The Hellenic Radio (ERA): News in English, 08-10-14

The Hellenic Radio (ERA): News in English Directory - Previous Article - Next Article

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

CONTENTS

[01] On the Two Prosecutors' Resignation

14 Οκτ 2008 14:14:00 (Last updated: 14 Οκτ 2008 18:12:59)

By Katerina Ioannidou

Sources: ΑNA-ΜPA-ΝΕΤ-ΝΕΤ 105.8

Prosecutors Ilias Koliousis and Eleni Sotiropoulou have submitted their resignations to the Judicial Body, explaining the reasons why they had resigned in letters to judicial officials. Commenting on their resignations, Head Prosecutor Kyriakos Karoutsos said that the Prosecutors office is trying to shed light on the case and not blank over the case.

Both of them had told Mr Karoutsos last Tuesday that Deputy Ministers should be held responsible for the Vatopedi Monastery case, adding that the case should be taken to Parliament. Meanwhile, Mr Karoutsos reported that as he had been briefed orally this means the investigation continues, asking thus from the two Prosecutors to provide him with the testimonies in order to study them and take further action. After studying part of the brief, Mr Karoutsos ordered the two Deputy Prosecutors to open the bank accounts of specific persons. He also briefed both Prosecutors that Prosecutor Spyropoulou will help in coordinating the investigation so that the case closes fast. Furthermore, he said that Messrs Koliousis and Sotiropoulou had no objections, adding that both them submitted their resignations to him today.

Meanwhile, prior of the Vatopedi Monastery Efrem and monk Arsenios will testify to the Supreme Court Deputy Prosecutor Anastasios Kanellopoulos next Monday.

Hatzigakis: "Resignations Rejected"

Justice Minister Sotiris Hatzigakis has stated that the two Prosecutors resignations would not be accepted, inviting them to continue with their work so as light is shed to the case. As to the oppositions accusations, he said that the government had always respected Justice.

On a Political Level

PASOK (Socialists) has asked for Justice Minister Sotiris Hatigakis resignation, while Messrs Papakonstantinou and Rovlias spoke of a scandal "touching" the minister and the PM himself.

PASOK will sue those who intervened in the two Prosecutors work in the next days.

At the same time, former President of Parliament and PASOK MP Apostolos Kaklamanis has asked for the Justice Minister and Supreme Court Prosecutor's resignation.

Referring to the Vatopedi Monastery case, KKE (Communists) Secretary General Aleka Papariga described it a scandal, pointing out that the disclosure of scandals serves the ND and PASOK parties, because in this way they can take over power.

SYN (Coalition of the Left) has asked for the setting up of an examining committee, while SYRIZA (Coalition of the Radical Left) spokesman Fotis Kouvelis stressed the case should be taken to Parliament. Mr Kouvelis held responsible the government for the two Prosecutors resignations, adding that political pressure had been exerted on them.

In reply, Minister of the State Thedoros Roussopoulos stated that the government had always respected Justice, even when it was operating as opposition.

From his side, LAOS (Popular Orthodox Rally) President George Karatzaferis described the two Prosecutors, who had tried to resign, dignified.

"The Brief to Parliament When Investigation Ends", Says Sanidas

Supreme Court Prosecutor Giorgos Sanidas told journalists that when the investigation of the Vatopedi Monastery case ends, the case will be taken to Parliament.

Translated by John Crystallidis

Related News:

Vatopedi Case Causes Resignation

[02] Specific Measures

Sources: ΝΕΤ_ΝΕΤ 105.8-ΑNA/ΜPA

Prime Minister Kostas Karamanlis and Economy Minister George Alogoskoufis will discuss measures for the protection of the monetary system at Maximos Mansion this afternoon. Mr Alogoskoufis had stressed that the priority now is to help low-income earners, reminding that Greek Banks had not invested in toxic products. He also stressed that once more Greece moved fast, adding that it is ready to do what is necessary, taking advantage of the European arsenal. In parallel, the government spokesman stressed that the government moved in time with a plan and with strategy to fight the global financial crisis, accusing the main opposition and George Papandreou of being incompetent in managing the crisis.

