The Hellenic Radio (ERA): News in English, 05-06-22

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

CONTENTS

[01] Bank-OTE Reforms in Parliament "Citizens Will Not Be Burdened"

By Vagelis Theodorou

Speaking at the Parliamentary Economic Affairs Committee, which voted the bill over Stock Exchange issues where the specific reforms are included, Minister of Economy, Giorgos Alogoskoufis reassured that the reforms for banks and OTE will not burden the state and the taxpayers, and do not affect previous social security rights. The Presidents of GSEE and OTOE oppose the reforms in banks and OTE, while Director of IKA, Giannis Vartholomaios calculated the cost that will burden the organization to nine billion euros, and reassured that its finance is going well. In the meantime, President and Managing Director of the Organization, Panagiotis Vourloumis and OME-OTE representative, Antonis Birbilis support voluntary redundancy.

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

Related News:

No End to Strikes

Main Points Undisputed

Tension in Parliament

[02] Mobilisations Escalate on Friday No End to Strikes

By Vivian Papastefanou

The ongoing OTOE (Hellenic Federation of Bank Employees Unions) strike has caused serious problems to the market, as there is no cash and all transactions are held with plastic money. Merchants protest for this situation and request for sales to start earlier. Today has been a day for nerves of steel for pensioners and those entitled to unemployment benefits, since many were those who literally had to make the tour of Athens to get their money, although banks had extra emergency personnel. Bank problems will continue for two more days, although an announcement has been issued reading that more emergency personnel will be used for pensions and unemployment benefits. The Agricultural Bank of Greece (ATEbank) announced that pensions will be given as of June 23. In the meantime, strikes and mobilisations will reach their climax on Friday with the 24-hour strike announced by GSEE (Greek General Confederation of Labour), which is expected to cause problems both to the public and private sector. A demonstration in Syntagma has been scheduled for 10:30 to voice the opposition to the policies of demolishing social security and destroying labour relations.

The metro system, the electric railway, the suburban railway and OSE (Hellenic Railways Organisation) will not be operating on Friday, while there will be problems with the Olympic Airlines and the Greek ports. All DEKOs (public enterprises classed as public services and utilities) will also remain closed.

Blue buses will not be performing any routes from the beginning of the shift until 8 in the morning and from 9 in the evening until midnight, will trolleys will not be serving the public from 04:00 to 06:00 and from 23:00 until midnight. Thessaloniki will be left without urban buses on Friday from the beginning of the shift until 8 in the morning and from 21:00 until the end of the shift.

Tomorrow, dock workers will convene to define their further actions. ADEDY (Supreme Administration of Greek Civil Servants Trade Unions) has decided to proceed with a three-hour work stoppage from 10:00 to 13:00.

Translated by Sofia Soulioti

Related News:

Week of Developments

[03] According to Canadian Scientists Breast Cancer Strikes Men

By Vagelis Theodorou

Sources: ANA

More and more men are affected by breast cancer, as a 10-year study conducted by the Oncology Institute of British Columbia has indicated. According to the Canadian scientists, the spread of the disease is not affected by the sex of the patient, while in comparison to women, men undergo more chemotherapy after the surgery for the treatment of cancer. The scientists are sounding the alarm and are attempting to educate men for the immediate diagnosis of the disease, and for a preventive check if they feel discomfort in the chest. However, as they state, they cannot be absolutely sure over the results of their study, since the ratio of breast cancer in men is one man to 100 women.

Need for Further Research

60 men and 4,181 women that underwent surgery for breast tumor removal from 1989 to 1998 took place in the study.

According to the results, after surgery for the treatment of breast cancer, men underwent six times more chemotherapy in comparison to women in a similar stage of the disease. The main reason for this fact is the anatomy of the male chest that does not allow surgeons to know for sure if they have removed the tumor in full.

