The Hellenic Radio (ERA): News in English, 06-02-01

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

CONTENTS

[01] Cowardly Attack by Unknown Perpetrators GSEE President Out of Danger

Sources: NET, NET 105.8, ANA

GSEE President Christos Polyzogopoulos condition is progressing satisfactorily, as he is hospitalised in the General Clinic, out of danger, but sustaining head injuries and multiple blows after an attack by unknown men in the centre of Athens, on Tuesday evening. As per his personal doctors, Mr Polyzogopoulos received more than 40 blows to the head. In statements made this morning, Doctor Giorgos Safos said that Mr Polyzogopoulos condition raises no concern and he is expected to be released from hospital tomorrow, after examinations are concluded. The political world denounced the cowardly act in the strongest terms, while Minister of State Theodoros Roussopoulos reassured that all measures for locating the perpetrators will be taken.

Police Investigation

In an announcement, KKE condemned the attack, noting that the workers movement is fiercely opposed to such practices, which do not adhere to the principles and values of the class struggle.

"The scenery of the murderous attack against our co-worker and comrade President of the GSEE Christos Polyzogopoulos is clearly related to the attack against labour and social rights, as well as the fight by the unionist movement, evidence which express and symbolise the unions and their leaderships," stated President of ADEDY Spyros Papaspyros on Mr Polyzogopoulos attack.

Archbishop of Athens and Primate of Greece Mr Christodoulos visited the President of GSEE today. Concerning the police investigation, as it was made know, six eyewitnesses testifying over the incident are at the offices of the police headquarters as of this morning.

Moreover, experts are investigating Mr Polyzogopoulos vehicle and bag, which was found a few metres away from the spot, for fingerprints.

As per the police, the group of youths was headed towards Exarchia Square after the end of a protest march in the centre of Athens, in support of remnant prisoners Kalaitzidis, Aspiotis and Karasarinis.

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

Related News:

Brutal Assault

[02] Bourboulia's Extraditioned to be Decided Awaiting the Decision

By Dimitris Alexopoulos

Sources: ÍÅÔ-ÍÅÔ 105.8

A Paris court in due to decide in three hours time whether former Examiner Konstantina Bourboulia can be extradited to Greece. Mrs Bourboulia is expected to present before the court the threatening letter she argued she received 15 days prior to her arrest and that made her deny her being extradited. However, judicial sources pointed out that her claim will not be accepted, since her claims have not built up on legal basis. Greek Justice Minister Anastasis Papaligouras also refuted Mrs Bourboulias claims, maintaining that the Greek state is perfectly capable of guaranteeing all defendants safety, as well as their right to stand a fair trial. The ruling is to be released in a weeks time. It was also made public that the Federal Tribunal of Lausanne will consider within the coming fortnight Greeces request that former Examiners accounts be opened.

Translated by Areti Christou

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New Stock Bubble Probe

[03] For Cleaner Forms of Energy State of the Union Speech

By Dimitris Alexopoulos

Sources: ANA, Reuters, Associated Press

In his State of the Union speech, President George W. Bush announced changes in the USs energy policy and stated that the United States is "addicted to oil by unstable parts of the world." Over the disengagement of his country from the dependence, George W. Bush asked for the development of alternative forms of energy, aimed at replacing oil imports from the Middle East by a percentage greater than 75% by 2015. On the above issue, he made known that he will increase the 2007 budget for "cleaner energy" by 22%.

Solar and wind power, cleaner coal-field plants, nuclear energy and hybrid vehicles operating on electric energy are among the fields of research.

However, regardless of his announcements, the US President in his speech did not refer to a short-term decrease of fuel prices and natural gas or the creation of an environmentally friendly fuel for government vehicles.

As per environmentalists, the above will be a decisive factor for an important decrease of petrol use and oil imports.

Bushs aims and pledges were not surprising, since they have been incorporated in the energy law passed by the Congress in August.

On the Middle East

On the issue of foreign policy, George W. Bush stated that the US will continue their intensive effort in order to prevent Iran acquiring nuclear weapons, while he accused it once again of supporting terrorism in Palestine and Lebanon.

Moreover, he added that the USs policies are not aimed at affecting simple Iranian citizens, while he stated that he supports their efforts to gain independence.

He made a plea to American citizens to continue supporting his policy for Iraq, opposed isolation and reiterated that his decisions are aimed at protecting the United States, regardless of the fact that they have been fiercely criticised in the past.

However, he asked for a broad dialogue to take place with persons disagreeing with the continuing war in Iraq, without announcing any new initiatives on the interior of the country, which would cause intense reaction by the Democrats.

In closing, he demanded from Hamas, which recently won the Palestinian elections, to renounce violence and recognise Israels right to exist after its electoral win.

