The Hellenic Radio (ERA): News in English, 05-09-07

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

CONTENTS

[01] On Real Estate Property Moderate Adjustment

By Vagelis Theodorou

The decisions on objective values will be announced towards the end of the year, as per Economy Minister Giorgos Alogoskoufis, who stressed that their moderate adjustment will occur gradually over the next three years. "The Governments aim is to purge the construction field and deal with tax evasion without upsetting the Economy and Greek citizens," he underlined. At the same time, Mr Alogoskoufis refuted Press articles, according to which competent committees had suggested increases up to 250%. "Such suggestions were never made to the Ministrys political leadership," voiced the Minister, also speaking of systematic actions from certain PASOK political mechanisms within the Ministry and announced he has ordered a Sworn Administrative Inquiry on the matter. The Opposition did not hesitate to answer back. Giorgos Floridis described the Government as "cunning," while the clash has been taken to Parliament as well, where Mr Alogoskoufis crossed swords with PASOK Parliamentarian Charis Kastanidis.

Harsh Clashes

As Mr Alogoskoufis underlined, the articles on objective values are the fruit of PASOK's systematic efforts to create political impressions, which "harm society, create confusion and profiteering."

"All of Greece knows there is a leadership crisis in PASOK," stressed the Minister and went on to add that political mechanisms coming from the Opposition are trying to undermine the Government policy. "As if it werent enough that PASOK left havoc in the Economy, it continues its destruction through its political mechanisms in Public Administration," ended Mr Alogoskoufis.

"We have a government that moves superficially and cunningly," commented PASOK Economy coordinator Giorgos Floridis and concluded, "they are preparing nothing with the necessary seriousness and at the same time they leak rumours to multiply revenues. However, these tactics create a huge problem of insecurity in the market and to Greek citizens of course, who literally do not know what to do."

Answering to Alogoskoufis' criticism, PASOK Press Spokesperson Nikos Athanasakis stressed that the crisis is in the heads of those who think they can manufacture it and spoke of the Government and ND's "scenarios and wishful thinking."

"With the method of leaks, the Government is creating a scandal in the real estate market," said SYN President Alekos Alavanos, repeating his party's proposal of not imposing taxes in first residences.

Clash in Parliament

Apart from statements back and forth, the clash on real estate objective values was also taken in Parliament, where Economy Minister and PASOK Parliamentarian Charis Kastanidis exchanged fire.

From Parliament, Mr Alogoskoufis repeated that rumours were created by PASOK-affiliated employees working in the Economy Ministry, who as he said, "rushed to give their suggestions to the media, before submitting them to the political leadership." The Minister said the publication of false evidence is unacceptable.

"A minister forced to resort to the allegation that his employees distort things, is in political defense," answered back Charis Kastanidis and wondered how Mr Alogoskoufis knows these people are affiliated to PASOK and ordered a Sworn Administrative Inquiry.

Translated by Sofia Soulioti

Related News:

Allegations Refuted

[02] In Stores Before the End of 2005 Pocket-Sized Projector

By Vagelis Theodorou

The new Toshiba projector might be small, but it has great capabilities. It is 139x39x100 millimetres and is expected to arrive in stores before 2005. The pocket-sized projector can be connected to a laptop and a cell phone, and will be able to make impromptu video projections and private PowerPoint presentations, since due to its small size it can be carried in a briefcase, without affecting its abilities. The secret of the new appliance is hidden in its LEDs. While regular projectors use a light bulb and a speedy rotating disc with red, blue and green filters, the pocket-sized one has blue, red and green LEDs. The combinations of red, blue and green LEDs can produce white light and project minimum heat, something that gets rid of the fans most projectors are equipped with. In addition, the aforementioned LEDs last for hundred of hours and blink immediately, while normal projectors need some time to warm up and cool off.

Projecting the New Trend

However, Toshiba is not the only company that has developed a pocket-sized projector. Epson and Japanese company Mitsubishi have also designed similar products.