Roussopoulos Criticizes PASOK Strongly

In reply to Mr Papandreous criticism as per which the government cannot manage the financial crisis and is using the global financial crisis as an alibi for its incompetence, government spokesman Theodoros Roussopoulos said Mr Papandreou is incompetent in dealing with such an important issue. Moreover, he stated that Mr Papandreou had stated during the Thessaloniki International Trade Fair that the global financial crisis had not affected the Greek economy.

The government spokesman also added that the PM had stated in Paris that Greece had been affected the least in comparison to other EU member-states economies, attributing the fact to the governments economic policy in the last five years.

Meanwhile, Environment Minister Giorgos Souflias expressed his support to the Greek Banking system.

The government committee will meet Wednesday to discuss the global financial crisis and the actions to be taken. Then, the PM will leave for Brussels, where he will attend the European Council sessions.

Then, he will visit Frankfurt in order to meet with the President of the European Central Bank Jean-Claude Trichet.

Alavanos Accuses the Government

SYRIZA (Coalition of the Radical Left) Parliamentary Group Head Alekos Alavanos told NETs programme Proti Grammi that the state should control the economy more to the benefit of public interest.

He also accused the PM and the Minister of Finance of not being aware of the reality, expressing his opposition to the governments measures for "free money to Bankers."

Furthermore, he said that the ND party should apologise to the people for its unsuccessful economic policy, adding that the US far liberal policy had failed.

Translated by John Crystallidis

[03] Stern Response to Skopje

The Greek government blasted Skopje for blatantly distorting reality and for a new unacceptable drive to intervene with Greeces domestic affairs, after Skopje voiced its concern over the incidents that took place in the NW Greek city of Florina. Late on Monday, four journalists from FYROM (Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia) were arrested after a small group of Melitis villagers tried yet again to obstruct the crossing of a military convoy. Skopje complained to the head of the Greek Liaison Office in Skopje ambassador Alexandra Papadopoulou. The latter said that identifying foreign citizens who take photos of military facilities is an inalienable right of every nation. "Therefore, the complaint is but distortion of truth and is dismissed as groundless," added she.

Translated by Areti Christou

[04] Greek ESC Entrant Vows to Do His Best

Famous Greek pop icon and Greeces entrant for the 2009 Eurovision Song Contest Sakis Rouvas wished at the press conference he gave the next contest would be held in Athens. Rouvas, who had landed third place at the 2004 ESC held in Istanbul, stressed he was thrilled that the Greek national broadcaster (ERT) chose him to sing for Greece at the 54th ESC scheduled to take place in Moscow on 12, 14 and 16 May. He confirmed his faith in his team and vowed to do his best.

Apart from Sakis Rouvas, advisor of ERTs President and Project Manager Johnny Kalimeris, head of Public Relations Fotini Giannoulatou and sisters Maggira, who are to host the night of the Greek national final, also took part in the press conference.

Kalimeris touched on ERTs decision to opt for professionals, who, as he stressed, had already proved themselves in the contest.

Fokas Evangelinos is responsible for direction and choreography and Dimitris Kontopoulos will compose the three songs, from which one will be chosen at the Greek national final in mid February.

Fotini Giannoulatou focused on the changes in EBUs regulations. As was the case in last years contest, two semifinals will precede the final. Text messages and televoting will earn contestants a place in the final, while a jury from each participating nation along with televoting will determine the winner of the final.

Translated by Areti Christou

[05] Kundera Accused of Informing on Spy

Sources: NET, Associated Press

A document written by the Czech Communist police claims that author Milan Kundera informed on a purported Western spy in the 1950s, a state-sponsored institute said Monday. Kundera quickly denied the claims. The Institute for the Study of Totalitarian Regimes said a team of historians and researchers found a document written by the Dvoracek was later sentenced to 22 years in prison and eventually served 14, working in uranium mines.

