The Hellenic Radio (ERA): News in English, 05-09-30

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

CONTENTS

[01] Papoulias Molyviatis Meeting Awaiting Developments

By Vagelis Theodorou

The Greek Governments attention is focused on the crucial emergency meeting between the Foreign Ministers of the EU on Sunday in Luxemburg, where Turkeys accession negotiations will be discussed. Greek PM Petros Molyviatis briefed the President of the Hellenic Republic, Karolos Papoulias, on the latest developments, following the European Parliaments resolution, which asked Turkey to recognise Cyprus and the Armenian genocide, as well as the Permanent Representatives inability to agree on a negotiating framework. "It will all come down to Sunday night," stressed Mr Molyviatis, adding that he is neither pessimistic nor optimistic. The two men also discussed the FMs recent trip to the USA, as well as Mr Papoulias upcoming trip to Cyprus on 16 October. At the same time, the final terms and conditions that will be imposed on Ankara seem to concern the Member-States, with Austria insisting that the draft includes a condition whereby Turkey be offered an explicit alternative to full membership. On its part, Ankara voiced its disappointment, with PM Tayyip Erdogan announcing that he would not be accepting any new terms, other then the ones included in the draft, while FM Abdullah Gul hinted that the negotiations might not be commencing on Monday.

Negotiations Prove a Thorny Subject

Austrias insistence seems to be complicating matters for the EU, just days before the opening of accession negotiations, which have been set for 3 October. After the Permanent Representatives failed to reach an agreement, it will all come down to Sunday night and, behind the scenes, the diplomatic battle is expected to be fierce.

In the meantime, Italy voiced its full support for Turkey, saying that it has fulfilled all the terms imposed for opening accession talks.

Even if the negotiations commence on Monday, the process is expected to be long and tough. Actually, as per analysts, it might even last 10 years.

Turkey is expected to make great efforts in order to fulfil the EU criteria and integrate European law, while the Commission will be closely monitoring Ankara and has stressed that it will be reviewing its stance in case Turkey does not conform to the criteria imposed.

Translated by Vicky Ghionis

Related News:

Disputes over Turkey

[02] In Athens and Brussels Disputes over Turkey

By Vagelis Theodorou

Just a few days before the opening of accession talks between Turkey and the EU, Ankaras European prospect continues to trigger disputes. In Athens, Turkeys accession was at the focus of the National Council for Foreign Policy meeting, under the shadow of the European Parliaments resolution, whereby Ankara was asked to recognise Cyprus and the Armenian genocide. As per Greek FM Petros Molyviatis, the Council agreed on the strategic objectives, however, "differences, reservations and disagreements" were voiced over the actions followed, while "voices were raised, that do not befit the solemnity of the institution." PASOKs representative, Christos Papoutsis, stressed that his party supports Ankaras European prospect, while he accused the Government of giving up its weapons, reducing its claims and missing opportunities. SYNs representative, Nikos Konstantopoulos, appeared in favour of Turkeys accession, asking for respect for human rights, while KKE had declared right from the start that it would not be participating in the Council. In the meantime, the negotiating framework in view of the 3 October talks will be discussed on Sunday in Luxemburg, during an emergency meeting between the 25 EU Foreign Ministers, as COREPER failed to reach an agreement. Ankara voiced its discontent over the developments.

Negotiating Framework Pending

On Wednesday morning in Brussels, the EUs Permanent Representatives failed to agree on a negotiating framework for Turkeys accession talks, in view of the 3 October Summit.

According to information, the 24 Member-States were close to reaching an agreement, however, Austria insisted that the draft included a condition whereby Turkey be offered an explicit alternative to full membership. On its part, the British presidency told the Representatives that any change to the wording aiming at commencing accession talks would demand a political decision.

The emergency meeting between the 25 EU Foreign Ministers, scheduled for Sunday 2 October in Luxemburg, looms as a lifesaver, since striking a compromise is of paramount importance, as a negotiating framework is necessary for opening accession talks.

Ankara Annoyed

At the same time, Turkey, which had stressed that it would only be accepting full membership, voiced its disappointment over the European Parliaments resolution, whereby, apart from recognising Cyprus, the country is also obligated to recognise the Armenian genocide. According to an announcement issued by the Turkish Foreign Ministry, the latter issue has to be settled by historians, while the countrys official archives are already at the disposal of researchers from all the countries. It also mentioned that a discussion of the matter on a political level would not be serving anyones interests.

Commenting on the latest developments, Turkeys parliament speaker Bulent Arinc declared that the EU is testing the countrys patience by imposing different regulations.

