The Hellenic Radio (ERA): News in English, 08-07-19

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

CONTENTS

[01] In Ancient Olympia

19 Ιουλ 2008 19:05:0

By Katerina Ioannidou

Sources: ANA, MNA

ONNED (organization affiliated to New Democracy) believes in the mental and moral resources of Greeks and in the decision of the Prime Minister to change "Greece", ONNED president Giorgos Papapnikolaou said opening ONNED festival "2008 Presences", taking place in ancient Olympia, Friday.

The Prime Minister in his speech, called on the opposition party to stop playing games of impressions. "For many years, bribe, had been a governmental order. The Opposition party should not pretend that it is the prosecutor accusing justice", Mr Karamanlis said. "It is their right to compete in populism their party enemies. Bur it is no ones right to constantly dispute institutions. They try to cover their political weaknesses irresponsibly and with no credibility, applying extreme methods that afflict Democracy. They try to achieve compensations. They try to revive policies of polarization, acrimony and fanaticism", he stated. Mr. Karamanlis appeared determined to continue changes in Education and Economy.

"We are the youth of progress, the youth of participation that never compromised", Mr. Papanikolaou said and referred on the year that went by saying that it was a year of justification of a big vision for Youths Local Councils. On reference to the latest developments ONNED president said that the only answer to the efforts launched is political participation and faith in democracy.

Translated by Sofia Gartziou

[02] Venizelos' Positions

Sources: ΝΕΤ, ΝΕΤ 105.8, ΑNA-ΜPA

The PASOK (Socialists) National Council will end its sessions in Thessaloniki today with George Papandreous speech. Yesterday, Mr Papandreou launched a harsh attack against Prime Minister Kostas Karamanlis and the government. This morning, PASOK cadres presented their positions, while MP Eleftherios Venizelos adopted different positions from those presented by Mr Papandreou. In his speech, Columbia University Professor Joseph Stiglich focused on the differences between Social-Democrats and Conservatives, the causes of the economic crisis in the USA and the rest of the world.

"Winning the Elections the Objective"

Addressing the Council, Mr Venizelos said that PASOKs objective should be a win in the next euro-elections and national elections.

He advised that PASOK should not spend so much time on scandals, arguing that the government will not loose power from the scandals, but from its failed policies.

Former Parliament President Apostolos Kaklamanis advised unity within PASOK, while MP Akis Tsochatzopoulos proposed a turn to the Left.

From his side, George Floridis stressed that PASOK is part of the crisis, as it cannot persuade the public opinion that it has a satisfactory proposal to rule.

Translated by John Crystallidis

Related News:

Papandreou's Harsh Criticism

[03] Fresh Poll

Sources: ΝΕΤ, ΝΕΤ 105.8, ΑNA

As per a fresh VRPC poll, commissioned by Kyriakatiki Eleftherotypia newspaper, the ND party is ahead PASOK by 3.5 percentage points. Moreover, six parties are expected to enter the Parliament in the next elections, while civilians are concerned over the high cost of living and corruption.

The poll ranks the ND party first with 34%, followed by PASOK (Socialists) with 30.5%, while KKE (Communist Party of Greece) garners 8%, SYRIZA (Coalition of the Radical Left) 16%, LAOS (Popular Orthodox Rally) 5% and Ecologists-Greens 3.5%.

In reply to a question as to which is the most serious problem Greece is facing, 60% have answered the high cost of living and 42% unemployment.

Civilians also appear concerned over their finances in the next coming months.

Moreover, eight out of ten civilians believe that the Siemens case will be covered up, with no more evidence being made public.

Meanwhile, a MARC poll commissioned by Ethnos tis Kyriakis newspaper, ranks the ND party first with 28.1%, PASOK second with 24.9%, SYRIZA third with 15%, KKE fourth with 7.3% and LAOS fourth with 4.6%.

Translated by John Crystallidis

[04] Skopje Escalates Provocations

Sources: ΝΕΤ, ΝΕΤ 105.8

Skopje continues its irredentist policy. The central motto of a rally held in the centre of Skopje Friday evening was the recognition of the alleged "Macedonian minority" by Greece. However, in his reply letter to Mr Nicolas Gruevski, Prime Minister Kostas Karamanlis made it clear that there had never been in Greece a "Macedonian minority", reiterating that Athens is trying to find a solution on the FYROM (Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia) name issue within the UN framework.

