The Hellenic Radio (ERA): News in English, 05-03-10

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

CONTENTS

[01] Karamanlis' Intervention in Madrid Summit Democracy Against Terrorism

By Vagelis Theodorou

The Prime Minister made mention to the advancement of democracy as a means to counter terrorism, in the international anti-terror summit in Madrid, a year after the massacre in the railroad station with 192 dead and more than 1,500 injured. "Where democracy roots, terrorism cannot spring," Mr Karamanlis stated and cited the safe organization of the Athens Olympic Games as an example of international cooperation. "The message we are sending to every direction is that we cannot put up with terrorism," noted the Prime Minister. In the context of the summit meeting Mr Karamanlis met with his counterparts from Spain, Poland and Romania.

Need for International Action

The message sent by the international summit, in which fifteen countries leaders and more than two hundred specialists from fifty countries attended, was that terrorism can be countered with more democracy and respect to human rights.

The UN General Secretary, Kofi Annan noted the greatness of international cooperation and called the countries to restrict in every way the circulation and the economic funding of terrorists, while he also expressed his fear over nuclear terrorism.

In his speech, Mr Karamanlis made reference to the need for a joint action from all countries for the counter of terrorism, reminded that Greece has been affected by terrorists blind hits and stated that his country condemns every terrorist action, regardless of the culprits motives, its form and appeals.

The PM stated that Greece has voted for twelve relative international treaties, among them article 1540 of the UN Security Council for weapons of mass destruction and supported the application of an international treaty for the phenomenon of global terrorism funding.

"The protection of human life and the citizens security is of major importance and it is our first priority and we will not compromise on that," underlined Mr Karamanlis.

Discussions with Counterparts

In the context of the meeting Mr Karamanlis met with Spanish PM, Jose Luis Rodriguez Zapatero and with his counterparts from Poland and Romania, Marek Bnelka and Calin Popescu-Tariceanu.

In the epicentre of the meeting between Karamanlis and Zapatero were the financial prospects of Greece and Spain and especially the joint attempt of absorbing more funds from the 4th Community Support Framework of 2007-2013.

Mr Karamanlis repeated his proposal for the creation of a European coast guard while he proposed the application of a pilot model by Greece and Spain.

The two men agreed for the enforcement of Europe and the Mediteranean cooperation while the Prime Minister briefed his Spanish countrepart of the results of his tour of the Balkans.

With his Romanian counterpart, as Mr Karamanlis stated, they discussed financial prospects, the Lisbon Strategy and the broadening of EU, in view of the forthcoming European Council meeting.

In closing, in his meeting with Mr Tariceanu bilateral relations were reviewed, the condition in the broader Balkan area and Romanias forthcoming accession in the EU.

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

[02] Suicide Attack at a Funeral Service New Bloodbath in Iraq

By Vagelis Theodorou

The bloody attacks have no end in Iraq. At least 47 people were killed in Mosul, when a suicide bomber detonated the explosives he carried during a Shiite funeral service. From the explosion 81 people were injured while the authorities express the fear that the number of dead will rise, since many of the injured peoples condition is critical. The attack occurred in a mosque near the neighborhood of Tamim and the kamikaze detonated the explosives when the followers were in an adjacent room in the mosque. Earlier, three policemen were killed in Baghdad when men shot at them and their convoy.

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

Related News:

Continuing Attacks in Baghdad

[03] A Referee Cannot be Beaten!

By Stathis Petropoulos

On its 80th birthday, Olympiacos was expecting Newcastle as its opponent but Arturo Dauden Iba&#241;ez was the one who arrived in Piraeus decided to take the qualification and to give it to whoever he wanted. The "reds" for the first ten minutes managed to show their good performance and around that time Iba&#241;ez put an end to everything! He gave a penalty in an unbelievable phase and expelled Georgatos. Olympiacos tie with Djordjevic put hopes up high, but the score of 1-2 in the first half and the second expulsion of Kostoulas, a little before the end of the half, was the final straw. A heroic Olympiacos in the second half put pressure on the "miners," in order to tie once more but the weariness made Bajevics players slow down. Kluivert scored the final 1-3 for Newcastle.

Ibanez was the Main Protagonist

Only the first ten minutes of the game were normal! From then on lady luck ignored Olympiacos and everything blew up for the Greek team in a European game. The first good attempt of Newcastle in the game turned into a penalty, Georgatos expulsion from Iba&#241;ez and Alan Shearer as a natural leader did not miss opposite Nikopolidis. Souness aim was materializing suddenly and Bajevics aim, which was zero in defense turned into ashes. The biggest blow was Georgatos expulsion. The Olympiacos defender took up many initiatives in the development from the left, which was lost as was the balance of powers.

Olympiacos Straight Up

Newcastles advantage of 11 players did not make a difference! Five minutes later Rivaldo kicked a foul shot and Stoltidis was pushed by OBrien making Iba&#241;ez show the penalty spot. The other leader, Djordjevic tied and this gave the start of a counterattack but his teammates did not respond. There were many attempts but the "reds" were forced to run more and the weariness started to show from the first half. The game remained open and with a quick pace, which favored Newcastle but the three players of the "reds" defense kept up. Unfortunately, in the 34 Robert shot an incredible foul, which turned Nikopolidis into a statue and scored 1-2.