Speaking on Turkeys NTV television, Mr Arinc claimed that Turkey was being provoked to walk away from the talks. "It seems as if our patience is being tested. Looking at what is being done to Turkey one sees that there are some quarters that hope to get rid of us by forcing us to walk away from the [negotiating] table," he stated. Meanwhile, he spoke of preferential treatment towards Romania, Bulgaria and Malta, while he urged the Turks to demonstrate patience, saying he remained optimistic that the country will be overcoming the various obstacles.

Finally, the parliament speaker pointed out that he understood the reservations against a large Muslim country, however, he asked the European leaders to remain objective and avoid being prejudiced.

In Cyprus, the Government and the political parties welcomed the European parliaments decision. "Yesterday, the European Parliament sent clear political messages to Turkey," declared Cyprus government spokesperson Kypros Chsrisostomidis, while parliament speaker Dimitris Chsristofias described it as a harsh and intense warning.

Translated by Vicky Ghionis

Related News:

Deadlock over Turkey

Harsh Message to Turkey

[03] Effective as of 1 October Changes in Bus Routes

By Vagelis Theodorou

OASA (Athens Urban Transport Organisation) has decided to add two more bus routes as of 1 October to better serve passengers of the Suburban Railway and Ano Liossia. Specifically, the new routes are: No 350 Doukissis Plakentias Koropi and No E12 Marni Ano Liossia. Line 350 will operate Monday to Friday with buses departing every 25 minutes from 20:30 to 00:15 (from Doukissis Plakentias) and 20:45 to 00:30 (from Koropi), while it will only stop at the Suburban Railway stops. Line E12 will be an express route. It will follow the same route as the existing B12 line, but will only operate Monday to Friday, during peak times, departing every 25 minutes. Meanwhile, some of the bus terminals on Akadimia Street will be transferred to another location as of 1 October.

Bus Terminal Transfers

Specifically, the bus terminal of the A5 line (Akadimia Agia Paraskevi Anthousa) will be transferred between Patriarchou Grigoriou and Sina Streets, while the bus terminals for lines Γ5 (Akadimia Cholargos), 408 (Akadimia Papagou) and 419 (Akadimia Cholargos Schools) will become stops, between Riga Feraiou and Akadimia Streets

Furthermore, the Akadimia stop for lines E6 (Museum Chalandri) and E7 (Kannigos Kifissia) will be transferred between Ippokratous and Riga Feraiou Streets.

It should be noted that the changes mentioned above will not affect the actual bus routes followed.

Translated by Vicky Ghionis

[04] For the Sad Loss of his Reindeer Compensation to Santa Claus

By Annita Paschalinou

The Danish Air Force got into some serious trouble with Santa Claus lately. Basically, one of the Santas reindeers died of shock as fighter planes flew very low overhead. Olovi Nikkanoff, one of Denmarks professional Santa Clauses, was devastated in February when he discovered his reindeers body. The animal had no health problems whatsoever and had been grazing happily, he said, when two Danish F-16s thundered overhead.

For the Sad Loss of his Reindeer

Santa Claus filed a complaint with the Air Force, which in turn looked into the incident.

"We got a letter from Santa complaining about his reindeers death and looked into it seriously," Air Force spokesperson Captain Morten Jensen told Associated Press.

Flight data showed the jets had been in the area at the time, and a vet concluded that their deafening roar had caused Rudolph to have heart failure.

The Air Force admitted liability and paid him 31,175 kroner (4,180 euros).

Translated by Vicky Ghionis

[05] The Star of the Muppet Show Counts 50 Years Happy Birthday Kermit!

By Vagelis Theodorou

He is the favourite frog of young and old and he has proven it with his long career. Kermit, the popular star of the Muppet Show, counts 50 years in show biz. As announced, the lovable amphibian will celebrate his birthday with a 50-stop worldwide tour, which will start from the US town Kermit in Texas. Some of his stops will include Washington, New York, Paris, London, Milan and Hong Kong. In addition, Disneys subsidiary, The Muppets Holding Company, which bought the Muppets franchise from the Jim Henson Company last April for a reputed 44 million euros, is planning on producing several films, TV shows and websites featuring the Muppets. Furthermore, Kermit and his friends will return to the TV, some 25 years after their heyday in the 1980s. Kermit was born in 1955, when his father and creator Jim Henson originally made Kermit with a scrap of green material, using two ping-pong balls for eyes. The Muppets success came 15 years later, when they appeared on the popular TV show "Open Sesame", while they shot to fame in 1976, when "The Muppet Show" made its television debut. The show was broadcast in over 100 countries worldwide, attracting some 235 million viewers.

Translated by Vicky Ghionis

[06] Residents Planning to Block Off the Dump Crucial Meeting over Refuse Dump

By Annita Paschalinou

The employees working at the Ano Liossia will decide on their future collective actions today, as they are continuing their work stoppages for the fourth day running. The employees union will convene at 10am, while the local residents will also be joining in the action, protesting against the health problems arising from the sewage sludge. It is quite possible that they may even block off the refuse dump on Monday. Yesterday, the Deputy Minister of Public Works, Themistoklis Xanthopoulos, advised the citizens of Western Attica to demonstrate patience. As he said, an alternative to the issue of the sewage sludge will have been found by the end of 2005.

