The Hellenic Radio (ERA): News in English, 05-04-18

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

CONTENTS

[01] Karamanlis' Message on Corruption "We Will Win the War"

By Despina Hristopoulou

Sources: NET RADIO 105.8

"We have chosen a difficult road, this is not a simple battle but a war that we will win," stated the Prime Minister today, commenting on the recent Metron Analyis opinion poll, in which among others, records a decrease of 1.4% of NDs lead in comparison to PASOK. From his side, government spokesperson, Thodoros Rousopoulos noted that the "government is at a war against daily problems that were accumulated by PASOKs rule," and expressed the certainty that "the government will overcome with great success."

"The Work is Not Finished"

Called on to comment on the qualitative data of the opinion poll, Mr Rousopoulos noted that there are positive points for the government, such as its ability to solve the citizens great problems and the counter of economic problems.

"The citizens continue to trust the ND government," he stated and added that the opinion polls are like cologne; they are nice to smell but dangerous when swallowed. Mr Rousopoulos made extensive reference to the governments work, noting that the government solves several problems a day. He made reference to the Olympic Games, LAFKA, added interest, the speedy dispensation of farmers funds, the reinforcement of the financial self-containment of Prefecture Administration, the new tax bill, the counter of state expenses, public sector employees indictment over malpractice, the abolishment of the mathematical type in public works, the main shareholder bill, the institutional context for the counter of bureaucracy, ELGA compensations, decrease of added interest for thousands of farmers, and the signing for collective contracts of television technicians.

"We are not saying that the best has been done, our work has not finished in a year, we will win the war, " stated Mr Rousopoulos and added "the public opinion has understood much of what is happening, there is a clear political message that reaches the public opinion, regardless of if it is not projected."

Also, commenting on articles that speak of structural changes that will be made by the PM, he answered that lately he has frequently read about a reshuffle more than 10, noting that when and if it happens many will write "a lot of talk about nothing."

Athanasakis' Answers

The PASOK Press spokesperson answered to the Prime Minister and Thodoros Rousopoulos. Nikos Athanasakis described the statements of the PM and government spokesperson as "trigger-happy" and underlined "the ND government would be more fortunate if it started a war against itself if, but it cannot and will not change."

The government spokesperson answered to Mr Athanasakis comments "when it was in rule it succeeded as companions of vested interest. In the opposition it steadily continues down the same road. It is proving that besides from big statements, they cannot change and do not want to change."

Nikos Athanasakis once again answered to the government spokesperson.

"The government and its spokesperson remain companions of lies and hypocrisy."

Deny a Reshuffle

At the same time, Minister of Public Order, Giorgos Voulgarakis, who met today at Maximos Mansion with the PM and Interior Minister, Prokopis Pavlopoulos, denied rumours of a reshuffle and the event that he will take up the place of government spokesperson. From his side, Mr Pavlopoulos when called to comment on the PMs statement, spoke of "a war against the daily problems of the citizens."

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

Related News:

Reshuffle Reports Denied

[02] New Government Formation in Italy Berlusconi Avoids Elections

By Annita Paschalinou

The political thriller in Italy, after the withdrawal of four Ministers of the Christian Democratic Party (UDC) from the government coalition on Friday. The Italian Prime Minister was forced to an agreement with the "rebels" of his government and before he submits his resignation to the countrys President, Carlo Azeglio Ciampi, will form a new government, thus avoiding early elections. The cause for the political crisis and the withdrawal of the Christian Democrats, where the absence of policy in the Prefecture where the centre-right coalition had suffered great losses.

Elections in 2006

The Italian PM avoided the worst after the agreement with the Christian Democrats.

However, even if he avoided the elections, he did not manage to save his governments prestige, which according to political analysts has suffered a strong blow. Of course, the elections for the Italian PM was not a good eventuality, since according to the latest opinion polls his governments popularity was very low.

On Sunday, an opinion poll carried out for Corriere della Sera newspaper indicated that former President of the European Committee, Romano Prodi is on the lead by 5%.

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

Related News:

Berlusconi Govt on the Brink of Collapse

[03] At the Avenue of the Title

By Dimitris Alexopoulos

Four matches before the end of the Championship, the fans suspense is heightened, since the picture has not cleared up over which team will receive the title and which team will compete in Champions League and the UEFA Cup. Also, they way things stand, many questions exist as to which team will follow Kerkira down to B Division. This years Championship held many surprises and strong emotions for the sports fans. We evaluate that nothing has finished. The next round of matches will judge many things and the climax is when Panathinaikos travels to Thessalonica to play against PAOK in Toumba Stadium and when AEK and PAOK will fight in Alexandras Avenue for the title.

