The Hellenic Radio (ERA): News in English, 05-09-08

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

CONTENTS

[01] PM Arrives in the Evening All Eyes on Thessaloniki

By Vagelis Theodorou

With a few days to go until Prime Minister Kostas Karamanlis speech in the 70th Thessaloniki International Fair, the Greek PM is expected to arrive in Thessaloniki on Thursday evening, while in the evening he will meet with Russian President Vladimir Putin, who is visiting the Mount Athos, the centre of Eastern Orthodox Monasticism. Mr Karamanlis is to deliver two speeches in the Helexpo Congress Centre Ioannis Vellidis, one on Friday during the inaugural ceremony and one on Saturday night at the dinner in honour of the TIF administration. On Sunday, he is to participate in the Press Conference. As per information, the Prime Minister will make an extensive reference to the Greek economy and he will underline the need for reforms. He will also announce extra provisions for low-income and pension earners, as well as families with 4+ children. Furthermore, he will make a special reference to the works in the wider area, including Egnatia Odos Motorway, the expansion of Macedonia Airport runway, the underwater tunnel and Thessalonikis Underground. During his stay in Thessaloniki, Mr Karamanlis will hold meetings with the citys market bodies and he will visit the Fairs stands.

Visits and Collective Actions

The rest of the political leaders will also visit Thessaloniki. SYN President Alekos Alavanos will visit the TIF this upcoming Tuesday, KKE Secretary General Aleka Papariga on Wednesday and LAOS leader Giorgos Karatzapheris on Friday.

PASOK leader George Papandreou will arrive in Thessaloniki on September 17 to attend the formal dinner with the citys social actors' organisations, while he will give a Press Conference on Sunday.

As usual, the Prime Ministers visit to the TIF will be escorted by collective actions on the part of the trade unions. GSEE (Greek General Confederation of Labour) and ADEDY (Supreme Administration of Greek Civil Servants Trade Unions) will stage a rally at 18:30pm on Saturday and will march towards HANTH Square.

Translated by Areti Christou

Related News:

Papandreou's Meetings In View of TIF

Feverish Preparations Ahead of TIF

Related Links:

70η Διεθνής Έκθεση Θεσσαλονίκης

[02] Hopes for Diabetics Inhaled Insulin on the Way

By Mary Lou Tzempelikou

Inhaled insulin, which is expected to be released in Greece in two years time, is promising a more normal life for the diabetics. Inhaled insulin is better absorbed by the sufferers organism, while it can be used instead of the continuous injections, for it is equally efficient. Around two million Greeks suffer from diabetes with half of them being ignorant of their situation. There two types of diabetes: type 1, which may appear from childhood, and type 2, which is caused by the peoples lifestyle. The latest researches and studies on diabetes will be presented at the conference of the European Association for the Study of Diabetes (EASD), which will be taking place from 10 to 15 September at the Peace and Friendship Stadium in Athens, Greece. 12,000 doctors from 120 countries are expected to attend the conference.

Translated by Areti Christou

Related Links:

ΕΑSD

ΕΑSD Athens 2005

[03] Magical Education Costs a Fortune

By Mary Lou Tzempelikou

How much do private schools charge? The issue ranks among the top stories in view of the opening of the new school year with the parents being in quest for the best but also the cheapest school to send their offsprings. But, have it occurred to you how much the education of young children would cost were they to wish to become wizards or choose the famous Hogwarts school for wizards? A team of currency experts worked out the value of gold galleons, the currency that is valid only in Hogwarts, to calculate the fees for the school Harry Potter attended and they found that a golf galleon is worth around 7.40 euros. Therefore, bearing in mind this currency, the first year in Hogwarts would set the parents of a would-be wizard back 2,500 euros just to purchase the basic equipment!

This means that a magic wand would cost around 50 euros and a superior broomstick, like Harry Potters Nimbus 2000, would your wallet lighter by around 2,220 euros.

