The Hellenic Radio (ERA): News in English, 05-05-13

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

CONTENTS

[01] "Peace, Development and Stability" Dispute Over Foreign Policy

By Betty Savourdou

Sources: NET- NET 105.8

National issues were at the focus of the discussion of the agenda for foreign policy in Parliament that took place on Friday, presided by the leaders of the political parties. Prime Minister Kostas Karamanlis stated that the government is working for a powerful Greece, in the heart of Europe, which will be a factor of peace and stability in the Balkans, noting that the positive results of the foreign policy being implemented are obvious. President of PASOK George Papandreou criticized the government of incredibility and accused it of deserting the main axis of Greek foreign policy that was practiced for years. On their part, KKE Secretary Aleka Papariga and SYN President Alekos Alavanos stated their opposition with ND and PASOKs policy. Foreign Minister Petros Moliviatis intervened in the foreign policy discussion and noted that the planning and the foreign policy implementation practice are directed to the protection and promotion of our national interests and the establishment of peace and stability in our area.

Karamanlis: "Working For A Powerful Greece"

Kostas Karamanlis explained Greeces strategy, which is based on the triptych of "peace, development and stability."

"We are working for a powerful Greece, in the heart of Europe, a factor of peace and culture in the wider region. At the same time we are reinforcing our cooperation with the U.S. for the advancement of common interests with mutual respect," stated the Prime Minister.

A necessary condition for the improvement of Greek-Turkish relations is the resolution of the Cypriot issue, noted Mr Karamanlis and stated that Greece supports the EU prospect of the neighboring country, which also depends on its behavior and the materialization of the Summit Meeting in December 2004.

Over the Cypriot issue, Mr Karamanlis repeated that the government supports a functional and viable solution based on the Annan plan and always in cooperation with the Cypriot government.

Concerning the FYROM issue, he repeated his intention that a meeting between political leaders should take place.

More specifically, the PM underlined "from the first moment we made clear that the Nimitz proposal did not satisfy us, but that we would be willing to enter a final stage of discussion." The result of the Greeks side position was "after many years the international community paid attention to FYROM."

In closing, Mr Karamanlis underlined that the main aim of the government is the constant exchange of views, consensus and the unity of the Greek people. "For us national issues are above all parties and governments. And I would like to underline this," concluded Mr Karamanlis.

Papandreou: "Negotiating Capability Diminished"

Making reference to the "mistakes of government foreign policy," Mr Papandreou spoke of a "mumble-jumble of the issue for the decrease of military equipment with Turkey," Erdogans "increased mobility compared to Mr Karamanlis," and the "unconditional" support of the Turkish accession to the EU, and especially the "overturn" of the Helsinki context that placed a timeline for a common appeal to the Hague.

George Papandreou accused the government for incredibility and lack of policy, while he predicted an increase of tension in the Aegean by Turkey.

Mr Papandreou claimed that the government has decreased Greeces negotiation ability, taking steps back in Lucerne, from the previous discussions acquits, concerning the Annan plan.

Over the FYROM issue the leader of the opposition stated, "from the time that we negotiated the non-usage of the name from the neighboring country, with Nimitzs latest proposal we started to discuss if Greece has the right to use it." Also the President of PASOK spoke of an attempt to intercept the consensus of his party on the issue."

KKE and SYN Express Disagreement

Aleka Papariga expressed her disproval of the foreign policy implemented by the two great parties, making reference that the previous government just like the current one is tied to American interests.

In reference to the Prime Ministers upcoming visit to the U.S. Mrs Papariga said "you will see President Bush and he will ask for heaven and earth and you will give it to him, or else you wouldnt be going there to reject it and unfortunately that is our prediction."

Regarding the name of FYROM, she said that "the US intervention does not only aim at this country, but at all Balkans."

As for Greek-Turkish relations, Mrs Papariga clarified that KKE is not in favour of tension, "but good neighboring cannot be ensured by backing down in territorial rights."

Alekos Alavanos expressed the concern that we are once again returning to the dogma of a threat from the North.

Referring to the Balkan issues, SYN president is against unilateral independence in Kosovo. He accused PASOK and ND governments for the fact the FYROM problem troubles Greece for more than a year and stressed that "SYN position for a composite name is finally proved right."

As for Greek-Turkish relations, he underlined that "air battles have become a daily phenomenon in the Aegean. Areas of national sovereignty, like Imia, are questioned. With what policies are we going to deal with these issues? Brussels keep a silent stance. We wish to promote negotiations in the context of International Law by taking our cases to the Hague."

Regarding the Cypriot issue, we wish for a solution accepted by both communities. Without referees. Without tight deadlines. Full demilitarization. A system of guarantees for the implementation of agreements."