There wont be tough competition, since Toshibas product will be in stores first. As for its price, it is expected to cost around 1,000 euros.

"The launch of the Toshiba projector could signal a new trend in portable video," says technology researcher in Edinburgh University James Stewart, adding that it will be useful to whoever wants to project a large volume of information through a cell phone or a laptop.

In closing, he stated that LEDs are as strong as light bulbs, since brightness is not a problem.

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

Related Links:

Toshiba Projectors

[03] Hopes of Qualifying Kept Alive Golden Victory

By Dimitris Alexopoulos

With a goal by Nikos Lymberopoulos in the 93, the Greek National Football team secured the victory over Kazakhstan and kept the hopes of finishing in second place in its group, which leads to the November playoffs, alive. During a gruelling match, which was not recommended for the faint-hearted, Kazakhstan led in the 53 with a goal by Zhumaskaliyev, turning Greeces dream into a nightmare. Luckily for the reigning European champions, Giannakopoulos tied the score in the 78, while the Greek team continued to apply the pressure, managing to win the game literally at the last minute. Following Turkeys victory over Ukraine later in the evening, Greece is in third place with 18 points. Fatih Terims squad is second with 20 points, but having played an extra game. Defeating Denmark is now a one-way street for Otto Rehhagels team.

Tragic First Half Performance

The journey from hell lasted exactly 93 minutes, which was the time Greece needed to achieve the victory and secure what were the three most significant points in its history. Three golden points that can lead the team to the German pitches, just as long as in the game against Denmark, Greece does not demonstrate the dismal performance it demonstrated in the first 78 minutes of todays game.

An average performance, without spirit and inspiration, and predictable game plays, especially crosses that were easily cleared away by Kazakhstans defence.

However, Kazakhstan also contributed to this. Mainly concentrating in the centre and the defence, they gave the Greeks ample of space, creating an inaccessible wall surrounding their box.

Greece, trapped by the Kazakhs pressuring, kept trying to score a goal for the entire first half, mainly aiming crosses towards Charisteas head.

The home team had the first opportunity to score, when in the 5, Litvinenko kicked from inside the box, but Katsouranis cleared away to a corner.

In the 16, Greece managed to break through the tight charge, when Zagorakis crossed the ball to Charisteas, who missed the target.

Kazakhstan threatened once again in the 40, when Zhumaskaliyev headed the ball from inside the box, but sent it just over Nikopolidis cross bar.

The Greeks responded in the 44, but Stelios Giannakopoulos header missed its mark.

Redemption in the 93'

The second half started off in the worst possible way for the Greeks. In the 53, Seitaridis failed to clear the ball away with a header, and following a cross, Basinas set up the ball beautifully for Zhumaskaliyev, who defeated Nikopolidis at the nets, scoring his teams first goal.

Almost immediately, Otto Rehhagel substituted Vryzas with Nikos Lymberopoulos, while a little later he substituted Katsouranis for Pantelis Kafes, shifting Basinas to the position of centre defender.

Lymberopoulos gave Greece wings in the offence, as he got down to business, passed the ball around and became a permanent menace for the opponents defence.

In the 63, after a free kick by Karagounis, Lymberopoulos caught the header, but the ball was wide.

In the 76, Greece missed a great opportunity to tie the score. Kafes kicked to Charisteas, who was quicker than Loria, but after some confusion in the box between Giannakopoulos and Lymberopoulos, the opportunity was wasted.

However, Giannakopoulos came back in the 78, nailing a header off Seitaridis cross, while at the same time breaking the Greek teams negative record of 623 goalless minutes. The equaliser revived the Greek team, which got back into the game and missed plenty of opportunities to double its goals.

In the 86, things started looking even better for Greece, since Karpovitch was sent off with a yellow-red card.

Redemption came in the 93, when Gekas set up the ball for Lymberopoulos, who scored Greeces second goal for the day, sending the team to second place in its group.

