The Hellenic Radio (ERA): News in English, 08-07-23

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

CONTENTS

[01] In Baribobi-Rhodes

23 Éïõë 2008 16:01:0 (Last updated: 23 Éïõë 2008 18:37:0)

By Anna Kourti

Sources: ÁNA-ÌPA, ÍÅÔ, ÍÅÔ 105.8

Wildfire, which broke out at noon near Varibobi bridge on the Athens-Lamia National road, is still raging burning forest and grass land. The fire has spread to Kryoneri, near an inhabited area, while residents have been warned to evacuate the area for precautionary reasons. Traffic on national road has been suspended. Vehicles are deviated to Ekali-Eruthrea road. Three passenger trains remain stationed in Agios Stefanos, Oinoi and Larissis station due to suspension of travel for safety reasons. Seven aircrafts, two helociopters 12 fire engines and 36 firefighters are battling to contain the fire. TRENOSE is examining to transport by bus the 200 passengers of Train 53, stationing in Agios Stefanos. Employees have been evacuated from factories near the site of the fire in Varibobi. Battling against the fire are 7 aircrafts and 3 helicopters dropping water, 25 fire engines, 75 firemen and an infantry group of 48 firefighters and 20 water lories provided by local administration authorities.

On the island of Rhodes flames are raging between the Agios Isidoros and Laerma villages. Two elderly people have been arrested for the fires in Rhodes and Larissa, charged with unintentional arson. Fire fighting efforts continue to avert fire approaching the village while the last residents are gradually leaving.

Translated by Chrisanthi Sarantis

[02] Message to Skopje

Sources: ÍÅÔ-ÍÅÔ 105.8-ÁNA/ÌPA

In a message to Skopje after her meeting with her Croatian counterpart and Panama ambassador to Athens, Greek Foreign Minister, Dora Bakoyianni stresses that the Balkans do not need nationalistic tensions. She also underlines that decision for a mutually acceptable solution to name dispute depends 100% on Skopjes stand, adding that Greece has launched an international campaign to brief on the name issue. Panama ambassador said that his country will change its policy over Skopje and use the name FYROM instead of its constitutional name it used till present.

Greek Foreign Minister, Dora Bakoyianni sent a clear message to Skopje after her meeting with her Croatian counterpart, Gordan Jandrokovi&#263;."The Balkans do not need more nationalistic tensions but a modern European vision. Responsible leaders owe with insight and sobriety to materialize this vision for the peoples of the Balkans." She added: Greece will continue international campaign on the issue of name dispute and will participate at UN negotiations in a constructive spirit. If Skopje abandon its intransigent stand, we will reach a solution, the decision depends 100% on the policy of Skopjes leadership."

Mrs. Bakoyianni referred to Croatia, which is rapidly heading to win the European bet, as an example of "insight an sobriety". She stressed: "Without these two elements European orientation can not be won".

Earlier, she had met with Panama ambassador, who assured her that his countrys government supports UN efforts for a mutually acceptable solution on the name dispute and bowed to observe UN relevant decisions for international and bilateral use. His stand indicates a change in Panamas policy, which had recognized FYROM under its constitutional name in 2002.

Translated by Chrisanthi Sarantis

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[03] On Abolition of Authority to Combat Black Money

23 Éïõë 2008 14:47:0

Sources: ÍÅÔ-ÍÅÔ 105.8 ÁNA/ÌPA

George Zorbas, head of National Authority to combat money laundering has expressed strong dissatisfaction at the abolition of the authority. Addressing the competent parliament Committee, where he propounded his views on the relevant draft-bill, he dropped direct hints against Finance Minister, George Alogoskoufis, saying that he did not support the authority and refuted charges about ineffectiveness of the authority. Mr. Zorbas maintained that George Alogoskoufis did not brief him on his intentions and described as inaccurate the Ministers assessment about difficulties between the Authority and Justice. In response, Mr. Alogoskoufis said that the new draft-bill does not refer to any personal issue but malfunction of the specific establishment.

Translated by Chrisanthi Sarantis

[04] Ships Collide in Andros

Sources: ÍÅÔ 105.8-ÁNA/ÌPA

Three passengers were slightly injured when "Super Ferry II" hit anchored "Theologos" at Gavrio port during docking maneuvers. "Super Ferry II", the itinerary of which was Rafina-Andros-Tinos-Mykonos, sustained heavy material damage. "Theologos" was about to depart for the port of Rafina.

Translated by John Crystallidis

[05] Alogoskoufis-Liapis Meeting

Sources: ÍÅÔ-ÍÅÔ 105.8-ÁNA/ÌPA

Review of Culture Ministry Finance model was the center of talks during the meeting of Economics Minister, George Alogoskoufis and Culture Minister, Mihalis Liapis. According to Mr. Alogoskoufis, the Culture Ministry special account will be incorporated in the regular budget so there will be more transparency in the financing of sectors and projects under the Culture Ministrys supervision.

