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The Hellenic Radio (ERA): News in English, 05-11-28

The Hellenic Radio (ERA): News in English Directory - Previous Article - Next Article

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

CONTENTS

  • [01] Peace and Development
  • [02] Is Lenin Alive?
  • [03] Romance is Short-Lived
  • [04] Purgation for AEK FC.
  • [05] Focusing on Cyprus
  • [06] Deadline to Judges
  • [07] Tickets with First and Last Name
  • [08] Judicial Investigation in Marathonas
  • [09] International Climate Conference
  • [10] Trial Resumed Only to Adjourn
  • [11] Sharon's Manifesto
  • [12] New Evidence on Hariri Assassination
  • [13] Peace and Development
  • [14] Three Insurance Companies Referred
  • [15] Tickets with First and Last Name
  • [16] ESY Grows Old

  • [01] Barcelona EuroMed Summit Peace and Development

    28 Nov 2005 14:33:00 (Last updated: 28 Nov 2005 23:30:37)

    By Dimitris Alexopoulos

    Sources: NET,ANA

    The leaders participating in the Euro-Med Summit held in Barcelona agreed on a joint code of conduct to fight terrorism. They also agreed on a five-year working plan aiming at expanding economic, political and cultural cooperation in sensitive fields, including security and illegal immigration. However, they failed to yield a joint statement meeting the standards set by the EU and the Arab countries. Greek Prime Minister Kostas Karamanlis, on his part, referred to instrumental role the EU plays in the wider region of the Mediterranean basin and underlined that creating a free trade zone by 2010 is a common objective. At the same time, he pinpointed the need for an international cooperation to combat terrorism based on international law and praised the proposal on the "Alliance of Civilisations," which, as he said, will contribute to the fight against xenophobia and racism.

    EU: Imperative Role in the Area

    In statements made following the end of the meeting, Mr Karamanlis referred to the special importance that our country gives to this initiative, since Greece is a Mediterranean country directly affected by the areas developments.

    The aim, stated the Prime Minister, is the safeguarding of peace, stability and the combat of terrorism in the broader area, as well as the future opportunities presented by development and prosperity prospects.

    "We are convinced that that EU holds an imperative role on the future of the broader Mediterranean and we are willing to actively contribute to this direction," stated Mr Karamanlis and added:

    "During our proceedings, we discussed our priorities based on the developments and the events of the previous ten years from the adoption of the Barcelona Declaration. Moreover, we stressed the common belief that many more steps have to be taken towards the direction of reforms on all levels. The great issue of illegal immigration also concerned us. We concluded that there is a need for a serious effort to be made for facing the issue."

    With regard to the economy and the areas development, Mr Karamanlis said that the Summits participants reconfirmed the need of creating a Free Trade Zone by 2010, which will operate beneficially for all.

    Special emphasis was given to education and culture, as tools for economic and social development of the broader region.

    In context of the Summit, the Prime Minister held contacts, mostly of social character as he described them, with German Chancellor Angela Merkel, shook hands with Tayyip Erdogan, while his meeting with Portuguese PM Jose Socrates, with whom he discussed issues of fiscal character, was quite interesting.

    Intervention in Summit

    During his intervention in the proceedings, the Greek Prime Minister referred to the necessity of the continuance of the dialogue on security and defence issues, and for the creation of a stability and security zone in the broader region.

    Moreover, Mr Karamanlis outright condemned every form of terrorism as criminal and indefensible, whilst stating the need of an international partnership for its combat, always in the context of international law.

    In his intervention, the Prime Minister also referred to the need of setting up a Free Trade Zone by 2010, in the creation of a suitable climate aimed at the increase in investments, as well as the adoption of an actions programme within 2006 aimed at the pollution abatement by 2020.

    With regard to the issue of immigration, in particular of illegal immigration, and human traffic, he claimed that the EuroMed partnership should be strengthened, aimed at combating these incidents that cause social destabilisation.

