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The Hellenic Radio (ERA): News in English, 05-06-18

The Hellenic Radio (ERA): News in English Directory - Previous Article - Next Article

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

CONTENTS

  • [01] Europe in a Tough Spot
  • [02] "ND's Government Onlooker of Developments"
  • [03] Aiming at Defeating Japan
  • [04] Tense Atmosphere in Ano Liossia
  • [05] Dozens of Insurgents Die
  • [06] Sacred War Against the Intruders

  • [01] Failed to Agree Europe in a Tough Spot

    18 Jun 2005 17:33:00

    By Vivian Papastefanou

    Greek PM Kostas Karamanlis described the developments concerning the EU budget for the period 2007-2013 as unpleasant. In the Press conference he gave after the Meeting, Mr Karamanlis spoke of adverse and complicated negotiations and failure to agree, while he stressed that Greece greatly supported EU President and Luxemburg PMs proposal, believing that a proportionate distribution of funds was a fair solution. The PM mentioned that the compromise solution set the funding of the EU budget at 1.06%, while it provided for freezing British rebates and redistributing expenditures among the various EU policies. The five countries that voted against the solution were Finland, Spain, the Netherlands, Great Britain and Sweden. However, as per the PM, none of the aforementioned countries were disagreeing on common grounds, since each one of them presented differing approaches.

    "No Consequences for Greece"

    The PM avoided making any predictions for the future, concerning the budget. However, he clarified that Greece will not have problems with funding after 2006, but he stressed that discussions will have to commence soon to reach the desired result. Meanwhile, he said that it was still early regarding the possibility of changing the Common Agricultural Policy.

    At the same time, he pointed out that the developments have brought the European Union in "a tough spot", however, he expressed the hope that efforts would soon be made to reach an agreement on fiscal prospects.

    As per Mr Karamanlis, the failure to reach an agreement on fiscal affairs was affected by the developments with the European Constitution, although, as he commented, these two matters are unrelated. "Even if there is no Constitutional Treaty, the Budget should exist," said the Greek PM.

    With regard to Greeces partnerships with other Members, he noted that there is agreement with all the countries, but more so with those that mainly receive Community aid, mentioning, "We were very close with Portugal."

    In reference to the negotiations, he underlined that they were extremely tough, because of "the shrinking budget, the enlarged composition and the greater needs of the EU Member-States," while he avoided making any predictions. "We cannot be making predictions today, but we can state our aims," stressed Mr Karamanlis.

    "Enlargement Will Go On"

    Referring to the Enlargement, he pointed out that the leaders expressed the common will to fully implement the relevant decisions made last December and that "Greece does have any reasons to doubt the policies it has been supporting lately."

    With regard to Turkeys candidacy, he hoped that the concurrence of views among political parties would be maintained and that there would not be a proposal to review a clear national strategy adopted by all the governments. Meanwhile, he noted that Turkeys accession process depends on Turkey itself.

    Asked whether there are concerns over the Enlargement of the EU, Mr Karamanlis pointed out, "Undoubtedly, the 25-Member EU is a composite and complex discussion and decision-making mechanism." He further added, "However, we were aware of that and I am not refuting my views, whereby the prospect of Enlargement was advantageous for many reasons, including the accession of the Republic of Cyprus."

    On the European Constitution

    During his Press conference, the PM also referred to the matter concerning the ratification process of the European Constitution, pointing out that the 25 leaders reviewed all the options, following the recent referendums in France and the Netherlands, and decided that, "The ratification process should continue along with a period of contemplation," given that the referendums created a different climate.

    He also noted that, based on the new state of affairs, the provision of reviewing the European Constitution, in case five Member-States voted against it, would not be adhered to within a specific timeframe. Furthermore, he commented that the November 2006 deadline would probably not apply anymore.

    Concerning the Member-States that have not ratified the Treaty yet, he said that the 25 leaders agreed on each one to decide on the timeframe it would be setting.

