The Hellenic Radio (ERA): News in English, 05-09-29

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

CONTENTS

[01] Of the Permanent Representatives in Brussels Crucial Meeting

By Annita Paschalinou

Today, the interest over Turkeys European prospect is focused on Brussels, in view of the scheduled start of accession negotiations on October 3. Today, the Permanent Representatives of the 25 EU Member-States will convene, in order to reach an agreement on the negotiating context with Ankara. In Athens, all the latest developments are being evaluated in the Foreign Policy Council, which at the time is in development, discussing EU-Turkish relations, the Cypriot issue, FYROM and UN reforms. The Council meeting presided by the Minister of Foreign Affairs Petros Molyviatis is attended by delegates of ND Sotiris Chatzigakis and Vasilis Maginas, PASOK, Christos Papoutsis and Marilena Koppa, and SYN, Nikos Konstantopoulos and PanosTrigazis. KKE is not participating in the meeting. However, the European Parliament targeted Turkey yesterday, as it adopted the voting proposal calling on the country to recognise Cyprus and the Armenian genocide. This caused discontent to Ankara, with chain reactions in the interior of Turkey, and Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan presenting the issue of not appearing in Luxemburg on October 3.

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

Related News:

Harsh Message to Turkey

[02] Former Mr Bennifer Becomes Benator Introducing Senator Ben Affleck

By Annita Paschalinou

Sources: Washington Post

If you liked him as "Bennifer," then you will love him as "Benator" (Ben + Senator). With this phrase and word playing with his recent relationship with Jeniffer Lopez, an article in the Washington Post revealed the new role of actor Ben Affleck. As per the US newspaper, the Virginia Democrats are preparing to throw him in the ring against Republican Senator George Allen. This scenario was backed by the purchase of a home by the American star and his wife in Virginia, a fact that as per British articles means that he will permanently reside in the state. The actors spokesperson denied articles, but nevertheless stated "he will be an ideal candidate for a political role in the future." At the time, he added, he is very busy directing his first film "Gone, Baby, Gone."

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

[03] Deputy Defence Minister Denies Ethnos Article "Privates Will Not Be Dismissed"

By Athina Saloustrou

Deputy Defence Minister Giannis Labropoulos denied an article published in Ethnos newspaper, which stated of a plan by the General Army Staff for the dismissal of 13,000 professional privates. These are hires performed during 2002-2004 with a point-system procedure. The Deputy Minister claimed that it is only a study of the many conducted by staffs, in order for the institution to be upgraded. "Whatever any study reports, the decision of the political leadership is what counts in the end," Mr Labropoulos stated, and explained that the political leadership is not thinking of such an action, which will create problems in the army, while more hires of privates will be made. "The interview is included in the competition, but is of minor importance in the final result," concluded Mr Labropoulos. "The interview cancels the Prime Ministers announcements on meritocracy and transparency," PASOK MP Nikos Salagiannis replied through NET 105.8 Radio.

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

[04] Tony Blair Apologises Elderly Thrown Out of Conference

By Athina Saloustrou

An elderly man was thrown out of the Labour Party annual conference, as he verbally attacked British Foreign Minister Jack Straw over the war in Iraq, forcing Prime Minister and leader of the party, Tony Blair, to apologise profusely. The incident occurred on Wednesday in the conference centre in Brighton, when 82-year-old Walter Wolfgang, a German concentration camp prisoner in WWII and a Labour member since 1948, called Straw a "liar," and the FMs excuses over the necessity of British troops stationing in Iraq as "nonsense." Stewards threw Wolfgang out of the room, making Steve Forrest, another attendee, to complain about the abuse of the elderly man. "The Labour Party reserves the right to remove persons who cause a disturbance. The way Mr Wolfgang was removed was improper," he said in a statement. "The Labour Party will apologise to Mr Wolfgang over the incident," he added.

The decision of PM Tony Blair to support the US war against Iraq has divided the Labour Party and Great Britain. Many of the conferences participants complained since Iraq was only discussed allusively, in the context of a wide-range discussion on Great Britain in a co-dependent world.

