The Hellenic Radio (ERA): News in English, 05-03-05

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

CONTENTS

[01] On Proclamation, political positions Unanimity in 7th Convention

By Athina Saloustrou

Sources: NET 105.8, ANA

George Papandreou leaves the partys 7th Convention as its undisputed leader. The Convention unanimously voted in the proposals on political positions and the party Charter, within which a party determined by Papandreou himself is shaping. Closing the Convention, as tomorrow a vote will be taken to choose the members of the National Council, in a speech that was greeted with enthusiasm, Mr Papandreou was quite clear regarding the kind of party he wishes to develop, while he was unprecedentedly harsh against the government and the Prime Minister personally, launching his worst attack on Mr Karamanlis since the elections in 2004. He said the government was ready to keel over and accused it of leading Greece downhill, while he described the prime minister as part of the problem, saying that the government had gone downhill very quickly. As for the Convention, Mr Papandreou stressed that today PASOK has made a new start, like that of 3 September, underlining that the renewal in the Convention was achieved by up to 60%, stating that he had himself not imposed any of the unanimous decisions, and he called on the body to break the last remnants of mechanisms in PASOK, by electing the National Council tomorrow.

Harsh Attack on Government and PM

Regarding the LAFKA case, and whether or not Kostas Karamanlis knew the dealings, Mr Papandreou claimed that the government is either not governing, or he is pretending "And one of the two is the truth. Let him choose what he wants," he added. Increasing his attack on Mr Karamanlis, he stressed that he is part of the problem and not "ex machina deus." Regarding government economic policy, Mr Papandreou stressed that the people know how Greece was on 7 March last year and where it will be in the future on 7 March 2005, when the ND government completes one year.

The president of PASOK also underlined that ND wants weaker sections of the population to feal fear and submission, while referring to the relation of the ruling party to the Church Hierarchy, he noted that ND is gaining from the devaluation of the institutions of Justice and the Church. He added that it is keeping to its own secret agreements, and that it wants the Church to be under NDs thumb.

He harshly criticized the stance of the Churchs leaders, directly associating it with ND, while commenting on recent events, he said that the work of the Church is not to buy out judges, conduct business and elect MPs.

Referring to his political proposal for a new social agreement between PASOK and the people, the president of the Movement spoke of securing a minimum of dignity for the citizen, saying that he does not compromise on the idea that there are citizens living below the poverty line.

On PASOK, he stressed that with the Convention it had taken a big step, and that he is leading a new kind of power. He again referred to his proposal for democratic upheaval, based on six points.

Mr Papandreous parting phrase at the close of the Convention, to which he gave the same significance and weight as the founding act of 3 September, was "Change now, change everywhere, change forever." He also stressed that the time of backstabbing had passed, as now everything is taking place in transparency.

He also predicted that very soon PASOK would be called to be ready to return to government.

National Council to be Chosen Tomorrow

Regarding the Political Proclamation, Evangelos Venizelos stressed that PASOK would find its renewal through searching for originality and not through the ideas of economic neo-liberalism and social liberalism.

On political positions, Kostas Skandalidis noted that PASOKs historic road has been vindicated, despite the shadows in the means of exercising power.

Commenting on the results of voting, the president of the Convention, Kostas Laliotis, said that the unanimity was impressive, as it showed that, through the process of dialogue and submitted various opinions, it was possible for them to converge.

Referring to the Convention, Kostas Laliotis said that: "it was a historic Convention, because it marks the progress of PASOK and the democratic state of the 21st century, it was a Convention of hope, victory and prospects for PASOK, democracy, Greece and the Greek people," and he underlined that: "we are fighting to put an end to the conservative parenthesis of ND in one, two, three years at most, as this is like the period of 90-93."

Regarding basic changes, the former secretaries do not participate in the National Council as of right, and consequently Kostas Laliotis will not be a member.

