The Hellenic Radio (ERA): News in English, 06-05-17

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

CONTENTS

[01] Seven Persons Hospitalised Food Poisoning by Greens

Sources: NET, NET 105.8, ANA

Seven persons presented food poisoning symptoms from the consumption of greens and were taken and hospitalised in Red Cross and Hippokration Hospitals. The unfit greens were purchased from super market Veropoulos, in Koukaki. The Hellenic Food Control Agency (EFET) was informed of the incident and ordered the recall of the batch from markets, while in an announcement called on consumers to not consume greens purchased from the specific super market. A crew of inspectors is checking the companys facilities, in order to determine if there are other batches of the dangerous greens.

As per sources, an unidentified plant was mixed in with the greens.

This emerged from the treatments chosen to be given to the patients. The batch of greens was grown by a farmer in Corinth and has been recalled from super market Veropoulos.

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

[02] Karamanlis-Avramopoulos Meeting Priority to Citizens' Dignity

The reforms programme in development in the health department was at the focus of the meeting between the Prime Minister and the Minister of Health. In his statements, Mr Avramopoulos declared that the initial messages from regional areas, as well as urban centres, indicated that we are on the right track. On the question of whether some Administrative Health Regions (DHPE), as the Regional Healthcare Systems (PESY) were renamed to, will be abolished, Mr Avramopoulos answered that administrative reforms are foreseen by NDs programme, noting that the new formation being advanced will bring about economies of scale, better services, quicker and more effective operation, contributing to the sectors sorting out. As per sources, the number of Administrative Health Regions is expected to decrease from 17 currently to eight, while 700 persons will return to their previous employment by the restructuring of DHPE.

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

[03] Uncompromising Stance by Ahmadinejad Iran Rejected EU Proposal

By Dimitris Alexopoulos

Sources: ANA, Reuters

"They say we want to give Iranians incentives but they think they are dealing with a four-year-old, telling him they will give him candies or walnuts and take gold from him in return," was Mahnoud Ahmadinejads answer to the European Unions proposal for a light-water nuclear reaction as an incentive for the suspension of Irans uranium enrichment programme. Keeping an uncompromising stance, regardless of international pressure, the President of Iran defended his choice to continue nuclear programmes. "We accepted suspension once with confidence in you, and unfortunately this was a bitter experience. We will not be bitten twice," said the Iranian President whilst rejecting the proposal of the international community.

On Tuesday, during a telephone conversation Greek Foreign Minister Dora Bakoyannis asked her Iranian counterpart Manuchehr Motaki to seriously examine the EU proposal in an effort of diplomatically resolving the issue of the Iranian nuclear programme.

However, European diplomats had predicted Irans stance, noting, on one hand, that the countrys consensus to the proposal will be surprising and, on the other, that its rejection quite possibly means that its nuclear programme is not aimed exclusively for the production of electricity for peaceful purposes, as Tehran had claimed.

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

Related News:

Bakoyannis-Motaki Contact

EU Nuclear Offer to Iran

[04] Video of Air Crash Aired 9/11 Fatal Flight in Pentagon

The video from the crash in the Pentagon of hijacked American Airlines Flight 77, on 11 September 2001, which resulted in the death of 184 persons, was aired. The video was taken by a security camera of the US Defence Department and showed the plane crashing into the Pentagon and catching fire. So far, the only evidence publicised was the photographs of the scenes taking place after the attack. The US Defence Department decided to release the video following a demand by non-profit organisation Judicial Watch, which is dedicated to fighting government corruption. The organisation estimated that the airing of the video, which was initially refuted by the Pentagon as Zacarias Moussaouis trial was underway, will put a stop to conspiracy theories circulating about the specific flight, which are that the aircraft was shot down and that the Pentagon was hit by a missile.