Kazakhstan finished the game with nine players, since Radionov was shown a red card during injury time.

REFEREE: Alexandru Tudor (Romania)

YELLOW CARDS: Avdeev, Khokhlov, Litvinenko, Karpovitch, Zhumaskaliyev, Larin Seitaridies, Kafes

RED CARDS: 86´ Karpovitch, 90´ Radionov

KAZAKHSTAN: Loria, Smakov, Familtsev (74´ Travin), Avdeev, Kuchma, Karpovitch, Zhumaskaliyev (81´ Baltiev), Azovskiy (52´ Larin), Khokhlov, Litvinenko, Radionov.

GREECE: Nikopolidis, Seitaridis, Fyssas (76´ Gekas), Kapsis, Katsouranis (60´ Kafes), Zagorakis, Basinas, Karagounis, Giannakopoulos, Vryzas (55´ Lymberopoulos), Charisteas.

Translated by Vicky Ghionis

Related News:

Rehhagel Is Relieved

Scoreboard

[04] In Three Hospitals After Checks Cockroaches and Expired Food

By Athina Saloustrou

Control units of the Athens Prefecture performed checks in 25 hospitals from 17 June to 2 September. Inspectors found problems in three hospitals; in particular in Laiko Hospital and Andreas Syggros there were cockroaches in the kitchen areas, while in Evangelismos authorities confiscated 13.5 kilos of fresh chicken that had been frozen and their consumption date had expired, while 56 kilos of mush potatoes were destroyed, as they had also expired. Minor problems were traced in the other hospitals with rusty kitchen utensils and lack of adequate ventilation.

Translated by Sofia Soulioti

[05] E. Polyzos Stricken from ND

By Vicky Keleri

Sources: ÁNA - ÍÅÔ 105.8

New Democracys Member of Parliament for Pieria, Evangelos Polyzos, was stricken from the partys Parliamentary Group, following the decision of the PM and party president, Kostas Karamanlis. The reason was the statements he made earlier today concerning bribery of party members, both within ND, as well as other political parties. Specifically, when the MP was asked to comment on the allegations made by NDs agrarian unionist Thanassis Kokkinoulis during a private party meeting regarding bribery of Public Administration members, he mentioned that there are good and bad people in every party. The announcement issued by ND mentioned, "Mr Polyzos has been stricken from his Partys Parliamentary Group due to the unfounded - as he himself admitted to the Parliamentary Groups Secretary - statements he made." In the afternoon, the Secretary of NDs Parliamentary Group, Apostolos Stavrou, contacted Mr Polyzos by phone and asked him to provide explanations regarding his statements. Mr Polyzos claimed that his statements had been distorted and added that he did not mean to say that there are members within New Democracy that have been bribed, while he admitted that his statements were unfounded.

Translated by Vicky Ghionis

[06] Accusations Over Bribing A Minister Kokkinoulis Refutes Accusations

By Tina Valaoura

Sources: NET 105.8, ANA

The story that surfaced, in relation to statements made in a private meeting between local ND party members in Larisa presided by ND Central Committee Secretary Mr Apostolos Stavrou, has caused disputes and disturbances. As per the Press articles, ND agrarian unionist Thanasis Kokkinoulis reportedly voiced accusations over the bribery of a specific Minister, without stating a name, in order to appoint and promote specific members to state-owned companies. Speaking to NET 105.8. Mr Kokkinoulis refuted the articles and described the accusations as fabricated. "It is an outright lie that I mentioned the bribery of Ministers," the ND agrarian unionist stated, while on the course of the Ministry of Rural Development he noted that his disagreements are on specific issues, such as cotton.

In an interview to Mega Channel, Rural Development Minister Mr Basiakos stated, "These accusations do not concern me," and added that he was briefed by Mr Stavrou on the meeting in Larisa, but was not aware of the above incident.

