The Hellenic Radio (ERA): News in English, 05-11-23

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

CONTENTS

[01] Karamanlis Met With Pensioners Generous Pension Raises

By Anna Kourti

On Wednesday morning, the Prime Minister met with pensioners at Maximos Mansion and announced that the 2006 raises in EKAS (Pensioners Social Solidarity Allowance) and OGA (Agricultural Insurance Organisation) pensions will equal to more than double the inflation. Adding the LAFKA (Social Insurance Organisations Solidarity Account), pensioners will be given a total of 750 to 800 million euros. "We choose the path of responsibility," stressed the Prime Minister and went on to add, "We put up a fight for pensioners problems, sending a message to the Opposition and to top trade union organisations." Mr Karamanlis also referred to returning pension deductions for LAFKA and repeated the Governments intention to tidy up the Economy, which will create safe preconditions for a fairer, safer and steadier support of sensitive social groups.

Pensioners on the Streets

Earlier, pensioner representatives told reporters that the Prime Minister did not satisfy their demands. "We leave empty-handed," said Diamantis Mavrodoglou, president of IKA pensioners.

On the other hand, TEVE (Small Businesses and Trades Insurance Fund) pensioners president Giannis Triantis said there are no expectations to solve pensioners problems, but "the show must go on."

What is more, pensioners in Thessaloniki held a demonstration on Wednesday morning, thus voicing their opposition to the existing situation and demanding "better days."

They ask for pension raises, public and free health and welfare, better social security, drug prices reduction, VAT abolition in necessities and heating oil benefit. Pensioners gathered at the Thessaloniki Labour Centre, while demonstrations were also held in other major Greek cities.

Commenting on the meeting, PASOK spokesperson Nikos Athanasakis spoke of the Governments unreliability and breaking pre-election pledges.

"The overwhelming majority of citizens know very well how to evaluate seriousness, responsibility and the credibility of all of us," replied Government spokesperson Thodoris Rousopoulos.

[02] By Thunderstorms and Snowfall Bad Weather Causes Problems

By Vivian Papastefanou

Sources: NET, ANA

The wave of bad weather was mellower than predicted by the Hellenic National Meteorological Service (HNMS), with normal conditions for the season. Severe rainfall, thunderstorms and strong gales affected Attica, while problems by floods in houses and streets were created in Marathonos Avenue, Glyfada, Rafina, Porto Rafti, Kalyvia and Lagonisi. Snow fell in northern and central Greece. Dense snow fell in Drama, Florina, Nevrokopi and Kozani creating many problems in transport, while snow tire chains were needed in many areas. Schools were closed in western Macedonia, while there were temporary problems in the power supply in Thessaloniki and Chalkidiki. In the meantime, the strength of winds dropped locally in the central and southern Aegean, and, as of 18:00, sailing was allowed from Piraeus to Syros, the western Cyclades, Kythira and Crete. However, ships remain docked at the ports of Rafina, Macedonia and the northern Aegean, due to the strong winds. The State is on high alert, however, there was no need for intervention up to now. The HNMS forecasted that rainfall will continue until next week.

Flooded Streets and Landslides

In Attica, serious problems were created in Marathonos Avenue, Glyfada, Rafina, Porto Rafti, Kalyvia and Lagonisi, which were repaired in the evening.

In particular, problems were created in Marathonos Avenue, in the lane towards Athens, from the water that flooded the area, when Rapedosa dam overflowed and resulted in tonnes of water ending up at the Avenue and the fields.

Moreover, Lagonisi flooded by the overflow of the artificial dam at Xenofondos Avenue, resulting in waters encircling the area. At the Kalyvia-Markopoulos interchange, in Lavrio Avenue, the first entrance for Kalyvia was closed down after water and dirt collected, while at the 34th km of Athens-Sounio Avenue, traffic was stopped due to a landslide.

However, a landslide also occurred at the Kouvaras Bridge, thus closing it off to traffic.