    On the issue of social and cultural department, the Prime Minister gave special attention to education, the combat of illiteracy, adult education and the international cooperation between Universities. He also referred to gender equality and the protection of childrens rights.

    In closing, Mr Karamanlis referred to the importance of a Dialogue between Cultures, while underlining that racism and xenophobia have to be dealt with and welcomed the proposal on the "Alliance of Cultures."

    Final Conclusions

    With regard to the final conclusions of the Summit, the 38 leaders reached an agreement concerning an action plan for the combat of terrorism, as announced by the British PM and current EU President Tony Blair.

    The action plan stated that "terrorism cannot be justified," while a five-year "work programme" is foreseen, which mainly concerns the combat of illegal immigration.

    However, the 38 leaders could not agree on final common statement, which would include a reference to terrorism and will satisfy Israel and the Arab countries.

    On Sunday, the delegations agreed on the removal of the reference to the 1967 Israeli borders and the "right of resistance," asked by Arab leaders, from the action plan against terrorism, whilst leaving this issue for the final common statement.

    This transfer allowed the adoption of the action plan, but the problem was not resolved in the context of a common statement, since it stated the "commitment of the 38 for a fair resolution of the conflict" of Israelis and Palestinians and the existence of "two States, Israel and Palestine."

    Read the story on other sources:

    BBC: Euro-Med adopts anti-terror code

    El Mundo: La Cumbre Euromediterranea no logra consenso total pero si un codigo de conducta antiterrorista

    Le Monde: Sommet Euromed : accord sur un "code de conduite" contre le terrorisme

    Die Welt: EU-Nahost-Gipfel beschlie?t Anti-Terror-Erklarung

    Related News:

    Summit on Terror

    Message to Turkey

    Related Links:

    Euro-Med Cooperation

    [02] Is Lenin Alive?

    28 Nov 2005 20:46:00

    By Vagelis Theodorou

    Former Soviet leader Vladimir Lenin returned to his homeland! This is what the director of the Lenin Museum in the Russian city of Samara claimed. Maja Obraszowa argued that Lenins ghost has haunted the Museum, which is located in the house Lenin lived while studying Law between 1887 and 1891. To prove her point, she said that staff every now and then hear footsteps, see furniture moving, as well as several inexplicable phenomena. "We entered the master bedroom one morning and saw that someone had slept in the bed, although the door was locked all night," said Mrs Obraszova and added that quite often a smell of apple cake, Lenins favourite food, is given off, even though there is no bakery near here.

    The ghost story was first introduced when a team of school students visiting the Museum claimed they smelled fresh coffee while looking at Lenins coffee machine, which is included among the exhibits.

    As it was expected, Mrs Obraszovas claims prompted reactions and taunting comments, while others accused her of trying to raise the number of visitors to the Museum. Finally, there were a few who brought up the issue of the Soviet leaders burial, since his body is on display in the Red Square.

    Translated by Areti Christou

    Read the story on other sources:

    Berliner Morgenpost: Gespenst geht um im Lenin-Museum von Samara

    Der Bild: Backt der tote Lenin nachts Apfelkuchen?

    [03] Study by Italian Scientists Romance is Short-Lived

    28 Nov 2005 19:18:00

    By Vagelis Theodorou

    Sources: BBC

    Cupids arrows cannot survive time, claimed Italian researchers, who put down the feelings of euphoria and dependence on someones better half experienced at the beginning of a love affair down to a brain chemical. As per the study carried out at the University of Pavia, romantic love lasts no more than a year, since the chemical recedes. But, what lies behind it? The scientists spoke of a nerve growth factor (NGF), namely a protein that halts the cell deterioration and increases the cell activities. "The findings do not mean that love dies out, but that it is not that acute," explained one of the researchers Piergluigi Politi, reassuring everyone who rushed to argue that time makes love faint away.

    It Paves the Way for Established Love

    The researchers studied single people, and people in long and short relationships aged 18 to 31. However, it was some 58 people that were recently hit by Cupids arrows that drew the attention of the researchers, who compared their NGF levels to that of people in long relationships and single ones.

