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

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

CONTENTS

[01] Catholics Around the World in Prayer Pontiff Fading Away

By Vagelis Theodorou

Pope John Paul II is between life and death, at a time when millions followers of the Roman Catholic Church around the world continue to pray for their spiritual father. According to a written statement by the Vatican, on Saturday night, the 84-year-olds health condition is very serious, as he is presenting high fever, however he responds when his advisers speak to him. In the meantime, hundreds of Catholics and Cardinals from every corner of the world are flooding in the Italian capital to attend the ritual that will follow after the Popes death, and will be completed with the election of the Roman Catholic Church from a body of 120 Cardinals.

A Matter of Hours

According to the last medical announcement, the Pope has low blood pressure, kidney and heart failure while he is on life support.

High rank Vatican officials made clear that the course towards death is irreversible.

Shortly before the Holy Sees announcement, Italian news agency Ansa stated that the head of the Roman Catholic Church is gradually losing his senses and his condition is irreversible.

Earlier on Saturday, Vaticans spokesperson, Cardinal Navarro Valls described the Popes health as determined. He also mentioned, that on Friday night his close associates informed him that people had gathered in St Peters Square and that he wanted to thank the youth for their presence. "I sought after you and now you have come to find me," he reportedly said in a low voice.

Uniting their Prayers

As the news over the upcoming death of the Pope has started to spread, prayers have started around the world for the man who for 26 years guided more than a billion Catholics.

On Saturday, in St Peters Basilica, in Rome, thousands of followers continue praying while looking up at the two windows of the Papal apartment.

Several thousands of followers in Europe, Asia, Africa and the U.S. have flooded the churches and are praying for the Popes health.

In Poland, his native country, churches remain open during the night and the crowds do not stop praying for the man that as they say helped them overthrow the 40-year communist government. In Kracovia, the town where the Pontiff grew up and lived as a cleric, hundreds of people have gathered outside his residence and kneel with devoutness.

In every corner of the world followers kneel and pray. From Brazil and Cuba, to Australia and Greece, especially in the island of Syros, everyone is praying for the Pontiff. Prayers for the Pope were made by other religious dogmas, such as synagogues in Jerusalem and Muslim mosques in Indonesia.

Even though any discussion on the successor to the Pope has been banned for centuries, the succession scenarios have already started to be discussed in low whispers.

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

Related News:

Worldwide Emotion for the Pope

Related Links:

The Vatican

[02] Size Does Matter!

By Vagelis Theodorou

A chicken sandwich was the bone of contention between fast food company KFC and the Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) in Great Britain. The reason was the following. According to ASA, the advertisement for the company depicted the sandwich bigger than it really was! In the ad, a woman holds the chicken product and the lens gradually focuses on her hands. " We believed the visuals were likely to mislead viewers over the actual size," stated ASA in a statement and decided to ban the advertisement. The agency backed its decision by buying the product and concluding that the bun was thicker, the filling more while even the leaf of lettuce was a different kind! From its side, KFC stated that the name of the product and its price (around 1.4 euros) indicate that the product is smaller than an ordinary sandwich. As for ASAs rationale, the agency states that it is not the sandwichs fault but the womans hands in the ad that are small.

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

[03] Opposition and Western Politicians React Mugabe Wins Elections in Zimbabwe

By Vagelis Theodorou

The governing party of President, Robert Mugabe ensured two thirds of the vote in the Parliamentary elections in Zimbabwe. Officials of the supervisory committee stated that on Thursdays elections the party Zanu-PF, which is in power for 25 years, ensured 71 out of 120 seats in Parliament, while the opposition party Movement for Democratic Change (MDC) received 39 and independent candidate Jonathan Mayo one seat. The parties are entitled to 120 seats, while according to the countrys Constitution, President Mugabe will appoint 30 MPs. Thus he could follow on with a Constitutional reform, an action that several analysts consider will reinforce his powers. However, the opposition condemned the elections as being rigged, while Great Britain and the U.S. described the elections as a fiasco.