Moreover, traffic was stopped at Markopoulos Avenue, at the racetrack, and the cars were redirected by the Traffic Police.

In closing, at Mouses Street in Paleo Psychiko a problem was created when the pavement was destroyed.

It is noted that on Wednesday, the Fire Department received more than 150 calls for flooded houses and around 50 calls for cutting trees.

White Invasion

Snow fell in northern and central Greece. In Grevena Prefecture, three villages remain closed off due to the snowfall and are: Sitaras, Perivoli and Avdella, while crews cleared up the roads towards the villages of Despotis, Aimilianos, Anthrakia, Samarina and Filippaioi, which earlier were closed off.

Snow tire chains are necessary in the road network of Florina, in the mountainous provincial networks of Grevena, Kozani and Kastoria, as well as the provincial roads of Kastoria-Florina through Vitsi, Kastoria to Thessaloniki through Amyntaio, from Kastoria to Ioannina through Nestori, as well as the old national highway of Thessaloniki-Arnaia through Cholomonda. In addition, in the roads towards the ski resorts of central Macedonia, specifically Seli, 3-5 Pigadia, Elatochori, Lailia and Kaimaktsalan, Kastania and the road towards Elassona to Larissa.

On the Thessaloniki road network, the traffic of vehicles is taking place without snow chain tires, while the provincial road of Chortiatis-Agios Vasileios is open.

On Thursday, schools in the Prefecture of Kastoria will remain closed, while schools in Kozani and Grevena will open an hour later, at 09:00.

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

[03] Near the Coast of Peloponnisos Yacht in Danger

By Dimitris Alexopoulos

Sources: Ministry of Mercantile Marine, ANA

Shortly before, Ukrainian flag yacht "Erica," with 7 passengers, sailing 90 nautical miles west-southwest off the coast of Peloponnisos sent out an SOS. There are winds measuring 7 on the Beaufort scale in the area. As per the Ministry of Mercantile Marine its sail broke, resulting in the vessel to overturn and the passengers grabbing onto the keel in order to be saved. As per sources, the mast broke by the storm, while one person is injured. Two frigates of the Hellenic Navy, a C-130 as well as a rescue boat of the Port Police have rushed to the scene. As it was made known, earlier, the Ukrainian Embassy had informed the Ministry of Mercantile Marine over the sinking of the yacht.

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

[04] Merkel in Paris, Brussels and London French-German Alliance

By Vagelis Theodorou

The first woman Chancellor of Germany, Angela Merkel, reconfirmed the importance of a French-German alliance in the European Union, making Paris the first stop of her European tour. A day after taking up her duties, Mrs Merkel met with French President Jacques Chirac, while later on she departed for Brussels and on Thursday she will arrive in London. Chirac and Merkel also investigated the agenda of the European Summit Meeting, (December 15 and 16 in Brussels), aimed at reaching a compromising agreement on the issue of the community Budget for 2007-2013. In a joint Press conference, Mr Chirac stressed that France and Germany are seeking "a political and social Europe," which has to include an honest and stable French-German alliance in order for its good operation." Mrs Merkel decided to retain the two countries contacts "at the same rate," as in Gerhard Schroeders rule, and invited the French President to visit Berlin in the beginning of December, whilst announcing the organisation of the joint French-German Ministerial Council for next spring.

'Yes' to the US, but Away from Iraq

The next stop of the German Chancellor was Brussels, where Mrs Merkel noted that her Government is promising a further development of relations between Germany and the US, adding that she is willing to use NATO as a political alliance for discussions between the countries.

"I believe that relations between the US and Germany have to be further developed," she noted in a joint Press conference with NATO General Secretary Jaap de Hoop Scheffer.

However, Mrs Merkel explained that there will not be a change in German policy on Iraq, and that Germany will continue to train Iraqi security personnel, only on neighboring countries to Iraq and not on Iraqi ground.