Translated by Vicky Ghionis

Related News:

Sewage Sludge in Parliament

[07] At Least 10 Killed and 30 Injured Car Spreads Death in Iraq

By Vagelis Theodorou

Explosive start to the day in Iraq, just one day after the triple attack against the town of Balad, which resulted in the death of 85 and the injury of another 110. A car bomb exploded in the crowded Al Amar vegetable market in the town Hilla, killing at least 10 and injuring another 30. According to the police, the car was parked outside the market and the explosives were detonated by remote control. The attack spread fear and panic, while ambulances rushed to the scene immediately to assist with the wounded, and extensive damages were caused to many shops. Last Sunday, Hilla was marked by violence once again, when a motorbike bomb exploded in a busy street, killing one and injuring 36.

Translated by Vicky Ghionis

Related News:

Bloody Attacks in Iraq

[08] Papoulias Molyviatis Meeting Awaiting Developments

By Vagelis Theodorou

The Greek Governments attention is focused on the crucial emergency meeting between the Foreign Ministers of the EU on Sunday in Luxemburg, where Turkeys accession negotiations will be discussed. Greek PM Petros Molyviatis briefed the President of the Hellenic Republic, Karolos Papoulias, on the latest developments, following the European Parliaments resolution, which asked Turkey to recognise Cyprus and the Armenian genocide, as well as the Permanent Representatives inability to agree on a negotiating framework. "It will all come down to Sunday night," stressed Mr Molyviatis, adding that he is neither pessimistic nor optimistic. The two men also discussed the FMs recent trip to the USA, as well as Mr Papoulias upcoming trip to Cyprus on 16 October. At the same time, the final terms and conditions that will be imposed on Ankara seem to concern the Member-States, with Austria insisting that the draft includes a condition whereby Turkey be offered an explicit alternative to full membership. On its part, Ankara voiced its disappointment, with PM Tayyip Erdogan announcing that he would not be accepting any new terms, other then the ones included in the draft, while FM Abdullah Gul hinted that the negotiations might not be commencing on Monday.

Negotiations Prove a Thorny Subject

Austrias insistence seems to be complicating matters for the EU, just days before the opening of accession negotiations, which have been set for 3 October. After the Permanent Representatives failed to reach an agreement, it will all come down to Sunday night and, behind the scenes, the diplomatic battle is expected to be fierce.

In the meantime, Italy voiced its full support for Turkey, saying that it has fulfilled all the terms imposed for opening accession talks.

Even if the negotiations commence on Monday, the process is expected to be long and tough. Actually, as per analysts, it might even last 10 years.

Turkey is expected to make great efforts in order to fulfil the EU criteria and integrate European law, while the Commission will be closely monitoring Ankara and has stressed that it will be reviewing its stance in case Turkey does not conform to the criteria imposed.

Translated by Vicky Ghionis

Related News:

Disputes over Turkey

[09] In the Asia Markets Drop in Oil Prices

By Anna Kourti

The price of crude oil for November delivery contracts dropped significantly in Singapores market, as it closed at $66.47 per barrel, 32 cents below the closing price recorded yesterday in New York ($66.79). Testu Emori, analyst for Mitsui Bussan Futures in Tokyo, stressed that the market is calm. However, the price remains over $66 per barrel, due to fears over whether the Mexican Gulf facilities will be able to start operating again, following the destructive blows delivered by hurricanes Katrina and Rita.

Translated by Vicky Ghionis

[10] Aris Tied with Roma

By Stathis Petropoulos

The result of the first match (5-1) was a long shot to be covered by Aris playing against Roma and so the Greek team were cool enough to balance today's match. The many absences from both teams did not affect the overall image of the game, although Roma were indifferent, but those who were in the pitch did their best for a good result. Naturally, this is a claim for Aris, since the Italians were very relaxed in the first half and Karatziovalis did not have a lot to worry over while guarding his nets.

In the rerun, Caceres came close to opening the score in the 49', but Roma's goalkeeper saved the ball, as he did again in the 87' when Domoraud's kick from a good spot went wide. All and all, Aris were not defeated in their home grounds, as they have never been in European events, nor managed to score and the match ended 0-0, thus allowing Roma to qualify.