The above calculations were made by Travelex Company, whose experts based their calculations on JK Rowlings books and on interviews with the writer.

In fact, they claimed this was a unique experience for them since it was the first time they worked out the value of a fictional currency, which is said to be really sturdy and could assert itself on the international money market.

Translated by Areti Christou

Related Links:

Τravelex

To επίσημο site της Τζόαν Κ. Ρόουλινγκ

Το επίσημο site του Χάρι Πότερ

[04] Fears of Epidemics-Five Died of Cholera New Orleans, a Dead City

By Vagelis Theodorou

While floodwaters gradually recede, horror images are revealed throughout New Orleans. Five people died of bacteria similar to those of cholera, while fearing epidemic outbreaks, Mayor Ray Nagin ordered the citys forcible evacuation. The tests on the waters showed they contain high levels of bacteria ten times above security levels, since there are fuel and toxic waste leaks. The Environmental Protection Agency announced that the standing waters have been contaminated with coliform bacteria and urged the residents to avoid any contact. At the same time, around 63,000 troops have been deployed to aid the hurricane-hit, while policemen and National Guard are searching for survivors and people in dire straits. On the other hand, US President keeps coming in for severe criticism over his administration slow response. On his part, George Bush asked for further 52 billion dollars to deal with the crisis.

Mammoth Aid

The citys authorities have started removing the residents who wish to leave the city and then they will forcibly remove those who refuse to do so. Police estimate that 5,000 to 10,000 people remain stranded in New Orleans ten days after hurricane Katrina hit the American South. However, some residents say they will resist, thus raising fears for violent incidents.

The authorities believe that it will take them months before they estimate the precise death toll, while the Federal Emergency Management Agency has asked for 25,000 special bags for the transfer of the bodies.

Meanwhile, a week after the 10.5 billion dollar relief package was approved, Bush administration requested Congress approve further 51.8 billion dollars to assist the rescue workers and to provide the residents with fresh water and medicines.

It is estimated that the recovery operation in the American South costs one billion dollars per day, while the overall cost is expected to exceed 150 billion dollars.

At the same time, the future of the US economy is viewed as grim. Economists believe that the growth rate will drop by half or one point in the first half of 2005 and that there will be 400,000 job losses. On their part, insurance companies estimate that their damages will range from 14 to 35 billion dollars.

Furthermore, analysts predict that Katrina will raise demand in housing and infrastructure and it will significantly boost the US economy in 2006. As for New Orleans, they say it will be rebuilt in ten years.

Translated by Areti Christou

[05] He Provided Explanations to Reppas P. Sgouridis' Separate Stance

By Vicky Keleri

Sources: ΑNA - ΝΕΤ - ΝΕΤ 105.8

On Wednesday night in Parliament, PASOKs MP for Xanthi, Panagiotis Sgouridis, decided to adopt a separate stance from the rest of the Opposition members, and voted in favour of the 10 articles of the bill concerning private and public sector cartels, and specifically those for awarding public works. As he noted, the articles in question fall within the Community Green Paper for public works, stressing that Greece has an obligation to conform. PASOK has opposed the bill in total, speaking of lack of transparency in public work contracts, while the partys President, George Papandreou, described it as a "suit to corruption". Asked whether Mr Sgouridis might be stricken from the party, PASOKs spokesperson Nikos Athanasakis noted, "Obviously, his stance was wrong and he will probably need to provide explanations." On Thursday morning, the Xanthi MP provided explanations to the secretary of PASOKs Parliamentary Group, Dimitris Reppas, while, according to sources, Mr Papandreou challenged him over his stance, during a dinner party for the party MPs who participated in the 2nd Recess Station of Parliament.

