The Hellenic Radio (ERA): News in English, 06-01-23

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

CONTENTS

[01] Weather is Worsening Authorities on Full Alert

By Vagelis Theodorou

The wave of bad weather, coming from Siberia, will make its appearance and meteorologists forecast strong northern winds, reaching up to 10 Beaufort, snow and temperatures dropping below zero in the next 24 hours. Already, snow has been falling at the mountainous regions of northern Greece, as well as Penteli and Parnitha, while 21 villages at the mountains of Karditsa have been shut-off. Due to the snowfall, snow tires are necessary in many parts of the mountainous provincial road network. Dense snow has been falling at the mountainous regions of Achaia, Chalkidiki, Imathia and Pieria, resulting in traffic being made with snow tires in many parts of the road network. Due to the thunderous winds, ships did not sail in the morning from Piraeus and Rafina to Chios, Lesbos, Andros, Tinos and Mykonos. The State is on standby, targeting at keeping the national road network open and for roads to be opened up at the shut-off villages.

Snow Tires Necessary

The first shut-off villages are in the Acheloos Municipality: Vragiana, Argyri, Katafili, Marathos, as well as another 17 in the Municipalities of Argithea and Mouzaki. Traffic of vehicles has been stopped from Mouzaki to Argithea and the provincial road of Karditsa Aidonochori.

In Evritania, the road is closed from Dafni to Mavromati, due to landslides, as well as to the ski resort to Fourna and from Fourna to Lamia. Moreover, for precautionary reasons, the Traffic Police closed off the road from Chortiatis to Agios Vasilios.

Due to the snowfall, traffic of vehicles to and from ski resorts Elatochori, Seli and Tria-Pente Pigadia, at the mountainous provincials roads of Thessaloniki-Arnaia (through Cholomontas), Paleochori Megali Panagia and Neochori Varvara Olympiada is taking place with snow tires.

Moreover, snow tires are necessary for vehicles travelling at the roads of Kozani Konitsa (at Pentalofo), Ptolemaida Vlastis, Kastoria Florina (through Vigla and Vitsi) and Kastoria Nestori Ioannina, as well as the mountainous provincial road Ioannina Trikala and Ioannina Grevena Egnatia Odos and the area of Milia.

Traffic is being made with snow tires at the roads of Pounta Kalyvryta, Mamousia Doumena, Mega Spileo, Aigeira Monastiri Perithori Exochi and Akrata Zarouchla, at Valimi.

Due to the thunderous winds in the seas, sail has been banned from Kavala to Thassos Limenas Prinos, from Agios Konstantinos to Sporades Islands, and from Alexandroupolis to Samothraki.

Great Mobilisation

The State is on standby, while meetings took place at the Ministry of Public Order and the General Secretariat of Civil Protection on Sunday.

Special care has been taken in order for the National Road Network and airports to not close down, while drivers of large vehicles, who have not taken the necessary measures, will face strict penalties.

Moreover, 13 stations for distributing aid to vehicles drivers and snow ploughs will operate along the National Roads, fuel stations will be open, while a 24hour hotline will run by the Ministry of Public Order for residents of mountainous villages.

The "Xenokratis" plan has been implemented by the Ministry of Defence and military snow ploughs have been lined up at Patras Athens, Thessaloniki and Evzonoi National Roads.

The Prefects will decide on the operation of schools, while Municipalities are taking measures for the protection of the homeless.

The General Secretariat of Civil Protection advised citizens to take self-protection measures. Among others, citizens are advised to keep their eyes on their homes heating, to not go out if there is no serious reason, while those who cannot avoid transport should necessarily be equipped with snow tires. Moreover, the Athens Water Supply and Sewerage Company (EYDAP) advised citizens to protect exterior hydraulics from the frost with heat insulating materials.

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

Related News:

Polar Raid

Related Links:

Hellenic National Meteorological Service

General Secretariat of Civil Protection

[02] Love Burns

By Vicky Keleri

He wanted to surprise his girlfriend and impress her with his romantic nature, but things did not exactly turn out as planned and Hannes Pisek probably lived the worst day of his life! Hannes decided to show his feelings by forming a huge heart on the floor of his apartment! However, he did not make the heart of candies or chocolate, not even of coloured paper. Instead, he used 220 candles. After designing the heart, he lit up all the candles and left the apartment to pick up his girl from work, anxiously waiting to show her his romantic creation!

