The Hellenic Radio (ERA): News in English, 06-04-07

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

CONTENTS

[01] Selected for Local Self Government Elections "Capable Candidates"

As this time, Prime Minister Kostas Karamanlis is speaking at New Democracys National Conference at the Peace and Friendship Stadium. During his speech Kostas Karamanlis referred to New Democracy and how it will choose merited and capable candidates for the upcoming municipal and prefectural elections, while on the issue of reforms he stressed that the Government is proceeding with consent. The Prime Minister made a direct reference to the issue caused by the statements and expulsion of PASOK steerer Giorgos Floridis, noting that the people do not prefer those who propose for uninsured employment.

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

[02] Speaking on NET Radio 105.8 Avramopoulos Announced Speedy Staffing

Speaking on NET Radio 105.8 on the occasion of the World Health Day, Health Minister Dimitris Avramopoulos announced the speedy staffing of hospitals. "Greece is listed 13th on the worldwide scale of quality health services," noted the Minister. Asked about his relations with Nikitas Kaklamanis, Avramopoulos stressed there was never a problem between the two of them and in fact praised the work of his predecessor, wishing him all the best in claiming the Athens Municipality. Meanwhile, hospital doctors around Greece are on strike and hospitals are only treating emergencies. What is more, the World Health Organisation issued its annual report estimating that over 4 million doctors and nursing staff are required to cover the global health needs.

Translated by Sofia Soulioti

[03] In a Letter to the Party President Floridis Answered Back

By Athina Saloustrou

In his letter to the President of PASOK, George Papandreou, dismissed Economy Coordinator of PASOK Giorgos Floridis stays firm on his positions over dismissals. Meanwhile, Mr Floridis launched an attack against New Democracy and its policies on the Economy and labour relations. Mr Floridis said some people tried to distort his views, implying PASOK members, but will continue to promote PASOKs political ideas through open dialogue inside the Party and within the Society. George Papandreou dismissed Floridis after the latters statements on flexibility in the labour market and implementation of the Swedish model, which provides for free dismissals, while fired employees would receive severance pay, reaching 80% of their wages, for a long period of time from the common State-Employers fund. "Mr Floridis views do no represent Party positions," read a statement issued by PASOKs Press Office. "Personal positions can be voiced but the members participating in the partys bodies ought to operate in a coordinated manner," underlined the announcement. Speaking on NET radio 105.8, PASOK Parliamentarian Evangelos Venizelos stressed personal views should be voiced in such a way as to not be exploited by political opponents.

Translated by Sofia Soulioti

[04] As per Cheney's Former Aide Bush Behind the Leaks?

By Betty Savourdou

Sources: Reuters, BBC

The leadership of the Democrats harshly attacked the US President, accusing him of sacrificing his countrys safety for political purposes, after a former White House aide working at Vice-President Dick Cheneys office revealed George Bush had authorized the leak of classified intelligence on Iraq. As per a document released on Thursday, Lewis "Scooter" Libby, Vice President Dick Cheneys former chief of staff, as testifying to a federal grand jury that Cheney had told him that Bush authorized him to disclose information from a secret National Intelligence Estimate to a New York Times reporter in July 2003. "We known now that President Bush approved the leak of classified intelligence for partisan gain. He can no longer be trusted to keep America safe," said chairman of the Democratic National Committee Howard Dean.

"For Revenge"

Lewis "Scooter" Libby had revealed the identity of former CIA agent Valerie Plame, an act which considered a federal crime in the USA.

Pre-trial court papers cite Lewis "Scooter" Libby as saying he was told to tell a reporter Iraq was "vigorously trying to procure" uranium. Libby testified that he was specifically directed by the Vice President to reveal the intelligence information to then-New York Times reporter Judith Miller. The court documents did not say that Bush or Cheney authorized Libby to disclose Plame's identity. Libby also said he was cleared to brief the reporter about Plame's husband, Joseph Wilson, a former ambassador who had criticized Bush's decision to invade Iraq in 2003.

New York Democratic Sen. Charles Schumer demanded an explanation from Bush and Cheney. "The president has said he'd fire anyone who leaked this kind of information. But it now seems that he authorized leaks just like this in the first place. The American people deserve the truth."

Read the story on other sources:

Guardian: Bush implicated in leak on Iraq intelligence

CNN: Court documents: Libby testified that Bush OK'd intelligence leak

[05] He Spent the Night at GADA Vavilis in Korydallos Prison

By Betty Savourdou

Apostolos Vavilis appeared before the Appellate Prosecutor on Friday morning for the execution of two arrest warrants pending against him. He is at the Three-Member Police Court at this hour for the final determination of his sentence and will have been taken to Korydallos prison by the afternoon, where he will serve his 7-year sentence for drug trafficking passed by a court in Italy. "The man with the thousand faces" arrived in Athens from Rome on Thursday and is currently detained at GADA (Attica Police Directorate). He will appear before a court for his first trial, which has been postponed, on 14 April on the charges of forging identification cards and travel documents.

