The Hellenic Radio (ERA): News in English, 05-02-14

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

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

CONTENTS

[01] By a Car Bomb Explosion in Beirut Former Lebanese PM Killed

By Mary Lou Tzempelikou

Sources: Reuters - AP - BBC - AFT - ANA

Twelve people were killed on Monday at noon and at least 100 others were injured from a strong explosion that rocked an exclusive section of Beiruts seafront and was aimed at the motorcade of the countrys former Prime Minister, Rafik Hariri. The PM is among the dead, while several members of his entourage were also killed or wounded. The UN, USA, the EU, France, Iran, Egypt and Syria condemned the attack. The explosion took place outside the five-star hotel St George, part of which collapsed from the blast that also created a deep crater. At least 20 cars were severely damaged by the attack, which also shattered windows in buildings hundreds of metres away. The former Economy Minister and Hariris close collaborator, Basil Fuleihan, was also critically injured in the attack.

Previously Unknown Group Assumes Responsibility

A previously unknown Islamic group assumed responsibility for the attack in a video aired by Al Jazeera television. The group, which calls itself "Support and Jihad in Syria and Lebanon", claimed that it had carried out the bombing, "For the sake of our Mujahideen brothers in Saudi Arabia, while it added, "We decided to implement the just execution of those who support this regime."

The explosion was so strong that it even destroyed the armoured vehicles of the motorcade, while police forces and ambulances immediately rushed to the scene to assist those injured.

The blast brought back memories of the civil war that plagued the country between 1975 and 1990.

The bloody attack took place at a time when the relations between Lebanon and Syria are undergoing crisis, especially following the calls by the Opposition for Syria to quit Lebanon.

Rafik Hariri resigned from office last October, after 12 years in power. He was considered the symbol of Lebanons revival, a country that had been severely wounded by the long civil war.

Following his resignation, Hariri joined the Oppositions stance, regarding the withdrawal of Syrias involvement from Lebanon, while he had quit after disagreeing with the Syrian-friendly President, Emil Lahoud.

According to analysts, Hariri was planning to return to politics and was going to run in the upcoming elections in May.

International Outcry

The President of Syria Bashar el-Assad described the attack as "an act of terrorism."

The UN General Secretary Kofi Annan condemned the murder of former Lebanon PM, evaluating that the incident is reminiscent of a chapter of Lebanese history that everyone hoped was long gone. Mr Annan praised Mr Harriri's positive contribution during the first decade after the end of the 1980s civil war. In the meantime the Head of the Lebanese Diplomacy Mahmoud Hamoud called the Ambassadors of the member states of the UN Security Council to investigate the country's general condition after the former PM's murder. The White House spoke of a murderous attack while EU Foreign Policy Chief Xavier Solana described it as disgraceful.

The European Committee condemned the action "in the most severe way for the heinous the barbaric attack."

An announcement made by French President Jacques Chirac states, "France strongly condemns this crime," while it "asks for the conduct of an international investigation in order to find the ones responsible for this crime." The government of Tehran also condemns the attack that cost Harriri his life, expressing its suspicions that the Jewish state is behind it.

In Riyadh, the Saudi Cabinet strongly condemned Harriris murder while it described the attack as a criminal act. It is noted that the former Libyan PM had close ties with the Royal family of Saudi Arabia, from which he had received loans for Lebanon.

The Palestinian leader Mahmoud Abbas described the attack as "a horrendous crime."

Egypts Presidency spoke of a great criminal act expressing the hope that it will not affect Lebanons security and stability.

Israel, in an announcement made by the Foreign Minister Silvan Shalom, evaluated that Syria could be behind the attack. Speaking to an Israeli military radio station, Shalom claimed that Syria" supports many armed organizations and that it does not feel comfortable with the upcoming elections in Lebanon. The last thing it would wish for is to evacuate Lebanon."