However, upon returning all they saw was destruction, as the apartment was caught up in flames! The romantic evening turned out to be a tragedy, even worse than what the Austrian Romeo could have imagined!

But his suffering did not end there! On that same night, Hannes did not just lose his home, he also lost his girlfriend, who probably thought his surprise was irresponsible and decided to dump him and moved back with her parents!

Translated by Sofia Soulioti

[03] Weather Contrasts Around the Planet Extreme Cold and Heatwaves

By Vagelis Theodorou

The wave of bad weather, which has affected Greece and is coming from Siberia, has spread to the Balkan countries, Scandinavia, central Europe and northeastern Turkey. The cold front coming down from the South has left behind it hundreds of casualties, mainly homeless. In Russia, 123 persons have died, in Poland 21, Turkey seven, the Ukraine five and two in Germany, while serious problems occurred in the power network and the traffic of vehicles by the strong snowfall in Romania and Moldova. At the same time, four states of Australia are in a ring of fire, with the heatwave raising temperatures even up to 40 degrees Celsius.

Arctic Temperatures

The climate of northeastern Europe resembled that of Siberias due to the frost.

The lowest temperatures for this winter were recorded in Germany, in particular, southern Bavaria -33&#186;C and Berlin -20&#186;C. In eastern Saxony-Anhalt, a 74-year-old woman was found dead on the sidewalk by her house, while a 48-year-old man died in the rural area of Salzwedel.

Temperatures plunged in eastern and northern Turkey, reaching -30 degrees in certain regions. In Ankara, at least eight persons were killed and 12 injured in a car pileup, due to the slipperiness of the road by the frost. More than 3,700 villages have been shut-off and power cut off, while many flights to these areas cancelled.

Snow has been falling in Istanbul, where many Universities remained closed-down and sea routes between the European and Asian side were cancelled.

The cold was chilly in Poland, as well. During the weekend, temperature fell to -32 degrees Celsius, while as per meteorologists temperature will drop to -20 to -21 degrees Celsius.

In Romania, a 51-year-old man was found dead in a street near Tifesti, while the body of a 41-year-old man was found at the port of Constanta in the Black Sea. Moreover, in the eastern province of Bacau, seven persons were taken to hospital, as they faced problems by the cold. Snow in some regions has reached 50cm and the countrys Meteorological Service forecast temperatures ranging at -31&#186;C.

Bulgaria stated its alertness, while in neighbouring Serbia residents are facing serious problems in heating.

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

Read the story on other sources:

Die Welt: Klirrende Kalte in Europa

The Moscow Times: Cold Kills 8 in Moscow, Blows West

The Australian: Four states battling to control fires

Related News:

Authorities on Full Alert

Siberian Weather

[04] Opinion Polls Give Lead to the Conservatives Voting Time for Canada

By Vagelis Theodorou

Around 22.7 million Canadians are called to exercise their voting right at 60,000 polling stations of the country, after the voting down of the minority Liberal Government, last November. As opinion polls indicated, the 12-year political leadership of the Liberals by 67-year-old Paul Martin is near its end, since the Conservatives of 46-year-old Paul Stephen Harper are reportedly ahead, however, without ensuring majority of the 308 seats in Parliament. Based on an opinion poll by the Strategic Councel Institute, the Conservatives received 38% as opposed to 28% by the Liberals, followed by the New Democratic Party (NDP) 17%, French-speaking Bloc Quebecois 11% and the Greens 7%. An opinion poll by SES Research for television network CPAC, made public on Sunday night, gives similar percentages to the two contenders: the Conservatives are on the lead by 36% and the Liberals received 30% while NDP, which had supported the Liberals last year, received 17%. Early elections were announced last November, when the Parliament of Canada approved of the censure motion submitted by Mr Harper, NPD and Bloc Quebecois, by 171 for and 133 against.

