The Hellenic Radio (ERA): News in English, 06-03-14

The Hellenic Radio (ERA): News in English Directory - Previous Article - Next Article

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

CONTENTS

[01] Prefecture in a State of Emergency Alarm Remains in Evros

Sources: NET, NET 105.8

The river water level remains above the alarm limit in Evros. The Prefecture has declared a state of emergency, as the water level has exceeded the danger limit by far and has reached 6.60 metres. Dams are breaking in many parts, while hundreds of hectares of crops have flooded, while residences in many settlements have been evacuated, in particular in the village of Lavara 10 houses have flooded and 72 evacuated. EMAK rescue forces have rushed to the scene and are fully prepared to assist when needed. The next few hours are considered crucial since water has started flowing down from Bulgaria, while waters from Ardas River are expected to flow into Evros in the afternoon. The General Secretariat of Civil Protection warned residents to not approach the rivers shores and keep their animals away, while a broad meeting is taking place in the Municipality presided by Macedonia-Thrace Minister Giorgos Kalantzis. In the meantime, Rural Development Minister Evangelos Basiakos made a commitment for the immediate compensation of the stricken. Speaking on NET 105.8 Deputy Prefect of Evros Michalis Kougioumtzis described the situation as unprecedented, while General Secretary of Civil Protection Panagiotis Fourlas advised for calmness, reassuring that all necessary measures have been implemented.

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

Related News:

Evros Prefecture on Alert

[02] New Service by Google Google Goes on Mars

By Annita Paschalinou

Google takes us everywhere, even on Mars! No, it is not some kind of joke, but a new service of the popular search engine, which collaborated with NASA and developed Google Mars, a service enabling users to get a closer look at the red planet from three different angles. Google Mars puts together three different types of data, including the dunes, craters and canyons of the far-away planet, from colour-coded elevation maps to thermal infrared maps and snapshots. Users can click on anywhere they wish "go" and zoom.

Honouring Percival Lowell

Google Mars is built upon the technology used for Google maps, making the best of the data on Mars provided by scientific maps.

NASA researchers Noel Gorelick and Michael Weiss-Malik teamed up with Google on this project.

The new service was launched on the anniversary of astronomer Percival Lowells birthday. Lowell, who is thought to be one of the leading 19th century astronomer, published a map of Mars in 1895, following years of research.

He contribution to the field of astronomy was but pivotal and he rose to prominence following his research on planet X, which is located behind Neptune. His researchers also led to the discovery of planet Pluto in 1930.

Translated by Areti Christou

Read the story on other sources:

CNET:Boarding now for Mars

Washington Post: Need to Find Your Way on Mars? Google It.

Related Links:

Google Mars

[03] With the Subject of Public Administration Cabinet Meeting at Maximos

The Cabinet is convening with the subject of the Public Administrations programme presided by Prime Minister Kostas Karamanlis and Minister Prokopis Pavlopoulos at Maximos Mansion. In the morning, Mr Karamanlis welcomed Minister of Mercantile Marine Manolis Kefalogiannis, while following he met with Minister of Foreign Affairs Dora Bakoyannis and Minister of National Defence Vangelis Meimarakis, with whom he discussed issues of their Ministries. At 19:00 the Prime Minister will hold a discussion with Minister of Health Dimitris Avramopoulos.

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

[04] Accused Belgrade of Making Threats Milosevic's Son Wants Burial in Moscow

By Athina Saloustrou

This morning, the son of former Yugoslav President, Marco, who has an arrest warrant pending, voiced the certainty that the Belgrade Authorities will obstruct Slobodan Milosevics burial in Serbia. Marco Milosevic departed from Moscow to The Hague, where he will receive his fathers remains. "The Belgrade Authorities are avoiding the issue. They are making threats, officially and unofficially. We have no other choice," he said and added that he has asked the Russian Authorities to allow the temporary burial of his father in Moscow. "I asked the Russian Authorities if my father could be buried temporarily in Moscow. From what I know the Mayor of the city agreed." Yesterday, the Dutch Authorities issued a three-day visa to Marco Milosevic in order to receive his fathers remains. Marco Milosevic departed at 07:45 Greek time from Sheremetyevo Airport and arrived in the Netherlands shortly after 11:15 on an Aeroflot flight. The Belgrade Prosecution agreed for the international arrest warrant to be lifted against Slobodan Milosevics widow Mira Markovic in order for her to attend the funeral. Marco Milosevic is accompanied by four Russian doctors, who will examine the body, since Russia voiced its doubt over the initial results of the autopsy. In the meantime, Russian newspaper Izvestia published the letter sent by Slobodan Milosevic to the Russian Foreign Ministry, a day prior to his death, pleading with Moscow to save him as western forces were attempting to kill him. Meanwhile, the conclusion of the much-discussed trial was written today. The International Criminal Tribunal for Yugoslavia (ICTY) announced the end of Milosevics trial on charges of genocide, war crimes and crimes against humanity. "His death enforces the end of this procedure," stated the courts Judge Patrick Robinson during a meeting that lasted two minutes in Room 1 of The Hague Tribunal, where Milosevics case was tried as of 12 February 2002.

