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

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

CONTENTS

[01] By the Government Response to Paleokrassas

By Annita Paschalinou

Sources: NET

The Greek Government described the comments made by the former Director of the PPC (Greek Public Power Corporation) during his Press conference as vague words and generalities. Giannis Paleokrassas accused Development Minister Dimitris Sioufas of influencing the Prime Minister concerning his removal from the company, the extension of Stergios Nezis stay at the position of Managing Director until February 2005, as well as the selection of Mr Mizan to the position of General Manager of the company. On the other hand, the Government spokesperson fully supported the Development Minister. "Everyone is aware of his ethos and integrity," mentioned Thodoris Roussopoulos, while, once again, he invited anyone with evidence at hand to submit them to Justice. "I am surprised, but not touched by everything Mr Paleokrassas mentioned. I monitor the company and I work towards preserving it at the top," responded Mr Sioufas.

Sioufas' Statements

The Development Minister responded to all of Paelokrassas allegations.

As he mentioned, "No new evidence was submitted," while referring to Mr Nezis stay, he stressed that it was impossible to replace him during the Olympic Games or immediately after.

"Our decisions are formulated based on the views and principles of the new Government," he added.

With regard to the selection of the general managers, he underlined that its is an internal matter of the company, while is in the Stock Exchange.

Earlier, in his Press conference, Giannis Paleokrassas pointed out that the PM did not refute his expectations for clean-up and continues leading the fight against vested interests.

At the same time, he provided evidence for the cases he referred to Justice.

With regard to vested interests, he stressed, "We all know it exists and we encounter it at every step we take," but on the matter of the involvement of politicians, he mentioned, "I am not in a position to say that it exists."

Reactions

After meeting with Greek President Karolos Papoulias, Konstantinos Mitsotakis referred to the issue with Paleokrassas.

Mr Paleokrassas was right in certain issues, but he crossed the line more than it was needed and created problems, underlined the honorary President of New Democracy.

On the other hand, PASOKs spokesperson Nikos Athanasakis blamed the Greek PM.

"Mr Karamanlis is not impartial. He is briefed on the matter, he is a participant and is equally responsible for everything being discussed today. And if I was to use Mr Paleokrassas words, he is responsible for compromise in vested interests," stressed Mr Athanasakis.

"Transparency remains NDs undisputed principle and is proved everyday in practice," argued government spokesman Thodoris Roussopoulos, to whom Mr Athanasakis replied, "The government has nothing left but its arrogance. The government spokesman had better have a look around him and find more honest answers."

In an interview to newspaper Ta Nea , the secretary of NDs Central Committee, Vangelis Meimarakis, noted that the former PPC presidents comments do not annul the PMs announcements for stamping out vested interests.

He also noted, "The policy for complete transparency and zero tolerance towards corruption is a political commitment and cannot be annulled."

Regarding the seven files Mr Paleokrassas had submitted to the Public Prosecutor, Mr Nezis argued that the PPCs Board of Directors presided by Mr Paleokrassas had unanimously decided that these affairs have caused no damages to the company.

"Mr Paleokrassas interview indicates the anti-populist face of deregulation of the energy sector promoted by the governments of ND and PASOK," read the statement issued by KKE. The statement went on to call on the employees to arrive at their conclusions and organise their counterattack.

"Mr Paleokrassas resignation letter and press interview rose issues of major political importance," claimed SYN member N. Hountis.

"The corruption phenomena affect competitiveness," stated the Federation of Greek Industries President Odysseas Kyriakopoulos.

The PPC Answers Back

On its part, the PPCs legal service underlined that Mr Paleokrassas provided false evidence regarding the wages and the number of lawyers working for the company, while he noted that Mr Paleokrassas himself had suggested his replacement by the three-member committee responsible for the appointment of general directors.

In the meantime, PPCs leading officials pointed out that the company sustained no losses. With regard to the seven files Mr Paleokrassas submitted to the Public Prosecutor, former PPC CEO Stergios Nezis argued that PPCs Board of Directors presided over by Mr Paleokrassas had unanimously decided that the company had sustained no losses.

Related News:

Wrangling over the PPC

[02] Suicide Attack at a Shopping Centre Massacre in Israel

By Dimitris Alexopoulos

A suicide attack mounted at the entrance of a shopping centre in the Israeli town of Netanya claimed the lives of five people and injured at least 40. The death toll could have been much higher if the suicide bomber had entered the shopping centre. The Palestinian Islamic Jihad group took responsibility, claiming that the attack meant to retaliate the murders of top-ranking Jihad members by the Israeli forces. The Palestinian Authority condemned the massacre, however, Israel accused the Palestinians of not doing enough to combat terrorism. Israeli Defence Minister Shaul Mofaz ordered the army to launch raids targeting top-ranking Jihad officials.

