The Hellenic Radio (ERA): News in English, 05-04-08

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[01] Republika Makedonia-Skopje Proposal for Name Set Forth

By Vivian Papastefanou

The issue with FYROMs name is entering a new dimension, following the proposal set forth by UN mediator Matthew Nimitz, which was reviewed by the Greek Government. A little while ago, and after briefing the political leaders on the issue of FYROMs name, the Greek Foreign Minister announced to the Media Mr Nimitzs proposal: Republika Makedonia-Skopje. Mr Molyviatis stressed that the proposal does not fully satisfy Greece, however, it does set the foundations for the commencement of a new round of negotiations with the other side for reaching a mutually accepted solution. He also mentioned that the new name is to be used by the neighbouring country untranslated. The alternate government spokesperson, Evangelos Antonaros, described Nimitzs proposal as a significant step and the foundation for new negotiations.

Parties Ask for Composite Name

This morning, the Greek Foreign Minister had successive meetings with political leaders, in order to brief them on the issue with FYROMs name, as well as the Greek-Turkish affairs.

Following his meeting with Mr Molyviatis, PASOKs president expressed the need for immediate and essential improvement in the relations between Athens and Skopje. Furthermore, Mr Papandreou added that the Government, which worsened the situation, is responsible for handling the matter. PASOKs President mentioned that the period 1990-93 signalled the beginning of many bad moves by the then government. As per Mr Papandreou, upon inheriting this situation in 1993, his party made systematic attempts to alter the state of affairs and the whole situation both in the Balkans, as well as the international community, which was linked to the countrys image and its ability to negotiate on the matter in question.

"PASOK managed to reach a so-called middle solution, which is still in force, and it was a significant agreement that set new foundations in our relations, changed that countrys flag, added an introduction to their Constitution and made it necessary for that country to seek peaceful relations with Greece," said Mr Papandreou.

Mr Papandreou accused the government of inactivity, which delivered a blow to Greeces ability to negotiate.

Apart from the issue with FYROM, Messrs Molyviatis and Papandreou also discussed other matters, including the issue with Cyprus, and the Greek-Turkish and Euro-Turkish relations, in view of the Ministers upcoming trip to Ankara.

Following her meeting with the Foreign Minister, KKEs General Secretary appeared concerned over the developments in the Balkans, since "The USAs intervention is worsening and intensifying." Aleka Papariga declared that, provided the name contains the term "Macedonia", it will be a term and condition with clear geographical meaning and without nationalistic dimensions. She further predicted that the Balkans will be entering into new adventures, since there is talk of altering the borders following the independence of Kossovo. As per Mrs Papariga, if the borders do change, then the situation would ignite.

Referring to FYROMs name, Mrs Papariga said that the name by itself does not secure anything, while she linked the issue to the general developments in the area.

Mr Molyviatis also briefed SYNs delegation, consisting of Nikos Konstantopoulos and Panos Trigazis. SYN is in favour of a composite mutually accepted name, declared Mr Konstantopoulos, while he added that any pending matters in the wider Balkan area should be dealt with.

Earlier, upon arriving at Heraklion Airport, Crete, the President of SYN, Alekos Alavanos, declared that the two major parties seem to be agreeing with what his party was suggesting right from the start, ie a mutually accepted solution over the name.

The Greek Foreign Minister also met with the president of LAOS, Giorgos Karatzaferis.

During the scheduled briefing of reporters at noon, the alternate government spokesperson, Evangelos Antonaros, declared that UN Mediator Matthew Nimitzs proposal was a significant step and the foundation for new negotiations. Mr Antonaros also noted that this is the first time in years a proposal that could be accepted by both sides has been set forth.

Answering whether the government is willing to conduct a referendum for the matter in question, Mr Antonaros declared that the matters concerning Greeces international relations are decided for by the Greek Parliament. While, when asked if the government would be preventing FYROMs European progress, he responded that, in case a solution is not reached, the focus is on finding a mutually accepted solution that would reinforce bilateral relations and provide stability in the region, while facilitating FYROMs move towards Europe and the Atlantic alliances.

Furthermore, asked whether the government has considered the cost of not finding a solution, Mr Antonaros noted that, as long as Greece is participating in negotiations, he would not be providing answers to hypothetical questions.

Konstantinos Mitsotakis described the mobilizations for the issue with FYROM as positive. In statements made by NDs honorary President, he mentioned that there is not doubt that a composite solution would be accepted. "We could have benefited 13 years ago, but better late than never. A composite name would be good," stressed Mr Mitsotakis.