    They noticed that after a year, the NFG levels started reducing to normal ones in 39 people who were still in the same relationship, thus leading the researchers to the assumption that the protein in question turns the initial flush into love.

    Furthermore, the NGF levels were especially high in people who were in short relationships as opposed to those who had long-term relationships and to single people.

    "It seems that biochemical mechanisms participate in the mood changes that occur from the early phase of a love affair until it becomes more established," Mr Politi explained.

    However, the Italian scientists underlined that further study should be carried out, since their knowledge on the neurobiology of romantic love is quite limited.

    Translated by Areti Christou

    Related Links:

    University of Pavia

    [04] Purgation for AEK FC.

    28 Nov 2005 17:54:00

    By Stathis Petropoulos

    AEK Athens President and managing director Demis Nikolaidis appeared even more furious after all he watched on television regarding the incidents in Livadia. Mr Nikolaidis reiterated his long established stance and called on AEKs true friends and the Original fan club to assume their responsibilities and to exclude the hooligans. "Yesterday, I did not have a full image of the situation, but I do now. I did not even watch what happened outside the stadium. I spoke of everything I saw, everything all Greeks saw. I saw people destroying cars and a TV van. Those who did that, I do not know if they are members of a fan club, but having in mind a wider notion of organized fans, I would say they are organized," Demis Nikolaidis told SuperSPORT FM radio station and added, "I firmly believe that this particular group of people meant to cause problems. As I said on Sunday, the dispute was not between myself and Original, as the Media presented it, but the violence that Original or some other fan clubs may stir up. Violence was the problem all along. Most of those who commit the incidents, in every encounter we have seen, bear Originals badges. Original has no registered members and everyone is very well aware of that. They follow the club and at least 90% of them do not bother to watch the game. They just look for trouble."

    Related News:

    Tickets with First and Last Name

    Shame and Disgrace in Livadia

    [05] Yiannakis Omirou's Meetings Focusing on Cyprus

    28 Nov 2005 17:58:00 (Last updated: 28 Nov 2005 19:56:55)

    By Despina Hristopoulou

    Sources: NET, ANA

    Cypriot President of the Socialist EDEK party Yiannakis Omirou held meetings on Monday with the secretary of NDs Central Committee Vangelis Meimarakis, PASOK leader George Papandreou and SYN President Alekos Alavanos. The meetings focused on the Cyprus issue, which requires a democratic and viable solution within the EU, as everyone underlined. Exiting his meeting with Mr Omirou, Mr Meimarakis pointed out that providing a solution is the main goal, so that the residents of the island can indiscriminately benefit from the European acquis. On his part, Mr Omirou argued that the Greek-Cypriot side is ready for a new initiative free of arbitrations. He further noted that they should make the most of Turkeys European prospect and that Turkey "has to fully understand that it must comply with the international and European regulations should it wish to have a European future."

    Need for New Initiatives

    The developments on the issue of Cyprus also topped Mr Omirous meeting at PASOKs headquarters. George Papandreou said he briefed Mr Omirou on his contacts from his recent visit to Turkey and on his talks he had there, "always promoting our long established stance, as well as Turkeys need to fall in line with the European standards." He also went on to criticise the government, claiming that Greece has missed golden opportunities, at least two, to solve the Cyprus issue. In fact, he accused Mr Karamanlis of setting a policy on foreign affairs that leads to nowhere.

    Mr Omirou pointed out that the prospects for the formation of a new initiative for Cyprus have been at the focus and he concluded that the new initiative should not be built on arbitrations, tight deadlines and referendums.

    Greece and Cyprus Should Send the Message

    Mr Omirrou met with KKE Secretary General Aleka Papariga, who expressed KKEs support and solidarity to the Cypriot peoples struggle for a fair and viable solution.

    EDEK President also had an "interesting and constructive," as they called it, meeting with Alekos Alavanos. Both men underlined that they aim at a democratic and viable solution within the EU and highlighted the importance of Turkeys accession talks. In case Turkey fails to comply with the European acquis, as Mr Omitou claimed, "Cyprus and Greece should make it clear that Turkey cannot follow the European path unless it falls in line with the international and European law."

