The Hellenic Radio (ERA): News in English, 05-09-11

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

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

CONTENTS

[01] Clear Answers

By Annita Paschalinou

During the Press conference he gave in the context of the 70th TIF, the Prime Minister seemed focused on the hard path of financial rationalisation, mainly for the socially weaker citizens. "Our commitments will be fulfilled to the fullest, but will span over a four-year period," clarified Mr Karamanlis, underlining that "social policy cannot come into effect with words or borrowed money." Regarding heating benefits, he stressed, "Fiscal reality does not leave room for such things," thus sending a clear message to those who exercise politics in words. "The government leaves easy populism to those who enjoy the sport," he underlined.

No Reshuffling

During the scheduled Press Conference to reporters, Kostas Karamanlis underlined the main points of the government policy for the next two years.

The Prime Minister seemed determined to proceed with reforms and changes that would boost the competitiveness of Greek Economy, aiming at reinforcing the socially weaker citizens.

Referring to DEKOs (public enterprises classed as public services and utilities), he repeated the lifting of the permanent status for the newly hired and clarified that ASEP's (Supreme Council of Personnel Selection) role would not change.

However, things will not be the same for Olympic Airlines.

Mr Karamanlis admitted that with its present form, the company cannot operate and there aren't many alternatives. He further added, "In any case, employees' rights will be protected."

As for the government, he categorically refuted allegations on reshuffling.

"Government changes are not part of the planning," he noted, stressing, "Our work goes well, but there is still a long and hard way ahead."

On the contrary, among the government's top priorities is the battle against corruption, which is constant and tough.

Anthimos and Polyzos also at the Focus

Kostas Karamanlis was very clear when called to answer a question on Metropolitan Bishop Anthimos' positions over FYROM.

"The government is exercising the foreign policy and our positions are clear on the matter. I will not comment on any remarks or opinions, wherever they may be coming from," he underlined, clearly annoyed.

Regarding Turkey, he repeated Greece's support to the neighbouring country's European prospect, but stressed it is not an unconditional support.

Referring to Parliamentarian Polyzos, he stressed it was a matter of principle to strike him off the party.

On George Papandreou

When asked to state his opinion on George Papandreou, Kostas Karamanlis gave a rather interesting answer.

"I respect Mr Papandreou and really like him as a person, but I am still waiting for specific proposals from my political opponent," he noted.

Northern Greece's Bet

The Prime Minister also referred to the major ventures in Thessaloniki (metro system, underwater road artery, airport expansion), stressing that progress has been made. "Last year, everything was still on paper; this year, there is a contractor for all three works," he stressed. Mr Karamanlis further added that final decisions over hosting the EXPO 2012 would be announced later on.

Translated by Sofia Soulioti

Related News:

Tidying Up and Reforms

[02] With 296 Seats Koizumi Is the Winner

By Anna Kourti

Sources: Reuters

Japanese Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumis Liberal Democratic Party (LPD) won a stunning landslide victory with 296 seats in Sundays early general elections. The Democratic Party, Japans largest Opposition party, was defeated convincingly, winning a mere 113 seats, while its leader, Katsuya Okada resigned from his post, after admitting his defeat. "Its clear to everyone that the DPJ cant form a government now. So, Id like to step down as party leader, and a new leader should be selected as soon as possible," declared 52-year-old Okada. Before the lower house was dissolved, the LPD had 249 seats, its coalition partner, the New Komeito party, 34 and the Democrats 175. The governing Liberal Democratic Partys intention concerning privatisations was what led to early elections in the first place.

Translated by Vicky Ghionis

Related News:

Elections for Reforms

[03] Over the PM's Press Conference Harsh Criticism

By Anna Kourti

The reactions from the Opposition parties to the PMs scheduled Press conference, which took place on Sunday afternoon at the TIF, were immediate. PASOKs spokesperson accused Mr Karamanlis of trading in hopes and shifting his commitments to the future and his responsibilities to the past. Mr Athanasakis also described the Governments choice not to grant heating oil benefits as unacceptable. KKE spoke of anti-populist measures, noting that the "unpleasant decisions" the PM said he had to make, pave the way for greater profiteering of capital holders. On its part, SYN accused MR Karamanlis of making extreme neo-liberal choices, pointing out that he gave nothing to the financially weaker and insisted on policies in favour of the privileged.

