The Hellenic Radio (ERA): News in English, 05-04-07

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

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[01] Grigoris Bithikotsis Passes Away

By Anna Kourti

A major figure in Greek singing circles, Grigoris Bithikotsis, has passed away. He breathed his last at Igeia Hospital, where had been receiving treatment since January. According to doctors treating him, the 83-year-old folk bard had septicaemia and suffered multiple organ failure. The great performer was loved by all Greeks and his voice was associated with significant moments in contemporary Greek music history. Grigoris Bithikotsis funeral will be paid for by the state. Condolences have been expressed by Prime Minister Kostas Karamanlis, alternate Culture Minister Fani Palli Petralia, PASOKs President George Papandreou, KKE, SYN and the Mayor of Athens, Dora Bakoyanni.

Translated by Millie Williams

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A Few Words on the "Sir" of Greek Music

[02] A Few Words on the "Sir" of Greek Music

By Vivian Papastefanou

Grigoris Bithikotsis was born on 11 December 1922 in Peristeri, Karystos. He started learning how to play the bouzouki from a very young age. When he was serving in the army in 1947, Queen Frederica heard him play and became enchanted with his music, so she gave him a bouzouki as a gift. When he was discharged from the army he formed his own band and started performing live at the music hall "Zougla". His first song was "Kantili Tremosvini" (Oil-lamp flickers), with lyrics by H. Vasiliadis. He composed over 150 songs. In 1953, he brought Poli Panou, who was 13 at the time, from Patra to Athens and started making her famous. The first song that Tsitsanis gave him to sing was "M Evales ston Mavropinaka". His unique voice has been linked to the works of Mikis Theodorakis. In 2002, the so-called "Sir" of Greek music was honoured for his overall contribution to Greek culture by the President of the Hellenic Republic Kostis Stefanopoulos and the Ministry of Culture.

Grigoris Bithikotsis was a great popular singer, with personality, prestige and multi-faceted talent, while he performed non-stop for the last 55 years, thus becoming an inseparable part of the Greek music culture.

The pain emanating from the chords of his guitar and bouzouki intertwined impeccably with his great voice. Some of the hits that he sang include "Frangosyriani", "Epitaphios", "Epiphania", "Oloi oi Rembetes tou Ntounia", "Romiosyni" and "Axion Esti". All Greeks love his amazing voice, while his repertoire includes songs by some of the greatest Greek composers (Vamvakaris, Tsitsanis, Mitsakis, Chatzichristou, Papioannou, Chiotis, Gogos, Kladaras, Derveniotis, Akis Panou, Virvos), as well as poetry set to music by Theodorakis, Chatzidakis, Xarchakos, Moutsis, Spanos, Kilaidonis, Pitsiladis and Kougioumtzis.

Bithikotsis prevailed as the top popular artist in the Greek music scene for twenty years (1950-1970), both as a composer, as well as a singer. His first collaboration with Mikis Theodorakis for the work "Epitaphios" revolutionized Greek music and established him as one of the greatest figures of his era, while it opened the way to some of the most popular music halls in Athens. He went from "Zougla" in Vathis Square to "Rosignol" in Sepolia, "Kipos tou Allah" in Egaleo, as well as the theatres "Kentrikon", "Kalouta" and "Rex", while he also had the chance to perform in Herodus Atticus Theatre.

In 2002, the President of the Hellenic Republic, Kostis Stefanopoulos, awarded him the Phoenix Golden Cross for his overall contribution to Greek culture. In March of the same year, the Greek Ministry of Culture awarded him an honourary plaque, while it also organized a concert dedicated to him, during which many musicians and singers performed his songs.

Translated by Vicky Ghionis

[03] Pope's Will published Pope Considered Resigning

By Vagelis Theodorou

Pope John Paul II came close to resigning in 2000, as he stated in his Will, which has been published one day before his funeral. The Pope described that year as a "torture" and stated: "I hope He (God) helps me understand until what moment I have to continue in this service to which he called me on October 16, 1978." In his will, a 15-page document written in Polish all throughout his 26-year papacy, the Pontiff wrote down his thoughts and concerns in the form of a diary. Among other things, the Pope referred to the failed assassination attempt against him in 1981, recorded his thoughts on his place of burial and at the end expressed the wish for his notes to be burnt after being read. About seven million of the faithful have poured into a Rome fortified with draconian security measures, while the doors of the Vatican have closed and no one can now walk along the roads leading to the St. Peters Square and Church.

