The Hellenic Radio (ERA): News in English, 05-10-01

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

CONTENTS

[01] Problems by the Rainfall Bad Weather Persists

By Betty Savourdou

Sources: NET, ANA

The problems by the thunderstorms, which have started from Friday night, affecting many areas of the country, are great. In Thessaloniki, the efforts of water drainage in the Michaniona fish market, which has closed as the water level exceeded 1.5m, continued on Saturday, while buildings flooded in Polygyros, Ierissos and Ouranoupolis. Ground-floor houses and stores flooded in Kavala and Thasos, while the strong rainfall caused landslides. Important problems in houses and crops were apparent in Ilia Prefecture. Strong rainfall also occurred in Attica. As per the forecasts of the Hellenic National Meteorological Service (EMY), the weather will present improvement as of Sunday, while the Civil Protection Authority is on full alert, and advices citizens to be careful.

Serious Problems

Exasperated, the fishmongers of Nea Michanionia watched their property being destroyed. The fish market turned into an endless lake, since the water by yesterdays thunderous rainfall exceeded the one-meter mark. More than 100 trucks and cars were immobilised in the water and mud.

From the strong thunderstorms, roads in Thessaloniki, Peraia, Kerasia and Agia Triada turned into torrents. Water entered houses and stores, while the citizens tried to salvage their households.

Furthermore, water and electricity were cut in many areas in the Thessaloniki Prefecture.

The situation was similar in Chalkidiki. In Polygyros, Ouranopoulis and Ierissos, more than 50 houses flooded. Parked vehicles were swept away, while traffic was stopped in specific parts of the roads.

In Kavala, the power was cut for an hour, while the city was left paralysed by the morning rain.

Great problems were created in the traffic of vehicles, due to the collapse of a road in a central intersection of the city. Sewage drains flooded and their covers swept away, resulting in damage to parked vehicles.

In the Ilia Prefecture, Pyrgos, Amaliada, Ancient Olympia and Krestena flooded by the strong rainfall, while vast damage was caused in crops.

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

Related News:

Bad Weather Sets In

Related Links:

Hellenic National Meteorological Service

[02] Memories Have Been Stirred "Blind" Hit in Bali

By Betty Savourdou

Sources: Reuters, Associated Press

Consecutive explosions rocked tourist areas of Bali on Saturday at 20:00 local time, and cost the lives of at least 32 people and the wounding of more than 100. The majority of the victims are foreign nationals, since the island is a popular tourist destination. At the time, around 100 Greeks are in Bali, who as per information are safe from harm. In particular, two explosions occurred in a restaurant at the beach of Jimbaran, near the "Four Seasons" hotel, and the third, in a three-story restaurant in a high street in Kuta, 30km from Jimbaran, ten minutes later. Jemaah Islamiya has aroused suspicions, and as per the Indonesian President was preparing attacks in the popular resort. Up to now, no organisation has claimed responsibility of the attack. It is noted that three years ago, on October 12, 2002, 202 persons, most of whom tourists, had lost their lives in explosions at nightclubs in Kuta, by Jemaah Islamiya, an Al Qaeda linked group.

Majority of Casualties are Westerners

The local television station broadcast images of persons with serious injuries, as well as destroyed buildings, while Mass Media stated that the Police have found several bombs, which did not explode, as well as other remnants with nails.

As per the latest information, among the dead are one Australian, one Japanese woman and four Indonesians, while among the wounded are eight Australians, two Americans, one Briton and at least 28 Indonesians.

The Greek Foreign Ministry is on alert, and in constant contact with its embassy in Jakarta.

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

[03] Fierce Attack Against the Government "There Is Another Solution"

By Betty Savourdou

Sources: NET 105.8, ANA

On Saturday, adjourning the proceedings of the two-day PASOK National Council meeting, George Papandreou stated that there is another alternative solution on the countrys great problems, whilst making criticism on government policy. Moreover, he called on the members of the party to give a battle within society and social bodies. The President of PASOK voiced the certainty that PASOK will win the next elections, however, noting that this aim is not an end in itself. In the context of the Council, the main discussion matter was the tension caused during the meeting of the Political Council on Friday. Replying to the President of PASOK, government spokesperson Thodoros Rousopoulos, in a written statement, noted: "Mr Papandreou only speaks of reforms demanded by the country, at the time when the ND government is proceeding with great institutional changes. Instead of presenting constructive counterproposals, he just rejects them."