Breast cancer affects men around 60 to 70-years-old, a decade later than women. Even if their age slows down the growth of the disease, the belated diagnosis due to its rarity can have negative results over its progression in the male population. However, according to the results of the research, within the five and ten years, the same percentage of survival was noted in both sexes.

As the scientists state, men have bigger chances of the disease reappearing after the surgery, thus the treatment have to be the same to men and women something which is not being currently done. In closing, because the spread of the disease does not seem to depend from the sex, the scientists state that chemotherapy depends from the stage of the cancer and if it has moved to the lymph nodes.

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

[04] Gagatsis Fully Supports Otto

By Dimitris Alexopoulos

President of the Hellenic Football Federation (HFF), Vasilis Gagatsis expressed his full support to Otto Rehhagel, in statements made to radio station SPORtime FM. "He will remain in the National Football Team of Greece for as long as he wishes. On the other hand, Dusan Bajevic is an accomplished coach, but for the next three years, at least, there is no issue of substituting the current national coach," explained the man that brought the German to Greece. At the same interview, Mr Gagatsis claimed that the recent bad performances of the Greek team are due to tiredness while he left the future of the European Champions to the coach.President of the Hellenic Football Federation (HFF), Vasilis Gagatsis expressed his full support to Otto Rehhagel, in statements made to radio station SPORtime FM. "He will remain in the National Football Team of Greece for as long as he wishes. On the other hand, Dusan Bajevic is an accomplished coach, but for the next three years, at least, there is no issue of substituting the current national coach," explained the man that brought the German to Greece. At the same interview, Mr Gagatsis claimed that the recent bad performances of the Greek team are due to tiredness while he left the future of the European Champions to the coach.

"We Want Him to Stay"

On the issue of the German coach Mr Gagatsis was clear. "Otto Rehhagel will decide to leave when he cannot do anything else, because we want to keep him in the Greek National team for as long as he wishes. It would be good if he remains with us for the next two, three or five years. This is the intention. I believe that he will stop his coaching career in Greece. If he decides this in 2006 and he does not remain with us until 2008, I have said that I will discuss the issue with him and he will propose the further actions. He has had my support when everyone was cursing and saying, "Kick out the tourist."

About the scenarios that surfaced and brought Dusan Bajevic as the next coach of the Greek team, the President of the HFF stated the following: "I am a man that likes risks. Dusan Bajevic is not a risk decision, since it is a natural conclusion. The whole issue came up by a German journalist. I appreciated the work he has done in Greece but I dont consider I am taking any risks with Bajevic. Right now, we have a coach for the next three year and if it is possible for the next five years."

On the question of the aftermath in the case that the team does not ensure its participation in the final stage of 2006 World Cup, Vasilis Gagatsis stated: "I have already made the proposal to Otto Rehhagel. Before the issue of qualification or not had cleared up. The Federation and myself want him to stay for as long as he wishes. His answer jokingly was: "President, do not make me go out in the pitch in a wheelchair. We will discuss this in the fall." Regardless of if we qualify or not our position will be that he will remain coach of the team for the next 3 years."

Commenting of the current picture of the Greek team in the Confederations Cup, Mr Gagatsis defended the team: "These boys have been playing non-stop without taking vacations for the past two years. It is only natural that besides the tiredness, the players are more prone to injuries. We didnt suddenly become Brazil, to have 100 substitutes for Otto Rehhagel to replace. Every loss is important. Lets not forget that Otto Rehhagel has gone forth inviting new players, but he will be the one to judge when they will be used. I do not have any complaints and I would be most unfair person in the world if I did. How can I have any when the team took us to the top of Europe? What else can a man ask for? The Confederations Cup is a lesson to all of us about what it means for our opponents to face us as European Champions. It is a tournament, which we entered for experience. We will all leave wiser, even if we didnt acquire the desirable result."