The Chancellor of Germany, who had a series of contacts with European officials, such as President of the Commission Jose Barroso and EU Parliament President Josep Borrel, claimed that the EU should not abandon the EU Constitution, voicing her countrys desire to implement it.

On Thursday night, Mrs Merkel will depart for the British capital, where she will meet with the PM and the EU President for this semester, Tony Blair. The Community Budget for 2007-2013 is expected to dominate the discussions, as well as negotiations with the World Commerce Organisation.

As per estimations, the German Chancellor will be immovable, as her predecessor Gerhard Schroeder, on the issue of returning EU grants to Great Britain. Moreover, she will give the cold shoulder to the review of the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP), which Mr Blair favors, as well as the faith to the French-German alliance, the Governments agreement between SPD and CDU/CSU that foresees that Germany will remain committed to the October 2002 pact.

Karamanlis Sends Congratulations

In the meantime, Prime Minister Kostas Karamanlis sent a congratulatory letter to Mrs Merkel.

"With the opportunity of taking up your duties as Chancellor of the Federal Republic of Germany, on behalf of myself and the Greek Government, I wish to send you my sincere congratulations and wish you every luck in your work," stated the Prime Minister.

"I am convinced, that during your term, we will have the opportunity to work jointly for the further promotion of the existing excellent relations between our two countries, but also for the even greater strengthening of the European construction," ends the letter.

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

Read the story on other sources:

Die Welt: Kanzlerin absolviert Antrittsbesuch in Paris

Le Monde: Angela Merkel reaffirme ses options europeennes

CNN: Merkel: Germany stays out of Iraq

Related News:

Merkel Sworn In

[05] Unanimous "Yes" by Ethics Committee Proposal to Lift Madouvalos' Immunity

By Tina Valaoura

The Parliaments Ethics Committee unanimously suggested to the Plenary Session to lift independent MP Petros Madouvalos parliamentary immunity. Mr Madouvalos was present in the session and asked his colleagues to lift his immunity in order to face justice and clear the case. "To me, immunity would act as a sentence," he said a while later to reporters.

As per information in the brief submitted to Parliament, there are indications justice Evangelos Kalousis was bribed. The independent Parliamentarian is charged with felony for a money laundering case. However, MPs worry the bribe felony could be subject to statutory limitation, as the entire process has to be completed within 12 days from the Plenary Sessions final decision.

At the same time, they say authorities action to open the Parliamentarians bank accounts is unconstitutional, since they did not get the Parliaments approval.

Translated by Sofia Soulioti

[06] Over Policemen's Presence in a PAME Meeting "No Political Order"

By Mary Lou Tzempelikou

Sources: NET

The leadership of the Ministry for Public Order gave the reassurance that there was no political order for the presence of two armed plain-clothed policemen in an All Workers Militant Front (PAME) members meeting on Tuesday. Minister Giorgos Voulgarakis telephoned KKE General Secretary Aleka Papariga and apologised over the incident, while following, he met with unionists of PAME and explained that no political order was given, whilst speaking of "an arbitrary presence." Moreover, a sworn administrative enquiry over the incident was ordered. As soon as PAME members detected that two policemen were in the meeting at the builders union offices, they removed their weapons and IDs and contacted the Attica General Police Directorate. Except for KKE, PASOK and SYN condemned the presence of policemen in the meeting.

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

[07] Amendment Voted For Parliament Said 'Yes' to New OA

By Mary Lou Tzempelikou

Sources: NET

The discussion of the amendment of the Ministries of Economy and Transport, over the company that will succeed Olympic Airlines, took place in a tense atmosphere. The parties of the Opposition asked for the repeal of the amendment, a demand that was not accepted by the Government, while shortly before the start of the meeting, there was an incident between Speaker of Parliament Anna Benaki-Psarouda and PASOK MP Evangelos Venizelos. The reason was Mr Venizelos desire to voice his views before the Parliamentary parties spokesperson. In the morning, the employees of Olympic Airlines staged a three-hour work stoppage and rally at Eleftherios Venizelos Airport, however, without creating problems to the companys flights. Tomorrow, Thursday, the Administrative Boards of Olympic Airlines and Airways are meeting with the subject matter of referral against the Commissions decision, which asks for the return of state grants for 1999-2003.