Composite Name is Compromise for FYROM

From Skopje there has so far been no official reaction to the proposal by special mediator Matthew Nimitz regarding the name of the state, although news Media in Skopje have reported both the news and the statements by Mr Molyviatis. In any case, earlier, the Prime Minister of FYROM Vlado Buchkovski stated that his countrys position on a composite name constitutes a "great compromise" on their side and insisted on the composite name position.

"Our position is clear and regards the proposal of a composite name. We consider this to be a much greater compromise than that which Greece is trying to impose," stated Mr Buchkovski.

Asked to comment on reports in todays Greek Press that the title "Republika Makedonija-Skopje" constitutes a compromise for the differences between Athens and Skopje, Mr Buchkovski stated: "Greek Media report anything, but this does not mean that our Media should also accept their game. We are cool-headed and expect talks to continue in New York. Our representative in these talks, Nikola Dimitrov has received instructions to defend the position of our country," stressed Mr Buchkovski.

He also underlined that the composite name that constitutes his countrys position includes the use of the constitutional name (Republic of Macedonia) in international communications, and the finding of a mutually acceptable solution with Greece for bilateral communication.

Translated by Vicky Ghionis

Related News:

Resolution over FYROM's Name

[02] Requiem for the Pontiff Catholics in Mourning

By Athina Saloustrou

A little after 2pm, the late Pope John Paul II was carried to his final resting place, the crypt underneath St Peters Basilica, by 12 members of the Vaticans household staff. The funeral service, which commenced at 11am, was held on the Basilicas steps. Approximately 4 million people gathered in St Peters Square and the nearby streets, as well as other squares around Rome, while 200 foreign leaders paid final homage to the leader of the Catholic Church. Furthermore, millions of worshippers around the world swarmed into areas where giant screens were put up. Throughout the ceremony, a multitude of faithful were chanting for the immediate beatification of Pope John Paul II. Act two will commence on 18 April, when the College of Cardinals will meet to elect the next Pope.

Imposing Funeral Service

Following the imposing funeral service, the austere coffin was carried inside the Basilica by the 12 members of the Popes household staff. It was then placed inside two other coffins, one zinc and one oak, before being taken to the crypt, where all Pontiffs are laid to rest. As per Pope John Paul IIs wishes, the casket was not placed in a sarcophagus, as was the case with former Pontiffs, but was buried next to St Peters bones. Furthermore, according to his request, the tombstone covering him was to be as simple as possible.

The Popes body, which had been exposed to public veneration inside the Basilica, was this morning placed in a cypress coffin and sealed, after being draped with a white veil. It was then carried to an altar on the steps of St Peters Basilica, under the sounds of a Gregorian hymn, while thousands of faithful were applauding and praying.

The ceremony commenced with the procession of the Cardinals, dressed in crimson gowns and wearing white mitres, who followed the casket. A book of the Gospels was opened and laid on top of the coffin. The prelates then kneeled around the coffin, before taking their seats. Immediately after, Cardinal Angelo Sodano, the Vatican secretary of state, blessed the body and altar with incense, before German Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger, who is considered the most likely successor, stepped forward to celebrate the Mass.

The Cardinal called the pilgrims to pray and repent for their sins. Then he called two faithful to the stand, Spaniard Alexandra Korea and Briton John McDonald.The Pontiffs tomb will be open to visits from the public from next Monday.

Disturbances in Poland

Life in Poland, the Popes birthplace, came to a halt at exactly 10am, when the bells tolled.

In Warsaw, all vehicles stopped for a few minutes, while very few people were out on the streets today, which was declared a national day of mourning. Most citizens watched the funeral on TV.

Eight hundred thousand people gathered in Krakows main square to pray and watch the ceremony on a giant screen. As soon as the funeral ceremony was over, 26 cannons were fired in Pilsuntski Square, to honour the 26 years that he was Pontiff.

However, Pope John Paul IIs phrase, which referred to the possibility of him being buried in Poland and was omitted from the Italian translation made public yesterday by the Vatican, has caused a stir in the country. As per the penultimate paragraph of the Polish text, dated 9 March 1979, "Regarding the funeral, I hereby repeat the arrangements provided for by the Holy Father Paul VI [with an addition on the margin: burial underground and not in a sarcophagus, 19 March 1992]. As for the place, let the College of Cardinals and my compatriots decide." The absence of this phrase was immediately reported by Polish Media.