Translated by Vicky Ghionis

[04] Gaza Strip Liberated After 38 Years of Occupation

By Anna Kourti

On Sunday, the Israeli Cabinet decided to hand over the control of the Gaza-Egypt borders and not to level a total of 24 synagogues in the abandoned Gaza Strip settlements. With 14 votes for and 2 against, Sharons Government eventually took into consideration the beliefs of conservative Jews, who kept insisting that Jewish Law forbade the destruction of Jewish places of worship. Some of the Ministers wanted to blow up the synagogues, so that they would not be vandalised later. The Palestinians had made clear that the Gaza Strip synagogues had no reason of existing after the Jewish pullout. Following the Cabinets unanimous decision, Gaza will be handed over to the Palestinians within the next few hours. Israel has pulled out of 20 settlements in the Gaza Strip and 120 in the West Bank.

Translated by Vicky Ghionis

[05] New School Year Returning to School

By Anna Kourti

The new school year will commence tomorrow Monday. Some 1.5 million pupils will return to their desks in Primary and High Schools throughout Greece. As usual, the year will start with the Holy Blessing of the students. According to OLME (Federation of Secondary School Teachers of Greece) and DOE (Greek Primary Teachers Federation), the year will start with a few hitches, since there are 15,000 vacancies for primary and high school teachers. Education Ministry officials are claiming the number is much smaller and any vacant positions will be filled within the first few day of the school year. In addition, the Education Ministry announced the hiring of 2,000 Kindergarten, Primary and High School teachers.

Translated by Vicky Ghionis

Related News:

"Education Ministry on the Students' Side"

[06] Molotov Bombs Against ATMs

By Annita Paschalinou

Late on Saturday night, unknown men launched attacks with homemade Molotov bombs against three Commercial Bank ATM machines in Egaleo, 127 Iera Odos street, in Pagrati, 160 Filolalou street, and in Ambelokipi at the junction of Kifissias Avenue and Panormou street. What is more, New Democracy offices in Neo Psychiko also sustained damages by Molotov bombs. The police and fire service are holding a preliminary hearing to find the culprits.

Translated by Sofia Soulioti

[07] Precautionary Nuclear Hits

By Annita Paschalinou

The revised US Pentagon dogma even provides for precautionary hits with nuclear weapons read the copy of a plan soon to be signed by Defence Secretary Rumsfeld, which was posted on the Internet on Sunday. As per the document, the armed forces would be able to ask the US President's approval for a precautionary intervention with nuclear weapons in order to prevent an attack with weapons of mass destruction against the USA, multinational and allied forces or even civilians. Other scenarios described in the new dogma provide for the use of nuclear guns, if so is approved for the quick and favourable end of a war on US terms, or for afflicting the "hostile country," which would provide another "hostile country" or "criminal terrorist group" with nuclear, biological or mass destruction weapons.

Translated by Sofia Soulioti

[08] Clijsters Conquers US Open

By Vasilis Kalpinos

Her sixth time in a Grand Slam final proved lucky for Kim Clijsters. In the US Open womens final, the Belgian tennis player easily defeated Mary Pierce of France by 6-3, 6-1 and apart from the trophy, Clijsters is also $2.2 million richer. On her part, 30-year-old Pierce, who after the match admitted that she was not on a good day, has won the Australian Open in 1995 and Roland Garros in 2000.

Translated by Vicky Ghionis

[09] First Win for AEK

By Dimitris Alexopoulos

This time AEK made it. It scored a victory and won its first three points this season, without, however, managing an impressive performance against Iraklis. Playing in the Olympic Stadium behind closed doors, because of the incidents two weeks ago in Peristeri, Fernando Santos squad performed fairly well and took the lead with two goals, by Lyberopoulos in the 18 and Cezar in the 43. In the second half, Savvas Kofidis changes forced AEK to back down, since Iraklis geared up, without essentially appearing menacing.

Great Performance in 1st Half

Fernando Santos had quite a few changes up his sleeve in relation to the opening march against Atromitos two weeks ago, which ended in a nil all tie. So, he included Soares, Ivic and Cezar in the lineup, and along with Venglinskyi and Lyberopoulos, AEK was all set in the offence.

In spite of that, though, AEK had trouble reaching Iraklis box, as Savvas Kofidis decided to play defensively, keeping Santos players away from Abaris nets.