    Translated by Vicky Ghionis

    Related News:

    "ND's Government Onlooker of Developments"

    European Shipwreck

    [02] Opposition's Reactions "ND's Government Onlooker of Developments"

    18 Jun 2005 13:40:00 (Last updated: 18 Jun 2005 16:53:46)

    By Betty Savourdou

    Sources: NET 105.8 - MNA

    Following the Summit shipwreck in Brussels, PASOK described NDs government as "onlooker of the developments", expressing severe criticism over its handling, via PASOKs spokesperson on Foreign Affairs issues, Christos Papoutsis. At the same time KKE and SYN focused their criticism on the EU leaders. KKEs announcement pointed out the EU Summit Meeting clearly demonstrated that the EU Member-States, and EU bourgeoisie work together against the rights of the working class, but differentiate when it comes to moneys distribution, since each plutocracy pursuits to reap the largest share and boost its position in the imperialistic system. On his part, Michalis Sabatakis, member of SYNs Political Secretariat on the European policy, maintained that the EU leaders proved unworthy of the current situation, and he further added that peoples require a united and social Europe.

    To Brussels Without a Plan

    The government participated in the Summits proceeding without a plan, stated Christos Papoutsis, PASOKs spokesman on Foreign Affairs issues. He also added that Greek PM Kostas Karamanlis stance reminded him of the Lucernes case, and he added that none knew what were Greeces objectives regarding the EU funds issue, and that the government pushed Greece aside.

    At the same time Mr Papoutsis said that PASOK will responsibly work towards the redefinition of EUs objectives for the future.

    Referring to the Common Agricultural Policy, which was brought up to the Summit, Mr Papoutsis said that Mr Karamanlis will be held personally responsible for any retreat on the issue.

    Anti-Populist Strategy

    "The EU leaders decision to freeze the European Constitution ratification process, despite its being rejected by peoples vote, is indicative of their contempt towards peoples verdict," KKE announced regarding the EU Summit, whose proceedings reached an end yesterday.

    As for the fiscal sources referring to the period between 2007 and 2013, KKE supported that, "it is kept secret that the sources in question relate to the realization of the European Constitution, which promotes the anti-populist strategy adopted in Lisbon, as well as the EUs military policy."

    KKE accused NDs government and PASOK of participating in the anti-populist attack, adding that their dispute relies on that.

    Demand for a United and Social Europe

    Michalis Sabatakis, member of SYNs Political Secretariat on the European policy, said that the EU leader proved unworthy of the current situation.

    Referring to the European Councils results, Mr Sabatakis maintained that " Europes peoples demand for a united and social Europe protecting them," and he stressed that only a powerful EU Budget can meet this demand.

    He further added that EU leaders negotiated its failure.

    Translated by Areti Christou

    Related News:

    European Shipwreck

    Related Links:

    KKE

    SYN

    [03] Aiming at Defeating Japan

    18 Jun 2005 20:21:00

    By Dimitris Alexopoulos

    The footballers of the Greek National Team will try and put their loss against Brazil behind them and chase the victory against Japan on Sunday nights match. Playing against Zicos boys, who run like crazy around the pitch, the Greeks would have to put all their strength forward and play with a clear mind, so as not get carried away by the fast pace of the Japanese players. They will try to take control of the game and concentrate on the offence, aiming to score a goal, something that has been missing from their last few appearances. The Greek team, which will play without Seitaridis, Zagorakis and Amanatidis, will be sporting some new faces in its lineup, as Otto Rehhagel wants to give the opportunity to some of the newer footballers who have not had much experience on the pitch. Speaking at the scheduled Press conference today, the German coach stressed that the only thing he asked his players to do was to play better than in the game against Brazil. At the same time, and just a few hours before kickoff, Zico witnessed rising tensions within his team, following Shunsuke Nakamuras statements concerning Hidetoshi Nakata and which appeared in the Japanese Press today.

    Careful and Fearless

    In todays Press conference, head coach Otto Rehhagel advised his players to proceed with extreme caution in tomorrows game against Japan. "We have to be especially careful in tomorrows game, which we should definitely not lose. I am confident that all my players will appear strong and will play with passion, even though we are facing some problems. Seitaridis will not be able to play, while Zagorakis is in Bologna and he will not be joining us tomorrow. Amanatidis will not be playing as he is injured, while we will have to see about Kapsis," underlined Mr Rehhagel. Furthermore, elaborating on Japans game play, he mentioned, "They can run continuously for two hours at the same pace. They have a wonderful coach and in order for us to win we would have to play better than what we did against Brazil. However, I am neither worried, not scared."

    Otto Rehhagel also referred to Greeces stagnation in the offence. "We are a team that has a hard time scoring. We will try to improve on that tomorrow," he mentioned.

    Stelios Giannakopoulos, who spoke on behalf of the players, promised that he and his teammates would try their hardest against Japan, in order to please both their coach and all the Greeks. "The presence of the fans was amazing in the game against Brazil. What we are promising now is that we will try our very best in tomorrows game, since apart from the fans, we also want to make our coach proud of his team, especially at his birthplace."