Silence by the Serb Authorities

The Belgrade Prosecution agreed for the international arrest warrant to be lifted against Slobodan Milosevics widow Mira Markovic in order for her to attend the funeral.

The governing party of Serb Prime Minister Vojislav Kostunica made clear that he will respect the decision of the Justice in order for Milosevics widow to attend her husbands funeral in Serbia. During her entrance in the country, Mira Markovic will have to give in her passport and give guarantees that she will attend court when summoned. Markovic has been wanted as of 2004 accused of abuse of power and has fled to Russia, where she has been residing with her son Marco and Milosevics brother Borislav. Marco Milosevic is accompanied by Russian doctors who will examine his fathers remains.

On their part, official Serbian Authorities are keeping silent over Slobodan Milosevics funeral issue, which as per radio station B92 will take place on Thursday or Friday in Belgrade. However, Serbian President Boris Tadic stated to BBC that the Milosevic family will decide on the burial place. However, the burial issue has taken unpleasant twists as the Socialist Party is threatening to withdraw from the Government if an agreement is not made on the place and the way of the former leaders funeral.

Milosevic's Last Letter to Izvestia

In the meantime, Russian newspaper Izvestia published the letter sent by Slobodan Milosevic to the Russian Foreign Ministry, a day prior to his death, pleading with Moscow to save him as western forces were attempting to kill him.

"You are well aware that Russian doctors, who are considered as reliable, diagnosed that I need an emergency treatment for vascular problems in the brain," wrote Milosevic in his letter. "I know this is the truth as I feel very ill," he added.

In the letter, Milosevic also accused the countries that forced the Serb forces to retreat from Kosovo of trying to silence him forever. "The ones that I defended my country from, are interested in my silencing," he wrote.

"I am making a plea to you, with the hope that you will help me find protection against the criminal activities of services operating in the UN context," noted Milosevic in his last letter to Izvestia.

Brother Spoke of Murder

"The death of Slobodan Milosevic is a type of murder," claimed his brother, Borislav, attributing responsibility to the UN Tribunal, as it did not allow him to depart for Russia for treatment, regardless of the fact that he faced serious health problems.

"Everything targeted this result. It was a type of murder. I am not ashamed to use this word," noted Borislav Milosevic speaking on Dutch television. "He was the son of the Serbian and Montenegrin nation. He was a great son of the people. A historical figure," claimed Borislav Milosevic referring to his brother.

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

Read the story on other sources:

BBC: Serbia to allow Milosevic funeral

ABC: Suspicion Surrounds Milosevic's Death

New York Times: Serbia Would Allow Funeral There

REUTERS: Milosevic's son to collect body, decide on funeral

Guardian: Russia casts doubt on postmortem results as Serbs argue over funeral arrangements

Related News:

Milosevic's Burial in Belgrade

Questions and Clashes

[05] K. Mitsotakis on NET's Show "Proti Grammi" Wide-Ranging Interview

Honorary ND President Konstantinos Mitsotakis gave a wide-ranging interview to NETs show "Proti Grammi." Mr Mitsotakis harshly criticised PASOK and George Papandreou over their oppositional stance, while he disagreed with the Governments handlings on the wiretaps issue. "I totally agree with the reforms policy advanced by the Government," stated the honorary President of ND. Referring to the dispute on the fiscal audit, Mr Mitsotakis said that the problem is the 9 to 9.5 million euros that PASOK did not present as expenditures and noted that Minister of Economy Giorgos Alogoskoufis is on the right track. Speaking on the social security issue, he claimed that the age limit should rise. "Investments have to be made for Greeks to work more and ask for less, however, the Government is crashing into interests of corporations," he said. In closing and referring to the Main Opposition, the honorary ND President stated that responsibility is needed. "George Papandreou cannot call Kostas Karamanlis a fraud," he concluded.