Kundera, 79, has lived in France since 1975 and it is there that he published his most famous books, including "The Unbearable Lightness of Being," "The Book of Laughter and Forgetting," "The Art of the Novel" and "Immortality." He was granted French citizenship in 1981.

[06] Human Limbs in Crocodile's Stomach

By Katerina Ioannidou

Sources: ΑNA-ΜPA-REUTERS

The police in northern Australia have carried out DNA tests to discover to whom belonged the limbs found in 4.3-metre-long crocodiles stomach, reported the Australian media today. Wild Life officials said that the crocodile that had been captured in Queensland will not put to death. Three crocodiles in total had been captured during the search of a 62-year-old man reported missing two weeks ago. The man had gone to Endeavour River to check a crab pot during a camping trip with his wife.

Translated by John Crystallidis

[07] Vietnam

14 Οκτ 2008 15:23:00

By Andreas Roditis

Sources: ANA

The President of the Hellenic Republic Karolos Papoulias has continued his official visit to Vietnam by visiting the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum.

The body of Ho Chi Minh was not in the mausoleum as it is being maintained.

Earlier, Mr Papoulias had laid a wreath at the national heroes and peoples martyrs monument. At noon he left to visit Kue.

The President, who was accompanied by Deputy Health Minister Giorgos Konstantopoulos and his wife May Papoulia, visited a school in Hanoi that is sheltering dioxin-victim children. During the Vietnam War, the US forces used to spray with dioxin forests and cultivations in Vietnam to prevent the Vietcong from using them as hide-outs.

At a special ceremony, held at that school the Greek deputy minister presented the headmaster with 100 wheelchairs for the disabled and 40,000 euros for school needs.

30 years after the end of the war, it has been estimated that the victims from dioxin number three million. Among them are 150,000 mentally retarded children, victims of the sprayed dioxin.

Yesterday evening, the President attended events with Greek traditional dances and a Vietnamese wedding.

Besides, Greek businessmen, who are accompanying Mr Papoulias, met with their Vietnamese counterparts in the morning and discussed the prospects of their cooperation.

Translated by John Crystallidis

[08] Pan-Hellenic Strike on 21 October

Sources: ΝΕΤ-ΝΕΤ 105.8-ΑNA/ΜPA

GSEE (Greek General Confederation of Labour) and ADEDY (Supreme Administration of Greek Civil Servants Trade Unions) are staging a pan-Hellenic 24-hour strike on 21 October in reaction to the state budget, taxation, the Social Security System, privatizations, the abolition of certain heavy duty professions and work contracts that had not been negotiated yet.

GSEE President Giannis Panagopoulos also announced two more general strikes for November and December, arguing that the labour movement is in an advantageous position.

He also foresaw that the crisis would also hit the real economy through unemployment, recession and high cost of living. He also demanded from the government to compel Banks to post on the Internet their investments, so as confidence is restored in the inter-bank market.

Translated by John Crystallidis

[09] Ring of Illegal Antiquity Traders Disrupted

By Katerina Ioannidou

Sources: ANA-MPA

The police in Thessaloniki disrupted a ring of illicit antiquity traders during an organized operation in Sindos. The members of the ring are accused of trading finds of big historical and financial value. As per the police, two people aged 44 and 41 were arrested while negotiating to sell ancient finds for 400,000 euros. Moreover, the 41-year-old arrestee appears to have sold statues for big amounts of money in the last four months.

Amongst others, the police discovered in their home and cars two marble heads, silver and copper rings, golden leaves, dozens of copper articles, 19 seals and documents.