In his two-page latter that will be also sent to the UN and NATO, he stresses that there has never been a "Macedonian" minority in Greece, adding that any opposite allegation lacks evidence and is politically instigated. Moreover, it does not show respect to the history of the region. He also points out that his FYROM counterparts letter does everything else but promoting negotiations and good neighbourly relations with Greece. Moreover, it raises groundless issues that are against the countrys zestful efforts and intervenes in the internal affairs of a neighbouring country. The PM concludes in his letter that the Balkan countries future lies within the European and Euro-Atlantic institutions and not within the nationalistic logic of an era that has passed long ago and must remain in the past.

Translated by John Crystallidis

Related News:

Mr. Karamanlis' Harsh Answer

[05] Cyprus

19 Ιουλ 2008 18:21:0 (Last updated: 19 Ιουλ 2008 19:30:1)

Sources: ΝΕΤ, ΑNA-ΜPA

On the occasion of the 34th anniversary, commemorating Turkeys invasion to Cyprus in 1974, the Cyprus government described Turkish PM Tayiip Erdogans visit to occupied Cyprus a provocation, Chile Mr D. Christofias described it illegal. Mr Erdogan arrived in the occupied part of Cyprus Friday afternoon to attend the pseudo states events on Sunday. Addressing an event at the Presidential Mansion dedicated to the coup and Turkish invasion, the President of the Cyprus Republic Dimitris Christofias described Mr Erdogans visit illegal, inviting him to cooperate in finding a solution of the Cyprus issue within the framework of UN resolutions.

Accompanied by a big delegation, eight ministers and army officials, the Turkish PM met with Mehmet Ali Talat and said after his meeting that he supports a solution within the UN framework, speaking of a partnership between two full-fledged peoples and states.

The Commander of the Third Army- General Saldiray Berk adopted a harsher line, by stressing that the Turkish Armed Forces will always stand by the Turkish-Cypriots side.

The Cypriot government reacted strongly by protesting to the UN and the EU, while President Dimitris Christofias spoke of an illegal visit by Mr Erdgogan.

PASOK MP Andreas Loverdos described Mr Erdogans move beyond the framework of International Law and the EUs objectives, while PASOK President George Papandreou denounced the visit to occupied Cyprus, describing it conspicuous violation of the International Law.

Political analysts commented that it is not a mere coincidence that Mr Erdogans visit is taking place on the eve of Messrs Talat-Christofias face to face talks and at a time when Turkey is facing a deep political crisis.

However, the Cypriot Foreign minister stated that Mr Erdogans illegal visit should not influence Lefkosias decision to hold face to face talks on the Cyprus issue.

"Solution is Feasible"

The Turkish PM stressed that the solution of the Cyprus issue would be found only on the basis of "two equal peoples states that will reach a partnership."

If concession is reached, then the rest are details stated Mr Erdogan, who gave a joint Press Conference with Turkish-Cypriot leader Mehmet Ali Talat. Earlier, the two men held talks on the Cyprus issue, in view of Mr Talats meeting with President Christofias next Friday.

Mr Erdogan hoped that the date of face to face talks would be fixed during the Christofias-Talat imminent meeting, speaking a solution "based on the existing reality in Cyprus."

In parallel, Turkish-Cypriot leader Mehmet Ali Talat stated that he supports solution on the basis "of political equality."

He also stated that the Turkish-Cypriots feel safe, enjoying Turkeys support in the course towards a solution of the Cyprus issue.

Translated by John Crystallidis

[06] "They are in a Hard Position"

19 Ιουλ 2008 13:54:0

By Katerina Ioannidou

Sources: ΝΕΤ 105,8

KKE general secretary Papariga in her interview in NET 105,8 launched severe criticism against PASOK and LAOS. PASOK is in a hard position, she said and LAOS offers its services to the opposition party because the government does not respond to its call. She also stated that no one can accuse KKE for illegal political transactions. As per KKEs denial for control to the partys funds, deputy governmental spokesman Mr. Antonaros expressed the certainty that all parties that are represented in Parliament follow the existing rules.

Translated by Sofia Gartziou

[07] Papandreou's Harsh Criticism

Sources: ANA

Main opposition Panhellenic Socialist Movement (PASOK) leader George Papandreou said on Friday that there was no need for Prime Minister Costas Karamanlis answering to a letter by Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (FYROM) prime minister Nikola Gruevski "because it was clear that the Skopjan premiers aim was to create problems."

Opening the sessions of a national council meeting of his party in Thessaloniki, Macedonia, he said there was "only one issue" separating Greece and FYROM, that of the "name issue" of the landlocked republic, "whose resolution will be to the benefit of all, especially of our northern neighbours."

Only through a resolution can the doors of NATO and the European Union can open for the neighbouring country," Papandreou underlined.

Regarding the Greek stance on the issue, the main opposition leader reiterated that "the red line proposed by PASOK should be maintained, that is one name for all uses and rejection of every idea for a double name" for FYROM.