On the Way to the Top

TEAM PTS. 27th 28th 29th 30th

PAO 56 CHALKIDONA PAOK มลส OFI

มลส 55 OFI IONIKOS PAO KALAMARIA

OLYMPIACOS 53 AIGALEO KERKIRA PANIONIOS IRAKLIS

The road that leads to the top of the standings and the Championship Cup is not paved with roses.

Lets take things from the beginning. Panathinaikos, in the top of the standings, and after changing three coaches, starts to find its way with Alberto Malezani, but also a performance identity based on the Italians philosophy.

Malezani, with experience in the Campionato, has passed the winning streak on to his players. This was evident in the last two matches against Olympiacos and Ergotelis. After the failed results against Iraklis and Aris at Alexandras Avenue, where four valuable points were lost, Panathinaikos has showed evidence of an organized team that knows what it wants in the stadium, how to get it and how to keep it. A win in the most critical point of the Championship against Olympiacos, and a win in Crete were both accompanied by a good performance.

In its course towards the title, Panathinaikos will face Chalkidona and AEK in its home turf and PAOK and OFI away.

The negative point for the "greens" is that the two home games will take place behind closed doors. The fans always give a different touch in the critical games and push the team forward, when the tiredness and the games tension has worn the players out.

Besides all of the above, PAO is called to overcome this obstacle, to play its last card and receive six points in its home turf. Which team will be the one to cut its points in its stadium? Based on the teams performance only AEK can. Every result except for a win with Chalkidona can only be described as a great surprise.

Surely before the game with AEK, the one with PAOK in Toumba comes first. The players psychology will depend on the outcome of the derby in Thessalonica. If they lose and find themselves stuck in the corner, then no one knows how their performance will be against AEK.

As far as the last match with OFI is concerned, we believe that it will receive the win.

Before the big derby with Panathinaikos, AEK will play on coming Sunday against OFI. Many say that the Cretan team will play for itself and Panathinaikos also. We believe that above all it will play for its history, and after its defeat from PAOK, all relegation events are open for the Herakleion team.

Thus AEK has to overcome two obstacles if it wants to reach the top.

We will not make further reference to Ionikos and Kalamaria, since AEK has shown that it can win, however difficult or easy the games are.

The main game is the one on Palm Sunday against OFI for the following two reasons. Firstly, because OFI is chasing for points and will play its last card. Secondly, because AEK will go to Crete after a difficult game with Olympiacos for the Cup on Wednesday, and playing three consecutive games against OFI, Olympiacos and OFI is not an easy task.

Of course, Santoss team has shown a spectacular stability, which is due to the players good training and have also acquired great strength. From the other hand, AEK who at this time is building a team and in the next few years will acquire the title, we believe that it will arrive in Alexandras Avenue in good spirits.

Olympiacos and Dusan Bajevics statement "We expect everyone elses mishaps," says a lot. Maybe they also fear their own.

And why do we say that. Olympiacos had the most seemingly easy program. Aigaleo and Panionios in Karaiskakis Stadium, Kerkira at the island and Iraklis in Kaftatzogleio.

Things are not as they seem. The absence of an defender that will make goal opportunities is apparent. It is a negative point for a team that does not take advantage of goal opportunities and that will cost it many things.

The key game for Olympiacos, according to us, as strange as it sounds, is the one on Sunday with Aigaleo.

Even if Aigaleo is decided to "strike" the game to ensure one or even three points in its attempt to enter the UEFA event, maybe then the team of Piraeus will face the music.

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

[04] In View of the Government Committee Meeting Immigration Policy at Maximos Mansion

By Annita Paschalinou

The bill for immigration policy will be at the focus of the government committee meeting on Tuesday. This evening, the Ministers of Public Order and Interior, Giorgos Voulgarakis and Prokopis Pavlopoulos submitted their proposals on the bill. As the Interior Minister underlined, on the issue of immigration policy, there is a common plan between the two Ministries. Upon their exit from Maximos Mansion the two Ministers were called to answer to journalists questions over current events.

Ministers' Statements

"There is no issue of a reshuffle," underlined Giorgos Voulgarakis, while Minister of Interior, Prokopis Pavlopoulos when asked to comment on the PMs statement spoke of "a war against the citizens daily problems."