Government spokesperson Thodoros Rousopoulos was called to comment on the articles, and described Mr Kokkinoulis statement as clear, while he noted that the discretion of the government in moral issues is well known. On the question of whether "the PM trusts Mr Basiakos," Mr Rousopoulos said, "All Ministers are treated the same," while on the question of whether "the Minister is enforcing a personal policy, as it was stated by ND agrarian members," he replied, "Not in any case," referring to the cotton issue and checks which created a fairer system.

On its part, the Panhellenic Confederation of Union of Agricultural Coops (PASEGES) distanced itself from the situation. "Mr Kokkinoulis should answer to whatever he may have said," stated its President Mr Tzannetos Karamichas.

The issue was criticised by PASOK members as well. "A party which won the elections with the motto of modesty, humbleness, transparency and honesty should deal with such an issue with full transparency and honesty," stated Mr Evagelos Venizelos, after the meeting between a PASOK delegation and the Greek General Confederation of Labour (GSEE). "Obviously, the issue is of major importance and I am certain that the Prime Minister will intervene and give a convincing answer to public opinion," noted Mrs Vaso Papandreou, and underlined that if the accusations are true there should be consequences. "It is unacceptable to make such accusations and the government only trying to cover them up. It ought to proceed with the foreseen penalties," she said.

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

[07] With Union Members Papandreou's Meetings In View of TIF

By Vagelis Theodorou

On Wednesday morning, President of PASOK George Papandreou will hold consecutive meetings with union bodies in view of his speech at the Thessaloniki International Fair (TIF) on September 17. The circle of contacts started with the Greek General Confederation of Labour (GSEE), followed by the Supreme Administration of Greek Civil Servants Trade Unions (ADEDY), the Panhellenic Confederation of Union of Agricultural Coops (PASEGES) and the General Confederation of Greek Agrarian Associations (GESASE). As GSEE President Christos Polyzogopoulos stated, the Presidency of the Confederation discussed the governments legislative reforms on the bank employees insurance, the stores trading hours and overtime "which abolished the work of collective negotiations." Moreover, the GSEE President stated that the governments policy "reinforces and brazens the industrialists," and asked for a single political and social front for facing government policy, while referring to the rally in Thessaloniki he noted: "We will strongly oppose, in an organised manner, to all that is trying to be implemented and want to create barren land on the issues of labour relations, wages and social rights of employees and the unemployed." On his part, ADEDY President Spyros Papaspyros underlined that what is needed is the radical political overthrow of strictness and partisanship of the government.

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

[08] 174 Tonnes Located in August by the Authorities Perishable Food in Market

By Athina Saloustrou

More than 170 tonnes of perishable foodstuffs from foreign countries were seized by the relevant authorities of the Ministry of Rural Development since the beginning of August. In July, the Inspective Authorities located 186 perishable foodstuffs in the entrance points of the country. Furthermore, the repeated cases of changing the origin country of products have caused concern. After warnings by Deputy Minister Alexandros Kontos, a store owner in the central fruit and vegetable market of Larisa is being referred to the Prosecutor as he was selling Turkish lemons as Greek, while the origin country was not indicated in the invoices. Fines were imposed in two companies in eastern Attica since the origin country was not indicated on packages of peanuts from China.

The Perishable Products:

24 tonnes of frozen beef meat from Brazil 40 tonnes of frozen fish filets from Vietnam and Uganda 14 tonnes of pork intestines from China 13 tonnes of frozen lamb meat from New Zealand 12.6 tonnes of peppers from Turkey

The Unsuitable Foodstuffs:

17 tonnes of peanuts containing toxic substances from China 35 tonnes of frozen chickens and dairy products from Argentina and the US respectively with a false country of origin

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

[09] Ten-Part Plan Measures for Coastal Shipping

By Tina Valaoura

Sources: ÍÅÔ-ÁNA

Today, the Greek Mercantile Minister, Manolis Kefalogiannis, announced a packet of measures aiming at better serving the passengers and improving the coastal shippings image, so as to avoid similar incidents such as the ones recorded this past summer. The measures include free tickets to border island inhabitants travelling to and from the prefecture capitals, strict penalties for ships with constant mechanical failures, improvement of port infrastructure and creation of a passenger charter. Mr Kefalogiannis also announced the partial liberalisation of shipping routes from Piraeus to popular islands, where over three companies are operating.

