The Hellenic Radio (ERA): News in English, 05-10-12

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

CONTENTS

[01] For the Problems in the Sector Media Walkout

The Greek journalists are responding to the serious problems recorded in the Media sector with a 4-hour work stoppage today from 12 noon to 4pm. Meanwhile, a protest rally will be staged on the intersection of Voukourestiou and Akadimias Streets, in the centre of Athens, in front of the ESIEA (Journalists Union of Athens Daily Newspapers) building. The president of ESIEA, Panos Sobolos, spoke of an unprecedented crisis in the Media sector. Some of the main problems include loss of jobs, breach of Collective Work Contracts, continuous undermining of labour and social security rights, as well as the recent tactic of employers to force employees to compulsory unemployment using the voluntary redundancy method. ERTonline will not be posting any news during this time.

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ESIEA

[02] Flirting With the Dog Singles With Canines on the Prowl

By Annita Paschalinou

A four-legged creature offers its owner love and companionship. Now, it can also get them a date thanks to a new matchmaking agency in Germany, which offers an online dog service. On http://www.date-a-dog.de, dog owners can post the pictures of their canines and provide information on themselves. Hence, they can get a date with someone living in the same area and walk their dogs together. Germans are now using their four-legged friends to meet a partner under the motto "a date on all fours". The site can also cover the needs of those who want to date but dont have a dog. If you fall under this category, there is no need to worry, you can always rent a dog and get a taste of dog flirt. To be precise, the Germans were not the first to come up with this original dog service. Similar websites have been launched in the USA for some time now, offering even greater possibilities.

A Date on All Fours

On http://singledogowners.com/ dog owners come first. They talk about themselves, post their pictures and state the kind of dogs they like.

Besides, recent studies have shown that humans and their dogs have resembling characters and personalities.

The online matchmaking agency also provides services for homosexuals.

Translated by Sofia Soulioti

[03] Chaos While Training

By Ilias Papaioannou

Sources: AFP, Reuters, Yahoo

At least 60 people were injured on Tuesday when thousands of people stormed the already packed Mangueirao stadium in the city of Belem, northern Brazil, to watch the national team train for a World Cup qualifying match. Tonight's game against Venezuela is the final World Cup qualifier for Brazil, which has already clinched a berth in the 2006 Cup in Germany. Chaos prevailed outside the stadium. Some 75,000 fans had gathered from early on, trying to break the police cordon. On the other hand, when things got out of hand, the police threw tear gas to disperse the angry crowd.

Outraged Crowd Crushed the Doors

Two hours before the national team was scheduled to begin training, the 45,000-seat stadium was already packed with people, each of whom had donated 2 pounds of non-perishable food to be able to watch Ronaldinho, Kaka, Ronaldo, Adriano and the other Brazilian football stars exchanging passes while training.

As per the first information, five people aged 8-18 suffered serious but not life-threatening injuries and were taken to a private hospital, while most of the 60 injured were treated at the stadium's medical facilities and released shortly afterward.

About 5,000 angry fans, who were left out, stormed the stadium, broke down at least three gates and rushed in, while it is unclear if the police proceeded with arrests. What is more, the state government denied earlier reports that a car had run over and killed a 10-year old girl in front of the stadium.

[04] After Cases in Turkey Global Alert

By Athina Saloustrou

Fears for the spread of the bird flu are taking on international dimensions, especially after the recent cases in Turkey and the suspicious incidents in other countries, such as Bulgaria, Colombia and Indonesia, where experts believe a person might have died. In the meantime, as part of the bird flu protection plan in Europe, the Commission's competent veterinarian agency is looking into emergency measures while awaiting the results from the lab tests on Turkey's cases. In Greece, inspections in customs and poultry units are continuous and thorough, while scientists are also observing wetlands. "We should neither panic, nor be complacent," underlined Health Minister Nikitas Kaklamanis. Competent agencies in Evros are on alert, as the river's delta is a passage for migratory birds. "We have taken all necessary measures," assured Deputy Prefect Michalis Kougioumtzis on NET radio 105.8. In the meantime, Vietnam announced this morning that it will start testing a vaccine against avian flu on humans in the beginning of 2006.

Vaccine Made in Vietnam

"We have recorded successful test results on animals and have sent the application for human testing to both the environment and health ministries," announced a senior official at the National Institute of Epidemiology in Vietnam. In May, members of the vaccine research team said the human test was expected to be done last summer, but stalled pending approval from senior officials.

"We had to wait for more guidance from a higher level," had stated a member of the group back then. The H5N1 virus of the avian flu has killed 44 people in Vietnam since late 2003. In the meantime, as part of the bird flu protection plan in Europe, the Commission's competent agencies are looking into emergency measures while waiting for the results of the lab tests from the Turkish cases.

Bird flu cases in Romania and Bulgaria are not related to the virus' fatal strain. Greek authorities are also on alert.

German Search

In Germany, authorities are increasing their checks in airports for aircrafts coming from Turkey, because of the avian flu cases in the country. German Authorities in Munich searched all passengers arriving from Istanbul via Sun Express airlines and impounded all goods considered suspect.