With these decisions, the Convention came to a close, while tomorrow from 9am until 5pm, the Convention participants will vote to choose the members of the National Council of the Movement. According to data, there are 430 candidates, of whom 296 are men and 134 are women, fighting for 150 seats on the National Council.

Translated by Millie Williams

[02] First medals in European Championship Fit to be Kissed!

By Dimitris Alexopoulos

Georgia Kokloni and Maria Karastamati came in second and third place respectively in the final of the womens 60m. The two Greek athletes could even have reached the highest step on the podium if they had been just a little bit faster at the start. Despite that, the two girls gave of their very best in the rest of the race, giving Greece its first two medals in the European indoor athletics championship in Madrid. The silver medal went to Georgia Kokloni, with 7.18, and the bronze was won by Maria Karastamati with 7.25. In first case came Belgian athlete Kim Gevert with 7.16, who thanks to her experience, started out very well, giving her a good lead from the start, which she kept to the end of the race.

Translated by Millie Williams

[03] Finishing tonight with Papandreou's speech Speeches from Senior Members

By Athina Saloustrou

Sources: NET 105.8

PASOKs Covention comes to a close tonight with the political proposal by George Papandreou regarding a new government. Today, the third and last day of the Convention, was dominated by positions taken by both the President of the Movement and by senior members at the dialogue tables, which were organized on the matters of Cyprus, relations between Church and State, and the Charter of the party. Tomorrow, the National Council is expected to be elected in place of the Central Committee. In the meantime, several members, including Christos Verelis and Andreas Andrianopoulos, responded negatively to the return of Kostas Laliotis, who, according to information, is to lead Political Planning. On the other hand, speaking on NET 105.8, Maria Damanaki referred to a "gathering of the forces of PASOK, in order to reestablish the party." Furthermore, this afternoon, the PASOK Convention rewarded Gianna Angelopoulos and representatives of all bodies that contributed to the success of the Athens Olympic Games.

At Dialogue Tables

Intervening in the discussion on the relations between Church and State, George Papandreou voiced his opposition to the usurping of values, such as religion, for personal reasons. The discussion was dominated by the notion of separation of the relations through a careful and consensual process.

Akis Tsohatzopoulos criticized independent MPs Manos and Andrianopoulos. He said that tactical cooperation was judged to be a mistake by the people of PASOK, when in exchange for the support of an independent MP, the impression is given that an attempt is being made to integrate other political ideology into PASOK, which is neither needed nor accepted by the Movement. Mr Tsohatzopoulos also stressed that some people could not insist that when the people do not like us, it is their fault and not ours.

Nikos Sifounakis expressed his support for the separation of Church and State, underlining that just as the army went back to its barracks after 1974, in the same way the Church should return to its pastoral, spiritual and social role. "The government majority is fully responsible for opening the way to a healthy co-existence of Church and State, with respect to discreet roles," stressed the former minister.

GSEE President Christos Polyzogopoulos raised the issue of clear positions for the world of employment.

"Its good that we are in Opposition, because modernization policy was at the wrong pace," said Vaso Papandreou in her speech, adding that it is a mistake to say that ND will play the role of a rightwing parenthesis, because that only happen through PASOKs efforts, while she considered that with George Papandreou as the leader, PASOK would return to government much sooner than many people believed.

Former Minister Giannos Papantoniou disagreed with the ripe fruit reasoning in the partys Opposition tactics. He stressed that renewal and change are not empty shirts, but must be linked with respective poltical positions and not just symbolic communications.

Greece was described as the last communist country in Europe by Anna Diamantopoulou, who claimed that 55% of the Economy was oppressed by the government, and noted that for the next few years, PASOKs motto would be "good work for all." Referring to the scene within the party, Mrs Diamantopoulou observed that the Conventions logo, a tree whose leaves represent the Movements values, lacks branches, implying that the new leadership group is missing.

