The Hellenic Radio (ERA): News in English, 06-04-02

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

CONTENTS

[01] Crucial SEV-GSEE Meeting Labour Issues at the Focus

Sources: ΝΕΤ - ΝΕΤ 105.8 - ΑNA

The Greek General Confederation of Labour (GSEE) and the Federation of Greek Industries (SEV) are meeting anew on Monday, aiming at finding a solution to the new collective work contract. Economy Minister Giorgos Alogokosufis and Employment Minister Savvas Tsitouridis voiced their optimism over the positive outcome of the crucial meeting. "I believe that a climate of cooperation, understanding and structure exists, while the most important thing is to accept that we have a double target ahead of us. Firstly, the employees will be entitled to their fair share of the profits, and secondly, the businesses will survive and play a leading part in this continuously fierce competitive environment," noted Tsitouridis. On the other hand, Alogoskoufis underlined, "We are hoping for a solution to be found on Monday, so that this issue can close and we can proceed together in this effort to reshape the Economy. Both sides represent different parts of society, but we will end up with one combination, which, I believe, would be to the benefit of society."

In the meantime, in an interview on Saturday, SEV President Odysseas Kyriakopoulos said the adjective "generous," which he used to describe his original proposal for 2.8% pay raises, was a mistake. Speaking on radio station NET 105.8, GSEE Vice-President Alekos Kalyvas stressed that progress would be made only if the employers grant a further percentile unit pay raise compared to the last proposal. Finally, also speaking on NET 105.8, GSEE general secretary Giannis Panagopoulos referred to employers taking steps to approach the employees, adding, however, that they have to clarify when the proposed raises for the next two years would be granted.

Economic Prospects

Meanwhile, in an interview to newspaper Kyriakatiki Eleftherotypia, the Economy Minister announced an effort to privatise OTE (Hellenic Telecommunications Organisation) in 2007 with the help of a strategic partner. "If the purgation programme is applied and there are developments justifying OTEs further denationalisation, then we will see," he noted.

At the same time, he said the PPC (Public Power Corporation) could be privatised in the next four years. "There are no margins for further denationalisation. If this policy changes sometime after the elections, then we will discuss the PPC issue," stressed Alogoskoufis.

Asked to comment on the issue of Olympic Airlines, Alogoskoufis mentioned that the new company to substitute Olympic Airlines will be up and running this coming October, with the participation of mostly Greek, as well as foreign capitals. Furthermore, the name "Olympic" would be transferred to the new company.

As for DEKOs (public utilities and enterprises), the Economy Minister stressed that changes in personnel regulations would mainly relate to employee transfers.

Related News:

Optimism Over Labour Issues

[02] Sent By Dora Bakoyannis Strict Message to Ankara

By Vivian Papastefanou

Sources: NET, ANA

In her exclusive interview to newspaper "Fileleftheros," two days before her official visit in Nicosia, Greek Foreign Minister Dora Bakoyannis sent a strict message to Turkey, stressing Greece's support to Turkey's European prospect should not be taken for granted. She also called the neighbouring country to meet its obligations in the European Union if it wishes to become a member. Mrs Bakoyannis noted that Turkey's accession, given the Cypriot issue will have been solved, is to the advantage of everyone; the Greeks, the Turks, the Greek-Cypriots, the Turkish-Cypriots, Europe and the entire world. She also underlined the harmonious cohabitation of Greek-Cypriots and Turkish-Cypriots on the island (with Ankara's contribution) will constitute a clear lead for Turkey's ability to live along with the other Europeans. The Greek FM believes the basis for a new process to solve the Cypriot issue should be international legislation, international legitimacy and resolutions, which acknowledge the Cypriot issue as a problem of invasion and occupation. With regard to the Annan plan, Dora Bakoyannis said it is "ancient history," since the Greek-Cypriots has voted against it in a relevant referendum. It is noted that Dora Bakoyannis will perform her first official visit in Nicosia as Foreign Minister from 4 to 6 April.

