The Hellenic Radio (ERA): News in English, 05-10-19

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

CONTENTS

[01] Government Gives Reassurance Positive Messages

By Dimitris Alexopoulos

Sources: ANA, NET, NET 105.8

On Wednesday, Greek Health Ministry Nikitas Kaklamanis visited the Aegean Sea of Oinousses and voiced his belief that the chances of an avian flu outbreak in Greece are slim. He also reassured that neither the islands inhabitants nor the rest of the country are in danger, while he had cooked chicken for lunch along with the residents to erase the unfavourable impressions and send a message of no panic. The virus possibly has not arrived in Greece, stated Professor and academic Spyros Kyriakis, after a meeting in the Ministry of Rural Development. At the same time, the lab tests of the second blood samples taken from Oinousses were tested negative. However, on Tuesday, the havoc created by the lack of the only positive sample forced the authorities to take several samples. As a result it was not possible for the authorities to clearly determine which had been tested and what the tests had shown. The confusion caused government spokesperson Thodoris Roussopoulos to intervene. Mr Roussopoulos stated that the fact that the total of the samples tested was negative is what really matters, given that the scientific method used is not reduced to one sample only. He also put down the confusion to the nature of the issue, which requires a specialised background. Yet, the issue made the Hellenic Supreme Court of Civil and Penal Law Prosecutor Mr Linos order Thessalonikis head Prosecutor conduct a preliminary investigation. PASOK, on its part, asked the Parliaments Standing Committee on Production and Trade convene to be briefed by the Rural Development Ministry Evangelos Basiakos on the latest developments.

What the Government Spokesperson Stated

"From the nine samples taken, eight were blood samples and one tissue. The blood samples were sent to the Thessaloniki Centre of Veterinary Institutions, while the tissue one is being tested at a lab in London. So far, 154 samples have been sent to Thessaloniki with 40 being tested negative. 44 further samples were taken to Athens with 16 also being tested negative. The scientific method used is based on taking samples from many birds. All the tests conducted so far were negative," asserted the government spokesperson.

When questioned on the matter of the turkey from Oinousses that was lost and was tested positive, Mr Roussopoulos argued that cannot become the "turkeys Poirot," and underlined, "the credibility of the lab tests relates to the credibility of the scientific methods and the labs."

PASOK press spokesperson Nikos Athanasakis directly blamed the government and its competent Minister for the confusion and the panic created.

"Creating such a problem was the last thing to be done, since it is a matter that concerns the public health and has attracted the international communitys attention," Mr Athanasakis added.

Test Results

Despite the confusion, what really matters is the test results.

As per the Institute for Infections and Parasitic Diseases (ILPAN) in Thessaloniki, the viral tests that will show whether the samples taken from Oinousses contain antibodies of the dangerous to humans H5N1 virus are underway. As for the serological tests, the samples were found negative.

The results of the viral tests are to be released in around six days. In the meantime, the sample that had been sent to a UK lab was sent back to Greece late on Wednesday evening. It is to be tested late at night, however, the results will not be made public until Friday.

The test results will also be sent to the EU veterinary directorate and to the Greek Ministry of Rural Development.

Poultry Breeders in Despair

In the meantime, the field of poultry industry is threatened and the Greek Poultry Units Union held several talks with both the leadership of the Ministry of Rural Development and with PASOK and SYN MPs.

The President of the Union, Dimitris Livaditis, handed over a memo to the Deputy Rural Development Ministry with the Unions claims to curtail the implications from the reduction of poultry consumptions.

Mr Livaditis underlined that the Greek chickens are not health-hazardous, while the Rural Development Ministry, Evangelos Basiakos, announced that the Ministry has already raised the issue of compensations to the poultry breeders to the European Commission.

PASOK, on his part, demanded the Parliaments Standing Committee on Production and Trade be immediately convened to be briefed by the Rural Development Ministry on the latest developments and the measures to be taken, as well.

The SYN members pointed out that the government should first inform the public and reverse the unfavourable climate (since chickens pose no threat once cooked). They also urged the government to take effective precautionary measures to the benefit of both the poultry breeders and the high-risk population groups.

