The Hellenic Radio (ERA): News in English, 05-11-18

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

CONTENTS

[01] Thousands of Confiscated, Dangerous Products Back on Store Shelves

By Anna Kourti

Sources: NET

Thousands of dangerous and confiscated products, mainly manufactured in Asian countries, are returning back into the market, contraband and through the back door, especially on street vendors stands. The above revelation was made on NETs 9 oclock news by General Secretary for the Consumer Athanasios Skordas. As he reported, many municipalities auction the products they have confiscated after inspections, resulting in products, even unsuitable ones, returning back on shelves. The statements of relevant bodies have caused concern, as they said that in many countries, the procedures of granting the CE label in products, also available in the Greek market, are full of loopholes.

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

[02] New Era for Olympic Airlines

Sources: NET

The legislative amendment for the founding of a new Olympic Airlines company will be submitted by the Ministry of Transport to Parliament on Saturday. The amendment foresees that private individuals, businesses and banks from Greece and abroad can participate in the new company. The number of employees, the size of the fleet, the destinations and flights will be determined by the new air companys operational project, by the end of January. The solution chosen, which has been approved by PASOK, triggered the fierce dispute between Michalis Liapis and SYN President Alekos Alavanos in Parliament. Until the new company spreads its wings, all Olympic Airlines flights will take place as scheduled.

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

Related News:

New Greek Air Carrier Ahead

[03] Found at Rio University Hospital New Contaminated Syringes

By Annita Paschalinou

Seven syringes containing microorganisms and impurities were located in the paediatric clinic of the Rio University Hospital in Patras. One of them was found last night and the other six were located this morning. The hospital staff was alarmed and the entire batch was recalled. The syringes were imported from China, but come from a different batch than the one located and recently recalled from major hospitals in Athens.

Translated by Sofia Soulioti

[04] Death Toll Feared to Exceed 100 New Massacre in Iraq

By Despina Hristopoulou

Sources: Reuters

The two suicide attacks that rocked the mixed Shia and Kurdish town of Khanaqin claimed the lives of at least 73 people and wounded some 84. As per the police, the suicide bombers entered two Shia mosques packed with worshippers, since Friday is a holy day for the Muslims. The blasts utterly brought down the mosques. Police underlined that the suicide bombers did not detonate until the mosques were packed with people. In the meantime, a member of the local council voiced his fear that the death toll will exceed 100, since the destruction was bad and the authorities have not yet managed to recover the dead for the rubble. A third blast was also reported, but there are reports of casualties.

Attack in Baghdad

Earlier on Friday, six people, including two children, were killed and further 40 were wounded when two suicide car bombs exploded near the al-Hamra hotel. The Iraqi authorities believe that the hotel was the initial target of the attack, but the bombers missed it and therefore it was the neighbouring buildings that were most severely damaged.

Translated by Areti Christou

[05] Seminar on Youth Unemployment "Opportunities for the Youth"

By Despina Hristopoulou

Sources: NET, ANA

During a seminar on youth unemployment, George Papandreou once again spoke of the operation of a party open to society. The President of PASOK asked the Mass Media to give opportunities to new politicians. In his speech, he accused the Government on the Budget and proposed a new development model for the creation of new employment positions. Mr Papandreou announced the formation of "a new political scheme, which will transform the youths problems into a political actions, where youth from all social classes will belong, and will be aimed at the creation of a new political body which will encircle the new generation," underlining "today, the youth asks of a radical relationship between the citizen and its representatives, not cliques within the parties, and meritocracy." Earlier, Mr Papandreou met with Martin Schulz, President of the EU Parliaments Socialist group, at the PASOK Offices on Charilaou Trikoupi Street, while at noon, Mr Papandreou hosted a dinner in his honour.

Criticism on Economic Policy

The President of PASOK noted that today the new generations face unprecedented challenges, also constituting a challenge for Europe. "For these children, for the youth of Europe, the European Union has to become, once again, the hope, the vision, the possibilities. I would say, that, we the socialists, are probably the only political force in the European Union which can plan the future collectively and give new hope."

The leader of the Main Opposition Party attacked the Government and accused Prime Minister Kostas Karamanlis that before the election he had spoke of a 5% growth and 6% unemployment, but these aims today have been forgotten. Also, he said "it is grotesque for the Government enthusiastically announcing the results of the recent Commissions report for Greek economy, when the Commission announced that the supervision will not be for a year, or two, but for at least three years" and noted "us, the socialists say: yes, we can, and there is another way. There are choices and all the parties of modern European Social Democracy are making new approaches and better solutions."

PASOK MP Evangelos Venizelos spoke of the Governments economic policy, noting "after the recent developments it is impossible and unthinkable that Mr Alogoskoufis is supporting the 2006 Budget, which was actually rejected before its submission for discussion in Parliament," and accused the Government of lacking "policy, planning and budget."

In relation to the issue of renewal in the party, he noted that the "renewed PASOK is the PASOK of the big majority, where we all have to guarantee its unity."