Translated by Sofia Soulioti

[03] His Body Recovered near a River in Parma Tragic Ending for Baby Tommaso

By Vivian Papastefanou

The Italian public opinion is in shock after Saturdays revelation that the body of baby boy Tommaso Onofri, who had been snatched from his house in Parma on 2 March, was recovered near a river in Parma. The 18-month-old boy was suffering from epilepsy. Police officers recovered his body in the area where Mario Aleci, a Sicilian builder working at the familys farmhouse, had told them to look. As per Aleci, who confessed to the murder, the baby boy died on the night of his abduction as the kidnappers tried to silence his cries. Authorities have arrested Aleci, his wife and another man. On the day of the kidnapping, two masked men with knives invaded the house, tied up the Onofris and snatched baby Tommaso. The Onofris are not rich and as per information so far, no ransom was asked to release the boy.

Italy Condemns the Murder

The Italian public opinion condemned the murder of baby Tommaso.

"Since we heard the news last night, my wife and I have been overcome by a chilling horror that takes ones breath away," President Carlo Azeglio Ciampi said in a statement, while in his Sunday noon message, the Pope condemned the "barbaric" murder and said he was praying for Tommaso and all victims of violence.

At the same time, a minutes silence was observed in all of Italys football pitches, while fans at a Florence stadium held a banner urging the death penalty for the kidnappers.

Furthermore, pictures of fair-haired Tommaso appeared on the front pages of all Italian newspapers, in place of major political and pre-election news.

[04] From the President of PASOK Criticism towards the Government

By Vicky Keleri

Sources: ΝΕΤ - ΝΕΤ 105.8

Speaking from Alexandroupolis, PASOK President George Papandreou launched a full-on attack against the Government. "It was not the River Evros that overflowed, but the river of the Greek peoples patience," declared Papandreou. PASOK Presidents criticism focused on the Governments policy for agriculture; regional development; the refusal to compensate the people for the damages suffered by the recent floods; the economic policy that benefits the few; and the wiretapping issue.

Translated by Vicky Ghionis

[05] To Appear before Examiner on Monday Criminal Proceedings against 23yo

By Vicky Keleri

Sources: ANA

The prosecutor brought criminal proceedings against a 23-year-old who was arrested for the violent incidents recorded at the Athens University of Economics on Saturday. She is facing charges for complicity in explosion, construction and possession of explosives, offending a national symbol, resisting arrest and damages to property. The young woman is being remanded in custody, while she is expected to testify to the Regular Examiner on Monday.

Translated by Vicky Ghionis

Related News:

Incidents at Economics Uni

[06] Driver and Co-Driver Charged Arrests for the Heist in Rethymno

The Rethymno Prosecutions Office ordered the arrest of the driver and co-driver of the Agricultural Bank money transport van on the charge of accessory to Fridays heist in Anogeia. Meanwhile, the three hooded men who committed the robbery and got away with 1,250,000 euros are still out on the loose. It should be noted that the driver, who was at the Police officers disposal from the very beginning, is a key witness. As for the co-driver, he was injured in the leg while trying to get off the van and is now hospitalised in Herakleion University Hospital, where he underwent surgery. On their part, the two men are denying any participation to the robbery.

Contradictions and Omissions

From the every beginning, the investigators have been troubled with the fact that the Greek Police had not been notified of the money transfer, so as to provide added police protection.

At the same time, during their long depositions, the two men were contradicting each other. One of them testified that there were three robbers, while the other spoke of two robbers. In addition, one of theme said that the robbers broke the windscreen using a sledgehammer, while the other said he never saw a sledgehammer.

The authorities are also troubled by the fact that the driver and co-driver omitted standard procedures during the money transfer. They changed the route without notification; while when the robbers car crashed into the van, they opened the doors, instead of speeding away.

The police are now investigating the possibility of the contradictions being due to the confusion that was created during the impact.