Translated by Areti Christou

Related News:

Second Test Negative

Calm and Ready

Turkey Sample Raises Concerns

[02] Summit of Health Ministries on Thursday The EU on Alert

By Dimitris Alexopoulos

Following Romania, blood tests on dead birds from Russia were also found positive for the deadly H5N1 strain of the avian flu virus. A suspected case from the FYROM urged the countrys authorities to cull thousands of birds. New avian flu cases were confirmed in China, while nearly 2,600 birds died of the virus in Mongolia. The EU Health Ministers are to hold an emergency Summit in London on Thursday to assess the situation and decide on what has to be done at a European level. However, Hungarys announcement, according to which the first tests on a vaccine against the avian flu were positive, sent glimmers of hope.

Solution From Hungary?

At the same time, the concerns over the flu outbreak have resulted in panicking the EU citizens, who rush to buy anti-viral drugs.

The sales of Tamiflu, the only anti-viral drug believed to combat the avian flu symptoms, posted a 263% rise over the last nine months and amounted to 554 million euros, announced the Suisse pharmaceutical company, Roche.

The successful tests of a pilot vaccine against the avian fly on birds gives glimmers of hope, said the Hungarian Health Ministry.

Perfecting the pilot vaccine is a prerequisite for the speedy perfecting of a real vaccine in case the H5N1 virus mutates and is transmitted from humans to humans.

The pilot vaccine was developed in late September by the Hungarian sanitary services.

Meanwhile, the France-based pharmaceutical company, Sanofi-Pasteur, announced that the official results from the clinical tests of the pilot vaccine conducted on 400 people will have been at the companys disposal by the end of 2005. The company also noted that the results are likely to determine of the potentials of the output.

Translated by Areti Christou

Related News:

Positive Messages

Second Test Negative

[03] Tariffs and Tax Incentives Abolished Change of Foreign Businesses Bill

By Despina Hristopoulou

Sources: NET 105.8, ANA

Aimed at the sustenance of foreign businesses based in our country and the encouragement of others, the Ministry of Economy presented a new bill on the settlement regime in Greece. The bill presented by Giorgos Alogoskoufis, abolishes the bill of 1967 on the attraction of foreign business to our country through tax and tariff incentives, and harmonises the legislative context to community law on competitiveness. With the bills clauses, tariff incentives are abolished and the tax regime of foreign businesses based in our country and operate in third countries is cleared up. Furthermore, the Minister said that for securing the seriousness of the businesses, they should employ at least five persons, and their expenses should be least 100,000 annually. On the issue of assets taxation, Mr Alogoskoufis said that all changes such as VAT and increment tax will be implemented as of 2006, making clear that the VAT for newly constructed property, increment tax and increase of objective value will be applied in three stages.

Tax Relief Could Not Continue

The Minister of Economy stated that the new measures are in the context of attractive incentives for businesses wanting to operate, not only in Greece, but also in the broader area. However, he stated, "we cannot compete with the neighbouring countries in employment costs, but we have more comparative advantages."

Mr Alogoskoufis noted that the tariffs and tax relief and adjustments of the 1967 bill could not have continued, as Greece pledged to the EU that they will only apply until December 31, 2005.

As per the Minister, around 250 foreign businesses operate in Greece, which file under the regime of the 1967 bill, and which after 31/12/2005 will be found in a tax gap, as to their taxation regime. Mr Alogoskoufis noted that the continuation of their operation is beneficial for the Greek economy, but tax and tariffs relief is not feasible.

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

[04] By the Special Tribunal Saddam's Trial Adjourned

By Anna Kourti

Sources: BBC, ANA

On day one of the hearing process, Saddam Husseins trial was adjourned by the Iraqi Special Tribunal until November 28. The ousted former Iraqi leader and seven of his associates, who are accused of crimes against humanity, pleaded not guilty. Saddams lawyer, Halil al-Dulaimi had asked for a three-month adjournment to study the 800-page indictment. The presiding judge Rizgar Mohammed Amin argued that the main reason for the trials adjournment was the fact that many prosecution witnesses were too frightened to show up, although the podium has curtains so that their identity cannot be revealed. The judge claimed that around 30 to 40 witnesses did not show up and underlined that the issue will be examined at the upcoming hearings.

Adjournment is Sensible

At the end of day one, the judge, who has worked on the case, stated that the adjournment is sensible, since Saddams lawyers had asked for a three-month postponement to study the case. "The fact that we had to inform the witnesses anew was another reason for the adjournment," he added.