"We Will Win the Next Elections"

"I have assumed the responsibility that was given to me by PASOK and the citizens to the fullest, leading a united PASOK victoriously to a course with all powers positioned," noted the leader of the Main Opposition Party in his replication, during the adjournment of the partys National Council proceedings.

Moreover, he underlined that PASOK, after March and Junes elections, has ran the distance and made systematic work, as the results of the opinion polls indicate, as well as the Greek people, who see and evaluate it.

"Our character and attitude is identified by our effectiveness," underlined George Papandreou. "Our aim," he noted, "is to create a party of changes, for new structures and new roads, for a developmental and participative Greece of solidarity, justice, and to set the prerequisites, so the day after the elections, to proceed with the materialisation of the aims with swift steps, together with the Greek people, and not against them.

"Greece Taken Back to The Past"

The President of PASOK made a new fierce attack against the government, noting that it set Greece under the surveillance of Brussels, adding that it undermines democratic institutions and the ideas conquered by Greek peoples battles.

"The government is taking the country back to the past," added Mr Papandreou, and stated, "the government has failed in the economy; incomes have collapsed, expenditures enlarged and investments decreased."

Furthermore, he noted "ND and conservatism want to see the unionist bodies depleted," and added, "we want the syndicates emancipated, that will have a political part in substantial developments in society, with an active role in the great reforms."

Making reference to the followers of ND ("blue children") he said "we do not consider you as blue children, we consider you as children of the Greek people. It saddens us that the leadership of your party humiliates you into becoming the partys spare parts. I call you to revolt in order for the new generation, from the background, to enter the foreground."

On Disputes in The Interior

PASOK members commented on the dispute caused on Friday, during the meeting of the Political Council. Anna Diamantopoulou said that it is not an issue concerning Greek society, while Milena Apostolaki said that PASOK has a disagreement culture.

On his part, Giannis Magriotis said that it was a big fuss over nothing, while Miltiadis Papaioannou estimated that the political council disappointed the people.

"Whoever made the leak is an enemy of PASOK, illiterate or dumb. I, however, with my statements in the Political Council, supported George Papandreous views," stated Thodoros Pagalos.

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

Related News:

Head-On Collision

[04] At Least Half a Point Unemployment Rates Drop

By Betty Savourdou

Sources: NET

While addressing the 1st Hellenic Food, Drinks and Gastronomy Industry Congress, which is organised by the Greek Export Promotion Agency, the Greek Economy Minister Giorgos Alogoskoufis ranked the decline in the unemployment rates among the positive messages of the countrys economy. As for unemployment, it dropped at least by one point in the second quarter of 2005, pointed out Mr Alogoskoufis. In particular, it fell to 10% as opposed to 10.4% during the first quarter and around 11.5% a year and a half ago.

Boosting Outward Looking Policies

The Economy Minister requested the Greek businessmen take action so that they make the most of the chances they have to prove the value of the Greek products and to help them make it to the large markets.

The government is boosting the outward looking policies and exports by adopting certain steps and initiatives, and has already formed a strategic action plan to advance the Greek products abroad, mentioned Mr Alogoskoufis.

As per information, the Economy Ministry is working on simplifying the handling of pending tax cases of businesses and freelancers.

Translated by Areti Christou

[05] 45th Anniversary of the Cypriot Independence Grand Anniversary Ceremony

By Betty Savourdou

Sources: ANA

Cypriot President Tassos Papadopoulos stated on Saturday that reinforcing the national defence of the Republic of Cyprus is both a duty and a top priority, given Turkeys negative stance keeps obstructing the achievement of a fair solution to the Cyprus issue. Addressing the media, shortly after the grand military parade, which was held to mark the 45th anniversary of the Cypriot Independence, President Papadopoulos added that reinforcing the National Guard is listed among the governments key priorities, and went on to say that Greece is a staunch supporter in that direction. The Greek National Defence Minister Spilios Spiliotopoulos, escorted by the Greek ambassador to Nicosia Dimitrios Rallis, attended the ceremony on behalf of the Greek government.