Thodoros Pangalos described the opinion that PASOK lost the elections because the people do not understand as wrong and criminal. He claimed that PASOK lost the elections through inconsistency in goals and their implementation. He answered indirectly to the double-sided widening of PASOK, saying that it fulfilled the proletariat and international duty, but PASOK is not ready to vote for the supporters of those opinions. He also hailed the fact that party "armies" are breaking, also stating that we was optimistic with the results of the latest opinion polls.

In the new PASOK, there is room for differing opinions, but not for dominating behaviour and arrogant interpretations, stressed Giorgos Panagiotakopoulos of the Left Initiative, and referring to George Papandreou, he said that the captain is responsible for avoiding the storm.

Former Speaker of Parliament Apostolos Kaklamanis proposed that all of PASOK undergo financial audits.

Translated by Millie Williams

[04] Official announcement from President Assad Syria Withdraws from Lebanon

By Anna Kourti

Sources: BBC

A gradual withdrawal of Syrian troops from Lebanon was announced by Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, speaking to Parliament. "We will withdraw all forces from Lebanon to Bekaa, and from there towards the borders between Syria and Lebanon," said Assad, adding that he had agreed with Lebanese President Emile Lahoud to meet next week in order to approve the plan. "With this measure, Syria will have fulfilled its commitments regarding the Taif Agreement, and implements Resolution 1559 (of the UN Security Council)," said Assad, adding that this withdrawal did not mean the end of Syrias role in its neighbour country. The main leader of the Lebanese Opposition Walid Jumblatt called for a clear timeframe for the withdrawal, which he nevertheless described as a positive start. "It is a positive start. Our hands are outstretched for a timeframe for the withdrawal," stated Jumblatt on Lebanese TV channel LBC. Warm reception from Lebanese citizens.

Bush Expects Full Withdrawal

Waving Lebanese flags, thousands of people broke out into impromptu celebrations in the centre of Beirut at the time of the announcement. Women shed tears, and men shouted for joy when the crowd watching Assads speech in the Syrian Parliament live on big screens heard the Syrian leader announce the withdrawal. They shouted "Syria out! Syria out!" and "Freedom, Sovereignty, Independence!" while they exchanged hugs and kisses.

In the meantime, early this afternoon, Lebanese commandos surrounded the general headquarters of the Syrian military intelligence services in Beirut and then withdrew to barracks in the vicinity. Dozens of commandos and five personnel carrier vehicles took up positions at crossroads leading to the general headquarters in the district of Ramlat al Baida.

Syria is under pressure to withdraw from Lebanon, where it sent troops for the first time in 1976. With the Taif Agreement, the Lebanese Civil War (1975-90) came to an end. Resolution 1559, adopted last September, calls for foreign troops to leave Lebanon.

American President George Bush stated: "the American government is not about to be satisfied with half measures. When we talk about a full withdrawal of Syrian forces from Lebanon, we mean a full withdrawal."

Translated by Millie Williams

Related News:

Allies Put Pressure on Syria

[05] On economic policy and institutional crisis Harsh Criticism from Alavanos

By Athina Saloustrou

With emphasis on economic policy and the crisis in institutions, speaking today in the meeting of the partys Central Political Committee, the president of SYN, Alekos Alavanos harshly criticized the government and at the same time presented SYNs positions on dealing with workers problems. Mr Alavanos stated that economic and social developments are going from bad to worse, noting that: "Greek capitalism, in a period of supervision by the EU, has entered a phase of serious economic recession, if not extended economic crisis," adding that; "today we are experiencing the total failure of neo-liberalist policies and restructuring, which were started in the 90s by the PASOK government and are continued today by the ND government."

Third Worldly Views

The President of SYN underlined that the social situation in Greece in certain areas, amongst the weakest social strata, brings out third worldly views, as we are experiencing a time when:

The new unilateral austerity is oppressing salaries and pensions through racing and uncontrolled price rising. Social inequalities and new poverty are widening. Added to this, for hundereds of thousands of our fellow citizens, with salaries of 600 or 500 euros, or pensions of 300 or 400 euros, the issue is literally a matter of survival. At the same time, there is stronger pressure on middle farmers and small businesses, especially on small, family businesses and activities.