Mr Alavanos asked to be briefed on what the Greek Foreign Minister agreed to in his recent visit to the U.S., and called on the Prime Minister to inform the Parliament on the issues that he will submit to George Bush on the occasion of his forthcoming visit to Washington.

"This is Not A Field of Party Dispute"

Foreign Minister Petros Moliviatis commenting on the speech of the PASOK President accounted him with bombastic announcements and defaming descriptions that indicate a weakness of practicing substantial criticism on foreign policy.

Also, Mr Moliviatis stated that foreign policy would not be a field of party dispute and advantages because no one will come out a winner and national interests are affected.

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

Related News:

Foreign Policy in Parliament

[02] Ten Dead and Many Injured Opened Fire Against Protestors

By Despina Hristopoulou

Sources: NET 105.8- BBC

The situation in Uzbekistan remains unsettled. Thousands of people have taken the streets on the city of Andijan, east of the country, while the policemen and soldiers have started firing against them. According to sources, soldiers aboard a van opened fire at protestors that shouted slogans against President Islam Karimov and resulted to the death of one civilian and five to be injured. President Islam Karimov has arrived in the area for negotiations, however information from the area is extremely restricted, and up to now it has not been specified who is in control of the situation. Earlier, during the incidents, nine people were killed and another 39 were injured, and there is fear that the number of dead and injured will increase.

Rebels Take Hold of Government Buildings

The incidents started last night when thousands of people protested in order to free 23 businessmen that were held accused of being extreme Islamists, while as one protestor stated to the journalists, their main demand is the freeing of a leading member of the Islamic organization Akromiya. Rebels entered the jails of the city and freed an unknown number of prisoners, which could reach 4,000. Todays protest has been led by many of the prisoners that were freed yesterday, including 23 businessmen. Army forces have arrived in Andidjan, while as international news agencies state that buildings in the centre of the city are in flames. The protestors have taken over the Town Hall, the jail and a government building that according to at-the-scene witnesses are holding an unknown number of hostages are being captive. As the Uzbekistan government stated, the protestors that according to other sources are holding a policeman captive, refused to compromise with the authorities during negotiations. In the meantime, tension runs high in Uzbekistans capital Tashkent, where today policemen fired and killed a man that was approaching the Israeli Embassy. Initially, they thought he was a kamikaze but as it was revealed yesterday the explosives he carried were not real.

Moscow "Worries" but Will Not Intervene

In the meantime, one of the leading members of the rebels stated to Reuters the following: "we want Russias intervention and President Vladimir Putin personally in order to stop the bloodshed." On his part, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov stated that the revolt in Uzbekistan is "an internal affair," thus ruling out Russias intervention. Mr Lavrov stated that Russia is monitoring the information and as he stated the situation is starting to be normalized."

Also the news agency ITAR-TASS, quoting statements of Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Alexander Yakovenko, broadcast that the developments in Andidjan "worry" Moscow.

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

Related News:

Unsettled Situation in Uzbekistan

[03] Tutankhamun's Face Revealed

By Mary Lou Tzempelikou

For 33 centuries a cloud of mystery has shaded Tutankhamuns history since the questions over the young Egyptian Kings death remain unanswered. In November 2004, scientists aided by technology discovered the causes of his death and as it was announced was caused by gangrene. Now technology offers new facts to archaeology. Three groups of artists working for the forensic services of France, Egypt and the U.S., created separate but similar models of Tutankhamuns face aided by scans of his skull. This resulted to the revelation of a young boys face with plump cheeks and a round chin.

Unique Findings After 33 Centuries

The fact that that the models of the three groups were extremely similar to the mask that covered the gold sarcophagus of the Egyptian King, that was discovered in 1922 by archaeologist Howard Carter, was fascinating.

The scanning method is called CT scan, or "Cat", which involves the use of X-rays to map the body and to work with high-resolution photographs from the scan that differentiates the densities of soft tissue from bone

The unique differences that were observed between the three models of the groups were centered at the shape of the nose and ears. The Egyptians gave a stronger nose in relation to the other teams.

All the above are small details in comparison to the greatness of this new revelation. Until this day, technology has brought important details concerning Tutankhamuns history.

The first x-ray made on the young King was made in 1968 for the first time. The most important finding that was discovered was a shard of a bone that was found in his skull, a fact that made scientists believe that Tutankhamun was killed by a blow to the head.

The facts that supported the above were historical evidence that stated that Tutankhamun succeeded Akhenaten, a leader that had implement monotheism. According to historians, during his 10-year rule, young Tutankhamun tried to reinstate polytheism and for that reason he was murdered by monotheism supporters. Other historians claimed that Tutankhamun was murdered by Ay, his second in command and his successor.

All this belongs to the past, since scientists have concluded taht Tutankhmanun died in 1352 BC, at the age of 19, from gangrene resulting from a broken leg.