On his part, Mr. Liapis referred to a close cooperation with Mr. Alogoskoufis and stated that 2008 budget will be jointly drawn ( between Economics and Culture ministries).

Translated by Chrisanthi Sarantis

[06] Viagra Good for women on Antidepressants

Sources: ANA

A small study published today argues that Viagra helped women whose sexual performance had flagged as a side effect of taking antidepressants The report in the Journal of the American Medical Assn. is one of the few to find some benefit for women despite nearly a decade of searching by its maker, Pfizer Inc.

Antidepressants are the most common treatment for the mood disorder, and while they can be quite beneficial, they often have debilitating sexual side effects.

The latest study was confined to women with arousal problems. They all had been diagnosed with major depression and were taking a specific class of antidepressants called selective serotonin re-uptake inhibitors, or SSRIs. Their depression was in remission when the study began.

The women, all of whom were premenopausal, were divided into two groups. One group was assigned to take Viagra one to two hours before sexual activity for eight weeks. The other women received the same instructions but were given a placebo.

At the end of the study, 72% of women taking Viagra, and 27% of those taking the placebo, reported improvement. The side effects were those typically associated with Viagra, including headaches and flushing. The women who responded best tended to have higher levels of testosterone, a phenomenon also observed in men taking Viagra.

[07] Ahmadinejad Spech

23 Éïõë 2008 11:57:0

Sources: ÁNA-ÌPA

Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad said on Wednesday that Iran would not halt its atomic work, the West suspects is aimed at making bombs.

At Saturdays meeting with Irans chief nuclear negotiator, Saeed Jalili in Geneva, six world powers gave Iran two weeks to answer calls to rein in its nuclear activities or face more sanctions.

"Iran will not yield to some threats, sanctions and pressure," Ahmadinejad said in a televised speech. "The Iranian people have selected their road", he underlined. Addressing world powers, which offered economic and other benefits in exchange to suspension of uranium enrichment program Ahmadinejad urged major powers to approach his country respectfully and without threats on the grounds of justice and rationale and the Iranian nation will negotiate and cooperate for the resolution of the problems of humanity.

Translated by Chrisanthi Sarantis

[08] The 20yo to Testify Thursday

Sources: ÍÅÔ 105.8

The 20-year-old British national facing voluntary homicide charges for strangling her infant will testify to the Prosecutor Thursday. As per information, the woman, who is being guarded at the Heraklion Maternity Hospital, has asked to see her baby. As the case has stirred interest in the British Media, several journalists are in Heraklion in expectance of developments.

Translated by John Crystallidis

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[09] Voted in Principal D/B on Private Colleges

By Vivian Papastefanou

Sources: ÍÅÔ 105.8-ÁNA/ÌPA

The competent Parliament Committee voted in principal Education Ministry draft-bill on Liberal Arts Colleges. ND and LAOS deputies voted in favour of draft-bill while PASOK, GCP and SYRIZA deputies voted against. Education Minister, Evripidis Stylianidis said that the new draft-bill provides for reforms in the chaos of post-lyceum education and assured that colleges will not turn into private universities. He also stressed that the draft-bill is the only response for Greece to avoid facing charges of violation of European community regulations, provide for reforms in post-lyceum education and adhere to Constitutional article 16 which forbids foundation of private universities.

Translated by Chrisanthi Sarantis

[10] Voting D/B Today

23 Éïõë 2008 09:51:0

Sources: ÍÅÔ 105.8, ÁNA-ÌPA

Draft-bill providing for abolition of judicial self-administration gave rise to strong dispute between the government and opposition parties during yesterdays Parliament session. PASOK party, Parliament spokesman, Hristos Papoutsis spoke of "black page in Greek Justice" maintaining that the specific reform aims at direct intervention to Justice and manipulation of judges. Spokesmen of GCP, Yiannis Giokas, SYRIZA, Panagiotis Lafazanis and LAOS Kyriakos Belopoulos spoke of "a draft-bill aimed to strengthen the governments control over the Judicial body".

In response, Justice Minister, Sotiris Hatzigakis described arguments as exaggerated and hypocritical and maintained that it is a reform supported in the past by personalities in the field of Justice, underlining that in 1993 the Supreme Court Plenum had ruled self-administration of the Judicial body as Unconstitutional.

Mr. Hatzidakis also stressed that the specific reform is not a surprise, maintaining that both in a speech of his in the Parliament as well as during meetings with union representatives of judicial bodies he left open issue of reforms. PASOK called for roll-call voting to be held on Wednesday.

Translated by Chrisanthi Sarantis

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