Insurance, LAFKA and Institutions

The President of SYN called on the members of the party to be open to the people with their problems, in the context of social efforts. On unemployment, Mr Alavanos stated that it has become a contemporary threat for the Greek people, especially for young people and women, and added that SYN is already working on its alternative proposal to fight unemployment, bring unemployment and development.

Referring to the matter of insurance, Mr Alavanos said that the issue had already been opened with the governments actions regarding bank insurance funds, and he criticised government policy on insurance funds and pensions. Furthermore, he accused the government of "an increase in neo-liberal governmental attacks," centring on privatisation.

Returning to the matter of LAFKA, the President of SYN said that after yesterdays announcements by the PM, SYN was calling for the retrospective payments to be made without delay, especially for those expecting significant amounts vital to their lives, which should be enjoyed today and tomorrow while they are still here and not when they have gone to heaven.

Speaking about the crisis in Justice and in the Church, SYNs President said: "we are faced with a deep, developing crisis in all institutions that support the current system, especially in Justice and the Church." He added that when a system declares greed, profit, gambling and personal perfection as its values, if not a way of life, then it is not possible for institutions to act in an ideal, honourable way, and he stressed that "the all-embracing crisis requires an all-embracing solution, that is not only financial, but also cultural."

Finally, referring to the matter of local government, Mr Alavanos said that the party is working on its positions, and the aim is for SYN to have an alternative which will come from the renewed left.

Translated by Millie Williams

[06] Outside Interior Ministry Tension with ASEP Non-Appointees

By Athina Saloustrou

Sources: NET 105.8

Incidents occurred outside the Ministry for the Interior, Public Administration and Decentralisation, when those as yet not appointed to positions of employment from ASEPs 1998 public competition threw various objects and clashed with the police. The incidents began, when a group of non-appointees, who have been camping for the past 150 days in a show of protest outside the Ministry, tried to enter the building. A strong police presence intervened, and repelled them, while during the ensuing tension, protestors threw yogurts, smoke bombs and other objects, fortunately without causing any injuries. Finally, shortly before 3pm, the situation calmed down, but there is still a police presence at the entrance to the building, to avert any further incidents.

Translated by Millie Williams

[07] Giuliana Sgrena Arrived in Rome Semi-Conscious "Sorry, We Were Mistaken"

By Anna Kourti

In an intense tone, Italian PM Silvio Berlusconi made diplomatic representations to the United States, calling the US ambassador to Rome to provide explanations for the assault of US forces against the car carrying Italian journalist Giuliana Sgrena, who had just been released after being held hostage for one month . Italian senior intelligence officer Nicola Calipari died in the shooting, while the journalist received shoulder injuries. Earlier, US President George Bush had a telephone conversation with Italian PM Silvio Berlusconi. The US President personally pledged to run a full investigation into the incident and expressed his condolences and apologies to the Italian PM for the mistaken bombing. Giuliana Sgrena arrived today at Romes Ciampino airport in a state of semi-consciousness and was immediately taken to a hospital in the Italian capital.

"I Was Never Abused"

Visibly exhausted, Giuliana Sgrena arrived today at Rome's Ciampino airport and was immediately taken to a hospital in the Italian capital.

Italian journalist working for Il Manifesto was welcomed by Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi, who was attacked anew by the Italian Press and the Opposition for the presence of Italian troops in Iraq.

"We finally saw her. She was put through a test, but she is alive," said her father Franco Sgrena. "Giuliana is not in a bad condition. She was able to walk from the plane to the ambulance with little help," said her partner in life Pier Scolari. Editor of Il Manifesto Gabriele Pollo said that Giuliana needs to be hospitalized again because she has a fractured shoulder bone. "Last night she underwent surgery to remove the bullet. It is the same bullet that killed agent Nicola Calipari," he concluded.