Economy and Interior Affairs

On the issue of interior affairs and regardless of the fierce criticism of political rights organisations, as well as members of the Republican party, President Bush defended his decision to approve the surveillance of phone conversations, aimed at preventing terrorist acts on US ground.

In his speech, the US President attempted to tone down reactions on the issue of pension plans radical reform, proposing the forming of a committee, which will investigate how the next generation of pensioners will affect the governments social programmes.

Referring to taxation, President Bush called on Congress to indefinitely extend tax cuts approved by his government, claiming that they are vital for the continuation of the countrys economic growth.

Bush claimed that the tax cuts saved 880 billion dollars for the US citizens, in the last five years, and added that the country needs something more than temporary tax cuts.

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

Read the story on other sources:

CNN: Bush has plan to end oil 'addiction'

BBC: Bush vows to face dangers head on

[04] Congenial Climate Molyviatis Burns Meeting

By Vivian Papastefanou

Sources: ANA

The bilateral US-Greek ties, the issues of Cyprus and Kosovo, as well as the broader situation in the Balkans and Iran, topped the talks held in London late on Tuesday between Greek Foreign Affairs Minister Petros Molyviatis and US Under Secretary of States for Political Affairs Nicholas Burns. Exiting the meeting, Mr Molyviatis praised the congenial climate of his talks with the US official. On his part, Mr Burns underlined the exceptionally good ties Athens and Washington share, as well as Greeces strategic and instrumental role in the developments in regions, including the Balkans, Kosovo and the Middle East, where the USA is after coming up with a solution.

Translated by Areti Christou

[05] POSPERT 21st Conference

Sources: NET

The proceedings of the National Federation of Radio and Television Company Staff Unions (PROSPERT) Conference have begun and will adjourn on Thursday. President of POSPERT Sifis Kakkavoulis discussed the role of Public Television, noting that it should be competitive under qualitative conditions and in a respectable context. As he noted, commerce, as an only competition prerequisite is unthinkable for an important Greek body of cultural influence. The sectors unionist issues will be recorded during the conference, while the employees financial and institutional issues will also be discussed.

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

[06] Before King Gyanendra's Official Speech Maoist Rebel Attack in Nepal

By Anna Kourti

Sources: BBC

Sixteen policemen and three soldiers lost their lives following an attack by Maoist rebels in Nepal. Tens are missing, among whom the governor of the region. As announced by the countrys Army, the attack occurred at nighttime shortly before King Gyanendras official speech, in view of the 8 February elections and on the occasion of the first anniversary to his appointment to the throne.

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

Read the story on other sources:

BBC: 'Major Maoist attack' in Nepal

[07] With 100 Passengers and 20 Crewmembers Shipwreck in Indonesia

By Anna Kourti

A ferryboat carrying 100 passengers and 20 crewmembers sank in the early morning hours, east of Indonesia. A Nave vessel rescued 74 persons while more tens are missing stated Port Authority official Marthen Manu. "Last night one person was rescued, the rest have been picked up today," said Mr Manu, adding that the death toll has not yet been confirmed. The ferryboat was sailing from Kupang to Indonesias side of Timor Island, towards Rote Island, when the Coast Guard lost contact on Tuesday night. Ferryboats are the commonest way of travel for the residents of Indonesia sailing for 17,000 islands. Coastal shipping is cheaper and more frequent than air transport.

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

Read the story on other sources:

ÂÂC: Ferry sinks in eastern Indonesia

Reuters: Indonesia ferry sinks in heavy seas, scores rescued

[08] Eight Dead and 30 Injured Suicide Attack in Baghdad

By Anna Kourti

Sources: Reuters, BBC

On Wednesday morning, eight persons lost their lives and 30 injured in a suicide attack in the centre of Baghdad. The attack took place in Baab al-Sharjee, where labourers gather for temporary employment. It is noted that repeated bomb attacks have been made in the specific area. Rebels fighting against the government and multinational occupational forces have killed thousands of persons since 2003.

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

Read the story on other sources:

BBC: Baghdad suicide bomb kills eight

Reuters: Suicide bomber kills at least eight in Baghdad

[09] A 72-Hour Deadline Given by Captors New Video with German Hostages

By Vivian Papastefanou

The captors of two German hostages held in Iraq threatened to kill them within 72 hours unless Germany halts its cooperation with Iraq and shuts down its embassy in Baghdad, reported Al Jazeera. The Arab television network also aired a video showing the captors pointing their guns at the hostages.