Translated by Vicky Ghionis

Related News:

Bloody Attack in Beirut

[02] Former Lebanese PM Killed Bloody Attack in Beirut

Sources: Reuters - AP - AFT

A strong car bomb explosion rocked Beiruts city centre, close to the port, on Monday. The target of the attack was the motorcade of former Prime Minister Rafik Hariri, who was killed in the explosion. Furthermore, at least another nine people were killed and dozens were wounded. The White House, as well as the President of Syria, Bashar al-Assad, condemned the attack, describing it as a "an act of terrorism." A number of cars were also destroyed in the explosion and several buildings damaged. The blast was even heard outside Beiruts city limits, while it shattered windows in buildings hundreds of metres away. The explosion took place in front of the St. George Hotel, while police forces and ambulances arrived immediately at the scene.

Memories of Civil War Awakened

The explosion was the strongest recorded since the end of the civil war (1975-1990) and took place as Hariris motorcade was passing from the spot. A 15-metre crater opened up at the scene of the explosion, while according to initial estimates, there may have been more than one car bombs involved.

There is no information yet with regard to who planted the bombs, while no group has officially assumed responsibility.

Hariri, a billionaire businessman, resigned from government last October after 12 years in office, while he had recently joined calls by the opposition for Syria to quit Lebanon in the run-up to general elections in May.

Translated by Vicky Ghionis

[03] Government's Revenue Policy Presented 3.6% Increase in Salaries

By Tina Valaoura

Greek Economy Minister Giorgos Alogoskoufis announced that basic salaries would increase by 3.6% in 2005. The new governmental revenue policy includes raises for public servants pensions by 4% and Armed Forces pensions by 5.8%, due to added benefits. The increases for Agricultural Insurance Organisation (OGA) and Pensioners Social Solidarity Allowance (EKAS) pensioners will be more than double the inflation rate, ie around 6%. Furthermore, the benefit for a third child will equal that for a fourth child, ie from 35 to 47 euros, while the second instalment of family allowances will be granted on 25 February. Mr Alogoskoufis pointed out that the increases are within the limits provided for by the economy and the budget, however, they are higher that those of previous years. He also went on to note that the government is continuing its economic policy schedule with consistency, so as to gradually implement all its pre-election pledges. GSEE-ADEDY claimed that the increases were below the expectations, while the Opposition was highly critical.

All Financial Limits Exhausted

The 3.6% pay increase concerns the basic salaries for employees in the public sector, the local government, public entities, as well as armed and security forces personnel.

Furthermore, the so-called personal difference of 176 euros will be granted to all employees hired or transferred after 1/1/2004 and who are working for agencies where the aforementioned difference was granted.

A 4% increase will be granted to all public service pensioners, while a 5.8% will be granted to Armed Forces pensioners, due to the addition of the 176 euros benefit or the benefit for holding an administrative position.

The Agricultural Insurance Organisation (OGA) and the Pensioners Social Solidarity Allowance (EKAS) pensions will increase by 6%, which corresponds to 8.5 and 12 euros respectively. The increases are more than double the inflation rate and have been readjusted to the revenue scales of the 2004 inflation rate, as per Mr Alogoskoufis.

All the increases relate to the current year and the back payments will start being paid as of March.

The benefit for a third child will increase by 34%. "We have taken a major step forward, as we had promised, equalising those who have three children to those who have four," said the Minister; while he also reminded the upcoming payment of backdated family allowances.

Mr Alogoskoufis also announced the indirect increase from 1% to 5%, which relates to the tax cuts for the low-income earners.

Meanwhile, he spoke of the gains that arise from the reduction of interest rates from 5.2% to 4.9% for housing loans, while he also announced the governments intention to proceed with a great reduction of the stamp duty from 2.4% to 0.6%.

Besides, he stressed that there is no provision for the increase of the VAT (Value Added Tax) on products and services.

In total, the financial charge on the budget from these increases is estimated at 720 million euros.

The Economy Minister spoke of the rough road that the Greek Economy has to tread in the next few years, while he harshly criticized the policies of the previous government. "Many things went wrong during the previous years, but we are moving along and we ask the citizens and the social bodies for the best possible consensus," concluded Mr Alogoskoufis.

The Opposition's Reactions

The Opposition, as well as the Greek General Confederation of Labour (GSEE) and the Supreme Administration of Greek Civil Servants Trade Unions (ADEDY), harshly criticized the governments announcements.