Saddams oldest daughter, on her part, appeared on the Al-Arabiyia television network and described her fathers trial as a farce and went on to saying that the world is the biggest judge.

The former Iraqi leader entered the courtroom dressed in dark suit with an open-shirt neck and he was holding a copy of the Koran. Meanwhile, the hearing lasted a few hours only, while it was videotaped by the Iraqi television network and was broadcast with a 30-minute delay.

Translated by Areti Christou

Related News:

Saddam to Justice

[05] Dispute on Transparency and Contract Workers

By Despina Hristopoulou

A fierce dispute broke out between the government and the Main Opposition Party, by Minister for the Interior Prokopis Pavlopoulos statements, who declaring the start of the 3rd European Conference for the reinforcement of transparency and the handling of community funds, stated that Greece has improved its rank in the global corruption map, from number 49 to 47. PASOK Press spokesperson Nikos Athanasakis noted that the country has not improved its ranking in the global corruption map, and added that he is not telling the whole truth, while he made data public, which states that Greece has ranked 35th. Furthermore, as he noted, ND is captive of the way it handled the corruption issues, as Opposition, and accused it of deafening to the proposals of the Opposition, while showing its worst self.

Moreover, Mr Athanasakis referred to the issue of the number of contract workers that ND had pledged for permanency, showing a pre-election video with Mr Karamanlis referring to 250,000 contract workers, whom he said, his party will liberate when it becomes government.

In replying, Minister of State Theodoros Rousopoulos stated that Mr Athanasakis said much, but nothing of importance, and accused PASOK of hiring thousands of contract workers, outside the ASEP procedure, and holding them to a party captivity for years.

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

Related News:

Constant Battle against Corruption

Global Corruption Map

[06] Discussions in Cordial Climate "Joint Fight for A Free Cyprus"

By Despina Hristopoulou

Sources: ANA

President of the Republic Karolos Papoulias, who completed his four-day visit on the island today, voiced the reassurance that Greece will always stand by the side of Cyprus to President of Cyprus Tassos Papadopoulos. In his statements at the Larnaca International Airport, shortly before his departure, Karolos Papoulias noted, "from the sidelines, we are jointly fighting for a free Cyprus, without occupation troops, a prosperous Cyprus in the greater European family." Mr Papoulias stated that he is returning to Greece emotionally charged, saying that the experiences he lived in Cyprus were "soul elating by the high convictions of the Cypriot people, and suspenseful on Turkeys continuing atrociousness." Furthermore, he stated that he is greatly encouraged as the discussions with President Papadopoulos and Cyprus political leadership took place in a cordial climate of fighting decisiveness. "With these prerequisites and convictions, the result of the fight is what we desire: a free and prosperous Cyprus, without troops," underlined Mr Papoulias.

Fight will Continue

On his part, Tassos Papadopoulos voiced his acknowledgement and gratitude on the joy given to the Cypriot people by Mr Papoulias visit.

Mr Papadopoulos stated that Karolos Papoulias gave clear message of encouragement, unconditional support, optimism and faith towards the final justification, and reassured his Greek counterpart that the fight for a functional and viable solution of the Cypriot issue, based on United Nations and European Unions principles, will continue. This morning, Mr Papoulias visited Limasol, where he send a new message to Ankara to respect the rules of the European family, while he repeated Greeces support for a just, functional and viable solution of the Cypriot issue, for the benefit of both communities. Later on, the Greek President of the Republic visited Paralimni and Deryneia.

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

Related News:

Greek President in Limasol

[07] Stressed Pavlopoulos during his Speech Constant Battle against Corruption

By Vivian Papastefanou

During his opening speech at the 3rd European Conference for supporting transparency and utilising EU funds, the Greek Minister of Interior, Public Administration and Decentralisation, Prokopis Pavlopoulos, stressed that the Governments main priority is to stamp out corruption. Furthermore, he added that the battle would be constant until the end. Mr Pavlopoulos also pointed out that the results of the government policy concerning this major issue are already visible. At that point, he referred to the recent report issued by the organisation International Transparency, whereby the unequivocal improvement demonstrated by Greece in corruption matters was evident, compared to previous years, when it kept dropping on the list. Mr Pavlopoulos also spoke about a series of measures that have been implemented by the Government, aiming at strengthening the auditing system, while he repeated, "We will not rest and we will not relax until corruption is totally wiped out."