Harsh Retaliation

The Islamic group aired a video showing the 21-year-old bomber Lutfi Amin Abu Salem dressed in military clothes and holding a grenade and an assault rifle. He was also carrying the groups black flag and he was praying declaring his loyalty to Jihad and to after life.

The Palestinian Authority condemned the attack and committed to arrest and to bring the perpetrators to Justice.

"The suicide attack clearly proves the Palestinian Authoritys unwillingness to dismantle the terrorist groups," claimed Israeli FM Silvan Shalom.

Israeli Defence Minister Shaul Mofaz ordered the army to launch raids targeting top-ranking Jihad members.

Earlier, Mofaz told the Israeli army radio that he is considering demolishing houses that belong to Palestinian bombers and militants held responsible for attacks against Israeli targets.

Translated by Areti Christou

Related News:

Suicide Attack in Israel

[03] It Rocked Congo and Tanzania Strong Quake in East Africa

By Tina Valaoura

Sources: ÁNA-Reuters-AFP-AP-BBC

According to the US Geological Survey (USGS), a 6.8 magnitude earthquake struck the region of Lake Tanganyika, on the borders between Congo and Tanzania, eastern Africa, around noon. The epicentre was located 55km SE of the town Kalemie, Congo, while the tremor was felt in Kenyas capital, Nairobi, forcing thousands of people to evacuate their offices in panic, as well as Kigali, Rwandas capital, Burundi and Uganda.

First information speak of deads and several injured people, including many children who were trapped in the ruins the houses that collapsed, mainly in Kalemie, a city whose population numbers 200,000. "The houses are poorly constructed and have sustained heavy damages. Eye witnesses told us that some people had died and others were injured, but we do not have any figures yet," stated Michel Bonnardeaux, spokesman for the U.N. Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs in Kinshasa. He also added that they are in close contact with the areas hospitals.

According to Jean-Donne Owali, an aid worker from the lakeside town of Kalemie, dozens of houses have collapsed and several children were buried by the roofs and the rubble.

"A quake of this kind could easily produce significant damage, but I wonder what kind of infrastructure they have there in the region. There may not have been much to destroy," said Dr Andrzej Kijko, head of seismology unit at South Africas Council for Geoscience.

As per Strasbourgs Observatory of Earth Sciences, the quake was much stronger, around 7.5 on the Richter scale. Christophe Deperetti, seismologist at the French observatory, said that a quake of such magnitude is relatively rare in that region, which is not in an area where big tectonic plates meet. The last big tremor to hit that part of Africa was in October 2000, when a quake measuring 6.7 resulted in the injury of seven people.

The East African Rift System is a 50-60 km wide zone of active volcanics and faulting that extends north-south in eastern Africa for more than 3000 km from Ethiopia in the north to Zambezi in the south. It is a rare example of an active continental rift zone.

Translated by Vicky Ghionis

Read the story on other sources:

Reuters: Strong earthquake shakes East Africa: USGS

CNN: Strong earthquake hits East Africa

[04] DEKO Bill in Parliament

Sources: NET, NET Radio 105.8

There is commotion within the Government in view of the expected clash in Parliament regarding the Bill on DEKOs, the discussion of which will start today, as well as regarding the 2006 budget. As for the Bill on DEKOs, the Government will not accept changes altering its main philosophy. Kostas Karamanlis is to give Parliamentarians the general guidelines on Thursday, during the ND Parliamentary Group meeting, where social partners' representatives will also take part.

Translated by Sofia Soulioti

[05] International Volunteer Day Greek Volunteers Awarded

By Annita Paschalinou

On the occasion of the International Volunteer Day, the Greek Ministry of Health awarded organisations and citizens for their volunteer work in 2005. At the event, which was attended by the Speaker of the Greek Parliament, the Deputy Culture Minister and party officials and MPs, everyone underlined that volunteer work can be life-changing. President of the Hellenic Republic Karolos Papoulias is to host the awardees at the Presidential Mansion in the evening. Earlier, at a Press Conference, PASOK parliamentarian Angela Gerekou argued that December is a month dedicated to solidarity and she went on to analyse the activities of PASOKs Solidarity and Voluntarism Sector. Blood donation, information over organ donation are some of the activities, while on the International Childrens Day, PASOK parliamentarians will be visiting the Juvenile Prosecutor, the juvenile detention centre as well as the Centre for Child and Family.