"The Cardinals delayed the matter because of this. Their decision not to publicize the will until the eve of the funeral allowed the Holy College to avoid the possible claims by the people of Poland to have a say on the place of burial," commented Polands public TV station, ITV.

"On Monday, Joaquin Navarro-Valls [the Vaticans spokesperson] declared that the Popes will did not include anything regarding the funeral, while we can clearly see that Pope John Paul II did refer to the possibility of being buried in Poland," added a reporter of the public TV.

In the days following his death, the Popes compatriots were discussing the possibility of him being buried in Poland, or at least for his heart to be buried in Krakow, where he spent 40 years of his life, as they already consider him a Saint.

Although the Polish Media stressed that the phrase, which had been written in 1979, was not as significant, due to the additions made by the Pope, in which he mentioned that the College of Cardinals does not have to seek the advice of his compatriots, many citizens are expressing their disgust with comments on the Internet.

"The Vatican lied through its spokesperson," "They prevented the Popes burial in Poland," "Why do the Romans usurp the right to lead the Catholic Church? They were the ones who tortured Jesus Christ and suppressed His people" were some of the comments.

Worldwide Grief

From America to China, the faithful paid homage to the late Pontiff.

In the south of France in Lourdes, about 4000 people attended a Mass late last night, celebrated by Bishop Jacques Perrier.

In the US, the Empire State Building remained in darkness all through the night.

In Mexico City, which the Pope visited five times, thousands of the faithful gathered on Thursday night to watch a procession with one of the vehicles used by the Pontiff when he visited the country. The vehicle made a 20-km procession, accompanied by dozens of police cars and motorcycles, as well as a helicopter.

In China, both in churches in Beijing as well as in illegal dioceses in regional China, Chinese Catholics honoured the Pope, despite the official stance of ignoring the event, adhered to by newspapers and state television.

In Calcutta in India, a giant screen was set up to show the Popes funeral at the House of the Mother, the mission founded by Mother Teresa to help the poor and sick of the Indian city.

In Manila in the Philippines, the largest Catholic country in Asia, hundreds of people gathered in a large park to pray and participate in a memorial service for the Pope.

In Rabat, Morocco, King Mohammad VI along with members of the government, attended a service in memory of the Pope.

In the Lebanon, many channels, including the Hezbollah channel, aired the Popes funeral live. Actually, Al Manar Channel screened a special show where a Catholic priest spoke about Christianity and Islam, as well as the Pontiffs request for peaceful coexistence of religions.

Even in Israel, the public television and the private channels broadcast the popes funeral live, while a public radio station aired a special show dedicated to the ceremony.

Translated by Vicky Ghionis

Related News:

Requiem for the Pope

[03] Baring All for Art

By Vagelis Theodorou

We have by now got used to seeing paintings with women posing nude. How would it seem to you, however, if you saw these women standing exposed before your very eyes in their birthday suits? No, this is not the product of imagination, but a one-day exhibition at a gallery in Berlin. One hundred women, aged from 18 to 65, wearing nothing but a transparent pair of tights, essentially nude, are exhibiting their bodies, following inspiration from Vanessa Beecroft. As the artist clarified, the 100 nude models are wearing nothing, they have no make up and their hair is not done up, and they will stand in the centre of the New National Gallery for three hours. They are also not allowed to speak or to look each other in the eye, and they must remain as still as possible. "It is a provocative and aggressive spectacle for the public," states Ms Beecroft. As to what the artist, called eccentric by many, wants to say, she said herself: "I want to see if they can constitute a portrait, a human portrait, and not just be objects."

Translated by Millie Williams

[04] Study by Greek scientists Mediterranean Diet is Elixir of Life

By Vagelis Theodorou

In recent years, the diet of countries of southern Europe (Greece, Italy, Spain, Southern France and Portugal) has become more and more widely accepted for its positive effects on health. As many scientific studies have shown, the Mediterranean diet constitutes a strong weapon against many diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis, various forms of cancer, cardio-vascular diseases, as well as problems associated with old age. At the same time, the Mediterranean diet can extend life expectancy, as announced by Greek researchers. "A strict keeping to the Mediterranean diet reduces mortality," stated Professor Dimitris Trichopoulos of the University of Athens and the Harvard Anti-Cancer Centre.

Ally Against Cancer and Heart Diseases

At the beginning of the 1960s, a World Health Organisation study started, aiming to examine the dietary habits of people from 7 different countries (Greece, Italy, Yugoslavia, the Netherlands, Finland, the USA and Japan). The study lasted 30 years, and about 13,000 people aged 40-59 took part. According to the results, the residents of the Mediterranean countries, especially Greece, had the lowest mortality rate from cancer and heart disease and had the longest average lifespan, in comparison with the inhabitants of the other countries.