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

[05] Declared the PM in his Speech at FGI "Greece Wins Battles"

Sources: NET - ANA

Greek PM Kostas Karamanlis referred to the positive results of the economic policy, which are mainly reflected in the growth rates, while speaking at the Federation of Greek Industries (FGI) General Assembly, which concluded on Wednesday before the President of the Hellenic Republic, Karolos Papoulias. Karamanlis mentioned that the positive figures constitute a subversive response to the barren reaction of the supporters of conservatism and a real incitement for the changes and reforms incited by the Government, adding that Greece is changing. "Our country is winning battles daily and is achieving important victories," stated the PM. Referring to the changes that have taken place in the last few years, he underlined that they guarantee a safe and rapid growth path in a healthy fiscal environment. In his speech, Economy Minister Giorgos Alogoskoufis stressed that the growth rate in 2005 reached 3.7% and the fiscal deficit dropped to 4.5%. Referring to competitiveness, he noted that Greece jumped up eight places internationally in 2004. In an announcement, KKE (Communist Party of Greece) underlined that both the PM and the President of PASOK rightly earned the applause of the industrialists at their speeches, while the two major parties deserve the disapproval of the workers.

"Progress is Visible and Measurable"

On his part, the Economy Minister stressed that "progress is visible and measurable," urging the members of the FGI to take advantage of the new environment that has dawned for the economy by investing in Greeces prospects.

Referring to the SDIT (Collaboration of Public and Private Sector Scheme), he underlined that the competent biministerial committee recently approved the first venture, which provides for the construction of new schools in Attica. He also mentioned that the bodies are interested, as up until now, just a few months after the relevant law was enacted, proposals amounting to 548 million euros have been filed at the SDIT Secretariat. Furthermore, new proposals, which amount to 300 million euros and provide for projects to house public, tourism and environmental infrastructure bodies, as well as proposals for the Health, Welfare and Justice sectors, are expected to be filed by the end of May.

As for DEKOs (public enterprises and utilities), he said that a great number of those have agreed in implementing the revenue increase provided for by legislation and the relevant circulars. He also repeated the pledges for increasing the OGA and EKAS pensions. Finally, referring to social security he voiced his satisfaction for the fact that "the Opposition demonstrated a responsible stance a couple of weeks ago, when it contemplated the magnitude of the problem, making some suggestions for the Social Security System."

Translated by Vicky Ghionis

Related News:

Saying 'No' to Personal Politics

Change of Guard at FGI

[06] Bakoyannis-Motaki Contact

Sources: ANA

Greek Foreign Minister Dora Bakoyannis spoke with her Iranian counterpart, Manuchehr Motaki, over the phone on Tuesday afternoon. As per the announcement issued by the Greek Foreign Ministry, the discussion focused on the EU General Affairs and External Relations Councils decision concerning the new European proposal for Iran, as part of the efforts to resolve the issue with Irans nuclear programme. "The European proposal is substantive and extremely advantageous, and would have to be assessed positively and constructively by Iran," Bakoyannis told her Iranian counterpart.

Translated by Vicky Ghionis

[07] An Attorney in Ankara, Turkey Opened Fire in Court

Sources: Reuters

A gunman opened fire in Turkeys top administrative court on Wednesday injuring five judges, a court official told Reuters. A court official had earlier said one judge died in the attack, but later said the judge was wounded. One judge was in a critical condition with head injuries. Television pictures showed injured people being carried away to ambulances from the court, the Council of State, which is in the heart of Ankara. Police imposed tight security around the building. "We condemn this attack with disgust, whoever is behind it. The investigation is continuing and the attacker has been detained," Justice Minister Cemil Cicek told reporters outside the court.

The CNN Turk Web site said the attack occurred in the courts second chamber during a committee meeting. The chambers chairman Mustafa Birden was among the injured. The wounded were being treated in hospital. Police have detained the gunman and were questioning him at the local police headquarters. The motive for the attack was not known but the Web site said the attacker, wielding a handgun, was believed to be a lawyer. Private news channel NTV reported eyewitnesses as saying the gunman had shouted "Allahu Akbar" (God is Greatest) and "may Gods wrath be upon you" as he carried out the attack. The courts second chamber deals with education issues and has been the target of criticism from Islamist circles due to its hardline secularist implementation of an official ban on wearing headscarves in official places.

