The Hellenic Radio (ERA): News in English, 08-09-01

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

CONTENTS

[01] In Brussels

01 Σεπ 2008 15:44:00 (Last updated: 01 Σεπ 2008 17:54:03)

Sources: ΝΕΤ, ΝΕΤ 105.8, ΑNA-ΜPA

The crisis in Caucasus will be put on tapis at the EU extraordinary Summit Meeting in Brussels today. The "27" will discuss the implementation of the six-point plan agreed by Sarkozy and Medvedev, as well as the general framework of EU-Russia relations. The French PM stated that Sarkozy intends to visit Moscow and Tblisi again to contribute to the resolution of the Russian-German conflict. He reiterated that Paris against the imposition of sanctions against Moscow, questioning Washingtons tough line it had adopted from the beginning of the crisis. However, Britain called on the EU today to postpone the talks scheduled for 15 September on a fresh cooperation with Russia. From its side, Moscow has stated it is ready to accept the deployment of OSCE observers in Caucasus region despite President Medvedevs decision to stand firm on the recognition of South Ossetia and Abkhazia. In parallel, he warned the West, through Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov not to support the Georgian leadership, demanding an embargo on arms for Georgia for as long as Mikheil Saakashvili remains president. These statements are expected to trigger the strong reaction of the USA and the EU. The EU should not withdraw from its positions on a conflict with Russia on two regions that seceded from Georgia stated the Georgian President. Meanwhile, his country admitted to the Human Rights Observatory the use of cluster bombs in South Ossetia.

Observers to be Deployed by Mid-October

Press Secretary of the EU Foreign Minister Xavier Solana has stated th at the European leaders are expected to approve the deployment of European observers, who will monitor the implementation of truce in Georgia, hoping that their deployment will be possible until the next EU Summit Meeting in mid-October.

In Search of Unity

French Prime Minister Francois Fillon has reiterated that Paris is against the imposition of sanctions against Moscow, requesting the EU to remain united. He described Russia a big country that had been humiliated in the last 20 years. As a result the EU should find ways to hold a dialogue with Russia.

Italian Foreign Minister Franco Fratini stated that Russia should not be considered a hostile country but a strategic partner with whom relations should not be interrupted. He also told Corriere della Sera newspaper that if there are countries which argue that we should break our relations with Russia then they should tell us how we would manage to deal with Irans nuclear programme.

French Foreign Minister Bernard Kushner stated that the French EU presidencys proposal speaks of a balanced and strict text that does not propose sanctions, but instead specific steps to be taken. He also admitted that there different views among the EU member-states.

Lavrov on Relations between Russia and the West

A few hours before the EU Summit Meeting Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov used strict language on the new form of relations between Russia and the West.

Russias decision to send troops to Georgia has set new criteria on the basis of which Moscow will be defending its national interests stated Lavrov, making it clear that his country will not succumb to pressure.

He said that Russia would continue defending its interests in the international scene, without wrangling, except in emergency cases, demanding an embargo to be imposed to the dispatch of arms to Georgia.

Regarding its relations with the USA, Lavrov added that America should recognize what had been called post-American world and begin adapting to this new world. Furthermore, he reported that Russia would continue talking with the US for as long as there is the slightest hope to understand one another and agree. "We are ready to cooperate with any America," he said.

At the same time, Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin has ordered that the construction of the East Siberia Pacific Ocean oil pipeline proceed without delays. The pipeline will begin from eastern Siberia and end at the Pacific Ocean. Putin signed a government directive "to accelerate the construction of the ESPO phases and to prevent delays" in its commissioning during an inspection visit to the construction site of the specialized oil port Kozmino.

Translated by John Crystallidis

Related News:

In View of the Meeting

[02] D. Reppas: ND Rigs Results

Sources: ANA-NET

At a Press Conference, PASOK Parliamentary Group Secretary spoke of result rigging at the final vote at the Constitutio reform on 27/5/2008 by ND MPs. The MPs changed the ballots. Present at the Press Conference were Parliament Deputy President Filippos Petsalnikos and the party spokesman Giorgos Papakonstantinou. A relevant video was screened, depicting Mr Bougas, signing the MPs ballots, as well as ND MPs Tragakis, F. Patrianakos and Agorastos.

The above MPs change or crush the ballots already collected.

He also held responsible the PM and the Parliaments Presidium for degrading the Parliamentary procedure. PASOK President George Papandreou communicated with the SYN, KKE and LAOS parties and provided them with the relevant video.