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

[08] Accused of Tax Evasion and Forgery House Arrest for Pinochet

By Vagelis Theodorou

Former Chilean dictator General Augusto Pinochet is accused of not declaring more than 27 million dollars of approximately one hundred bank accounts, while judge Carlos Cerda ordered his arrest and placement under house arrest. The accusations against Pinochet, which also concern his wife, Lucia Hiriart, and son Marco Antonio, were announced in the context of an investigation for hidden bank accounts abroad, which were located mainly in Riggs Bank, US and other tax evasion paradises. Moreover, Pinochet is accused of fraud concerning a passport issuing, as well as attempted fraud of the authorities in relation to his assets. The former dictator, who will turn 90 on Friday, has been repeatedly questioned in his residence, in Dehesa, where he has been placed under house arrest.

Orders for Lift of Immunity

Moreover, Pinochet was questioned by judge Victor Montiglio, who is investigating "Operation Colombo," concerning the murder of his political opponents in 1975.

Actually, as per the findings of an independent investigation, more than 3,000 people lost their lives during Pinochets rule, from 1973 to 1990.

It is noted that the lift of immunity for Pinochet, as former President, had been ordered twice by the High Court of Chile: on September 14 for "Operation Colombo" and October 19 for the bank accounts case.

After the lift of immunity, the former dictator underwent medical examinations, which indicated that his condition, which he has used to avoid around 300 indictments, allows his presence in court.

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

Read the story on other sources:

Reuters: Pinochet charged with tax fraud, passport forgery

ÂÂC: Pinochet faces tax fraud charges

[09] Annulment of Data Transfer Requested EU-USA Cooperation on Terrorism Under Scrutiny

By Athina Saloustrou

General Prosecutor Philippe Leger suggested the European Commission and European Councils resolutions regarding the transfer of air passenger data to the US as a counter-terrorism measure be annulled. Furthermore, an advisor to the Court has also asked for the transfer to be ruled illegal. "Both the European Council resolution, which approves the US-EU agreement, and the European Commission resolution, according to which the personal data are sufficiently protected by the USA, lack a sufficient legal basis," said the advisor. General Prosecutors job is to independently provide the European Court with suggestions about a legal solution to the cases assigned to them. The judges are free of the prosecutors opinions. The European Court, though, falls in line with the opinions of its advisors most of the times. The European Commission denied to comment on Legers opinion claiming that it is awaiting the Courts ruling. Spokesman of European Commission Johannes Laitenberger said, "When the court has spoken, we will speak," said to the reporters. "It is obvious that if we didnt think it was legal, we wouldnt have done it," he underlined.

[10] Stress Increases Cholesterol

By Despina Hristopoulou

Sources: BBC

Up to now, it was well known that stress increases the chances of cardiovascular disease and weakens the immune system. Now, research proved that stress can also increase cholesterol. Following a three-year research, the scientific team of University College London, headed by Professor Andrew Steptoe concluded the above. The scientists, as Health Psychology Journal reported, studied 199 persons, who undertook stress and cholesterol tests for three years. The findings of the research indicated that the levels of stress presented by the patients were directly related to cholesterol levels. Other factors were calculated in the research, such as the passage of time, age, sex and, of course, if the patients smoked or consumed alcohol.

Alarming Findings

The scientists noted that the research indicated that persons suffering from stress have more chances of suffering from cholesterol, and consequently from cardiovascular diseases. Moreover, patients whose LDL levels, or else bad cholesterol, rose, the chances of presenting problems were increased three times.