Others who spoke at the conference, which was organised by the National Centre of Public Administration, in collaboration with the European Antifraud Office and the general inspector of Public Administration, included: the general secretary of the Interior Ministry, Giorgos Voutsinos; the general inspector of Public Administration, Leandros Rakintzis; the secretary of Public Administration Inspectors Unions, Lambros Georgakopoulos; and the Director-General of the European Antifraud Office, Franz-Hermann Bruner.

Members of the Greek Public Administration responsible for combating corruption, representatives from EU Member-States, and members of Public Administration from candidate Member-States (Bulgaria, Turkey and Romania) and the Balkans states (Albania, Serbia-Montenegro and FYROM) also attended the conference.

Translated by Vicky Ghionis

[08] Fire with Missing Person

By Despina Hristopoulou

Sources: NET 105.8, NET

A fire that broke out, due to an unknown cause, early this afternoon in a cotton-ginning house, in Grammatiko, Karditsa, is in development. The fire is burning down thousands of tonnes of cotton, while the manager of the business, Fokionas Georgiadis, who in an effort to operate the manual fire extinguishing system, was trapped in the business, is missing. Around 19:30, the guard of the business, who was also trying to extinguish the fire, passed out and was taken to a health centre. The Thessaly Fire Service, with 60 firemen and 25 vehicles rushed to the scene. In the meantime, on Tuesday evening, a fire broke out in a warehouse of the Larissa Agricultural Co-ops Union, at the Old National Highway Larissa-Volos, at Melissochori, which destroyed four thousand tonnes of cotton. The Fire Service Interrogative Service is investigating the event of the two fires being connected.

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

[09] Presentation of Bill New Facts on Education Hirings

By Vicky Keleri

Minister of Education Marieta Giannakou presented the bill on selecting staff of primary and secondary education. As the Minister stated, the staff will be selected based on the new measures, will have a 4-year term, and take up their duties as of next year. A necessary prerequisite for the participation in the selection process, is sufficient service and teaching experience. Furthermore, the start of gradual development of staff is established, and is a prerequisite in the selection of a higher administrative position. On his part, George Papandreou accused the government of ideas of "clientele" and dogmatism in Education. Mrs Giannakou noted that the bill was delivered to the education community, and other political parties in order to start a dialogue.

Procedure for Higher Staff

On the selection of higher educational staff, ie superintendents, administrators and school counsellors, Mrs Giannakou announced that a written procedure, similar to ASEP, will take place, during which, the contestants will take a 100 multiple question test.

The interested persons can participate in the competition for 1,238 Superintendent and Administrative positions and School Counsellors, and will have to answer at least 60 questions, which will be the average.

The ones that will exceed average will qualify in the next procedure, the point system, which is based on previous experience, their educational qualifications, and the personal interview which will be given at the selection councils, made up of University staff, members of the Pedagogical Institutes and elective delegates.

Point System in Detail

For school counsellors, the point system will be the following:

Service and teaching experience: 10 points. Scientific-Pedagogical knowledge: 26 points Personality and general knowledge: 20 points Successful participation in written test: 4 points.

For administrators:

Service: 22 points Scientific and pedagogical knowledge: 14 points Personality and general knowledge: 20 points Successful participation in written test: 4 points

For superintendents:

Service: 22 points Scientific knowledge: 14 points Personality: 20 points

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

[10] In the Public Order Ministry In Honour of Pavlos Bakogiannis

By Dimitris Alexopoulos

This morning, the name of the N17 victim and ND MP during 1991-1993, Pavlos Bakoyiannis, was given to a conference hall of the Ministry of Public Order. Former Prime Minister and honorary ND President Mr Konstantinos Mitsotakis, Athens Mayor Mrs Dora Bakogianni, as well as family members of terrorist act victims attended the ceremony. Representing the Ministry of Public Order, Deputy Minister Mr Christos Markogiannakis, General Secretary Mr Leonidas Evangelidis, Chief of the Greek Police Sergeant General Mr Georgios Aggelakos, as well as high-rank Police officials also attended the ceremony. During their short speeches, both Mr Voulgarakis and Mrs Bakogianni stated that the fight against terrorism continues, and all data related to terrorism actions in Greece are re-evaluated.