Translated by Areti Christou

[06] Karamanlis ESAEA Meeting Equal Opportunities

By Dimitris Alexopoulos

Sources: NET - ANA - ERA

The Greek PM mentioned the Governments intention to enact all the constitutional clauses relating to equal opportunities for people with disabilities, including accessibility and their social rehabilitation, during his meeting with the National Confederation of Disabled People (ESAEA) at his office in Parliament. The announcement was made by Deputy Health Minister Giorgos Konstantopoulos, who was accompanying the Confederation members along with Health Minister Nikitas Kaklamanis.

Mr Konstantopoulos noted that a special committee will be formed for this specific reason and it will include members from all parliamentary parties, as well as members of the ESAEA.

On the other hand, the Confederations President, I. Vardakastanis, declared that key matters relating to people with disabilities were discussed, while the matter of the Constitutions executive law was also raised.

Furthermore, a moving celebration took place today, in honour of the President of the Hellenic Republic, Karolos Papoulias.

School pupils from the special high school in Ilioupoli participated in cultural, sports and editing events, while a short film on their first love affairs was screened.

The President was accompanied by Education Minister Marietta Giannakou.

Translated by Vicky Ghionis

[07] On Thursday Madouvalos to Testify

By Tina Valaoura

Sources: ANA

Petros Madouvalos was called to provide explanations to the authorities this coming Thursday for the extrajudicial case. The subpoena was sent by two Appellate Examiners. It should be noted that the independent MP is accused of bribery (misdemeanour) and legalising revenues from illegal activities (felony). According to information, statutory limitation will apply to the charge of bribery, since the 5-year limit set by legislation expired on 27 November 2005.

Translated by Vicky Ghionis

Related News:

Immunity Lifted

[08] US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice Underlined Rice: Anti-Terror Practices Are Lawful

By Mary Lou Tzempelikou

Sources: NET, ANA, BBC, The Guardian, CNN

With the CIA flights carrying terror suspects being a thorny issue troubling the US-EU relations, US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice is bound to arrive in Germany, the first stop of her tour in Europe. In a statement made a few hours prior to her departure, Rice robustly defended the practices employed by the US intelligence, arguing that no detainee has been tortured by US officers. However, under the pretext of national security, she declined to either confirm or dismiss the claims regarding the running of secret prisons on European soil. Although her British counterpart Jack Straw welcomed her answer, it is estimated that the issue will cause a heated debate in the rest of the European countries the US Secretary of State is to visit.

Disclosures and Protests

At the same time, she requested the European governments cooperate more closely, underlining that the interrogations of terror suspects have prevented attacks in Europe, as well. In fact, she argued that the USA has cooperated with other countries intelligence to get information from detainees. She also argued that no detainees have been tortured.

In the meantime, the Irish state-run television network RTE reported that the Shannon airport in Ireland has been used 38 times by CIA flights carrying detainees. On his part, Irish Foreign Minister Dermot Ahern stated that Washington had assured that the airport in question was never used in an unlawful fashion.

The disclosure that 437 CIA planes landed in Germanys airports have caused heated debate in the country. According to US paper Washington Post, dozens of people were mistakenly detained in isolation.

The recent disclosures have triggered the rage of humanitarian groups, which underscored that detaining someone in isolation is illegal and quite often leads to tortures.

Translated by Areti Christou

Related News:

UK Accountable for CIA Flights

[09] Battle Over EU Budget

By Dimitris Alexopoulos

Sources: NET, ANA

The UK Presidency presented on Monday its proposal on the 2007-2013 EU budget. The proposal provides for significant cuts in the development aid towards the new Member-States, as well as its commitment to reduce its own contributions. Britain has proposed an 847 billion euros package for the 2007-2013 EU budget, namely lower than that of Luxemburg EU Presidency by 24 billion euros. The development aid to the new EU Member-States will also be reduced by 7% or 8%. London also suggested a reduction in contributions by 8 billion euros for 2007-2013. European Commission President Jos&#233; Manuel Barroso described the UK proposal as unacceptable and unrealistic. The first reactions from the new Member-States are particularly negative and the Summit scheduled for December 15-16 is expected to be rather heated.

"Unacceptable and Unrealistic"

"This proposal is not realistic neither for the current enlarged Europe nor for the powerful Europe we all wish for the future. It is a budget for a mini-Europe," argued Mr Barroso shortly after the announcement on the EU budget by the British Foreign Secretary Jack Straw.

"We will work hard on the days to come to come up with a proposal that will fall in line with the EU targets," added Mr Barroso.

According to the European Commission President, the new UK proposal, which reduces the 2007-2013 budget from 1.06% to 1.03% of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP), will not allow the financing of the common policies decided among the Member-States, the European Parliament and the European Commission.

