The Hellenic Radio (ERA): News in English, 05-09-16

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

CONTENTS

[01] Problems in Attica and Chalkida Autumn Downpour

By Anna Kourti

Heavy rainfall and thunderstorms have been afflicting many areas of Greece. It has been raining heavily in Nea Artaki, Chalkida, and major problems have been recorded. More than 50 houses and shops flooded, while the Fire Department received 70 calls to pump water. Major traffic problems were noted in main roads of the Greek capital and dozens of calls were placed to the Fire Department for flooding in Dionysos, Marathonas and Kapandriti. Power cuts were recorded in Marathonas, when a house caught fire from lightning. There have been no reports on any injuries yet. The scheduled air force show with fighter planes from Tanagra has been postponed due to the weather. Hundreds of people arrived at the airport this morning, defying the rain, to watch the show, in which 170 fighter planes and three famous squadrons from 19 countries are scheduled to participate. As per the National Meteorological Service, the bad weather will start subsiding as of this afternoon. In Athens, the temperature will range between 19 and 28 degrees Celsius, while in Thessaloniki it will range between 19 and 27.

Translated by Vicky Ghionis

[02] New Goof by George Bush "I May Need a Bathroom Break"

By Annita Paschalinou

The list with George Bushs goofs is getting longer and longer. After his almost being suffocated with pretzel cookies, his rehearsals on his war address in Iraq and his bike fall, the US President struck again. This time, at the UN General Assembly, the time when the crucial issue of reforming the UN was under discussion. The US President stole the limelight when the camera caught him the time he was writing a note to Condoleezza Rice. "I think I may need a bathroom break. Is this possible?" George Bush asked the head of the US delegation. We are not certain what Condoleezza answered, but what we do know for sure is that the US President outdid himself once again. At least until he strikes again!

Translated by Areti Christou

[03] For the Future of OA Seeking a Solution

By Athina Saloustrou

The Interdepartmental Committee for Denationalisations will convene anew in the next few days to seek solutions that would secure both the future of OA and the employees rights, while the final decision will be made after the Greek PMs return from the USA. "The most probable scenario is privatisation, without, however, the company losing its legal status and without burdening the employees," declared Miltiadis Evert on NET 105.8. On the other hand, PASOK MP Milena Apostolaki stressed that the Government does not have a clear plan, but is simply directing a privileged public asset towards a private company. "Those who placed the bomb, cannot be appearing as assessors today. There was mismanagement and dozens of party hirings during PASOKs governing," responded NDs section head for Transport, Marios Salmas on NET 105.8, while he also stressed that, apart from OA, problems have been recorded in other companies as well, as is the case with OSE (national railway).

KKEs general secretary Aleka Papariga appeared in favour of preserving OAs public character, while she rejected SYNs proposal for forming a joint opposition front on the matter. Speaking on NET 105.8, SYN MP Giannis Dragasakis stressed, "The significant obligations of the Greek Public Sector towards the company, which could have been profitable, are outlined in former EU Commissioner de Palacios letter," while he called on the Government to publicise the names of OAs managers. In the meantime, six Opposition MPs asked for the convocation of the Parliaments Institutions and Transparency Committee, on the occasion of the statements made by OAs president, who spoke of interests that are undermining the company.

Translated by Vicky Ghionis

Related News:

Employees Will Be Secured

O.A. Grounded

[04] Zoom to Fetal Life Reveals Babies Cry in the Womb!

By Annita Paschalinou

Sources: Reuters

Should you think that your babys first cry occurs in the delivery room, you are wrong. The study conducted by New Zealander scientists proves that third-trimester fetuses cry in response to a noise heard. The scientists monitored the ultrasound images of fetuses that were listening to music played on the mothers abdomen. Zooming life in the womb, showed the fetusess startle response, deep inhalations and exhalations, an open mouth and a quivering chin, images that are indicative of crying behaviour.

Zoom to Fetal Life

The aforementioned observations came by chance. Dr. Ed Mitchell and his team of the University in Auckland in New Zealand were looking into the implications maternal smoking and drug use have during pregnancy.

In the beginning, they did not associate the fetus response as a crying behaviour and thought it was probably a seizure. But when they zoomed the ultrasound image, they realized it was clearly a crying behaviour Dr. Ed Mitchell was not taken aback by these observations and noted that even premature infants can cry.

It is noteworthy that no Crying behaviour during fetal life has been observed so far.

The study appears in the journal Archives of Disease in Childhood: Fetal and Neonatal Edition.

