The Hellenic Radio (ERA): News in English, 06-01-31

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

CONTENTS

[01] A Research in the US Is Obesity Contagious?

By Annita Paschalinou

American scientists found a different approach to obesity, which could possibly be relieving for persons weighted down with extra kilos. Following an experiment to chickens, a scientific team from Wisconsin University, for the first time associated the fact that weight gain is not only due to calories or metabolism, but also to viruses, which one day can be countered with a vaccine.

Viruses and Calories Equal Weight Gain

The news may be good or bad, however one takes them, however, the scientists rushed to inform those with extra weight that even if a virus is responsible, calories still play an important role.

"With or without a virus, it is quite likely that one will gain weight if they consume more calories than the ones burned," they stated.

How did we start talking about the event that obesity is due to viruses?

The experiment was conducted by a team led by Wisconsin University Professor Leah Whigham.

The scientists injected three different viruses, known as adenoviruses, to chickens.

The chickens injected with virus Ad-37 developed fat three time more than the ones who didnt, despite that they followed the same diet.

However, a great difference in weight was not concluded by the experiment.

The Role of Adenoviruses

So far, the experiment has not been performed to humans. So, it is not certain that the same could apply for humans as well.

"The issue of adenoviruses is very important in the case of obesity and surely further research is needed," underlined the leader of the research and noted:

"It makes people feel more comfortable to think that obesity stems from lack of control. Its a big mental leap to think you can catch obesity," Whigham said.

The result of the research is published in an US physiology newspaper.

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

Read the story on other sources:

Times: Obesity can be caught from a virus, scientist says

Scientific American: Study Strengthens Link between Virus and Weight Gain

[02] He Met with the Greek PM Serbian President at Maximos Mansion

By Athina Saloustrou

The Greek Prime Minister met with Serbian President Boris Tadic in Maximos Mansion. The two leaders agenda included the development in the area, Kosovos future regime, the relations between Serbia and Montenegro, the western Balkans European prospects and bilateral relations. Mr Karamanlis declared that Serbia is a democratic and contemporary country, noting, "We are moving towards Europe and the Balkans with a new vision." The PM also voiced Greeces support for Serbias European conclusion, adding that the country can count on Greeces assistance. With regard to Kosovo, he repeated Greeces stance for a mutually acceptable solution, in the context of international law, which would be achieved through dialogue and negotiations between all sides and would not be imposed on or enforced. He also underlined that self-preservation has to prevail in the post-Rugova era, noting that the fulfilment of the criteria instituted has to be accompanied by negotiations. "We are looking forward to a multi-national Kosovo, where Serbs and Albanians will live peacefully and the regime will not be at the expense of the stability in the Balkans."

Greece's Stances Based on Principles

With regard to the state union of Serbia and Montenegro, Mr Karamanlis stressed that the will of the people of Montenegro has to be respected, noting that the results have to be free, transparent and democratic.

The Serbian President stressed that Greeces stances are based on principles, underlining that any solution in Kosovo would have to be peaceful, arise through dialogue and not be enforced. "We are in favour of Kosovos sovereignty and territorial integrity in the context of our country," declared the Serbian President, adding that the local municipalities and communities would have to participate in the discussions. At the same time, he underlined that communication will Belgrade should exist, noting that it is the only way to provide guarantees to the Serbian people and the areas cultural heritage, while it will also provide stability in the Balkans.

Concerning the matter with Montenegro, he stressed that he was ready to accept the result of the referendum. In addition, Mr Tadic stated that the wish of the citizens would be respected by 50%+1 of the voters registered in the electoral rolls.

Finally, the Serbian President pointed out the excellent bilateral relations between Greece and Serbia at an economic and political level, while he extended an invitation to Greek businessmen to invest his country.

Earlier, the Greek PM received the members of the European Jewish Council in Maximos Mansion. In addition, after his meeting with the Serbian President, Mr Karamanlis chaired a Cabinet meeting, where legislative changes to regional Media were discussed.