In closing, referring to the announcement given out by FIFA last Sunday, and in which the President of FIFA Joseph S. Blatter expressed his support to the HFF, Vasilis Gagatsis said: "I will only say two things. Firstly, I went to FIFA after an invitation by the President, I did not go on my own. Secondly, the announcement of the FIFA President is self-explanatory. Therefore I do not have any comments. I had warned that this would happen, when certain things continue but no one believed me. Everyone can make their own conclusions."

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

[05] 9 Years Since He Passed Away Memorial Service for Andreas Papandreou

By Vivian Papastefanou

Shortly after 15:00 a memorial service was held in the Athens Cemetery for the nine years since PASOK founder and former Prime Minister Andreas Papandreou passed away. His son and present president of PASOK George Papandreou, members of his family, former associates and PASOK members, as well as ordinary people attended the service. In statements, PASOK's president stressed that "Andreas Papandreou inspires us all with his struggles for democracy and justice. His ideas will always be modern." As for Dimitra Liani, she said that all this years Andreas Papandreou's fights seem to collapse. Leaders are needed more than ever to keep visions alive. Apostolos Kaklamanis stated that the memory of Andreas Papandreou is a sacred heritage for the democratic party. Lastly, Tilemachos Chititiris underlined that "we have a government working for the few. All of us and the people will remember Andreas Papandreou for his ideas and personality."

Translated by Sofia Soulioti

[06] Over the Accident in Tempi Responsibility Falls on Drivers

By Mary Lou Tzempelikou

On Wednesday, the Alexandroupoli One-Member First Instance Court ruled that the driver of the lorry, Dimitris Dolas is responsible by 80% over the road accident in Tempi, which resulted in the death of 21 students, in April 2003. The Court also ruled that the driver of the bus and KTEL Imathias employee, Konstantinos Mavromichalis is also responsible by 20%, who the Court considered as responsible over the increase of the results of the collision since the bus did not have the due passive safety. The trial of Alexandroupoli had began in February, while the lawsuits of the families are against the Agrotiki Insurance (lorry), Ethniki Insurance (KTEL Imathias bus), the owners of the lorry and the company AKRITAS.

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

[07] Starting from the Coming School Year Health Report of Students

By Vagelis Theodorou

The compulsory personal health report aims at the protection of students life, and which all Primary and Secondary education students will acquire starting from the coming school year. As Deputy Minister of Education, Giorgos Kalos announced the report will be filled in by parents and guardians, after examinations taken by students in Health Centers or Hospitals of the area, or doctors of the social security organization of the parents. Every student will be checked to see if he or she suffers from chronic illnesses, allergy, dyslexia and from fainting spells after exercise, while those who will not submit it will be excluded from P.E. classes, as well as other relative school activities. On the issue of uninsured children and foreign students, the cost of the reports issue will be paid by the state. The report, which is confidential, will be submitted by the parents of students in 1st, 3rd and 5th grade of Elementary School, in 6th grade of Middle School and 9th grade of High School. For the current school year, the registration has started and a deadline will be given after the start of the school year. Moreover, Mr Kalos announced measures for the safe transport of children to school trips.

Measures for School Trips

According to the Deputy Minister, starting from the coming school year, the rules for school trips change, and will be made in two periods, from October 13 to December 15 and from March 1 until 15 days before exams, in order to restrict mass transfer.

Furthermore, the teacher attendants will be increased to one teacher per 30 students (as opposed to 40) in domestic trips and one teacher per 20 students in trips aboard (as it was before).

The planning of the trips will be made from the beginning of the school year, while a common agreement between the travel operator and the school is established

In closing, Mr Kalos announced the upgrade of Technical Professional Schools (TEE), from 2007 and its students will have access to Technological Educational Institutes (TEI).

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

[08] Bloody Clashes in Afghanistan

By Betty Savourdou

At least 46 guerrillas and five security forces soldiers lost their lives, while five US soldiers were injured during clashes in southern Afghanistan, as per a US army announcement issued on Wednesday. The clashes that lasted for more than 11 hours were part of an operation with the code-name Katania, which aimed at eliminating guerrillas in view of the September parliamentarian elections.