Aiming at Quality Services

Specifically, the measures announced by the Mercantile Marine Minister provide for the following:

Strict penalties to shipping companies and agents that fail to notify passengers in advance for any changes to shipping routes, as well as modernisation of the communication systems between shipping agencies and passengers.

Thorough checks on ships by relevant ministerial agencies, as well as keeping a logbook of mechanical failures and invoking licences.

Thorough checks on the ships hospitality sectors by relevant ministerial agencies, with regard to adherence to the ISM (International Safely Management) Code.

Partial liberalisation of the ports of Kymi, Lavrio, Rafina, Elefssina, as well as the port of Piraeus.

Implementation of a programme of free tickets to border island inhabitants. The measure is being examined and relates to islands with a population of up to 3,100.

Five-year contracts (as opposed to one-year, which was the case up until now) for border island routes, in order to attract newly built ships that offer quality services.

Improvement of the infrastructure at the ports of Piraeus, Lavrio, Rafina, Kymi, Iraklio and others, through 3 billion euros from the European Investment Bank.

Finally, creation of a Passenger Rights and Obligations Charter, which would include the establishment of processes for resolving problems, payment of compensation, notification of passengers for any changes, as well as better assistance to people with disabilities. Mr Kefalogiannis noted that three of the Ministrys bills will be submitted to Parliament within the next few days, while the matter regarding appointing doctors on ships, a measure that was to be implemented last summer, will be discussed soon.

PASOKs Growth and Competitive Sector MP, Mrs Anna Diamantopoulou, described the measures as a delayed response. "A week ago, during a discussion in Parliament over coastal shipping, Mr Kefalogiannis had nothing to propose. Today, he honours the safety of monologue," commented Mrs Diamantopoulou, while she added that PASOK would be assessing the measures and responding to them.

P. Lafazanis, SYNs MP for Economic and Social Policy, also commented on the matter, noting that the problems with coastal shipping will not get resolved with new privileges to shipping owners capitals and the privatisation of ports and port services.

Translated by Vicky Ghionis

[10] Merkel and Schroeder Come Closer

By Anna Kourti

With two weeks to go until German parliamentary elections, the difference between Gerhard Schroeder Social Democrats and Angela Merkels Christian Democrats dropped to 10%. An opinion poll that was released on Wednesday showed that Merkels party maintains the lead with 42%, but Schroeders Social Democrats rose to 32%. The Green party got 7%, while the new Left Party took 9%. The opinion poll was performed by TNS Emnid on behalf of Berliner Morgenspost and was conducted between August 29 and September 5.

Translated by Areti Christou

Related News:

Schroeder-Merkel: 1-0

[11] Growth Rate Has Increased Inflation Decreased in August

By Athina Saloustrou

At the same time the growth rate for the second trimester of 2005 was at 3.7% from 3.5% in the first trimester

As it emerges from data of the National Statistical Service of Greece made public today, in August, inflation dropped to 3.7% as opposed to 3.9% in July. As per the Service, the decrease in inflation is due to the different start date of summer sales in 2005, in comparison to last year. In particular, the inflation in August is due to the following changes in relation to July: the 6.4% decrease in clothing and shoes and 2.5% in household items due to the general sales. It is also due to the 1.3% increase in foodstuffs prices and non-alcoholic drinks, the 0.1% in housing services, the 0.9% in transport, due to the oil price increase, and the 1.1% in telecommunications, due to the increase in telephone services. The average 12-month price indicator for August 2004-2005 recorded an increase of 3.3%, in comparison to the previous 12 months, as opposed to an increase of 2.9% recorded during previous years. The harmonised price indicator for August 2005 in relation to the corresponding month of 2004 presented a 3.6% increase, as opposed to 2.8% increase in the previous year comparison. Furthermore, the Greek economy growth rate increased in the second trimester of 2005, nearing 3.7%, as opposed to 3.5% in the first trimester. As per the data, the expenditure for final consumption in the second trimester of 2005 increased by 2.4% in comparison to the corresponding trimester last year, while imports decreased by 5.8%. In closing, investments decreased by 4.5%, in relation to the corresponding trimester last year.