Translated by Sofia Soulioti

[06] Facing of Legal Problems National Cadastre at Parliament

Sources: NET

As per the Ministry of Planning, the regulations of the bill that will be submitted to Parliament next week ensure faster procedures for land planning and the effective facing of legal problems arising. The bill foresees the self-funding of the National Cadastre. It is estimated that in 2007 Attica and Thessaloniki will be among the regions integrated. The persons who will avoid the National Cadastre will have to pay a high penalty fee. Temporary ownership titles will be necessary for every transfer, change of usage or issuing a building permit, received by approximately 2,500,000 citizens who declared their property to the National Cadastre.

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

[07] Arrests and Slight Injuries in Demonstration Tension Continues in France

By Athina Saloustrou

Approximately ten persons, among whom a female police officer, were slightly injured and seven others arrested during clashes between young protesters and police forces in Caen, France, in a demonstration against the De Villepin law. All the injured persons, apart from the police officer, were released from hospital, where they were taken for first aid late at night. The clashes occurred in the centre of the town following the end of a demonstration staged by youths against the First Job Contract (CPE). Objects were thrown at the policemen, who answered back with tear gas so that the protesters dispersed. Small clashes between young protesters and policemen occurred in Paris and Toulouse.

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

[08] 69 Dead and 36 Injured Vessel Sinking in Djibouti

By Anna Kourti

Sources: BBC, ANA

On Thursday noon, a wooden vessel, on which more than 300 persons were onboard, sunk at the exit of the port of Djibouti, in eastern Africa. As per the latest toll made public by a hospital source, at least 69 persons lost their lives, 20 are missing and 36 injured, among whom seven in critical condition. As eyewitnesses reported more than 300 persons were aboard the vessel, while as per regulations the ship was licensed to carry up to 120 passengers. The weather conditions were good as per the French army.

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

Read the story on other sources:

BBC: Many die in Djibouti boat tragedy

[09] Right After a Government Is Formed in Israel Mubarak-Olmert Agreed to Meet

By Athina Saloustrou

In a telephone conversation between Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak and Israeli acting Prime Minister the two leaders decided to meet "immediately after a government is formed" in Israel. As per an Israeli official, Mubarak called Olmert to congratulate him for receiving an order by Israeli President Moshe Katsav to form a new government. Mr Olmert's centrist Kadima party won the largest number of seats in last week's general election but will need to govern in a coalition. "They agreed to meet after a Government is formed," added the official. Olmert has 28 days at his disposal to form a Government, while he could ask for an extension of two more weeks, if so is deemed necessary. What is more, the Israeli radio broadcast Mubarak also talked with Labour Party leader Amir Perej on the phone and invited him in Egypt.

Translated by Sofia Soulioti

[10] Air Raid by Israelis

By Betty Savourdou

Sources: Reuters, ANA

As announced by a spokesperson of the army, the Israeli army launched three air raids at the Gaza Strip targeted at the offices of organisation al-Aqsa Brigades and as retaliation to the Kassam missile attacks staged by Palestinians on Thursday night. As it was made known by Palestinian hospital sources, during the battle near Nablus in the West Bank, Israeli soldiers killed a Palestinian armed man. An Israeli military source reported that the soldiers exchanged fire with the armed men during the operation aimed at arresting Palestinian extremists near the town. During this operation two Israeli soldiers were injured and one Palestinian man arrested.

"Our helicopters staged three attacks. Two against offices used by the organisation al-Aqsa Brigades in Beit Lahia, in which they planned rocket attacks against Israel and one in the town of Gaza," stated a spokesperson of the Israeli army to AFP.

The attack in the town of Gaza destroyed the helicopter base used by Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas.

As per the same source, Palestinians launched six Kassam missiles in southern Israel, without casualties, on Thursday night.

The Israeli artillery answered back to the latest attack by hitting targets in the northern part of Gaza, where two Palestinians were injured.

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

Read the story on other sources:

The Daily Telegraph: Israel launches Gaza air raids

[11] PAO Defeated by Tau Ceramica

By Vasilis Kalpinos

Panathinaikos could not make 2 out of 2 in the preliminary phase, as it was defeated by Tau Ceramica 85-79 and tied to 1-1, in the games played between them, in Vitoria, Spain. Now, the "greens" will play for qualification in the final four in Prague, in the third and determinative game, on 12 April in OAKA Stadium. The score of the ten-minute periods: 23-17, 42-35, 68-60, 85-79.

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

[12] Olympiacos Defeated Maccabi

By Vasilis Kalpinos

Olympiacos defeated Maccabi Elite 76-60 and tied to 1-1, in the games played between them, in the preliminary phase of Euroleague. The "red and whites" will travel to Tel Aviv, Israel, on 13 April and play their best game in the third and final game for qualification in the final four, which will take place in Prague. The score of the ten-minute periods: 21-15, 35-30, 53-46, 76-70.

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

[13] 24-hour Warning Strike Nursing Staff on Strike

By Betty Savourdou

Hospital doctors are on a 24-hour warning strike on Friday, World Health Day, with institutional and financial demands. As a result, hospitals around Greece will only be treating emergencies for the day. Meanwhile, municipal employees have also scheduled a 24-hour strike and will abstain from their duties in the weekend, when they are to decide on further actions. It should be noted that GENOP-PPC (General Federation of Employees of Public Power Corporation) has announced a 24-hour strike and a protest rally in Athens on 14 April.

Translated by Sofia Soulioti

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