Thank You

The Popes thoughts of resigning came as a shock. The Pope believed firmly that his mission was to lead the Church into the new millennium. However, in 2000, his health had worsened considerably and his Parkinsons disease had started showing in his physical condition. Besides this, he was then aged 80, and, according to analysts, he was considering giving the reins to someone younger and healthier.

"now, in the year I reach the age of 80, I must wonder whether the moment has come to repeat together with Simeon of the Bible nunc dimittis (never give up)," wrote Pontiff.

Death appears to have been constantly on his mind, especially after the failed assassination attempt against him in 1981. At that time, John Paul II was seriously injured by Turkish assassin Ali Agca, and he said that it was a "miracle" he was saved.

Almost a year later, on 5 March 1982, the Pope referred to his Will for the first time, regarding his funeral and the possibility that he would be buried in his homeland, Poland. He asked that the College of Cardinals "satisfy as much as possible" the wish of the Cardinal of Krakow and the whole of the senior Polish clergy. However, two years later, he explained that the opinion of the Polish Cardinal on his place of burial "need no longer be taken into consideration."

In the Will, which is mainly of a spiritual nature, the Pope also states that he has no personal property and wishes all his personal notes to be burnt.

The last part of the will, which was written over two decades, John Paul II thanks the Catholic Church and other faiths, especially Judaism, as well as artists, scientists and politicians for the support they lent him during his papacy.

Translated by Millie Williams

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Eternal City Floods

[04] On Tuesday between Greece, Russia and Bulgaria Political Seal on Pipeline

By Vivian Papastefanou

The political agreement between Greece, Russia and Bulgaria on the creation of the Burgas-Alexandroupoli pipeline will be signed in Moscow on Tuesday after 13 years of persistent negotiations. The announcement came today from the Minister of Development Dimitris Sioufas and the Ambassadors of Russia and Bulgaria in Athens, Andrey Vdovin and Stefan Stoyanov. Mr Sioufas spoke of a "historic moment" and stressed that with the signing of the agreement, the foundations are laid for the construction of a pipeline that will contribute to the strategic upgrading of the region and of Greece, as well as to the strengthening of cooperation between the three countries. He also stressed that the pipeline, in combination with the other energy networks planned in the region (connection of the Greek natural gas network with those of Turkey and Italy, a Western Balkans natural gas pipeline, regional energy market for SE Europe and the Black Sea), make Greece an energy interchange.

"Historic Moment"

Mr Sioufas praised the contribution of the Foreign Minister Petros Molyviatis, the deputy Foreign and Development Ministers, Mr Stilianidis and Mr Salangoudis, as well as his counterpart ministers from Russia, Viktor Khrishtenko and from Bulgaria Viktor Cherovski. Besides this, he noted the contribution of the previous government and announced that PM Kostas Karamanlis and party leaders had been briefed on the development.

The ambassador of Russia stressed that the three countries have historic ties and are gaining another, as well as that with the signing a new period will open to make the work a reality.

Bulgarias ambassador underlined that his government has supported the plan for years.

The pipeline will be 285 kilometres long, starting with Burgas Port in Bulgaria and ending in Alexandroupoli. It will be able to carry 35 million tones of oil per year and will operate to complete the present situation in the Bosphorus Straits, where currently oil from the region is transported with tankers. The total cost of the work is estimated to reach 750-800 million dollars. Work to construct the pipeline will soon begin after the signing of the political agreement in Sofia.

For Greece, DEP Thraki (Greek Oil and Latsis-Kopelouzou Groups) are participating in the work. However, depending on the interest shown, the possibility of other companies participating remains open.

Translated by Millie Williams

[05] Molyviatis' Contacts with Political Leaders Mobility Over Greek-Turkish and FYROM Issues

By Vivian Papastefanou

As of tomorrow the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Petros Molyviatis, will start a series of contacts with political leaders in order to inform them on the developments in Greek issues concerning Greek-Turkish relations and FYROM. The Greek government supports the efforts of the United Nations for a mutually accepted solution regarding the eventual name of FYROM , repeated deputy government spokesperson Evangelos Antonaros, adding that "after three years of PASOK inactivity, the government is holding negotiation talks and in fact at a quick pace." Questioned as to whether the Council of political leaders would assemble in the case the Greek side should change their stance, Mr Antonaros replied that if deemed necessary, the government would look into it. In the meantime, Mr Molyviatis will visit Turkey on April 12 and 13, where he will meet with the Turkish president, the Prime Minister and the Minister of Foreign Affairs. On his way back to Athens, Mr Molyviatis will make a stop in Istanbul to meet with Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew.