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

[05] Collaboration with the PM Orfanos at Maximos Mansion

By Annita Paschalinou

The progress of Greek sports was discussed today during a meeting between the Deputy Sports Minister and the Greek Prime Minister at Maximos Mansion. In statements he made after the meeting, Giorgos Orfanos stressed that the inclusion of Greek teams to the betting game "Pame Stihima (Lets Bet) will be officially announced within the next few days, while he revealed that the recent ruling passed by the Athens First Instance Court partially alters the Hellenic Football Federations memorandum of association, while it also allows the possibility of judicial audits at the Federation. In addition, referring to the dispute that erupted between FIFA and the HFF over the matter of the Greek sports clubs abiding by the rules and regulations of the international federation, he declared that the Government would be briefing FIFA on the Greek legislation.

Positive Messages for EURO 2012

During the meeting, the PM assessed positively the measures being implemented to combat violence, since, as the Deputy Sports Minister noted, they aim at allowing fans to return to the stadiums.

With regard to the Greek candidacy for hosting the 2012 European Football Championship, Mr Orfanos stressed that a file has been submitted, and, as per UEFA sources, the outlook is positive.

He further added that the collaboration with the HFF is excellent, while they jointly decided that there is no need to form an organising committee just yet.

Mr Orfanos also declared that the issue of granting bonuses to the Greek National Basketball team was not discussed at the meeting.

Translated by Vicky Ghionis

[06] On All Current Events PASOK MPs Dinner

By Annita Paschalinou

On Wednesday night, George Papandreou hosted a dinner for the MPs of the 3rd recess session of PASOK. During the dinner, currents events, with the focal point being the economy and agriculture, were discussed. "As always, it was a useful discussion," stated the President of the party after the dinner. On his part, Giannos Papandoniou estimated that the government will not go through with a four-year term, or face the problems in the economy, which will eventually lead it to early elections. Milena Apostolaki pledged for a "tough and fighting Opposition," while Kostas Skandalidis jokingly referred to the sports and Olympiacos defeat by Real Madrid. "Olympiacos resisted heroically," stated the PASOK MP to the journalists.

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

[07] Fifty Dead in Vietnam and Seven in Thailand Swept Away by Damrey

By Athina Saloustrou

At least 50 people have lost their lives in Vietnam, and 7 in northern Thailand by Typhoon Damreys passing in southeastern Asia. As official sources announced today, in the mountainous area of Yen Bai, 180km northwest of Hanoi, 44 persons lost their lives in three neighbouring communities by floods spawned by the typhoon. Provincial sources stated to AFP that another six persons were killed in four other towns in the north. In neighbouring Thailand, the typhoon swept away 11 provinces, and as per the Interior Ministry seven persons lost their lives and four are missing. Damrey is the strongest typhoon that has stricken Vietnam for over a decade.

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

[08] Death Toll at 1,132 As Yet Katrina's Death Toll Increasing

By Annita Paschalinou

The number of dead left behind by Hurricane Katrina has exceeded 1,110 in the South and Florida. The latest reports have increased the number of victims to 1,132, after the location of another 11 victims in Louisiana, a state that received the largest blow, as the officially pronounced dead are 896, as yet. Mississippi follows with 220 victims, Florida with 12 and Alabama with two. A stir has been caused by the fact that one month after the deadly passing of Katrina, only 32 of the victims have been identified.

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

[09] Fifth Day of Israeli Operations in the West Bank "First Rain" in Full Development

By Annita Paschalinou

Israeli military operations continued in the West Bank. In the morning, Israeli troops performed a raid in the village of Birqin, near the city of Jenin, opening fire against militants. Two armed members of the Islamic Jihad and the head of the al-Aqsqa Martyrs Brigades, armed with rifles and grenades, were killed, As per Palestinians, the Israeli raid in Jenin took place simultaneously in different parts of the city. The operation "First Rain" of the Israeli army, which started five days ago, targeted Hamas and Jihad members in the West Bank.

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

[10] Optimistic Messages on Development Great Interest On Investments

By Annita Paschalinou

Deputy Economy Minister Petros Doukas estimated that 2006 will a better year, in relation to 2005, on the issue of investments, following his contacts with institutional investors and big banks in New York. Mr Doukas concluded that there is a great interest on investments in Greece, and that all bankers and investors share the view that Greece is in the right path, with the recent reforms implemented by the government.

Favourable Development in SE Europe

"We are in a good lead. This is the conclusion of the majority of bankers and investors with whom we have spoken with," he said.