Translated by Areti Christou

[05] Karamanlis' Speech at the UN Summit Today Terrorism and Poverty at the Focus

By Athina Saloustrou

Greek Prime Minister Kostas Karamanlis will speak today at the 60th UN Summit. The PMs speech will focus on the need to reinforce the role of the UN, both in combating terrorism and eliminating social inequalities and poverty. In the meantime, the meeting between Kostas Karamanlis and his Albanian counterpart, Sali Berisha, on the sidelines of the UN Summit, took place in a great climate. Their discussion focused on bilateral relations, while they also referred to the expatriate Greeks, with Mr Berisha mentioning that there is a Minister of Greek decent in his Cabinet. Finally, they extended invitations to each other to visit the two countries. In the meantime, in his interview to US network CNN, Greek PM Kostas Karamanlis stressed that the EU will send a loud message to Ankara, as its statements with regard to not recognising Cyprus are not in tune with the European standards, while he added that Greece is supporting Turkeys accession prospects, but on the other hand, Ankara should keep its promises. Meanwhile, speaking at an event hosted by the Cypriot Federation of America in New York, the president of Cyprus, Tassos Papadopoulos, underlined the excellent cooperation between Athens and Nicosia. "Never before have I had a relationship with a Greek PM as the one I am having with Mr Karamanlis," said Mr Papadopoulos, who added that two men have never disagreed. He also declared that he was indebted to Mr Karamanlis and Greece for their support. In addition, the Greek PM and Greek Foreign Minister Petros Molyviatis were honoured with the "Cyprus Justice Award" during the event. Upon receiving the award from Archbishop Demetrios, Petros Papadopoulos, president for the Cypriot Federation of America, and Phillip Christopher, president of the International Coordination Committee "Justice for Cyprus", Mr Karamanlis thanked Mr Papadopoulos for his kind-hearted words and noted that he confirmed everything the Cypriot President said.

Excellent Relations

Mr Papadopoulos also underlined that Greece remains the most honest and stable supporter of Cyprus, noting that his relationship with the Greek PM remains stable from Burgenstock until today. "This relationship is based on trust and complete honesty. We have never disagreed," he noted, refuting the Press articles, while he declared he was indebted to Mr Karamanlis and Greece for their support.

In his speech, the PM spoke of mutual feelings and excellent cooperation, underlining that the Greek Government remains committed towards achieving a fair and viable solution based on the Annan plan and the relevant Security Council decisions, which will be compatible to the European values.

Mr Karamanlis noted that the main goal is the reunification of the island, stressing, "Every new effort has to be well prepared and have good chances of succeeding."

He also referred to a mutually acceptable solution, which will be ratified through a referendum, without strict deadlines.

"We are approaching [a solution] with balanced flexibility and willingness to proceed ahead, while we are hoping the other side demonstrates the same stance," said the PM, who also underlined the great cooperation with the Cypriot Government, aiming at the best possible coordination.

In his speech, the Cypriot President described Mr Molyviatis as "the Nestor of diplomacy", adding, "He gives him wise advice."

On his part, the Greek FM stressed, "I have done nothing more than my duty," adding, "Many things still need to be done. And they will be done. We will succeed together, as we are one." He also underlined that he will continue giving this battle, until he reaches a successful conclusion.

Earlier, during his speech to the expatriate Greeks, at a reception hosted by Katerina Boura, the General Consul to New York, the PM stressed that the Government has the political willingness and a complete plan to effectively deal with the problems faced by expatriates.

Mr Karamanlis voiced his interest in the new generation, noting that the reinforcement of Greek Education in the USA, as well as any other expatriate countries, was the new Governments main priority.

Referring to the expatriates, he said that they constituted the best ambassadors of Hellenism, while contributing towards reinforcing the ties between the two countries. "Being with you, even if he is far away from his homeland, every Greek feels at home," noted Mr Karamanlis at the end of his speech.

Translated by Vicky Ghionis

[06] To the People afflicted by Hurricane Katrina Bush's Address

By Anna Kourti

"Our goal is to get people out of shelters by the middle of October," pledged US President George Bush in his address to the people afflicted by Hurricane Katrina. Furthermore, he took responsibility for the failure of the authorities, stressing, "When the federal government fails to meet such an obligation, I as president am responsible for the problem, and for the solution." George Bush also admitted that the federal authorities response was not well coordinated, adding, "It is now clear that a challenge on this scale requires greater federal authority and a broader role for the armed forces." The address was televised live by all the major US networks.