Chrisochoidis' Question in Parliament

In the meantime, PASOK parliamentarian Michalis Chrisochoidis asked the Foreign Minister today regarding the course of the Greek-Turkish relations and the continuous Turkish breaches, and Mr Molyviatis replied that Ankara's stance "surely does not befit the spirit and the meaning of good neighboring relations and does not contribute to the effort for improving Greek-Turkish relations," however as he underlined "Greece is dealing with this practice in the best possible way, both in Greek air and sea space, as well as at a diplomatic level."

At the same time, Mr Molyviatis underlined that Greece "proceeds with all the necessary actions, so that matters of Greek interest are recorded in documents that will be drawn up in view of the upcoming negotiation talks."

In fact, he stated that in the European Council last December a series of criteria and preconditions were set for Ankara, such as "its clear commitment for good neighboring relations," as well as that "Turkey's course will be monitored by the European Council." He also referred to the two-day visit to Ankara due for next week, during which he will meet with the Turkish leadership, both for the continuation and improvement of bilateral relations, as well as for the issues regarding developments in the wider area.

As for Mr Chrisochoidis, he said it is "illogical for a country trying to become an EU member-state, to breach the borders and airspace of another EU member-state in such a provocative and brutal way on a daily basis." In fact, he called on the government to interpret and analyse Turkey's stance.

According to Mr Chrisochoidis, Greece has not yet managed to force Turkey to continuously promote the relations of good neighboring with EU member-states, nor to "assume the express condition to recognize and sign the Customs Union Protocol."

Translated by Sofia Soulioti

[06] "PASOK will Soon Be in Government"

By Anna Kourti

Sources: NET 105.8

Speaking at a party political council, PASOKs President George Papandreou expressed his belief that with all that ND is doing, PASOK would soon govern the country. Mr Papandreou called on the members of PASOK to be vigilant, adding: "PASOK will not get into government based on the ripe fruit logic." During the meeting, the issues of the economy, the FYROM problem and the case of deputy Interior Minister Thanasis Nakos were examined.

Translated by Millie Williams

[07] Inter-Party Committee Over Changes

By Athina Saloustrou

The clash between the Government and the Opposition over the Economy continued for the second day in Parliament. During the discussion in the plenary session of Parliament concerning the Bill for the compatibility of taxation to the Community directive, PASOK parliamentarian Giannis Floridis clarified that there is going to be no consensus over the labor, insurance and revenue policies of ND. Answering this, the Minister of Economy Giorgos Alogoskoufis blamed PASOK for the debt of the state. Mr Alogoskoufis also spoke of the eventuality of forming an inter-party committee that will go over the structural changes Greece is in need of. The Minister of Economy urged all political parties to agree on the way and the processes of these reforms. Opposition parliamentarians underlined that the governments economic measures burden the citizens. Speaking on international television network CNN, Mr Alogoskoufis said he is hopeful that the economic measures applied by the government will pay off, stressing that the top priority is the acceleration of structural changes.

Translated by Sofia Soulioti

[08] Upgrading and modernisation National Education Council Convenes

By Anna Kourti

The convention of the National Education Council has come to an end. It mainly dwelt on the upgrading and modernization of Technical Professional Education (TEE). Special secretary of Primary and Secondary Education Kostas Rammas noted that a document had been submitted regarding the reformation and modernization of Technical Professional Education. "With this document, the Professional Lyceum gains equal status to the General Lyceum. It is enriched in general subjects, thereby accelerating an association of the two schools, giving pupils in the Professional Lyceum the possibility to have equal access to University Schools, something which has not been the case until now," stressed Mr Rammas. The National Education Council will meet again on 22 April to make the final decisions on this matter.

Two Types of School

"Our aim is, through dialogue and consensus, which we hope will quickly conclude, to implement this system as of this year. Initially, the two types of school will coexist," said Mr Rammas.

On the other hand, PASOK MP Silvana Rapti referred to the provision that candidates should not be admitted to universities with marks below the pass mark, saying that while the measure is a good one, it was not discussed during national dialogue, which is still underway, while the way in which this would happen in order not to close certain departments and not to reduce the number of admissions, was not announced.

