The Hellenic Radio (ERA): News in English, 05-12-04

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

CONTENTS

[01] Between the Government and PASOK Wrangling over the PPC

Sources: NET

The wrangling between the Government and the Opposition over the matter with the Greek Public Power Corporation (PPC) and the energy issue is escalating. The political dispute is described by personal attacks, since PASOK members verbally assaulted the Greek PM, receiving harsh responses from government executives. In an announcement, Development Minister Dimitris Sioufas noted that anyone accusing the Government with vague arguments lacks responsibility.

Sioufas' Announcement

"No business was ever favoured or hurt in the twenty months I have been responsible for the Development Ministry. The aphorisms and vagueness by the President and the members of the Opposition lack responsibility," noted the Development Minister in his announcement, thus responding to the accusations voiced by George Papandreou and other party members concerning corruption within the Government.

"The Bill for the deregulation of the energy market was voted for in principle by the Opposition," he continued, stressing, "Even if the decision for the tender of three new 900MW power plants - without the participation of the PPC - was made by the previous Government, it was adopted by New Democracys Government, because its [PPC] participation would have led the country to the European Court.

Dimitris Sioufas also underlined, "Both the political leadership and the Ministry are working daily to secure a new investments and growth climate in contemporary Greece and create new employment opportunities. We will not allow anyone to disrupt this climate. We will not allow anyone to undermine the conquests of the last twenty months, since they were achieved with hard work."

At the same time, PASOK members launched a severe verbal attack against the PM.

From Sparti, PASOK President George Papandreou mentioned "quarrels within ND, as well as clashes of interests to which the Government is succumbing."

PASOK MP Evangelos Venizelos spoke of a "major political scandal," while PASOKs parliamentary spokesperson, Charis Kastanidis, invited the Government to provide convincing answers to Giannis Palaiokrassas allegations concerning the PPC, accusing the PM of vested interest.

In addition, speaking on TV station NET, Giorgos Voulgarakis declared that the Palaiokrassas case is in the hands of Justice.

The former PPC Director will give a Press conference on Monday at 11:30am, at a central Athenian hotel.

Translated by Vicky Ghionis

Related News:

Letter to Supreme Court

Written Resignation to Maximos

[02] Meditating without Food or Water Buddha Reincarnated?

By Dimitris Alexopoulos

A boy from Nepal has attracted the interest of scientists and Buddhists worldwide, since, following on Buddhas footsteps, he is trying to gain enlightenment through meditation. For the last six months, Ram Bahadur Bamjan, aged 15, has been sitting cross-legged in a makeshift tent under an old tree, without receiving any food or water. Many devotees believe that the boy is the reincarnation of Buddha; however, others remain sceptic, especially those belonging to the scientific society.

Science Vs Religion

His fame has crossed the borders of his country and thousands of people from all over the world are arriving at the site daily to get a glimpse of the boy.

His fellow villagers confirm that he has not eaten or drunk anything in the last half a year. However, they claim that he has grown weak and will not last long.

On the other hand, scientists are adamant that this could not be true. They want to examine the young boy, but the devotees who are next to him day and night are not letting them.

The believers are inviting everyone to confirm the fact and examine him from a religious and scientific point of view, but they will not allow anyone to touch him, because that might break his meditation.

Nepals science and technology academy will visit the area, aiming at providing a scientific explanation to the phenomenon.

Translated by Vicky Ghionis

[03] Announced G. Voulgarakis Increased Patrols in Attica

Sources: NET

Foot patrols will be reinforced by the end of the year in all Attic neighbourhoods, announced the Minister of Public Order, Giorgos Voulgarakis, speaking on NETs show "Press". At the same time, a VPRC opinion poll showed a decrease in criminality and an increase in citizens insecurity, as they are worried over getting robbed. As per the opinion poll, 76% of Greek citizens in Attica are displeased by the policing. At the same time, 3,500 police officers are appointed in embassies, buildings and public figures. In the meantime, the criminality chart in Attica has changed and problematic areas, like Menidi and Korydallos, are showing a decrease in criminal incidents.

Translated by Sofia Soulioti

[04] Towards the Government Papandreou's Attack from Sparti

Sources: NET - ERA - ANA

PASOKs President launched a severe attack against the Government and the Greek PM personally, from Sparti. George Papandreou accused the Greek PM of inability to govern, while he also referred to the issues with the PPC (Public Power Corporation) and the DEKOs (Public Utilities and Enterprises), stressing that dead-end policies are being implemented in those areas. In addition, the leader of the Opposition reproached the Government for its economic policy; while he stressed that it did not give the battle is should have in the matters of the EU funds and Budget.

Harsh Criticism

In his speech, Mr Papandreou harshly criticised the Governments economic and social policy.

