The Hellenic Radio (ERA): News in English, 06-02-04

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

CONTENTS

[01] Unanswered Questions Investigation into Wiretapping

By Despina Hristopoulou

Sources: NET

Regular Examiner Giorgos Aktypis has been assigned to investigate the wiretapping case in order to reveal, if possible, the ones behind the wiretapping string. In the meantime, the Government reassured the wiretapping case did not affect the Greek foreign policy and security of the country, and answering to the harsh criticism of the Opposition on its handlings, Government officials supported they acted as was dictated by such an issue of national importance. In the meantime, in an interview to newspaper Kyriakatiki Eleftherotypia , Vodafones CEO, Giorgos Koronias, declared that no evidence has been destroyed, while he stressed that the company executives will submit everything to the authorities. On his part, Justice Minister Anastasis Papaligouras spoke of a provocation.

In Search of Answers

Vodafones spokesperson will appear before the Hellenic Authority for the Information and Communication Security and Privacy on Thursday to provide clarifications on the wiretapping case, while on Tuesday, Public Order Minister Giorgos Voulgarakis will brief the Parliaments Special Permanent Committee on Institutions and Transparency on the case.

Meanwhile, according to NETs information, men of the Hellenic Authority for the Information and Communication Security and Privacy visited Vodafones offices in Chalandri in order to check for any other network violations and certify the copy of the software, which the company claims to own, can provide evidence that would lead Authorities to the perpetrators.

In an interview to newspaper Kyriakatiki Eleftherotypia, Vodafones CEO, Giorgos Koronias, stressed that no software has been destroyed, while he did not rule out the possibility of significant evidence being found. However, he noted that he removed the surveillance program because "the company had to react immediately."

However, the 24th Regular Examiner, who was assigned the investigation, will try to pinpoint who gave the order to Mr Koronias to shut down the software on 8/3/2005. Expert engineers and executives of Vodafone Hellas and parent company Ericsson will be called to testify in the context of the investigation. According to judicial sources, no responsibilities against the companys CEO arise from the preliminary investigation, but anything is possible after the investigation. They also described the case as unheard-of for Greece and stressed that Justice has some tough questions to answer to, given the sophisticated and technical characteristics of the case.

In the meantime, a stir was created with the statements by Computer Science Prof Emmanouil Giannoudakis. In his announcement, he did not rule out the possibility of only telephone conversations being tapped, since he believes that the culprits also control other communication networks, including the Internet.

Suicide Under the Microscope

What is more, investigations continue to see if the suicide of Vodafone's 38-year-old executive is linked to the wiretapping scandal. The Attica Police Department is already looking into the deceased's computer and in documents, which he handled. The mobile company on the other hand, stressed any attempt to link the two events is pointless.

Authorities are also investigating another brief on the murder of one of Vodafone's employees in September 2003. The employee was found dead in his home after being hit on the head with a bottle. The police had then said it was a crime of passion. Now, the brief is re-examined to see if there is any link to the wiretapping case.

In the meantime, the suicide of the 38-year-old took a new turn on Saturday, as one of his childhood friends, Sokratis Liolios, found a handwritten note that said: "Choose a way to die." The note was signed by the "Blood donor" and a swastika was also drawn on it.

In addition, the deceaseds brother contacted Prosecutor Ioannis Diotis, who has brought criminal proceedings for the wiretapping case, and asked to testify. Is should be noted that those close to the 38-year-old have repeatedly said that the man had no reason to take his own life, but kept telling his friends that he was under pressure at his work.

The man worked for Vodafones software security, as he had access to all the passwords and all the shops. As per the experts, even if he knew nothing or was not implicated, he would have been one of the main witnesses on whom Justice would rely to find the perpetrators.

Political Dispute

The wiretapping case has triggered disputes once again between the Government and the Opposition. Government officials are claiming that the case was handled with responsibility and solemnity, in order to secure the citizens constitutional rights and the countrys safety.

On its part, PASOK accused the Government of not handling the case correctly, as it should have notified the other parties and the victims.

Finally, KKE accused the Government and PASOK of being responsible for the scandal. "The Government is not exonerated of its obligations by referring the wiretapping case to Justice. The fact alone that it kept quiet for 11 months make its accountable," said the communist party in an announcement.

What the Citizens Believe

In an opinion poll conducted on 3 February by VPRC for newspaper Kyriakatiki Eleftherotypia, 80% of the 537 people asked believe that the telephone conversations are not safe, while 73% believe that the Government has not revealed all the evidence relating to the wiretapping case.