Fight to Answer Questions

The Minister of Public Order, Mr Giorgos Voulgarakis, added that until now, the organisations aggravating Greece have been fully broken up and crimes identified.

In order to finalise the case, the last question has to be answered and the last piece of the puzzle to be found.

Furthermore, the Minister said that Pavlos Bakogiannis, who was murdered 16 years ago, was an important political figure, who played an important role in the eras developments, and that his murder has continuing consequences that have not been analysed in detail.

On her part, Athens Mayor Mrs Dora Bakogianni said that terrorism in Greece is a pending issue, and continuous efforts and fights are required. She agreed that a large number of the terrorists are in Korydallos Prison, stating that we have to always keep in mind that every terrorist hit, is a hit against Greek society, democracy, values and principles.

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

[11] Nightmarish Memories Strong Aftershocks in Pakistan

By Vivian Papastefanou

This morning, the already destroyed capital of Kashmir, Muzaffarabad, was hit by two powerful aftershocks, measuring 5.8 and 5.6 on the Richter scale. So far, there have been no reports on dead or injured. In particular, the 5.8 magnitude aftershock occurred at 07:33 local time (04:33 CET), without causing panic. The second tremor was reported at 08:16 local time (05:16 CET), this time measuring 5.6 on the Richter scale, while experts said some 400 strong aftershocks have been recorded after the October 8 7.6 magnitude earthquake. At the same time, there are high hopes India will be allowed to provide aid to Pakistan, after Pakistani President Musaraf offered to allow unobstructed passage via the Control Line. India welcomed this decision, but its implementation remains unknown. The last official death toll is 42,000, while there are some 67,000 injured and over 1,000,000 homeless in Pakistan. In India, the death toll has reached 1,400.

Translated by Sofia Soulioti

[12] Sollieds Surprises

By Ilias Papaioannou

The Norwegian coach of Olympiacos, Trond Sollied, will try to surprise Lyon in the game in Gerland Stadium, in the 3rd round of the 6th group (21:45, MEGA). The Olympiacos coach, in yesterdays training session in France, incorporated Turk Erol Bulut, who will substitute injured Georgatos, in the left line of defence. Moreover, Sollied will substitute Giannakis Okkas with Nigerian Aruna Babagida.

A Difficult Game

Tonight, in Lyon, Trond Sollied will try to turn the negative results around, since he does not want to become the first coach in Olympiacos history, to lose three consecutive games in Europe. Thus, even a draw with the four-time French Champions will surely be a positive result, signaling a new beginning for the Piraeus team, which does not want to take up the role of the extra in the group.

Everyone is aware that the game of the red and whites in Gerland will be very difficult. Even more than the game in Santiago Bernabeu, against Real Madrid, where Sollieds players touched the dream, without any success. Even if Real Madrid had received three goals in Gerland by Lyon. Thus, Trond Sollied is prepared to surprise the Lyon coach, Gerard Houllier, whose only concern is to finish off the Greek team and get on with the qualification. The young French player Jeremy Berthold seems to be replacing Abidal in the home teams roster.

The participation of Turk Erol Bulut and Nigerian Haruna Babagida in Olympiacos team roster will not be a surprise, since they trained with the rest of the team. The probable team roster for the red and whites in tonights game is quite likely to be the following: Nikopolidis, Pantos, Anatolakis, Toure, Stoltidis, Kostoulas, Bulut, Babagida, Kafes, Djordjevic and Konstantinou.

Kokkalis Absent from Training Session

Yesterday, the President of the Piraeus football club, Sokratis Kokkalis, did not attend the training session, since he was invited to a dinner hosted by his French counterpart Jean-Michelle Aulas. It is noteworthy to say that Mr Aulas is the biggest fan of his team, as he does not miss a single training session. This is why the teams offices are situated next to the facilities of Gerland, as he pops next door and attends the training session at any given time.

Previous Games' Data

For statistics lovers, there is one negative and one positive point for Olympiacos. The positive is that with referee Graham Paul, Lyon has been defeated twice, in OAKA by Olympiacos 2-1, and in Gerland by Barcelona 3-2. The negative point is that the red and whites, in their previous visits in the French stadium, have been defeated twice, once in 1963-1964 by 4-1, and in 2000-2001 by 0-1.