The system paid off and for the first 18 minutes, AEK was trapped in the centre, without being able to penetrate the defence and threaten Iraklis.

The main difference between this game and the one against Atromitos was that AEKs players demonstrated patience, searching for solutions to Iraklis constant pressuring.

Their patience eventually was rewarded and in the 18, Cezar and Lyberopoulos managed to break the cordon.

The Brazilian shook off his marker and crossed to Lyberopoulos in the box. The striker jumped higher than everyone else and headed the ball to the nets, giving AEK a 1-0 lead.

With their backs against the wall, Iraklis players tried to react and tie the score, which they nearly did twice.

In the 27, Moras cleared away Prittas kick on the line, while in the 40, Papapostolou missed the mark from a very good spot.

AEK took advantage of this desperate effort for a draw and managed to score a second goal in one of its counterattacks.

Malbasa, who was alone on the left, crossed to Cezar and the Brazilian clipped the ball in, doubling AEKs goal in the 43.

After half time, Savvas Kofidis tried to boost the offence with P. Kapetanos and Herrera.

Although P. Kepetanos seemed eager to score, Iraklis only managed to threaten its opponent twice (Kapetanos 77, Herrera 83) in the last 15 minutes.

On the other hand, seeing Iraklis charging ahead, the home team pulled back, blocking all the passages and leaving the visitors to instigate the game.

The pace slowed down and despite the fact that Iraklis played better, AEK was the one that left the pitch with the three points for the victory.

Referee: Mazarakos (Arta)

Yellow Cards: Malbasa, Venglinskyi, Moras - Alemao

มลส: Sorrentino, Malbasa, Alexopoulos, Moras, Katsouranis, Ivic, Cezar (88 Sapanis), Lyberopoulos, Soares (64 Pliatsikas), Venglinskyi (74 Lakis)

IRAKLIS: Abaris, Drougas, Alemao, Sznaucner, Papazacharias, Lawal, Prittas, Epalle, Lagos (46 Herrera), Murati (75 Fortuzi), Papapostolou (46 P. Kapetanos).

Translated by Vicky Ghionis

[10] Equal in Goals and Performance

By Dimitris Alexopoulos

Sources: ANA

In front of some 7,000 spectators, the match between OFI and Xanthi is Pankritio Stadium finished in a 1-1 tie. The visitors took the lead in the 45, with a free kick by Paviot, while OFI tied the score, following Zapropoulos own-goal in the 63. Xanthi played with one parson short during the last 20 minutes, as Papadimitriou was sent off. It was a historic match, since this was the first time in the last half century that OFI did not start off the season as home team in Gedi Koule, the teams pitch since 1949, but in Iraklios prized stadium.

Goals and Opportunities

OFI missed a great opportunity to take the lead just in the 4, when Pizanowski saved Dejanovs free kick and a subsequent kick by Koltzos. From the 20-minute mark onwards, Xanthi upped its performance and Emerson took over the game, dominating in the centre. Thanks to Sifakis great interventions (33 with Maghradze and 34 with Lafata), the home team managed to keep the score at zero. However, during the first halfs injury time, Paviots free kick from 35m out ended up in Sifakis left corner.

Vangelis Vlachos rushed to make some changes, throwing Triantafyllou, and later on Plousis, in the game. The results came quickly, since in the 63, following some confusion in Pizanowskis box, Zapropoulos clipped in an own-goal. Six minutes later, the equilibrium of the game was disrupted, when Papadimitriou charged Roubakis. As a result, the player was shown a yellow-red card, leaving his team with one player short for the last 20 minutes of the match.

OFI tried hard, applied pressure and had some opportunities to score a second goal, with Machlas being the main instigator, but, however, did not manage to do so. As a matter of fact, it even came to close to receiving a goal, when Kazakis missed the mark in the 90, while Sifakis saved a kick by Paviot during injury time.

Referee: Detsis (Athens)

Yellow Cards: Davidson, Gonzales, Chadjiadrian, Machlas Papadimitriou, Luciano, Antzas

Red Card: Papadimitriou (69)

OFI: Sifakis, Arvanitis (79 Kalantzis), Gonzales, Thomach (57 Plousis), Davidson, Koltzos (46 Triantafyllou), Kounenakis, Chadjiadrian, Dejanov, Roubakis, Machlas.