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

[06] Karamanlis-Kefalogiannis Meeting

By Athina Saloustrou

Greek Prime Minister Kostas Karamanlsi met Tuesday morning with Mercantile Marine Minister Manolis Kefalogiannis at Maximos Mansion and discussed issues that rest with the latters jurisdiction. Mr Kefalogiannis also briefed the Prime Minister on the port restructure plan, as well as ways to handle problems hindering coastal shipping. When asked on the maritime employees strike, who are threatening to continue their collective actions after Wednesdays 24-hour strike, Mr Kefalogiannis stated that he is not concerned and further added that the dialogue with the maritime employees is constant. He also told the journalists that he is having a new meeting with them in the coming week and reiterated his long established opinion that at least one route per destination should be performed in case of strikes. "The Government wishes to have an emergency staff stand by, so that one route per destination is performed. Ones claims should not be at the expense of another," he concluded.

Translated by Areti Christou

[07] Reactions Over CPE Law Continue French Students Toughen Stance

By Annita Paschalinou

The collective actions of students are continuing over the CPE law of Prime Minister Dominique de Villepin, which foresees employers to dismiss youth under 26 year of age during the initial two years of employment. Fifty universities are under total or partial take-over and students declared new collective actions for today. On Monday night, the police dispersed protesters from the College de France. Unions are standing by the side of the students and asking for the law to be immediately repealed. The seriousness of the situation is evident as the French Prime Minister will not depart for Berlin for a meeting with German Ministers but remain in France and answer to questions posed by MPs in Parliament.

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

Read the story on other sources:

Le Figaro: Le mouvement anti-CPE se durcit

Le Monde: Les etudiants et les lyceens haussent le ton face a la fermete affichee du gouvernement

[08] Bush Issued Executive Order Renewal of Sanctions Against Iran

By Athina Saloustrou

US President George W. Bush issued an executive order for the continuation of sanctions against Iran, saying Tehrans policy poses a threat. In a message to the Congress, Bush stated that the crisis between the US and Iran, which had driven to the initial declaration, by which the sanctions on 15 March 1995 were adopted, has not been resolved. "The actions and policies of the government of Iran are contrary to the interests of the United States in the region and pose a continuing unusual and extraordinary threat to the national security, foreign policy, and economy of the United States," read the message. Spokesman for the White House national security council Frederick Jones stated that the actions and policies of Iran that led to the continuation of sanctions included its "support on terrorism, meddling in the region, its abysmal human rights record and its pursuit of nuclear weapons." In fact, yesterday, the US announced that it wanted a tough announcement by the Presidency of the UN Security Council, as the initial reaction to the challenge posed by the Iranian nuclear programme, while it refuted information over a dispute between the Councils members, in relation to measures that have to be implemented in order to obstruct the Islamic Republic constructing nuclear weapons.

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

[09] First Meeting Between the Two Leaders Abbas Olmert Held Discussions

By Despina Hristopoulou

Sources: ANA, AFP, Reuters

The discussions in Amman last Sunday between Shimon Peres, the second in rank in newly established Israeli party Kadima and President of the Palestinian Authority Mahmoud Abbas, focused on financial matters. A spokesperson of Ehud Olmert, head of Kadima, confirmed the meeting, the first between the two men, without however giving information in relation to the content of the discussions. However, an official source of the Israeli Government underlined that this is not a political meeting and that discussions focused on the creation of an aid fund for Palestinians. Television network 10 noted that Olmer gave permission for the meeting but "did not discuss financial matters." Olmer had refused to meet with Abbas, following the formers appointment as Prime Minister after Ariel Sharons stroke. The meeting was confirmed by Mahmoud Abbas, who noted that he voiced his opposition to Israels unilateral activities, and once the Israeli Government is formed following the 28 March elections they will reach an agreement through negotiations.

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

[10] Approval by Ecofin Expected "Green Light" by Eurogroup

Sources: NET 105.8, ANA

Late on Monday night, during a Press conference following the end of proceedings of the EU Economy Ministers Summit, EU Commissioner Joaqu&#237;n Almunia underlined the "very important progress" Greece has made in its financial matters in the previous two years. In the Ministerial Summit, where Greece was represented by Minister of Economy Giorgos Alogoskoufis, the stability programme, which was submitted by Greece in December and evaluated positively by the Commission, was discussed among other matters. Following the first positive test for the Greek economy by the Commission, Ecofin is expected to give the "green light" to the Greek stability programme, while at the focus of the25 Economy Ministers meeting will be the course of the Greek economy.