    Giannakopoulos also underlined that the Greek players are not fazed by Japans excellent form, while he said, "If they will run, we will also run. We have proven that we can keep running in the pitch for as long as needed. We are at the end of the season and everyone is tired."

    Referring to the game against Brazil, he declared, "Before the match with Brazil we spoke about respect and not fear. But as it turned out, we respected it more that we should have. Both as individuals and as a team, we can play much better than what we did against Brazil and we all know that. At this point, all the matches are like finals, but even if we do not win tomorrow, a tie might also be enough for us to qualify for the semifinal."

    Whining within Japanese Team

    On the other hand, Japans head coach Zico seems to hold Greece at high esteem, which was evidenced by his thoughts about how he will be lining up his players, changing the 3-4-2-1 system to 4-4-2. Furthermore, he noted that he is afraid of Greeces highballs, while he aims at playing from the sides, where he has many fast players.

    Apart from the actual game, though, Zico will also have a hard time trying to beat some sense into Nakamura, especially, after the latters attack against his teammate Nakata, which created tension within the team.

    Basically, Nakamura accused Nakata of being responsible for their loss against Mexico (2-1) last Thursday in Hanover.

    "Hide [Nakata Hidetoshi] breaks forward often, so when we were receiving attacks in the centre, I had to run in to cover the gap he left behind. From one point onwards I could not hack it anymore and as a result I was substituted, which I consider a great disgrace. During a game, there are things one can and cannot do," said Nakamura after the match against Mexico.

    Therefore, he attributed the responsibility of his poor performance to his teammate, claiming that Nakata prevented him from playing as well as he could have.

    Translated by Vicky Ghionis

    [04] Police MAT Units at the Dump Tense Atmosphere in Ano Liossia

    18 Jun 2005 16:46:00

    By Vivian Papastefanou

    Tension was created today in Ano Liossia when representatives of the Intermunicipal Committee tried to approach the refuse dump and stop the transfer of sewage sludge, however the road had been blocked off by special MAT police units. A police van had closed off the entry to the dump, a fact that outraged the group of citizens who had arrived, and as a result they tried to break the police cordon. The inhabitants of the western suburbs are determined not to allow the transfer of sewage slump to the sanitary landfill and they are preparing new protests for next Tuesday. Yesterday, the Director of the First Instance Prosecutions sent a written order to the Attica Police chief, telling him to proceed with arrests in case of disorder.

    Translated by Vicky Ghionis

    Related News:

    Prosecutor Intervenes in Refuse Dump

    [05] Large American Army Operation Dozens of Insurgents Die

    18 Jun 2005 13:57:00

    By Betty Savourdou

    Sources: ANA

    Fifty people, which were believed to be insurgents, were killed during a 24-hour US army operation which was launched in western Iraq, near the border with Syria, as recorded by the American Marine force. 1,000 American marines took part in the operation, with their target being "to crush the rebels and foreigner fighters, and smash the movement that supports insurgents in Al-Karabilah and the neighbouring regions." The American and Iraqi authorities deem that many of those had reached the Iraqi territory through Syria, to join the native rebels and boost the uprising. On its part, Syria keeps denying the aforementioned allegations.

    Translated by Areti Christou

    [06] "Reform Based on Islam" Sacred War Against the Intruders

    18 Jun 2005 09:36:00

    By Betty Savourdou

    Sources: ANA

    Al Qaedas second-in-command Ayman Al-Zawahiri, in a taped message released on Friday by Al Jazeera, calls on the Muslims to enter a sacred war in order to turn away the Westerners and the Israelis from all Muslim countries. At the same time, Zawahiri asks all militant Palestinian groups not to surrender, as well as to abstain from the elections. "The reformation process and the freeing of the Muslim countries from the intruders can only be feasible if we fight in the name of God," stated Osama bin Ladens second-in-command.

    Without External Interventions

    In his message, al Zawahiri pointed out that any reform should be based on the Islamic law, and that the Muslim countries must be left free without external interventions or the presence of foreign troops.

    Earlier, Al Jazeera broadcast that in the same videotape al Zawahiri voiced criticism against the vexation of women during the demonstrations that occurred in Egypt on May 25, and he also accused the governments of Pakistan , Saudi Arabia and Egypt of favouring western policies in the area.

    Translated by Areti Christou


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