The Hellenic Radio (ERA): News in English, 06-03-26

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

CONTENTS

[01] Banks Closed on Tuesday Debates and Strikes

By Betty Savourdou

Sources: NET, ANA

The amendment on the joint social security fund caused a new round of debate between the Government and the Hellenic Federation of Bank Employees Unions (OTOE). The amendment was submitted by the relevant Ministers to Parliament last Friday. It foresees that the insured persons and pensioners of the Joint Subsidiary Social Security Fund of Emporiki Banks Personnel come under the Joint Social Security Fund of Bank Employees. On Sunday evening, following an emergency meeting OTOE decided on a 24-hour strike for coming Tuesday, while employees in Emporiki Bank will strike on Monday. The implementation of the new law is in the context of the Constitution, aimed at the viability of banks funds answered the Government. The Greek General Confederation of Labour (GSEE) made an intervention on the issue describing the amendment as ineffective and noting that it meets the demands of the bankers. It is noted that the relevant amendment will be discussed in Parliament on Tuesday evening.

Meetings and Demands

OTOE accused the Government of a "constitutional coup" and following a lengthy meeting decided to proceed to a series of collective actions.

Specifically, the employees of Emporiki Bank are striking on Monday, while a 24-hour strike in all banks was announced for Tuesday.

Meanwhile, OTOE is also planning a protest rally at Emporiki Bank on Monday. It will also stage a rally towards the Ministries of Employment and Economy on Tuesday.

Moreover, the leadership of OTOE will seek meetings with Messrs S. Tsitouridis and G. Alogoskoufis, while there is a scheduled meeting of OTOE with ND Central Committee Secretary L. Zagoritis on Tuesday.

OTOE is planning to project the following four demands:

The amendment in relation to Emporiki Bank be repealed The law on the social security of bank employees be repealed and dialogue proceed with OTOE on the issue A governmental intervention pressuring bankers to attend the dialogue with OTOE over the sectoral work contract in banks and For privatisations in the banks sector to not proceed.

Speaking to NET, Minister of Employment Savvas Tsitouridis noted: "The Government is implementing, according to the case, the enforced legislature, which is the law voted by Mr Reppas and our own in 2005. The implementation of the law is in the context of the Constitution, with transparency and aimed at the viability of the funds and banks."

GSEE Reacts

As per the GSEE, the amendment foresees generalised repeals in social security, with rises in age limits and cuts of pension percentages.

"At the same time that the Government and the Prime Minister were reassuring that no repeals will be made in social security, that the laws and collective work contracts will be respected, as well as that a social dialogue will take place for the necessary social acceptance, an amendment is being submitted, secretly and absolutely, which is clearly unconstitutional, as it bans the right to turn to the Justice for the protection of the employees social and labour rights, among others, " read the announcement.

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

Related News:

Bank Federation Convenes

[02] Six-Member Experts Committee Proposals on Privacy

Sources: NET

On Monday, the committee of experts, who was recently summoned to Maximos Mansion, will propose a package of measures for securing the privacy of telephone conversations. The proposals concern technical, criminal and constitutional levels. Among others, the committee will propose inspections in private telecommunication centers, as well as the establishment of certifying telecommunication security networks. As per sources, a climate of heightened institutional debate is apparent between the Hellenic Authority for the Information and Communication Security and Privacy (ADAE) and the Hellenic Communications and Post Commission (EETT), due to their shared responsibilities in securing privacy.

Changes on Three Levels

In its memorandum, the committee, which is composed of distinguished professors and technicians, proposed important interventions, in order for the privacy of communication to be sufficiently secured.

The memorandum begins with a report on the currents events of telecommunication privacy in Europe.

Three sections follow, in relation to the interventions proposed for Greece, for securing privacy on technical, criminal and constitutional levels.

The technical section includes the following important changes.

The Independent Authority holds the right to inspect, apart from telecommunication networks, private telecommunication centers (companies, hospitals, institutions etc) following a relevant complaint. The security of telecommunication networks and the privacy of communication will be appointed exclusively to the ADAE. The establishment of certification of telecommunication security networks, which will be provided by the ADAE, under specific preconditions.

The legal safeguarding of the above will be aimed by the interventions proposed by the committee of the six experts on a constitutional level.

Regarding the criminal law, the privacy of communication is described as sufficient.

The proposals of the six-member committee followed its summon to Maximos Mansion on 13 February, when the Prime Minister had asked to it investigate how the security communication privacy context can be reinforced.

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

Related Links:

ADAE

EETT

[03] Total Solar Eclipse on 29 March Solar Hide and Seek

By Tina Valaoura

The Earth, Moon and Sun will perfectly align offering Greeks a unique and imposing sight, which only a person who was born before 1936 can describe. A sight that will not be repeated until 82 years pass by, on 21 April 2088! The total solar eclipse on 29 March will be the first one of the millennium and will only be visible from the border island Kastelorizo, in the Dodecanese, which happens to be in its passing, while it will only be partially visible through Greece by 70% to 95%.