Giorgos Voulgarakis, before the meeting of the two Ministers with the PM, met privately with Kostas Karamanlis. The Minister of Public Order briefed the Prime Minister over his recent visit in the U.S., a trip, that as he said later, was especially productive and will upgrade Greeces role in the Balkans.

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

[05] Did Not Find Bed in ICU Fought for his Life for 30 Hours

By Annita Paschalinou

Sources: NET

The problem of lack of nursing staff in Athens hospitals is once again at the forefront. The cause was the dramatic adventure of a 23-year-old who was seriously injured in a car accident on Saturday morning, and for 30 hours a bed could not be found for his hospitalization. Minister of Health Nikitas Kaklamanis gave a solution to the problem. With his intervention the young man was given a room in the ICU of Errikos Dinan Hospital. The Minister, making reference to the incident, commented on the lack of staff and noted that because of the above problem 100 ICU beds remain unoccupied in public hospitals in Attica.

Kaklamanis' Intervention

The Minister added that 2,000 positions of nursing staff have been announced and stated that until the hires take place, ICUs have been rented in private hospitals.

Also, in the first bill that the Ministry of Health will submit in Parliament at Easter, foresees the rent of 30 ICU beds in Errikos Dinan, in order for the great problem of lack of ICU beds in public hospitals to be countered.

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

[06] Is Being Interrogated by the Police Woman Suspect Over Deadly Fire

By Despina Hristopoulou

The French police arrested a female companion of one of the night-guards of the hotel, which became a flaming grave for 22 people, half of whom were children, as suspect of the fire. The deadly fire broke out last week in a Paris hotel and resulted to 22 people being killed, half of which were children and another 50 people to be injured. According to police sources, the woman is in custody and is interrogated since this morning. The fire broke out last Friday at the Paris Opera hotel where many immigrants were residing. At the time of the fire many of its residents were asleep.

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

[07] Deviation Up to 160,000 Euros Unaccounted Expenses

By Betty Savourdou

Sources: ANA

Around 15,000 tax payers were caught by an "electronic" means test, and according to evidence of the Ministry of Economy, in 2003 acquired assets (real estate, cars, sea crafts) which were not justified by the income they had declared to the IRS. From the comparison between the stated income and the deductive, a deviation up to 160,000 euros was noted that had not been stated and concerns incomes acquired in 2003 and had to be declared in 2004. The records with the evidence have been transferred to the relevant tax offices for an individual investigation.

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

[08] From Race Tracks to God's Way

By Ilias Papaioannou

The countdown of the Conclave of Cardinals, for the election of the 265th Pope for the Roman Catholic Church, has already started. Among the 115 Cardinals from 52 countries, from which the successor of John Paul II will be elected, three were former athletes. 61-year-old Juan Luis Cipriani Thorne, from Peru, before following the way of God, made assists and spikes in the National basketball team of his country, in which he later served as a coach. Another candidate for the white papal tiara is Francisco Xavier Errazuriz, who roused the crowds in Chile as a 100m sprinter in track and field. In closing, 72-year-old Briton Cormack Murphy OConnor knows body to body fights quite well, since before he heard Gods call he played in the center position in Portsmouths rugby team.

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

Related News:

Black Smoke Risen from Sistine Chapel

[09] ERT's Demand Rejected Greek Cup Final on May 21

By Vasilis Kalpinos

The date for the Greek Cup final for the period 2005-2006 will remain as is, after the rejection of ERTs demand. ERT had asked for the transfer of the final date, since on Saturday May 21 the yearly Eurovision Song Contest is programmed to be broadcast, but the Executive Secretariat of the Greek Football Federation did not accept the demand.

All Star Game Changes Time

Also, the date for the 3rd All Star Game has changed since the Executive Secretariat decided that it will take place on Tuesday May 17 at 18:00, at the Pankreition Stadium in Herakleion. The reasons for the transfer concern the better preparation and the accommodation of the sponsor.

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

[10] Crash-Test Driver

By Vagelis Theodorou

A 21-year-old man from Germany proved a star behind the wheel, despite colliding with a truck during his driving test. Before you go thinking that he bribed the instructor, reconsider. It all happened on the busy A2 motorway at Egerkingen. Erwin Burkhart was being tested for his drivers licence and in Germany motorway driving is a part of the test. Burkhart was travelling in the slow lane, when he was hit by a truck as it pulled in without seeing him. The collision dented all the panels on one side of the car, but despite the damage the 21-year-old continued driving. The instructor accepted the accident was not the fault of the learner and gave him full marks, since Buckhart did not make a single mistake throughout the test.