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

Read the story on other sources:

CBC: Canada Votes 2006

Reuters: Canada Liberals face loss after 12 years in office

Reuters: Canada Liberals face loss after 12 years in office

[05] An 18-Year-Old Dead Leap of Death at Trocadero

By Vagelis Theodorou

On Sunday night, a tragic accident took place at Trocadero at the Olympic Facilities of Paleo Faliro. Due to an unknown cause, a private vehicle fell into the sea, resulting in an 18-year-old being recovered by Port Authority divers while the other two passengers, aged 20, managed to escape and were taken to Tzanio Hospital to be given first aid. The body of the young man was initially taken to Tzanio and will be transported to Piraeus morgue for a post-mortem. Flisvos Port Department and Piraeus Central Port Authority is carrying out a preliminary investigation over the accident, while initial estimations attributed the accident to the slipperiness of the road and insufficient lighting in the area.

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

[06] Two Dead and 30 Injured Bloody Clashes in Assam, India

By Despina Hristopoulou

Sources: BBC, ANA

Nine bomb attacks on Sunday night resulted in the death of two persons and the injuring of more then 30, as well as many problems in oil pipelines, in several regions of Assam, northeast of India. Responsibility of the attacks was claimed by the United Liberation Front of Assam (ULFA). Leader of ULFA Paresh Barua stated to BBC that they tried to start a dialogue with the Indian Government, however, the dialogue was insincere. "They have failed to restrain the army which continues to kill our boys. So we are retaliating." The police estimated that the ULFA rebels are trying to stir a commotion, a few days before the Indian Republic Day. The parade will take place on coming Thursday, the anniversary of the Indian Constitution, which was implemented in 1950.

Vast Damage to Pipelines

In the capital of Assam, Guwahati, two policemen were killed, when rebels raided the police patrol. In the same attack, another 11 policemen were injured. Moreover, 17 persons, among whom six policemen, were injured by hand grenade attacks, in the capital.

As per the police, the explosions caused vast damage in five oil pipelines and three power stations. Due to the attacks, the flow of crude oil was stopped in four refineries and damage caused to the operation of an oil refinery of Oil India. A spokesperson of the company stated that a long period of time is needed until damage is repaired.

In the meantime, ULFA, as well as another three revolutionary organisations, called on the citizens of Assam to join a strike on January 26, the Indian Republic Day.

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

Read the story on other sources:

BBC: Rebel attacks rock India's Assam

[07] Sales Until February 25 Time for Winter Shopping

By Vagelis Theodorou

Today, winter sales begin and will last until February 25. Sales are expected to be around 20% to 50% depending on the product. Storeowners are hoping that sales will boost business in the markets, while consumers expect to make purchases in better prices. Moreover, checks in the market are intensifying in order to face any illegalities, while the relevant authorities and customers unions advised shoppers to investigate prices and not get carried away from the publication of high sale percentages. As per the regulations, stores will have to record both of the products price, the one before and the one after the discount.

Seven Tips for Shoppers

General Secretary for the Consumer Thanasis Skordas advised citizens to take the following seven tips into account:

Purchase is made based on family needs and in full awareness of economic capabilities. Avoid the extensive use of credit cards and purchasing loans. Carefully inspect the quality of goods purchased. In the case that a fault is detected, we have the right to ask for a replacement or a return of the product. If the products discount is due to the fault, or the consumer has already been informed (by a sign, information etc), it is not liable for replacement or return. Carefully compare prices and do not get carried away by high sale percentages or by selected products-decoys. Always ask for a receipt of our purchases. Ask for a guarantee and users directions for our goods in Greek. Inform the General Secretariat for the Consumer of any problem faced, calling its hotline, 1520, from 8am to 10pm.

For the better service of consumers, the Athens Trading Association recommended that stores be open Monday to Wednesday from 9am to 6pm, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday from 9am to 9pm and Saturday from 9am to 4pm.

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

Related News:

Advice in View of Winter Sales

Related Links:

General Secretariat for the Consumer

[08] Easy Win for Panathinaikos

By Stathis Petropoulos

Iraklis lasted only for one half against Panathinaikos in the Olympic Indoor Hall. The team from Thessaloniki finished the first half in the lead (35-32), but it then surrendered to Zeliko Obradovics squad, losing by 76-57. So, the reigning champion returned to the top of the rankings after Olympiacos victory yesterday. On another note, Panathinaikos captain Frangiskos Alvertis returned to the team, after missing a month because of injury. The score per period: 23-12, 32-35, 56-47, 76-57.