The first country that will be able to view the sight will be Brazil, as the Moons shadow will fall on Earth for the first time at 08:30 GMT. As it passes the Atlantic Ocean it will cast its shadow on northern Africa, central Asia and end its course in northern Mongolia.

Whoever is on Kastelorizo, Greece, will have the opportunity to watch the celestial phenomenon, which will reach its peak on 13:53 Greek time and will last 2.5 minutes. At that moment in time everything will be darkened and the shine of a diamond disc will only be visible. Quietness will spread along nature and bright stars such as Venus will be visible, while the horizon will be brighter.

The privileged position of the border island, where one can observe the solar eclipse better than any other European region, has already made it into a popular visitors spot. "Solar eclipse hunters" and scientists who will record the phenomenon, amateur friends of astronomy and tourists have made a date on the island and history on the noon of Wednesday.

The solar eclipse will be partial from Athens and Thessaloniki by 84% and 75%, respectively, and will reach its peak at 13:47 Greek time, for a few minutes, at noon.

For Save Observance

Whoever wants to witness the phenomenon should not forget that viewing with a naked eye or using makeshift protection, even for a short time, can cause permanent damage to eyesight. Specialists proposed for the observance to be made by telescope or binoculars, which will be equipped with special filters, or with special paper-frame protective glasses, which can be purchased at an optics store.

For persons who cannot go outdoors there is always the solution of the Internet, where they can watch the celestial phenomenon at http://solar-eclipse.uoa.gr/english/live.

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

Related Links:

National Observatory of Athens

Solar Party at University of Athens

[04] Abduction and Robbery

Sources: NET

The officers of the Security Police shed light on an abduction case with robbery as a motive. The perpetrators are Iraqis, who presented themselves to the victim as policemen and after handcuffing him drove him to Porto Rafti. The incident occurred in an apartment in Glyfada. The six foreigners, after beating the 30-year-old man, took 700 euros, three credit cards and his mobile phone. Three of the perpetrators were arrested, while the rest are being sought after.

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

[05] Russian Journalist Missing Claim to Release Kozulin

By Betty Savourdou

Sources: Reuters - BBC

The EU has called for the immediate release of top-ranking Opposition official Aleksander Kozulin, who was arrested by the Lukashenko regime. Kozulin, like hundreds of protesters, were arrested Saturday by police during the putting down of the demonstrations against President Aleksander Lukashenko. Kozulins wife stated Sunday that it was only after threatening that she, a group of journalists and Opposition supporters would stay outside the prison, east of Minsk, did the prison authorities admitted to detaining Kozulin. Furthermore, the whereabouts of a Russian journalist, who audaciously blasted Lukanshenko are unknown.

Use of Violence and Arrests

In its announcement, Austria, currently presiding over the EU, voiced its grave concern over both the use of violence against the protesters and the arrest of several demonstrators and Opposition members, requesting their immediate release.

It is reminded that Kozulin headed a group of protesters who made their way to the Minsk prison, where hundreds of protesters are held. Police stepped up and arrested several demonstrators.

Translated by Areti Christou

Read the story on other sources:

CNN: EU condemns Belarus violence

BBC: EU demands Belarus leader freed

Related News:

Rioting Rocks Minsk

[06] Tens of Beheaded Corpses Operation Against Insurgents

By Betty Savourdou

Sources: Reuters, AFP, ANA

Forty insurgents, among whom followers of Jordanian extremist Abu Musab al-Zarqawi, were arrested following an operation of the Iraqi army and the air assistance of US Forces in the area of Kirkuk. As an Iraqi General announced, the operation lasted three days, mainly in the area of Hawijah, a Sunni insurgent stronghold, where 40 followers of the chief of Al Qaeda in Iraq, armed organisations associated with him or the previous regime, were arrested. The aim of Operation Scorpion was "the end of terrorist attacks against civilians, police forces, tribe leaders and the sabotage of oil facilities." At the same time, officials reported that 30 beheaded bodies were found near Baquba.

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

Read the story on other sources:

BBC: 'Beheaded bodies' found in Iraq

[07] Strict Inspections Tax Evasion at the Focus

By Tina Valaoura

Sources: ΝΕΤ 105.8

Stamping out tax evasion, as well as inspections on the fuel network, will be a keynote priority for the Special Control Directorate of the Greek Ministry of Economy.

The Directorate has sent a circular to all regional directorates, setting out figures on the course of relevant revenues and calling on them to intensify the inspections particularly on businesses that fail to return the VAT.