Translated by Vicky Ghionis

[03] As a Member of the European Left Party A. Alavanos in Havana

By Tina Valaoura

SYN President Alekos Alavanos is in Havana, Cuba, in his capacity as a member of the European Left Partys leaders and as an invited guest of the Cuban Communist Partys Central Committee. Mr Alavanos arrived in Cuba for the last leg of his visit to Latin America, where he participated in the World Social Forum (Caracas, Venezuela) between the leaders of the European and the Latin American Left. During his stay in Havana, he will meet with government and party members and will be briefed on Cubas foreign and economic policy. The main object of his visit is to develop the relations and coordination between the Left-wing forces of Europe and Latin America.

Translated by Vicky Ghionis

[04] Yet Another 470 Schools Need Cleaning Asbestos-Free Schools

By Tina Valaoura

Sources: ANA

Greek Deputy Education Minister Giorgos Kalos announced in Parliament that another 470 schools contain asbestos materials, apart from the 271 cases that were initially recorded after nationwide inspections. However, he confirmed that they will be incorporated in the third and final stage of the removal programme, while the relevant prefectures have sent the necessary directions to the schools. Answering to a question posed by SYN MP Thanasis Leventis, he stressed that the cost of removing the asbestos tiles will reach 1.77 million euros. Up until now, the dangerous materials have been removed from 58 schools, while the procedures for the other 167 schools are continuing at a rapid pace.

Translated by Vicky Ghionis

[05] Public Hospitals on Strike

By Tina Valaoura

Public hospitals in Athens and Piraeus will operate with emergency staff due to the scheduled 24-hour strike announced for today by hospital doctors demanding financial and institutional changes.

Translated by Vicky Ghionis

[06] Warning Towards the US Embassy Chavez: "We're Watching"

By Athina Saloustrou

Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez issued a strong warning to the US Ambassador in Caracas to stop the spying operations orchestrated within the Embassy, noting that government agents have infiltrated the diplomatic mission. Last week, Venezuela accused US Embassy officials of trying to come into contact with army officers in order to gain access to state secrets on behalf of the Pentagon. "I recommend to the US Embassy that they stop spying, we have you infiltrated, ambassador. Dont move around too much because we are watching you," Hugo Chavez said at a business event. "The US military officials in the embassy are spying and weve got them infiltrated. We even know where they eat their arepas reina pepeada that those gringos love," Chavez said referring to a traditional Venezuelan fried cornmeal cake. Representatives of the US Embassy said they had not been contacted on the issue and had no details on any charges.

Translated by Vicky Ghionis

[07] "A Historic Step for Equality" Half the Chilean Ministers Are Women

By Athina Saloustrou

According to new President Michele Bachelet, Chiles new Cabinet constitutes "a historic step for equality" for the country, as it is made up of 10 women and 10 men. Bachelet, the first woman President of Chile, announced the names of the 20 new ministers on Monday night. Alejandro Foxley will take over the Foreign Ministry, while Christian-Democrat Andres Zaldivar was appointed Interior Minister. Ingrid Antonijevic of the left-wing Party will be the next Economy Minister, while engineer Vivianne Blanlot will take over the Defence Ministry. In addition, Bachelet is aiming to ask Congress for the creation of two new Ministries: Environment and Public Order.

Translated by Vicky Ghionis

[08] As per Two New Opinion Polls Americans Disappointed with Bush

By Athina Saloustrou

The majority of the American citizens appear disappointed with their President, according to two opinion polls made public on Monday, the eve of George Bushs State of the Union address. TIME magazines poll showed that 55% of the Americans are not satisfied with the way George Bush performs his duties, as opposed to 41% who approve of the Presidents capabilities. The second poll, by NBC News and the Wall Street Journal, revealed similar percentages: 54% of those asked disapprove of Bushs policies, as opposed to 39% who approve them. Six in ten Americans do not agree with the way Bush is handling the war in Iraq. In addition, 51% believe that it was a mistake for the USA to get involved in the Iraqi war. According to TIME, even the war against terrorism, George Bushs strong card, is condemned by 48% of the Americans. However, 47% approve of the way the Government is handling this sector. The TIMEs opinion poll was conducted between 24 and 26 January on a sample of 1,002 people and an error margin of ±3%. The second poll was conducted from 26 to 29 January on a sample of 1,011 adults, while the error margin is the same.