Translated by Vicky Ghionis

[09] Databases Becoming a Bone of Contention Google vs Big Brother

By Tina Valaoura

Sources: BBC - Reuters

Google has enlisted the help of its legal department in an effort to stop the long arm of the law from asking for the companys databases. Using as an excuse the revival of the 1998 Child Online Protection Act, the US Department of Justice subpoenaed Google to hand over the data relating to what users search for during their visits on the Internet. The company, however, has serious objections and is unwilling to back down. According to a Google spokesperson, on the one hand, it is not a case of violating individual privacy rights, since that was not asked for, but on the other hand, such an action could cause users insecurity. In addition, the vast array of information could also reveal trade secrets to the companys competitors. On their part, privacy groups are concerned, as they believe this could open Pandoras Box, while they speak of indirect disclosure of personal information concerning the identity of users.

Pandora's Box

The whole dispute was triggered after the Justice Department decided to revive an online pornography act, which had been deemed unconstitutional by the US Supreme Court two years prior. The law prohibited Internet companies from knowingly making available obscene or pornographic material to minors.

In order to support its views during the discussion to defend the act, the US Attorney Generals office asked all major search engine to submit:

A list of terms entered into the search engine during an unspecified single week, potentially tens of millions of queries A million randomly selected web addresses from various Google databases.

The rest of the companies have already provided the information.

For example, Yahoo said it had already complied with a similar government subpoena "on a limited basis and did not provide any personally identifiable information".

The same applies for Microsoft, which announced that it works closely with law enforcement officials worldwide to assist them when requested. "It is our policy to respond to legal requests in a very responsive and timely manner in full compliance with applicable law," it said in its statement.

Googles refusal to comply forced US Attorney General Alberto Gonzales to issue a subpoena. "Were not asking for the identity of Americans. We simply want to have some subject matter information with respect to these communications," he told reporters.

At the same time, privacy groups are monitoring the developments with concern and are stressing that the since the demand could create precedence.

"This is the camels nose under the tent for using search engines and all kinds of data aggregators as surveillance tools," said Jim Harper of the libertarian Cato Institute who also runs Privacilla.org, an Internet privacy database.

Chris Jay Hoofnagle of the Electronic Privacy Information Center worried that the government could follow up its initial request with a demand for more information. "If Google hands over the search logs and the Justice Department finds search strings like child porn or naked children, could they not then go back and ask Google for the users Internet address?" he said.

Google is trying to appease the situation, while it declared that it would annul the order and resist to the demands.

Translated by Vicky Ghionis

[10] If Referred to the Security Council New Threats by Tehran

By Vagelis Theodorou

Sources: Financial Times, Reuters, AFP

Iran, through the official of the relevant negotiations, Ali Larijani, is threatening of resuming the enrichment of uranium, on an industrial scale, if it is referred to the UN Security Council. In an interview to newspaper Financial Times, Mr Larijani stated that Tehran has a plan for uranium enrichment and called on the EU to restart negotiations anew with Iran, emphasising that all will depend on their treatment towards the country. Referring to Moscows proposal, for Iranian uranium to be enriched on Russian soil, the Iranian official claimed that there are points that have to be redefined.

National Security spokesperson Hossein Entezami made similar statements to AFP. As per Mr Entezami, Tehran will end nuclear inspections by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and will resume all nuclear activities if referred to the Security Council.

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

Read the story on other sources:

Financial Times: Iran warns against UN referral

Related News:

Looking for Iran's Nuclear Weapons

Related Links:

ÉÁÅÁ

[11] Anibal Cavaco Silva Was Elected Centre-Right President in Portugal

Sources: ANA

Former centre-right PM Anibal Cavaco Silva was elected President of Portugal on Sunday night, after receiving 50.4% of the votes, as per independent station SICs exit polls, or 56.1% of the votes, as per public TV station RPT1. It looks like the voters approved of Silvas pre-elections pledges for stamping out unemployment and reviving the economy, thus electing him to the presidency and delivering a severe political blow to the socialist government, which took over a year ago. Cavaco Silva, aged 66, will be the first elected President since the 1974 revolution that does not come from the left-wing.

Translated by Vicky Ghionis

Related News:

Portugal to the Ballots

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