In the question, "Who would have benefited from organising an intelligence network?" 25% answered foreign secret services, 23% foreign governments and embassies, 13% private business interests, 10% other interests within the country and 8% the Greek secret services.

In addition, 39% speak of the government handling the case incorrectly, 31% correctly and 25% offered no opinion. In the same poll, 62% of the citizens believe that the culprits will not be found, while 77% said that the strings pertain to other companies apart from Vodafone.

Related News:

Examiner for Wiretappings

[02] Lament and Rage Hopes Die Down

By Despina Hristopoulou

As time goes by, hopes to find the 800 missing passengers of the Egyptian ferry al-Salam Boccaccio-98, which sank in the Red Sea on Thursday, are dying down, even though Saudi Arabian port authorities located and rescued 22 more castaways. So far, 345 people have been recovered alive from the dangerous waters (due to the sharks), while rescue crews have also recovered 185 dead bodies. Friends and relatives are despaired and try to find out something about their loved ones, however there is lack of information. In fact, an outraged Egyptian, asking information on the fate of his family, told Reuters they have received no news on where the dead are, or where the survivors are. Meanwhile, according to eyewitnesses, a fire started shortly after the ferry sailed from Duba, a piece of news confirmed by the Egyptian Transport Minister. As one survivor told Reuters, smoke started coming up from the ships engines. Crewmembers asked passengers to gather on the deck so the blaze could be put out, but the fire kept burning, although the crew insisted the situation was under control. Prime Minister Kostas Karamanlis sent a letter of condolences to Egyptian Prime Minister Ahmed Nazif.

Safety Problems

Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak ordered an inquiry to determine the causes of the tragedy. His spokesman, Suleiman Awad, said "the speed at which the ship sank and the fact there were not enough life rafts on board confirm that there was a [safety] problem."

The passenger ferry weighed 12 tonnes and had a capacity of 1,487 and it was en route from Duba, Saudi Arabia, to Safaga.

According to the original estimations, the ship probably sank because of a cargo shift, due to the big storm.

Most of the passengers were Egyptians working in Saudi Arabia, but some were said to be pilgrims returning from Mecca.

Translated by Sofia Soulioti

Read the story on other sources:

BBC: Hopes dim for Egypt ferry missing

Reuters: Hopes fade for 800 after Egyptian ferry sinks

Related News:

Ferry Sinks in Red Sea

[03] Greece's Demand Accepted by Italy Vavilis to Be Surrendered to Greece

By Mary Lou Tzempelikou

Sources: NET - ANA

Apostolis Vavylis will probably be surrendered to the Greek authorities in the next few days, as the Italian Justice accepted Greek Justice Minister Anastasis Papaligouras request to serve the rest of his sentence in Greece. Vavilis, who was arrested on 22/4/2005, is serving a 7-year sentence for drug trafficking in Bolognas prison. It should be noted that the Greek Justice has charged Vavilis with a number of felonies and misdemeanours, including money laundering, forgery, fraud and embezzlement.

Translated by Vicky Ghionis

[04] Cannabis Drugstore

By Despina Hristopoulou

Sources: Reuters

The first pharmacy to be selling high quality cannabis, instead of painkillers and anti-inflammatory drugs, is about to open, where else, in the Netherlands. According to Dutch newspaper NCR Handelsblab, the pharmacy would open in Groningen city and its purpose is to offer pain relief cannabis-based drugs at affordable prices. Although, cannabis in the Netherlands is legalised and sold at special coffee shops, the Foundation for Medicinal Cannabis Netherlands, a support group for patients, stressed the drug offered in coffee shops is cheaper but not of good quality, and hence cannot be used for medical purposes. The idea is backed by the Office of Medicinal Cannabis, a Dutch government agency, Groningen's city council and the local police. Although the location has been chosen, it is not clear yet when the pharmacy would open for business. Two more cannabis pharmacies are planned in the towns of Hoogezand and Assen, the paper said.

Translated by Sofia Soulioti

[05] Wiretappings at Focus Head-on Attack by Papandreou

By Despina Hristopoulou

During a political meeting in Florina, PASOK President George Papandreou launched a harsh attack against the Government. The leader of the Opposition accused the Government of not informing the President of the Republic, the Authority for the Information and Communication Security and Privacy and the Main Opposition on the wiretapping case. Mr Papandreou thanked the Prime Minister for informing him on the Constitutional Review, but noted he could also have informed him on the wiretapping scandal during that meeting. He also referred to the issue of the heating oil benefit, stressing it should be granted to the citizens, while he used a harsh tongue while referring to the government policy on labour issues.

