The Hellenic Radio (ERA): News in English, 06-03-28

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

CONTENTS

[01] Aris Makes Date with History

By Ilias Papaioannou

Aris earned a celebratory advancement to the ULEB Cup final defeating Serbian team Hemofarm 82-77 in the repeat of the events semifinal in Thessaloniki. The "yellows" coached by Andrea Mazzon and the warm cheering of approximately 6,000 of their fans, who created a spectacular atmosphere, managed to bend the resistance of their opponents and under a constant alternation of emotions covered the three-point difference of the first game. On 11 April, in Charleroi, Belgium, Aris will face Russian team Dynamo Moscow, which a few hours prior played against Hapoel Migdal Jerusalem and defeated it by 92-81 in the Russian capital.

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

[02] During the Discussion of the Amendment for Banks Tension In and Out of Parliament

By Mary Lou Tzempelikou

Sources: NET, NET 105.8

On Tuesday afternoon, the climate was charged in and out of Parliament, on the occasion of the discussion on the controversial amendment concerning the social security of banks, which is expected to be voted on Wednesday. PASOK submitted an unconstitutionality petition, which was supported by the KKE and SYN, however, voted down by the majority. In his speech, Minister of Economy Giorgos Alogoskoufis claimed that the Government does what is demanded by public interest and submitted four consultatory responses by noted professors of constitutional law, who judged that the amendment is in accordance with the Constitution. At the time of the discussion, bank employees staged a protest rally outside of Parliament causing a disruption in traffic at the centre of Athens.

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

Related News:

Banking Dispute Culminates

[03] Strict Security Measures Mass Demonstrations in France

By Vicky Keleri

Protests against the First Job Contract (CEP), which affects labour rights of youths under 26 years of age, are staged with mass turnout and in a tight police ring. As per unions, protesters come up to 3,000,000, while the police spoke of more than 521,000. In any case and as French Mass Media broadcast, the turnout in Tuesdays protests is more massive than 18 March. "We are more than 3,000,000 people in the streets, its historic, it is inconceivable that the Prime Minister (Dominique De Villepin) stubbornly persists on his positions," stated head of the largest union of France CGT Bernard Thibault. However, incidents occurred once again.

De Villepin Not Backing Down

At the same time, in Paris where the protesters started their demonstrations, a group of 100 masked men tried to break into a super market and broke the windows of a caf&#233;. Approximately 4,000 policemen have developed in the French capital, while strikes have paralysed the country. Minister for the Interior Nicolas Sarkozy ordered security forces to arrest as many rioters possible.

Meanwhile, Sarkozy appears to joint front with the protesters, requesting for the suspension of the laws implementation, so that discussions can take place with unions.

On his part, French Prime Minister Dominique de Villepin, as per his partys, UMP, MPs, speaking to the Parliamentary Group ruled out the event of the law being repealed, however, he stated that he is open to changes which will not be legislated.

However, it is noted that this proposal has been already rejected by five of the biggest unions, which will not even discuss it.

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

Related News:

Chaos in France

[04] Between the Government and Main Opposition Swords Crossed over Wiretaps

Sources: ANA, NET, NET 105.8

On Tuesday, the Government and Main Opposition crossed their swords over the wiretaps case. Minister of State Theodoros Roussopoulos accused President of PASOK George Papandreou of raising voices for intraparty reasons. "PASOK presented us as victimisers, when we are the victims," he said and added: "in an effort to create impressions for their intraparty field, because Mr George Papandreou needs to strengthen the intraparty bond of his party, he has roughened his political words. It is a shame because he said other things to the Greek citizens; that he will stand by them, but he is behaving otherwise." In the meantime, speaking on NET 105.8, former Defence Minister Michalis Chrysochoidis attributed responsibility to the Government on its handlings on the wiretaps, however, without accusing it of conducting them.

Answer by N. Athanasakis

In the meantime, PASOK Press spokesperson Nikos Athanasakis accused Government spokesperson Theodoros Roussopoulos and Minister of Culture Giorgos Voulgrarakis on passing out mendacities. "They make cheap and irresponsible criticism to the opposition. It seems that they have not understood their role as Government and what political responsibility means," he said.