Related News:

Ambush Against Money Transport Van

[07] Bloody Clash in Kypseli

By Vivian Papastefanou

The bloody incident that occurred on early Sunday morning outside a bar in Kypseli was due to personal differences, said the Police. Four Albanians clashed with four others, probably Albanians too, who injured them with knives and then fled the scene of the crime. The injured men were admitted to Evangelismos hospital for treatment. The Kypseli Security Division is running a preliminary inquiry into the incident. The perpetrators are notorious in the area and the Police have launched a manhunt to arrest them.

Translated by Sofia Soulioti

[08] Nine Killed, Including Three Children Ongoing Clashes in Turkey

By Vicky Keleri

Sources: ANA - BBC

Nine people have been killed so far in clashes between Kurdish protesters and the Turkish police. On Sunday, yet another demonstrator died during renewed violent incidents in Kiziltepe, SE of the country, close to the borders with Syria. As per police sources, the young man was identified as Mehmet Sidik Onder, 22, who was shot in the stomach when police started firing in the air to stop a protest march. Three children are among the nine victims, a fact that led Turkish PM Recep Tayyip Erdogan to urge parents on Saturday not to allow their children to participate in protests. "The security forces will intervene against the pawns of terrorism, no matter if they are children or women. Everybody should realise that," asserted Erdogan.

Translated by Vicky Ghionis

[09] Three Bomb Attacks Parliamentarian Elections in Thailand

By Vivian Papastefanou

The situation in Thailand is critical, as parliamentarian elections are held today amidst tension and bomb attacks. The elections were announced three years earlier than expected, following two months of demonstrations in Bangkok against 56-year-old Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, who is accused by his rivals of abusing power and corruption. The outgoing Prime Minister, who was first elected in 2001 and was triumphantly re-elected 14 months ago, has turned these elections into a referendum for his leadership. In fact, he said he would resign if he does not get at least 50% of the votes. The polling has ended in Thailand and the first official results are to be released on Monday.

Meanwhile, shortly after ballots closed at 10:00 CET, three bomb attacks were reported at the Muslim southern parts of the country and nine people were injured as a result.

Translated by Sofia Soulioti

[10] Iraklis Stands its Ground

By Vasilis Kalpinos

Iraklis renewed its hopes for staying in the Greek A1 basketball division, following its significant 80-71 win over Makedonikos in Ivanovio Hall during the match for round 21 of the championship. After this victory, Iraklis has 27 points and remains in the danger zone, while it closed the gap with Makedonikos and Larissa to one point, and is ahead of Kolossos Rhodes, which is in last place with 26 points. The score per period: 18-19, 40-35, 66-54, 80-71.

Translated by Vicky Ghionis

[11] Walk in the Park for Iraklis

By Vasilis Kalpinos

Sources: ANA

The big final game in Amaliada for the Greek Volleyball Cup between top teams Iraklis and Panathinaikos did not last long. Iraklis was superior throughout the game and armed with a strong serve, it practically annihilated Panathinaikos defence. It won by 3-0 sets, earning its third consecutive trophy and fifth overall. The score per set: 25-19, 25-17, 25-22.