PASOK described the revenue policy as a sample of NDs unreliability, while it spoke of a political deceit of the Greek people. "ND is abandoning all its pre-election pledges and announces a significant reduction of the real revenues of wage earners, while it abandons low-income earners and pensioners," stressed PASOKs spokesperson N. Athanasakis. He also added, "The only thing that New Democracys government has managed to do is intensify the insecurity and uncertainty of all Greek citizens."

KKE spoke of an anti-populist policy, which serves the competitiveness and increase in profits of businesses, and which leads to the worsening of the situation for salaried employees.

SYNs Mr Lafazanis, who is responsible for the partys economic and social policy, said that the increases, and especially those for EKAS and the farmers, are completely opposite to the governments pre-election pledges. "Using the fiscal deficits as an excuse, ND inaugurates a new policy of long-term and exhaustive austerity for salaries and pensions," he pointed out.

GSEEs President, Christos Polyzogopoulos, accused ND of not allowing the workers to live a dignified life. "It augments poverty in Greek society even more," he noted in his announcement.

ADEDYs statements were along the same lines. It predicted further reductions in employees incomes, as well as a 2.5% increase in total revenues.

The two labour unions announced that they would be proceeding with demonstrations from 15 to 18 March, regarding high prices, income and employment.

Translated by Vicky Ghionis

[04] 47th Grammy Awards Ceremony Ray Charles Still Enchanting

By Vagelis Theodorou

Ray Charles, who breathed his last in June, was the great winner of the 47th Grammy Awards Ceremony. The latest album by the famous soul singer "Genius Loves Company" received the awards of Album of the Year and Best Pop Vocal Album, while it received three more Grammy Awards for its collaborations. Alicia Keys was also a great winner and was awarded four awards for Best R&B Album, Female R&B Performance, R&B Performance by a Duo or Group and was followed by Usher and Kanye West with three awards. The princess of pop Britney Spears also received her first Grammy in the category of Best Dance Recording for her song "Toxic."

A Night Filled with Glamour and Surprises

The legendary soul musician was awarded with five Grammys. The song performed with Norah Jones entitled "Here We Go Again" received the Grammy for Best Song of the Year and Best Pop Vocal Duo, while his duet with Gladys Knight "Heaven Help Us" received the award of Best Gospel Performance. During the awards ceremony, Alicia Keys and Jamie Foxx presented a musical dedication to his memory.

After Keys, awards were given to Usher, U2, Norah Jones and Kanye West, who received 3 Grammys each. Except for the award shared with Keys, Usher received Grammys for Best Contemporary R&B Album for "Confessions" and Best Rap/Sung Collaboration for "Yeah!." Kanye West, who was the nights favorite with 10 nominations, ruled at the Rap categories, winning the awards for Best Rap Song for "Jesus Walks" and Best Rap Album for "The College Dropout."

"Vertigo," U2s new hit song received three Grammys, for Best Rock Song, Best Short Form Video and Best Rock Vocal Performance for a duet or band.

The big surprise of the Grammys was in the Best New Artist category where Kanye West was hotly tipped but the prize ended up in Maroon 5s hands.

The ceremony commenced with performances by the Black Eyed Peas, Gwen Stefani, Maroon 5, Franz Ferdinard and the Los Lonely Boys. Usher, Jennifer Lopez with Marc Anthony, Kanye West, Green Day, U2 and Alicia Keys also performed in the ceremony.

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

Related Links:

The Grammy Awards Winners

[05] Week of Developments in Research of Corruption "Full Clean-Up in Justice"

By Annita Paschalinou

Sources: NET- NET RADIO 105.8

The week that will begin is expected to be filled with developments for the Justice system. The President of the Supreme Court, Mr Kappos promises a full clean-up, stating that all the cases of corrupted judges will be investigated thoroughly. Today the file of interrogator Antonia Ilias, who is one of the faces that the Supreme Court will center its investigations on, has been opened. On Tuesday, the Court of Appeals Plenary Session is expected to assemble in order to appoint a special interrogator. In the meantime, new evidence has surfaced over the illegal activities of President of the Chania First Instance Court Evangelos Kalousis, who has been taken to the Plenary Session with the charge of procuring.