Mr Athanasakis also stated that Mr Voulgarakis political responsibility is a given fact and accused the Government that it is satisfied by pretending to be the victim of this case, while, as he said, it is a victim of its incompetence and practices.

Speaking on NET Giorgos Voulgarakis answered to those who attempted from PASOK, as he said, to involve his name to the wiretaps case, while he asked for the intervention of the Prosecutor, on the occasion of the articles involving him in the wiretaps scandal.

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

[05] Over the Violations Detected by EFET AGNO to Prosecutor

By Mary Lou Tzempelikou

Sources: NET, ANA

The final report, in relation to the sanitation violations detected in an unscheduled inspection in AGNO, by the inspectors of the Greek Food Control Agency (EFET) will be submitted to the Prosecutor. Meanwhile, the relevant authorities are expected to impose a fine to the company. Deputy Minister of Development Giannis Papathanasiou congratulated EFET on its inspections, while he repeated that "a free market does not mean an uncontrolled market" and noted that they are regulations, which have to be adhered to by the companies. The relevant bodies confiscated more than 64 tonnes of fresh milk, which had been pasteurised at least 2 days earlier than the recorded date. In the meantime, the inspectors of Piraeus Prefecture recorded new violations, when they detected and confiscated 48.5 kilos of meat with insufficient signs and stamps, which were sold as Greek in a store at the municipal market. On Monday, in the same store Dutch meat that was also sold as Greek was confiscated. The store owner has already been referred to the Prosecutor.

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

Related News:

Violations by AGNO

[06] Stated Businessman Vardis Vardinogiannis "17N Actions were Gangster-Like"

By Mary Lou Tzempelikou

Sources: NET, ANA

On Tuesday, the trial on the second degree of the accused members of terrorist organisation 17N continued with the testimony of businessman Vardis Vardinogiannis. "The acts of the organisation were gangster-like and not political. The target of the attack was I and my associates," said Mr Vardinogiannis referring to the attack against him on 20/11/1990 in Nea Erythrea. The businessman and his associates survived from three rockets that were launched against them thanks to the armoured vehicle they were on. The above statements caused the fierce reaction of Dimitris Koufodinas, who had attempted to describe the attack as politically motivated. The dialogue between Vardinogiannis and Koufodinas took place amid raised voices, while the former described the acts of 17N as "shameful," noting that the terrorists had no right to commit them. However, tension was stirred between the accused when the court was examining the case of the attack against Prosecutor Kostas Androulidakis.

Harsh Words by Tzortzatos

The incident was triggered when the court read Vasilis Tzortzatos published letters, in which he turned against Dimitris Koufodinas.

Patroklos Tselentis claimed that by his experience in the organisation and from his meeting with Alexandros Giotopoulos, he concluded that the use of phrases in the letters were Giotopoulos and not Tzortzatos.

Tzortzatos reaction was immediate, who answered in a raised voice "you dare to speak? You, who killed people and now, are trying to get away?"

Tzortzatos also verbally attacked Christodoulos Xiros, when the latter attempted to intervene.

"You should hang yourself," said Tzortzatos.

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

[07] No Official Information over Casualties Aircraft Crashes in Iran

By Vicky Keleri

A cargo aircraft crashed near Tehran as announced by head of public relations at Irans Civil Aviation Authority General Reza Jafarzadeh. Specifically, the aircraft, which was destined for the United Arab Emirates, crashed at Sharjah Savoj Bolagh, outside Karaj. There is no official information over casualties or if the aircraft belonged to military or civil aviation. However, the public television of Iran broadcast that an Antonov aircraft crashed, as one of its engines stopped. As per the same source there are no casualties however the aircrafts crew and maintenance team, 12 persons in total, have been wounded.