Cup Finals 1981-2006

2006 (Amaliada): Iraklis-Panathinaikos 3-0 (25-19, 25-17, 25-22) 2005 (Rethymno): Iraklis-Olympiacos 3-0 (27-25, 25-20, 25-21) 2004 (Orestiada) Iraklis-Olympiacos 3-1 (22-25, 25-23, 25-17, 25-19) 2003 (Kalamata): ΑΕ Nikea-Panathinaikos 3-2 (25-22, 25-27, 25-21, 22-25, 18-16) 2002 (Thessaloniki): Iraklis-Aris 3-1 (25-20, 25-27, 25-19, 25-19) 2001 (Xanthi): Olympiacos-Iraklis 3-0 (27-25, 25-21, 25-16) 2000 (Patras): Iraklis-Olympiacos 3-0 (25-20, 25-21, 25-21) 1999 (Drama): Olympiacos-ΑΕΚ 3-1 (25-16, 21-25, 26-17, 26-24) 1998 (Pyrgos): Olympiacos-Aris 3-0 (15-13, 17-15, 15-4) 1997 (Lamia): Olympiacos-Aris 3-1 (6-15, 15-3, 15-8, 15-7) 1994 (Loutraki): Olympiacos-Aris 3-0 (15-8, 15-12, 15-6) 1993 (Thessaloniki): Olympiacos-Orestiada 3-0 (15-7, 15-12, 15-5) 1992 (Thessaloniki): Olympiacos-Aris 3-0 (15-4, 15-10, 15-5) 1990 (Ν. Smyrni): Olympiacos-Panathinaikos 3-0 (15-11, 15-12, 17-15) 1989 (Ν. Smyrni): Olympiacos-Aris 3-0 (15-6, 15-13, 15-12) 1987 (Mikra): Dimokritos-HANTH 3-0 (15-6, 15-13, 15-12) 1985 (Piraeus): Panathinaikos-Olympiacos 3-0 (15-13, 16-14, 15-7) 1984 (Athens): Panathinaikos-Olympiacos 3-1 (15-11, 9-15, 15-9, 15-13) 1983 (Thessaloniki): Olympiacos-PAOK 3-1 (16-14, 15-11, 4-15, 15-8) 1982 (Athens): Panathinaikos-Esperos 3-0 (15-4, 15-2, 17-15) 1981 (Athens): Olympiacos-Ethnikos Alexandroupolis 3-0 (16-14, 15-10, 15-11)

Olympiacos is the team that counts the most Cup victories, having won 10 in total. The team from Piraeus also hold the record for the most consecutive wins: eight years running! Counting this year, Iraklis has won the Cup five time (third consecutive win) and Panathinaikos three. In addition, the only team that has managed to break this three-team streak is AE Nikea in 2003. The Cup did not take place in 1986, 1988, 1991, 1995 and 1996, mainly due to financial reasons. The event under the Final 4 form started being played in 1998, while the Final 8 form was established in 2003.

Winner per Year

2006: Iraklis 2005: Iraklis 2004: Iraklis 2003: ΑΕ Nikea 2002: Iraklis 2001: Olympiacos 2000: Iraklis 1999: Olympiacos 1998: Olympiacos 1997: Olympiacos 1994: Olympiacos** 1993: Olympiacos 1992: Olympiacos 1990: Olympiacos 1989: Olympiacos 1987: Dimokritos* 1985: Panathinaikos 1984: Panathinaikos 1983: Olympiacos 1982: Panathinaikos 1981: Olympiacos

* The Division 1 teams did not participate in the 1987 Greek Cup.

** The 1994 Greek Cup did not take place, but a Final 4 event was played instead in Loutraki, dedicated to the memory of Greek Culture Minister Melina Merkouri. None of the capped players had participated since they were training with the national team for the World Championship.

Translated by Vicky Ghionis

[12] Olympiacos Wins Greek Waterpolo Cup

By Vasilis Kalpinos

Olympiacos won its ninth Greek Waterpolo Cup. In the final, the team from Piraeus easily defeated Panionios by 16-5, to regain the title for 2006. Olympiacos has been monopolising the event for the last six years, with the exception of last season, when Ethnikos had won the Cup. The score per period: 7-1, 2-2, 5-0 and 2-2 (16-5).

Translated by Vicky Ghionis

[13] Breather for Panionios

By Vasilis Kalpinos

Panionios entered the rankings safety zone once again. The team from Nea Smyrni defeated Apollon Kalamaria by 2-1 during a game for round 26 of the Greek Division 1 football championship. Panionios, which was playing for the victory, tried to start off the game strongly, but was probably too stressed, so the first half ended in a goalless tie. In the 49, Panionios took the lead with Luciano, whose free kick ended up straight in the nets. Apollon took control of the game from that point, as Panionios was trying too hard to keep the lead. In the 78, Wellington scored the equaliser, but Pnaionios was saved in the 79 by Makos, who scored his teams second goal with a header.