New Committals Expected

The President of the Supreme Court with an announcement made, promises a full clean-up in the Justice department. "There is a decisive will and power for the full clean up of the Justice body, whatever the number of corrupted judges are," states Giorgos Kappos among others while noting "it is well-documented and the number of the corrupted judges is such that it cannot burden the Judicial body with aberrance."

According to sources, in the following time interval, new committals of Justices is expected in the Supreme Court Plenary Session, with the question of a dismissal.

Antonia Ilias File Earlier today, the file of interrogator Antonia Ilias has been opened. The relevant judicial bodies are thoroughly investigating all the cases she has handled that have been linked to Iakovos Giosakis.

The Vice Prosecutor of the Court of Appeals Nikos Athanasopoulos and the Judge of the First Instance Court Panagiota Tsevi have reportedly participated in the extra judicial network. Sources of the Supreme Court evaluate that this is an organized group with complex activities.

Warned Drug Dealers of Police Raids The case of a provincial town Prosecutor that reportedly warned drug dealers of Police raids has been also put under the microscope of the Supreme Court. A key witness is expected to shed light to the case, which is extremely important since the Prosecutor reportedly had relations with a member of the Police Narcotics Squad.

New Revelations About Kanousis

At the same time, new accusations are surfacing about the President of the Chania First Instance Court Evangelos Kalousis, who is reportedly not only involved in sexual scandals but also in bribery and blackmail cases. The Supreme Court is investigating his relation with a night-club owner in Chania, and a couples claim that he demanded 30,000 euros for a positive outcome in an adoption case they were involved in.

Interesting conclusions will be made for the above by the opening of his bank accounts.

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

Related News:

Week of Radical Changes

[06] Clled on Christodoulos to Make Bold Decisions Meimarakis on the Church Crisis

By Athina Saloustrou

Sources: Newspaper "Ta Nea"

In an interview to the newspaper Ta Nea, the Secretary of New Democracys Central Committee, Vangelis Meimarakis, called on Archbishop Christodoulos to immediately proceed with bold decisions regarding the clean up of the Church, while he repeated the PMs message that the Government has zero tolerance for corruption. In addition, he insisted on the need for fair and effective cleansing everywhere. In answering to PASOKs allegations regarding the close ties between ND and the Church, Mr Meimarakis stressed, "Irrespective of their political beliefs, the Greek citizens in their absolute majority are Orthodox Christians and are very closely connected to the Church. The Church is not linked to any political parties and all of us, along with the citizens, are standing by it." He also mentioned that the Archbishop and the Holy Synod are able to make the decisions that are required. Mr Meimarakis also referred to the scenarios regarding early elections, saying, "I categorically deny this possibility and whoever spreads these rumours is at best politically na&#239;ve and a foul."

No Problems between Government-Party

Finally, speaking about the collaboration between the Government and the party, he said that there have never been any problems, while he also noted that there were some views and proposals that were filed when ND went into Government, regarding the role of the party in the new era.

"All those were discussed in the convention and have already been implemented. What is left is to intensify the efforts for a more effective implementation of the governments policy," concluded Mr Meimarakis.

Translated by Vicky Ghionis

[07] Extraordinary Convocation of Holy Synod

By Mary Lou Tzempelikou

On Monday afternoon, the Continuous Holy Synods spokesperson, Metropolitan Bishop of Syros Dorotheos, announced that the extraordinary convocation of the Church of Greece Hierarchy would take place on 18 and 19 February. The meeting will focus on the proposal by Archbishop Christodoulos regarding the implementation of measures for dealing with the crisis that has erupted in the Church of Greece. In the briefing, Mr Dorotheos announced that during its meetings between 3 and 8 February, the Continuous Holy Synod also took measures for the cases of the Metropolitan Bishops whose names have been linked to scandals. Furthermore, it was also announced that the special 3-member committee, which has been formed to handle the matter, has already sent letters to the reporters who publicized the cases, asking them to submit all available information on the matter.

