The Hellenic Radio (ERA): News in English, 05-10-31

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

CONTENTS

[01] Vojislav Kostunica in Athens Focused on the Balkans

By Vagelis Theodorou

The Kosovo issue, the situation in the Balkans, Serbias European prospect and bilateral relations were at the focus of the meeting between Prime Minister Vojislav Kostunica with the state and political leadership of Greece. "The solution given will emerge from substantial negotiations, and will not be a product of enforcement," stated Mr Karamanlis, in reference to Kosovos future, after his discussions with his Serb counterpart. Moreover, Mr Karamanlis added that the solution should take into account the decision of the Security Council, in particular, Resolution 1244, as well as being in accordance with the principles of the European Union. Moreover, he spoke of a multi-cultural Kosovo, respecting minorities rights, in order to constitute a main stability factor in the area. On his part, the Serb Prime Minister said he counted on Greeces support and wished for a fair solution, claiming that the problems can be solved if all previous UN agreements are implemented. Mr Kostunicas meeting with President of the Republic Karolos Papoulias took place in a cordial atmosphere, while in the afternoon he will hold discussions with President of PASOK George Papandreou.

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

[02] On the Daily Agenda National Issues at Parliament

By Vagelis Theodorou

After an initiative taken by the Prime Minister, Turkeys European course, the developments in the FYROM name issue, as well as the Cypriot conflict are expected to be on the daily agenda discussion, presided by political leaders, in Parliament, on Monday afternoon. As per sources, Kostas Karamanlis will review the governments actions and state that national issues need agreement and consensus, while he is expected to send a new message to Ankara, after the latest provocative actions of the "Grey Wolves" in Phanar. Moreover, the Prime Minister will comment on current affairs, focused on corruption, but will also reassign the political agenda with reforms in the Public Sector and the Economy. On his part, always as per sources, the President of PASOK, George Papandreou, will ask the government to clear up its stance on Ankaras behaviour towards the Ecumenical Patriarchate, and will criticise corruption issues, which have surfaced during the past days.

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

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Foreign Policy at Focus

[03] Giveaway Love!

By Vagelis Theodorou

A young guy from Austria was brought to Justice after the intervention of his school sweetheart. It was a fine morning when he burst in a bank in the town of Obermillstadt to held it up. Masked and armed, he cried "hands up" and headed to the cashier demanding the cute yet petrified clerk hand over all the cash. He, then, ran out of the bank dreaming of what he would spend his loot on. However, Lady Luck thought otherwise! When the police arrived in the bank, the clerk told them he had recognised the robber by his blue eyes. It was her first boyfriend and gave them his name. Although the police seemed quite cautious in the beginning, they decided to go with the 21-year-old girls instinct, which proved correct. So, they stormed in the house of the young man in question and hit bulls eye, as they found the stolen money!

Translated by Areti Christou

[04] Preventive Drug in the Making 3-In-1 Drug Against AIDS

By Vagelis Theodorou

Sources: Nature magazine

The successful trials of a gel on lab monkeys gave new hopes on the creation of a drug against AIDS. The drug, which is being developed by pharmaceutical companies Bristol - Myers Squibb and Merck, is made up of three compounds, each one fighting the cell infection from AIDS in a different way, and will be applied to the vagina before sexual contact. The components of the gel were tested separately, as well as in combinations, to 51 female monkeys. Following, the monkeys were given a high dosage of SHIV, a hybrid version of HIV and SIV. The results were encouraging, since 75% of the monkeys receiving one of the miraculous components was protected, while three of the monkeys altogether avoided infection. Although an HIV drug has not been approved for broad use by humans, five drugs are in a trial stage in areas of Africa, while the results are expected in 2007.

The Power of Three

The 3-in-1 gel is different from the drugs already being tested. Its components block the entrance of the virus in cells, aiming at a wide range of proteins, and not trying to wipe out the virus. "This means that there is no need to use detergents that cause vaginal inflammation," said the head of research, John Moore of Cornell University in New York.

Furthermore, the drug can be applied several hours before sexual contact. As it emerged from the trials, it remained 50% active, 6 hours after its application, a fact that differentiates it from the gels tested on humans, which have to be applied right before contact.

"This will make the triple-action gel easier to use in real-life situations," said Charlotte Watts, an expert of the London School of Hygiene, adding, "using a treatment that can be applied in advance may help the many women, particularly in the developing world, whose partners disapprove of condoms and similar measures."

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

[05] Due to the Discussion on National Issues in Parlia Stavrou-Georgiadis Meeting Postponed

By Athina Saloustrou

The meeting between the secretary of NDs Parliamentary Group Apostolos Stavrou and Corfu MP Nikos Georgiadis was postponed for the days to come. Mr Georgiadis was called on to provide explanations regarding the name of FYROM, an issue that has been brought in the limelight over the last days. Last week, the ND MP had described the issue in question as a lost case, thus triggering fiery reactions to the political world. Mr Georgiadis made statements anew in a bid to smooth the impressions, however, he is to provide clear explanations to the secretary of ND Parliamentary Groups in the upcoming days.

Translated by Areti Christou

[06] Seismologists are Reassuring Aegean Shaken Again

By Vagelis Theodorou

At 7:27am, a new earthquake measuring 5 on the Richter scale was recorded in the sea area between Chios, Mytilene and the Turkish coast, at the same position the earthquakes, which measured 6 on the Richter scale, occurred around ten day ago. As per the seismologists, who appeared reassuring, it is an after quake. The seismic activity was felt mainly in western Samos and Ikaria, while no damage was reported. As the scientists stated, this is a normal after quake, which will subside. "It will pass, but patience is needed," stated the Director of the Geodynamical Institute, Gerasimos Papadopoulos. Speaking on NET 105.8, Mr Papadopoulos explained that a specific fault in the area has been activated, as energy had accumulated for many years, and until it is released, there will be after quakes. "There is no danger for the residents or their property, as the epicentre is in the sea," concluded the Director of the Geodynamical Institute.