Translated by John Crystallidis

[10] Osteoporosis Causes Thousands of Fractures per Year

15,000 fractures of the thigh bone are recorded among the elderly in Greece per year despite the fact that the disease commences between 45 and 55. The daily intake of calcium through dairy products and exercise helps the peoples organism. This was stressed today at Press Conference by the members of the Greek Endocrinological Society members Katerina Saridaki and Kostas Mavroudis and Polizoi Makra. The Press Conference was given on the occasion of the pan-Hellenic campaign the Society begins in order to brief the public on serious health problems, such as osteoporosis, obesity and diabetes mellitus.

It was stressed at the Press Conference that one fracture takes place every 30 seconds, while fractures caused by osteoporosis will at least double in the next 50 years. Finally, it has been estimated that about 200 million women as well as many elderly suffer internationally from the disease.

Translated by John Crystallidis

[11] Heating Oil Ranging 0.68 to 0.74

The distribution of heating oil will start as of 15 October. Prices will range about 0.68 to 0.74 euros per litre for quantities exceeding 1000 litres. Development minister Mr. Folias met Monday noon with the reps of petrol stations and companies distributing oil products and stated that he is optimistic. President of the Confederation of Petrol Stations said that oil prices are expected to be lower this year. President of Heat Oil distribution asked from market reps to control oil prices noting that the oil market will depress its profits at the outmost.

Translated by Sofia Gartziou

[12] Foreign Ministry's Strict Answer to Skopje

Through its Foreign Ministry spokesman, Greece is accusing Skopje of a blunt distortion of reality and a fresh unacceptable attempt to intervene in Greeces domestic affairs, on the occasion of incidents that had broken out in Florina. Yesterday, a small group of civilians at Melitis tried to prevent a military convoy to pass through. Four of the civilians were arrested and taken before the Prosecutor. Continuing with its provocative policy, the FYROM (Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia) Foreign Ministry invited the head of the Greek Liaison Committee Ambassadress Alexandra Papadopoulou to present her with a dimarche.

Translated by John Crystallidis

[13] Vatopedi Case Causes Resignation

Sources: ΝΕΤ, ΝΕΤ 105.8, ΑNA-ΜPA

Deputy Prosecutors Ilias Koliousis and Eleni Sotiropoulou have resigned from the Vatopedi monastery case and from the Judicial Body. As per information, they resigned after Appeals Prosecutor Efstathia Spyropoulou was appointed to supervise the investigation.

Meanwhile, prior of the Vatopedi Monastery Efrem and monk Arsenios will testify to the Supreme Court Deputy Prosecutor Anastasios Kanellopoulos next Monday.

Both will testify as suspects on instigating the violation of duty of a judge.

Translated by John Crystallidis

[14] India: 23 Dead and 41 Killed in Car Accident

At least 23 people were killed and 40 others injured early on Tuesday when an overcrowded bus hit a stationary truck in Assams Dhubri district, police said. The accident took place around 1 am on National Highway 31 near village Beltoli, about 320 km west of Assams main city of Guwahati. "The bus, carrying about 67 people, hit a stationary potato-laden truck parked on the side of the highway with great speed," Dhubri police chief Parthasarathi Mahanta said. Six children and five women were among those killed in the accident. The condition of at least 10 of the 40 injured was stated to be critical, authorities report. Many accidents occur every day in India. In 2007 130.000 people were killed. 10% of fatal accidents are reported in India while expenses rise in $ 1.2 billion.

Translated by Sofia Gartziou

[15] Multi Fatal Clashes in Pakistan

By Betty Savourdou

Sources: ANA, MNA

At least 40 armed Islamists and two troopers were killed during clashes in northeastern Pakistan. Within the last days, Pakistani authorities are often involved in clashes in areas occupied by armed Pasthun tribesmen as well as in Swat valley that is a popular tourist attraction. On the other hand Pakistani suicide attacks have multiplied mostly in the northern part of the country. Pasthun territories are often shelters of Taliban and Al Qaeda and since the beginning of September is also used by the US that launch missile attacks targeting Pakistani guerillas.

Translated by Sofia Gartziou

The Hellenic Radio (ERA): News in English Directory - Previous Article - Next Article