Asking for Supplementary Evidence

Referring to Archimandrite Giosakis, Mr Dorotheos said that an ecclesiastical interrogation is underway.

Specifically, regarding the Metropolitan Bishop of Attica, Panteleimon, who is serving a six-month suspension, the Continuous Holy Synod ordered him to abstain from all his administrative and pastoral duties, as well as depart from the Cathedral. Actually, referring to the matter of Mr Panteleimons suspension, the Metropolitan Bishop of Syros added that he might be permanently removed from his position after the end of the six months. He also sent him a letter, asking him to present his defence, with regard to the cases of the bank accounts and the building of his summer home in Keratea.

Then, Mr Dorotheos said that the interrogations undertaken by the Church for the matter of the Metropolitan Bishop of Thessaliotida, Theoklitos, and which are being handled by the Metropolitan Bishop of Xanthi, Panteleimon, are continuing

With regard to the articles that appeared in the newspaper Avriani against the Metropolitan Bishop of Trifylia, Stefanos, Me Dorotheos said that the Continuous Holy Synod, considering the old age of the Bishop, would await the developments of the lawsuit filed by Mr Stefanos against the newspaper for slander.

Furthermore, referring to the Metropolitan Bishop of Kefallonia, Spyridon, Mr Dorotheos announced that the Continuous Holy Synod ordered a fiscal auditing into the estate of the local monastery.

Finally, Mr Dorotheos announced that the special 3-member committee, which has been formed to handle the matter regarding the church scandals, has already sent letters to the reporters who publicized the cases, asking them to submit all available information on the matter. At the same time, he invited the plaintiffs of the Metropolitan Bishop of Didimoticho, Nikiforos, to also provide all the evidence at hand.

In concluding, Mr Dorotheos declared that the Continuous Holy Synod reassured the Greek people that it will continue monitoring the case of the clean up of the Church and will implement all necessary measures.

Vavilis' Matter not Discussed

In answering to a relevant question regarding information that some members of the clergy are displeased with the governments stance, Mr Dorotheos denied the rumours. He also went on to note that the hierarchs are satisfied with the PMs statements to the Cabinet and that they are determined to proceed with cleaning up the church.

Finally, Mr Dorotheos added that the matter regarding whether Vavilis is hiding in a monastery was not discussed.

Translated by Vicky Ghionis

Related News:

Synod Burdened by New Evidence

[08] Responsibility Taken by Al Qaeda Branch Terror in the Philippines

By Annita Paschalinou

Sources: AFP- BBC

A triple terrorist attack shook the Philippines on Valentines Day. From the explosions in Manila, General Santos and Davao, which took place simultaneously at 18:30 local time, eleven people were killed and ninety-three were injured. The responsibility over the attack was taken by Abu Sayyaf which is linked to Al Qaeda. Speaking to a local radio station, a representative of the organization stated that the triple terrorist attack is a gift to President Gloria Arroyo for Valentines Day.

The Attacks Chronicle

The explosions in the cities of Davao and General Santos occurred at 18:30 local time (12:30 Greek time.)

The first bomb exploded in the trade centre of General Santos and resulted to the death of three people and thirty-three being injured. the injuring of.

At the same time a second explosion, north of Davao, occurred at a bus station and kills five people.

Half an hour later, the terrorists make their final hit in Manila, in the suburb of Makati, the economic centre of the Philippines.

Three people are killed and sixty are injured. From the explosion two busses caught on fire.

Responsibility Taken

The organization Abu Sayyaf took responsibility of the attacks at 18:50 and ten minutes before the explosion in Manila. A representative of the terrorist group with statements made to DZBB radio station stated that this is a gift to the countrys President Gloria Arroyo for Valentines Day.

He added that this is the answer to the governments atrocious acts towards the Muslims of the Philippines.

Connections to Al Qaeda

As it is believed, the Abu Sayyaf organization was created in the early 90s and funded by the Al Qaeda, and was aimed at stationing an Iranian type Muslim state in Mindaneo, an island of the north Philippines. During the last decade it has made several terrorist attacks, mainly bomb explosions, murders and kidnappings. A year ago it placed a bomb in a passenger carrying ship which resulted to the death of 100 people.

