The Hellenic Radio (ERA): News in English, 05-03-17

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

CONTENTS

[01] Karamanlis Juncker Meeting Europe Admonishes Ankara

By Vagelis Theodorou

After meeting with the Prime Minister of Luxemburg and President of the European Council, Jean-Claude Juncker, Greek PM Kostas Karamanlis again called on Ankara to adjust to European standards by signing the Protocol of the Customs Union. "Now is the time for Turkey to prove they can and intend to fulfill the accession criteria," stressed Mr Karamanlis. "Signing the Protocol does not entail recognition of the Greek-Cypriot side," said Namiq Tan, spokesperson for the Turkish Foreign Ministry and confirmed that Greek Foreign Minister Petros Molyviatis will travel to Ankara in April. Besides the accession course of Turkey, the talks between the two PMs also focused on the Stability Pact, the Lisbon Accords and the level of funds to be distributed to EU member-states for the period of 2007-2013.

Stakes Set High

Sources indicate that Mr Karamanlis, who will dine on Monday evening at Villa Loraine in Brussels with his Turkish counterpart, underlined in the meeting that the stakes have been set very high for Turkey, especially after the indefinite postponement of negotiations with Croatia.

At the same time, the PM repeated Greeces support for Turkey in Europe, while, answering a question on the violations of Greek airspace, he said; "there are many obstacles, the atmosphere is much better."

"Signing the Protocol does not entail recognition of Greek Cyprus," stated the spokesperson for the Turkish Foreign Ministry, Namiq Tan, during a reporters briefing in Ankara. At the same time, Mr Tan confirmed the pending visit to Ankara by Foreign Minister Petros Molyviatis in April.

The spokesman for the Greek Foreign Ministry, Giorgos Koumoutsakos noted that the Cooperation Protocol for the new members of the EU, including Cyprus, must be signed and ratified by Turkey before 3 October.

The President of the Republic of Cyprus, Tassos Papadopoulos, has submitted a proposal to the Secretary General of the UN, Kofi Annan, to restart talks to solve the Cyprus problem.

Discussion Over Fiscal Issues

Messrs Karamanlis and Juncker had mutual statements on the matter of the Lisbon Strategy and its overhaul.

As the two PMs stated, the achievement of goals is not satisfactory and for this reason there should be an intensification of actions to promote the single market, increase employment and reinforce the competitiveness of the European economy.

In relation to the fiscal framework for the level of funds to be distributed to EU member-states for the period 2007-2013, Mr Karamanlis hoped negotiations will be completed during the Luxemburg presidency of the European Union, and he once again supported the Commissions proposal that funds made available for the IV CSF should correspond to 1.24% of the EU GDP.

Mr Juncker stressed that the aim of the Luxembourg presidency is to solve the issue by the June Summit, although he recognized indirectly the difficulty in negotiations.

Furthermore, the two PMs stressed that there are difficulties in the efforts to reach an agreement on the reform of the Stability Pact. "There are certain regulations that are particularly strict and do not conform to the fiscal conditions of member-states," said Mr Karamanlis, expressing Greeces respect for the Pact and the relevant decisions.

Translated by Sofia Soulioti

[02] Karzai meets with Rice Afghan Elections Postponed

By Vagelis Theodorou

Sources: BBC, Reuters

The general elections in Afghanistan will be held in September and not in May, as had originally been scheduled. This was announced by the President of the country, Hamid Karzai, after his meeting with the head of American diplomacy, Condoleezza Rice. Mr Karai blamed the postponement on technical problems and the lack of a census. Ms Rice voiced her support for the elections, as an example of the democratization of the country, and she was in fact the one to open the discussion, noting the delay in the elections. The parliamentary elections had been scheduled for June 2004 together with the presidential elections, which were ultimately held in October. The US Secretary of State also expressed her countrys support towards the people of Afghanistan, as well as her concern at the increase in opium production.

Support and Concern

In a joint Press Conference, Ms Rice praised the Afghans for the progress they have made after decades of civil war, describing them as an example for the entire world.