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

Related News:

Tutankhamun's Mystery Death

[04] Clash Over Main Shareholder

By Betty Savourdou

Alexander Schaub, Director General for the Commission's Internal Market Services Directorate, sent a letter to the Greek government saying the European Union is at Greece's disposal for any changes in the Main Shareholder law. Commenting the content of Mr Schaub's letter, the Minister of State stressed in a written statement that the Government shall proceed to negotiations with the Commission in order to find common grounds regarding the law in question. As Mr Roussopoulos stated, the letter "simply confirms what we have already said, that the PASOK law was not compatible to Community law, despite the many loopholes which served all kinds of interests." The Main Shareholder issue triggered clashes in Parliament on Friday between the Prime Minister and the PASOK president.

"Community Convictions Are the Problem"

From the Parliament's podium, the Prime Minister said the EU has objections both for the law voted by PASOK, as well as for the law voted by ND. "The difference is that you voted for laws you never applied, while we aim for the implementation of all laws in any direction."

As per Mr Karamanlis, "not even a single euro will be lost because of that law." He dded that Community convictions are the problem "because of the acts and manipulations of the previous government."

"We will find common grounds with the EU for the Main Shareholder issue. I have said it and I will say it again: We continue the fight. There is no room for compromise here. Citizens demand the continuous upgrade of the essence and quality of Democracy. They demand transparency. That is our policy," concluded Mr Karamanlis.

In return, Opposition president G. Papandreou said that "we are ready to save this country's honour," and caused intense reactions by ND parliamentarians.

"Go on and laugh, just like the Europeans do with your party," counterattacked Mr Papandreou.

Translated by Sofia Soulioti

[05] After Her Marathon Testimony Yesterday Ilia Counterattacked

By Athina Saloustrou

Antonia Ilia, who is implicated in the extra-judicial network, said indictments against her are due to pressures she did not give into, and to suggestions with which she did not comply, and which came from higher ranking justices and regarded many cases of her career. "I thought it was self-evident to do my duty as a justice who has taken an oath to respect the Constitution and the laws of the State." She also said that she is "one of the poorest-indebted justices" and that her public exposure is the result of her ex-lover's revenge, lawyer Giagos Lambiris, as well as a cover-up of Lambiris' associate, A. Toskas, illegal activities. The two-day testimony of Antonia Ilia before Supreme Court Deputy Prosecutor Giorgos Sanidas lasted a total of 25 hours.

Unprecedented Duration of Testimony

During her testimony yesterday which started at 12:00 and ended at 01:30 in the morning, an unprecedented duration for Greece, the former examiner denied having helped Giosakis in any way and having issued favourable decisions in drug trafficking cases, supporting that she legally performed her duties.

The preliminary hearing came to an end with Ilia's testimony. The Public Prosecutor is expected to ask for criminal proceedings against specific persons in the following week.

Translated by Sofia Soulioti

[06] Successful F-16 Emergency Landing in Limnos Air Force Cadet Lands F-16

By Athina Saloustrou

A young F-16 pilot made a successful emergency landing in the Limnos Airoport at 11:00, and after a scramble with a Turkish F-16 in Samos, his aircraft presented a serious problem in the engine. The aircraft accompanied by a second one completed their mission and were returning to the Aghialos base in Volos. During its flight one of the aircrafts that was piloted by 26-year-old Air Force Cadet, presented a problem in the fuel system, as the relative indicator suddenly dropped. The flight plan changed and the two aircrafts approached for landing in Limnos. Ten miles before the aircrafts engine shut down, the pilot was forced to an emergency landing at very adverse conditions, which was made successfully. The second aircraft landed in the auxiliary landing strip. It is noted that the pilot of the first aircraft had only 130 flying hours with the F-16.

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

[07] A New Opinion Poll Indicates 52% In Favor French Say "Yes" Thrice

By Athina Saloustrou

A new opinion poll made public today in France indicates a 52% in favor of the May 29 Euroconstitution referendum, reassuring its supporters. According to an opinion poll conducted by TNS-Sofres/Unilog published in Le Monde newspaper and broadcast on radio network RTL and television network LCI, 48% of the people that express the intention to vote stated that they will vote against it, while the undecided come to 27%. As per the poll, 50% of the voters of the Socialist Party will vote "yes", as opposed to 50% who will vote "no". Furthermore, 81% of UDFs voters will vote "yes". Finally, 69% of the French declare that they have made their final choice, while 29% declare that they may change their opinion by May 29.

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

[08] Olympic Airlines Announced New Increases

By Despina Hristopoulou

As of next week, Olympic Airlines tickets go up in price. The increase is four euros for intercontinental tickets and three euros for international. Olympic Airlines proceeded with the new price increase, two months after other international airline companies raised their ticket prices, as a result of liquid fuel prices' skyrocket increase.

Translated by Sofia Soulioti

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