As for fuels, more inspections are to be carried out, mostly in petrol stations. Attention will be drawn to figures on deliveries, which will then be compared with the stock, aiming to make sure that the invoices fall in line with the receipts and the sales.

Translated by Areti Christou

[08] Iraklis Earned 2nd Place

By Vasilis Kalpinos

Sources: ANA

It stood upright and fought but in the end Iraklis did not conquer the trophy of Champions League. The team from Thessaloniki was defeated in the final four by Sisley Treviso 3-1 sets and lost the opportunity for the second consecutive time to earn the European Champion title. Having approximately 2,000 fans by its side, even if it appeared tired from the great effort in the semifinal against Locomotiv Belgorod, the team adjusted to the pace of the game. However, it lost the first set 25-23 by the small details. In the second set, Alekos Leonis team entered the court defensively and restricted some of its mistakes but finding the right offensive tactics managed to tie 1-1. In the next two sets Iraklis showed signs of tiredness in decisive moments, a fact which was taken advantage by the Italians, who earned both sets 25-23 and 26-24 and conquered the title. The sets: 25-23, 23-25, 25-23, 26-24.

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

[09] Olympiacos Defeated AEK

By Vasilis Kalpinos

Another win was earned by Olympiacos by defeating AEK 82-76 in the big game of the 20th round of A1 Basketball Championship. With this win the "red and whites" remained in second place of rankings and "stayed alive" in the hunt for pioneer Panathinaikos, while AEK remained in 7th place together with Panionios. The score of the ten-minute periods: 16-26, 36-36, 54-65, 76-82.

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

[10] Deep Breath for Makedonikos

By Vasilis Kalpinos

Makedonikos earned a great win defeating Maroussi 86-74 in Kozani, in a game for the 20th round of A1 Basketball Championship. This win for the team from Kozani gave them a deep breath, points-wise, for their stay in A1, while on the other hand the team coached by Panagiotis Yannakis remained in third place of rankings and away from second. The top scorer for the team of Giorgos Kalafatakis was Bryant Bracey with 20 points, while Blackney made the difference for Maroussi with 18 points. The score of the ten-minute periods: 16-13, 35-32, 56-43, 86-74.

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

[11] Panathinaikos Earned Win

By Vasilis Kalpinos

With a penalty-goal by Eki Gonzalez in the 75, Panathinaikos defeated Apollon Kalamaria 1-0 in a game for the 25th round of A Division Championship. This was the ninth consecutive win for Malezanis team, which remained in the chase for the second place of standings that leads to the preliminaries of Champions League.

Referee: Kakos (Corfu) Yellow cards: Orfanos Gonzalez, Kotsios

KALAMARIA: Kovac, Fytanidis, Abonsa (25 Samouilidis, 85 Popara), Galanopoulos (77 Muzawi), Koltsis, Muravski, Parmaxidis, Orfanos, Pappas, Clayton, Karaliopoulos.

PANATHINAIKOS: Galinovic, Goumas, Morris, Vintra, Seric (63 Kotsios), Andric, Tziolis (63 Mantzios), Gonzalez, Charalabidis, Papadopoulos, Gekas (88 Nilsson).

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

[12] Easy Win for AEK

By Stathis Petropoulos

The series of straight wins for AEK continued and even if the score index did not rise up to 3-0, 0-2 was another easy win for the team of Fernando Santos against Akratitos. From early on, AEK took control of the game and in the 18 Nikos Lyberopoulos beat Sotiris Liberopoulos with a header following a corner kick by Julio Cesar. 2-0 was scored in the 37 by Lyberopoulos taking advantage of the inactiveness of Akratitos players and making use of Katsouranis sidekick. Until the end of the first half, AEK had many goal opportunities, which were not taken advantage of.

Referee: Detsis (Athens) Yellow cards: Emerson Apostolakis

AEK: Chiotis, Alexopoulos, Cirrilo, Georgeas, Tziortzopoulos, Katsouranis, Emerson, Ivic (73 Kapetanos), Soares (81 Chanko), Cesar, Lyberopoulos (87 Venglinksyi).

AKRATITOS: Liberopoulos, Pena, Sfakianakis, Apostolakis, Pagonis, Tzimopoulos, Macquet (53 De Francesco), Gustavo, Marinescu (80 Sow), Skoufalis (80 Karachalios), Ledezma.

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

[13] Levadiakos Earned Win

By Stathis Petropoulos

The finale of the game between Levadiakos and Egaleo was dramatic, as it finally found the home team being the winner by 2-1. The result was formed due to a goal by Sisic in added time and restored order after Egaleo tied in the 88. The game however was interesting from its beginning and Egaleo was the first to near the goal with Agritis taking advantage of a mistake in Levadiakos defence, but sending the ball out. The home team reacted and took initiative of movement, reaching many goal opportunities and finally scoring in the 45 with Alex. In the second half the good game stopped as anxiety took over. In the 88 Papoutisis scored 1-1 and Sisic forming the final 2-1 with a header.