Translated by Vicky Ghionis

[06] From 15 to 30 September Registrations to Universities

By Vagelis Theodorou

The students who were admitted to Higher Education institutes following this years exams will be able to register from 15 to 30 September. The students, or a legally nominated third party, will need the following documents for their registration: application from (available from the institutes secretariat), High School diploma (or certified copy), declaration (officially declaring that they are not registered in any other Higher Education institute), six passport-sized photos and ID (or any other official document proving their name and DOB). In addition, students who have excelled in the Balkan or International Mathematics, Computers, Physics, or Chemistry Olympiad should submit the relevant documents.

People with special needs can also register to Higher Education institutes from 15 to 30 September, while students admitted to the second semester for TEIs can register in the beginning of January 2006. The deadlines for registering to the Rhodes and Agios Nikolaos, Crete, Higher Schools of Tourism Occupations will be announced by the individual schools. It should be noted that students who do not register within the set timeframe would lose the right to register permanently.

Finally, students admitted to the University of Cyprus will have to register as soon as possible, since classes commenced on 5 September. The documents needed are: application form (available through the site http://www.ucy.ac.cy/fmweb, or the University), one passport-sized photo, certified copy of High School diploma and photocopy of ID. For more information, students may contact the University on +357 22 890272-3.

Translated by Vicky Ghionis

Related Links:

Greek Ministry of Education

[07] Pessimism and Uncertainty

By Tina Valaoura

Sources: ΝΕΤ ΑNA European Commission

According to a Eurobarometer survey, conducted between May and June in the 25 EU Member-States, as well as the future and candidate States, the Greeks appear disappointed over the state of the Greek Economy, pessimistic over its future and quite satisfied with their standard of living. The Greeks also voiced their disappointment over the state of social welfare and employment, which they name as the countrys major problem. With regard to the European Economy, they declare satisfied, while, at the same time, they seem to be losing part of their trust in the Euro. Finally, regarding the Enlargement of the EU, they remain avid supporters, despite the fact that they oppose the possibility of Turkeys accession, as is the case with the majority of European citizens.

Specifically:

The overwhelming majority of those asked (86%) declared quite disappointed with the state of domestic Economy, while 59% predicted that the problems will worsen over the next year and a further 40% within the next five years. The corresponding EU averages are 62%, 37% and 30%.

With regard to the European Economy, 56% of the Greeks declared satisfied (EU average: 50%). In addition, one in two believes that the situation will improve within the next five years (EU average: 56%).

One of the Greeks main concerns is the issue of unemployment. 93% voiced their disappointment over the current situation in Greece, while 64% believed that unemployment is a major problem, as opposed to 50% in the rest of Europe. The Greeks main concern (87%) is the transfer of jobs towards other Members-States, with cheaper labour, while the fear that the European development would create more difficulties to farmers is common in 7 out of every 10 Greeks (EU average: 62%). In addition, the vast majority of Greek citizens (75%) appears quite disappointed over the current social welfare situation (EU average: 49%).

However, one in every two Greeks, ie 54%, declared quite satisfied over their day-to-day life. In the EU, the corresponding average was 60%.

The Euroberometer questions also indicated the following:

Six in every ten Greeks (57%) voiced their trust in the EU, however, one in every two (50%) does not believe that the interests of Greece are taken into consideration in the EU, while six in every ten Greeks (58%) do not believe that their opinion counts (EU average: 53%).

However, the fact that Greece forms part of the European family makes 70% of the Greeks feel more secure, the second highest percentage in the EU, following Cyprus (78%). Furthermore, the majority of those asked (80%) is in favour of a common defence and security policy (EU average: 77%).

Meanwhile, six in every ten Greeks (60%) agree with the need for a European Constitution (EU average: 61%).

The shift in the Greek public opinion in relation to the Euro is also remarkable. Although in the past, the Greeks were in favour of the common monetary unit (62%), at the moment, only 42% appear positive (EU average: 59%). In addition, 49% of those asked oppose the Monetary Union, the second highest percentage following Great Britain (64%).