As per scientists, stress increased cholesterol because it made the body produce more energy, in glucose form, and fatty acids. In order to transport these substances through tissues LDL is needed, which means the increase of bad cholesterol.

Another version is that stress obstructs the body of getting rid of extra cholesterol.

However, Professor Steptoe stressed that the increases presented by some patients, regarding cholesterol levels are not so great, but very alarming as to be taken into account. The key to fighting cholesterol is a healthy diet and frequent exercise.

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

Read the story on other sources:

BBC: Stress may up cholesterol levels

Related Links:

Health Psychology

[11] Formula Milk Withdrawn in Greece

By Mary Lou Tzempelikou

Following the havoc created in Italy over Nestles formula milk, which was unfit for consumption, the company Nestle Greece issued an announcement briefing the pubic that a similar product, which was available in the Greek market in half-litre green packages, namely NANI 2, stopped being distributed as of the end of October. In addition, it noted that any quantities already available in the market will be withdrawn as a precaution and a matter of principle. Nestle Greece asked consumers who have already purchased the product to contact the company on +30210 6884488, so that it can be replaced. Furthermore, the company noted that there are no risks involved, since the chemical substance ITX that was detected in it relates to the printing material used on the label and it is not toxic, as per the European Food Safety Authority.

Translated by Vicky Ghionis

Related News:

Formula Milk Recalled in Italy

[12] Do Not Bother, I Will Just Open the Door! Mr Pilot, I Need a Cigar Break!

By Despina Hristopoulou

Sources: BBC

She is obviously a heavy smoker, yet she hates troubling those around her, therefore she always makes sure that a door or at least a window is open when smoking. Of course, she has nothing to worry about when at home. But what happens when she is on a plane? Mind you, she has a fear of flying and had drunk alcohol and taken sleeping pills prior to flying. The 34-year-old French woman, who was travelling along with her husband to Australia, wanted nothing but to light a cigar while on flight to Australia. She was walking up and down the aisle holding an unlit cigar and a lighter. But due to her fear of flying, the alcohol, the sleeping pills and her addiction to nicotine, Sandrine Helene Sellies probably forgot where she was and tried to open the planes door. She pleaded guilty and her lawyer underlined that she had no memory of what had happened and that she sometimes sleepwalks. She finally got away with it, since the Court decided to impose a $1,000 fine, which she will pay in case she commits another offence.

Translated by Areti Christou

Read the story on other sources:

BBC: Smoker tried to open plane door

[13] At the End of Next Year Kylie Back on Stage

By Despina Hristopoulou

Sources: ANA, Sydney Morning Herald

Fans of Kylie Minogue will the chance to see the Australian pop princess back on stage in about a years time. Australian papers reported that Kylie fought a victorious battle against breast cancer and is getting ready to take action making up for the time she left her fans without live performances. Australia will be the first stop of her tour, which had been scheduled for May but postponed due to her health problems. Promoter Michael Gudinski said that Kylies performances are scheduled for late 2006, so that she has enough time to fully recover. The exact dates of the concerts will be announced next year.

Translated by Areti Christou

Read the story on other sources:

Sydney Morning Herald: Kylie to tour at the end of next year

[14] As per a Report by FEIR Increase of Employment Foreseen

Sources: NET, ANA

On a relevant report presented today, the predictions of the Foundation of Economic and Industrial Research (FEIR) were optimistic, but reserved, as to the increase of employment during the next two years. As per the report, the potential for increase of employment appeared bigger in smaller businesses, while smaller in bigger businesses. In his speech, Minister of Employment Panos Panagiotopoulos described social protection measures as necessary, in order for the gains of society to not be overthrown.

As per the report, the biggest majority of the employees continue to work full time (more than 90%), while part-time ranged at lower levels (8.7%), which is inferior in comparison to the European Union average.

In relation to employment, the immediate predictions of businesses appear optimistic, but reserved. 53% of businesses foresee that it will keep its personnel as is, while 30% will have an increase and 17% a decrease of personnel.