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

[06] Between Giannakou and Konstantopoulos Clash Over Church

By Betty Savourdou

Sources: NET - ANA

A clash was reported in Parliament on Friday morning between former SYN president Nikos Konstantopoulos and Education minister Marietta Giannakou for the relations between the State and the Church. Mrs Giannakou stressed the Government has not decided to pose an issue of separating the State and the Church, repeating the Health Ministry is not planning on building Ecclesiastic universities. As for Mr Konstantopoulos, he supported there is no essential financial audit for dioceses, while he asked the government to intervene and put an end to the Church's political interference.

Translated by Sofia Soulioti

[07] Seven New Figures New Calls to Testify

By Tina Valaoura

Sources: NET

Twenty more people who appear to be implicated in the extra-judicial network, especially in the cases of Antonia Ilia, Konstanstina Bourboulia and Evangelos Kalousis, have been called to testify by Appellate Examiners Messrs Sideris and Fiorakis, who are investigating the case. Eight subpoenas have already been sent and the others will be sent by next Tuesday. The receivers are justices, lawyers, and other citizens not in the Justice department. The charges included in the briefs even reach felonies. It is noted that Stathis and Kalousis are remanded in custody for the extra-judicial scandal, while arrest warrants are pending against Ilia and Bourboulia and ten more people have been referred to Justice over the case. Meanwhile, in a memorandum, former Vice President of the Supreme Court and the Judges and Prosecutors Unions Achilleas Zisis gave explanations to State Adviser Panagiotis Pikrammenos. Mr Zisis had been arraigned to the High Disciplinary Council, by the Minister of Justice on the question of permanent dismissal, while he is being indicted on breach of duty and the law on financial audit of declaration of assets.

Translated by Sofia Soulioti

[08] Twenty Injured in South Korea Clashes APEC: Protesters Take the Streets

By Athina Saloustrou

At least 20 persons, among whom policemen, were injured when police forces clashed with thousands of protesters, who singing and shouting anti-American mottos attempted to approach the area where the two-day Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation Summit Meeting is taking place, in Busan, South Korea. The clashes broke out two kilometres away from the conference centre, where the meeting of 21 countries from Asia and the Pacific is taking place. Approximately five thousand persons, among whom farmers and unionists, took the streets of Busan in order to protest over APEC, the World Trade Organisation and US President George W Bush, who is attending the proceedings of the Summit Meeting. The organisers had hoped that approximately one hundred thousand people would rally in the demonstrations. As they claimed, the police forced buses filled with people to turn away, before even reaching the town.

Thirty Thousand Policemen

Approximately 30,000 policemen have lined up inside and around the conference centre in an effort to ensure order. The protesters threw rocks, bottles and other objects, while the policemen, holding shields and using water hoses, dispersed them. South Korean news agency Yonhap reported that at least 20 policemen and protesters were injured, three of whom seriously. The police had announced that it will allow a demonstration march 6km away from the conference centre.

Some of the protesters held banners which read "Go Away Bush," No Globalisation, No Bush, No APEC." Using their imagination to make fun of the APEC Summit Meeting they staged a play. Apart from the US President, the proceedings of the Summit Meeting were attended by the Presidents of Russia and China, Vladimir Putin and Hu Jintao.

Pointing the Finger at the EU on Agricultural Grants

In the context of the Summit Meeting, the US President met with South Korean counterpart Roh Moo-Hyun, as well as Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin, with whom he discussed North Koreas nuclear programme issue. The 21 members of APEC are Australia, Brunei, Canada, Chile, China, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Japan, Korea, Malaysia, Mexico, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, Peru, the Philippines, Russia, Singapore, Taiwan, Thailand, the USA and Vietnam.

The APEC Summit Meeting is attempting to present a united front that will advance crucial discussions on commerce, talks which will take place in Hong Kong in mid December, in the context of the World Trade Organisation. The leaders attending represent approximately half of the population and half of the commerce production of the world. Regardless of the reported disputes between the members, in a joint statement they will demand mutual compromises in the commerce meeting. It is noted that they are pointing the finger at Europe, accusing it of being immovable on the issue of agricultural grants, while they will demand flexibility, in order for the lift of the dead end in negotiations, which will take place next month in Hong Kong.

Moreover, the 21 leaders will demand coordinated international actions for the combat of terrorism and the bird flu.

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

Read the story on other sources:

BBC: Protests hit Pacific Rim summit

CNN: APEC ups trade pressure on Europe

Yonhap News Agency: Anti-APEC protesters clash violently with police

Yonhap News Agency: Leaders agree to adopt special statement on DDA

Related News:

APEC Focuses on Farm Imports

US-South Korea Joint Front

[09] Draw for Greek Cup Final

By Vasilis Kalpinos

The draw for the remaining 16 opponents for the "16" round of the Greek Cup was concluded. The programme indicated Olympiacos and AEK playing against Thrasivoulos, in an away game, and AEK against Ethnikos in OAKA, which means that the two opponents will face each other only in the final. If they qualify in the "16" the "red and whites," which won the title last year, will face either Xanthi or Panachaiki, in the preliminaries, while continuing the programme, and if they overcome the obstacles, will face the winner who will emerge from the groups of Larissa-Apollon Kalamaria and Akratitos-Egaleo. On the other hand, AEK had an easier draw, since if it qualifies with Ethnikos it will face either Ionikos or Niki Volos and if it goes to the semi-finals will play against the winners of Ehtnikos Asteras-Panionios and Agrotikos Asteras-Ergotelis.