    In the meantime, taking advantage of his meeting with Mr Omirou, Alekos Alavanos pointed out that Cyprus has been granting the heating oil benefit to the pensioners residing at a certain altitude, as well as to families who receive state benefits, and stressed that Greece should follow suit.

    Translated by Areti Christou

    [06] Deadline to Judges

    28 Nov 2005 18:47:00 (Last updated: 28 Nov 2005 21:00:44)

    By Despina Hristopoulou

    The six judges and one judicial employee, who are involved in the extra-judicial ring, requested they testify the first fortnight of December to better study the brief. The six judges are Nikos Athanasopoulos, Aspasia Basta, Nikos Potamianos, Georgia Labropoulou, Paraskevi Leon and Olga Darla. The retired head of Athens First Instance Court, Gerasimos Dionysatos, is to testify to the appellate examiner on Tuesday. Lawyer Sakis Kehagioglou is to testify on Wednesday, while lawyer Petros Mahas on December 2.

    Translated by Areti Christou

    Related News:

    Sixteen to Testify

    [07] Tickets with First and Last Name

    28 Nov 2005 15:35:00

    By Ilias Papaioannou

    As per Mr Rousopoulos, the system of the first and last name of the fan, which will be recorded on the ticket, and has been approved by the Hellenic Data Protection Authority, is to become a new ally to the effort of combating violence "From now on, we will be able to know who the fans are and their seats in the stadium and we hope that this measure will help combat violence in these areas," noted the Government spokesperson. Moreover, he stated that 200 policemen were present, however, they cannot be more than the fans. In relation to the issue of the Livadia Municipal Stadium being unsuitable, Mr Rousopoulos stated that it fulfils all safety regulations and noted that the Government calls on the teams to help the fight against violence.

    Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

    Related News:

    Shame and Disgrace in Livadia

    [08] Over the Overflow of the Dam Judicial Investigation in Marathonas

    28 Nov 2005 13:58:00

    By Dimitris Alexopoulos

    Chief of the First Instance Prosecution Dimitris Papagelopoulos ordered a preliminary investigation over the damage caused in the area of Marathonas, due to the overflow of the Rapedosa dam. The judicial intervention was caused by articles and stories in the Mass Media and is aimed at concluding if any wrongdoings occurred in the construction stage, handling and operation of the dam. The investigation was taken up by First Instance Prosecutor Panagiotis Poulios.

    Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

    [09] International Climate Conference

    28 Nov 2005 09:41:00 (Last updated: 28 Nov 2005 17:31:28)

    By Betty Savourdou

    Delegates from 180 countries are meeting in Montreal, Canada, to discuss for the first time on an official level the future reinforcement of the fight against climatic changes. Canadas aim is to find a formula that would enable the USA, other industrial countries and developing nations to sign a common agreement on their future actions. However, shortly before opening the proceedings, US chief negotiator Harlan Watson told the BBC News website he would strongly resist the Canadian proposal. According to Watson, it is premature to make any further commitments on the issue. The UN Climate Summit begins today and will last for two weeks.

    New International Agreement Necessary

    In particular, the participants will decide whether they should renew or apply the Kyoto Protocol provisions on other countries, since its force is limited on industrial countries only.

    The Europeans and Canadians feel it is necessary to have achieved by 2010 an international agreement on reducing greenhouse gas emissions, the drawing up of which will take several years. Even if such an agreement is not achieved in Montreal, both sides are at least hoping that all implicated parties would admit the need for a new agreement.

    It is reminded that the USA has not ratified the Kyoto Protocol and have already announced they will not participate in negotiations over climatic changes.

    As for China, India and Brazil, they will referee the Conference.

    The Kyoto Protocol is not currently binding these countries to cut gas emissions. However, they are concerned a future agreement might obstruct their growth course by imposing them to start controlling their waste products, the quantity of which is expected to increase dramatically in the following years.