PASOKs President called on the PM to give up his post as Culture Minister, since, he does not deal with any of the matters concerning the Ministry.

Prompted by the latest developments with the PPC, he spoke of major problems within the Government, resulting in quarrels within ND, while he claimed that the Government is instigating and abetting clashes of interest.

Referring to PASOKs renewal, he appeared confident of a victory in the next elections, whenever those are held, and stressed that PASOK does not bury history, while at the same time it provides opportunities to the new generation.

"The citizens of Greece can judge, compare and assess. They are fully aware as to who is producing tangible, countable results for the country and the citizens with responsibility and sensitivity. They are fully aware as to who are not ones who on the one hand keep preaching about renewal, whilst following on the travelled paths of the past, by continuing to lie to the citizens and close their eyes when faced with great responsibilities. The citizens are well aware that great and qualitative reforms have commenced and will not stop. Mr Papandreou can continue following the path he has chosen," responded Government spokesperson Thodoris Roussopoulos.

Criticism over Rural Policy

Earlier, Mr Papandreou harshly criticised the Government for its rural policy.

Speaking from Petrina in the Mani, where he visited the local agricultural co-op, PASOKs President he accused New Democracys government of trying to downgrade the agricultural economy and invest in cheap labour with its policies.

As he noted, those policies do not facilitate the countrys growth prospects, while he stressed that PASOK has alternatives for agriculture.

After Petrina, Mr Papandreou visited Gythio, while his next stop was the Municipality of Skala, where he visited Elos, which was recently affected by floods.

Mr Papandreou also visited Evrotas Bridge, which flooded last week, and after being briefed on the extent of the damages, he declared, "It is exactly what ND is saying, it is time for regional Greece, with all those problems and shortages."

This morning, the leader of PASOK laid a wreath at a monument in Monodendri, where 118 Spartans were executed by the occupational forces on 26 November 1943, while he also visited Mystras, where he toured the historical monuments of the Byzantine town.

Translated by Vicky Ghionis

[05] Despite Reactions by Teachers' Unions Educational Reforms in Greece

Sources: NET

Speaking at the Money Show conference, Greek Education Minister Marietta Giannakou appeared determined to proceed with educational reforms, despite any reactions. Mrs Giannakou stressed that the changes required in education will be implemented, irrespective of the political cost, while referring to the review of the educational system, including secondary and tertiary education, she said it will be performed, since any institutions not reviewed will not receive any funding. At the same time, she harshly criticised the teachers unions, accusing them of unbelievable conservatism. These comments were prompted by the withdrawal of the unions from the national dialogue for education. Finally, Mrs Giannakou stressed the significance of the continuous education of teachers at primary and secondary level, while she announced that new textbooks will be introduced as of the new school year and professional high schools will be upgraded.

Translated by Vicky Ghionis

[06] Apartment Destroyed Fire in Argyroupoli

By Despina Hristopoulou

Filikis Etairias street in Argyroupoli, Athens, was literally set on fire on Saturday night, when the flames broke out from an apartment at the fourth floor of an apartment block. The fire was sparked by yet unknown reasons and burnt the apartment to the ground. 30 firemen and 8 fire engines rushed on site to put it out, but it took them four hours before they could place under control. Luckily the flames did not spread out in the other apartments and the tenants got out on time unharmed. The Fire Brigade Investigation Panel is conducting the investigation to pinpoint the cause of the fire.

Translated by Sofia Soulioti

[07] Revelations on CIA Secret Flights

By Despina Hristopoulou

Sources: NET, ANA

One day after the beginning of Condoleeza Rices European tour, two articles posted in German magazine "Der Spiegel" and in British newspaper "Mail on Sunday" proceed with new revelations regarding CIAs alleged secret flights over Europe. "Der Spiegel" has released a list of 437 flights, which the CIA has performed transporting its prisoners using German airspace of airports. The "Mail on Sunday" publicised photos depicting US aircrafts, leased by the CIA, in Scottish airports, stressing the CIA has taken advantage of the right to "free access" in British military airports to carry prisoners suspected of terrorism. "Our research has showed that CIA leased aircrafts landed and took off from the UK without being checked by the authorities," underlined the newspaper.

Suspects Taken to Secret Detention Centres

The photos were taken by amateurs in Edinburgh, Prestwick and Glasgow on 20 June 2004, 13 November 2004 and 16 November 2005. One of these planes had also been seen at Kabul airport, Afghanistan. Human rights organisations think it was used to transport suspects for interrogation. Another aircraft is believed to have violated the European airspace. The newspaper also read there have been flight records at the Royal Air Force base in Northolt (northwest of London), which indicated "government complicity at a high level in CIA's secret operation."

The United States are accused of using airports or the European airspace since 2001 to let CIA aircrafts transport prisoners suspected of terrorism to secret detention centres.