Referee: Polatian (Pella) Red cards: Saganas 77 (second yellow card)

LEVADIAKOS: Zafeiropoulos, Anderson, Dimitropoulos, Andrals, Kallimanis, Chrysafis, Vitali, Bassala, Rusev, Bushi (80 Sisic), Gourma (38 Alex).

EGALEO: Kieszek, Papoutsis, Zapropoulos, Psomas (25 Maric), Popov (60 Saganas), Omo, Skopelitis, Tsatsos, Jancetic, Moustogiannis (46 Chonos), Agritis.

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

[14] By ERT's National Symphonic Orchestra ERT's Spring Concert

By Tina Valaoura

Melodies composed by Strauss, Beethoven, Suman and Ravel will swarm the Friends of Music Hall at the Athens Concert Hall, on the occasion of a concert by ERTs National Symphonic Orchestra scheduled for April 1 at 20:30.

In the first part of the concert, the National Symphonic Orchestra will perform "Voices of Spring," a waltz by Johann Strauss, and then Beethovens Sixth Symphony, "Pastoral," probably the most celebrated music creation, capturing the spirit of natures renewal.

In the second part, the Orchestra will perform Schumans Concert for piano and orchestra, a work of exceptional music sensitivity, having earned an exceptional place in the history of romanticism.

The concert will end with Ravels Waltz, a fascinated work that breathes live to the sounds of Viennese waltz.

Alexandra Papastefanou: piano Nikos Christodoulou: conductor

Tickets will be available at the Athens Concert Hall box office. Ticket Prices: 20, 15, 11, 6, 3.50 (student)

Translated by Areti Christou

[15] Important Win by PAOK

By Vasilis Kalpinos

PAOK took another important step in order to remain in the chase of the 8 and earn a position, which leads to the play-offs, as it defeated Olympia Larissa 77-65. The game was in the context of the 20th round for the A1 Basketball Championship. On the other hand, Vangelis Markopoulos team suffered its ninth defeat but is keeping its hopes high for a place in the 8 and which leads to the play-offs. The score of the ten-minute periods: 23-13, 37-26, 57-49, 77-65.

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

[16] Nill-All Tie in Neapolis

By Vasilis Kalpinos

Ionikos and Xanthi tied with the final result being 0-0 in a game for the 25th round of A Division. The two teams did not offer a great show, as they were on the defence and got comfortable with the tie point. In the first half only two good goal opportunities took place. The first was for the home team in the 5 when Gutman broke an artificial offside and turned towards Perrone, but Antzas blocked. The second was for the visitors when in the 27 Manso found Chiquinho who kicked the ball but Becaj blocked. In the second half there were no interesting goal opportunities and the two teams sufficed to a point each.

Referee: Vassaras (Thessaloniki) Yellow cards: Fliskas, Antzas

IONIKOS: Becaj, Tsiblidis, King, Gutman (68 Tsiblidis), Kotitsas, Vouraxakis, Poulopoulos, Perrone, Makor, Kakaras (46 Lettieri), Ukar.

XANTHI: Pizanowski, Papadimitriou, Antzas, Shikov, Zuela, Fliskas (53 Garpozis) Manso (71 Kazakis), Maghradze, Garpozis, Quintana, Labriakos.

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

[17] Panionios and OFI Tie

By Stathis Petropoulos

Tension and anxiety were the elements of the game for the 25th round between OFI and Panionios, which were after as many points as they could score, making every last effort for deliverance. Finally 1-1 was formed in the first half and showed the level of anxiety the 22 players had. Just in 5 the score opened and the home team was lucky to get the lead thanks to a goal by Nwafor, who took advantage of the delay in Panionios defence. From then on the game was open with defence falling back and the intensified efforts of the former for 2-0 and the latter for the tie. A goal could have come for Panionios in the 15, when Kabadais was face to face with an empty goalpost, however Anastasiadis blocked in the last minute. Finally Panionios managed to score following the completion of the 45 minutes with a header by Luciano.

Referee: Kontogiannidis (Thrace) Yellow cards: Nwafor

OFI: Sifakis, Anastasiadis, Isa, Davidson, Pitsos (81 Dentsas), Khachatryan (87 Ednilson), Tchipev, Deyanov (81 Roubakis), Nwafor, Ofori Quaye, Machlas.

PANIONIOS: Vaniak, Giannopoulos, Gaspar, Goundoulakis, Koutsopoulos, Maghdi (89 Makos), Exouzidis, Zografakis (48 Zografakis), Breska, Luciano, Kabadais (55 Dimitriadis).

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

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