Translated by Sofia Soulioti

[09] By Outraged Crowd in the West Bank Palestinian Fire Against Qurei

By Mary Lou Tzempelikou

The visit of Palestinian Prime Minister Ahmed Qurei in Nablus on Wedensday was marked by gunfire and the blast of a small explosive device. Qurei had visited the refugee camp of Balata, West Bank, to meet local officials, when armed men opened fire against the building he was in as a sign of protest for the policy followed by the Palestinian Authority. The Palestinian PM was not injured, while upon his departure the armed men opened fire again and a small device exploded only 300 metres away from the convoys location. "We do not wish for this chaos," said Qurei after the incident and added that the Palestinian Authority will not yield to those who wish to impose anarchy.

Disappointment

The attack cannot be considered as a murder attempt but as a protest according to the statements of one of the armed men, who also stressed, "officials are living glamorously and we, who have given so much for Palestine, have nothing."

It is noted that the security issue is of primary importance for the Palestinian PM. Last week, he had voiced his outrage for the anarchy prevailing in many Palestinian regions, while he threatened to abolish his government in case it doesn't cope with the problem effectively.

Translated by Sofia Soulioti

[10] Unleaded Reaches Record Price Fuel Prices Catch Fire

By Mary Lou Tzempelikou

The price of unleaded gas in many gas stations in Greece has reached one euro a liter, while the concern over the international prices of black gold is evident. The price of oil in New York was configured at $58.90 a barrel, while Brent crude, once again, exceeded $58. Analysts fear that the price will exceed $60, while the increases in Greece have caused chain reactions. Already, the price of super unleaded gas exceeds one euro and diesel 90 cents in 44 Prefectures of the country. The predictions of taxi and truck owners are grim, and speak of an important increase of the transport costs, while the owners of tourist busses ask for a decrease in fuel tax. On his part, Deputy Minister of Development, Giorgos Salagoudis announced the intensification of checks, while he asked from the bodies of the market for moderation.

Eyes Turned to the U.S.

In the meantime, all eyes are turned to the U.S., from where an announcement is expected over the strategic store of fuel, a fact that will have an immediate effect on the price of a barrel.

According, to international news agency Reuters, the store of fuel is expected to have decreased by 1.7 million barrels in relation to last week. If this is proven true, this will be the third continuous decrease of American fuel store during the last three weeks.

Answering to journalists questions, Mr Salagoudis said that the continuous increase of prices is worrying, not only for Greece, but also for the international economy. Referring to the percentages of dependence of our country from oil, he noted that Greece has not taken advantage of the Alternative Forms of Energy, however, it had the smallest increase in prices from all the European Mediterranean countries.

Making reference to the Electric Power Company (DEI) increase to invoices, he said that the percentage of increase, which will be decided in the fall, will be at the levels of inflation, under the condition that the prices of oil will not be increased, while he repeated that now is not the time for an adjustment, which Greece has to implement in relation of the Special Consuming Tax.

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

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Upward Spiral for Black Gold

[11] Another Miracle on eBay

By Mary Lou Tzempelikou

Sources: BBC, eBay

It has come close to becoming an obsession. The internet sale of food depicting from saints to aliens has become a trend. So far, the famous auction website eBay has sold a slice of toasted bread depicting the Virgin Mary as well as a flake of cereals looking like an alien! It was the turn of the most discussed person lately to appear on some kind of food. The king of pop music, Michael Jackson, appeared as by a miracle on his fans slices of toasted bread. In fact, the same people who want to sell these "collectors items" claim that bread slices reading "not guilty" popped out from their toasters at the very moment Jackson was proclaimed innocent!

Toaster in the Role of a Prophet

We cannot be sure whether the owners of these unique objects believe they can fool Michael Jackson's fans, however if you surf on eBay you can easily ascertain that the toasted bread mania has become the object of taunting.