At the same time, the American minister stressed that her country will stand by the people of Afghanistan and admitted that Washington was in error not to have done something similar after the Soviet invasion in 1979 and the withdrawal of Soviet troops in 1989.

Finally, the head of American diplomacy expressed her concern over the production of drugs in Afghanistan. Mr Karai admitted that no progress has been made in reducing production and promised a "holy war" against the producers and traffickers.

Ms Rice also met with officers and soldiers with the US forces, while the next stops on her tour of Asia are Japan, South Korea and China.

Whilst the meeting between Karzai and Rice was under way, five people lost their lives and over 30 were injured when an explosive device detonated next to a road in the city of Kandahar in southern Afghanistan.

Translated by Millie Williams

[03] Contacts for Pavlopoulos in Brussels Questions Triggered by Main Shareholder

By Despina Hristopoulou

Sources: NET 105.8, ANA

High ranking members of the government describe Pavlopoulos meetings next week in Brussels on the Main Shareholder Act as crucial. "There are no clashes between Greek legislation and the Constitution and EU law," he stated on NET 105.8. In fact, the Interior Minister accused PASOK of hiding, as he said that they should have provided the EU with explanations in the last year, as they have reservations about article 14 paragraph 9 of the Constitution, which was voted in by the Simitis government in 2003. In the meantime, regarding a possible change in the law, government sources stress; "we shall see what happens when Mr Pavlopoulos meets with the EU delegates next week," leaving all possibilities open. The Main Shareholder Act was raised in yesterdays meeting between the Prime Minister and the President of the Commission. Mr Karamanlis reiterated the Greek governments position that the Act stems from article 14 of the Constitution and stressed that the government will be at the disposal of the Commission for any pertinent discussion.

Deep Concerns

Besides this, according to the same government sources, the Main Shareholder Act has caused concerns in the government. In fact, they stress that "the question is whether to start a discussion on changing the Constitution, as the problem is with article 14 paragraph 9 of the Constitution." Moreover, the concern stems from the fact that constitutional reform may take place after 2008, while on this matter the two largest parties must agree.

The same sources underline that the article was voted in by both of the main parties, and they wonder whether "now parties should come and say that they made a mistake."

Speaking on NET 105.8, Mr Pavlopoulos stressed that the Greek government has started a struggle to convince the EU that both the Constitution and the legislation are compatible with EU law.

"We believe that there is no question of the Constitution and legislation clashing with EU law, therefore we are doing what PASOK governments did not do," said the Interior Minister.

Venizelos Molyviatis Clash

In the meantime, new clashes arose today in Parliament regarding the Main Shareholder.

PASOK MP Evangelos Venizelos accused the government of bad management and connected the PMs discussions in Brussels with the ratification of the European Constitution. In fact, he wondered, "why is it that when Mr Karamanlis signed the text of the European Constitution, he did not express his reservations for the Main Shareholder, as other countries did on matters that concerned them?"

"The Prime Minister does not beg from anyone," answered the Foreign Minister Petros Molyviatis, adding that Mr Karamanlis; "is struggling with dignity to overturn a harsh reality." At the same time, he also said pointedly that he is not a prisoner of the economic inventory, however much some people might say that the reality is not to blame so much as its revelation.

Translated by Millie Williams

[04] There is not one type of human genome, but two! The Strong Sex is Female

By Despina Hristopoulou

Sources: BBC, Ta Nea

In the war between the sexes, at least at a genetic level, the women are the winners, and in fact with a big difference from the men. A study published in the scientific journal Nature shows that genetically women are clearly more developed creatures and more complicated than men. While women have two X chromosomes, men have only one, which they inherit from their mothers. The second chromosome in men is the Y from their fathers, which is thought to have developed from a degenerated version of an ancient X chromosome from 300 million years ago. With the passing of time, the female X chromosome has kept its natural integrity, while the male Y chromosome shrank to the point where it is now a shadow of its former self. The double X is what protects women from many diseases and genetic mutations which appear only in men, and ultimately makes the female chromosome have a greater influence on successive generations of men and women.