Translated by Areti Christou

[10] Greek Fiscal Situation at the Focus Eurogroup and Ecofin in Brussels

By Tina Valaoura

Sources: ANA

The Eurogroup meeting that took place on Monday in Brussels mainly focused on the fiscal situation of Greece and other five Eurozone Member-States. Greek Economy Minister Giorgos Alogoskoufis also attended the meeting. The agenda also included the estimations on the economic situation projected by the European Commissions fall reports, while the International Monetary Funds reports on the economic and monetary conditions within the Eurozone was presented, as well. On Tuesday, the Economic and Financial Affairs (Ecofin) will convene. The EU Economy Ministers are expected to discuss the Economy Policy Commissions reports on dealing with the challenges of globalisation and on the national reform programmes drawn up based on the Lisbon Strategy.

The progress of the EU action plan on eradicating terrorism, a plan that also includes the new strategy against terrorism, as well as the current developments on the oil market and similar energy issues, will also be at the focus of the Economy Ministers.

Translated by Areti Christou

[11] Greek Fiscal Situation at the Focus Eurogroup and Ecofin in Brussels

By Tina Valaoura

Sources: ANA

The Eurogroup meeting that took place on Monday in Brussels mainly focused on the fiscal situation of Greece and other five Eurozone Member-States. Greek Economy Minister Giorgos Alogoskoufis also attended the meeting. The agenda also included the estimations on the economic situation projected by the European Commissions fall reports, while the International Monetary Funds reports on the economic and monetary conditions within the Eurozone was presented, as well. On Tuesday, the Economic and Financial Affairs (Ecofin) will convene. The EU Economy Ministers are expected to discuss the Economy Policy Commissions reports on dealing with the challenges of globalisation and on the national reform programmes drawn up based on the Lisbon Strategy.

The progress of the EU action plan on eradicating terrorism, a plan that also includes the new strategy against terrorism, as well as the current developments on the oil market and similar energy issues, will also be at the focus of the Economy Ministers.

Translated by Areti Christou

[12] Foreign Stock Exchanges Cautious Crude Oil Rise Creates Fears

By Athina Saloustrou

Investors in large European stock exchanges are proceeding with caution today, as the rise in the price of crude oil to nearly $60 per barrel has fuelled new fears for inflation. Stocks of oil companies, such as the Italian Eni SpA, are recording profits. In addition, EADS shares are on an upward trend, in view of Beijings announcement today on the purchase of up to 150 Airbuses, valued at $9 billion. Furthermore, Virgin Mobile recorded a 7.7% increase in profits, after its &#8356;871-million bid for the buyout of cable company NTL, with the support of Virgin Group, majority shareholder of the mobile telephony group. On the other hand, the shares of Eircom Group PLC recorded losses of 3.1%, since Swisscom AG succumbed to political pressures and ended talks for the buyout of the largest telecommunications company in Ireland.

At 10:23am Greek local time, Londons FTSE was down by 0.15%, Paris CAC40 was up by 0.47% and Frankfurts Dax was up by 0.67%.

Translated by Vicky Ghionis

[13] Olympic Flame in Athens

By Vasilis Kalpinos

The Olympic Flame is to reach the Panathinaiko Stadium on Tuesday at 16:00. Hellenic Olympic Committee President Minos Kyriakou will give the Flame to the President of Turin 2006 organizing committee Valentino Castellani. President of the Hellenic Republic will also attend the ceremony, while Fani Halkia, Athens Olympic Womens 400m Hurdles Gold Medal Winner, will be the last runner of the torch relay and will light the cauldron. On day nine of the Olympic torch relay in Greece, the Olympic Flame passed from the ski resort on Mt Parnassos, the last of the eight ski resorts the Flame visited. On Monday morning, the Flame began its journey from Volos, and passed from Stylida, Parnassos, Arahova, Livadia and Thiva, and it arrived in Athens late at night.

Translated by Areti Christou

[14] Objections Continue in 17N Trial

By Vagelis Theodorou

The trial of terrorist group 17 November continued for the second day at the Five-Member Felony Court of Appeals with objections and procedural issues. The trial is held at a special hall of the womens wing at Korydallos prison. As soon as the hearing started, the court rejected the defence lawyers demands to keep court minutes and abolish body search for lawyers. Later on, the defence filed objections against the appeals for Angeliki Sotiropoulous acquittal and Nikos Papanastasiou and Patroklos Tselentis dismissal for specific actions. Bench Prosecutor Efterpi Koutzamani suggested that objections should be overruled, stressing that Mr Lambrou, who filed the appeals in question, referred to specific reasons, including the defendants preliminary confessions and eyewitnesses testimonies, while regarding Sotiropoulou, she referred to her fingerprint, which was found at a 17N hideout on Damareos Street. The trial was adjourned until Wednesday. In the meantime, Iraklis Kostaris and Kostas Karatsolis were taken to hospital with police escort to undergo medical tests.

Translated by Sofia Soulioti

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