The Hellenic Radio (ERA): News in English, 05-11-16

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

CONTENTS

[01] They Do Not Meet Sterilisation Criteria Dangerous Syringes

Sources: NET

The President of the National Organization for Medicines (EOF), Dimitris Vagionas, made an amazing revelation on Tuesday. Hazardous syringes and catheters, which had been officially imported from European countries, but were made in China and India, were located in the Greek market. As Mr Vagionas declared exclusively on TV station NET, hospitals and pharmacies may be carrying these products, which are believed not to fulfil safety and sterilisation criteria. Speaking on NETs main news bulleting and anchorwoman Maria Choukli, Health Minister Nikitas Kaklamanis voiced his concerns over the quality of certain medical products, which seem to have passed European quality controls.

Kaklamanis Is Concerned

Speaking on NET, the Health Minister explained that the inspections commenced at his order and they will continue, while he revealed that the products in which insects and hairs were found, had been supplied to the countrys hospital following a tender that took place two and a half years ago.

With regard to the inspections, Mr Kaklamanis noted that there are no such products in pharmacies, while the suspect goods relate to specific batches that were discovered after 30 inspections in hospitals.

Asked whether the quality criteria in hospital supplies will be more important that the price of a product, the Health minister said that low price cannot be the sole criterion when we are dealing with the Health sector.

However, what seems to be mainly concerning Mr Kaklamanis is the fact that the products carry the CE accreditation, which means that they have been checked by the EU. So, if the seal is actually is genuine, then the Health Minister questioned the type of inspections performed at a European level.

Sterilised and Sealed

By order of the Health Ministry, EOF inspectors performed spot checks in hospitals throughout the country and located thousands of catheters.

In addition, six batches, made up of thousands of syringes, which bore the seal that they are produced in the EU and which were located in hospitals and other health centres, have already been confiscated.

The faulty products, which carry many hazards to human health, bore the seal of a German factory. However, no one knows whether the seal is fake, or whether the German company had imported those goods from Asian countries.

Out of the 30 inspections carried out by EOF, three factories, two in China and one in India, were located that supply Greek hospitals and pharmacies with syringes and catheters.

The pharmacists noted that the goods that can potentially transfers diseases should be fully sterilised and sealed, even if they do have to cost more.

In addition, experts noted that visual inspections of the products may not be enough; however, it could protect patients from improper products.

Translated by Vicky Ghionis

Related Links:

National Organization for Medicines

[02] Accusations of Torture New Iraqi Hell House

By Athina Saloustrou

Sources: ANA - BBC - Reuters

Iraqi security forces are faced with serious accusations of brutally abusing prisoners in miserable conditions, who were imprisoned in the basement of a building belonging to the Iraqi Interior Ministry. The prisoners, Sunnis in their majority, were found last Sunday after a US army rage as part of investigations for the disappearance of a teenage Iraqi boy. The detainees were in a dramatic shape, exhausted from famine and without having skin in many parts of their bodies, while two had been tortured to such an extent they had been paralysed. Iraqi Prime Minister Ibrahim al Jaafari ordered an in-depth investigation. At the same time, the State Department is troubled with what is going on in Baghdad, while the Pentagon is called to answer to the accusations of two Iraqi businessmen, who said American soldiers had locked them up in a cage with lions and tortured them in 2003 in order to get information on Saddam.

Cage with Lions

US Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld, who was sued by the two Iraqi businessmen and two human rights groups, said the accusation was "far-fetched." Khalid was held by the US forces for two months and Sabbar for six. Both say they did nothing to warrant their detention and stated they faced routine severe beatings and sexual abuse while imprisoned by U.S. forces. Rumsfeld said all allegations are looked into, but the army has not launched a formal criminal investigation.

Pentagon spokesperson Bryan Whitan said that as far as he knew, the US armed forces never used lions to terrify detainees. However, the international public opinion still recalls images from the Abu Ghraib inferno, where even dogs were used to terrorise prisoners.

Secret Prison in Baghdad

At the same time, international correspondents in Iraq broadcast that the revelations from tortures in prison facilities are not going to surprise the Iraqi people. Besides, accusations for the brutal conduct of the Iraqi Police against Sunni prisoners have increased lately and the discovery of the secret prison at the heart of Baghdad only confirms allegations.

However, Washington voiced its concern, saying that no country should follow such practices. Accusations come in a period when international pressure for transparency in treating prisoners in Iraq is escalating.

As for the Iraqi government, it is repulsed by the revelations and promised to run an investigation on the matter and lead perpetrators to Justice. However, these methods go back to the Saddam era, when they were more than common.