Papandreou also charged the government was "responsible for Greeces absence from the international scene," adding that it did not eleborate a strategy "after a painless veto" regarding FYROMs NATO entry, which Athens tabled during the Alliances Bucharest summit last April.

Turning to internal policy affairs, the PASOK leader said that "at present a responsible and courageous government is needed, which will unite Greeks, as the country is experiencing a great economic, political and moral crisis."

Papandreou criticised at length the government on the entire spectrum of its policies, while referring also to internal PASOK issues such as transparency in its finances.

Reiterating his partys proposals on the economy and proposing a development plan for norhtern Greece, Papandreou said that socialists should send "a message that we can all, together with the citizens, take Greece out of mud and crisis, leading it to a road where the black money will not guide politics and where financial agents will not rule."

[08] Swimming in Anavysos Allowed

Sources: NET

Prefectures on Eastern Attika allowed swimming in Anavysos beaches that had been polluted with toxic. Analysis showed that there were no traces of toxic in Athens-Sounis Avenue. The prefecture asked from the ministry of environment to conduct further investigation on the causes of the pollution.

Translated by Sofia Gartziou

[09] New wave of Vacationer's Exodus

Sources: NET, NET 105.8

New wave of July vacationers started this weekend. 100% complement of passengers is reported in train and bus routes. Risen traffic also appears in Piraeus port and the national highway now. In El. Venizelos airport 1.779 arrivals and departures have been scheduled for today and 547 for Sunday. Most popular holiday destinations are Paris, Larnaka, Greece, Heraklion, Rhode and Thessaloniki. In Piraeus port, 31 departures are expected for today, in Rafina 18 and in Lavrio 6.

Translated by Sofia Gartziou

[10] Pope Benedict apologised for sexual abuse

Sources: Reuters

Pope Benedict apologised on Saturday for sexual abuse in the Catholic Church in Australia, saying those responsible should be brought to justice. "I am deeply sorry for the pain and suffering the victims have endured," the pontiff said in a homily in Sydney. "These misdeeds, which constitute so grave a betrayal of trust, deserve unequivocal condemnation," he said. "Those responsible for these evils must be brought to justice." "I would like to pause to acknowledge the shame which we have all felt as a result of the sexual abuse of minors by someclergy and religious in this country," he said during a massinside Sydneys St Marys Cathedral. The scandal is shocking. The victims of the rape were two sisters who were raped by a priest in Melbourne when they were attending elementary school. The first of them suicided in the age of 26 while the second one become alcoholic.

[11] Greece-New Zealand 75-48

19 Ιουλ 2008 00:26:0

Greece beat New Zealand 75-48 behind guard Vassilis Spanoulis 14 points. Lindsay Tait led New Zealand with nine. Greece employed its trademark stifling defence from the start to jump to a 15-2 lead and was never seriously threatened. New Zealands Kirk Penney, who had averaged 27 points in the previous two games, was limited to eight points on 2-for-13 shooting. Greece shot 73 percent for the game and was backed by Kostas Tsartsaris with 15 points. "Sometimes when you start a tournament, especially in front of an adoring crowd, you become nervous and you make hasty decisions," Greek coach Panagiotis Yannakis said. "This did not happen to us, as it has in other times." Puerto Rico and Croatia also advanced to Saturdays semis. Germany will face Croatia and Greece will play Puerto Rico. "We played well today but we want to improve certain things against Puerto Rico. They are a good side and we should be very careful," said forward Costas Tsartsaris.

[12] Deadly Storm Sweeps Taiwan

By Betty Savourdou

Sources: AFP, ANA, MNA

The powerful tropical storm Kalmaegi swept Taiwan killing 13 people while 8 people are missing. Most of the victims were killed by floods and landslides in the central and southern part of the country. 60.000 firemen and members of security services rescue trapped and evacuated about 80 people. Central Meteorological Service was criticized because it underestimated typhoon Kalmaegi and registered it to the category of tropical storm.

Translated by Sofia Gartziou

[13] Strong quake Hit Japan

Sources: Reuters

A 6.6 magnitude earthquake struck off the east coast of Honshu, Japan. The U.S. Geological Survey said the 7.0 magnitude tremor struck beneath the north Pacific Ocean, 77 miles (123 km) east northeast of Iwaki, Japan at 0239 GMT at a depth of 25 miles (40 km). There were no initial reports of damage from the quake. Nuclear power facilities in the area were unharmed and were continuing to operate as usual. Authorities issued a tsunami warning. The quake was epicentred in the same area as a June 14 tremor which killed at least 10 and left as many again missing.

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