Italian Minister of Foreign Affairs Gianfranco Fini expressed the hope that the incident would not trigger an anti-American reaction in the country.

"The kidnappers never abused me," stressed Giuliana Sgrena upon her arrival at Rome's Ciampino airport. The Italian journalist expressed her grief for the death of Nicola Calipari, senior intelligence officer Nicola Calipari. It should be noted that Italian troops in Iraq are the fourth largest after the USA, Great Britain and Korea.

The Chronicle of the "Mistaken" Attack

The rescue operation of the Italian journalist, after one month of being held hostage, was bathed in blood. Giuliana Sgrena had just been released and was headed to the Baghdad airport accompanied by Italian secret services, when U.S. forces opened fire on the vehicle. This resulted in the death of one of the three Italian agents, while she was injured in the shoulder. According to an announcement of the US army, the vehicle was approaching at great speed and ignored their signals (hand signals, flashing lights and firing warning shots). The Italian journalist had been abducted in early February outside a mosque in the Iraqi capital.

What Italian Newspapers Say

Italian agent Nicola Calipari is being portrayed as a national hero in Saturday's Italian press for his courage in saving Giuliana Sgrena's life by shielding her with his body against American fire.

Newspaper Titles:

Il Giornale: "The Man Who Was Sacrificed to Save Her " Il Manifesto: "Death and Life " Il Messaggero: "Hero to Save Giuliana " The editor of Il Manifesto, which Sgrena works for, Gabriele Pollo wrote in the front-page article that they joy of the newspaper's stuff lasted shortly. "Fifteen-twenty minutes tops, between the call about her release and the other that informed us of the murder of the man who worked the most for her liberation," wrote the editor. The family of Giuliana Sgrena expressed their sorrow for the death of Nicola Capilari, father of two. "Thanks to his heroic effort, Giuliana is alive. His death brought us to despair," said Franco Sgrena, father of the journalist. "This war is madness, this is your war, your troops should be withdrawn," screamed Pier Scolari, Sgrena's partner in life, to Silvio Berlusconi while he was being accepted by the Italian PM to be informed on Sgrena's release and the tragedy that followed. Lastly, Corriere della Sera estimated that the incident would trigger tension between the right and the left wing in Italy over the Italian presence in Iraq.

Translated by Sofia Soulioti

Related News:

U.S. Ambush to Italian Hostage!

Sgrena Released

[08] Equal Share

By Vasilis Kalpinos

The match between the blues and the Cretan team ended without a winner. In a game where the high wind made things more difficult for the 22 footballers, the final score of 1-1 left both sides with mixed feelings. In any case, the point was more valuable for the guest team, who want to stay in A1 Ethniki, Division 1. The score was opened in 75 by Takis Lemonis team, with Alekos Alexandris, while for the Cretans, Deyanov equalised five minutes later.

Possibilities on Both Sides

The first half started out tough for the guest team. At the same time, the high wind at Heraklio Stadium did not leave much room for either team to develop properly.

The first good stage came in 27 and was for Kallithea, even a double. In 27, Tsingas passed, Alexandris took the ball, but it went out, and one minute later Dragisevic went close to the goal, and tried to shoot under pressure, but it was blocked out by Sifakis. The best opportunity for the host team came in 42. Koutsoures took a foul, the ball hit off Bartzokas left post, Belevonis took the rebound, passed the ball and Nuafor headed the ball, to see it for the second time it off Kallitheas goalkeepers post.

The second half went at the same pace, as both teams were watching their backs. There were few opportunities, and in one of these, in 75, Alexandris put the blues into the lead. Karatzas ran in from the right, passed to the goal area, where Alekos was waiting, and he sent the ball straight into Sifakis nets. The celebrations for Lemonis team only lasted a short while, as just five minutes later, Deyanov took advantage of a great pass and sent the ball into Bartzokas goal, equalizing 1-1.