Result of a Broader Effort

Referring to the Greek economy, Mr Almunia stated that the progress in financial matters is clear, noting that it is not only due to the removal of the financial debt of the 2004 Olympic Games but also to a broader effort. The Spanish Commissioner also said that during the meeting in Brussels, Giorgos Alogoskoufis briefed him on the exceptionally positive course of public revenues in the first two months of 2006.

"Under these circumstances I strongly believe that Greece will achieve the aim to decease deficit below 3% of GDP in 2006," stated the Spanish Commissioner, who also reminded of the pending issues in reference to Greek statistical data, as well as a series of temporary measures, which have not been ratified by Eurostat. Mr Almunia noted that these pending issues will be resolved soon, as all EU Member-States have to announce the official and final figures on their fiscal matters of 2005 to Brussels by the end of the month. Moreover, Greece will have to submit the report on the decrease of the deficit below 3% of GDP in spring.

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

Related News:

New Strife over Fiscal Audit

Eurogroup to Go Over Economy

[11] Approval by Ecofin Expected "Green Light" by Eurogroup

Sources: NET 105.8, ANA

Late on Monday night, during a Press conference following the end of proceedings of the EU Economy Ministers Summit, EU Commissioner Joaqu&#237;n Almunia underlined the "very important progress" Greece has made in its financial matters in the previous two years. In the Ministerial Summit, where Greece was represented by Minister of Economy Giorgos Alogoskoufis, the stability programme, which was submitted by Greece in December and evaluated positively by the Commission, was discussed among other matters. Following the first positive test for the Greek economy by the Commission, Ecofin is expected to give the "green light" to the Greek stability programme, while at the focus of the25 Economy Ministers meeting will be the course of the Greek economy.

Result of a Broader Effort

Referring to the Greek economy, Mr Almunia stated that the progress in financial matters is clear, noting that it is not only due to the removal of the financial debt of the 2004 Olympic Games but also to a broader effort. The Spanish Commissioner also said that during the meeting in Brussels, Giorgos Alogoskoufis briefed him on the exceptionally positive course of public revenues in the first two months of 2006.

"Under these circumstances I strongly believe that Greece will achieve the aim to decease deficit below 3% of GDP in 2006," stated the Spanish Commissioner, who also reminded of the pending issues in reference to Greek statistical data, as well as a series of temporary measures, which have not been ratified by Eurostat. Mr Almunia noted that these pending issues will be resolved soon, as all EU Member-States have to announce the official and final figures on their fiscal matters of 2005 to Brussels by the end of the month. Moreover, Greece will have to submit the report on the decrease of the deficit below 3% of GDP in spring.

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

Related News:

New Strife over Fiscal Audit

Eurogroup to Go Over Economy

[12] Larissa Stand Chances for UEFA

By Stathis Petropoulos

Larissa won the encounter that concluded match day 23 of the Greek football championship, defeating Xanthi 3-1. With Mondays win Larissa climbed to the sixth place on the scoreboard and now stands good chances to take part in the UEFA Cup. The home side took the lead as early as in the 9, when Aloneftis did not miss Pizanowskis nets. Larissa kept doing well on the offensive and it was in the 23 that Bahramis doubled the lead for the home side. Xanthi, who complained about the goals, only managed to bring the difference down to one goal, scoring with Fliskas. In the rerun, the home side took over control of the game and missed a great chance to triple their lead in the 54. Aloneftis, however, had not said his last word and shaped the final score by achieving the third goal for his team in the 80.

Referee: Papastamatis (Athens) Yellow Cards: Antzas

LARISSA: Kotsolis, Galitsios, Helder, Dabizas, Katsiaros, Digozis, Bahramis (56´ Kalantzis), Gikas (75´ Vela Junior), Serban (82´ Foerster), Aloneftis, Gavrinopoulos. XANTHI: Pizanowski, Torosidis, Maghradze (85´ De Mattia), Zuela, Antzas, Papadimitriou, Fliskas (71´ Kazakis), Manso, Chiquinho (61´ Barkoglou), Quintana, Labriakos.

Translated by Areti Christou

The Hellenic Radio (ERA): News in English Directory - Previous Article - Next Article