Many are those who simply scratched a well-toasted slice of bread in such a way that it would finally depict the figure of Jackson or the words "not guilty." Still, the funniest thin is the messages under these entries.

Some claim their toaster foresaw the acquitting decision, while other do not hesitate to make fun saying it is a "holy slice of bread," that will always remember its buyer the historic moment of Jackson's acquittal.

So far, only one slice of bread, the one in the first picture, had a better luck since its price rose from one to 13.60 dollars after 13 biddings.

However, international media are already referring to the subject and many shows focus on the new breadmania that has already started to spread on the Internet.

Let's see who will pop out of our toasters next

Translated by Sofia Soulioti

Related Links:

eBay

[12] For the Fight Against Drugs Partnership of Hope

By Vicky Keleri

A rehabilitation treatment program for adults will begin in Avlida with the partnership of the City of Athens, ERT and the Multiple Intervention Center for Dependent Drug Users (KPP). The name of the program is "Choice" and includes five stages, from entrance to social rehabilitation. The facilities will be built in an area of 20 acres in Kalochori, Avlida that was given by ERT. The City of Athens has taken the study, the construction and the equipment of the work and the funds for its financing, while KPP is responsible over the clinical program, the preparation of specifications, the staff and the operation of the program. The slogan of "Choice" is "Winning Life" and its message is that individuals trapped in drugs are not "a lost case."

United for the Drugs Problem

In a Press interview, given this noon concerning the rehabilitation program, the Mayor of Athens noted that the operation is based on the unification of powers, funds and knowledge, underlining that the City of Athens will not remain passive against the problem of drugs, but takes up initiative and advances the idea of partnership.

She added that the treatment procedure of "Choice" is based on land cultivation which symbolically and practically demands hard work, but also give great satisfaction, giving individuals that want to break free from drugs perspective, skills and a career.

On his part, President and Managing Director of ERT, Christos Panagopoulos, stated that the Public Television has a duty to fulfill a work for society. He also made a commitment that ERT will participate and promote the program using all its power. The great importance of the partnership between KPP and the City of Athens was stated by President of KPP, Mr Paraskevopoulos and called on other Municipalities that have reservations to follow this example.

Mr Paraskevopoulos made extensive mention to the five stages that will make up the program, explaining that the following are recommended: a counseling station in Athens with the immediate entry of users without a waiting list, a Body Rehabilitation Center in Avlida equipped with 30 rooms, a Treatment Community Hostel, also in Avlida for 50 individuals and a nine-month duration, a Social Rehabilitation Center in Athens with a duration of eight to 10 months, and a Family Support Center for the families of dependent drug users.

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

[13] No Houses in Danger Fire in Panorama Voula

By Mary Lou Tzempelikou

Sources: NET 105.8- ANA

On Wednesday afternoon a fire broke out, due to unknown reasons, in a bush area in Panorama Voula. Forty firemen and 12 vehicles rushed to the scene, while the work of the ground forces were reinforced by fire aircrafts. The fire that broke out in a ravine and is not threatening inhabited areas was put under control shortly after it broke out.

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

[14] For Presenting False Evidence Parliamentarian Sues Public Sector

By Vivian Papastefanou

PASOK Parliamentarian Dimitris Lintzeris is claiming a 1.5-million-euro compensation for the emotional distress he suffered after the publication of false, as he supports, evidence for his assets that were submitted to the Parliament's competent auditing authority. In the lawsuit he filed against the Greek Public Sector and in particular against the Minister of Economy and the Parliament's Speaker, he stressed the presented evidence showed he had played in the Stock Market and in fact had lost over half a billion drachmas. At the same time, he underlined the evidence was false, as he had never proceeded with any other stock market transaction other than selling IASO Medical Centre stocks, where he was a stockholder because of his medical profession.

Translated by Sofia Soulioti

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