A report by pressure group Human Rights Watch earlier this year said methods used by Iraqi police included beating detainees with cables, hanging them from their wrists for long periods and giving electric shocks to sensitive parts of the body.

Translated by Sofia Soulioti

[03] Papandreou's Message to PASOK

By Mary Lou Tzempelikou

Sources: NET

PASOK President George Papandreou sent a message for reforms to his partys members, including the removal of certain members if necessary, as was the case in the past, while speaking at a dinner hosted on Tuesday for the parliamentary reporters. Mr Papandreou stressed that he has received an order to change the party, taking into account the views of the people. He also said that there are already 40 fresh people in the parliamentary group, while he will be happy if there are 80-100 new MPs in the next elections, "I will be using those in the Government. I have an obligation to bring a new generation of politicians to the forefront." In addition, PASOKs President appeared certain that the party will be winning the next elections, whenever these take place, while he also referred to the matter of securitisations, Kostas Simitis book and the relations between Church and State.

Mr Papandreou described securitisations as "a patch that the Government will encounter in the future," since he believes that it is not the right way to deal with the deficit. In addition, he wondered why Mr Alogoskoufis commenced the process, when he is now saying that it is not needed.

Asked to comment on former PM Simitis book, he said that he will have to finish reading it first. In response to whether he was bothered by the content, he said that it is not in his mentality, while he concluded by saying that everything that was to be said on the matter has been said.

Finally, commenting on the remarks made by Metropolitan Bishop Amvrosios of Kalavryta and Egialia about Mr Simitis, Mr Papandreou said that he has known him since 1983 and specifically from when he wanted to excommunicate his [Papandreou] parents, on the occasion of the new family law.

Greek composer Mikis Theodorakis also referred to the statements made by Amvrosios concerning Kostas Simitis. As he noted, these matters would not have arisen if the relations between Church and State had been clearly separated.

Translated by Vicky Ghionis

[04] War of the Juices

Sources: NET

Greeces Special Control Directorate commenced investigations into the illegal marking of huge quantities of condensed orange juice, imported from Brazil, as Greek. Local orange growers spoke of deliberate deceit of the consumers, since, as they claimed, the so-called fresh juices are, to a great extent, condensed and frozen. Although it is written on the carton that the juice is 100% natural, 90% of those so-called natural juices are reconstituted. These juices mainly come from cheap condensed juice or Brazilian pulp, sometimes mixed with Greek.

Consumers Deceived

Most of the natural juice cartons carry the magical words "Produced in Greece" on them, but this is far from the truth.

The phrase "Produced in Greece" does not mean that the juice is necessarily Greek. It may mean that it is processed and packaged in Greece. The companies are not committing a crime, though, since the marking is consistent with the code for food and beverages.

However, the repeated complaints by Greek orange growers speak of deliberate deceit of consumers.

Imports reach 100,000 tons annually. The condensed juices usually arrive in Greece frozen and the industries frequently add colour and flavour boosters as well as Vitamin C. The juices available in the market mainly look fresh, but are usually not, although they are expensive, costing about 1.65 euros per litre.

Five major companies control 90% of the Greek juice market, while there is fierce competition among them.

Translated by Vicky Ghionis

[05] From Kabul Greece Will not Withdraw

By Vicky Keleri

Sources: NET - ANA

After three and a half years of continuous presence in the Afghani capital, the Greek military force became a target of a bombing attack for the first time yesterday. The Greek soldiers are all well, however, in a telephone conversation, the Defence Ministers of Greece and Germany agreed to reinforce the security measures for military forces posted in Kabul. In the meantime, the Greek Government repeated on Tuesday that the force will not withdraw from the area, as it was posted there by order of the UN. As declared by Government spokesperson Thodoros Roussopoulos, "No such issue exists. As you know, the decision was taken after an order was issued by the United Nations, in the context of the international force stationed in Afghanistan. A company of military Engineers, consisting of 128 people, was sent to the country." He also clarified that the task of the unit was to support the military force stationed in Kabul and the surrounding area from an Engineering point of view. In December, the Greek forces will be taking over the temporary administration of Kabuls military airport.