The X Factor

The research was conducted by a large team of scientists, who state that the Y chromosome kept 78 operative genes, while the X chromosome contains 1098 and is capable of developing in women in a more complex way.

In fact, one of the leaders of the research, Huntingdon Willard of Duke University in North Carolina stresses that the findings show that the X chromosome behaves so differently in women compared to men that it ultimately resulted in the development of another human genome. In fact, he stresses that "essentially, there is not one human genome, but two, the male and the female."

In addition, initially it was believed that one of the two X chromosomes in women was inactive, but the latest study shows a much more complicated picture. According to Laura Carrel of the University of Pennsylvania Medical School, who examined the levels of inactivity in the X chromosomes of 40 women, 65% are entirely inactive, 20% partially inactive and 15% had entirely escaped inactivity.

Genes To Blame for Everything

In fact, the effects on genes from the inactive X explain certain differences between men and women, which cannot be explained by the different hormones. The reason for the physical and emotional differences between men and women are likely to have deeper causes.

The fact that girls have two X chromosomes helps the faults in one to be corrected by the other, but boys, as they have only one X chromosome, develop inherited diseases if it is faulty. As Mark Ross of the Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute stresses, this is to blame for 300 diseases and genetic disorders, such as haemophilia, autism, muscular dystrophy and mental retardation.

However, although noone knows exactly why the Y chromosome shrank in this way, its decline was not disastrous, owing to the X, which supplements it.

Nonetheless, men should not feel like "lesser beings", because nature filled in the gene gap. So, although the average intelligence between the two sexes is the same, men tend to reach the boundaries of genius more frequently. The explanation is simple, if they have the X chromosome that favours genius, it will predominate if it is not corrupted by another X, which they would have if they were women!

Translated by Millie Williams

[05] 17-Year-Old's Murderer at Large

By Anna Kourti

Police have set off a manhunt for Dimitris Mazarakos in inaccessible areas around Megalochari, Arta, the murderers village, in an effort to locate and arrest him. Yesterday morning, Wednesday, the 44-year-old man murdered 17-year-old Christos Roumeliotis, high school student, in cold blood in Xirokabos, Arta. Over 100 police officers and two specially trained dogs are taking part in the investigation, while it has been reported that the farmer has five mobile phones on him, but none of them has been used. In the meantime, following the Prefects decision, schools throughout the Prefecture will remain closed today, until the culprit is located and arrested. The memorial service of the unfortunate student was held at noon.

Translated by Vicky Ghionis

Related News:

Student Murdered in Arta

[06] To be given to victims' relatives Full Compensation from Ricomex

By Vivian Papastefanou

The sum of 2 million euros must be paid in compensation by the proprietors of the Ricomex factory to the families of the five of the 39 dead, who were buried in the rubble of the building in the deadly earthquake of 7 September 1999, as well as to employee Evi Sofilou. The Plenary Session of the High Court published its decision, in which it was accepted by majority that there was intentional deceit among the engineers, who knew that owing to inadequate repairs to the building, it was liable to collapse.

Translated by Millie Williams

[07] "Greece supports Jerusalem Patriarchy" Eirinaios Displeased with Giannakou's Visit

By Vivian Papastefanou

Sources: NET 105.8

Through a written statement, the Patriarch of Jerusalem launched an attack on the government and the Minister for Education and Religious Affairs. Eirinaios indirectly but clearly condemns Minister Giannakou for not having visited him during her trip to Israel for the inauguration of the Holocaust Museum. In the meantime, in a statement from the Press Office of the Ministry of Education, regarding Mrs Giannakous recent visit to Israel, it states: "the continuing and multifaceted support of Greece towards the Patriarchy of Jerusalem is well known, proven and multifaceted."

