The Hellenic Radio (ERA): News in English, 05-04-12

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

CONTENTS

[01] Greek Turkish relations and Cyprus on agenda Molyviatis in Ankara

By Athina Saloustrou

Greek Turkish relations, the Cyprus problem and the Balkans will be at the focus of the talks to be held by the Minister of Foreign Affairs Petros Molyviatis today and tomorrow in Ankara. In an interview to Turkish news agency Anatoli, Mr Molyviatis stresses, among other things, that the aim of his visit is to confirm the intention of the Greek government to continue efforts to improve Greek Turkish relations. At the same time, he described the statement by the Speaker of the Turkish Parliament on lifting the casus belli as "a significant step in the right direction."

"Will to Cooperate in Friendship," Says Gul

Mr Molyviatis noted the need to solve the Cyprus problem based on the Annan Plan, and the need to reduce Greek and Turkish weaponry funding.

For his part, in an interview to Greek newspaper Vima , the Turkish Foreign Minister Abdullah Gul stresses that the proposal by the Speaker of the Turkish Parliament expresses the will to create cooperation and friendship between the two countries.

He voiced his support for a new initiative on the Cyprus problem, claiming that Ankara is not to blame for the deadend, while he noted that there should be cooperation between the military authorities of the two countries over activities in the Aegean and controlling violations.

Translated by Millie Williams

[02] Unconfirmed whether Nimitz and Dimitrov met FYROM Wants Double Name

By Vivian Papastefanou

Sources: ANA, NET 105.8

The Former Yugoslavian Republic of Macedonia is insisting on a solution using a double name, one for bilateral relations with Greece and one to be used internationally. At the same time, it remains unknown whether the meeting between UN special envoy Matthew Nimitz and the Ambassador of FYROM to the United States Nikola Dimitrov went ahead at 02:30 Greek time in New York, on the issue of the name of Greeces neighbouring country. UN authorities are refusing to release any information on the contents of the meeting, while FYROM appears to be requesting clarification regarding Nimitzs proposal of a composite international name.

Translated by Millie Williams

Related News:

Diplomatic Fever Over FYROM

[03] Don't take cookies from strangers! Cooking-pot or Cooking Pot?

By Despina Hristopoulou

Sources: Reuters

Her speciality was cookies, which she took care to share with all her pensioner friends. The case refers to a 66-year-old grandmother from Britain, with a special approach to cooking. Her secret is fresh ingredients, slow boiling and a dose of marijuana! However, Patricia Tabrams secret was destined not to remain secret and the authorities in East Lea gave her a six-month suspended sentence for selling banned substances. She did not deny her guilt, and before the court she admitted her intent to sell the drug. However, despite the six-month sentence, she did not appear willing to change her dietary habits, since, as she says, cannabis helped her to relieve the pains in her back and neck. The case of Patricia Tabram amazed the police, who raided her house, as they discovered 31 "strange" plants, as well as hydroponic cultivation equipment. They also discovered 47 bags of prepared cannabis.

Unrepentant

Activists fighting for the legalisation of cannabis in Britain have found their warmest supporter in the grandmother. In fact, Mrs Tabram has become a central figure in their legalisation campaign.

"I had cannabis in my scrambled eggs this morning, and Ill have it again for lunch," stated the unrepentant 66-year-old woman, noting that she would soon publish her illegal recipes on the Internet.

Translated by Millie Williams

[04] Providing for faster Justice Justice Bill in Parliament

By Vivian Papastefanou

Sources: NET 105.8

A meeting of the Cabinet, chaired by the Prime Minister, is currently underway. Under discussion is the Bill to be submitted today to Parliament, which provides for an acceleration in the process of serving Justice. In the meantime, former Metropolitan Bishop Theoklitos of Thessaliotida, who resigned, is currently testifying before Deputy High Court Public Prosecutor Giorgos Sanidas, as a witness in the case of the extra-judicial gang. Tomorrow (Wednesday), Iakovos Giosakis has been called to give explanations.

Translated by Millie Williams

[05] Permanent contracts are unconstitutional Extended Suspense for 32,000 Contract Workers

By Athina Saloustrou

In his speech, the State Counsel Mr Pispiringos judged that the Presidential Decree on awarding permanent positions to contract-workers is unconstitutional. His speech is based on the revised Constitution, according to the articles which state that recruitment to the public sector are only permitted following a public competition. Regarding the transmuting of fixed-time contracts to permanent, according to Mr Pispiringos, the current law leaves little room for doubt. The speech was made as part of the discussion before the Supreme Administration Court, hearing appeals against the presidential decree in question, after the suspension of the process, which had originally been set for 2 February. "If the SAC accepts the appeal, in a year or two, the case will be judged in the SAC Plenary Session. Until then, no process is frozen. There is no cause for concern," noted Professor of Labour Law Alexis Mitropoulos on NET 105.8.