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

[09] Heading Towards Sardinia All is Well for "Voyager"

By Vagelis Theodorou

The odyssey of 790 passengers aboard cruise ship Voyager, which presented fault in the engine room, while sailing amidst a tempest, in the southwest of the Mediterranean Sea, has ended well. After the crews coordinated actions, two of the four engines function were repaired and the ship is expected to sail in Cagliari Port, in Sardinia. Ships, the French coastal guard and aircrafts, came to its rescue, while the authorities state that there was no cause for the evacuation of the ship. According to an announcement made by the ship company V. Ships, some passengers were slightly injured but are not in danger. In the same announcement, it is mentioned that while the ship was adrift a large wave crushed on its bridge. A large quantity of sea water entered the interior areas and made repairs in the engine room difficult while it caused malfunctions in the telecommunications system.

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

Related Links:

V. Ships

[10] From PASOK's Steerer in Charge Accusations Over Coastal Shipping

By Vagelis Theodorou

PASOK steerer in charge Christos Papoutsis made harsh criticism over the governments handling in the Marine department, in a press conference for coastal ship policy. Mr Papoutsis claimed that since last March, when ND took over, the quality of life and the developmental prospect of the islands has been downgraded and accused Ministers of Mercantile Marine and Aegean and Island Policy, Manolis Kefalogiannis and Aristotelis Pavlidis for an overthrow of the legislative context for the benefit of ship owners, double standards and secret agreements. "This is an deification of hypocrisy and populism," stated Mr Papoutsis. Mr Kefalogiannis answering to the criticisms mentioned that PASOK did not submit proposals, or responded to the governments invitation for a discussion over coastal shipping.

"They Wink at Shipping Companies"

As the steerer of the opposition stated, the government is not materializing the legislative context and "winks to the administrators of the ship companies, abolishing all conditions and demands of the legislative context."

Mr Papoutsis stated that Mr Kefalogiannis and Mr Pavlidis have double standards and predicted that none of the measures that are required for the development of coastal shipping will be taken.

In closing, the PASOK steerer defended the choices of his partys governments and ended "PASOK with a full sense of responsibility for the need of coastal shippings implementation will support any attempt for the protection of the countrys interest and the smooth function of transport connection in all of the islands."

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

[11] Aimed at the 2006 World Cup

By Stathis Petropoulos

Otto Rehhagels home country has taken up two events in a two-year time span and the Greek National team has acquired its participation in one and after a qualification for the other. The German coach, speaking at a seminar organized by FIFA in Frankfurt with subject the Confederations Cup, stated that it is a great honor for Greece and will be present in the games in summertime, while he noted that the main aim is its presence in the World Cup. "It is an honor for us to participate in such an event, in which all the teams aim is to acquire the title," commented the European Champions coach and continued "For us, the games that we will play in the preliminary phase of the 2006 World Cup come first. It is important that we will play our first game for the Confederation Cup against Brazil, however in Greece we are more involved in the qualification of the World Cup and with the four games we will play in the 2006 World Cup."

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

[12] "Kostas Kenteris is Innocent"

By Dimitris Alexopoulos

Grigoris Ioannidis the lawyer of Olympian Kostas Kenteris, in a interview given to the Athens News Agency (ANA) was revealing and certain over his clients innocence. Mr Ioannidis who has taken up the athletes defense at SEGASs Judicial Committee, claims that all the accusations burdening the athlete have been brought down during the hearing session, stating that on August 12 there was great behind-the-scenes action and tremendous pressures to the athletes. The Greek lawyer also revealed that he has received threatening phone-calls which he does not know if they are related to the case and that he will take up Michelle Collins defense in the Sports Tribunal, after the American sprinter was suspended for eight years over steroids use.