The Deputy Minister of Economy referred to the benefits by the level of development, from the wider development in the southeastern European countries.

"As incomes increase in neighbouring countries, so will tourism in our country, our imports to those countries and investments," he noted.

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

[11] Sollied: "Point Was Possible"

By Vasilis Kalpinos

Straight after the end of the game, Trond Sollied voiced his satisfaction on the players efforts, but also his bitterness, as his team could have attained a positive result. "We played an excellent second half. During the game I believed that we would achieve a positive result, as it would mean a great deal to us, at least psychologically," noted the Norwegian coach.

Nikopolidis: "We Have Many Abilities"

Antonis Nikopolidis, the goalkeeper of Olympiacos, also expressed mixed emotions. "We played a very good first half and the fact that we faced Real Madrid in its home turf boosts our self confidence. We showed that we have many abilities to fight any given opponent. In the second half we closed off the goal area to Real, and the only real danger were left side attacks and Beckhmams centre shots, which was the biggest threat. What counts in games like these is the point, and I cannot say that I am satisfied from my performance from the point on that we lost. After this encounter, we have our eyes turned to the next game. We have a very important match against AEK, and we have to focus on that."

Pantelis Kafes, the scorer of the game for the Greek team, stated the following: "With the exception of the first 20 minutes, we stood quite well in the second half. At the end, after the continuous centre shots we received a goal and lost. If we had received those goals in the first half, we would have accepted it easier. From now on, things are difficult for us, qualification wise, actually nearly impossible."

Real Madrid coach Vanderlei Luxemburgo said, "What we want is first place in the group. We were worn out, more than we should have. Olympiacos tied early in the game. What we had planned did not come through, and resulted in our weariness. We fought hard for the first 15 minutes, but Kafes goal made us tetchy, which resulted in our fighting for victory. From now on all is good."

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

[12] Unfair Loss in Madrid

By Vasilis Kalpinos

The final score of the match between Real Madrid and Olympiacos, which was defeated by 2-1 in Santiago Bernabeu during the second round of the groups, was unfair for the Greek team. Although they played extremely well and even had a chance of winning until the 87, since the score up until then was 1-1 (Raul 9 and Kafes 48), the Spaniards scored a 2-1 victory with Soldado, sending the Greeks home without any points in the bag. With this defeat, Olympiacos lost many of its chances for qualifying to the next round of Champions League.

It Stood its Ground

The game started off in the worst possible way for Olympiacos, as Trond Solleids team was found trailing in the score right from the 9, after a great header by Raul. Madrid forwards goal made him the first player to score 50 goals in the Champions League, surpassing the all-time record holder Alfredo di Stefano.

In the second half, Olympiacos got back into the game, managing to tie the score in the 48 with Kafes. It all looked like the Greek team would manage to finish the game with a positive result, but Soldado was of a different opinion, beating Nikopolidis in the 87 and giving Real Madrid the three points of victory.

In the 91, Sergio Ramos was sent off for kicking Okkas, while it should be noted that the referee only allowed one minute of added time.

Referee: Markus Merk (Germany)

Red Card: Sergio Ramos (91)

Yellow Cards: Pablo Garcia, Guti Stoltidis, Rivalso, Okkas, Kafes

REAL MADRID: Casillas, Salgado (80 Diogo), Roberto Carlos, Helguera, Sergio Ramos, Pablo Garcia (85 Gravesen), Baptista (79 Soldado), Beckham, Guti, Robinho, Raul

OLYMPIACOS: Nikopolidis, Kafes, Stoltidis (90 Babangida), Rivaldo, Djordjevic, Mavrogenidis (40 Kapsis), Toure, Kostoulas, Georgatos, Konstantinou (85 Okkas), Anatolakis

Translated by Vicky Ghionis

[13] A Decision by a Brussels Appellate Court Chatting May Cause Divorce

By Annita Paschalinou

Sources: Reuters

Technology changes mores, even when adultery is concerned. Erotic conversations in chat rooms by married persons are not an unusual occurrence, as they can be used as an argument from the so-called cheated spouse in order to file a divorce. In a relevant case, a Brussels Appellate Court ruled that such discussions, although not proving adultery, constitute extreme insulting behaviour to the husband or wife, and can be used as evidence for the filing of divorce.

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

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