Islamic militants, Kurdish separatists and far-leftists have all carried out armed attacks in Turkey in recent years.

[08] Uncompromising Stance by Ahmadinejad Iran Rejected EU Proposal

By Dimitris Alexopoulos

Sources: ANA, Reuters

"They say we want to give Iranians incentives but they think they are dealing with a four-year-old, telling him they will give him candies or walnuts and take gold from him in return," was Mahnoud Ahmadinejads answer to the European Unions proposal for a light-water nuclear reaction as an incentive for the suspension of Irans uranium enrichment programme. Keeping an uncompromising stance, regardless of international pressure, the President of Iran defended his choice to continue nuclear programmes. "We accepted suspension once with confidence in you, and unfortunately this was a bitter experience. We will not be bitten twice," said the Iranian President whilst rejecting the proposal of the international community.

On Tuesday, during a telephone conversation Greek Foreign Minister Dora Bakoyannis asked her Iranian counterpart Manuchehr Motaki to seriously examine the EU proposal in an effort of diplomatically resolving the issue of the Iranian nuclear programme.

However, European diplomats had predicted Irans stance, noting, on one hand, that the countrys consensus to the proposal will be surprising and, on the other, that its rejection quite possibly means that its nuclear programme is not aimed exclusively for the production of electricity for peaceful purposes, as Tehran had claimed.

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

Related News:

Bakoyannis-Motaki Contact

EU Nuclear Offer to Iran

[09] One Down for Olympiacos

By Vasilis Kalpinos

Charging full-steam ahead, Olympiacos easily defeated Maroussi with 75-60 in the Peace and Friendship Stadium during the basketball semifinal playoffs. Now, Maroussi will try to even things out on Thursday at Agios Thomas Hall. It should be noted that a team needs three victories to qualify for the finals. The score per period: 19-12, 41-25, 60-42, 75-60.

Translated by Vicky Ghionis

[10] Quite Possibly on Wednesday Afternoon Prodi to Announce Government

Following five weeks of disputes within the coalition, Romano Prodi will announce the new government of Italy on Wednesday afternoon. The 66-year-old former President of the Commission, who was named Prime Minister by Giorgio Napolitano on Tuesday, has not revealed the list of ministers, while surprises are not ruled out. Even if Prodi has said that the government formation has already been shaped, the leaders of parties participating in the coalition under his leadership are continually contradicting him. Only a few positions seem finalised, such as Minister of Economy, which is certain that it will be appointed to Tommaso Padoa-Schioppa, former member of the European Central Bank (ECB) and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs which is believed to be taken up by former PM Massimo DAlema. The government is expected to be sworn-in on Wednesday, while a confidence vote will be requested by Congress on Friday and the Parliaments confidence vote given on Friday.

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

[11] Redistribution of State-Owned Land Morales' Plan for the Poor

The Bolivian Government presented a plan on the redistribution of land to poor farmers and ruling out mass expropriations whilst promising the immediate distribution of state-owned property. The announcement was made two weeks following the decision of leftist President Evo Morales to nationalize the internal energy industry, surprising the neighbouring countries and foreign oil companies. This move is another step by Morales in his efforts to gain control of the countrys natural resources, however government officials attempted to calm landowners, promising that farmland will not be seized.

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

[12] Small Damage 7.4 Quake in New Zealand

A few hours before a multinational tsunami drill, a strong earthquake measuring 7.5 on the Richter scale occurred 600km northeast of New Zealand, in the Pacific Ocean. The earthquake was felt in many areas, while there was small damage as the local radio station broadcast. Geological and Nuclear Sciences seismologist Ken Gledhill announced that the quake occurred 150km below the seas surface, near Kermadec Islands. The earthquake had a strong rolling motion, which lasted for half a minute or more, but "the depth of the quake would limit any damage," noted Gledhill.

As per the radio station broadcast, the initial estimation on the size of the quake was 7.5 on the Richter scale, however, it was announced that it was 7.6 and finally 7.4 as per US seismologists.

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

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