ARIS: Karatziovalis, Vangeli, Koltsidas, Decamps, Naidos, Papadopoulos, Bollos (59' Domoraud), Caceres, Nebegleras, Moisiadis, Beniskos

ROMA: Curci, Panucci, Mexes, Bovo, Chivu (85' Rosi), Aquilani (65' Perrotta), Dacourt, Taddei (74' De Rossi), Kharja, Alvarez, Okaka Chuka

Translated by Sofia Soulioti

[11] AEK Eliminated from UEFA Cup

By Stathis Petropoulos

Sources: UEFA

Andrei Arshavin scored an 89th-minute winner for FC Zenit St. Petersburg to secure a 1-0 aggregate victory against AEK Athens FC. After the two sides played out a 0-0 draw in the opening leg in Russia, the second looked to be heading the same way until Arshavins late strike secured Zenit a place in the UEFA Cup group phase.

The first chance of a generally cautious first half fell to Alexandre Soares of AEK. The forward collected the ball on the edge of penalty area before firing over. Zenit responded moments later when Arshavins inswinging delivery found Milan Vje&#353;tica unmarked, but the defender could not head on target. Zenits best moment of the half came in the 29th minute, when Bruno Cirillo fouled Radek Sirl on the edge of the area. Sirl picked himself up to strike a fine curling free-kick that Stefano Sorrentino did well to save.

The second period began in a similarly pedestrian vein, until Vladimir Ivi&#263; was presented with a good chance on 57 minutes but sent his low show wide of the Zenit goal. The Russian side responded through Vladislav Radimov, whose effort drifted wide, but it was AEK whose increased urgency looked likelier to win through. Julio Cesar spurned their best chance with ten minutes to go, and was made to pay the price. With the game seemingly heading for extra time, Arshavin seized possession on the edge of the area and lashed a powerful right-foot shot into the bottom corner.

ΑΕΚ: Sorrentino, Kontis, Malbasa, Alexopoulos, Cirillo, Katsouranis, Chanko (80 Krassas), Ivic, Lymberopoulos, Soares, Venhlinskiy (75 Julio Cesar)

ΖΕΝΙΤ: Contofalsky, Radimov (86 Denisov), Vjestica, Hagen, Anyukov, Sirl, Gorshkov (90 Sumulikoski), Flachbart (74 Spivak), Mares, Arshavin, Kerzhakov

[12] Heads High for Xanthi

By Stathis Petropoulos

Lack of experience and important matches cost Xanthi their qualification to the next round of the UEFA groups. The 2-0 score of the first game was the decisive one, as tonight Xanthi tried hard but failed to score the goal that would give them the right to hope. Despite being supported by 7,000 of its fans, things went wrong although Xanthi tried hard to make them work.

The guests balanced the match and imposed their own pace, but still failed to score. In the rerun, things were more or less the same, although there was evident nervousness from both sides. The Greek team had a good moment in the 87', but Emerson's header landed on Nemeth's bar. However, Xanthi left good impressions and gained experiences that will help them do better next time.

XANTHI: Pizanowski, Papadimitriou, Paviot, Sikov, Torosidis (46' Kazakis), Maghradze (68' Garpozis), Antzas, Emerson, Gomez de Andrade Junior (60' Quintana), Luciano de Souza, Labriakos

MIDDLESBROUGH: Jones, Queudrue (77' Parnaby), Southgate, Riggott, Xavier, Morrison, Boateng, Doriva, Pogatetz, Maccarone (71' Nemeth), Hasselbaink (71' Ayegbeni)

Translated by Sofia Soulioti

[13] PAOK Qualified to the UEFA Groups

By Stathis Petropoulos

PAOK paved the way of qualification, which we hope can lead the other Greek teams to qualifying, after tying 2-2 with Metalurh and thus booked a ticket for the round of groups of the UEFA cup. Giorgos Kostikos players make got off to the wrong start, but they put up a strong fight and passionately managed to qualify.

Quick in Every Aspect

The match was breathtaking and climaxed near the end, when PAOK were left with nine players. In the 39' Ukrainian Kosyrin opened the score for Metalurh, thus making PAOK's work harder. However, Kostikos' players did not give up and answered back two minutes later with Salpiggidis, who tied the score, and then took the lead 2-1 in the 44' with Konstantinidis.

In the rerun, Metalurh were in a better shape and tied in the 57' (2-2), but still the Greek team qualified. PAOK were in a very good defensive mood and the only bad aspect of the match was that two PAOK players were sent off. Karypidis in the 81' for receiving a second yellow card and Yassoumis in the 85' for making a hard marking.

METALURH: Virt, Tkachenko, Florea, Checher, Gjuzelov (+90' Grncarov), Aliuta, Ristic (83' Priyomov), Zakarliuka, Zotov, Kosyrin, Shyshchenko

PAOK: Fernandes, Feutchine, Charalambous, Udeze, Karypidis, Iliadis (55' Zografakis), Konstantinidis, Zagorakis, Balafas, Mieciel (80' Yiassoumis), Salpiggidis (69' Chasiotis)

Translated by Sofia Soulioti

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