Translated by Vicky Ghionis

[07] Zarqawi's Group Claimed Responsibility Series of Attacks

By Anna Kourti

The bloody attacks in the Iraqi capital continue raging, as 151 people have been killed in the last two days. In the meantime, three Iraqi rebel attacks were recorded on Friday morning in Baghdad, resulting in the death of four Iraqis, including a Shia cleric, and the injury of another 15. Two civilians were killed and 13 were injured in the first attack, when unknown gunmen drove up to a group of labourers waiting for work in a Baghdad square and opened fire against them. The gunman then attacked a Transport Ministry vehicle on one of the capitals busiest highways in the southeastern Al-Jadidah district, killing one and injuring another two. The same gunmen also shot and killed a Shia cleric, Sheikh Fadl Alami, in the same neighbourhood, as he was driving to a mosque. Al Qaedas Iraqi faction led by Abu Musab al-Zarqawi claimed responsibility for the attacks, in retaliation to the US operations against the insurgent stronghold Tal Afar, northwestern Iraq.

A US Marine was killed in Ramadi. The Marine, assigned to the 2nd Marine Division, II Marine Expeditionary Force, was killed in a mortar attack. Ramadi is situated 110km west of Baghdad and is usually targeted by rebels. The death brings to at least 1,891 the number of American military personnel killed in Iraq since the US-led invasion of March 2003, based on Pentagon figures.

[08] New British Proposal Expected Today Molyviatis-Straw Discussion

By Athina Saloustrou

Greek Foreign Minister Petros Molyviatis contacted his British counterpart Jack Straw by phone on Thursday afternoon (New York time), in view of the unscheduled EU Permanent Representatives Committee meeting (COREPER), at the initiative of the British presidency. The meeting will take place at 4pm today and will focus on the EUs counterstatement to Turkeys one-sided statement not recognising the Republic of Cyprus. According to information, bridging the gap between the EU Member-States concerning the content of the "European Counterstatement" is considered difficult. Finally, as per Nicosia diplomatic circles, the British presidency is expected to submit a new proposal this morning.

Translated by Vicky Ghionis

[09] Said Mr Papadopoulos at the UN "We Aim to Unify Cyprus"

By Mary Lou Tzempelikou

"We remain committed to the achievement of an overall, sustainable and functional solution to the problem," pointed out on Thursday at his speech at the 60th UN Summit Cypriot President Tassos Papadopoulos and also noted that the Greek-Cypriot side aims at reunifying the island and consequently its society, economy and institutions. Furthermore, Mr Papadopoulos made it clear that a possible new initiative in the Cyprus issue should be prepared thoroughly lest it should lead to another failure and voiced his belief that such a likelihood "would prove detrimental," and added that Cyprus favours Turkeys entry to the EU provided that Ankara meets its obligations set by the EU.

Reforms Are Necessary

Mr Papadopoulos mainly referred to the reforms to be adopted by the UN and pointed out that only through reforms, will the UN restore its initial objectives that had dictated its setting up. He also underlined that the Republic of Cyprus "has always been a staunch supporter of the multilateral cooperation," as it embraces the opinion that the UN "remain the main vehicle of efficient multilateral cooperation."

"The Republic of Cyprus, which has suffered and is still suffering violence and foreign occupation, firmly believes that the Security Council should be reorganised in order to restore its credibility through the improvement of its practices and decision making policies," added Mr Papadopoulos and urged the Member-States to cease using violence. In closing, the Cypriot President called the Cyprus-American relations "excellent" and made reference to the cooperation between the two countries in the fight against terror, since, as he said, Cyprus has already singed 12 national agreements on issues regarding terror. In fact, after he delivered his speech, he signed an International Convention on combating both terror and the use of nuclear weapons.

Translated by Areti Christou

Related News:

Necessary Reforms

[10] Indications for Reduced Demand Crude Oil under $65 per Barrel

By Jenny Charalampidou

The price of American crude dropped to under $65 per barrel today, amid indications that the record levels of oil prices are curbing international demand. This years upwards spiral in the price of American crude 49% increase so far has been stemmed, due to fears that it might hinder demand. Just this week, as per the weekly statistics, the demand for fuel in the USA has dropped.

OPEC Reviews Growth Estimates

The September delivery contract for American crude was losing 25 cents per barrel this morning, expanding the losses to 34 cents per barrel, which was the case yesterday when the market closed, with the price dropping to $64.50 per barrel. The price of Brent closed at $63.48, recording 18 cents per barrel in losses.