"Permanent Positions Unconstitutional"

Nonetheless, the speech by the Counsel is at odds with SAC ruling from July 2004, which unanimously ruled that the presidential decree was constitutional, while interim decrees were judged constitutional by majority vote.

According to the minority opinion, subscribed to both by Mr Pispiringos and the Chairman of the Supreme Administration Court, Mr Geraris, the interim decrees go against the Constitution, firstly because "the contract-workers, who will occupy positions with permanent contracts, have been hired without going through a reliable competition process," and secondly because the provision of Article 9 of the Presidential Decree may violate the principle of equality by excepting workers whose contracts ended before the presidential decree came into force. Besides this, the Court of Auditors has concurred with this position.

Translated by Millie Williams

[06] 24 dead, 108 injured, 91 missing Multiple Victims in Bangladesh

By Vivian Papastefanou

The number of victims from the collapse of a garment factory in the town of Palas Bari in Bangladesh is continuously rising. According to the latest reports, 24 people have lost their lives, 108 have been injured and 91 people are still missing in the rubble of the factory. As announced by the Rapid Response Team, 20 bodies were recovered immediately after the building collapsed early on Monday morning, and a further four were brought out later. The authorities believe that about 200 workers remain trapped below the rubble. "We need at least three days to remove the rubble. Hopes of finding survivors are decreasing," stressed Salim Nevaz Khan, leader of Dhaka Fire Service. Dhaka is about 30 km from the area of the accident. The building collapsed when a boiler collapsed as the night shift was finishing.

Translated by Millie Williams

[07] For correct government Rumsfeld Advises New Leaders

By Vivian Papastefanou

During a surprise visit to Baghdad, American Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld advised the new Iraqi leadership of Iraq not to stoop to corruption or proceed with cleansing of political rivals, as these things, he stressed, could trigger "a lack of trust or corruption in the government." Mr Rumsfeld also noted that Washington disagrees with any effort to delay the political process in Iraq. According to the timeline, by mid-August, the preliminary draft of the countrys new constitution should be ready, and parliamentary elections should be held next December. "The presence of American security forces will not continue indefinitely," he added, speaking to reporters who accompanied him on his journey.

Translated by Millie Williams

[08] ERT Broadcasts Champions League

By Stathis Petropoulos

The Greek fans will be able to watch the Champions League games until 2008-2009 from the public television of ERT and hopefully the attempts of the Greek teams as well. Once again, ERT has ensured the renewal of its contract with UEFA for the next three years after the end of the existing contract, thus every Tuesday extensive scenes from the days games will be broadcast, while every Wednesday the important game of the day and full scenes of the rounds will also be aired. Besides the above, there is a clear differentiation as far as the televised scenery for Champions League is concerned in Greece, given the fact that the games of the largest European event will be broadcast by subscribing television, since Netmed has the rights for the broadcasts of the event in our country.

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

[09] Love Scores

By Ilias Papaioannou

Gorgeous TV hostesses-models have established their own school in neighboring Italy, after having caught Campionato stars in the nets of their love. The first was stunning Manuela Arcuri who scored a goal at the heart of Romas ace Francesco Totti, then came striking Elisabetta Canalis, who seduced Inters heavy artillery Cristian Vieri, followed by glamorous Alessia Merz, who dazzled Lazios Fabio Bazzani, while Vincenza Cacace made sure to ease the pain of Milans injured Francesco Pancarro. The long list of beauties has just got longer with the recent addition of 22-year-old Russian Vera Atyushkina, who is getting ready to marry Udineses midfielder Stefano Mauri, who is training hard to bid farewell to celibacy.

Translated by Sofia Soulioti

[10] Meeting between Karamanlis and Basiakos Agricultural Policy in Focus

By Vivian Papastefanou

Sources: NET 105.8

After his meeting with Prime Minister Kostas Karamanlis at Maximos Mansion, the Minister for Rural Development Evangelos Basiakos expressed the assurance that the government would take all measures that are legitimate for and compatible with the European Union in order to help the agricultural sector, the Greek farmer and the provinces. Mr Basiakos stressed that despite the reactions, the government would proceed in strength and with determination to implement its programme. Mr Basiakos briefed the Prime Minister on the initiatives of the Ministry to implement the CAP, as well as the provisions of the Bill soon to be submitted to Parliament.

Translated by Millie Williams

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