Translated by Sofia Soulioti

[06] Body Found on National Highway

By Mary Lou Tzempelikou

Sources: NET - ANA

On Saturday afternoon, three women came face-to-face with a macabre spectacle in Karakatsi, Kapandriti, when they saw a human hand protruding from the soil as they were out picking vegetables. A panel from the Attica Police Homicide Department and coroner Nikos Kalogrias rushed to the area, which is approximately one kilometre from the Athens-Lamia National Highway. The police officers discovered a body of a young man buried in an 80cm-deep grave, with his hand and feet tied up. As per the initial indications, a crime took place, as the victim has sustained injuries to his neck and head. However, the time of death has not been determined yet. The post mortem, which will be performed on Monday, is expected to shed some light into the case, while Attica polices Homicide Department has commenced a preliminary examination. The polices first concern is to discover the identity of the young man from his fingerprints, while it has already started looking through the missing persons files.

Translated by Vicky Ghionis

[07] After it Was Exhumed Zhelin's Body to Russia

By Mary Lou Tzempelikou

Sources: NET

One month after the murder of Russian criminal Maxim Zhelin, his body was exhumed, by order of the Greek Foreign Minister and the Russian Embassy, so that it could be transferred to Russia. A relevant request had been filed previously by the Russian Consular in Thessaloniki, and on Friday, Larissas competent authorities dug up the remains. After his death, Zhelins body was kept at Larissa morgue, but nobody claimed it. It was later buried in the citys cemetery, at the intervention of the coroners office. The Russian Media criticised Russias unwillingness to cover the costs of the transfer of 23-year-old Zhelins body, which came to over 6,000 euros. It should be noted that, on 30 December, Zhelin, who was being transferred to Komotinis prison charged with the murder of a 42-year-old woman on Corfu, killed two police officers and fled the scene.

Translated by Vicky Ghionis

[08] Over the Caricatures of Prophet Mohammed Muslims Outraged

By Mary Lou Tzempelikou

Sources: NET - ANA

The reactions of the Muslims to the cartoons depicting Prophet Mohammed and which were printed in papers of the West seem to be taking immense dimensions. On Saturday, protests were staged on the Palestinian Territory, Iran, Indonesia, Pakistan, Iraq, Morocco, Qatar and Sudan. In fact in Syria, Muslim fanatics set fire to the Danish Embassy in Damascus, prompting Copenhagen to urge its nationals to abandon the country. The Norwegian Embassy was targeted a little while later. In addition, protest marches were held in many European cities including London and Athens, where some 500 Muslims gathered in front of the Danish Embassy. The situation has given rise to concerns among the western governments, while following Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew, the Vatican also intervened in the matter. In an announcement, it claimed that freedom of expression does not mean offending the religious beliefs of people.

Governments Intervene

The most extreme reactions were voiced by Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, who ordered the interruption of economic relations with Denmark, as well as the rest of the countries where the controversial cartoons were printed. The Iranian president justified his decision, speaking of the "impudence and rudeness" of Western newspapers against the prophet, as well as the "maximum resentment of the Zionists ruling these countries against Islam and Muslims."

In Indonesia, the largest Muslim county in the world, President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono condemned the printing of the cartoons, but tried to calm the situation. However, on Friday, the Danish Embassy was attacked by protestors.

Demanding an Apology

In Gaza, enraged Palestinians threw rocks against the EU building, which has been closed since Thursday, injuring two police officers. The protestors broke the front window and entered the building, but were later driven away by the police. The same thing happened to a German cultural centre in the area, where protestors invaded the building, burnt the German flag and destroyed everything in their path.

Similar incidents were recorded in Nazareth and Hebron, where thousands of Muslims took to the streets chanting mottos like: "The attack against the Prophet is an attack against all the Muslims in the world." Actually in Hebron, the protestors gathered in front of the headquarters of the Temporary International Presence, a non-government organisation of international observers, burnt a Danish flag and sent a message to Copenhagen, demanding that Denmark apologises.

In Amman, Jordan, the editor of Shihan weekly, which printed the controversial cartoons, was arrested, while it was later revealed by a judicial source that the countrys general prosecutor has commenced investigations into another newspaper that also printed the drawings.

Large-scale protests were also staged in Iraq, Pakistan, Morocco, Sudan and Qatar.