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

[08] Polls Closed and Kadima on the Lead As if Sharon was There

By Mary Lou Tzempelikou

Sources: BBC, NET

The party founded by Ariel Sharon, Kadima, is on the lead according to the exit polls publicised immediately after the electoral procedure, in Israel, on Tuesday evening. As it all seems, Kadima will hold 29 to 32 seats in the Knesset, followed by Amir Peretzs Labour party with 20 to 22 seats. A surprising fact was that Benjamin Netanyahus party LIkoud, the party from which Sharon had withdrawn, appeared fourth, with only 11 seats, while Yisrael Beitenus far right-wing party filed in third with 14 seats in the 120-member Parliament. However, the winner of the elections was abstinence, as it is estimated that only 60% of the voters went to the polls.

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

Related News:

Election Day in Israel

[09] From the Palestinian Parliament Confidence Vote Given to Hamas

By Mary Lou Tzempelikou

Sources: ANA, BBC

Tuesday is a day of important developments in the Middle East as with the elections in Israel, Hamas received a confidence vote from the Palestinian Parliament by 71 votes for and 36 against. This development was expected, since Hamas has already received the majority of the Legislative Councils vote, following its win in the January Parliamentary elections, while the new Government led by Ismail Haniyeh is expected to be sworn-in on Wednesday. During the presentation of the new Governments programme, Haniyeh appeared ready for a dialogue with the Quartet, while he called on the US to review its policy against the Palestinians and "stop supporting the occupation and using double standards." However, Hamas has stated that it rejects international pressure, which calls on it to renounce violence and to recognise Israels right to be a state.

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

Related News:

Election Day in Israel

Hamas Calls on Quartet

[10] During the Discussion of the Amendment for Banks Tension In and Out of Parliament

By Mary Lou Tzempelikou

Sources: NET, NET 105.8

On Tuesday afternoon, the climate was charged in and out of Parliament, on the occasion of the discussion on the controversial amendment concerning the social security of banks, which is expected to be voted on Wednesday. PASOK submitted an unconstitutionality petition, which was supported by the KKE and SYN, however, voted down by the majority. In his speech, Minister of Economy Giorgos Alogoskoufis claimed that the Government does what is demanded by public interest and submitted four consultatory responses by noted professors of constitutional law, who judged that the amendment is in accordance with the Constitution. At the time of the discussion, bank employees staged a protest rally outside of Parliament causing a disruption in traffic at the centre of Athens.

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

Related News:

Banking Dispute Culminates

[11] Factory Buyout Agreed Solution for Keranis Tobacco Factory

Sources: NET - ANA

The buyout of Keranis tobacco factory by an investor to the sum of 5 million euros has provided a solution to the reopening of the unit. The relevant deal was signed on Tuesday between Deputy Minister Gerasimos Giakoumatos, the employees of the tobacco company and the legal advisor of the new investor, during a meeting at the Ministry of Employment and Social Protection. Following a proposal submitted by the new investor, the Ministry also decided to grant a 10-day extension, so that the employees can be paid three wages upon the factory reopening. In addition, each month the new investor will be paying the current wage plus half of a wage owed, until those are settled. In case the money is not paid, OAED (Greek Manpower Employment Organisation) is to pay a 1,000-euro benefit to the employees through LAEK (Account for Employment and Vocational Training).

Translated by Vicky Ghionis

[12] An Important Discovery by German Scientists Stem Cells From Adults?

By Tina Valaoura

Sources: Nature

German scientists are quite possibly on the verge of a great breakthrough, as they located a possible alternative source of stem cells, the utilisation of which could lift all ethical barriers concerning their way of production.

The cells have great similarities to the primitive ones and located in male mice testes, giving the following possible scenario: Each man could hide an endless source of stem cells, which have his own gene profile and could be used for his treatment at any given time.

It is reminded that these primitive cells have the ability to differentiate to cells belonging to any bodily tissue, in example cardiac, and repair damage to those organs. The only source of acquiring stem cells currently is either from miscarried embryos or by embryos conceived for research purposes.