Translated by John Crystallidis

[03] Draft Bill on Doping Submitted

Sources: ANA-MNA

The draft bill on doping and on the fight against violence in sports is expected to be submitted today in Parliament.

Earlier, minister of Culture Michalis Liapis and deputy minister of Athletics Giannis Ioannidis had a meeting and are expected to give a press conference later.

As Mr. Liapis stressed in his announcements "the state wants medals but this will not be achieved by every cost and price", and made clear that football courts will turn into places of family celebrations.

"The conflict with all those involved in doping cases will be frontal", Mr. Ioannidis said in his interview in "NEA" newspaper and noted: "We are moving to the direction of making strict rules in the institutional framework, imposing stricter penalties for offenders that use, distribute and sell illegal substances.

According to the draft bill, strict penalties will be imposed to coaches, athletes and people involved in illegal substances usage. Sentences imposed will include financial fines and 3 years of imprisonment.

Translated by Sofia Gartziou

[04] Pensioners Will Pay for Medication

By

Starting from today, state social secured citizens as well as citizens insured in the Organization of Social Insurance of Self-Employed and in Athens Lawyers Fund will pay for their medication cash. Attika and Piraeus Pharmaceutical Organizations will not provide medicines by public credit as Social Funds delay to pay them back. Talking to NET 105.8 state radio, president of the Pharmaceutical Organization of Piraeus, Kosta Kouvaris stressed that the Presidential Decree to be applied will resolve the issue.

Translated by Sofia Gartziou

[05] Major Discovery against Cancer

By Andreas Roditis

Sources: ANA, Independent

A major discovery could open the door to "one-fits-all" cancer drugs that can tackle many different forms of the disease. Researchers have started to unmask an enzyme that plays a major role in the development of nearly all human cancers. The work may lead to drugs that de-activate the enzyme, and prevent the uncontrolled cell division that leads to cancer.

Experts have been trying for more than a decade to devise anti-cancer therapies that target the enzyme, telomerase. But they have been thwarted by lack of knowledge about the molecules construction.

Researchers have now deciphered the enzymes active region and worked out the most important part of its structure.

The new findings, published in the online edition of the journal Nature, reveal atomic-level details of telomerase showing how it works to replicate the ends of chromosomes - a process critical both to tumour development and ageing.

The results are expected to boost development of telomerase inhibitors. Study leader Dr Emmanuel Skordalakes, from The Wistar Institute in Philadelphia, US, said: "Telomerase is an ideal target for chemotherapy because it is active in almost all human tumours, but inactive in most normal cells. That means a drug that deactivates telomerase would likely work against all cancers, with few side effects." Telomerase helps prevent the chromosomes - bundles of DNA which contain the genes - suffering damage and the loss of genetic information during cell division.

The enzyme adds protective "caps" known as "telomeres" to the ends of chromosomes which act like the plastic tips on shoe laces that prevent fraying.

When telomerase is dormant, the telomeres shorten each time a cell divides, eventually leading to genetic instability and cell death. This is a key element of the ageing process. The enzyme is active in cells that multiple frequently, such as immature cells in embryos, but switched off almost completely in normal adult cells.

However cancer cells often regain the ability to activate telomerase, allowing them to replicate indefinitely, and the enzyme has been implicated in 90 per cent of human tumours.

For this reason deactivating telomerase could halt tumour growth.

[06] FYROM

01 Σεπ 2008 18:20:00

By Andreas Roditis

Sources: ANA

FYROM (Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia) Prime Minister N. Gruevski appeared pessimistic over the possibility for a solution of name-issue in the next round of UN-sponsored talks in September

He also told A1 Radio station in Skopje that he does not expect the US policy to change after the presidential elections, adding that the US has told FYROM to find a compromising solution with Greece in order to join NATO and the EU.

Translated by John Crystallidis

[07] Finishing Line for Egnatia Odos

By Alexandros Moz

Sources: ΝΕΤ, ΝΕΤ-105.8, ΑNA-ΜPA

Visiting Egratia odos works, Environment Minister Giorgos Souflias stated that the central road axis of Egnatia odos, from Igoumenitsa to Kipi, Evros will be ready for use until the end of 2008. Moreover, he said that until the end of 2009 three vertical axes of Egnatia odos will be delivered for use gradually.

The first toll posts of Egnatia odos will operate at Polimilos, between Veria and Kozani, while the Egnatia project is expected to be ready by the end of the year.

The project will allow drivers to cover the distance from Igoumenitsa to Evros n 5.5 hours instead of 13, which is today.