Translated by Millie Williams

[08] Schroeder announces tax cuts German Measures for Unemployment

By Vagelis Theodorou

Sources: BBC, German News Agency

From the podium of the German Parliament, Chancellor Gerhard Schroeder announced tax cuts, in an effort to reduce unemployment and overturn the negative situation his government finds itself in, in view of the May elections, in certain crucial states, where polls show that he is in danger of losing. As he announced, businesses will pay less taxes, in order to create more positions of employment. Mr Schroeder defended his programme of reform, "Agenda 2010," which was implemented in January and preannounced a reduction in basic tax for businesses, from 25% to 19%, as well as investments amounting to two billion euros in the transport sector, in order to help the construction industry. After his speech, Mr Schroeder met with the leaders of the Christian Democrats, Angela Merkel and Edmund Stoiber.

Deep Unrest Among Citizens

The atmosphere in Germany is extremely heavy for the government, as unemployment is at record levels since the Second World War. Civil unrest is shown in the defeat of the ruling party in elections in various states.

Unemployment in Germany is in excess of 12.6% of the workforce, as 5,200,000 people are unemployed. In fact, 180,000 were added in the last two months, and, despite promises of tax cuts for businesses, large companies are planning to dismiss thousands more workers.

To add to the millions of unemployed are low-income strata, who are protesting, seeing their income reduced and the cost of living continually rising.

Schroeder asked the Opposition to approve the measures he announced, with the hope that they will prove effective, as on 22 May local elections are to be held in North Rhine Westphalia. However, Ms Merkel criticized the German Chancellor, saying that "there is no clear policy" and the government is only making corrections.

Translated by Millie Williams

[09] Indefinite Ceasefire

By Betty Savourdou

Palestinian groups agreed on Thursday to preserve the peace they have imposed sine February in exchange for the termination of Israeli attacks and the release of prisoners. The announcement was issued by Palestinian groups after the end of talks that commenced on Tuesday near Cairo. "The final statement does nor define a time frame, but the decision for keeping the peace depends on Israel's commitment to terminate all kinds of hostilities," said Anwar Abu Taha of the Islamic Jihad on Reuters.

Truce Under Conditions

"An agreement was achieved during talks without defining however a time frame and the Palestinian groups repeated that the truce is under conditions depending on Israel's will to materialize their commitments," said a higher ranking official of the Palestinian Authority, who asked not to be named.

Translated by Sofia Soulioti

[10] 51% will vote against, 53% will abstain European Constitution Divides France

By Vivian Papastefanou

French voters are opposed to the European Constitution, according to an opinion poll conducted on behalf of Le Parisien newspaper, which will be published on Friday. This is the first poll to show that, even with a small majority (51%), French voters intend to vote against the European Constitution in the referendum on 29 May. However, 53% of those polled answered that they will not go to vote in the referendum, they will cast a blank vote, or they have not yet decided. France is the second country after Spain where a referendum will be held on the European Constitution, while three days later the Netherlands will also follow. Approximately half the countries of the European Union will organize referenda on this issue, while in the remaining countries, the treaty will be ratified through parliamentary procedure.

Translated by Millie Williams

[11] Opposition parties on the European Constitution Calling for Referendum

By Despina Hristopoulou

Sources: NET 105.8

All the Opposition parties are insisting that a referendum be held on the European Constitution. In any case, during todays discussion in Parliament, Foreign Minister Petros Molyviatis ruled out the possibility of holding a referendum on the European Constitution, while he noted that "the parliamentary procedure for its ratification is equally democratic as a referendum." However, former President of SYN, Nikos Konstantopoulos claimed that Parliament should not operate as a bureaucratic mechanism, but according to the demands of society. In the meantime, both ND and PASOK voiced their support for the European Constitution. In fact, as PASOK MP Theodoros Pangalos stated, "the referendum can only have positive consequences." For KKE, Liana Kanelli called on the Greek people not only to resist and refuse to accept it, but also to fight against the European Constitution with all their strength.

Translated by Millie Williams

[12] Difficult Victory for Panathinaikos

By Vasilis Kalpinos

Zelimir Obradovics team today scored their third win in four matches on the 4th match day of the round of 16 in the Euroleague, against Zalgiris Kaunas. This win, however, did not come at all easily, as the Lithuanians made their counterattack, but ultimately the green team kept their cool and won the match. With this victory, Panathinaikos continues to be at the top of their group and is now very close to qualifying. The quarters: 21-11, 44-35, 64-57, 83-78.