The President of the Turkish Veterinarian Union warned that his country is facing a serious danger of more avian flu outbreaks, as it is located at a crossroad for migratory birds.

Translated by Sofia Soulioti

[05] Discussion in Parliament Amidst Tension Clash Over Medicines

By Vagelis Theodorou

Tuesdays discussion in Parliament over the amendment, which changes medicine pricing, caused new friction between the Government and the Opposition. PASOK Parliamentarians estimated that the new reforms would lead to a sharp increase in prices, while Christos Protopapas stressed the amendment was adopted at the demand of a big pharmaceutical company. Mr Protopapas statements triggered Deputy Development Minister Giannis Papathanasious intense reaction, who described the Parliamentarian as a slanderer, asking him to name the company, a fact which Mr Protopapas did not do. "With this new regulation, the first hundred most popular medicines will be sold 5% to 7% cheaper," clarified Mr Papathanasiou, thus vitiating the Main Oppositions claims. "It is clear the people will be burdened with more expenses," said KKE rapporteur Elpida Pantelaki, while SYN Parliamentarian Fotis Kouvelis spoke of a controversial calculation. The fate of the amendment will come down to Wednesday morning and the open vote, which PASOK requested for.

"There will not be a single medicine, whose price will not dramatically increase. We will be frightened," warned PASOK state parliamentarian Sokratis Kosmidis, while Mr Protopapas estimated that 1,500 cheap drugs would be sold at a higher price.

"Without state pharmaceutical industries there can be no competition in prices. The previous government promoted this policy and now ND is here to take the lead on the same path," stated Mrs Pantelakis.

Responding to criticism, the Deputy Development Minister underlined that the EU had sent five warning letters to the previous PASOK governments for referring Greece to the European Court after violating Community legislation on medicine pricing, asking for a 300-million euro compensation. "The PASOK governments did nothing, the simply hid the ashes under the rug," stressed Mr Papathanasiou.

Translated by Sofia Soulioti

[06] Information on Trapped Person Building Collapsed in Piraeus

By Athina Saloustrou

An old deserted building collapsed in Piraeus at 08:00 on Wednesday morning. The building was located at the junction of Alipedou and Skylitsi streets. At this hour, a special EMAK rescue crew and a dog are on site as there had been information, which was never confirmed, on a trapped person. Parts of the two-storey building also fell on the railway, thus interrupting train routes from Piraeus to Faliro and vice versa. Authorities were forces to cut the power around the block. Inhabitants speak of a miracle, as noone got hurt, taking into consideration that every Sunday a bazaar is held on this street, which is bustling with life.

Translated by Sofia Soulioti

[07] Second Body Washed Ashore Yesterday in Pilio Mystery With Dead Children

By Athina Saloustrou

As of yesterday noon, Port Authorities are trying to solve a macabre mystery. The body of another young boy in advanced decomposition was washed ashore, this time at the coast of Pilio. On Sunday, Coast Guard men had come face to face with the first macabre find in Chalkidiki, the body of a young boy, aged between 5-6. The most horrifying thing is that in both cases the bodies were recovered from the waist down. Both victims were wearing three pairs of pants, while the forensic examination places their death 10-30 days ago, but does not clarify the cause of death. One of the scenarios is a potential ship wreckage.

Translated by Sofia Soulioti

[08] Death Toll Reached 26,000 in Pakistan Biblical Catastrophe

By Anna Kourti

The death toll is Pakistan has risen to 26,000, following the deadly 7.6 magnitude earthquake. Officials speak of 40,000 dead, while another 2,000 perished in Indian-controlled Kashmir. One million people are in dire need of medical assistance, food and water. More than 40,000 houses have been destroyed just in Indian-controlled Kashmir. The UN, which is coordinating the relief efforts, addressed an appeal for food and medicines. However, the adverse weather conditions are hindering the job of the rescue crews and the transfer of humanitarian aid, while the first epidemic outbreaks have started surfacing. In Athens, the Pakistani Embassy has opened an account for the victims. Interested parties can deposit money at all Nova Bank branches on the account number 5362348. Meanwhile, a C-130 of the Greek Air Force departed this morning for Islamabad, transferring humanitarian aid to the earthquake-stricken citizens of Pakistan.

Translated by Vicky Ghionis

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Race in the Ruins

[09] From the Bank of Greece Measures for Housing Loans

By Athina Saloustrou

The Bank of Greece is attempting to implement measures in order to slow down the issuing of housing loans, thus obligating financial institutions to increase their forecasts for this specific type of loans. Meanwhile, the Bank of Greece recommended that instalments do not exceed 40% of the lenders monthly income, while they will also have to consider the consequences of a possible increase in interest rates. In a document issued by the Director of the Bank of Greece, Nikos Garganas, as of 31/12/2002, the reduced forecasting rates enjoyed by secured loans will be implemented to the part of the loan that corresponds to 75% of the purchase value of the mortgaged property, as opposed to the existing objective value. In addition, the reduced weighing factor for calculating capital claims to credit risk will start being implemented on the same date, while for loans that exceed 75% of the purchase value of the loan, the banks will be obligated to use a higher rate for calculating capital claims.