    Translated by Sofia Soulioti

    Read the story on other sources:

    United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change

    Kyoto Protocol

    [10] Trial Resumed Only to Adjourn

    28 Nov 2005 13:37:00 (Last updated: 28 Nov 2005 20:33:34)

    By Dimitris Alexopoulos

    Former Iraqi leader Saddam Husseins trial adjourned once again to resume on December 5. Hussein and seven of his former aides are charged with ordering the massacre of 148 Shias in Dujail (north of Baghdad) in the early 80s. Chief Judge Rizgar Mohammed Amin made this decision to allow former Iraqi vice president Taha Yasin Ramadan to find an attorney, as he denied to be represented by an attorney appointed by the state.

    Saddam Protested

    The court session was eventful and the former Iraqi president protested for being abused by his guards, which he described as "invaders and occupiers."

    His statement triggered the reaction of the judge, who ordered the termination of the trial's televised broadcast.

    Despite all, Hussein continued protesting because the guards had confiscated his papers and pen, while he also complained for having to walk two floors handcuffed and on foot, because the elevator was out of operation.

    Chief Judge Rizgar Mohammed Amin promised Saddam he would tell the Police about the incident, but the former leader was not satisfied and answered back outraged, "I don't want you to tell them I want you to order them. They are invaders and occupiers and you have to order them."

    The Dujail massacre is not the only crime the Saddam Hussein regime is charged with, but it is the first case tried by Iraq's Supreme Penal Court.

    Ramsey Clark, an attorney general under President Lyndon Johnson, was sworn in Monday to serve as an adviser to the defence attorneys.

    Saddam Hussein's defence head is Iraqi Khalil al-Dulaimi, who is obliged to attend all court sessions, unlike the other attorneys on his team.

    Shortly before the trial resumed, dozens of inhabitants in Tikrit, Saddam Hussein's former stronghold, protested today in front of the city's mosque asking for his release.

    At the same time, Dujail citizens were holding demonstrations demanding the execution of the former Iraqi leader.

    Translated by Sofia Soulioti

    [11] The New Party's Platform Made Public Sharon's Manifesto

    28 Nov 2005 22:02:00

    By Vagelis Theodorou

    Israeli Premier Ariel Sharon presented Kadimas platform in view of the March 28 parliamentary elections. Sharons new party envisages an independent and demilitarized Palestinian state, which will be clearly requested not be involved in acts of terror, thus proving true those claiming that Ariel Sharon left the Likud party to be free of the diehards and proceed with the peace talks with the Palestinians. Regarding the regime in Jerusalem, the platform spoke of a unified Jerusalem under the Israeli control. It also reaffirmed the Israeli control on the West Bank settlements, where nearly 240,000 reside. At the same time, Mr Sharon defended the Israeli pullout from Gaza last August, arguing that the pullout gave a boost to the Road Map, the UNs peace plan in the Middle East. In addition, former Israeli Premier and Sharons rival Simon Peres is most likely to announce his joining Sharons Kadima.

    Coalition With Peres?

    A spokesman for Simon Peres stated that the 82-year-old politician plans to quit the Likud Party and joins Sharons Kadima.

    On his part, Noble Peace laureate and former Premier neither dismissed not accepted the rumours. Speaking to reporters in Barcelons, Mr Peres just said that he is to announce his plans upon his arrival to Israel, without setting an exact date.

    "It is not a matter of parties, it is a matter of peace. How to form a powerful peace coalition," he added.

    As per the Israeli Media, Mr Sharon has already offered Mr Peres the post of the negotiator for the peace talks with the Palestinians, should Kadima win the elections.

