The Hellenic Radio (ERA): News in English, 08-02-26

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

CONTENTS

[01] Marathon Deposition

26 Feb 2008 09:16:00 (Last updated: 26 Feb 2008 12:21:53)

Sources: ÍÅÔ

Evi Tsekou, the former Culture Ministry employee involved in the Zahopoulos scandal, was answering the magistrates questions that came down in torrents for almost 15 hours on Monday. In her additional deposition, which concluded at 1am, Tsekou claimed full responsibility for the videotaping of her intimate moments with former Culture Ministry top official Christos Zahopoulos and disclosed the how, where, when and why. Admitting her two-year-long love affair with Zahopoulos, she described it in every detail and provided her own version to the story. She also admitted that it had been her who videotaped their intimate moments, using a nano-camera hidden in her purse, in early fall when she found out she had failed to gain a permanent working status. She denied, however, according to her lawyer Mr Chrysikopoulos, the charges of attempted extortion and violation of the personal data Act. With regard to the controversial DVD, she claimed she showed the 50-minute-long material to Sunday paper Proto Thema only and not to MEGA private television, and accused publisher of Proto Thema Themos Anastasiades and journalist Giannis Makrygiannis of intercepting the material on 22 November 2007 without her taking any notice. Tsekou destroyed the original material in early December, because she was having regrets and did not use it to extort Christos Zahopoulos. Chrysikopoulos requested the motives the person who handed over the DVD to Maximos Mansion and the benefits he reaped be probed, and called on the Prosecutor to take a stand on the DVD bearers issue. He finally made it plain that his client neither made the DVD nor circulated it, and filed a petition requiring the order for her temporary detention being lifted.

Translated by Areti Christou

Related News:

Marathon Deposition

[02] On Administrators' Electronic Traces

By Athina Saloustrou

At least five persons appear to be the administrators of blogpress-gr.blogsport.com, which as per lawsuits filed they posted slanderous comments, followed by blackmailing calls and e-mails. Due to charges related to felony and blackmail, confidentiality has been lifted and thus the Electronic Crime Bureau is on the five administrators electronic traces. Journalist Vasilis Chiotis had filed a lawsuit on felony and defamation of character one year ago. Over 100 lawsuits have been filed since the case was made public. In an interview with NET 105.8, ISTAME (Institute of Strategic and Development Studies) President Nikos Kotzias argued that the last time the specific blog had insulted him was one day before he was checked. To Vima newspaper, where Mr Chiotis works as an editor carries the blogs posted material that concern him and the others. It also carries two e-mails through which unknown senders had asked 30,000 euros from him in order to stop publicizing the comments. Ministers George Alogoskoufis and George Voulgarakis, MPs, businessmen, hierarchs journalists and lawyers have also filed lawsuits.

One of the five persons considered to be the administrators of the blog is head editor of Kosmos tou Ependyti newspaper Andreas Kapsampelis, who lost his post when it was revealed that he had been involved in the case.

In his answer on the blog, Mr Kapsampelis reports that he is a blogger and not a criminal, rejecting any charges filed against him on blackmail.

Three more journalists or politicians appear to be Kapsampelis co-bloggers, while at least one publication appears to have been sent by a computer in the Parliament.

Referring to the issue, government spokesman Theodoros Roussopoulos stated that the authorities are cooperating on an international basis, adding that anonymity on the Internet is in force worldwide. However, he stressed that the posted material should not be insulting.

In parallel, he said that a bill on the free circulation of ideas on the Internet, incorporating the EU relevant directives will be tabled at Parliament in 2008.

Referring to the case today, Transport and Communications Minister Kostis Hatzidakis stated that blogs should not carry defamatory material.

From its side, SYN (Coalition of the Left) issued an announcement as per which the government is trying to introduce a new measure that will lead to censorship on the excuse of combating blackmail.

As per information, brief on the administrators of the blog will also concern the controversial DVD on the Zahopoulos case.

Translated by John Crystallidis

[03] On Skopje Issue

26 Feb 2008 12:58:00

Sources: ÍÅÔ - ÍÅÔ 105.8

Athens and Skopje are expecting Nimetzs fresh invitation, which as per information will be extended at the end of the week. The two sides have studied Mr Nimetzs proposal and have concluded to their objections and counter-proposals on the FYROM name issue. The Greek government has reiterated that it supports a realistic and respectable solution, making it clear that if Skopje remains intransigent, then it will not be invited to join NATO. Meanwhile, FYROM (Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia) President Branco Crvenkovski is visiting Brussels today to hold talks with European officials on his countrys prospects to join NATO. The United States intends "to support an agreement to be reached by Athens and Skopje under Mr Nimetzs services," reiterated the State Department spokesman on Monday. At the same time, he encouraged both parties to work constructively under the UN mediators auspices so that a mutually accepted solution is reached. Moreover, it condemned indirectly the recent incidents outside the Greek Liaison Buraue in Skopje, pointing out that it is unacceptable for someone to use violence or get involved in any actions that would jeopardize the diplomatic missions or foreign diplomats. Meanwhile, as per MRB and Metron Anlaysis polls commissioned by Alpha and Antena respectively, six out of 10 civilians are in favour of a composite name, while eight out of ten agree that Greece should exercise veto if the negotiations do not end to an agreement.