In the meantime, a significant increase of 9.8% was recorded in the general total of incomes of the Budget for August, compared to the corresponding month last year. As per data made public by the Ministry of Economy, the Financial Offices (DOY) incomes increased by 7.8% and Customs by 13.4%, which resulted in the incomes total from these two sources to increase by 9.4%.

In addition, different categories incomes increased by 14%, while VAT incomes increased by 2.3%. The Ministry of Economy estimates that the positive trend will continue in the following months.

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

[12] Unleaded Around 4 Cents A Liter Cheaper Fuel

By Vicky Keleri

Sources: NET, NET 105.8

As of Thursday morning, the price of fuel will range in lower prices due to the slight de-escalation of global oil prices, which were in an upward spiral during the previous weeks. Many fuel station owners have been informed from trade companies that new deliveries will be made with a reduced invoice, and they have been asked to transfer the decrease to consumers. In foreign markets the barrel has been decreased by $5 in a week. The average price of unleaded in Greece neared at 1.015 euros, while at the same time in Portugal neared at 1.27. Price differences are apparent in several parts of the country. Thus, the average price of expensive unleaded in Rethymno is 1.094 euros, and the cheapest in Drama 0.968. In the meantime, Deputy Minister of Development Giorgos Salagoudis signed a decision with which the procedures for the issue of refinery trade, sale of fuel business permits are adjusted. At the same time, Synaspismos President Alekos Alavanos asked for measures such as price checks in refineries, a decrease of VAT or its return to low-income classes to be implemented, as well as a heating benefit.

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

[13] Rehhagel Is Relieved

By Dimitris Alexopoulos

The game between Greece and Kazakhstan is now history, with the Greek team snatching the victory at the 93 with Lymberopoulos goal. The only thing worth remembering is the victory, the three points and the fact that it was a game for nerves of steel. However, Rehhagel seemed more relieved that anyone else after the end of the match. During the scheduled Press conference, the German coach, whose substitutions greatly influenced the final result, appeared calm, relaxed and definitely satisfied with his choices. He had warned that the match would be tough and that is why he reminded everyone of Ukraines difficult victory in the same pitch.

Aware of the Difficulties

"I knew that the team of Kazakhstan was good. Even Ukraine had a hard time, scoring the winning goal during injury time; while in our home game, when we won by 3-1, they demonstrated some good points. They played with passion, while we needed to relax in order to play our game. As time was passing and we could not score, we started getting concerned, since we have problems scoring. Especially when we were losing by 1-0. The team awakened in the last half hour. We threw three players in the game to change our image. My players definitely demonstrated ethos," said Mr Rehhagel.

It is worth noting that after Lymberopoulos goal, all the players started celebrating, while he remained calm. "I have to have a clear head on the bench," he noted.

Mr Rehhagel also added, "We have taken another step towards qualifying and we are awaiting the rest of the results. I have to see what has to change in the team. We will not be broadcasting what has to change; we will calm down and discuss what needs to be done in view of the game against Denmark."

The head coachs assistant, Giannis Topalidis, also made statements after the match, noting, "Everything was hard. There is a difference between preparing and dealing with stuff on the pitch. The home team was playing against the European champions and they wanted to defeat them. We are happy with this turn of events."