Translated by Sofia Soulioti

[08] As per the Former PM Assassination Attempt against Allawi

By Dimitris Alexopoulos

Sources: NET - ANA

Iraqs former Prime Minister Iyad Allawi said gunmen tried to assassinate him in a Shiite shrine, in the town Najaf. As per his close associates, 60-70 men in black, armed with guns and knives, entered the mosque when Allawi was praying and tried to assassinate him and his associates. They added that one of the men took aim, but he dropped his gun. Other witnesses spoke of gunshots, but they could not pinpoint their origin. Police said Allawis group was attacked by men with batons and fled the shrine under a hail of rocks, tomatoes and shoes, the latter a mark of grave insult in Iraqi culture. Iraqi television images showed people running out as others threw sandals. Allawi refused to accuse any group directly.

In his pre-election campaign, Allawi opposes violence, while last week, he accused the security forces that the tortures today are worse that those carried out during Saddam Husseins era.

The accusation coincided with the discovery of torture victims in an Interior Ministry shelter, but Baghdad rejected any responsibility.

Allawi has distanced himself from Husseins regime and spent many years in exile. He was sworn in as PM around mid-2004. He stepped down in April, after a January election gave a majority to the United Iraqi Alliance.

It should be noted that Saddam Husseins trial resumes tomorrow, while one of the judges has stepped down.

Translated by Vicky Ghionis

[09] Olympiacos Dominated

By Vasilis Kalpinos

Olympiacos played better throughout the game and defeated AEK with a score of 97-84, in match day 7 of the mens A1 basketball championship. On the part of Olympiacos, both Edney and Nikos Chatzis (former AEK player and current captain of the Piraeus team) were in top form scoring 23 and 20 points respectively. With this victory, Olympiacos is once again in second place in the rankings, along with Maroussi. The score per period: 18-15, 43-31, 66-56, 97-84.

Translated by Vicky Ghionis

[10] Easy Win for Panathinaikos

By Vasilis Kalpinos

Panathinaikos spent an easy afternoon in Rhodes, scoring a comfortable win over Kolossos with 80-61, for match day 7 of the mens A1 basketball championship. So they remained at the top of rankings and are still undefeated (seven victories in as many games). On the other hand, this was the seventh consecutive loss for Kolossos, which is in the last spot in the rankings. The score per period: 19-20, 34-36, 44-54, 61-80.

Translated by Vicky Ghionis

[11] Panionios on Home Winning Streak

By Vasilis Kalpinos

Panionios are on a home grounds winning streak after prevailing over Aris 83-76 in Elliniko on match day 7 of the Mens A1 Basketball Championship. The home team claimed their third victory on home grounds and the fourth in total and bagged two more points. On the other hand, this was the third consecutive loss for Aris, after a very good start (four victories in a row). The score per period: 22-20, 43-42, 63-59, 83-76.

Translated by Sofia Soulioti

[12] Kyrarissis Saves Larissa

By Stathis Petropoulos

It took over an hour for Larissa to score in the match against Levadiakos, with an amazing goal that it truly deserved, since it brought smiles to the players faces after last weeks unlucky result. Larissa played better than Levadiakos, although the latter was not that bad, but just created gaps in the defence because of poor judgment. The home team cashed in on this, with Kyparissis being the main instigator. So in the 66, the experienced striker did not miss his chance to score the goal. From then onwards, Larissa missed many opportunities, but managed to keep its lead.

Referee: Zografos (Athens)

Yellow Cards: Katsiaros, Galitsios, Digozis, Spasic Alex, Chrysafis, Kallimanis, Rusev, Zafiropoulos

LARISSA: Kotsolis, Galitsios, Simos, Dabizas, Katsiaros, Sisic (61 Aloneftis), Digozis, Spasic (79 Papakostas), Serban (88 Tsatsios), Kyparissis, Brachamis

LEVADIAKOS: Zafiropoulos, Theodosiadis, Pastos, Dimou, Kallimanis, Macheras, Rusev, Zisopoulos, Chrysafis (82 Gourma), Alex, Bushi.

Translated by Vicky Ghionis

[13] AEK's Last-Minute Win

By Stathis Petropoulos

PAOKs counterattacks created major problems for Fernando Santos team, mainly in the first half, but AEK managed to find a solution after that and avoid a home loss in a match that started off on the wrong foot for them. The 2-1 final score kept AEK just one point behind leader Olympiacos in the rankings, but the most important thing was that it proved it can achieve victories and turn games around. Of course, Mieciels amazing goal in the 20 could not have been avoided easily, but from then onwards, the home players did not stand around twiddling their thumbs. They equalised the score six minutes later, took control of the second half and claimed the victory and three points in the 90+, thanks to a goal by Soares.

