The Hellenic Radio (ERA): News in English, 05-04-02

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

CONTENTS

[01] The Pontiff slowly fades Worldwide Emotion for the Pope

By Betty Savourdou

Sources: NET 105.8, ANA

The atmosphere is heavy in the Vatican, with the sharp decline in the health of Pope John Paul II. As stated at 12:30 (Greek time) by Vatican spokesman Joachin Navarro-Valls, the Pontiffs state of health remains extremely critical, but stable. As reported this morning, the Pope lost consciousness. However, Cardinals who later visited him in his room reported that he greeted them with great difficulty, and that he knows he is dying. Millions of the faithful all over the world are gathering in squares and churches to pray for their spiritual leader, while in Rome, in St. Peters Square, crowds of the faithful started gathering again this morning. In the meantime, cardinals from around the world are in Rome to elect the new Pope, if he should pass away.

Faithful at his Side

"The health condition of John Paul II has worsened dramatically," confirmed the Vatican on Friday night. However, they denied reports on some Italian networks that stated that his heart and brain had stopped.

The faithful continued to gather in St Peters Square in Rome all throughout the night. According to the police, a crowd of 70,000 people kept vigil, uniting their prayers under the window of the dying Pontiff

The Church called upon Catholics to come and participate in a recitation of the rosary on Friday evening for the Pope.

The crowd started pouring into St Peters Square at about 22:00, the time when the vigil started. This is a prayer to which John Paul II is tightly connected.

Translated by Millie Williams

Related News:

The Pope Is Fading

[02] 30% not expected to turn up A Public Sector Position

By Betty Savourdou

Sources: NET, MNA

The battle for a place in the public sector was started on Saturday morning by about 77,000 people, who are participating in the national written competition organized by ASEP, fighting for one of a total of 5949 positions in the public education sector for the next two years. The competition was halted at 12:00, and will continue from 15:00 to 19:00, while it will be held in two stages, today and next weekend. The assessment of the written papers is expected to be completed in 2-3 months. In any case, ASEP estimates that 20-30% will not turn up.

Mixed system

The examinations use a mixed system, full development of a topic and multiple choice questions.

The competition will use negative marking, while there will be a base line.

The candidates are going to 70 examination centers that have been organized around the country, one of which is specially adapted for persons with special needs, as 57 candidates fall into that category.

Translated by Millie Williams

[03] Tense atmosphere "Why Should I Resign?"

By Betty Savourdou

Sources: NET 105.8, Eleftheros Typos

In an interview to newspaper Eleftheros Typos, the Patriarch of Jerusalem repeated his decision not to resign, stressing that he has committed no crime, while he described his relations with the Archbishop of Athens as very good. "Patriarch Eirinaios should realize the nature of the situation and respond to his historic responsibilities," repeated the Greek government on Friday, while tomorrows meeting between Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew and the deputy foreign minister Panagiotis Skandalakis in Fanari is described as being especially important. In the meantime, the Jordanians and Palestinians have approved a motion to cancel the sale of land, of which the Patriarch of Jerusalem is accused.

"No Danger of Going to Arab Hands"

As Patriarch Eirinaios stresses in his interview, there is no danger of the Patriarch of Jerusalem falling to Arab hands. He adds that the Patriarch is not appointed, but elected based on divine and holy laws.

"If any land sales have been made in the Holy Land, then they are invalid. A lawyer has taken up the case. My signature is nowhere. Never mind that in order to make an agreement, the Synod has to give its approval," states the Patriarch of Jerusalem at another point.

He states: "both clear and hidden enemies want the Greeks to leave the Holy Land. There is a whole gang."

"Vavilis is lying about the 400,000 dollars. Where am I supposed to get it from? I made no agreement to give him money," he answers to a question, adding that the Archbishop had sent Vavilis.

"We helped people and found them turn against us. I have come through this crisis much wiser," declares the Patriarch.

As for the visit by the Foreign Ministry, Patriarch Eirinaios said that he requested it of Mr Skandalakis, and they presented any documents in their possession.

Statements on the issue also came from State Department spokesman Richard Boucher: "We are aware of the ongoing events, but we are not taking a position regarding the Greek Patriarchy in Jerusalem."

Translated by Millie Williams

Related News:

Eirinaios on the Offensive

[04] Europe-wide Day of Action Anti-Racism Rally

By Betty Savourdou

Sources: NET 105.8

Today is the European Action Day for the rights of immigrants and refugees. At 13:00, there will be a concert with immigrant groups in Omonia Square, and at 15:30 a march towards Parliament will start. Beforehand, a rally will also be held in Thessalonica. With the slogan "No to racism, equal rights for all," the demands are to legalise all immigrants, equal rights for all, asylum and accommodation for refugees, an end to racist attacks and deportations. The rally has been organized by the Greek Immigrant Forum, the Greek Social Forum, the Coalition of Anti-Racist and Immigrant Organisations and trade unions. In the meantime, a boat carrying 120 Iraqi illegal immigrants ran aground on Friday on a beach in Chania, Crete. 80 of the illegal immigrants are already accommodated in the region, while the police are searching for the other 40.

Translated by Millie Williams

[05] "Renounce violence" Negotiations with ETA?

By Betty Savourdou

Sources: ANA

According to an interview with a spokesperson for the organisation published in Basque newspaper Berria, the armed Basque separatist group is attempting to start negotiations with the Spanish government. ETA stated that it is willing to find: "a political and democratic solution to the armed conflict," and start talks "tomorrow" with the Spanish and French governments. Spain, on the other hand, has stated that there can be no talks unless ETA, which has killed 850 people in a four-decade campaign for an independent state on French and Spanish territory, renounces violence.

"No Talks are Underway"

The interview came one day after the start of the campaign for the regional elections of 17 April in the Basque region.

Madrid courts have banned one party in favour of independence from participating in the elections, saying that it is connected with ETA.

The government has also repeatedly denied that it is conducting talks with the armed organisation.

Translated by Millie Williams

[06] Partial Lifting of Travel Ban

By Betty Savourdou

Sources: NET 105.8

It was announced by the Ministry of Mercantile Marine that from 13:00 all ships are permitted to sail from Piraeus to Crete and the Western Cyclades, while from 14:30, ships will be permitted to sail from Rafina for Marmari. In the Argosaronic Gulf, routes are only being served by ships of a closed type. Those intending to travel should first contact shipping agencies or local Port Authorities. The main features of todays weather are a slight weakening of the gale force north winds over the Aegean and low temperatures for the time of year.

Translated by Millie Williams

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