Translated by Areti Christou

[10] As of 1 March until 31 May Submission of Income Declarations

Sources: NET 105.8

Income declarations by the employed, pensioners, freelance professionals and businesses will be submitted as of 1 March until 31 May. Declarations by fund-holders, businesses and freelance professions will be submitted as of 1 to 16 March, depending on the last digit of their tax roll number (AFM). Following, farmers will submit their declarations until 17 April, while the employed and pensioners as of 3 to 31 May.

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

[11] Larissa Takes the Lead

By Stathis Petropoulos

Before some 6,000 fans, Larissa scored a 1-0 victory against Akratitos, thus making the first step towards qualifying to the next round of the Greek Football Cup. It was Vela Junior who scored in the 13 and earned the home side the victory. Bahramis kicked a foul, Lyberopoulos had an unstable save and after the ball hitting against the goal bar, Larissas Brazilian ace took the advantage and opened the score. From that moment on Larissas players had several chances, however they failed to claim a safer score that would help them at the second match scheduled for February 7. The guest squad, on the other hand, offered Larissas goalie Stefanos Kotsolis a pretty easy afternoon.

Referee: Paboridis (Kilkis) Yellow Cards: Vela Junior, Papakostas Marinescu, Pagonis, Skoufalis

LARISSA: Kotsolis, Katsiaros, Simos, Dabizas, Bahramis, Digozis, Vela Junior, Serban, Aloneftis (63´ Papakostas), Chloros (63´ Kiparissis), Guga (75´ Kalantzis) AKRATITOS: Lyberopoulos, Badas, Pipinis, Penja, Apostolakis, Macquet, Skoufalis, Pagonis (58´ Gustavo), Marinescu, Shansin (79´ Tzimopoulos), Lendesman (71´ Sales)

Translated by Areti Christou

[12] Hello Kitty Becomes a Receptionist How Meow I Help You?

By Annita Paschalinou

Sources: Reuters

Good morning, my name is Hello Kitty. How may I help you? If you guessed that these words were uttered by a childrens doll, you are very much mistaken. This question will be asked, soon enough, by new and very promising receptionists in the US and other countries around the world. Japanese company People Staff constructed a robot in the form of the popular kitten, which will replace companies' receptionists. It will be able to sense the customers presence, greet them and hold a short conversation. The cost of the kitten is approximately 350 euros, which is quite affordable compared to the salary of 2,110 euros for such a position in Japan. However, one gets their moneys worth and as the companys representative stated the cute robots cannot replace humans.

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

[13] Inexplicable Even to Doctors He Couldn't Believe his Ears!

By Annita Paschalinou

Sources: BBC

Neither his doctors, nor he could explain how a 72-year-old Brit regained his hearing while skiing in the Italian Alps. Former army officer from Lincolnshire, Derek Glover was skiing at a 2,130 altitude when he couldnt believe his own ears! A loud pop was heard and, all of a sudden, he could hear what was going on next to him following 15 years of heavily impaired hearing!

Because of the Altitude?

He had been skiing all morning and felt rather tired, when he decided to use his cable car to go down.

While descending, the most unbelievable and unforeseen event happened, an event he now puts down to some kind of miracle.

Glovers hearing was first damaged while serving the army nearly 50 years ago, and it kept deteriorating until he had to have a hearing aid 15 years ago.

The firing rounds on the army shooting range had claimed the 72-year-old Brits hearing.

However, it was thanks to the army, as he argued, that he learned to ski, a skill that proved exceptionally beneficial.

The doctors have not attributed the regaining of his hearing to the altitude. They claimed that such a thing is highly unusual and underlined that under no circumstances will they prescribe holidays to the Alps!

Translated by Areti Christou

[14] Left his Mark on the Walk of Fame Samuel Jackson in Hollywood's Elite

By Annita Paschalinou

Samuel Jackson has entered the elite of leading film actors. The actor of "Do the Right Thing", "Jungle Fever" and "Pulp Fiction" was awarded for his contribution to the film industry in a ceremony outside Graumans Chinese Theatre. He left his mark on the wet cement, unable to hide his emotion and joy over the great honour. "Its an awesome sort of experience, the kind of thing you dont really think about as a young actor," said the 57-year-old actor, adding, "You stop to pause and say to yourself wow, youre in a very elite club." In total, 173 showbiz personalities have left their prints on the Hollywood Boulevard, among whom, Marilyn Monroe, Cary Grant, Clint Eastwood and Steven Spielberg.

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

[15] Twenty Persons Dead Avalanche Hits Tajikistani Village

By Anna Kourti

Sources: ANA

At least 20 persons lost their lives and another 18 recovered alive by an avalanche that crushed seven villages in a village east of Tajikistan. Avalanches and landslides cause the deaths of many persons yearly in Tajikistan, a mountainous country in Central Asia.

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

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