Translated by Millie Williams

[09] Continuing Interrogation and Explanation

By Vivian Papastefanou

The Holy Synod investigated the accusations of mismanagement relating to Metropolitan Bishop Panteleimonas of Corinth. They decided not to appoint an interrogator, as the 85-year-old hierarch faces health problems, and they will await the ruling of the Appeals Court, to which he has been referred. In addition, the members of the Synod decided to request additional explanations from Metropolutan Bishop Chrisostomos of Peristeri, who has been accused of employing clergymen in construction work without paying the necessary amounts in national insurance. In the meantime, the Ministry of the Economy and not the Church will conduct a financial audit of the Metropolitan Diocese of Kefallinia. The next convocation of the Holy Synod is to discuss the written explanations sent by Metropolitan Bishop Chrisostomos of Zakynthos.

Translated by Millie Williams

[10] Due to reactions from Orthodox Arabs Eirinaios Absent from Celebration

By Vagelis Theodorou

The celebration for the Feast of the Annunciation was held in Nazareth without the Patriarch of Jerusalem. The reason for this was the warning from Arab Orthodox communities, who are planning a demonstration for the afternoon, demanding that Patriarch Eirinaios be removed, that there would be reactions against him. In the meantime, in the next meeting of the Synod of the Ecumenical Patriarchy, on 19 April, the letter sent by clergy of the Community of the Holy Sepulchre will be discussed. The letter asks for a Synod of Orthodox Churches to be convened in order for the Patriarchy of Jerusalem to emerge from the crisis and it arrived in Fanari on Tuesday evening.

Pain and Concern

During an audience on Wednesday, Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew referred to the problem of the Patriarchy of Jerusalem.

"Our pain and concern is doubled and our prayer becomes warmer towards the Lord of Peace to grant peace both in Greece and Jerusalem and all over the world," he stated.

In Fanari, they are watching the situation especially closely, noting that broad consent has been created in the Synod of Jerusalem on the need to deal with the crisis through a wider Synod of Orthodox Churches.

However, it is not clear whether an examination of the letter will take place before 19 April, owing to the schedule of the Ecumenical Patriarch, and the fact that members of the Synod must travel to Istanbul from around the globe.

Translated by Millie Williams

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[11] Millions of Catholics Flood St Peter's Eternal City Floods

By Athina Saloustrou

Millions of people from all corners of the globe continue to arrive in the Eternal City to pay their last respects to the mortal remains of Pope John Paul II, whose funeral will be held on Friday in the presence of 200 foreign dignitaries. This massive participation, which is the largest transportation of people that has ever occurred in the western world, causes great concern to Roman authorities over the difficulties of housing all these people, as per the Italian Press. The Municipality of Rome has clarified that they can no longer accept more visitors. At night, the army had to intervene when a crowd of almost one million people, waiting in line to pay homage to the Pope, lost their patience after fifteen hours outside St Peters Basilica.

What is more, all eyes today are on the publication of the Pontiffs will. The Pope started writing his will back in 1979, shortly after his election, while the last paragraphs were added some time before his death. The text consists of 15 pages written in Polish and it is expected to put an end to the story of the secret Cardinal, the one and only who the Pope had the right to elevate to Cardinal and keep his identity a secret. The secret Cardinal, who according to international media may come from the Peoples Republic of China, has the right to participate in the Conclave for the election of the new Pope due to begin on April 18, even at the last minute.

"Faithful Stop"

"Rome is ready to sink" from the millions of faithful who are heading toward St Peter's Basilica, reported the Republica, publicizing in the front page a photo of the endless queue of people around the Vatican entrances, who are waiting patiently in the hope of getting a last glimpse of the Pope.

The Corriere della Serra reported that the huge crowds "cannot be restrained" and the Stampa that "a sea of people has flooded the eternal city."

The Stampa's front page is covered by a photo depicting President George Bush and former presidents Bill Clinton and George Bush in front of the Pope's mortal remains.

The Il Messagero on the other hand publicized the Civil Protection Service appeal to the faithful not to gather in the Vatican. "Faithful Stop" said the newspaper's headline.

Left paper Il Manifesto said in its front page "the Pope's divisions" referring to the millions of people crowding in Rome.

