The Hellenic Radio (ERA): News in English, 06-03-23

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

CONTENTS

[01] For the Spring EU Summit Greek PM in Brussels

By Mary Lou Tzempelikou

The leaders of the EU25, who are meeting in Brussels Thursday to participate in the spring EU Summit, will focus on energy policy, employment, the developments in the Middle East and the Lisbon Strategy. Greek Prime Minister Kostas Karamanlis departed for the Belgian capital on Thursday morning to take part in the Summit, but also the proceedings of the European Peoples Party (EPP). On the sidelines of the Summit, the Greek PM will meet with FYROMs PM Vlado Buckovski on Friday, at the request of the latter. During his stay in Brussels, Mr Karamanlis is also scheduled to meet with the President of the European Parliament, Josep Borrell, while he will participate in a discussion between the members of the European Council and the President of the European Central Bank, Jean-Claude Trichet.

Translated by Vicky Ghionis

[02] Protesting against Non-State Universities Collective Actions Escalate

By Tina Valaoura

Sources: ΝΕΤ - ΝΕΤ 105.8 - ΑNA

On Thursday, professors and students are culminating their collective actions in the Education sector with a rally in Propylaia, Athens, and a march towards the Education Ministry and Parliament. University professors, High School teachers, students and pupils are protesting in favour of the public and free character of Higher Education, reacting to the lack of funding for Universities and asking for improvements at all levels of public education.

Apart from the prospect of creating private Universities in view of the amendment to Article 16 of the Constitution the University professors are also voicing their opposition to other Education Ministry statutes, including the matter of assessment. For these reasons, they have walked out of universities (AEIs) for a week (Monday to Friday), while they are warning with extended strikes as of the beginning of May if their demands are not met. In addition, professors in TEIs (Technological Educational Institutes) have announced a 24-hour strike on Thursday, while students have taken over 19 universities siding with the professors. At the same time, a violent protest was staged on Wednesday outside Maroussis Town Hall, with students reacting to the Mayors announcement that the first private university would be built in the area, provided the relevant law and amendment to the Constitution are enacted.

Giannakou: Reforms Will Proceed

The dispute also escalated at a political level. In a radio interview on Wednesday, Education Minister Marietta Giannakou repeated that the reforms in Education would proceed, adding that the collective actions are instigated by PASOK.

At the same time, she used harsh tongue for the professors, accusing them of "not accepting the assessment, but accepting the EU funds with pleasure." As for the funding of educational institutions, she agreed that they need more money, but noted that their results would have to be assessed.

Asked to comment on the Education Ministers statements on the role of PASOK in the collective actions, Government spokesperson Thodoros Roussopoulos said that they conveyed the Governments views.

KKE Secretary Asks for Discussion

In a letter to the Speaker of Parliament, KKE Secretary Aleka Papariga asked for a discussion on Education to be placed on the agenda. Ms Papariga stressed that the legal framework in the Higher Education sector is moving towards the same direction as the changes taking place over the last few years, aiming at commercialising and privatising it. In addition, she claimed that those choices will result in negative consequences to the wide masses and especially the youths.

Translated by Vicky Ghionis

Related News:

Student Protest in Maroussi

Week of Collective Actions

Walkout in Universities

[03] Greek FM Starts Official Visit Crucial Contacts in the USA

By Mary Lou Tzempelikou

Greek Foreign Minister Dora Bakoyannis is starting her official visit to the USA with a full agenda that covers a wide range of issues. On Thursday, the FM is scheduled to meet with her US counterpart, Condoleezza Rice, in Washington. Their talks are expected to focus on the Greek-US, as well as the Greek-Turkish relations, in view of Turkeys accession to the European Union. On Friday, Ms Bakoyannis will meet briefly with US President George W. Bush, while she is scheduled to hold discussions with UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan in New York on Monday. After meeting with Greek PM Kostas Karamanlis to discuss her upcoming visit on Tuesday, the Greek FM pointed out, "The relations between the two countries have traditionally been good and these contacts are always useful." Furthermore, the climate is expected to be positive, following the statements by the US Undersecretary of State, Nicholas Burns, who noted that the bilateral relations today are stronger than ever.

"Excellent Bilateral Relations"

State Department spokesperson Sean McCormack declared, "Greece is a good friend and ally," adding that Ms Rice was looking forward to meeting with the Greek FM, with whom they would discuss a wide range of matters.

In a briefing in view of the meeting, Daniel Fried, Assistant State Secretary for European and Eurasian Affairs, described the level of Greek-US relations as excellent. Referring to the issue with Cyprus, he stressed the US would never recognise two countries on the island.

However, he clarified that the USA is collaborating with the occupied side, since its leadership wishes for a solution. He admitted, though, that the US would never sign a trade agreement with the Turkish-Cypriot side, so as to avoid any moves that would directly or indirectly recognise a separate state.

With regard to FYROM, Mr Fried declared that the USA has made it clear to the country that it would first have to agree on the name with Greece, via the UN, before joining NATO and the EU.

Asked to comment on Greeces cancellation of the purchase of another ten F-16 fighter planes, he noted that it does not create problems in bilateral relations, since the US sometimes does not agree with its friends and allies. However, he refused to comment on a question as to whether the wiretapping case has affected bilateral relations, saying that no statements could be made on the specific matter.