The Games of Round 5

The eight opponents

Round 5

1. Larissa-Kalamaria 2. Thrasivoulos-Olympiacos 3. AEK-Ethnikos 4. Ethnikos Asteras-Panionios 5. Ionikos-Niki Volos 6. Agrotikos Asteras-Ergotelis 7. Xanthi-Panachaiki 8. Akratitos-Egaleo

The games will take place on December 20, 21 and 22.

Rounds 6 and 7

Round 6 (Preliminaries)

9. Winner1-Winner 4 10. Winner 2-Winner 5 11. Winner 6-Winner 3 12. Winner 7-Winner 8

The games will take place on January 24-26 and February 7-9.

Round 7 (Semi-finals)

Winner 10-Winner 11 Winner 9-Winner 12

The games will take place on March 21-22 and April 11-12.

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

[10] Christodoulos Against the Mass Media

Sources: NET, ANA

Archbishop Christodoulos accused the Mass Media of distorting his sayings and of using nazi practices. As an example, he referred to his exit from church last week, and when asked about Kostas Simitis book, he played on words, saying he just exited from church and he is not interested in the secular world. This, as he said, was not reported in the correct way, as the first sentence was cut and the second remained. Moreover, the Archbishop sent a circular to Athens priests, urging them to avoid "the atmosphere of clashes" on the separation issue of the Church from the state.

"Exhibit of Power and Affluence Should Be Avoided"

In particular, in the circular he noted that the representatives of the Church should not contest with the supporters of the state-Church separation. The Church should avoid reacting with strict and depreciative comments and demonstrations. Further on he queried: "Maybe, us, the figures of the Church, should get accustomed to apologising to the followers and not, for the omission, indifference, absence of pastoral care, as well as for any of our possible sins."

In another section of the circular, the Archbishop asked of priests to avoid "dividing tactics," since the Church should see, hear and understand the deeper existential problem of the non-followers and not so much their demonstrations.

Moreover, he asked for appearances on television to be restricted, and in the Mass Media in general, while he urged for "trade activities" to be avoided." Mr Christodoulos asked for priests to avoid the exhibition of power and affluence, as well.

The in-construction ecclesiastical buildings (cathedrals, parish institutions, monasteries etc) are usually exaggeratingly pompous and massive. Some monasteries have such large blocks of land and such luxury, that even the villas of the rich and the buildings of the socialites seem poor in comparison. Actually, some monasteries have been transformed and are advertised as tourist resorts, with zoos, water fountains and other spectacular constructions.

The Archbishop concluded: "Austerity should appertain our daily lives. Improvident exhibition, scandalous living, luxury, especially in an era of poverty and economic crisis, should stay away from us."

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

[11] In Perissos, Athens International Communist Meeting

By Despina Hristopoulou

The proceedings of the international communist meeting started this morning in Perissos, Athens, with the participation of 75 communist and workers' parties from 63 countries around the world. The topic of the seventh annual meeting is "Current trends of Capitalism. Economic, social and political consequences. The Communist alternative." KKE Secretary General Aleka Papariga opened the proceedings with a speech, during which she underlined the need of further cooperation and coordination between communist and workers' parties, stressing this need is even more increased today in order to "promote a refined common alternative, which is none other than socialism." Regarding the EU, she said it does not hesitate to directly and indirectly support political forces and movements that "are limited to demanding painless reforms and finally an administration policy always in the context of the capitalistic system." She further added, "Through various ways, political, financial and even blackmail, the EU is trying to form a political system on a national and European level that will eventually serve its strategy with even greater stability and perspective." What is more, the EU's choice to impose the formation of European parties falls exactly into place as part of its plans to control the political systems of its Member-States. This is why, KKE took a public stand on the matter and criticised the foundation of the European Left Party. Following, Mrs Papariga criticised the USA for their foreign policy.

Suggestions and Initiatives

At the same time, Mrs Papariga presented a series of suggestions and initiatives of communist and workers' parties for the period 2005-2006. She proposed a campaign for May 1, 2006, against poverty, unemployment, regulation of working hours, social security reforms, labour rights. Another suggestion she made referred to a meeting of communist academics from European countries, a European campaign after the Summit on December 15 against the EU's "antiterrorist" measures. What is more, she proposed meeting against the change of borders in the Balkans, the imperialistic interventions of NATO, the USA and the EU. The dispatch of a solidarity delegation in Lebanon, Syria, Palestine and Israel and initiatives for the situation in Africa and Asia.

Translated by Sofia Soulioti

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