The results of this study are also confirmed by Greek scientists. The researchers studied the dietary habits of about 75,000 Europeans, aged 60 and above, taking into account factors such as lifestyle, medical history, smoking and physical activity.

Based on this data, they designed a score, in which they awarded points according to the application of the Mediterranean diet. The more it was kept to, the more mortality rates decreased. An increase in a strict application of the diet by two points reduced mortality by 8%, while if the dietary points increased by 4%, mortality fell by 14%.

The increase in life expectancy depends on the age of each person. As the researchers observed, those who were aged 60 lived a year longer, which Mr Trichopoulos described as "a significant achievement."

However, the exact effects of the Mediterranean diet are unknown. As Mr Trichopoulos stated, its strength is based on the fact that it is rich in anti-acidic elements, such as vitamins A and C, which slow down cell decay.

Moreover, the Mediterranean diet hinders the taking of saturated fats, which affect the number of fatty cells in the blood. "The diet also appears to have effects on cardio-vascular mortality and cancer death rates," added the professor.

Delicious and Healthy

However, what exactly is the Mediterranean diet? The diet of southern Europe is based on simple, tasty dishes, thanks to the wide range of products produced in those countries.

Basic ingredients are olive-oil and wine, while it is rich in fruit and vegetables and includes pasta, bread, cereals, rice and potatoes, meat, poultry, fish and dairy products.

Daily consumption of dairy products mainly comes in the form of cheese or yogurt, and the most common dessert is seasonal fruit. Sweets are eaten a few times a week, while sugar is often replaced with honey. Red meat is almost banned, as it is only eaten a few times a month, and in small quantities, in contrast with chicken and fish, which are served every week. Finally, wine is frequently consumed (one or two glasses a day).

The effects of the Mediterranean diet on health have been confirmed with many scientific studies. The Mediterranean diet significantly reduces the likelihood of cardio-vascular diseases, while researchers from New Orleans announced that it is the most suitable diet for stroke sufferers.

At the same time, owing to the fact that it reduces glucose , insulin and malignant cholesterol concentration, it reduces the danger of arteriosclerosis (hardening of the arteries). Its basic element, olive-oil, has a beneficial effect on certain types of cancer, such as breast, prostate and intestine cancer.

Of equal importance is the effect on the metabolism of glucose and fats among patients who suffer from Type II diabetes, in reducing blood pressure and among patients who suffer from problems related to old age, such as memory loss.

Finally, the Mediterranean diet is one of the best ways to lose weight, as it will reduce the total daily intake of calories.

Translated by Millie Williams

[05] Turkey's Unexpected Proposal End of "Casus Belli"

By Athina Saloustrou

The president of the Turkish National Assembly, Mr Bulent Arinc, unexpectedly proposed the lifting of Casus Belli in the case that the Greek territorial waters in the Aegean expand to 12 nautical miles. The statements, which Mr Arinc announced to the Turkish Press after inviting them to his office, have caused a stir in Greece, as well as Turkey, since they thwart the policies set in the 70s. Mr Arinc declared that the decision, made in 1995 by the Turkish Grand National Assembly banning any expansion of Greeces territorial waters to 12 nautical miles, has to be abolished. However, the Turkish Foreign Minister, Abdullah Gul, clarified that the National Assembly presidents statements are part of Turkeys policy aiming to resolve the Greek-Turkish issues and smooth out Greek-Turkish relations. "Turkeys policies on the Aegean are known and will not change," stressed Mr Gul. Greek Foreign Minister Petros Molyviatis described the statements as a significant positive step towards improving the Greek-Turkish relations.

Had not Been Voted

"Greeces main aim is the continuous improvement of Greek-Turkish relations and I believe that the Turkish Government shares this view and wishes for the commencement of a new era in Greek-Turkish relations," said Mr Molyviatis. He further added that the aim of his visit to Turkey and his meeting with Mr Gul is to confirm the will for further improvement in the two countries ties.

The Speaker of Parliament Anna Psarouda-Benaki expressed her satisfaction with the proposal from Arinc, saying that the matter had been discussed with her Turkish counterpart in a spirit of friendship and understanding. "Such a move will promote cooperation between the two parliaments," stressed Mrs Benaki, and she expressed a wish that Mr Arincs statement may soon become a reality.