Translated by Vicky Ghionis

Related News:

Greek Convoy Attacked in Kabul

[06] Energy Policy Developed with Private Companies Secret White House Task Force

By Athina Saloustrou

As per todays Washington Post, a White House document revealed that close associates of Vice-President Dick Cheney met with executives of oil companies in 2001, in order to develop a favourable energy policy for the industry. The document, which was obtained this week by the Post , shows that officials from four major oil companies met in the White House complex with Cheneys aides and formed a task force, developing a national energy policy. The companies were Exxon Mobil Corp., Conoco, Shell Oil Co. and BP America Inc. Cheneys spokesperson refused to comment on the article, but declared to the newspaper, "The Courts have upheld the constitutional right of the President and Vice-President to obtain information in confidentiality."

Denied Participation

In a joint venture with group Judicial Watch, environmentalist group Sierra Club tried to obtain the names and ranks of Cheneys aides who met with the oil companies, but was unsuccessful. The two groups are claiming that Cheney, former CEO of energy and construction company Halliburton, had developed an energy policy favouring the energy industry.

Testifying at a US Senate meeting last week, the executives of the major oil companies denied participating in a task force with Cheneys associates, concluded The Washington Post.

Translated by Vicky Ghionis

Read the story on other sources:

Washington Post: Document Says Oil Chiefs Met With Cheney Task Force

[07] For Violating their Rights Turkish Workers Sue Coca-Cola

By Athina Saloustrou

Sources: Reuters

Turkish union members filed a lawsuit against Coca-Cola Co. and its Turkish bottling subsidiary Coca-Cola Icecek on Tuesday. The workers claimed that the company violated their human rights and "unleashed" the police on them. The suit, filed by truck drivers and other transport members of Istanbuls "Nakliyat I" union against Coke and its Turkish bottler, said that local managers unleashed a special branch of the Turkish police on workers and families who in July were protesting for being discharged, because they tried to from a union. In Atlanta, Cokes spokesperson, Kari Bjorhus, said the labour dispute and protest had not directly involved Coke, but an independent freight company that supplied services to Coke. The freight company subsequently settled the labour dispute with the workers, she said. "The facts are very different from these allegations," added Bjorhus.

Paralysing Gas, Clubs and Kicks

The suit says that during the 20 July 2005 protest, police attacked workers attempting to leave the Cokes Turkish headquarters with "a particularly lethal form of tear gas", before beating them with clubs and taking them to a nearby prison.

"Most people were paralysed from the gas, and when they were felled by the clubbing, they were kicked repeatedly," said the suit, adding that Coke had evacuated their office employees knowing the attack was going to occur.

"All this was done for the purpose of forcing the plaintiff union-members to abandon their lawful effort to form a union," the suit mentioned.

Translated by Vicky Ghionis

[08] State of Emergency Prolonged in France Arrests and Riots Continue in Paris

By Athina Saloustrou

Arrests and riots in France continued for the 20th consecutive night. As per the Police, 50 people were arrested on Tuesday night, while at least 163 cars were set aflame just a few hours after the National Assembly ruled in favour of prolonging the state of emergency for three months with 364 votes in favour and 148 against. The Senate is expected to adopt the decision today, thus giving local authorities the ability to impose curfew in some 40 cities in France. Taking a look at numbers, it seems that nothing changed in the 20th night of unrest at the Parisian suburbs. A French Police spokesperson said a policeman was injured, although riots in the poor districts of France appear to be scaling back. Since the beginning of incidents on October 27, 2,888 people have been arrested around France, 9,000 cars have been torched and 126 police officers have been injured.

In the meantime, a court in northern France convicted a 20-year-old for participating in the incidents with 4 years in prison without probation. The young man was charged with burning a carpet warehouse and causing financial damage, which rises to 12 million euros. This is the heaviest penalty imposed so far. Interior Minister Nicolas Sarkozy also announced the commencement of hearings for 10 cases of suspects implicated in the violent incidents, who could be deported.

Translated by Sofia Soulioti

Read the story on other sources:

France 2 (national, public television): La baisse des violences se confirme

Le Monde: La tendance a l'apaisement dans les banlieues se confirme

[09] Exports on the Increase Greek Products Preferred

By Vivian Papastefanou

Sources: NET - ANA

The exports of Greek agricultural products are on the increase, as per the figures of the National Statistical Service of Greece. Specifically, exports reached 1,768.6 million euros, recording a 17.5% increase in the first 8 months of 2005, compared to the corresponding period last year, when exports were 1,505.4 million euros. In addition, as demonstrated by the figures so far, the inflow of revenues from the export of Greek agricultural products will exceed the 2004 inflow of 2.8 million euros. Rural Development Minister Evangelos Basiakos stressed that the extroversion and quality of local agricultural products constituted a priority for the Government. In this context, five new programmes for the promotion of Greek wine, mastic gum products, cheeses, canned fruit and olives to third country markets are awaiting approval by the EU. Specifically, the programmes provide for the 3-year promotion of saffron to Russia, Switzerland and Dubai, amounting to 1,588 million euros; the 3-year promotion of mastic gum products to the USA, Japan and the Middle East, amounting to 3.12 million euros; the 3-year promotion of Greek cheeses with protected designations of origin (PDOs) to the USA, Canada and Australia, amounting to 4.58 million euros; the promotion of canned fruit to Russia, India, the Ukraine and Romania, amounting to 2.71 million euros; and the promotion of Greek olives to the USA, Canada and Australia, amounting to 4 million euros.