XANTHI: Pizanowski, Zapropoulos, Paviot, Papadimitriou, Chiquinho, Emerson, Antzas, Maghradze (75 Kazakis), Lafata (61 De Mattia), Luciano (82 Mineiro), Labriakos.

Translated by Vicky Ghionis

[11] Boring to Death

By Dimitris Alexopoulos

A law has to be enacted at one stage, penalising any team that plays lifeless football. Basically, because some people in Greece have to learn to respect the spectators, who pay to watch their favourite team. Todays match cannot be described in words, since both Apollo Kalamaria and Levadiakos played intentionally, preferring to win one point each, rather than provide some excitement to their fans. We expect better things from premiere league teams and we can only hope that they will play quality football in the future, or else warn us, so we can take our pillows along and catch up on some sleep. As far as the actual result is concerned, the home team took the lead in the 68 with a penalty kick by Papadopoulos, while Levadiakos tied the score two minutes later with Ivan Rusev.

Two Goals, Two Send-Offs

If you think that we are pulling your leg, then let us inform you that only one scoring opportunity took place during the first half. Following a corner kick by Wellington, Ioannou caught the header, but the ball went wide.

The same idle pace continued in the second half, with the only difference being the entrance of Charis Pappas, who won a penalty in the 67, during a disputed incident.

Referee Kasnaferis initially awarded a foul on the line, but after consulting the assistant referee, he changed his call and awarded a penalty. N.A. Papadopoulos kicked the ball and gave his team the lead in the 68.

Levadiakos response came quickly and unexpectedly, since Takis Lemonis team had not demonstrated anything in the offence so far. A foul awarded just outside Radivojevics box was exactly what Ivan Rusev needed to send the ball to the nets.

In his excitement, though, the player forgot that he had been shown a yellow card earlier and took off his jersey to celebrate. As a result, Kasnaferis send him off with a yellow-red card.

The only interesting point from then on was that N.A. Papadopoulos was also sent off.

Referee: Kasnaferis (Athens)

Yellow Cards: Fytanidis, Cleyton, Matijasevic Rusev, Gourma, Bassala

Red Cards: N.A. Papadopoulos (90) Rusev (70)

APOLLO KALAMARIA: Radivojevic, NA Papadopoulos, Fytanidis (73 Omari), Petkakis, NH Papadopoulos, Ioannou, Matijasevic, Parmaxidis, Wellington (46 Pappas), Cleyton (90+ Muravski), Mouzaoui

LEVADIAKOS: Zafeiropoulos (33 Karakostas), Pastos, Dimou, Kallimanis, Chrysafis, Korea, Bassala (81 Machairas), Zisopoulos, Rusev, Gourma, Iordache (73 Ribeiro).

Translated by Vicky Ghionis

[12] 81 Injured Fire in Industrial Zone

By Anna Kourti

Sources: Reuters

A fire broke out in the industrial zone of the emirate of Sharjah in the United Arab Emirates on Sunday, injuring 81 workers after it spread to their living quarters. As per the official news agency (WAM), the fire erupted in three storage areas that contained chemical products and wood. Police said three of the injuries were serious. It was not clear what caused the fire, but police said stricter safety measures should have been in place.

[13] New Tragedy with Illegal Immigrants Nightmarish Dream

By Annita Paschalinou

Once more, the dream of a better life cost illegal immigrants from Africa dearly. Their boat sunk off the coasts of Sicily drowning eleven people, including a 6-month-old baby. The Italian Coast Guard announced it salvaged 98 people, but estimated the death toll would rise, as some fifty people are still missing. The illegal immigrants told the Carabinieri they came from Eritrea.

Translated by Sofia Soulioti

[14] Elections for Reforms

By Annita Paschalinou

The parliamentary elections, which are held since early Sunday morning in Japan, have the nature of a referendum. Japanese Prime Minister Koizumi himself attributed this nature and declared early elections after the veto exercised by party members to the reforms programme he wanted to implement. Koizumi is after a strong peoples order to proceed with profound changes, like the privatisation of Japanese postal service, an issue which has caused major frictions in the country. The latest opinion polls indicate that the Japanese have a positive attitude towards their Prime Ministers policy and give his governing 41%, instead of 26% which goes for the Opposition.

Translated by Sofia Soulioti

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