Commenting on the National Assembly presidents proposal, PASOKs President George Papandreou said, "We had set the matter forth on numerous occasions and the answers we usually received were that it was a matter of the Turkish National Assembly, since it was the one that had made the decision. We had also set the matter to the Parliament, requesting the lifting of Casus Belli as a goodwill gesture." He concluded by saying, "May the decision be made by the Turkish National Assembly."

The president of the Turkish National Assembly reminded that in 1995, the then deputy speaker of the Parliament, who was heading the specific National Assembly session, had not put the matter to vote.

"As far as I understand, Casus Belli means "cause of war" and this decision seems to have prompted concerns in Greek Parliament. [] I have reviewed the matter. Essentially it is not even a decision. Someone suggested to put the matter to vote, but the deputy speaker of Parliament did not. This will have to be reassessed," added Mr Arinc.

Translated by Vicky Ghionis

[06] Doctors on Passenger Ships

By Tina Valaoura

Sources: ANA, Net 105.8

The measure requiring a doctor on board passenger ships whilst sailing is on its way to be implemented, after the forming of a special committee. The committee of experts, which includes deputy Minister of Health Mr Giannopoulos and the General Secretary of the Ministry of Mercantile Marine Ioannis Tzannos, will meet on Monday 11 April to decide the criteria to hire the doctors, and with the ambition to enforce the measure from this summer.

Speaking on NET 105.8, Mr Tzannos clarified that the presence of a doctor regards ships that make long journeys. "We want to avoid unpleasant incidents of the past," said Mr Tzannos, adding that this move indirectly strengthens the Greek tourist product.

The doctors who will serve on board ships will be from Health Centres and will serve on ships to complete their terms.

The possibility of offering medical assistance on board ship is a long-term demand, while passengers will feel safer on their journeys to Greek islands.

Translated by Millie Williams

[07] From midnight on Sunday Toll Prices Increase

By Despina Hristopoulou

Sources: NET

From midnight on Sunday, prices of tollgates on national motorways are increasing. This means that the price for private cars is rising from 1.40 and 1.50 to 2 euros. At other tollgates, the price is increasing from 1.2 to 1.7, from 1.8 to 2.5, from 2 to 2.80 and from 2.1 to 3. Lorries will pay 3.3 euros instead of 2.3, 4.3 instead of 3, with 3.2 becoming 4.5 and 3.5 5. In the meantime, from Saturday 16 April, new prices will be applied to 8,500 medicines, after the 1% increase in taxation rates. In regions such as islands, where there are reduced VAT rates, medicines will be sold at retail prices 2.75% cheaper.

Translated by Millie Williams

[08] Michalopoulos Denies Relations with 17N

By Tina Valaoura

Sources: ANA, NET 105.8

Grigoris Michalopoulos today completed the testimony in his defence before the Court, answering charges against him pertaining to blackmail of businessmen, on the pretext that he would remove their names from 17 November terrorist groups hit-list. The published denied all relations with 17N and said that his sole meeting with Alexandros Giotopoulos was in relation to the purchase of some books, something which he stated himself after the arrest of the members of the organisation, as he had no reason to feel guilty about anything. As for the blackmail, he rejected the charges, while he launched an attack on the witnesses.

Blackmail Charges Rejected

On the case of businessman Argiris Saliarellis, Grigoris Michalopoulos claimed that the two of them had agreed on a sum in order for an interview with the former to be shown on TILETORA, as he wanted to "paint a new image," after his release from prison. According to Mr Michalopoulos, the businessmen later disagreed, saying that he did not have the money, and the interview did not go ahead.

On the one million drachmas he received from the Mayor of Vouliagmeni Grigoris Kassidokostas, he claimed that this was also the product of an agreement for an interview which he gave before the 1998 local elections.

The defendant spoke against the Latsis family, claiming that both the late supplier and the other members of the family "paid and continue to pay the Universe," while from time to time he published in his newspaper and the book he released on Giannis Latsis true facts, over which he was never taken to court.

On Tuesday, the Public Prosecutor will speak, proposing that the defendant be found innocent or guilty.