Translated by Vicky Ghionis

Related News:

Mastic Gum and Saffron Win over Europe

[10] Souflias-Bakoyanni Meeting

By Stathis Petropoulos

Sources: ANA

Public Works Minister Giorgos Souflias met with Athens Mayor Dora Bakoyanni on Tuesday afternoon to discuss the matter relating to Panathinaikos new football pitch in Votanikos, as well as the development of the area where the teams current pitch is located, on Alexandras Avenue. Mr Souflias declared that the Ministry of Public Works will support the Municipality and Panathinaikos plans for the new pitch, while he clarified that it will issue the relevant decisions for the building and construction coefficients. On the other hand, Mrs Bakoyanni said that the Public Works Ministry will form a committee to review the memorandum drawn up by the Municipality and Panathinaikos. As per the Mayor, the procedure is within the specified timeframe so far. With regard to the Alexandras Avenue pitch, Mr Souflias mentioned that the area should be turned into a park, while the only buildings that will be constructed would be a Panathinaikos museum and a kiosk. He also clarified that studies will be made for the construction of an underground car park. The Municipality spoke of a car park with a capacity for 900 vehicles, as well as the construction of a civic centre.

Translated by Vicky Ghionis

[11] Confirmed by the WHO 9-Year-Old First H5N1 Victim in China

By Athina Saloustrou

Sources: ANA - German News Agency

According to initial tests, a nine-year-old boy is the first victim of avian flu in China. The World Health Organisation (WHO) confirmed that the blood sample of the unfortunate boy contained bird flu antibodies, which means that he had been infected by the deadly H5N1 virus. The boy was one of three patients in the southeast province Hunan to manifest symptoms of the disease. The 9-year-old, along with his 12-year-old sister, were being hospitalised, but unfortunately, the doctors did not manage to save the little boy. The third patient is a 36-year-old teacher, who, as was the case with the two children, came into close contact with infected poultry. The article was first published in todays issue of newspaper South China Morning Post. Quoting Qi Xiaoqiu, director of the Ministry of Healths department of disease control, it said the government was waiting for the results of a joint investigation with the World Health Organisation, before confirming whether the boy was the first human case of avian influenza in the country, which eventually turned out to be true.

Translated by Vicky Ghionis

[12] Dangerous Syringes

Sources: NET

The President of the National Organization for Medicines (EOF), Dimitris Vagionas, made an amazing revelation on Tuesday. Hazardous syringes and catheters, which had been officially imported from European countries, but were made in China and India, were located in the Greek market. As Mr Vagionas declared exclusively on TV station NET, hospitals and pharmacies may be carrying these products, which are believed not to fulfil safety and sterilisation criteria. Speaking on NETs main news bulleting and anchorwoman Maria Choukli, Health Minister Nikitas Kaklamanis voiced his concerns over the quality of certain medical products, which seem to have passed European quality controls.

Kaklamanis Is Concerned

Speaking on NET, the Health Minister explained that the inspections commenced at his order and they will continue, while he revealed that the products in which insects and hairs were found, had been supplied to the countrys hospital following a tender that took place two and a half years ago.

With regard to the inspections, Mr Kaklamanis noted that there are no such products in pharmacies, while the suspect goods relate to specific batches that were discovered after 30 inspections in hospitals.

Asked whether the quality criteria in hospital supplies will be more important that the price of a product, the Health minister said that low price cannot be the sole criterion when we are dealing with the Health sector.

However, what seems to be mainly concerning Mr Kaklamanis is the fact that the products carry the CE accreditation, which means that they have been checked by the EU. So, if the seal is actually is genuine, then the Health Minister questioned the type of inspections performed at a European level.

Sterilised and Sealed

By order of the Health Ministry, EOF inspectors performed spot checks in hospitals throughout the country and located thousands of catheters.

In addition, six batches, made up of thousands of syringes, which bore the seal that they are produced in the EU and which were located in hospitals and other health centres, have already been confiscated.