Yesterday, OPEC reviewed its estimates for the growth of demand this year, adjusting them lower, due to the impact of the rising cost of oil.

Translated by Vicky Ghionis

[11] Unfair Result

By Vasilis Kalpinos

Lady Lack did not favour Xanthi, which suffered a 2-0 defeat by Middlesborough in the UEFA Cup first round. Giannis Matzourakis team performed brilliantly in Riverside Stadium, especially in the second half and definitely deserved more that to be defeated. The return fixture at the Xanthis Stadium on September 29 is going to be a tedious task, but given its performance on Thursday night, it may stand a good deal of chances. Boateng in the 28 and Viduka in the 83 sealed a hard-earned win for the Britons.

Started off in the Worst Possible Way

In the first half, Xanthi was prone to many defensive mistakes and achieved nothing remarkable. In fact, the turnovers committed by the defenders cleared the way for the Britons to open the score

In the 10, Maccarone would have put Middlesborough on the lead when pouncing on Papadimitrious shot back-pass failed to clip it in and sent the ball out of play. But in the 28, Maccarone won the ball from Papadimitriou and found it quite easy to open the score, thus marking Middlesborough's prevalence during the first half.

Better But Unfortunate

In the second half, Xanthi was much better. Mr Mazarakis boys entered the pitch really determined to make the difference and within the first ten minutes of the second half it neared four times to score the equalizing goal. In the 52, Maghradze raced away down the right but Schwarzer gathered his shot. In the 54, Xanthis players combined brilliantly and cleared the way for Labriakos who kicked the ball slightly above Schwarzers crossbar. In the 56, it was Maghradze turn to enter the Middlesborough goal area, but his projection sent the ball to the left outer side of the keepers nets, while in the 58 Emersons inconceivable kick slightly missed Schwarzers nets.

Giannis Matzourakis players kept prevailing the second half but created less opportunities. In the 73, Riverside was almost left numbed when Maghradze raced down one more time, but preferred to complete the effort by himself instead of passing the ball to Labriakos, who was waiting at the penalty area.

There is a saying that goes "if you do not score then someone else will" and this is exactly what happened. Middlesborough initially threatened Xanthis defence line in the 82, Middlesborough reached the nets for a second time with Viduka deflecting off Xanthis Czech goalie. The Greek team failed to react and the Britons sealed a 2-0 win.

Referee: Stefan Messner (Austria)

Yellow Cards: Bates

MIDDLESBOROUGH: Schwarzer, Xavier, Ehiogu, Bates, Pogatetz, Doriva, Parlour (74´ Morrison), Boateng, Johnson (60´ Kennedy), Maccarone (74´ Ayegbeni), Viduka.

XANTHI: Pizanowski, Torosidis (67´ Quintana), Paviot (87´ Kazakis), Sikov, Papadimitriou, Maghradze, Emerson, Antzas, Luciano, Labriakos.

Translated by Areti Christou

[12] Qualifying Becomes Tedious

By Vasilis Kalpinos

PAOK did not manage to get a positive result at the first-leg match that took place in Toumba, Thessaloniki. The 1-1 tie makes qualifying to UEFA Cups groups extremely difficult. Therefore PAOKs players should do their hardest on September 9 second-leg match. Salpingidis put PAOK on the lead in the 25 and Shyshchenko equalised for Metalurh in the 67.

PAOK Performed Better in the First Half

After the first 20 minutes of the game, when both teams were testing each other without creating any opportunities to open the score, PAOK started taking initiatives in the pitch and appeared more determined.

In the 21, Salpingidis found room but his shot missed the opponents nets. Four minutes later, Miecel won the ball from Ne, forwarded the ball to Salpingidis who clipped it in with a projection and drove PAOKs fans crazy.

Metalurch reacted in the 30, when Shyshchenko header stopped at Tohourouglous crossbar.

Blackout

On seeing his players prone to mistakes, Nikos Karageorgiou made two substitutions in the first quarter of the second half (Feutchine and Maladenis instead of Engomitis and Vangelis). However, the substitutions did not produce the desired results. On the other hand, the Ukrainians performed better and in the 67 managed to equalise leaving everyone in Toumba numbed. Kosyrin passed the ball to Shyshchenko who entered PAOKs goal area and his cannonball shot embarrassed PAOKs goalie.

The Greek coach did his best to boost his teams offensive line and sent Sikabala in. The Egyptian proved a good choice, for in the 76 he sent Salpingidis on his own in the goal area, but the latters shot missed Virts nets. The host team kept applying pressure, however, its efforts did not pay off and the game finished with a 1-1 tie.