Intense Reactions

"We reject the result because we do not believe it reflects the peoples will," stated the leader of the Movement for Democratic Change, Morgan Tsvangirai. He also claimed that his party had won the majority of the seats and that there is proof of rigging.

In London, British Foreign Secretary, Jack Straw described the elections as "seriously flawed," while U.S. Ambassador in Zimbabwe, Christopher Deal said that there were many obstacles for the opposition.

Also, human rights organizations condemned the elections as not just and free, since in the election catalogues there were many "ghost voters," with names of deceased whose votes straightaway went to the governing party.

The Mugabe government rejects the accusations as nonsense.

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

[04] In View of his Visit in the U.S. Voulgarakis in Maximos Mansion

By Vagelis Theodorou

During the meeting between the Prime Minister and Minister of Public Order, Giorgos Voulgarakis at the Maximos Mansion, issues such as the Ministers visits abroad aimed at the exchange of experience and know-how from the successful Athens Olympic Games were discussed. "Greece has the know-how that everyone want to be briefed on," stated Mr Voulgarakis after the meeting and made clear that issues of common interest, such as the training of groups and cooperation protocols will be discussed. The Ministers first stop is the U.S., at the end of next week where he will meet with his counterpart and other officials. Following, Mr Voulgarakis will visit Great Britain, Pakistan and Bulgaria.

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

[05] In SYN's Central Committee Alavanos Attacks the Government

By Vagelis Theodorou

Tough criticism against the government, in the context of the measures to reduce the fiscal deficit came from the President of SYN, Alekos Alavanos, speaking at the convention of the partys Central Political Committee, on the topic of local government elections. "The measures reveal the harsh anti-social and class face of the government," said Mr Alavanos, adding: "they will doubly bleed workers," and will send prices to new heights. At the same time, he claimed that cuts in public funding announced by the Minister for the Economy will have negative consequences on growth and social protection. Referring to SYNs stance in the municipal and prefectural elections for 2006, Mr Alavanos stressed that there must be the widest possible social coalitions.

No To Large Parties

The president of SYN voiced his support for cooperation for the local government elections, but without central deals, rejecting cooperation with PASOK and KKE. "We cannot accept that the reins of Prefectures and Municipalities will be shared out between ND, PASOK and KKE," he stated.

At the same time, Mr Alavanos noted that the 2006 elections can give "an effective, sharp and spreading answer to the two-party system," to project the positions of SYN for local government and assist the party in developing wider social power.

Aristero Revma (Left-wing Current) agreed with Mr Alavanos, while Ananeotiki Sispeirosi (Revival Movement) and Aristeri Ananeosi (Left-wing Revival) were reserved, proposing wider cooperation.

According to the Local Government and Regional Development departments speech to the Central Political Committee, SYN "should not open any discussion either with ND, who do not want decentralization, or with PASOK, who pretend to want it, but all these years have not put it into practice."

Translated by Millie Williams

[06] During the Enthronement of the Metropolitan Bishop Christodoulos Counterattacks

By Vagelis Theodorou

During the enthronement of the new Patras Metropolitan Bishop, Chrisostomos, the Archbishop made reference to the crisis afflicting the Greek Church. Mr Christodoulos spoke of "prejudice and exaggeration," from certain people that have turned against the Church in order to tarnish it and turn the people away from it. He also admitted that there are corruption phenomena and noted that the administration of the Church "took measures for the restriction and suppression of disorderliness," and concluded, "from now on, I am changing course." Also, the Archbishop stated that the Church has not neglected its real mission, which it will continue to serve with loyalty and devotion. The enthronement ceremony of the new Metropolitan Bishop took place at noon in the church of Agios Andreas in the presence of politicians, several Metropolitan Bishops from the Greek Church and Patriarchates, and many followers.