Referee: Dambosis (Pierias)

Yellow Cards: Belevonis, Vokolos

Line ups

OFI: Sifakis, Belevonis, Pitsos, Kolitsidakis, Arvanitis, Adamos, Stirakakis, Hadjadrian, Koutsoures (66 Deyanov), Machlas, Nuafor (70 Kazanzis).

Kallithea: Bartzokas, Karatzas, Tzorbatzakis, Angelopoulos, Vokolos, Koulakiotis, Dragisevic, Wanga (52 Telkinski), Savvidis (63 Kiriakos), Alexandris, Tsingas.

Translated by Millie Williams

[09] Xanthi Egaleo Postponed

By Dimitris Alexopoulos

The heavy rainfall in Xanthi resulted in the match between the local team and Egaleo being postponed. The match was to have been held today (Saturday) and has been rescheduled for tomorrow (Sunday). The decision not to allow the match to go ahead was made by the referee, Mr Koukoulakis, after a check of the pitch shortly before the match was due to start. "We made the necessary check and saw that the pitch would have been dangerous for the players," stressed the Cretan referee. If the weather conditions allow, the match will be held tomorrow at 17:15.

Translated by Millie Williams

[10] Rivaldo Sits it Out

By Dimitris Alexopoulos

Olympiacos will play on Sunday at Toumba Stadium in Thessaloniki against PAOK without Rivaldo. The Brazilian ace with Olympiacos went to the grounds this morning, but as he complained that yesterdays injury (a sprain during training) was still causing him pain, he did not join in the training. After talking to Olympiacos coach, Dusan Bajevic and the Piraeus teams doctor, it was decided that he should remain in Athens to undergo treatment to make a full recovery, so that he will be able to play next Thursday against Newcastle for the UEFA Cup. His place amongst the eleven men will most likely be filled by Giovanni.

Translated by Millie Williams

[11] Tsatoumas in the Final

By Dimitris Alexopoulos

Staying true to form in jumping 8 metres, Louis Tsatoumas made only one jump in the second preliminary group in the long jump, and with 8.09m was within the qualifying range of 8.05m, and so will go through to the final, to be held tomorrow night (19.05 Greek time). Stergios Nousios, on the other hand, did not make it and with 7.79m is out of the final. Tsatoumas was the only athlete to pass the qualifying mark, and with his jump had the best performance in the preliminaries, while Nousios came 6th in Group A and 15th overall out of 29 athletes.

Rentoumi in the Final

This afternoon, although Panagiotis Sarris qualified to the 200m semifinals with 21.10 (an improvement on his personal best for this year), he was unable to qualify to the final, as he came fifth in his heat with 21.53.

Alexandros Feofanov took part in the 60m mens hurdles in the 2nd heat, but he was also not on a good day, far from his best (7.75), and did not qualify.

Among the women, despite her bad performance in the 60m hurdles preliminaries, Flora Rentoumi managed to qualify to this evenings final.

Rentoumi did not run well, and with 8.21 (she has achieved 8.04 this year), she came 6th, with French runner Nicole Ramalalanirina in first place with 7.99. Howveer, she eventually qualified on the basis of her time, as she came 16th.

In the third heat, Georgia Stogiannidou came sixth with 8.23 (8.16 personal best this year) and ranked 17th, thereby out of the semifinals.

Translated by Millie Williams

[12] Traffic moving with difficulty Tanker Collides with Car

By Anna Kourti

A tanker collided with a passenger vehicle and subsequently overturned on the Thessaloniki to Athens motorway, at the point where the prefectures of Larisa and Pieria meet, owing to the adverse weather conditions. Traffic is moving at that point with difficulty, as traffic moving in one direction has been moved to one lane on the other side and alternative routes. The tanker carried fuel. Traffic police and firemen are using a crane to attempt to remove the tanker and clean up the road. Traffic police advise drivers travelling past this point to take especial care.

Translated by Millie Williams

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