The department of businesses, which foresee that the number of employees will decrease, refers to the pressure by international and domestic competition, as well as the high cost of production as the main reasons for the above.

Speaking at the presentation of the report, Minister of Employment Panos Panagiotopoulos welcomed the FEIR report, since as he said, it reassured the Governments interventions.

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

[15] epoline® Annual Conference Patents: A Key to Growth

By Dimitris Alexopoulos

Sources: NET - ANA

Speaking at the European Patent Offices (EPO) Annual Conference, which commenced today in Athens, Greek Development Minister Dimitris Sioufas referred to the need for further developing inventiveness and innovation, in order to boost the competitiveness of the European economy. At the same time, referring to the EPO, the Minister stressed that it constitutes the main body for promoting and regulating innovations in Europe, while its operation shapes the future of growth and Europes position in the contemporary world. The Conference, which is organised by the EPO in collaboration with Industrial Property Organisation (OBI) of Greece, focuses on the future of the IP infrastructure in Europe.

Need to Develop Legal Principles

On his part, the President of the EPO, Professor Alain Pompidou, insisted on the need to establish a Central European Court for patents, since, as he noted, the European patent system significantly lacks legal security, and as a result no lawsuits can be filed to secure the rights of inventors.

Mr Pompidou also mentioned that in its 30 years of operation, the EPO has granted over 700,000 patents, most of which are still in force.

Referring to the Greek experience, OBIs President Athanasios Kaisis stressed that 514 applications were submitted to the Organisation in 2004, noting that although Greece is trailing far behind other countries, such as Germany, the number of patents per capita is not disappointing.

In addition, a new service, One Stop Shop, will start operating in Greece soon, in order to facilitate aspiring inventors, by eliminating red tape.

Over 350 representatives from European countries are participating in the Conference, which will continue tomorrow.

Translated by Vicky Ghionis

Related News:

Conference on European Patent

[16] By 7% and be Implemented as of 2006 Raises in KTEL Bus Tickets

By Mary Lou Tzempelikou

Sources: NET, ANA

On Wednesday morning, Minister of Transport and Communications Michael Liapis met with representatives of blue and KTEL buses. The increase in KTEL bus tickets was at the focus of the meeting, as well as the renewal of the KTEL bus fleet with new vehicles of anti-polluting technology. The raises in tickets will come up to 7% and be implemented as of next year. As Mr Liapis stated, the aim of the new regulation of KTEL personnel is the image improvement of KTEL buses, the upgrade of services to passengers, their reliable and safe transport and the upgrade of recruitment qualifications.

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

[17] For December 16 Giosakis Trial Postponed

Iakovos Giosakis trial has been postponed until 16 December, as the former Archimandrites defence lawyers asked for an expert report that will evaluate the antiquities, which he is accused of having stolen. In the meantime, Piraeus Appellate Prosecutor Xenia Dimitriou, who drew up the indictment, revealed in court that she has received threats, even against her child, and asked to be exempted from the case. Her application was accepted. The threats against Xenia Dimitriou, who was replaced by her colleague Konstantina Gika, were also confirmed by the Judge of the Three-Member Court of Felony Appeals, who read the No 470/2005 ruling, exempting her from the trial. Anyhow, the illegal antiquities trading case continued as scheduled today at the Piraeus Court, since the defence withdrew the motions it had filed questioning the validity of the bill of indictment.

On his part, Kyrillos Stavropoulos, one of Giosakis co-defendants, claimed that none of the witnesses who testified mentioned that the objects were stolen from the monastery on Kythira, but just stated that they saw people digging and washing antiquities at night.

Two archaeologists from the Ministry of Culture were appointed to draw up the expert report and will have to submit it to court within 15 days.

The first ten witnesses for the prosecution have been called to testify on 16 December.

Related News:

Giosakis Stands Trial

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