Warm Welcome

The Archbishop and the new Metropolitan Bishop were welcomed by claps from the followers, not only from Patras but Arkadia as well, who Mr Chrisostomos descends from.

In his enthronement speech, Mr Chrisostomos noted that he will always stand by the side of the followers, the Bishopric Mansion will be open for all, while he promised that there will be financial transparency and every year a financial review will be made public. Also he mentioned that he will give great attention to the ordination of new clergymen and monks.

The Mayor of the city, Andreas Karavolas welcomed the new Metropolitan Bishop in a short ceremony in the junction of Agiou Andreos Street with Trion Navarchon. Following, they walked towards the church of Agios Andreas, where the followers welcomed Mr Chrisostomos shouting "worthy."

The government was represented by Minister of Defense, Spilios Spiliotopoulos, while PASOK MP, Dimitris Reppas, LAOS President, Giorgos Karatzaferis, MPs and representatives of bodies also attended.

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

[07] The chairpeople of the Bar Associations convene Clean-up in Justice

By Vagelis Theodorou

The need to stamp out corruptions in the ranks of Justice was noted by the minister, Anastasis Papaligouras, speaking in the plenary session of the chairpeople of Bar Associations. Mr Papaligouras once again called for a clean-up in Justice and called on all bodies involved to cooperate. "I call on you to cooperate with the state and with judicial leaders in order to remove from the ranks of Justice those elements who want to see the meting out of Justice as a bartering of illegal exchanges," stressed the Minister. The Chairman of the Plenary Session and chairman of the Athens Bar Association, Dimitris Paxinos stated that lawyers will be harsh and non-negotiable on issues of corruption, while the chairman of the Union of Public Prosecutors, Sotiris Bagias, called for the cooperation of all in order for Justice to emerge from the crisis. Finally, the deputy Minister for the Economy, Petros Doukas, referred to the economic issues affecting the sector and ruled out imposing VAT on services provided by lawyers.

Translated by Millie Williams

[08] Nine Australian Military Men Dead Helicopter Crash in Indonesia

By Vagelis Theodorou

The desire of nine Australian military men to participate in the rescue and aid operation at the island of Nias in Indonesia, which was struck by an 8.7 earthquake five days ago, had a tragic end. According to captain of helicopter carrier "Kanimbla," George Maguire, nine of the eleven passengers were killed and two were injured when the helicopter crashed as it was approaching the west side of the island Nias, in the town of Gunung Sitoli. The helicopter carrier sailed in the area to participate in the rescue and aid operations.

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

[09] Alogoskoufis Tours Thrace Time for Change in Prefectures

By Vagelis Theodorou

Sources: NET RADIO 105.8- NET

Minister of Economy, Giorgos Alogoskoufis, who is in a tour of Thrace, assured that the time for a change in the prefectures has come and showed it in practice. In a Press conference in Komotini, the Minister stated that the immediate completion of the road axis of Egnatia Odos and the faster absorption of the 3rd Community Support Framework funds are the two immediate government priorities for the region of Eastern Macedonia-Thrace. Also, he announced that the funding of the Dimokreitio University, which faces a severe financial problem, will be increased and the immediate dispensation of compensations to the stricken by the floods in Evros. In closing, Mr Alogoskoufis repeated that prices will not be round up due to the increase in VAT, warned of checks against profiteering and ruled out the event of new tax measures, stating that the government is directed to a mild adjustment policy. In the meantime, the European Commission, in its review on the revised Stability Pact which is expected to be implemented on coming Wednesday, stated that the Greek economy is on the road to recovery, after the extra economic measures taken by the government.