Τα έργα στην περιοχή επιθεώρησε ο υπουργός ΠΕΧΩΔΕ Γιώργος Σου

6,100-metre-long Tunnel

Mr Souflias inaugurated the commencing of works for the T2, the biggest tunnel in Greece with a length of 6,100 metres.

At the same time, works for the opening of the T1 a 1,900-metre-long tunnel and 3,200-metre-long T3 tunnel are in progress.

The project will cost 1.3 billion euros and will last 4.5 years. The Raches Maliakou-Klidi Imathia motorway will be 230 kilometres long.

Μιλώντας κατά την έναρξη των εργασιών, ο κ. Σουφλιάς τόνισε ότι αισθάνεται χαρά και συγκίνηση, καθώς επί των ημερών του στο ΥΠΕΧΩΔΕ ξεκίνησε η κατασκευή του έργου.

Mr Souflias dedicated the project at Tempi to the 21 children from Makrochori, Imathia, when they lost their life there in a tragic accident on Sunday 13 April 2003.

Translated by John Crystallidis

[08] Strong Reaction on Heavy Duty Professions

By Alexandros Moz

Sources: ΝΕΤ-105.8

The illation of a committee to exclude 61 professions from the list of heavy duty professions has caused the strong reaction of the opposition and Trade Unions. PAME also protested. The All Workers Militant Front (PAME) protested before the Development Ministry, while earlier they told a Press Conference that they would not accept the exclusion of the 61 professions.

The Committee President Panagiotis Behrakis told NET 105.8 that no employee would be affected by the changes, which will concern only the newcomers in the labour market.

From his side, the GSEE president accused Mr Behrakis of political expediency, adding that professions that vital to the Social Security System have been excluded.

Translated by John Crystallidis

[09] S. Africa: Deadly Fires

According to the police and rescue services, 16 people among them two children died in the weekend in deadly fires that swept Southern Africa and are now rekindling strengthened by strong winds. Two children of 8 and 11 years were killed when their shanty was wrapped in flames in the south of the country. In eastern area Kwazulu-Natal fires killed 13 people and injured 25. Strong winds and slight rainfalls are the main reason fires brake out every year in the country.

Translated by Sofia Gartziou

[10] Ethiopia: At the mercy of Drought

The head in UN humanitarian issues John Holmes visited today Ethiopia where 8 million residents have been hit by drought. Holmes is expected to visit the southern part of the country that has been mostly hit by drought and will also have contacts with Ethiopian officers on the issue. According to OCHA, "4,6 million people need immediate help while 8 billion need nutrition in Ethiopia where population rises to almost 80 million. UN had made an appeal in June for the raising of 221,6 million for provision of food and medicines to the victims. However, OCHA announced that only 52% of the amount has been raised.

Translated by Sofia Gartziou

[11] Armed Robbery in Chania's ELTA

The incident occurred early today when an armor vehicle, transferring ELTAs amount of money was driving in the national highway of Chania-Rethymno. Two lorries-trucks that had been stolen from yard with building material stopped the ELTA vehicle and 4 armed forced the driver and the man sitting next to him to get out of the car slightly injuring the driver. Then they took the money, got into another car that was also stolen and disappeared. According to the president of Chanias ELTA Worker Union, the robbers stole 70.000 that would have been provided to pensioners of mountainous areas in Apokorona.

Translated by Sofia Gartziou

[12] Oil Rises due to Gustav

Sources: ANA, MNA

Oil price rose today in Asian electronic transactions due to Gustav hurricane that has already hit US coasts. The majority of oil production in refineries in U.S. Gulf of Mexico has stopped.

U.S. crude slipped 60 cents to $114.86 a barrel by 1140 GMT, after touching $118.60 a barrel when the New York Mercantile Exchange. London Brent crude fell 65 cents to $113.40 a barrel.

Translated by Sofia Gartziou

[13] First Witnesses Testify

01 Σεπ 2008 11:01:00

By

Sources: ΝΕΤ

Two witnesses one of whom has entered an eye witness protection programme will testify on Monday on Siemens case. At the end of September prosecutor, Nikos Zagoranos who is handling the case will go to Hague in order to participate in the Three Nations Meeting of Judges and to exchange information on the case with his counterparts from Germany and Swiss. Prosecutor handling the case is expected to collect important evidence on the case. What must be noted is that the judicial preliminary examination traced a Greek holder of an off shore company also involved on the case.

Translated by Sofia Gartziou

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