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

[13] Happy Birthday Mr President With Love As Always From Marilyn

By Annita Paschalinou

Sources: Agence Francaise de Presse

The Happy Birthday Mr President song that Marilyn Monroe sang to US President Kennedy still sounds in our ears. The song, however, was not the only birthday present she had given him. At that night, she gave him a gold rolex, which has recently been sold in an auction for 120,000 dollars. The wristwatch was inscribed with the words, "Jack, with love as always from Marilyn, May 29th 1962."

Let Me Love or Let Me Die!

The gift was given to the US President in an ornate gold case with two doves kissing carved on it.

In the inner part of the case, there was a poem that read, "A heartfelt plea on your birthday. Let me love or let me die!"

As per a spokesperson for the Auction House, President Kennedy immediately handed it over to one of his aides instructing him to "get rid of it."

A family member of Kennedys aide revealed the story.

Both the wristwatch serial number and the inscription on it speak for the watchs authenticity.

Translated by Areti Christou

[14] At the Age of 89 Anemogiannis Breathed his Last

By Dimitris Alexopoulos

One of the most important stage and costume designers of Greece, Giorgos Anemogiannis, breathed his last at the Paleo Faliro Medicial Centre, where he was hospitalised, at the age of 89. With studies in Vienna and using his personal style, he created new trends in stage and costume designing, paving the way for the next generations. An expert in theatre eras and machinery, he was specialized in grand and spectacular shows. His contribution, especially in variety theatre was determinative, when a turn to spectacular shows and music hall was observed post-war. Moreover, he was the founder of the Nikos Kazantzakis Museum in Heraklion, Crete, and had received many Greek and foreign awards on his work.

In honour of Giorgos Anemogiannis, the Ministry of Culture will fund his funeral. The ceremony will take place in the Agios Konstantinos Cemetery, in Heraklion, Crete.

Anemogiannis was an inventive artist who created atmosphere and persuasion, using inexpensive and everyday materials, and precise colour combinations.

He was the first Greek stage designer to enforce painted scenery, in an era when built scenery was the style in the theatre stages.

His first stage designing work was for the Marika Kotopouli Theatre Company in 1939.

He worked exclusively with Mrs Kotopoulis company until 1957.

Moreover, he designed stages and costumes for most of the Athens and Thessaloniki Theatre Companies.

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

[15] On October 25 at 8.30pm ERT's Musical Ensembles at Athens Concert Hall

By Vivian Papastefanou

ERTs Musical Ensembles will be giving a concert at the Friends of Music Hall on October 25 at 8.30pm. This concert marks the opening of their appearances at the Athens Concert Hall. ERTs Contemporary Music Orchestra under conductor Andreas Pylarinos will open the programme by performing works by renowned Greek musicians, including Kapnisis, Paritsis, Hatzidakis, Papadimitriou, and by Sommerlatte, a celebrated German composer. Fotini Darra will be the head performer with Marios Fragoulis appearing as a guest star. Furthermore, ERTs Choir under chief conductor Antonis Kontogeorgiou will present celebrated works composed by di Lasso, Babrielli, Rossini, Hatzidakis and Antoniou. At the end of the concert, the National Symphonic Orchestra under conductor Nikos Christodoulou will perform works by Beethoven, Smentana, Skalkota and Borotin. Tickets are available at the Athens Music Hall and their prices range from 20, 15, 11, 6 to 3.5 euros.

Translated by Areti Christou

[16] In the Netherlands Big Daddy!

By Annita Paschalinou

May it live a long and healthy life! What else can we wish to the first baby born in a reality show? The world exclusive was inside Big Brother's house in the Netherlands. A 27-year-old woman gave birth to her child in one of the rooms, in the presence of cameras, which recorded the labour in full detail. The Dutch viewers had the chance to see the event eight hours later with cameras zooming on the mother's face and on the midwife, who assisted in the labour.

Reactions

The mother participated in the show in August, in the seventh month of her pregnancy.

She gave birth to one of the house's rooms, which was specially designed to serve the needs of labour.

She will then be taken to a room without cameras, where family and friends could go see her.

Television station Talpa, broadcasting Big Brother in the Netherlands, was harshly criticised for broadcasting the birth of the baby.