Referee: Mazarakos (Arta) Yellow Cards: Koltsis

PANIONIOS: Vaniak, Goundoulakis, Giannopoulos, Gaspar, Magdy (33 Fernadez injury), Zografakis, Exouzidis (67 Makos), Spyropoulos, Breska, Luciano, Dimitriadis

APOLLON KALAMARIA: Kovac, Koltsis, Galanopoulos, Gytanidis, Murawski, Parmaxidis (55 Mouzaoui), Karamanlis (55 Wellington), Karaliopoulos (66 Samouilidis), Cleyton, Pappas.

Translated by Vicky Ghionis

[14] Atromitos Holds on to European Dream

By Vasilis Kalpinos

In a very interesting match, Atromitos defeated Ionikos with 3-2 for round 26 of the Greek Division 1 football championship. Following this victory, the team from Peristeri is seventh in the rankings, keeping its hopes for playing in Europe next season alive. Atromitos took the lead in the 16 with Geledaris. However, the rest of the action took place in the second half. Initially, Ionaikos tied the score in the 54, after a triple attempt by King and a double save by Michailidis, Four minutes later, the home team took the lead once again, when Djebbour scored Atromitos second goal, In the 71, Beqaj knocked over Merino in the box and the referee awarded a penalty that was successfully kicked by Zacharopoulos. In the 83, Triantafyllou scored Ionikos second goal, but the 3-2 final score favoured Atromitos.

Yellow Cards: Mikes, Korakakis, Koutsis Beqaj, Lettieri, Perrone, Ukar

ATROMITOS: Michailidis, Katemis, Geledaris, Georgiou, Mikes, Merino (89 Dagas), Korakakis, Raguel, Koutsis, Zacharopoulos (74 Sotirchos), Djebbour

IONIKOS: Beqaj, Vourexakis, Poulopoulos, King, Ukar, Kakaras (45 Onwuachi), Pajuelo, Lettieri (45 Gutman), Da Costa, Makor, Perrone (73 Triantafyllou).

Translated by Vicky Ghionis

[15] OFI Battles at the Bottom

By Stathis Petropoulos

There is a battle going on at the bottom of the football rankings. A single result could elevate one team and sink another. And this is exactly what happened in Kallithea, where the home team suffered a shocking loss against OFI with 1-0. Now, it is very hard Kallithea to seek salvation, while the victory was sweet as pie for the Cretan team. Dejanov was the one who scored the goal that saved OFI in the 22, in the teams first away victory this season. Kallithea did not react either in the first or the second half; while OFI on the other hand, missed some great opportunities to score a wider win.

Referee: Briakos (Epirus) Yellow Cards: Mijatovic

KALLITHEA: Bartzokas, Belegrinis, Mijatovic, Koulakiotis, Tsiolis (63 Diamantis), Pasas (72 Yanchev), Behi, Petkovic, Clember, Sylla, Koutsospyros

OFI: Sifakis, Davidson, Isa, Konstantinidis, Roubakis, Khachatryan, Sfakianakis, Dejanov (59 Anastasiadis), Nwafor, Machlas, Oforiquaye.

Translated by Vicky Ghionis

[16] Two Siblings Infected New Human Cases of Avian Flu

By Vicky Keleri

Sources: ANA

The number of human cases of avian flu in Egypt has reached eight, as Health Minister Hatem al-Gebali announced that a further two people have been infected by the virus. The latest cases are two sisters, aged 18 months and 6 years, from the province of Kafr el-Sheikh who had come into contact with dead birds. The condition of the two young patients is described a stable, while the blood tests performed on the rest of the family members turned up negative to the bird flu virus.