The issue of Turkey is also quite interesting. 70% of the Greeks (EU average: 52%) do not welcome the possibility of Turkeys accession, while another 58% (EU average: 50%) oppose that of Albania. Asked whether Turkey partly belongs to Europe due to its history, 48% of the Greeks completely disagree (EU average: 17%), 28% tend to disagree (EU average: 25%), while only a mere 4% completely agree (EU average: 12%). With regard to FYROM, 45% of the Greeks (EU average: 43%) are in favour, compared to 47% (EU average: 41%) against.

The survey was conducted on behalf of the European Commission in the 25 Member-States, the two countries waiting to accede (Bulgaria and Romania), the two candidate States (Turkey and Croatia), as well as the northern part of Cyprus, between 9 May and 14 June 2005. A total of 29,328 citizens participated in the survey, 1,000 of whom were Greek.

Translated by Vicky Ghionis

Related Links:

European Commission in Greece

[08] For The Scam of "Oil-for-Food" Harsh Hours For Annan

By Vagelis Theodorou

UN Secretary General Kofi Annas took personal responsibility for the scam of the "oil-for-food" UN programme, following the critical report submitted to the UN Council by an Independent Inquiry Committee. The report spoke of "illicit, unethical and corrupt" behaviour during the 64 billion dollar scheme and accused Mr Annan of mismanagement. "The findings of this report are deeply embarrassing," the UN Secretary General said. Annans son Kojo is also involved in the scam, since he worked at Cotecna Company that earned a privileged contract in the context of the oil-for-food programme. Before the Security Council, Mr Annan admitted to not being "thorough enough and efficient," in the quest of the truth when Cotecnas contract was brought into the surface in 1999 and argued that his son has to provide explanations with regard to the role he played. Meanwhile, the report also accuses former UN Secretary General Boutros Boutros-Ghali, who was in office when the programme commenced, while he suggested UNs mechanism be subject to sweeping reforms.

Need for Reforms

Our assignment has been to look for mis- or maladministration within the UN organisation. Unhappily we found both," head of the Independent Inquiry Committee Mr Volcker told the Security Council.

He also noted that the programme (which allowed Saddam Hussein to sell oil in exchange for food and medicines) "was a compact with the devil, and the devil had means for manipulating the programme to his ends."

According to the report, there was no evidence that Mr Annan tried to influence the decision for the drafting of the contract with Cotecna, while there was no proof that the UN Secretary General was aware of the fact that the company had filed its candidacy to undertake the contract.

Former UN Secretary General is also accused. Specifically, the report stated that Iraq paid more than one million dollars in cash to bribe Boutros Ghali. However, the report clearly said that there is no evidence that the Former UN Secretary General received the money.

The report underlined the need for sweeping reforms within the UN and suggested a new management body and a powerful, independent monitor committee be established by 2006. However, most UN Member-States oppose the recommended reforms within the UN, which are to be discussed at the imminent General Assembly.

Translated by Areti Christou

Related Links:

Έρευνα για το "πετρέλαιο αντί τροφίμων"

[09] Possible Emergency FM Summit No Progress on Counterstatement

By Vicky Keleri

Sources: ΑNA - ΝΕΤ 105.8

The Permanent Representatives Committees meeting bore no fruit regarding the EUs response to Ankaras one-sided statement with regard to not recognising the Republic of Cyprus. The Committees proceedings concluded without any progress being made on the matter. Following this development, the British presidency will continue bilateral contacts. In the case, however, that an agreement is not reached on a diplomatic level, then it is quite possible that an emergency Summit between Foreign Ministers will take place on 26 September.