Greece Remains a Staunch Supporter

On his part, Greek National Defence Minister Spilios Spiliotopoulos, repeated that Greece will keep working by Cyprus side to help it realise its objectives.

"Greece stands by Cypruss fair cause for uniting the island through a sustainable and fair solution that falls in line with the European acquits and the UN resolutions," claimed the Greek Minister.

"I would like to congratulate all those who participated in this grand parade, for they proved once more that the defence and the security of Cyprus is safeguarded," concluded Mr Spiliotopoulos.

On Saturday night, the Cypriot President escorted by his wife is to host an open reception at the Presidential Mansion.

Translated by Areti Christou

[06] Emergency European FM's Meeting In View of the Crucial Decision

By

Reaching an agreement over the negotiating framework with Turkey is to be decided on Sunday evening, at the emergency meeting among the Foreign Ministers of the EU, in Luxemburg. The commencement of Turkeys accession talks is scheduled for Monday, provided that Austria abandons its reservations over Turkeys full membership. If an agreement is to be reached and what terms will be set to Ankara will depend on the participation of Turkish FM at the Summit on Monday stated Abdullah Gul. On his part, Turkish President Ahmet Necdet Sezer warned EU leaders that any new obstacle in the start of the scheduled accession negotiations on Monday, will raise "a wall of prejudice," which will obstruct the progress of the Union. Foreign Minister Petros Molyviatis voiced his optimism on Turkeys European prospect, whilst repeating that our countrys aim is the improvement of Greek-Turkish relations, in an exclusive interview on NET and Konstantinos Zoulas show "PRESS."

The Turks Do Not Trust the EU

The opinion poll that was conducted by A&G upon the Turkish top selling Milliyet request showed that three in five Turks, namely 57.4% of the population, do not trust the EU as opposed to 17.5% of the questioned that think the opposite. 18.2% does not care about the results of Mondays negotiations, while 10.3% voiced their opposition.

Around 59.8% of a sample of 1,834 people dismisses the idea of Turkeys "privileged partnership" with the EU. The poll was conducted between 24 and 29 September.

70% of the Turks favours the commencement of accession talks compared to 28% that rejects them, reported a poll carried out by AC Nielsen firm, which presented its findings on Turkeys Kanal D television network. In the question regarding which countries are to be held accountable for the obstacles Turkey encounters with regard to its accession, 55% of those questioned blame France, 15% view Germany and Britain as responsible, while 7% accuse Greece and only 6% blame Austria.

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

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Awaiting Developments

[07] Ring Members Arrested

By Betty Savourdou

Sources: NET 105.9, ANA

The Athens Police is hunting down a large ring of robbers and burglars, while they arrested two of its 10 members, all Albanian nationals. The others are being sought after by INTERPOL, in the case they have fled abroad. The ring hit mostly fuel stations, houses and apartments, and forced civilians to reveal their PIN of their credit cards. Up to now, 21 armed robberies have been revealed, 21 house robberies and 10 car thefts, from which five vehicles were found. From the above crimes, the ring collected at least 200,000 euros.

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

[08] Modern Day Slavers

By Betty Savourdou

Sources: NET 105.8

The Athens Police broke up a ring of Romanian, inhumanely taking advantage of workers from their country. The policemen arrested 17 members of the ring, and freed 31 Romanian workers, who were locked up in 2 apartment buildings basements in Athens. The perpetrators brought the workers to Greece, promising that they would earn 35 euros a day for 3 months, but kept them imprisoned, abused them and gave them a small amount of food, keeping their earnings. The arrested members were taken to the Prosecution on Saturday, while the investigation is continuing with the collaboration of INTERPOL.