Translated by Vicky Ghionis

[09] Proposal Submitted by Austrian EU Presidency Poland Opposes VAT Reductions

By Athina Saloustrou

Today, the Polish Government decided to oppose the reductions in VAT rates proposed by the Austrian EU Presidency. The Polish Interior Ministrys official statement mentioned that the interests of the Polish people and the fiscal needs of the government had been taken into consideration. The Austrian Presidency proposed a reduction in the value added tax on some services that require greater human resources (home nursing and building restorations). In Member-States such as France, the proposal was warmly greeted or even implemented de facto. All proposals pertaining to the funds of the 25-Member Union presuppose the unanimous acceptance of all Members before they can be passed. Initially, 22 out of the 25 Member-States agreed on this particular matter, while Cyprus and the Czech Republic came around at the last moment. However, Poland insists on opposing the proposal, accepting a reduction only at the end of the coming year. In addition, based on its accession treaty, it could apply the reduced VAT on constructions until the end of 2007.

The Only One Opposing

A spokesperson for the French Economy Ministry stressed today that the negotiations are continuing, while EU President Austria has intensified talks with Warsaw. "Nothing has changed. The negotiations are continuing. French Minister Thierry Breton talked with his Austrian counterpart Karl Heinz Grasser over the phone. The Austrian Presidency has intensified its contacts with Poland," stressed the spokesperson.

As declared by the Austrian Presidencys spokesperson in Brussels, Nikola-Johannes Doing, the EU Presidency has not received an official confirmation from Poland on the rejection of the European decision. Doing avoided making any assumptions for the possible consequences of such a decision, as announced by the spokesperson of the Polish Economy Ministry in Warsaw. In addition, the European Commission is also expecting Polands official confirmation on the rejection of the VAT decision. It has already announced that, provided there is no unanimous decision among the 25, it will force the EU Member-States to implement a reduced VAT policy so as to return to the normal levels. Furthermore, sanctions will be imposed on any Member-States that do not comply with the European directive, while they may even have to appear before the European Court.

Translated by Vicky Ghionis

[10] After OPEC's Decision to Keep Output Steady Oil Prices Dropping

By Athina Saloustrou

The oil prices in Asian markets today are dropping, following OPECs expected decision to keep output at current levels. In Singapore, the price for March delivery contacts was at $68.25 per barrel this morning, down by 10 cents, compared to $68.35, which was the closing price in New York yesterday. The OPEC members are meeting today in Vienna to decide on keeping the output steady. Yesterday, Saudi Arabian Oil Minister Ali Al-Naimi Naimi told reports that all 11 OPEC member-states agreed to keep production at its current levels. Currently, the OPEC member-states production is at 29.3 million barrels per day, which constitutes a historic record.

Translated by Vicky Ghionis

[11] Champion Performance by Olympiacos!

By Stathis Petropoulos

Olympiacos avoided falling in the trap set by Panionios in Nea Smyrni, and with a great overturn, earned the win by 3-2, which brought the team into a powerful position, in view of the upcoming games, given the fact that it is 6 points ahead of AEK. The goals for Panionios were scored in the 10 by Zografakis and in the 18 by Luciano, while the goals for Olympiacos were scored by Konstantinou in the 24, Djordjevic with a penalty kick in the 39 and Konstantinou once again in the 82.

Referee: Karatzas (Euboea) Yellow cards: Luciano, Gaspar, Zografakis, Langer Anatolakis

PANIONIOS: Vaniak, Maniatis (55 Kontodimos), Makos, Exouzidis (67 Giannopoulos), Gaspar, Koutsopoulos, Zografakis, Langer, Maghdi, Luciano, Breska (75 Dimitriadis).

OLYMPIACOS: Nikopolidis, Mavrogenidis (92 Patsatzoglou), Bulut, Schurer, Anatolakis, Stoltidis, Babaginda (86 Castillo), Kafes, Konstantinou, Rivaldo (90 Maric), Djordjevic.

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

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