The faulty products, which carry many hazards to human health, bore the seal of a German factory. However, no one knows whether the seal is fake, or whether the German company had imported those goods from Asian countries.

Out of the 30 inspections carried out by EOF, three factories, two in China and one in India, were located that supply Greek hospitals and pharmacies with syringes and catheters.

The pharmacists noted that the goods that can potentially transfers diseases should be fully sterilised and sealed, even if they do have to cost more.

In addition, experts noted that visual inspections of the products may not be enough; however, it could protect patients from improper products.

Translated by Vicky Ghionis

Related Links:

National Organization for Medicines

[13] Hellas-Sat 2 Turns European

By Vivian Papastefanou

Sources: ANA

The Greek telecommunications satellite Hellas-Sat is expanding its collaborations. As announced by the company, Hellas-Sat and the European Satellite Organisation SES ASTRA signed an agreement on Tuesday for the use of satellite Hellas-Sat 2s capacity by SES ASTRA. The agreement allows SES ASTRA to use the satellite in order to provide broad European coverage to its clients. Hellas-Sat and SES ASTRA have been collaborating closely for the last few years through various services agreements, while SES ASTRAs subsidiary, SatLynx, already uses Hellas-Sat 2s capacity for the programme Connect, offering broadband services from one part of Europe to the other.

Translated by Vicky Ghionis

[14] Death Penalty Rejected in Massachusetts

By Athina Saloustrou

On Tuesday, the State House of Massachusetts, USA, rejected a Bill providing for the re-adoption of the death penalty. In the State of Massachusetts, where the House is controlled by the Democrats, the death penalty has not been imposed since 1947. Republican governor Mitt Romney had promoted the Bill, which provided for the adoption of the death penalty in April with almost unmistakable provisions that have not been implemented in any other State, and which, as Romney claimed, would establish that only the guilty would be executed. Despite all, the Bill was not passed with 100 votes against and 53 in favour. Massachusetts is one of the 12 United States of America that does not impose the death penalty. Another effort in 1997 to reinstate the measure was rejected with a one-vote difference.

Translated by Sofia Soulioti

[15] Three People Died and 50 Got Injured Blast in Srinagar

By Tina Valaoura

Sources: ANA - AFP - German Press Agency - Reuters

At least three people lost their lives and over 50 were injured this morning, when a booby-trapped car exploded in Srinagar, the summer capital of Indian-administered Kashmir. As per police officers present during the blast on Molada Azad street, Srinagar, the explosive device was most probably strapped on a car. Many of the injured, who were rapidly taken to nearby hospitals, are in a critical condition, as per the same sources. Most of the victims were employees going to work.

Translated by Sofia Soulioti

[16] Blast Killed Three and Injured Six Suicide Attack in Kandahar

By Tina Valaoura

Sources: ANA - Reuters

A suicide attack aimed at a US convoy in Kandahar, Afghanistan, was reported this morning. The first piece of information speaks of the death of three Afghans, the suicide bomber and two civilians, and the injury of six, two Afghan passers-by and four American soldiers. The incident occurred during rush hour in the commercial area of Haji Latif, near a street frequently used by US-administered coalition forces in Afghanistan. Kandahar has been an important stronghold of the Taliban before the Islamic regime was toppled. This is the seventh suicide attack in the country in two months.

Translated by Sofia Soulioti

[17] Turkish Side Provokes Anti-Occupation Protests in Cyprus

Sources: NET

On Tuesday, the Cypriots voiced their opposition to the illegal declaration of the Turkish-occupied side on 15 November 1983 with protests and condemning statements by government officials, organisations and political parties. At the same time, a grand military parade was taking place on the other side, attended by many Turkish officials. In fact, the Chief of the Turkish army declared that the Turkish troops will not be withdrawing from Cyprus, until there are guarantees, as he claimed, for the safety of the Turkish-Cypriots.

The military parade on the occupied side was accompanied by a fleet of the Turkish Air Force, which flew over Kerynia, challenging the Cypriots in the liberated part of the island.

Cypriot students and pupils staged an anti-occupation protest in Eleftheria Square and then marched in the streets of Nicosia.

In Ankara, Foreign Minister Abdullah Gul spoke of blackmailing practices employed by the EU, saying that Turkey will not be accepting any unjustified demands or pressures during the negotiations.

In Thessaloniki, Cypriot students participated in a demonstration outside the Turkish Consulate, protesting against Ankaras provocative stance.

Translated by Vicky Ghionis

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