Translated by Sofia Soulioti

[12] For Personal Reasons General Secretary of Economics Resigned

By Despina Hristopoulou

General Secretary of the Economy Ministry Vassilis Stavrinos handed in his resignation to the Minister of Economy and Finance. In his resignation letter, Mr Stavrinos cited personal reasons. On the occasion of rumours that the leadership of the ministry showed discontent towards him, Mr Stavrinos stressed that these allegations are fictional. Mr Alogoskoufis accepted his resignation and thanked Mr Stavrinos for the "excellent cooperation they have had so far and the excellent performance of his duties." Mr Stavrinos will continue to exercise his duties for a few more days, until his replacement is appointed.

Translated by Sofia Soulioti

[13] Kotsios Ready

By Vasilis Kalpinos

Before it had really developed, another problem was solved for the Italian coach. This had to do with footballer Ilias Kotsios. The strong defender of the green team has got over the viral infection he had been suffering from and today he participated as normal in the training session and was at Malesanis disposal. Of the other players, only Macei Bikovski left, as he felt some pain come on gradually. All the other members of the green team were fine and trained as normal. Tomorrows training session will be well attended, to bolster the players morale.

Translated by Millie Williams

[14] Concern for Stoltidis

By Vasilis Kalpinos

The atmosphere froze for a short time with the red team, with the Greek player not training ordinarily and following a jogging programme alone. Stoltidis started out training as normal, but as he went on he felt some pain and left. However, as the doctor for the Piraeus team stated, it is a sign of tiredness and the player did not follow the regular training programme along with the rest of the team as a precaution. This reassured coach Dusan Bajevic, who needs him in the upcoming match. Tomorrows training session will also take place with no fans, but tomorrow or on Saturday Sokratis Kokkalis is expected to go to Rendi to speak to his players.

Translated by Millie Williams

[15] We Want to Stay

By Dimitris Alexopoulos

Bruno Alves and Paulo Asunsao today faced up to the journalists in the footballers established meeting with representatives of the Press. Despite being called upon by the Football Club to answer questions related to AEKs match against PAOK, the two players ultimately found themselves under interrogation regarding their future in the Club. In the summer, if there is no new agreement between AEK and Porto to extend their loan, the two footballers must return to Portugal, and naturally the reporters turned their attention to the players intentions. Both of them again expressed their wish to remain with AEK, noting, however, that it does not depend on them.

We're Having Fun Here

"I have a 4-year contract with Porto. If it were up to me, I would like to stay. Theres a good atmosphere, from the chairman down to the last person involved in AEK. However, its not up to me. I also speak on behalf of Bruno. We dont know of anything, we have not come into contact with anyone. What will happen is in Gods hands. Were having fun here. I have no complaints. Everyone behaves well, from the chairman, to the coach to the rest. I have learnt a lot," stated the Brazilian midfielder, while Alves added:

"We belong to the team. We are part of the team. We are all together until the end. Well see if we stay in AEK. Some things have to be sorted out. Both Paulo and I would like to stay, but it does not depend on us, because we have contracts with another team. I would like to belong to AEK for many years. I like it here. They treat us well, but our staying does not depend on us. We came for a trial period. I like the team spirit our coach inspires and it is something which expresses me entirely. I cant say anything negative. I am pleased to play in a Greek team. It is a very good experience that has helped me."

Translated by Millie Williams

[16] Spa For the Unemployed

By Tina Valaoura

Once upon a time, when the crowds of impoverished French peasants besieged the Palace of Versailles, crying out for bread, Marie Antoinette wondered why they didnt just eat brioche instead. She didnt think, however, of offering them any. Today, the Municipality of Zagreb has taken inspiration from her historic example, but they do not intend to make the same mistake.

Faced with the fact that 41,000 of the million inhabitants of the Croatian capital are unemployed, it is answering with drastic measures: it is offering the unemployed positions of unemployment in exchange for an unusual reward; holidays to relax in a spa in a tourist resort. The news has been reported by the local news agency Hina, who cite the Zagreb City Council Head of Social Welfare Zvonimir Sostar, who believes that the measure will motivate the unemployed to return to the workforce. Of course, the move is not without criticism from the City Council. "Unemployed people need jobs to earn money for their families. They do not need holidays at a spa," said city councillor Tomislav Jelic. And who can tell him hes wrong?

In any case, if there is an unemployed person who cant bear the thought of going to relax on the beautiful shores, there are alternative choices, including the chance to study. As for the rest, if they go by the saying "poverty needs to have fun," then they are already ion the spirit of the move. Just so long as they dont expect any cash!

Translated by Millie Williams

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