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

[13] Greece's Opponents in Euroleague

By Ilias Papaioannou

The draw for the round of 16 took place at Euroleague headquarters in Barcelona's Palau Sant Jordi on Monday in the presence of six head coaches from the participating teams. Greece will be represented by Panathinaikos and AEK playing in Group F and Group G respectively. Panathinaikos will cross swords with Climamio (Italy), Zalgiris Kaunas (Lithuania) and Tau Ceramica (Spain), while AEK will play versus Efes Pilsen (Turkey), Benetton (Italy) and Prokom Trefl (Poland).

On the Way to Moscow

Eight teams will book the ticket to the quarterfinals and then the best teams will make it to the Euroleague Final Four in Moscow (6-8 May). Basketball matches for the round of 16 will begin on February 23 and will be completed on March 31.

The Top 16 Group Draw

GROUP D Maccabi Tel Aviv (Israel) Cibona (Serbia/Montenegro) Ulker (Turkey) Siena (Italy)

GROUP ล CSKA Moscow (Russia) Barcelona (Spain) Real Madrid (Spain) Scavolini Pesaro (Italy)

GROUP F Climamio Bologna (Italy) PANATHINAIKOS (GREECE) Zalgiris Kaunas (Lithuania) Tau Ceramica (Spain)

GROUP G

Efes Pilsen (Turkey) Benetton (Italy) มลส (GREECE) Prokom Trefl (Poland)

Translated by Sofia Soulioti

[14] There Where Love Is Sin The Hurdles of Love

By Viki Keleri

Some can't wait for St Valentine's day to arrive and believe it is the most special anniversary of all. Others see it as a commercial stunt and cant wait for it to end. No matter how many the differences are in the Western world, Saint Valentine's day is a must and noone will go to prison for believing in it. Well, this is not the case for all places in the world. In Saudi Arabia, for instance, the 14th of February is elevated into a true safari for the wicked and the disrespectful supporters of love. The first and foremost to suffer the consequences of the law are florists, who are forbidden from selling red roses.

Illegal Saint Valentine

The Committee for the Promotion of Virtue and Prevention of Vice, Saudi Arabia's powerful religious vigilantes, is sweeping through every single flower shop in Riyadh, the capital of the strict Muslim kingdom, hoping to discover those who break the law and join forces with the dangerous, as they believe, Saint.

The Committee for the Promotion of Virtue and Prevention of Vice, Saudi Arabia's powerful religious vigilantes, is sweeping through every single flower shop in Riyadh, the capital of the strict Muslim kingdom, hoping to discover those who break the law and join forces with the dangerous, as they believe, Saint.

According to the Committee, Saint Valentine's day opposes the Muslim principles and traditions and constitutes a living danger for moral corruption.

Several florists have stopped ordering the flowers of sin a week before 14 February, because they don't want to get into trouble. In fact, they even got rid of red cards. However, taking into consideration that Cupid knows no hurdles, barriers, borders or prohibitions, many risky florists secretly sell red roses to help lovers who cant stand to abstain from the day of love.

In fact, demand is so increased that fearless florists sell red roses like hot cakes on Saint Valentine's day by making illegal deliveries.

For loves knows no laws.

Translated by Sofia Soulioti

[15] Sri Lankan Baby Finds its Parents Baby 81 Acquired its Name

By Annita Paschalinou

Sources: CNN

Two months needed to pass in order for the four-month-old baby boy that lost its most precious possession due to the tsunamis to finally find. Its parents. The baby, which was named "81" during the last eight weeks, finally found its real parents and his identification thanks to DNA testing. The little Sri Lankan boys drama, who nine couples insisted on his adoption pretending to be its parents, had become the apple of discord.

Baby Found its Parents

Science gave the solution to a court battle of nine couples that were after baby 81s custody, in Sri Lanka.

Little Abhilash, the 81st patient taken into Kalmunai Hospital, thanks to DNA testing found his real parents and his lost identity.

The babys drama was in the epicenter of world Mass Media, with the nine couple claiming that the baby was theirs.

The hospitals authorities had hired a special guard to stand outside his room in order to avoid a kidnapping.

Something that his real father attempted to do, after it emerged after the DNA test, trying to get back what the tsunami had unfairly taken from him.

Thankfully science saved him from the legal consequences of his act and gave an end to the drama of a family that shook the world.

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

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