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

[07] Skandalakis and Bartholomew's Phone Conversation Foreign Ministry by the Side of Phanar

By Athina Saloustrou

An estimation of all the recent provocative behaviour by Turkish ultra-nationalists against the Ecumenical Patriarchate was made during an extended phone conversation between Deputy Foreign Minister Panagiotis Skandalakis and Patriarch Bartholomew. As per a relevant Ministry of Foreign Affairs announcement, the importance of such events taking place, in the context of Turkeys European prospect, in particular, after October 3 and the start of the adjustment procedure of Turkey to European criteria and prerequisites, designate the progress of its accession negotiations. Mr Skandalakis had the opportunity to underline, once again, the undivided constant and unrelenting support, to Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew, as well as the institution of the Ecumenical Patriarchate.

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

Related News:

Bartholomew Responds

[08] As of November 1 Changes in OASA Network

By Betty Savourdou

Sources: NET 105.8

New adjustments will be enforced as of tomorrow, Tuesday November 1, in the bus routes, in the context of restructuring the transport network of Athens. As per the Athens Urban Transport Organisation (OASA) this will conjoin and expand bus routes for the better facilitation of Ano Liosia residents. It will also improve transport and abolish departure bus stops, thus decongesting the centre of Athens. For more information, passengers can call 185, OASAs hotline.

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

Related Links:

Athens Urban Transport Organisation

[09] Bush Announcing Miers' Replacement Operation 'Positive Image'

By Vagelis Theodorou

On Monday, US President George W Bush will attempt to overturn the negative climate of his government, announcing the nominee who will replace his faithful associate, Harriet Miers, who resigned amid a storm of protests caused by her appointment. Even if the name of the replacement remains a secret, Republican sources stated that Mr Bush is expected to choose from a short list with trustworthy ultra-Conservative candidates. Among the favourites are Michael Luttig, Samuel Alito, Michael McConnell, Edith Jones and Alice Batchelder. The appointment for the position in the Supreme Court is deemed necessary in order to substitute Judge Sandra Day OConnor. The forthcoming appointment of a conservative candidate raised concerns to the Democrats, who do not want a restrained new member, as its predecessor. However, the US President wishes to satisfy the Conservatives, who strongly opposed Miers candidacy, as well as to overturn to negative climate created after the charges brought against Lewis Libby, a close associate of Vice President Cheney, over the case of exposing CIA agent Valerie Plame.

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

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Free Fall for Bush

[10] Described as 'Precision Attacks' Forty Dead by US Bombings

By Athina Saloustrou

Forty people were killed and 20 injured, among whom women and children, when US military aircrafts bombed a residence in the Iraqi town of Karabila, near the Syrian borders. On its part, the US Army claimed that it was a precision attack targeted at an Al Qaeda leader, as well as for the prevention of civilian casualties. As per the Arab television network al-Arabiya, the US Air Force performed attacks against a suspected extremist position in western Iraq, in particular, near the town of Qaim. As per US and Iraqi officials, Islamic fighters, on their way to Baghdad, pass through Qaim and the Euphrates Valley.

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

[11] Crushed for a Few Coins Tragedy in Mecca

By Athina Saloustrou

Saudi newspapers reported that seven Muslims were crushed to death, trying to ensure alms distributed by members of a charity organisation, in the last week of Ramadan. The tragedy took place on Saturday night in a car park, 6km away from the Grand Mosque. At least 40 followers were injured. Witnesses said that after it was made known that a charity organisation was distributing money to the followers in the car park, hundreds of persons gathered and crushed in an attempt to ensure a few coins.

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

[12] In View of the US Announcement on Reserves Oil Price Drops

By Athina Saloustrou

The price of oil in Asian markets is dropping, in view of the expected weekly favourable announcement by the US Department of Energy on strategic oil reserves. In the Singapore stock exchange, the price of black gold on December delivery contracts was at $61.07 per barrel, decreasing by 15 cents from the closing price in New York last Friday at $61.22. "We are expecting the Department of Energys report," stated Tetsu Emori, an analyst of Mitsui Bussan Futures, in Tokyo. The US Department of Energy is expected to announce an increase of strategic reserves by 4.4 million barrels in comparison to the previous week.

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

[13] A Daughter for the Royal Couple of Spain Prince Felipe Becomes a Father

By Vagelis Theodorou

A daughter is the first child of the Royal couple of Spain. Princess Letizia, 33, the wife of the Spanish throne successor, Felipe, on her eighth month of pregnancy, on Sunday afternoon, was taken to a private clinic in Madrid, accompanied by the Prince, and on Monday morning, gave birth to a healthy baby girl. As Spanish Mass Media announced, the intention of the Royal family is to change Article 57 of the Constitution, in order to allow the succession of females to the throne, a change also demanded by the government. It is noted that Prince Felipe, the son of King Juan Carlos and Queen Sofia, married journalist Letizia Ortiz in May 2004.

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

[14] From 12 Until 4 Trolley Buses Pull the Handbrake

By Vagelis Theodorou

Trolley buses will not circulate in Athens from 12 at noon until 4 in the afternoon, due to a work stoppage of the Athens-Piraeus Area Trolley Buses (ILPAP) employees, demanding that the collective contract for 2005 be signed.

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

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