However, the channel's executives said the scenes were not offensive and many educational and medical shows are more revealing.

Translated by Sofia Soulioti

[17] From 21 to 24 October Greek Fashion in Zappeio

By Annita Paschalinou

The First Greek Fashion Week that took place in March wowed both the fashion industry, as well as the Athenians. Seven months later, the organisers decided to repeat the success story, embracing the Greek fashion industry once again. So, from 21 to 24 October, fashion lovers will have to chance to marvel at creations by great Greek designers on the catwalk.

Forty Fashion Shows

Many top fashion models from Greece and abroad will parade in front of audiences during the Second Greek Fashion Week.

A total of 40 fashion shows will take place, in which designers will have a chance to present some of the most representative samples of their work.

Many reporters, including 30 from abroad, as well as fashion retailers from Greece and the rest of the world are expected to attend the Fashion Week.

Apart from a commercial activity, fashion also constitutes a great form of art and culture, declared Athens Mayor Dora Bakoyannis, underlining that the Municipality of Athens will do its best to promote Greek fashion now and in the future.

The Greek Fashion Week is organised by the Hellenic Association of Fashion Designers in collaboration with the Municipality of Athens and IMAKO, under the aegis of the Greek Ministries of Development and Tourism.

Programme

Friday 21/10/2005

18:30 Hall B - MI-RO: +30 2103318079 19:30 Hall C - ANGELOS BRATIS: + 30 6974055418 20:00 Hall B - DEUX HOMMES: +30 2103633627 20:30 Hall A - LOUKIA: +30 2103627334

Saturday 22/10/2005

16:30 Hall C - DIMITRIS DASSIOS: +30 2108676062 17:00 Hall A - SIMEONI: +30 2310263962 17:30 Hall B - YIANNOS XENIS: +30 2107257668 18:00 Hall C - CHARA LEBESSI: +30 2109964775 18:30 Hall A - VASSILIOS KOSTETSOS: +30 2103607354 19:30 Hall B - LIANA CAMBA: +30 2109840169 20:00 Hall C - SMARAGDI: +30 2102819255 20:30 Hall A - MAKIS TSELIOS: +30 2103629126 21:00 Hall B - CHRISTOS MAILIS: +30 2107227939 21:30 Hall C - CHRISTOS COSTARELLOS: +30 2107228261 22:00 Hall A - YIORGOS ELEFTHERIADIS: +30 2103312622

Sunday 23/10/2005

16:30 Hall C - LENA KATSANIDOU: +30 2107223923 17:00 Hall A - DAPHNE VALENTE 17:30 Hall B - PARTHENIS: +30 2103633158 18:00 Hall C - CELIA D. & ELENA SYRAKA: +30 2106755697 18:30 Hall B - KONSTANTINOS: +30 2310286763 19:30 Hall B - OIKOS KOSTA MAVROPOULOU NIKOLAS MAVROPOULOS: +30 2107218187 20:00 Hall C - ELINA LEBESSI: +30 2103631731 20:30 Hall A - ASLANIS: +30 2103600049 21:00 Hall B - PAVLOS KYRIAKIDIS: +30 2109247316 21:30 Hall C - VASSO CONSOLA: +30 2103319154 22:00 Hall A - CHRISTOFOROS KOTENTOS: +30 2103255156

Translated by Vicky Ghionis

[18] Incidents at the Ministry of Transport

By Vicky Keleri

Sources: ANA

Heated tension prevailed on Wednesday outside the Greek Ministry of Transport and minor incidents occurred during the demonstration staged by the Olympic Airlines contract workers, who were protesting for they have not be given a permanent working status. A team of the protestors requested a meeting with the Minister, Michael Liapis. The Ministers refusal to meet with them due to his busy schedule made the demonstrators try to break the police cordon and enter the building. The policemen, however, prevented them. Later, some of the contract workers started throwing eggs at the buildings entrance and using smoke bombs. The police forces had to fire tear gases to disperse the demonstrators.

Their Claims

The contract workers demanded they immediately be given a permanent working status under the EU directive and the ruling of the Athens Appellate Court, which ruled in favour of their colleagues on the Aegean Sea island of Samos.

They also argued that instead of a permanent working status, their contracts were disrupted for two months with the aim to be rehired in Christmas, a rather busy period.

Translated by Areti Christou

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