    Analysts claimed that, a coalition between Peres and Kadima, which has a steady lead according to the polls, will lure many votes from the Likud Party

    Translated by Areti Christou

    Read the story on other sources:

    Yediot Aharonot: Kadima presents party platform

    Reuters: Peres may quit Labour for Sharon party

    Ha'aretz: PM's new Kadima party to call for demilitarized Palestinian state

    Related News:

    Polls Favour Sharon

    [12] "I Was Bribed," Claimed a Witness New Evidence on Hariri Assassination

    28 Nov 2005 20:06:00

    By Vagelis Theodorou

    A man told the Syrian TV that he was bribed and he gave false evidence, thus playing havoc with the probe into Hariris assassination on February 14. Hossam Taher Hossam, a Syrian of Kurdish descent, claimed that several months ago, the son of the murdered former Lebanese PM, Saad offered him 1.3 million US dollars to incriminate top-ranking Syrian officials. He also claimed he was tortured and administered drugs despite his will, so that he would implicate Syrian Presidents two associates in the killing.

    A spokesman for Hariris family dismissed the accusations and spoke of "a desperate effort to mislead the probe and the public."

    On its part, the Syrian committee investigating the assassination argued that the UN report is not valid, since it was built on two witnesses, including Hossam.

    However, UN officials made it clear that it was Hossam who approached the committee claiming he has evidence on the assassination, while a UN announcement read that during the probe nothing was offered in exchanged for information.

    Translated by Areti Christou

    Read the story on other sources:

    BBC: Hariri witness says he was bribed

    CNN: Witness: Hariri's son made him lie

    [13] Barcelona EuroMed Summit Peace and Development

    28 Nov 2005 14:33:00

    By Dimitris Alexopoulos

    Sources: NET,ANA

    Immigration, the economy and terrorism were the three issues discussed by the delegations of the 38 countries participating in the EuroMed Summit in Barcelona. Prime Minister Kostas Karamanlis referred to the imperative role of the European Union in the broader Mediterranean area, noting that the common aim is the creation of a free trade zone until 2010. In the context of the Summit, the Prime Minister held meetings with counterparts, including Turkish PM Tayyip Erdogan.

    EU: Imperative Role in the Area

    In statements made following the end of the meeting, Mr Karamanlis referred to the special importance that our country gives to this initiative, since Greece is a Mediterranean country directly affected by the areas developments.

    The aim, stated the Prime Minister, is the safeguarding of peace, stability and the combat of terrorism in the broader area, as well as the future opportunities presented by development and prosperity prospects.

    "We are convinced that that EU holds an imperative role on the future of the broader Mediterranean and we are willing to actively contribute to this direction," stated Mr Karamanlis and added:

    "During our proceedings, we discussed our priorities based on the developments and the events of the previous ten years from the adoption of the Barcelona Declaration. Moreover, we stressed the common belief that many more steps have to be taken towards the direction of reforms on all levels. The great issue of illegal immigration also concerned us. We concluded that there is a need for a serious effort to be made for facing the issue."

    With regard to the economy and the areas development, Mr Karamanlis said that the Summits participants reconfirmed the need of creating a Free Trade Zone until 2010, which will operate beneficially for all.

    Special emphasis was given to education and culture, as tools for economic and social development of the broader region.

    In context of the Summit, the Prime Minister held contacts, mostly of social character as he described them, with German Chancellor Angela Merkel, shook hands with Tayyip Erdogan, while his meeting with Portuguese PM Jose Socrates, with whom he discussed issues of fiscal character, was quite interesting.

    Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

    Related News:

    Summit on Terror

    Message to Turkey

    [14] Complaints by Consumers Three Insurance Companies Referred

    28 Nov 2005 15:37:00 (Last updated: 28 Nov 2005 21:12:27)

    Sources: NET,ANA

    On the issue of recalling their license, companies Galaxias, Astra Insurance and Argonaftiki were referred to the Private Insurance Committee, as they didnt pay compensation to the insured. As per what Deputy Minister of Development Giannis Papathanasiou said, there are many complaints from consumers about the companies, while at the same time are recording a large deficit. The Deputy Minister said that even if the companies license is not recalled, their names are announced in order for the consumers to be aware that there is a problem in their reserves and to act accordingly. The insured vehicles in the three companies are 240,000; Galaxias 36,000, Astra 89,000 and Argonaftiki 126,000. Should their licenses be recalled, their clients will have a 40-day cover from the supplementary fund. Then, they will have to repay if they wish register to another insurance company. In the meantime, Astra Insurance denied accusations and spoke of circles making malicious accusations against it.