In the meantime, yet another dead swan was located in the Czech Republic and as per government officials, it had been infected by avian flu. The bird was found near Ceske Budejovice, 160km south of Prague. Another five swans that were H5 carriers had been located in the same area last week. However, only one of them had been infected with the deadly H5N1 strain.

Translated by Vicky Ghionis

Related News:

New Cases in India

[17] Away Victory for PAOK

By Stathis Petropoulos

Akratitos went down without a fight against evidently superior PAOK. Although the away teams coach, Ilie Dumitrescu, watched the game from the stands due to a previous penalty, the players easily defeated the Ano Liossia team with a score of 3-0. Salpigidis scored an early lead in the 5, while in the 24 Giasemis scored PAOKs second goal with a strong kick. The teams superiority continued in the second half; however the pace was much slower. Giasemis, however, was in high spirits, proving that he was the best player on the pitch, as he scored his second gaol for the night with a header, just minutes before the end.

Referee: Kontogiannidis (Xanthi)

AKRATITOS: Lymberopoulos, Gustavo, Sfakianiakis, Pena, Pipinis (46 Aravidis), Pagonis, Macquet, Tzimopoulos, Skoufalis, Ledezma, DeFrancesco

PAOK: Fernandez, Karypidis, Chasiotis, Udeze, Konstantinidis, Zagorakis, Iliadis, Vangelis, Shikabala, Salpigidis, Giasemis.

Translated by Vicky Ghionis

[18] Panathinaikos Stumbles

By Vasilis Kalpinos

A goal by Fanis Gekas in the 64 was not enough for Panathinaikos to defeat Xanthi, which managed to score an equaliser in the 82 with Zuela. Following this draw, the Athenian team lost valuable ground and the second spot in the rankings (seeing AEK defeated Levadiakos by 2-0), which leads to the Champions League preliminaries. In addition, this tie ended Alberto Malezanis streak of nine consecutive victories. Panathinaikos is now third in the rankings with 62 points, trailing AEK by two.

Referee: Nikolaidis (Thessaloniki) Yellow cards: Chiquinho, Baykara, Torosidis Biscan, Gekas, Mantzios

XANTHI: Pizanowski, Torosidis, Sikov, Paviot, Papadimitriou, Zuela, Maghradze, Chiquino (46 Delgado), Quintana (77 Baykara), Manso (68 Garpozis), Lambriakos

PANTAHINAIKOS: Galinovic, Nilsson, Seric, Goumas, Morris, Biscan (90 Kotsios), Tziolis (85 Mantzios), Gonzales, Charalambidis, Gekas, Papadopoulos (81 Leontiou).

Translated by Vicky Ghionis

[19] AEK Thanks Xanthi

By Stathis Petropoulos

AEK has gained the lead in finishing in second place, since the Panathinaikos-Xanthi draw was the best possible combination to the teams easy 2-0 victory over Levadiakos. Although the home team seemed trapped by Levadiakos tactics in the offence at the start, they gained control and started becoming threatening. In the 35 Ivic scored the first goal for AEK, while at the same time giving his team a breather. In the second half, AEK was pressuring to double the score, but missed many great opportunities. This changed in the 59, when Georgeas crossed to Lymberopoulos, who nailed the ball in Zafiropoulos nets.

Yellow Cards: Anderson, Georgeas, Dimitropoulos

AEK: Chiotis, Georgeas, Cirillo, Alexopoulos, Tziortzopoulos, Katsouranis (85 Chanko), Emerson, Ivic, Cezar (88 Kyriakidis), Soares (72 Kapetanos), Lymberopoulos

LEVADIAKOS: Zafiropoulos, Zisopoulos (52 Manikas), Dimou, Dimitropoulos (69 Rusev), Chrysafis (84 Maheras), Bassala, Anderson, Vitali, Theodosiadis, Perrone, Alex.

Translated by Vicky Ghionis

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