Translated by Vicky Ghionis

[11] With the Support of NET Radio Radiothon of Love by UNICEF

By Despina Hristopoulou

Every year, 2,000,000 children die around the world due to the lack of vaccinations. Every year UNICEF gives life to 3,000,000 children with the programs of extensive vaccinations. One of UNICEFs aims is the mass campaign for the eradication of polio in 23 countries, with the vaccination of 100,000,000 children before July. For this aim and also for the sensitization of public opinion in relation to the great problems of child mortality in the poor regions of the world, UNICEF with the support of NET Radio 105.8 and the cooperation of more than 100 radio stations around Greece, tomorrow Tuesday, April 19 is organizing a radiothon for the vaccination of 100,000,000 children around the world. You get the chance to contribute to UNICEFs and NETs great attempt. Please think of the following facts. With 55 euros the necessary doses of polio vaccinations are ensured for 300 children and with 120 euros six children are vaccinated against measles, polio, whooping cough, TB and diphtheria and please remember that the slightest contribution is valuable. From 6 in the morning until 8 at night, NET Radio 105.8 with Greek Broadcasting regional stations, in cooperation with other radio stations around the country, create a chain of solidarity for the vaccination of children around the world.

You can submit your donations at the following bank accounts:

NATIONAL BANK OF GREECE: 169 / 480020-64

EMPORIKI BANK: 031 / 80191081

AGRICULTURAL BANK OF GREECE: 017 04 004416-70

ALPHA BANK: 115 00 2002 017649

PEIRAUS BANK: 5049-022842-011

CITIBANK: 55 02 346484

NOVA BANK: 519829

HSBC: 002-066694-130

BANK OF ATTICA: 069 / 54799691

ASPISBANK: 101-03-0006583

and at the following telephone number: 003- 210 - 95 56 400

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

Related Links:

UNICEF

[12] On Tuesday from 10am to 1pm Olympic Airways Work Stoppage

By Vivian Papastefanou

Olympic Airways flights will have to be rescheduled tomorrow, due to a three-hour work stoppage by Flight Attendants from 10am to 1pm. The stoppage has been announced in view of the European Federation for Transport mobilizations concerning the crisis with airlines. Specifically, the flights to the islands of Chios, Naxos, Paros and Rhodes will be cancelled, while another 13 flights will change departure times. These are the return flights from Athens to: Heraklion, Berlin, Milan, Sitia-Preveza, Kekryra, Chios, Ioannina, Larnaca, Mytilini, Istanbul, Brussels and Bucharest. The company announced that passengers with tickets for the abovementioned flights should contact Olympic Airways on +30210 9666666 before departing for the airport.

Translated by Vicky Ghionis

[13] For Their Funding Agreement With Municipalities

By Betty Savourdou

Sources: NET RADIO 105.8

On Monday, the Ministry of Economy and the Union of Prefecture Administrations of Greece (ENAE) reached an agreement over the funding of the Prefecture Administration. As Minister of Economy, Giorgos Alogoskoufis stated after the meeting, the funds from automobile transfers will be given in their total to the Prefecture Administration, but the percentage that the municipalities will receive from registration fees will decrease from 15% to 8%. The Ministry is taking up the responsibility of dispensing the back payments of 40 million euros to the organisation of legal practitioners and taxi drivers which the Prefecture Administration has not dispensed as decided. From her side Athens-Piraeus Head Prefect, Fofi Gennimata stated that the resolution of the problem is a victory of the Prefecture Administration, that the funds from the automobile registration fees is the only self-contained tax for the Administration and ended that "all has gone according to plan." After the agreement ENAE will not close-down the municipalities as planned.

Relative Bill in Parliament on Tuesday

On Monday, an ENAE delegation headed by Mrs Gennimata visited the Minister of Economy and posed the emergency for a resolution to the problem, while the relative Parliamentary committee will complete the discussion of the Interior Ministry bill for the financing of the Prefecture Administration.

Mr Alogoskoufis reminded that the bill, which is discussed in Parliament, will solve many problems in the Prefecture Administration.

The relative reform on the bill draft which is discussed in Parliament for the collection of automobile transfer fees from the Prefecture Administration, will be submitted on Tuesday.

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

Related Links:

Union of Prefecture Administrations of Greece

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