Protests in the Heart of Europe

The protest marches and demonstrations, however, were not contained on Muslim territories. Similar reactions were also recorded in London, where some 400 people gathered in front of the Danish Embassy, asking the European countries to apply pressure on the Press so that the cartoons could be withdrawn. In fact, they asked the leaders of the Muslim world to halt all diplomatic and economic relations with the European governments allowing the publication of the drawings.

In Denmark, the country where the whole controversy began, the demonstrations have taken on another form, since groups protested against the reactions of the Muslim world. Extreme-right group Front staged a rally against the recent attacks against its country and flag. On the other hand, extreme-left groups protested against the "racist reactions" of the extreme right. Finally, in Fredericksburg, close to Copenhagen, members of the group Mutual Respect organised a third rally, demanding dialogue.

Valuing Freedom of Press and Faith

German Chancellor Angela Merkel also intervened in the matter, condemning the acts of violence. However, she declared she understood that the religious feelings of Muslims have been injured.

At the same time, she said that the German government has no reason to intervene, while she stressed that freedom of Press and religious faith, which constitute two of the main principles of the German Constitution, have to be valued. "I have the feeling that this is the view of the EU Member-States," she said, adding that Denmark should not feel abandoned.

In the meantime, French newspaper Le Monde printed two of the twelve controversial drawings in Sundays issue, while in another article, it noted that it avoided printing the more "offensive" cartoons, but it wants to show them, so that the reasons that triggered the crisis could be understood. The same two cartoons were also printed on Friday in the French newspaper Liberation. Both the Liberation and Spanish El Pais were banned in Morocco due to the drawings, as was the case with the French France Soir on 1 February.

Translated by Vicky Ghionis

Related News:

Protests over Cartoons

[09] Continued Pressure Iran to the Security Council

By Despina Hristopoulou

Sources: ANA - NET - BBC

The Board of Governors of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) voted in favour of reporting Iran to the UNs Security Council because of its nuclear programme. The board, which includes the USA, the EU, Russia and China, was led to this decision in order to apply even more pressure on Tehrans government, since the West believes it intends to develop a nuclear arsenal rather that use nuclear energy for peaceful purposes. An IAEA spokesperson mentioned that the proposal was ratified by the 35-member board with 27 votes for, three against (Cuba, Syria and Venezuela) and five abstentions (Algeria, Belarus, Indonesia, Libya and South Africa). The decision does not necessary mean that sanctions will be imposed on Iran, at least not until the IAEAs next meeting on 6 March, but it aims at pressuring Tehran to collaborate with the Agency.

Resuming Uranium Enrichment

On the other hand, Tehran, which had warned that a possible referral would signal the end of diplomacy, insists that it does not aim to develop a nuclear programme for warfare purposes. Furthermore, in response to the IAEAs decision, it said that it would resume its nuclear-enrichment activities at full scale, while it would suspend the voluntary implementation of the Additional Protocol, i.e. it would halt spot inspections by the IAEA.

Finally, the Iranian delegation disputed Russias compromising proposal, whereby the uranium enrichment was to take place on Russian soil so that there are no doubts about its final use. Representatives from both counties were to meet in two weeks in order to discuss the proposal.

Translated by Vicky Ghionis

Read the story on other sources:

ÂÂC: Iran reported to Security Council

CNN: Nuclear watchdog reports Iran to UN

Related News:

Iran to the IAEA

Related Links:

IAEA

[10] Maroussi Remains Third

By Stathis Petropoulos

Although they did not give up at any point, Kolossos Rhodes simply could not look Panagiotis Yannakis team eye-to-eye, so Maroussi scored yet another victory with 75-61 and remained in third place in the rankings, awaiting the result of Olympiacos game tomorrow. The home team was forced to charge ahead in the third period, when Kolossos seemed to be regrouping, and managed to increase the difference to 17 points. The top scorers for Maroussi were Kyritsis (16 pts) and Boudouris (12 pts). As for the guests, Bryant scored 17 points and Panagiotarakos 8. The score per period: 25-14, 41-32, 53-50, 75-61.

Translated by Vicky Ghionis

[11] Victory for Olympia Larissa

By Vasilis Kalpinos

Olympia Larissa scored a significant away victory over Apollon Patras with 73-66 in the game for round 14 of the Greek A1 division basketball championship. This was the first away win for the team in this years championship (following six defeats), but at the same time, they are a point behind Apollon Patras and are still in danger of being relegated. Although the teams were close in the score in the first period, Olympia took a significant lead (40-31) by the end of the second period, mainly due to Prodromos Nikoliadis (18 points and 5/7 3-pointers in the first half). In the second half, Apollon Ptras tried harder and managed to tie the score, with Joseph Forte scoring 15 points. Finally, Olympia took control of the game in the last period, achieving a great victory.