Translated by Millie Williams

[09] Islamic Organisation Claims Cairo Attack

By Despina Hristopoulou

The hitherto unknown organisation "Islamic Brigade of the Pride of Egypt" today claimed responsibility for yesterdays attack in the old city of Cairo, which killed three people and injured a further 18. The organisation confirmed that it was a suicide attack, as in the statement they published on an Islamic website, it stated "our brother Abba al-Alaa al Mirshi brought this attack to bear and he himself fell in battle as a martyr." Furthermore, they added that "we want to prove to President Mubarak and his ilk that he cannot speak of dormant cells, we wanted to prove that there are Mujahedin ready for battle, we wanted to take revenge for brothers, prisoners, for the victims of injustice." In addition, in their statement they stress that they also wanted to take revenge on "the USA and the entirety of colonial powers, for their actions in Iraq, Palestine or other embattled lands of Islam."

Translated by Millie Williams

[10] OTOE General Council convenes OTOE Unmoving on Insurance

By Mary Lou Tzempelikou

Sources: ANA

OTOE (Hellenic Federation of Bank Employee Unions) remains unmoving on the issue of creating a Unified Insurance Fund for Bank Employees for all workers in banks, after the meeting of the General Council of the federation, which was held on Friday. The meeting focused on the developments in the issue of insurance for banks, and the progress of negotiations. A statement released by OTOE says that there can be no agreement if the government and the banks do not accept the Federations position, which entails a guarantee of insurance rights for all bank employees, as well as the admission of all new personnel to the Unified Fund, in order to ensure its viability.

Furthermore, the General Council empowered the Executive Secretary of OTOE to evaluate the developments and proceed with the announcement of actions, escalating pressure in order to bring about a positive result for the Federations positions.

Translated by Millie Williams

[11] Inflation Retreats

By Tina Valaoura

In March, inflation went down to 2.9% from the 3.1% where it stood in February, according to the Greek National Statistics Service (ESYE). However, the forecast from the General Secretary of EYSE, Mr Kontopirakis, speaks of an increase in April, with the rate expected to reach 3.3-3.4%, owing to increased fuel prices. Mr Kontopirakis also stated that the increase in VAT rates would have little impact on prices, and annually inflation will be affected by less than 0.7%, which was the initial forecast. As for the integration of the increased VAT on final prices, he noted that thus far this has only been implemented on 15% of products.

Translated by Millie Williams

[12] Between Pavlopoulos and KEDKE Meeting over Municipality Finances

By Vivian Papastefanou

Sources: NET 105.8

By the end of the year, the first instalment of reserved funds which were held back from local administration in previous years, will be paid to Municipalities. This was announced by the Minister of the Interior, Prokopis Pavlopoulos, after the meeting he had with the executive committee of KEDKE (Central Union of Municipalities and Communities of Greece). The meeting was in regard to local government finances, on which mayors were sounding the alarm. Mr Pavlopoulos also stated that next week it would be decided how to fund municipalities for the new duties which have been transferred from central administration.

Translated by Millie Williams

[13] Straps Unsuitable

By Tina Valaoura

Sources: NET, NET 105.8, ERT Local News

With testimony from drivers and fellow passengers of private cars which were behind the ill-fated bus and saw the accident that killed 21 schoolpupils from Makrochori Imathia Lyceum, the court hearings in Volos continued today. The witnesses referred to the circumstances of the accident.

Civil defence lawyers asked for the court to be presented with the straps that held the lorrys load and for these to be admitted as evidence. Following this, they called one of the witnesses, who has professional knowledge of straps, to examine them and give his opinion. The witness spoke categorically in describing the straps he was shown as totally unsuitable for use, owing to the fact that they were worn down at many points. He rejected the notion that the wear had occurred during the collision.

Today, the testimony from the bus driver ended. He repeated that the lorry was to blame for the tragedy.

Translated by Millie Williams

[14] Heated Incidents in TEI Kozani

By Tina Valaoura

Sources: NET

Applause and cheers from DAP (ND Student Group) students, but jeering and yogurt from students belonging to the extra-parliamentary left group today accompanied the visit by the Minister of State to Kozani TEI.

It all began when Thodoros Rousopoulos was entering the TEI amphitheatre in order to make a speech at a DAP event for the student elections. A group of students from the extra-parliamentary left started jeering at him and throwing yogurt. Members of DAP moved against them to stop them, and this sparked off battles in the corridor.

The President of the TEI apologised to the Minister of State for the behaviour of the students. However, Mr Rousopoulos kept his cool. "I understand the efforts of certain people to assist in advertising this nice dairy product," he commented, added that a democracy means respect for the opposite opinion. The event went ahead as planned. The incidents were condemned by ONNED (ND Youth) and PASOK, who stated that there was a need for an atmosphere to prevail until the student elections that would work towards them being conducted smoothly, with free expression from the students.

Translated by Millie Williams

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