The Hellenic Radio (ERA): News in English, 09-03-11

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

CONTENTS

[01] D. Raftopoulos Awarded âDido Sotiriouâ Prize

The Hellenic Authors' Society presented writer and distinguished literature critic, Dimitris Raftopoulos, 85 with this year's "Dido Sotiriou" award during a special event on Tuesday, March, 9 held at "Public" book shop in Syntagma Square. The Hellenic Authors' Society established the annual "Dido Sotiriou" prize in 2001 which is awarded to a foreign or Greek national whose writing work promotes communication between peoples and cultures through cultural diversity. Dimitris Raftopoulos was a founding member of "Art Journal", intellect, writer, columnist in "Avgi" newspaper, translator who still continues monitoring developments in Greek literature and defending his views. He was honoured for his searching study in the history of modern Greek literature and was proclaimed honorary professor of the Thessaloniki University Literature Department.

News item: 19960

[02] Greek FM Addresses the UN Security Council

From her contacts with officials of the Obama administration, Bakoyannis noted that although the strategic positions and interests of nations do not change easily, it seems there is a will for cooperation.

The talks Bakoyannis held in Washington and New York gave her the opportunity to meet with the five key officials of the new US administration that will shape the USA's foreign policy.

The issues that came up included the bilateral ties between Greece and the USA, the Greek-Turkish disputes, energy matters, the problems in Caucasus, the Middle East standoff and the situation in Kosovo. Bakoyannis unveiled the Greek positions and elaborated on Athens' arguments.

Source: NET 105.8, ANA/MPA

Related news: Dora Bakoyannis Begins Talks with Hillary Clinton

News item: 19481

[03] Karamanlis-Bakoyannis Meeting

News item: 17883

[04] PASOK Prepares Request on Inquiry Committee

In an interview with Athens 9.84 Radio, PASOK Parliamentary spokesman Christos Papoutsis described the proposal the main opposition's political commitment and institutional obligation. In parallel, he described the eventuality of ND party leaving the Parliament a big mistake for the Democratic procedure. "The ND party is not justified to hold the Parliament hostage, preventing it thus not to participate in a procedure that is top process in administering justice and examining truth and the politicians' responsibilities. I think that Mr Karamanlis is obliged to his voters and MPs to demand complete investigation and transparency."

PASOK, which as per information is basing its request on the already submitted proposal, demands that an inquiry committee is set up for Th. Roussopoulos, Ev. Basiakos, P. Doukas, G. Voulgarakis and Al. Kontos for which the main opposition had demanded through its illation on Standing Committee further investigation for possible penal responsibilities.

News item: 17697

[05] âOpen to Dialogue on Educationâ

Dialogue from Scratch

Spiliotopoulos said that one of the priority topics in the education issue was the process of high school pupils' progression to the "next step, which is the university".

"These are the matters that will be touched on at the national dialogue on Education. A dialogue, which, as we have said from the very beginning, we will enter into without any pre-taken decisions. We are open, and will be open, in the framework of this dialogue, to all the members of the education community, to all political and social spaces. Therefore, we are going to a dialogue that is tabula rasa from the beginning." he said.

Reactions by Opposition Parties

PASOK deputy and section head for education Anna Diamantopoulou blasted Spiliotopoulos' statements, arguing that the Conservative government is after buying itself political time.

She also claimed that PASOK would commence an online dialogue on Education with all the interested parties by the end of the month. The Dialogue, she went on, would focus on vocational training.

PASOK's political proposal on education is founded on the choice for a vocational training open to society.

President of SYRIZA's parliamentary group Alekos Alavanos said he was to meet Wednesday with University Rectors to touch on education matters.

The Education Minister suggested a dialogue without submitting the government's proposals, commented LAOS.

Source: NET 105.8, ANA-MPA

News item: 17649

[06] Condemnation and Reactions

Extraordinary Meeting

After the end of the meeting, Mr Pavlopoulos wondered several times who the incidents and uncontrolled violence serve. He added that the police is present to face those who are taking advantage of the present situation. Environment Minister George Souflias sated that noone is entitled to disrupt the state, advising all to show self-constraint, wisdom and act responsibly.

Government Spokesman's Statements

Although he denounced the recent incidents, the government spokesman refused to comment on the police's actions, adding that some had as an objective to spread disaster.

As for the opposition, he said that some should have condemned the incidents and the destruction of property. He also stated that the government denounces the young boy's death, adding that it also denounces the conduct of policemen whose actions do not befit their mission. Foreign Minister Dora Bakoyannis also denounced the student's death, adding that the culprits should be punished. She also denounced social violence and the destruction of property.

The Opposition Criticizes the Government

The PASOK leader spoke of murder, accusing the government of refusing to assume its responsibilities, the KKE Secretary General described the student's death a murder.

Mr Alavanos held responsible the Interior Minister responsible for the hooded youngsters' blind violence

Mr Karatzaferis from his side demanded the setting up of an inter-party committee to discover the roots of reciprocal violence, expressing in parallel h is grief and bitterness over the boy's death. He also denounced the violent incidents.

GSEE also denounced the student's death, calling all to participate in Wednesday's rally. ADEDY denounced the guards' conduct, announcing that it civil servants will stage a three-hour strike tomorrow in cities where rallies are being held.

Sources: ÍÅÔ, ÍÅÔ 105.8, ÁNA-ÌPA

News item: 16448

[07] Tenn Kills 15 in Germany

A gunman dressed in military gear killed 15 people Wednesday in a shooting spree in Germany before he was shot dead by police. The gunman, 17, began his rampage at a school where he used to be a student in Winnenden, a small town near Stuttgart.

"The suspect broke into the school. He went into the classroom and shot wildly around himself and left the building and fled on foot," Hans Ulrich Stuiber, another police spokesman, said.

Three teachers and nine students were killed at the Albertville-Realschule Winnenden, Roesch said. The shooting, which began around 9:30 a.m., lasted about two minutes, police said.

On his way out of the school, the gunman killed a person who was working in a hospital nearby, then hijacked a car, taking an occupant hostage.

Similar incidents have also rocked Germany in the past. In July 2003, a 16-year-old schoolboy killed his teachers and then committed suicide in the southern German town of Coburg. A year later, 18 people were killed when a student that had been expelled started shooting.

ÐÇÃÅÓ: Reuters, Associated, AFP, ÁNA/ÌNA

News item: 19969

[08] School Shooting in Germany

The gunman stormed the school and opened fire at the students. Information on how he entered the school premises remains sketchy.

Similar incidents have also rocked Germany in the past. In July 2003, a 16-year-old schoolboy killed his teachers and then committed suicide in the southern German town of Coburg.

A year later, 18 people were killed when a student that had been expelled started shooting.

News item: 19962

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