Translated by Vicky Ghionis

[12] Panathinaikos' Day Out in Larissa

By Stathis Petropoulos

Although GS Larissa started off the game against Panathinaikos impressively, scoring eight consecutive points, the guests took control after that and started to work towards their victory. The difference in halftime was 11 points and the rest of the game continued in the same way, despite the fact that Larissa tried to find solutions in the offence. Chatzivreattas and Tasrtsaris took the reins and the guests kept the difference to over 10 points. With five players in total scoring double digits, Panathinaikos achieved its 13th victory in the championship with 84-72. As for Larissa, it has to look in other games for successes in order to stay in the A1 division. The score per period: 23-24, 33-44, 50-62, 72-84.

Translated by Vicky Ghionis

[13] Panathinaikos Clears in First Half

By Stathis Petropoulos

Levadiakos started the match against Pantajinaikos with an opportunity to score, but Goumas saved the goal. This seemed to awaken Panathinaikos, which took control of the game, became threatening and scored a goal in the 15 with Goumas. In the 32, Gekas scored a second goal, after the ball bounced off the post. In the second half, Panathiniakos slowed down, and despite losing two opportunities, the score remained at 2-0 until the end.

Referee: Katazas (Evia) Yellow Cards: Biscan Macheras

PANATHINAIKOS (Alberto Malezani): Galinovic, Vintra, Morris, Seric, Biscan, Tziolis (85 Andric), Kotsios, Gekas (74 Mantzios), Papadopoulos, Charalambidis (66 Theodoridis)

LEVADIAKOS (Takis Lemonis): Zafiropoulos, Kalimanis, Dimou, Alex (46 Rusev), Andersons, Andralas, Bassala (46 Gourma), Macheras, Sisic (79 Perrone), Vitali, Dimitropoulos.

Translated by Vicky Ghionis

[14] AEK Makes a Comeback

By Stathis Petropoulos

With two goals scored in the 84 and the 90, AEK defeated Egaleo with 2-0 in the match that kicked off round 18, returning to its usual game. The match could easily be divided into two parts, based on the halves. In the first half, the game was even, with Egaleo making most of the errors and AEK appearing to be more in control. However, this changed in the second half and the game became more fast-paced with many opportunities in front of both goalposts. Despite Egaleos pressure, it was evident that AEK had an advantage, since it played very similar to its previous matches. In the 70, Egaleo was left with 10 players, as Omo was sent off with a yellow-red card. The goals were scored by Lakis in the 84 and Cirillo in the 90. In the 59, Pantelis Kapetanos entered the pitch wearing AEKs colours for the first time.

Referee: Kasnaferis Yellow Cards: Agritis Emerson Red Cards: Omo (yellow-red)

EGALEO (Giorgos Chatzaras): Gennamo, Jancetic, Psmas, Zapropoulos, Popov, Omo, Maric (80 Stefanidis), Skopelitis, Cezarec (87 Saganas), Agritis, Nikolopoulos (40 Manousakis)

AEK (Fernando Santos): Sorrentino, Georgeas, Kontis, Cirillo, Alexopoulos, Katsouranis, Emerson, Ivic (59 Kapetanos), Lakis (88 Lakis), Soares (67 Cezar), Lymperopoulos.

Translated by Vicky Ghionis

[15] He Suffered a Mild Stroke Thanasis Vegos is Hospital

By Mary Lou Tzempelikou

Greek actor Thanasis Vegos was rushed to the emergency wing of Evangelismos Hospital on Saturday afternoon. After a series of tests, it was discovered that the beloved actor had suffered a mild stroke. According to the medical bulletin, Thanasis Vegos is fully awake and can move all his limbs, while his condition is stable and raises no concerns. However, he will remain in hospital for 3-4 days, but not in the ICU.

Translated by Vicky Ghionis

[16] Aris Takes a Walk in Kozani

By Vasilis Kalpinos

Aris played better than Makedonikos, especially in the second half, scoring a significant away victory with 75-60, for round 14 of the Greek A1 basketball championship. With this victory, the team kept its spot in the top four of the championship, actually climbing to third place and awaiting the result of the Panellionios-Olympiacos game. On the other hand, this was the sixth consecutive defeat for Makedonikos, which is now in a tough spot. The best players for Aris were Stack and Pantius with 22 and 17 points respectively. The score per period: 21-19, 34-28, 46-46, 60-75.

Translated by Vicky Ghionis

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