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

[09] Negative Consequences for FYROM

By Betty Savourdou

Sources: ANA

For the first time, Prime Minister of the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia publicly admitted in two interviews, that the pending issue of FYROMs name could have negative consequences on its accession course in the European Union. Actually, he revealed that the PM of Great Britain and President of the Union, Tony Blair, in their meeting mentioned that the conflict on the name could have a negative effect on FYROMs accession in Europe. These statements by Vlado Buckovski have been extensively covered by the countrys Mass Media, which spoke of "worrying messages of the PM to the people," and of "a change of the countrys position on the name issue."

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

[10] First 3 Points for Levadiakos

By Vasilis Kalpinos

In a game, which can only be described as the joy of offensive football, at least in the first 45 minutes, Levadiakos defeated Panionios 3-2, in the fifth round of the A Division. These was the first three points for Takis Lemonis team in this years Championship, while the team of Nea Smyrni is counting its fifth defeat. The winning teams goals were scored by Bushi (28), Rusev (39) and Pastos (44), while Makos (15) and Pastos (42) scored for Panionios.

Referee: Dabosis (Pieria)

Yellow cards: Chrisafis, Bushi, Kallimanis Magdy, Makos Levadiakos (Takis Lemonis): Zafeiropoulos, Kallimanis, Chrisafis, Pastos, Dimou, Zisopoulos, Bassala, Korea, Rusev (87 Veletanis), Alex (77 Machairas), Bushi (90 Iordache)

Panionios (Nikos Pantelis): Vaniak, Kontodimos (81 Maniatis), Magdy, Giannopoulos (68 Mitrou), Smilianjic, Kiassos, Breska, Makos, Goundoulakis (61 Navas), Fernantes, Nalitzis

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

[11] PAO Escaped from "El Paso"

By Vasilis Kalpinos

Panathinaikos stood on its own two feet in Kallithea, achieving an important win in "El Paso" against the local team 4-2, in the game of the 5th round of the A Division Championship. Even if the "greens" were losing 2-0 at 35, they pulled a great overthrow, and with four goals, three of which in the second half, earned the win 2-4, and their second consecutive win in the Championship. The goals for the winners were scored by Gekas (40, 70), Kotsios (63) and Wooter (90+), while Telkivski (32) and Georgiev (39) scored for Kallithea.

Referee: Germanakos (Athens)

Yellow cards: Mudjiri, Petkovic, Belegrinis Torghelle

Kallithea: Souloganis, Belegrinis, Tsiolis, Venetis, Vokolos, Georgiev, Yanchev, Telkivski (64 Gontzios), Petkovic (73 Kontospyros), Mudjiri, Lazanas

Panathinaikos: Galinovic, Vintra, Kotsios, Goumas, Darlas, Flavio Conceicao, Charabidis (42 Wooter), Seric, Gonzales (73 Tziolis), Gekas, Mantzios (58 Torghelle)

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

[12] Garbage Piling Up

By Betty Savourdou

Sources: NET 105.8, NET

The strong rainfall in Attica during the past 24 hours worsened the problems with the heaps of garbage, which for the fifth day remain in the streets. The water is sweeping garbage bags, resulting in the blockage of gullies and the flooding of streets. However, the employees in the Ano Liosia refuse dump are decided to continue collective actions, protesting over work conditions. They decided to accept garbage of Attica, in special instances, as well as refuse from markets, hospitals, elderly homes and schools to be transferred to the dump. The Bimunicipal Committee has scheduled a new protest at the refuse dump on Monday.

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

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Refuse Dump Remains Closed

[13] In Thessaloniki Attack at Journalist

By Anna Kourti

On Friday night, an unidentified man attacked and injured journalist of Goal News newspaper Periklis Stellas in the face with a sharp object. The journalist is being hospitalised out of danger at AXEPA Hospital. Stellas was exiting the newspapers offices at 6 Mitropoleos Street, in the centre of Thessaloniki. Deputy Minister of Culture and in charge of sports issues Giorgos Orfanos condemned the attack.

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

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