Referee: Rodriguez Santiago (Spain)

Yellow Cards: Zotov

PAOK: Tohouroglou, Akyel (75´ Sikabala), Udeze, Kripidis, Megahed, Engomitis (53´ Feutchine), Zagorakis, Charalambous, Vangelis (56´ Maladenis), Salpingidis, Miecel.

METALURH: Virt, Florea, Zotov, Ristic (84´ Oleksienko), Tkachenko, Zakarliuka, Kosyrin (90´ Priyomov), Shyshchenko, Ne, Aliuta (90´+ Melikyan), Gjuzelov.

Translated by Areti Christou

[13] In Athens and Thessaloniki Commemorative Ceremonies

By Anna Kourti

Today marks the 28-year anniversary since the death of the famous diva Maria Callas (16/9/1977). The unforgettable Prima Donna weaved a legend through her golden career and turbulent personal life. The Thessaloniki Concert Hall begins its winter calendar of events with the usual gala in memoriam of the famous soprano, while the Athenaeum International Cultural Association is staging its annual concert at the Herodes Atticus Theatre.

Events

Thessaloniki Concert Hall

The performer will be the internationally acclaimed soprano Mariella Devia, who will close the show singing an aria from the opera Lucia di Lammermoor. Devia declared that by performing in the gala being organised in memoriam of Maria Callas she was paying homage and respect to the great soprano. She added that it is harder to sing in a gala, since there are no costumes, stage or atmosphere, but at the same time it is challenging and interesting.

Mariella Devia will be accompanied by the Symphonic Orchestra of the Municipality of Thessaloniki, under Miltos Logiadis, the permanent conductor of the Orchestra of Colours for the last 13 years.

The programme includes arias from the operas: Tancredi by Gioacchino Rossini, I Puritanoi by Vincenzo Bellini, Thai by Jules Massenet, Lucrecia Borgia by Getano Donizetti and finally Lucia di Lammermoor by Vincenzo Bellini.

The programme will continue with a series of scheduled events.

Herodes Atticus Theatre

The Athenaeum International Cultural Association is staging its annual concert in memoriam of Maria Callas in the ancient Greek theatre, under the aegis of Alternate Culture Minister Fani Palli-Petralia.

The famous solo artists Viktor Tretyakov (violin), Yuri Bashmet (viola), Natalia Gutman (violoncello) and Vassily Lobanov (piano) will perform works by Beethoven, Schumann and Brahms.

Maria Callas (1923-1977)

She was born in New York on 2 December 1923, to Greek immigrants George Kelogeropoulos, from Messinia, and Evangelis Dimitraidis, from Athens.

She was raised in the USA, while in 1937 she moved with her mother to Greece, where she studied music and song and made her professional debut as a member of the Athens Opera

In 1945 she returned to New York and performed in 56 shows, 20 concerts and recitals and 20 stages. Two years later, she made her Italian debut in Verona, under the instructions of Tullio Serafin, who, along with her tutor in Athens Elvira de Hidalgo became one of her two mentors.

In 1949 in Verona, she married industrialist Giovanni Âattista Ìeneghini, who helped her reach international acclaim. They divorced in 1959, as she left him for the love of her life, Aristotle Onassis.

In the beginning of the 50s, she dominated the stages of many theatres in Argentina, Mexico, Naples, Venice, Genoa, Palermo, Florence and Rome. In 1951, she made her debut at Milans Teatro de la Scala, where until 1961, she performed the main characters of many operas. Her most significant performances include: Norma, Medea, Anna Bolena, Lucia di Lammermoor, La Traviata and Tosca.

She repeated some of these roles in some of the greatest Operas worldwide, while her reputation brought back memories of Caruso and Saliapins eras.

She first sang Aida in 1951 at La Scala, while she made her first appearances in London (1952), Chicago (1954) and New York (1956) singing Norma.

Her life and golden career changed dramatically in July 1959, when she fell in love with Greek tycoon Aristotle Onassis. The love story ended eight years later, when Callas found out that he married Jackie Kennedy, plunging her into depression.

On 16 September 1977 she was found dead in her luxurious apartment in Paris, aged 53. Maria Callas left behind many significant recordings from recitals and operas, a legacy of her artistic excellence.

As per her wishes, her body was cremated and her ashes were scattered in the Aegean Sea in June 1979.

The famous Prima Donna remains the epitome of sopranos worldwide.

Translated by Vicky Ghionis

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