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

[10] Kreanga Going for Gold

By Dimitris Alexopoulos

The color of the medal that the Greek table-tennis athlete Kallinikos Krenga will receive is starting to show, since today, together with Belarusian Vladimir Samsanov qualified in the mens double final of the European Table Tennis Championship that is taking place in Aarhus, Denmark. The athlete of French team Ennebond and no 10 in world standings and his partner dominated in the semifinals with 4-2 (11-9, 11-5, 3-11, 11-8, 6-11, 11-9) Germans Timo Boll (no 1 in Europe) and Christian Shuch (no 36) and their main priority is a good performance in order to receive the gold medal. In tomorrows final, which will take place at 15:00 (Greek time) they face the Austrians, Werner Schlager and Carl Gidrack, who in the semifinals dominated with 4-2 (6-11, 7-11, 11-2, 14-12, 11-8) Russians Alexei Smirnov and Dmitri Mazunov.

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

[11] AEK is Behind

By Dimitris Alexopoulos

Even if AEK was better in the long term of the game it did not manage to acquire a win against Chalkidona and tied 1-1, in Nikaia. AEK fell behind from the 15 of the first half when with a penalty shot by Iliopoulos the team of Nikaia opened the score. Fernando Santos team, after the aforementioned goal, lost many opportunities and tied with Kostas Katsouranis in the 67 and besides chasing a second goal that would give it three points, it did not manage to score.

Recital of Lost Opportunities

A fault in AEKs defense was enough for Chalkidona to take the lead in the score and to control the flow of the game in the first half.

In the 15 when a penetrating pass seemed easy, Moras sent the ball backwards, Assunsao neglected and Iliopoulos who chased the opportunity entered the goal area and following was tripped over by Chiotis.

Iliopoulos executed the penalty shot and scored 1-0.

This goal was enough to make AEK forget its plans, and to reward the strategy taken up by Paraschos in the first 45 minutes. Chalkidonas first aim was to incapacitate AEK strong players; Katsouranis and Assunsao that constitute Santos teams main levers.

With Dimos guarding AEKs captain and Korakakis on the Brazilians back, Paraschos managed to constrain the action range of the two players and to avoid counterattacks from the axis.

The only thing that the Greek technician did not take into account was AEKs ends and especially the perfect function of the left side with Malbasa and Cesar breaking the defense of Nikaia, creating goal opportunities at the time when Chalkidona was defending to keeping the score.

The two players supported by Petkov took up the hard job of scoring. AEK attempted to score six times but never managed. In the 22 and the 30 with Cesar, Katsouranis in the 24 and 40 and Lymberopoulos in the 41 and Soares in the 43.

The second half began just as it ended. AEK, in the offense trying to tie, and Chalkidona defending its nets and keeping up the score.

Thus, in the 48 Cesar took a kick, sending the ball above Edebes goalpost while in the 50 Dagas nearly scored an own goal by his header in an attempt to kick the ball from a centre shot by Malbasa and sent the ball outside of Chalkidonas area. AEKs pressure was successful in the 67 when Ivic found Lymberopoulos in the goal area who laid out the ball for Katsouranis who easily scored. The Serb player was in a good mood and in the 76 forced Edebe to make an impressive block, while in the 81 and in one of the few counterattacks by Chalkidona, Chiotis saved AEK as he caught up with Iliopoulos who were face to face

This was the last good opportunity of the game, which found AEK losing two valuable points and Chalkidona staying alive in the chase of a European ticket. The home team ended the game with 10 players since in extra time Sotirchos was expelled with a second yellow card

Referee: Briakos (Ipiros) Yellow cards: Pappas, Al Jaher, Geladaris, Koutsis, Sotirchos, Koutsokostas, Kontis Red cards: Sotirchos (second yellow card)

Chalkidona: Edebe, Dagas, Pappas, Chalaris, Al Jaher, Sotirchos, Dimos, Koutsis (87 Zacharopoulos), Geladaris (60 Koutsokostas), Korakakis (70 Katemis), Iliopoulos.

AEK: Chiotis, Kontis, Malbasa, Alves, Moras, Katsouranis, Assunsao (66 Ivic), Petkov, Cesar (89 Konstantinidis), Soares, Lymberopoulos.

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

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