The discovery was made by German scientists from Georg-August University, in Gottingen, who estimated that what they detected in mice is very likely to occur with humans. The scientists extracted stem cells from the mices testes, from the procedure of producing sperm. They cultivated them and observed that they presented similar abilities as those of embryonic cells, as they could differentiate into cardiac, brain and skin cells.

They did not rush to celebrate and preferred to be optimistically reserved, as there is a lot of research to be made. "There are 250 different cell types in the human body and we have not tested all of them yet," explained Wolfgang Engel, one of the writers of the report.

The forthcoming aim is for experimentation to be made to humans, while another question is if something similar exists in women. Scientists admitted that currently there are no indications of the above. However they do not lose their interest. Maybe we didnt detect it they said and added that the source could hide in womens ovaries.

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

[13] Beer Instead of Soft Drinks? ABC with a Beer

By Tina Valaoura

Belgians are known for their love of beer, but they have probably taken it too far this time, even though the favourite beverage of millions worldwide is probably a bit misunderstood. It might not be that responsible for obesity, while scientists are now claiming that it may even have anti-cancer properties. But is this enough to suggest beer as a nutritional choice for pre-adolescent children?

As per newspaper De Telegraaf, the inspiration for returning to the old ways of Belgian tradition belongs to the group De Leuvense Biertherapeuten (Louvian Beer Therapists). As per spokeswoman An Frankie, giving beer to schoolchildren constituted an age-old tradition. She remembers growing up with beer. "Why dont schools put a bottle of light beer on the table anymore like they used to do?" she wondered, adding that light alcoholic beer is far healthier than soft drinks.

However, before the idea actually hit the schools, contemporary Belgian dieticians intervened, robbing the children of this unique opportunity to attend class tipsy. As they claimed, children should never be encouraged to consume alcohol.

Translated by Vicky Ghionis

[14] Research on Local Self Governments In Support of Upgrade and Stricter Inspections

Sources: ANA

Greeces citizens supported the upgrade of Local Self Governments responsibilities, as well as reinforcing its inspection, in view of the new Constitutional Review. The above was concluded in an opinion poll presented by the President Central Union of Municipalities and Communities of Greece (KEDKE) Paris Koukoulopoulos and Professor of Constitutional Law and member of the Local Self Government Institutes Scientific Committee Giorgos Sotirellis. As per the data of the research conducted by Metron Analysis to a sample of 2,200 citizens throughout the country, 70.2% of the questioned persons wished for the Local Self Government to have more responsibilities in the future than currently, while 80.05% said that inspections and transparency, in the operation of municipalities, should be reinforced. Moreover, 56.7% supported the establishment of regions, as a 2nd Degree of Local Self Government and for the election of a Regional Administrator. Moreover, 72.9% supported the reinforcement of funding given to the Local Self Government for the better exercise of its responsibilities. In closing, 67.5% of the persons questioned believed in the reinforcement of decentralisation and that Local Self Government should be included in the Constitutional Review, while 7% believed that it should not.

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

[15] On Felony Charges Criminal Proceedings for Baby Smuggling

Sources: ANA

On Tuesday, criminal proceedings on felony charges for the violation of the law on adoptions were ordered by the Prosecutor against the seven members of the ring that smuggled babies. The ring was composed of Bulgarians and two Greeks, one of whom a lawyer who gave his services to state positions and reportedly held the role of the go-between in the babies sales. The accused are reportedly involved in at least one baby smuggling in the past, while they were arrested on Monday when they attempted to sell a newly born girl to a couple from northern Greece. The case was appointed to a Regular Examiner and the accused will give a deposition on Wednesday and Thursday. The lawyer that was arrested is Panagiotis Papaleloudis, who had been recruited with a contract for a special scientist of private law by the Ministry of Press and Mass Media. With a ministerial decision he was reappointed to the Ministry of Employment and to the office of the General Secretary, Mr Dimitris Kontos. Once his involvement was made known, Minister Savvas Tsitouridis ordered the immediate suspension of his work contract.

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

Related News:

Baby-Smuggling Ring

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