Security Blanket

In addition, more regulatory capitals will be needed to cover the other 25% of the loan. From now on, the calculations for capital claims will be based on the current market values instead of the objective values, which was the case until now. With regard to the forecasts, the reduced forecasting rate will not apply anymore for housing loans that are overdue by more than 12 months.

These regulations are just the beginning of a series of changes provided for by the second Treaty of Basel, which will start being implemented as of 1/1/2007. In addition, they are being imposed by the Bank of Greece during a very favourable period for the banks, since the high profits of financial institutions will create a security blanket, so that they can proceed with the amortisation of overdue loans quicker.

Furthermore, the Bank of Greece recognises that, despite the fact that the possibility of loss in secured loans remains low, in the other types of loans this percentage increases when they are long overdue.

Translated by Vicky Ghionis

[10] Dellas Joins the Squad

By Ilias Papaioannou

The Greek National Football Team is expected to lineup in tomorrows game against Georgia with many changes compared to the match in Copenhagen, after completing its last training session today, under the watchful eyes of 200 fans. In their last game for the World Cup preliminaries, the Greek players are hoping for a miracle, which will come from the two results of the two matches in Tirana and Almati. Angelos Charisteas and Takis Fyssas will not be included in the squad, as they have not overcome their injuries, while Traianos Dellas is in, but we will find out whether he will play or not a few minutes before kick-off tomorrow. In addition, during tonights training, the fans kept urging Otto Rehaggel to stay with the Greek team.

Fyssas is Out

The Greek team will lineup in Karaiskakis Stadium for the match against Georgia without Kyrgiakos, Giannakopoulos and Karagounis, who are penalised, and without Fyssas and Charisteas, who are injured.

In tonights training at the Agios Kosmas sport complex, Takis Fyssas asked to follow an individual programme, however, he couldnt finish it and watched the rest of the session from the bench. On the other hand, Traianos Dellas completed the training and has put in a serious claim for a position in tomorrows lineup.

Greeces possible lineup for tomorrow, baring any unforeseen events, will be: Nikopolidis, Seitaridis, Dellas, Kapsis, Goumas, Zagorakis, Basinas, Katsouranis, Lymberopoulos, Gekas and Vryzas.

Scales Tip towards Greece

Guest team Georgia also trained today in Karaisiakis Stadium, but they will be playing stress free, as they have no chances of qualifying. The squad includes: Georgi Lomaia, Zviad Sturua, Aleksandr Rekhviashvili, Kakha Kaladze, Levan Kobiashvili, Levan Tskitishvili, Zurab Khizanishvili, Malkhaz Asatiani, Lasha Salukvadze, Kakhaber Mjavanadze, George Ganugrava, Jaba Kankava, Gogita Gogua, Georgi Gakhokidze, Zurab Menteshashvili, David Mujiri, Shota Arveladze, Georgi Demetradze, Mikheil Ashvetia, Georgi Khidesheli and Rati Tsinamdzgvrishvili

For the lovers of statistics, the scales tip towards Greece in their matches against Georgia, since the Greek team has won all four games: 8/5/1996 Greece-Georgia 2-1 (friendly), 14/10/1998 Greece-Georgia 3-0 (European Cup Preliminaries), 5/6/1999 Georgia-Greece 1-2 (European Cup Preliminaries) and 26/3/2005 Georgia-Greece 1-3 (World Cup Preliminaries).

Translated by Vicky Ghionis

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One Step at a Time!

[11] "See You in Beijing" Shenzhou VI in Orbit

By Anna Kourti

Sources: Reuters

Chinese spacecraft Shenzhou VI blasted off successfully at 09:00 local time (03:00 CET) and then reached orbit. The craft is carrying astronauts Fei Junlong, 40, and Nie Haisheng, 41, who were handpicked from 14 fighter pilots. The mission is expected to last five days. "There is nothing to worry about. We will accomplish the mission resolutely. See you in Beijing," stressed the Chinese astronauts shortly before launch. This is Chinas second manned mission to space. The first Chinese astronaut to have performed a mission in space is Colonel Yang Liwei, who orbited Earth 14 times aboard Shenzhou V craft in October 2003. The former Soviet Union and the United States performed their first manned space missions in 1961.

Serious Space Player

The spacecraft was launched one day after the completion of the meeting, which mapped out the development of the seventh largest economy in the world for the next five years.

The Chinese Government is determined to become a serious space player and set up a National Astronaut Training Centre in Beijing this week. As per Xinhua news agency, this is only the third such facility in the world. Prime Minister Wen Jiabao and other Chinese leaders watched the blast-off at the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Centre, while President Hu Jintao and Vice President Zeng Qinghong watched the spacecraft taking off at the Beijing Aerospace Command and Control Centre.

Translated by Sofia Soulioti

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