Fortunately Saved

Panathinaikos took many shots from the 6.25m line, with Alvertis and Lakovic bombarding the goal to build up a good difference. The host team on the other hand, could not react, and the 21-11 of the first quarter was the natural result.

In the second quarter, Obradovics players also did as they wished and managed to get 18 points ahead, 34-16, thanks to efforts by Frangiskos Alvertis and the 12 mistakes by the Lithuanians. Panathinaikos relaxed after this and Zalgiris, with Bagaric scoring several crucial points, managed to bring the difference to 44-35 at the end of the first half.

In the second half, Alvertis, Battiste and Hativrettas took the difference up to +11.

The fourth quarter saw Zalgiris attack. Panathinaikos could find no solutions, the three-pointers were not going in and the Lithuanians started to chip away at the difference. In fact, four minutes before the end, Zalgiris took the lead in the score with 69-71. However, Alvertis was there to save the day. With a three-pointer, he put Panathinaikos back in the lead, and Lakovic and Tsartsaris scored crucial points to increase the difference to +8 for the green team. Kaunas tried their best again, but the greens were not prepared to lose their chance and kept the great, albeit difficult win.

Injured player Giorgos Kalaitis for Panathinaikos was out of the team, while Zalgiris Kaunas played without Robert Pack.

Line-ups

Panathinaikos (Zelimir Obradovic): Alvertis 17 (4), Battiste 15 (1), Tsartsaris 8, Lakovic 11 (3), Haztivrettas 12 (1), Diamantidis 10, Papanikolaou 2, Femmerling, Skepanovic 6 (1), Baxter 2

Zalgiris Kaunas (Andanas Sireika) Serapinas 3 (1) Beard 24 (2), Ginevicius 3, Salenga, Lavrinovic 16 (1), Jankunas 2, Bagatskis 16 (3), Timinskas 14 (1)

Translated by Millie Williams

[13] Aris in Top 4

By Vasilis Kalpinos

The match between Apollon Kalamaria and Aris concluded with a 1-1 draw, however, the goal by the guest team was enough for them to qualify, after the 0-0 from the first match. The golden scorer for Aris was Avraam Papadopoulos in 40, while Vela Junior scored the equalizer, which was ultimately not enough for Kalamaria to qualify.

Aris Qualifies

Kalamaria started out the game with a very good shot in just 2, with Parmaxidis shot just going out. From then on, the guest team took the reins of the game, and in 21, they successfully managed to approach with Nebegleras, whose shot was knocked out with difficulty by Karatziovalis. The yellow team kept up the pressure and in 40 opened up the score. Nebegleras took the shot, the ball hit off the crossbar, and ended up with Avraam Papadopoulos, who from close up had no trouble in heading the ball in to open the score. The celebration lasted just three minutes, as in 43 Vela Junior equalized.

In the second half, Kalamaria went in more strongly, as the 1-1 left them no choice. However, they were faced with Pourliotopoulos, who twice, in 46 and 57 saved the goals attempted by Orfanos and Hatzi. In 81 Aris goalkeeper once again said no to Hatzi and Parmaxidis sent the ball out. This meant that the score stayed at 1-1, and Aris celebrates the chance to qualify.

Referee: Kaminaris (Thessaly)

Yellow cards: Vela Junior, Parmaxidis, Petkakis-Passalis, Beniskos

Line ups

Kalamaria: Karatziovalis, Nikolopoulos, Fytanidis (42 Spyropoulos), N. H. Papadopoulos, Clayton, Wellington (53 Hatzi), Parmaxidis, Petkakis, Orfanos (64 Mouzaoui), Vela Junior, N. A. Papadopoulos

Aris: Pourliotopoulos, Kallimanis (59 Markomichalis), Papadopoulos, Koltsidas, Gogolas, Naintos, Nemegleras, Muravski, Passalis, Ecueme (55 Inogie), Lazanas (68 Beniskos)

Translated by Millie Williams

[14] Olympiacos: Football and Morale Problems

By Vasilis Kalpinos

With Olympiacos adventure in Europe coming to an end for this year, all the people in the Piraeus team are looking towards domestic targets. First and foremost is the very difficult game ahead in Crete against OFI. Apart from the morale of his players, Dusan Bajevic is concerned over the injuries of Rivaldo, Djordjevic, Giovanni and Nikopolidis in view of upcoming battle in Crete.

