iraq to two, following the death of woman in Nasiriya. At the same time, the number of birds infected by the virus worldwide is continually increasing, while it was confirmed that a swan found dead in northern Serbia was infected by H5. It is noted that a young boy who lived in a neighbourhood where the avian flu was detected in a domestic chicken was taken to a hospital in Istanbul.

Cats Should be Kept Indoors

EU veterinarians made recommendations to persons residing near wetlands and areas where cases of the avian flu were detected in wild poultry.

Specifically, it is noted that cats should be kept in the house, while owners of dogs should always put a leash on their pets during outdoor walks.

However, they noted that the problem concerns poultry and that is why there is no reason to panic.

Actually, due to the death of a cat by the deadly strain, scientists estimated that cats cannot transmit the avian flu to humans, nor to birds, since what is really dangerous to humans is contact with feathers from dead poultry.

In reference to the consumption of poultry, experts explained that if the meat and eggs are cooked correctly and are derived from organised poultry farms there is no reason to worry.

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

Related News:

Avian Flu Hits Serbia

H5N1 Detected in Cat

Related Links:

World Health Organisation

[12] With a Televised Address Arroyo Lifts State of Emergency

By Athina Saloustrou

Philippine President Gloria Arroyo lifted the state of emergency she had declared a week earlier, following the revelation of a coup plot. "I am happy to report that we have dismantled the sabotage efforts," Mrs Arroyo said in his televised address. "I strongly believe that law and order has returned," she added while explaining her decision to left the state of emergency. This announcement was not halted by two explosions that had been reported earlier in a Manila suburb. Mrs Arroyo called on her political rivals to cease undermining the Government, since such an activity adversely affects the economy and is a disgrace for the country. "It is important for our political opponents and the opportunists to stop this nuisance to our economy and embarrassment to the Philippines caused by these useless charades," she concluded.

Read the story on other sources:

BBC: Arroyo ends Philippine emergency

[13] An Amendment by Appellate Examiners Freezing of K. Bourboulia's Residence

The Appellate Examiners of the extrajudicial ring decided on the freezing of former examiner Konstantina Bourboulias residence, awaiting her extradition from Paris to Greece. Messrs Sideris and Fiorakis supported their amendment on the money laundering law, a charge faced by Mrs Bourboulia, which allows the freezing of real assets. Moreover, the amendment bans the sale of the property, which the former examiner reportedly bought on 17 January 2002 by a businessman accused of the bubble stocks in the Athens Stock Exchange. She, however, claimed that she bought the residence with money derived from her fathers inheritance and a personal loan.

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

Related News:

K. Bourboulia Extradited

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