Referee: Briakos (Epirus)

Yellow Cards: Chanko, Katsouranis, Cirillo Iliadis, Charalambous, Balafas, Vangelis

AEK: Sorrentino, Kontis, Malbassa, Cirillo, Alexopoulos, Katsouranis, Chanko (86 Krassas), Sapanis (46 Ivic), Lakis (69 Cezar), Soares, Lyberopoulos.

PAOK: Fernandez, Karypidis, Charalambous, Chasiotis, Udeze, Iliadis, Vangelis (86 Megahead), Balafas, Christodoulopoulos (76 Salpigidis), Shikabala (79 Konstantinidis), Mieciel.

Translated by Vicky Ghionis

[14] Lagos Saved Iraklis

By Vasilis Kalpinos

Iraklis scored an important 2-1 victory against Ionikos, in match day 12 of the Greek Division 1 football championship. The star of the game for Iraklis was Panagiotis Lagos, who scored two goals for his team, in the 65 and 75. Ionikos initially led in the score, with a goal by Coimbra in the 30. With this victory, Iraklis managed to climb to 6th place in the rankings, with 17 points overall.

Referee: Karatzas (Evia)

Yellow Card: Tsiblidis

IRAKLIS: Abaris, Stefanis, Papazacharias, Seghiri, Drougas, Poursanidis (89 Lawal), Prittas, Georgiadis (45 P. Kapetanos), Herrera, Epalle, Lagos

IONIKOS: Beqaz, Tsiblidis, Pajuelo, Poulopoulos, Kakaras, Lettieri (70 Ofrydopoulos), Vourexakis, Da Costa (70 Ukar), Mendrinos, Coimbra (61 Konstantinidis), Perrone.

Translated by Vicky Ghionis

[15] Details Remain Secret The Marriage of the Decade

By Despina Hristopoulou

Sources: NET, BBC

It was unquestionably the marriage of the year, while many described it as the marriage and the media raced to get even a shot of it. We are talking of course about the wedding of Athina Onassis with Alvaro Alfonso de Miranda Neto, who were joined in holy matrimony yesterday in Sao Paolo, Brazil, in the lush gardens of the Maria Luisa and Oscar Americano Foundation. No details have leaked from the fairytale wedding, as the wedding planners did not say a word, as they had been sworn to secrecy. However, all guests were also sworn to secrecy at least for the next day and Athina thus managed to keep her marriage away from the media. As per NET information, Athinas make-up artist said her father, Thierry Roussel, arrived in Sao Paolo shortly before the wedding. In fact, the make-up artist also looked after Roussels wife and younger daughter.

Away from Publicity

The sole information that managed to escape the Foundation's tight security mainly concerned Athina's wedding gown, which was made by Valentino and cost 60,000 euros, of ivory colour with pearls. The veil was 5m long and she had flowers on her hair.

It was also known that the newlyweds had ordered more than 1,000 bottles of Veuve Cliquot champagne, while Italian marble flooring was temporarily laid down where the ceremony was due to take place. Apart from champagne, the 750 guests celebrated until the early morning hours drinking Brazil's most famous cocktail, Caipirinha.

Draconian Measures

Security measures at the wedding were more than tight and the 750 guests had to go through metal detectors and enter the wedding area with a photo ID card, complete with a bar code. As a result, many of them were delayed at the entrance due to the many checks.

All cameras were confiscated and no photographers were allowed in the premises. However, a French photographer managed to snick in dressed as a waiter but was soon discovered and his camera was confiscated. As per rumours, he did manage to smuggle out a digital memory card, containing what may prove to be the only publicly-available photographs of the event.

Translated by Sofia Soulioti

[16] OFI Draws in Liossia

By Vasilis Kalpinos

Akratitos and OFI bagged one point each in todays match in Ano Liossia for round 12 of the A National Football Championship. The match ended in a 1-1 draw with Sales opening the score in the 53 for Akratitos. The Cretans answered back in the 70 with Nikos Machlas. However, the single point of draw did not do any good for neither team, especially for Akratitos who are still at the last spot of the scoreboard, along with Kallithea.

Referee: Fotiadis (Thessaloniki)

Yellow Cards: Pipinis, Skoufalis, Sales Anastasiadis, Sifakis, Sfakianakis

AKRATITOS: Kostakis, Gustavo, Pipinis, Tzimopoulos (77 Vujovic), Schizas, Badas, Macquet, Skoufalis (72 De Francesco), Zuela, Merino (85 Musumbu), Sales

OFI: Sifakis, Davidson, Pitsos, Anastasiadis, Roubakis, Sfakianakis, Arvanitis, Khachatryan (57 Stavrakakis), Dejanov (57 Andrianinio), Machlas, Nwafor.

Translated by Sofia Soulioti

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