Second Expulsion

The Spanish referees tragic show continued until the end of the first half, since a few minutes before the completion of the 45 minutes he expelled Kostoulas with a second yellow card. It was obvious that he forgot the frequency he showed cards as his assistant reminded him. In the second half Olympiacos, without any changes continued its heroic attempt! It is noteworthy to say that with 9 players it pressured Newcastle in its area, something which was caused due to the fact that the "miners" did not want to triumph in Karaiskakis stadium, even though they could have easily managed it. On the other hand the "reds" were not up for it and could not in any case.

1-3 Came Naturally!

With all the above and with the referee refusing to give a centre foul to Olympiacos Bajevic had to make a change but decided to not take a risk and keep the balance. Giovannis entrance in the place of Rivaldo leveled with Okkas substitution by Pantos, but the Brazilian who entered the field in a good mood was left alone in offense and was not able to fool the "miners." In its first serious attempt Newcastle, scored its third goal with Kluivert, shaping the final score. With the referee refusing to give more fouls to the "reds" the game was completed and the only thing that is certain is that it does not leave them many chances for a qualification in St James Park!

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

[04] Dispute Between Konstantopoulos and Giannakou Chrisopigi Monastery in Parliament

By Viki Keleri

Sources: NET- NET RADIO 105.8

Tension was high in Parliament on the occasion of the economics investigation of the Church. In a timely question submitted by SYN MP, Nikos Konstantopoulos he accused the Ministries of Education and Economy for duty violation, since, as he said, they have made no economic investigation in Chrisopigi Monastery. Mr Konstantopoulos spoke of a "saintly forbearance" of the authorities and accused the government of hypocrisy. He also asked for an investigation to commence for the activities of Chrisopigi Monastery and Metropolitan Bishop, Kallinikos. Answering, Minister of Education, Marietta Giannakou stated that a general investigation in the handling of Church economics was made in 1978, during Konstantinos Karamanlis government and checks do take place occasionally or after a court order. The Minister added that there has been no evidence in the Ministry of Public Order for illegal activities committed by Chrisopigi, stating that a court investigation has been ordered for all information that has surfaced.

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

[05] Synod Asks for Kallinikos' Written Explanations Kallinikos Explains to Holy Synod

By Athina Saloustrou

A new headache has arisen for the Holy Synod, which convenes again today at Petraki Monastery, chaired by Archbishop Christodoulos, as the focus today will once again be on serious allegations against members of the hierarchy. This time, the eye of the storm is on Metropolitan Bishop Kallinikos of Piraeus, abbot of Chrisopigi and spiritual father of the archbishop, who is expected to give verbal explanations for his participation in sexual scandals. The case dates back to 1991-92, when, as stated in a television programme, the Metropolitan Bishop of Piraeus is said to have sexually abused a young chorister, who is today a professor of Byzantine music. The victim had even sent a letter to the then Archbishop Seraphim, telling him of his claims. According to information, the Synod will also call upon Metropolitan Bishop Panteleimonas of Corinth for explanations, after he was indicted on financial misdemeanors. A civilian testified against Didimoticho Metropolitan Bishop, Nikiforos to the Holy Synod, which committed itself to making charges for sexual harassment.

The Chronicle of a Letter

The letter accusing the Metropolitan Bishop of Piraeus is signed, and contains many details. In fact, the plaintiff, Ilias Rediadis-Toumbas, even apologizes to the recipient of the letter, the late Seraphim, for what he has written.

However, the story of the notorious letter does not stop here. While it was sent to Seraphim, in all likelihood in confidence, dated 1 September 1992, he first brought it to the attention of the Holy Synod on 4 January 1993. Mr Rediadis-Toumbas returned after about eight months, on 22 August 1993, and reversed his position, stating that what he had said about sexual abuse was slander. After the young chorister had taken back his words, the Holy Synod did not conduct any investigation, and four months later, the case was filed away, while Kallinikos was not permitted to seek legal recourse for the case.

However, the case returned to light a further two times, before it appeared again on the recent television programme. Without pretext, after 8 years, on 13 December 2001, Rediadis-Toumbas released a Press statement, in which he wrote "Regarding the letter, which is widely circulated and involves both my name and that of His Grace the Bishop of Piraeus Kallinikos, I state that for the time being I do not wish to take any position or make any statement."

The second time came at the beginning of February 2005, when the scandals, both sexual and financial, were already underway, rocking the Hierarchy. According to Eleftherotypia newspaper, Rediadis-Toumbas lawyer Athanasios Papachristopoulos went to the Archbishop and attempted to give the Synod the letter from his client, in the context of accusations against Archbishop Christodoulos and Metropolitan Bishop Kallinikos. The then secretary of the Holy Synod, the Metropolitan Bishop of Patra today, Chrisostomos Sklifas, refused to accept the letter.