On the other hand, Kazakhstans coach, Sergey Timofeev, was justifiably irate, since his team nearly won their first point, especially as they were playing against the European champion. He was not happy with the refereeing and mentioned this in his statements.

"I did not like the referring. This very bad referee kept awarding all the fouls to us. I understand that Greece is the European champion, but this was not right. My players were quite tired, because of the match against Albania," noted Kazakhstans coach.

It should be noted that the Kazakh reporters applauded the coach of their national team, as soon as he finished his statements.

One of Kazakhstans top players, Oleg Litvinenko, was also disappointed, as was the case with most of his teammates. "We were good; we touched the point, but we did not make it. Thats the way the ball goes, though, and so the Greeks won."

Players Concentrate on Result

On their part, the Greek players admitted that their performance was not good for most part of the game.

Stelios Giannakopoulos declared, "It was a tough, but fair victory. We were given no space to play ball during the first half, while the bad condition of the pitch was another obstacle. Despite initiating many attacks, we received a goal, but we managed to tie and eventually win the game. Before the winning goal, I had told Lymberopoulos that he would score in the 95."

Michalis Kapsis underlined, "It was a tough game and it would have been reprehensible if we achieved a bad result. Luckily, we had the mental reserves to turn the game around and win by 2-1, a very crucial result for the future. The three points are important."

Giorgos Karagounis noted, "We demonstrated character and were turned the score around, despite our anxiety. It was a significant victory. As time was going by, things kept turning in our heads. We believed in it, though, we pressured our opponents and we turned the match around. We are happy, since we had a long time to score a goal, while we will play better against Denmark."

Finally, Zisis Vryzas declared, "We are left with the victory, while we have to improve in order to be prepared for the remaining two games. These matches are tough; let us not forget that even Ukraine won during injury time."

The Greek Deputy Minister of Sport, Giorgos Orfanos, congratulated the Greek players, saying, "It was a tough, but fair victory. We are still in the game and we remain optimistic until the end."

Translated by Vicky Ghionis

Related News:

Golden Victory

[14] Soaked to Death

By Vagelis Theodorou

Seven Germans spent 101 consecutive hours under a shower and managed to smash one of the weirdest ever records listed in Guinness Book. Five men and two women, aged 17 to 25, earned their place among the pages of the Guinness Book of Records by staying under water for more than four days to smash the 100-our record set in 2000 by a group of Berliners. The wet venture took place in the Hotel Victoria. The participants initially numbered 10, however, three could not take it and dropped out three days later. The remaining seven were allowed a 10-minute break every hour, while they slept standing up under the shower. A 17-year-old, who dropped out last, won around 2,010 euros. "The participants are physically in good health, but very tired," said Marion Sander, spokeswoman for the Hotel Victoria, who congratulated them on their record.

Translated by Areti Christou

[15] Announced by the Mayor of Athens Municipal Fees for Big Families

By Tina Valaoura

Today, Mayor of Athens Dora Bakoyianni voiced her intention to propose a 50% cut in municipal fees for families with 4+ children to the Athens Municipal Council. The measure, which is expected to be enforced on January 1, 2006 and will concern families with a reduced PPC invoice, was announced during an event in cooperation with the National Organisation of Multi-Member Families and the Athens Multi-Member Families Union in Technopolis, Gazi. "It is a step forwards in our effort to support all of you, who in these times have taken the road less travelled," noted Mrs Bakoyianni. During the event schoolbags and stationery were given to 1st grade students.

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

[16] Due to a General Assembly On Thursday Blue Buses Pull Handbrake

By Vagelis Theodorou

On Thursday, the residents of Attica will not be able to use blue buses from 11:00 to 16:00, due to an employees General Assembly. During the Assembly, the employees will investigate the event of collective actions, as they claim that the 2005 Collective Employment Contract has not been implemented. Moreover, they will voice their opposition to scenarios over the abolishment of the 40-hour working week and the replacement with part-time employment, as well as the imminent privatisation of city transport.

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

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