Translated by Vicky Ghionis

Related News:

Preparations for US Visit

Dora Bakoyannis' Contacts

[04] For the Spring EU Summit Greek PM in Brussels

By Mary Lou Tzempelikou

The leaders of the EU25, who are meeting in Brussels Thursday to participate in the spring EU Summit, will focus on energy policy, employment, the developments in the Middle East and the Lisbon Strategy. Greek Prime Minister Kostas Karamanlis departed for the Belgian capital on Thursday morning to take part in the Summit, but also the proceedings of the European Peoples Party (EPP). On the sidelines of the Summit, the Greek PM will meet with FYROMs PM Vlado Buckovski on Friday, at the request of the latter. During his stay in Brussels, Mr Karamanlis is also scheduled to meet with the President of the European Parliament, Josep Borrell, while he will participate in a discussion between the members of the European Council and the President of the European Central Bank, Jean-Claude Trichet.

Translated by Vicky Ghionis

[05] Measuring 4.3 No Concerns over Quake in Amphilochia

By Mary Lou Tzempelikou

An earthquake measuring 4.3 on the Richter scale was recorded at 7:05am on Thursday in Amphilochia, causing a commotion among the locals. Speaking on NET TV show "Symvainei Tora" (Happening Now), Greek seismologist Stavros Tassos said that it was part of the usual seismic activity and does not cause concerns.

Translated by Vicky Ghionis

[06] In the area Amades Fire on Chios under Control

By Mary Lou Tzempelikou

The fore that broke out on Wednesday night in the area Amades, Municipality of Kardamila, Chios, was placed under control early on Thursday morning. The fire had broken out in an inaccessible gully and burnt through pine trees and bushes. Nine fire engines and 20 firefighters arrived at the scene.

Translated by Vicky Ghionis

[07] Four Killed Attack against Iraqi Patrol

By Tina Valaoura

Sources: Reuters

A strong explosion against an Iraqi patrol was recorded Thursday in central Baghdad. A plume of smoke covered al-Andalus Square, while Reuters reporters heard the crackle of automatic rifle fire immediately afterwards. Four people were killed according to initial information, but it was not immediately clear whether the dead were policemen or civilians. In addition, the exact causes of the blast have not been announced yet, however, Sunni rebel attacks against Iraqi and US patrols are a daily occurrence in the Iraqi capital.

Translated by Vicky Ghionis

[08] Phosphate Fertilisers Resumes Operation

By Mary Lou Tzempelikou

Sources: ΝΕΤ, ΝΕΤ 105,8, ANA

The Thessaloniki Industry of Phosphate Fertilisers resumed operation by the decision of governing boards of the National Banks of Greece and Emporiki Bank, which recalled their decision to shut down the plant. Giorgos Mihailidis, head of the employees union, thanked the Thessaloniki Prefect, Panagiotis Psomiadis, for backing their cause. On his part, Mr Psomiadis argued that the employees cause proved to be right. Following the recent developments and the reassurances that their jobs are not stake, the employees cancelled their scheduled collective actions.

Translated by Areti Christou

[09] Confirmed by EU Lab New H5N1 Case in Thessaloniki

By Mary Lou Tzempelikou

On Wednesday night, the competent EU lab in London confirmed the presence of the pathogenic H5N1 strain in a sample taken from a swan that was found dead in Epanomi, Thessaloniki. The sample was sent to the British capital on 13 March. As per an announcement issued by the Greek Rural Development Ministry, the relevant Veterinary Directorate of the Prefecture of Thessaloniki had implemented all the necessary precautionary measures right from the start.

Translated by Vicky Ghionis

Related News:

First Human Samples

[10] Open to the Public on Meteorological Day Welcome to the HNMS

By Mary Lou Tzempelikou

23 March has been established internationally as World Meteorological Day, commemorating the entry into force on that date in 1950 of the Convention that created the World Meteorological Organization (WMO). For the year 2006, the theme Preventing and mitigating natural disasters" was chosen for the celebration, recognising the fact that 90% of all natural hazards are related to weather, climate and water. On the occasion of todays celebration, the Hellenic National Meteorological service (HNMS) has opened its gates to the public at its headquarters in Helliniko, from 13:00 to 18:00. As per the announcement issued by the HNMS, which is one of the 187 members of the WMO, despite the fact that natural disasters cannot be avoided, the WMOs contribution to prevention, preparedness and mitigation of natural disasters has been recognised globally.

Translated by Vicky Ghionis

Related Links:

Hellenic National Meteorological Service

World Meteorological Organization

[11] Ano Liossia Dump under Lock and Key

By Mary Lou Tzempelikou

The Ano Liossia refuse dump will remain closed for 24 hours due to the warning strike announced by employees at the Union of Municipal Authorities in Attica (ESDKNA), who went on strike as of midnight Wednesday. The employees are reacting to the concession of the incineration unit for hospital waste to private companies, since, as they are claiming, those companies would operate the unit at much higher costs than if ESDKNA was given the right to operate it.

Translated by Vicky Ghionis

Related News:

Refuse Dump Closed

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