The lawyer returned when Bishop Seraphim Metzelopoulos of Christianoupoli was appointed arch-secretary. The latter considered the accusations against the archbishop slanderous, and according with a colleague, Seraphim asked the lawyer to rewrite the letter in a more secular tone and return.

The third time was the recent presentation of the letter on a television programme.

Kallinikos reaction came 12 hours later. The Metropolitan Bishop of Piraeus released a Press statement regarding the events, while he is expected to turn to Justice.

The Press release claimed that the Metropolitan Bishop of Piraeus was a victim of a plot, even involving the late Archbishop Seraphim, who, he states "was irritated by the stance of the Metropolitan Bishop of Piraeus in the case of bishops who were in office during the dictatorship and left afterwards."

The Press release also stressed that this case went on file at the time, and the Metropolitan Bishop himself is said to have stopped the late legal counsel for the Church, Giorgos Lilaios, from going to Justice.

Panteleimon and Nikiforos in Holy Synod

The members of the Holy Synod are expected over the two-day convention, also to regard the case of Metropolitan Bishop Panteleimon of Corinth, and ask him for explanations, after he was brought before the court on financial charges of embezzling a large sum of money from the Cathedral. The Nafplio Appeals Council has referred Panteleimon to the Misdemeanors Court for embezzlement and avoiding an audit. A civilian testified against Didimoticho Metropolitan Bishop, Nikiforos to the Holy Synod, which committed itself to making charges for sexual harassment.

Translated by Millie Williams

Related News:

Giosakis and Kalousis Testify

[06] Five people lose their lives Continuing Attacks in Baghdad

By Viki Keleri

The governor of a central police station in Baghdad, Ahmed Abeis, was shot dead by insurgents today. He was attacked by armed motorcyclists while he was on his way to his office. During the attack, two other policemen were also killed. Earlier, shells were fired at the American military base in the city of Hillah to the south of Baghdad, resulting in the death of one civilian. A pitched battle between soldiers and the attackers broke out. During the attack, a grenade was accidentally launched and ended up on a nearby house, killing one woman and injuring three other people. These hostilities come one day after the detonation of a car packed with explosives in the Iraqi capital, which cost the lives of three people and injured more than 20. According to European Media correspondents in the region, rebel attacks have been escalating continuously since the Iraqi elections.

Translated by Millie Williams

[07] Otto's Roster with 14 Legionaries

By Ilias Papaioannou

For one more time the coach of the Greek national team, Otto Rehaggel shows his trust in the players of foreign teams, who in the summer became European Champions. In view of the games with Georgia and Albania for the preliminary phase of the 2006 World Cup, the German coach chose 14 players from teams abroad and are the following: Michalis Kapsis (Bordeaux), Traianos Dellas (Roma), Thodoros Zagorakis (Bologna), Giorgos Karagounis (Inter Milan), Stelios Gianakopoulos (Bolton), Vasilis Lakis (Crystal Palace), Zisis Vrizas (Celta), Panagiotis Fissas (Benfica), Giourkas Seitaridis (Porto), Agelos Charisteas (Ajax), Vasilis Tsiartas (Cologne), Kostas Chalkias (Portsmouth), Giannis Amanatidis (Kaizerslautern) and Sotiris Kirgiakos (Rangers).

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

[08] ICMG Takes up Residence in Athens

By Ilias Papaioannou

The Deputy Minister for Culture, authorized to handle matters relating to Sport, Giorgos Orfanos and the President of the International Committee for Mediterranean Games Amar Addadi are currently signing an agreement to establish the ICMGs permanent headquarters in Athens. The official ceremony is taking place in the Press Conference Room of the Olympic Stadium open-air swimming pool. In addition, a private agreement will be signed, granting the ICMG the use of offices at the Olympic Stadium complex.

Translated by Millie Williams

Related Links:

http://www.sportsnet.gr/cijm/index.html

[09] Skin Test for the Heart

By Tina Valaoura

A simple skin test can diagnose heart diseases which are in their early stages, claim American scientists. The test, which was presented in the 54th annual conference of the American College of Cardiology, can, in just a few minutes, give counts of the level of cholesterol in the skin, indicating the danger even in patients who appear healthy. The reliability of the skin test was compared to one of the most complicated and costly diagnosis methods used today, the ultrasound, and the results were encouraging.

80 volunteers participated in the trials. After being given the skin test, they were also examined by ultrasound to see if there were any signs of blockage in the two heart arteries. "The results of the two test were closely related," stated the leader of the research, James Stein, associate professor of cardiovascular medicine at the University of Wisconsin Medical School in Madison, Wisconsin.

Asked to comment on the new method, his colleague Gerald Fletcher, professor of medicine at the Mayo Clinic College of Medicine, said that it looked like an interesting discovery, but he stressed that blood tests continue to present greater accuracy. However, he stressed that the more choices available to patients, the better.

The test is available on the American market at the price of 25 dollars.

Translated by Millie Williams

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