Translated by Vicky Ghionis

[10] Pessimism and Uncertainty

By Tina Valaoura

Sources: ΝΕΤ ΑNA European Commission

According to a Eurobarometer survey, conducted between May and June in the 25 EU Member-States, as well as the future and candidate States, the Greeks appear disappointed over the state of the Greek Economy, pessimistic over its future and quite satisfied with their standard of living. The Greeks also voiced their disappointment over the state of social welfare and employment, which they name as the countrys major problem. With regard to the European Economy, they declare satisfied, while, at the same time, they seem to be losing part of their trust in the Euro. Finally, regarding the Enlargement of the EU, they remain avid supporters, despite the fact that they oppose the possibility of Turkeys accession, as is the case with the majority of European citizens.

Specifically:

The overwhelming majority of those asked (86%) declared quite disappointed with the state of domestic Economy, while 59% predicted that the problems will worsen over the next year and a further 40% within the next five years. The corresponding EU averages are 62%, 37% and 30%.

With regard to the European Economy, 56% of the Greeks declared satisfied (EU average: 50%). In addition, one in two believes that the situation will improve within the next five years (EU average: 56%).

One of the Greeks main concerns is the issue of unemployment. 93% voiced their disappointment over the current situation in Greece, while 64% believed that unemployment is a major problem, as opposed to 50% in the rest of Europe. The Greeks main concern (87%) is the transfer of jobs towards other Members-States, with cheaper labour, while the fear that the European development would create more difficulties to farmers is common in 7 out of every 10 Greeks (EU average: 62%). In addition, the vast majority of Greek citizens (75%) appears quite disappointed over the current social welfare situation (EU average: 49%).

However, one in every two Greeks, ie 54%, declared quite satisfied over their day-to-day life. In the EU, the corresponding average was 60%.

The Euroberometer questions also indicated the following:

Six in every ten Greeks (57%) voiced their trust in the EU, however, one in every two (50%) does not believe that the interests of Greece are taken into consideration in the EU, while six in every ten Greeks (58%) do not believe that their opinion counts (EU average: 53%).

However, the fact that Greece forms part of the European family makes 70% of the Greeks feel more secure, the second highest percentage in the EU, following Cyprus (78%). Furthermore, the majority of those asked (80%) is in favour of a common defence and security policy (EU average: 77%).

Meanwhile, six in every ten Greeks (60%) agree with the need for a European Constitution (EU average: 61%).

The shift in the Greek public opinion in relation to the Euro is also remarkable. Although in the past, the Greeks were in favour of the common monetary unit (62%), at the moment, only 42% appear positive (EU average: 59%). In addition, 49% of those asked oppose the Monetary Union, the second highest percentage following Great Britain (64%).

The issue of Turkey is also quite interesting. 70% of the Greeks (EU average: 52%) do not welcome the possibility of Turkeys accession, while another 58% (EU average: 50%) oppose that of Albania. Asked whether Turkey partly belongs to Europe due to its history, 48% of the Greeks completely disagree (EU average: 17%), 28% tend to disagree (EU average: 25%), while only a mere 4% completely agree (EU average: 12%). With regard to FYROM, 45% of the Greeks (EU average: 43%) are in favour, compared to 47% (EU average: 41%) against.

The survey was conducted on behalf of the European Commission in the 25 Member-States, the two countries waiting to accede (Bulgaria and Romania), the two candidate States (Turkey and Croatia), as well as the northern part of Cyprus, between 9 May and 14 June 2005. A total of 29,328 citizens participated in the survey, 1,000 of whom were Greek.

Translated by Vicky Ghionis

Related Links:

European Commission in Greece

[11] Public Revenues Reach 853 Million Euros OTE's Share Floating Completed

By Vicky Keleri

Sources: ΑNA - ΝΕΤ - ΝΕΤ 105.8

The sale of 10% OTE (Greek Telecommunications Organisation) shares to top quality institutional investors has been completed successfully. The public revenues from this new sale are estimated at approximately 835,000,000 euros, while the sale price reached 17.02 euros, the highest in the last three years. The sale started on Tuesday night at the New York Stock Exchange.

Translated by Vicky Ghionis

Related News:

OTE Enters Foreign Stock Markets

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