Translated by John Crystallidis

[04] Giannakou Hit by Infarction

Sources: ÍÅÔ 105.8

Former Education Minister Marietta Giannakou is in the intensive care unit of Errikos Dynan Hospital after suffering a myocardial infarction at noon.

Ms Giannakou was recovering after undergoing debridement on her amputated limb about two weeks ago.

The prime minister was briefed on the former ministers condition.

Translated by John Crystallidis

[05] Christofias Contacts in Athens & Brussels

26 Feb 2008 16:05:00

Sources: ÍÅÔ 105.8-ÁNA/ÌPA

The new President of the Cyprus Republic Dimitris Christofias, who will be sworn-in in Lefkosia on Wednesday, is to visit Athens and Brussels next week to discuss a fresh attempt on the resolution of the Cyprus issue. Meanwhile, in an interview with Reuters news agency, Turkish-Cypriot leader Mehmet Ali Talat stated that the negotiations could even start in April, adding that the problem could be resolved by the end of 2008.Meanwhile, a UN group is expected to visit Cyprus in April to see how willing the two sides are to begin fresh negotiations.

At the same time, outgoing President of the Cyprus Republic Tassos Papadopoulos sent a letter to Prime Minister Kostas Karamanlis on 21 February thanking him for his cooperation and wishing him all the best.

Translated by John Crystallidis

[06] Manual for Tax Payers

The Economy and Finance Ministry issued a manual on the tax payers rights and obligations during an Inland Revenue inspection. The manual also offers clarifications on the clause of the last tax bill.

The manual will be distributed to tax payers during the first day of the Inland Revenue inspection. Amongst others the manual reads that tax payers can submit tax and VAT returns before the check. This can be done 10 days before the tax payer is notified that an Inland Revenue inspection is to follow.

Translated by John Crystallidis

[07] Karamanlis-Avramopoulos Meeting

26 Feb 2008 14:51:00

Sources: ÍÅÔ, ÍÅÔ 105.8, ÁNA-ÌPA

The Health Ministrys bill on primary care will be tabled at the Standing Committee on Tuesday and will be forwarded to Parliament in the next two weeks, announced Health Minister Dimitris Avramopoulos after his meeting with Prime Minister Kostas Karamanlis on Tuesday.

As per Mr Avramopoulos, the bill includes the functioning of Health Centres across Greece and the institutionalisation of a family doctor. "It is a very rich reformatory and legislative work," he said which "is on a good track now."

In reply to question on the readiness to deal natural disasters, Mr Avramopoulos stressed that the National Center for Health Operations is alert on a 24-hour basis to deal with natural disasters and the Greek citizens health.

In reply to a question over the eventuality of an imminent earthquake, Mr Avramopoulos stated that no such notice had been forwarded to the ministry.

Translated by John Crystallidis

[08] Fresh Tremor Rocks Methoni

Sources: NÅÔ-ÍÅÔ 105.8

An earthquake measuring 5.6 on the Richter scale that rocked that hit the area off Methoni, 280 kilometres south-west of Athens at 12:45 has caused concern in the southern Peloponnese. The quakes epicentre is the same with epicentres of the previous quakes in Methoni. Meanwhile, Earthquake Planning and Protection Organisation (OASP) Professor Constantinos Makropoulos rejected rumors and publications on an imminent quake and a relevant forecast by the VAN group. Mr Markopoulos stressed that no scientist or seismologist has briefed OASP on an imminent quake, requesting in parallel from all seismologists to be more careful and not cause concern among civilians.

Translated by John Crystallidis

[09] Albanian Criminal Arrested

Sources: ÍÅÔ 105.8

The police have arrested a dangerous 26-year-old Albanian wanted since 2006. The man was being followed by the police for many days and was arrested when he tried to shoot against police officers. He is accused of having murdered a fellow citizen of his in Omonia on 12 April 2005. Moreover, it is believed that he must have killed a petrol station owner in Neo Heraklion a few days ago. The man is also faces dozens of charges on attacks and robberies. The police reported that the man used 10 different surnames, seven names, six different names for his father and four for his mother, as well as four different birth dates.

Translated by John Crystallidis

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