Hoping Not to Face Defeat

First of all, there is Rivaldo. The Brazilian midfielder with Olympiacos, who did not play in the match against the Magpies in England, once again felt pain in training today, and tomorrow he will be assessed to see if he can play on Sunday.

Djordjevic returned with a souvenir from Saint James Park, with back pains, and tomorrow his condition will be assessed. As for the other Brazilian player, Giovanni, he returned with a bruised right leg, and Antonis Nikopolidis has pains in the upper back. All three were out of training and had individual programmes for today.

Amidst all this, Olympiacos want to breathe again after the heavy defeat at the hand of Newcastle, and let the low morale rise again. It is imperative to win in Crete, as if not, the cracks in Piraeus will widen.

In fact, Bajevic could even be on the line if there is no win. The defeat brought complaints among the teams fans, and things look bleak for the Serbo-Greek coach if the team is defeated. This means that the match against OFI will mark what is to come.

Translated by Millie Williams

[15] Coordination of efforts to arrest Vavilis Awaiting new Charges

By Vivian Papastefanou

Within the next few hours, the High Court deputy Prosecutor is expected to indict First Instance Judge Evangelos Kalousis for a series of serious offences, such as money laundering and accepting bribes. At the same time, high-ranking judicial officers report that the High Court and the Ministry of Public Order are coordinating their efforts in order to arrest Apostolos Vavilis or have him turn himself him. The same sources state that the Swiss authorities are prepared to collaborate with their Greek counterparts in order to access the accounts of the former examiner, Konstantina Bourboulia and First Instance Judge Evangelos Kalousis, who, according to an anonymous accusation, has two billion drachmas in these accounts. This morning, Amfissa Public Prosecutor Vasiliki Vlachou, First Instance Judge Nikos Potaminos and Piraeus First Instance Judge Georgia Lambropoulou appeared before Examiner Eleni Michou to explain their failure to submit a financial audit.

Translated by Millie Williams

[16] Kenderis and Thanou: Waiting for Tomorrow

By Vasilis Kalpinos

Just a few hours remain for Kostas Kenderis, Katerina Thanou and their coach Christos Tzekos before they find out the decision of the Disciplinary Committee. Tomorrow (Friday) at 6pm, the meeting will finish and the committee will have made its definitive decisions and release the final documents on the case. The decision of the Disciplinary Committee will be announced to the Executive Council of SEGAS in order for it to be ratified. Immediately after it has been ratified by the Executive Council, the decision will be announced to representatives of the Media at SEGAS offices.

Translated by Millie Williams

[17] Chorister calls for cross-examination Standing by Accusations Against Kallinikos

By Vagelis Theodorou

A request was sent this morning to the Arch-Secretary of the Holy Synod by chorister Ilias Toumbas, who has accused Metropolitan Bishop Kallinikos of Piraeus of sexually harassing him in 1991. Mr Toumbas asks the Bishop of Elassona, who is conducting the examination, to call him to testify, and hold a cross-examination with the Metropolitan Bishop. As the chorister claims, he had informed the hierarchy when the late Seraphim was archbishop, and the case was left in the files in 1994. Kallinikos did not comment on the development. However, he has repeatedly stated that the accusation is fabricated and slanderous. In fact, last Thursday, the Metropolitan Bishop of Piraeus appeared voluntarily before the Holy Synod and the hierarchy judged his explanations satisfactory, while he asked for an examiner to be appointed.

Translated by Millie Williams

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