    The Tip of the Iceberg

    Until the end of December, the Private Insurance Committee will convene to decide over the event of recalling the companies license.

    Moreover, the Ministry gave a deadline until January 31, 2006 in order for the first instalment to be paid, thus filling in the gap in the organisations. In any other case, they will not receive a creditworthiness certificate and lose their permit. The "black hole" is 345 million euros for the total of the insurance market.

    The case of the three insurance companies is nothing but the tip of the iceberg. The black hole of 345 million euros of the several insurance companies is the big problem.

    The Deputy Minister also noted that the inspections will continue and that there will not be a regulation for paying the due debts, as the amounts designated will have to be immediately paid.

    However, some of the 74 insurance companies operating across Greece may not get the creditworthiness certificate.

    Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

    [15] Tickets with First and Last Name

    28 Nov 2005 15:35:00

    By Ilias Papaioannou

    As per Mr Rousopoulos, the system of the first and last name of the fan, which will be recorded on the ticket, and has been approved by the Hellenic Data Protection Authority, is to become a new ally to the effort of combating violence "From now on, we will be able to know who the fans are and their seats in the stadium and we hope that this measure will help combat violence in these areas," noted the Government spokesperson. Moreover, he stated that 200 policemen were present, however, they cannot be more than the fans. In relation to the issue of the Livadia Municipal Stadium being unsuitable, Mr Rousopoulos stated that it fulfils all safety regulations and noted that the Government calls on the teams to help the fight against violence.

    Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

    Related News:

    Shame and Disgrace in Livadia

    [16] As Per a Survey by the Health Ministry ESY Grows Old

    28 Nov 2005 15:55:00 (Last updated: 28 Nov 2005 18:23:59)

    By Dimitris Alexopoulos

    Sources: NET, NET 105.5, ANA

    Greek Health Minister Nikitas Kaklamanis released on Monday a pretty revealing survey on the profile of the ESY (Greek National Health System) employees. As per the findings of the survey, the medical and nursing staff working in public hospitals is deemed aged compared to the modern standards, since the average age of doctors amounts to 50 years old and that of the nursing staff to 40, while one in two employees lacks academic qualifications. Furthermore, the survey revealed that nearly 3,700 employees are on a long-lasting leave, while some 2,500 were detached. However, this number has been narrowed down to 250. On the occasion of the survey, the Health Minister announced the hiring of 4,000 nursing personnel, while further 4,500 hirings are to be approved for 2006.

    Crowded Wards

    The survey made public showed that the ESY personnel consists of 22,472 doctors, 43,248 nursing staff, 10,990 paramedics and 21,000 for supplementary work.

    Furthermore, 67 doctors should have already been retired, while 210 employees of several capacities are older than 65.

    As for the number of beds in each ward, Mr Kaklamanis explained that at least 72 wards were located across Greece with more than 13 beds each. Of them, 53 were found in pathology clinics and 19 in surgical ones.

    The Health Ministry argued that among the goals set by his Ministry for 2006 is that the numbers of beds for each ward be reduced to 9 or 12 and he pledged that by the end of the governments term no ward in public hospitals will exceed five beds.

    Mr Kaklamanis also pointed out that the recording of the personnel still continues to determine the needs for nursing staff, while he explained that although new personnel is hired, some times it is impossible for them to immediately offer their services.

    To prove his point, he referred to the hiring of 1,000 nurses, who were not working, for they were still studying in the Nursing School three years after they had been hired.

    Commenting on Mr Kaklamanis statements, PASOK parliamentarian responsible for employment, social welfare and health Evangelos Venizelos spoke of a "health policy based on cheap communicative tricks and of demagogic diversions that can last for a few months, but not for two whole years," and called on Mr Kaklamanis to shoulder his responsibilities.


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