The Hellenic Radio (ERA): News in English, 06-02-08

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

CONTENTS

[01] Authorities Culled 187,000 Chickens New H5N1 Outbreak Under Control

By Athina Saloustrou

The Chinese Authorities reported a new avian flu outbreak in the northern province of Shanxi, however, the Ministry of Agriculture claimed that it was put under control. Approximately 15,000 chickens died in a farm at Yijing, a part of Yangquan, and as per official sources it was confirmed that they were ailing from H5N1 on Tuesday. Teams of experts of the Agriculture Ministry were sent to Yijing, where another 187,000 chickens were culled and the outbreak was brought under control as per the same sources. Scientists are fearing that the avian flu, which has cost the lives of at least 88 persons around the world, following its reappearance in the end of 2003, can mutate in a transmittable form human to human, causing a deadly global pandemic.

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

[02] Clash Over Inspections in Parliament

By Despina Hristopoulou

The Government and the Main Opposition found grounds to clash once more in Parliament, this time over the Energy Bill regulations. However, it all happened with a sense of humour and the discussion even extended to football and meditation. During the discussion over the Bill, Development Minister Dimitris Sioufas and Deputy Minister Giannis Papathanasiou defended the policy regarding market inspections, stressing that profiteering phenomena have been placed under control. Food inspections topped the clash and the Development Ministry leadership spoke of prefects' communication purposes in view of municipal elections, while PASOK spoke of EFET's (Central Food Control Agency) non-substantial inspections and accused the Government of not protecting consumers.

Translated by Sofia Soulioti

[03] Joint Statement by SE European Ministers Joint Front against Terrorism

By Tina Valaoura

The Ministers of Justice and Public Order of the Southeastern European countries convened in Loutraki on Tuesday and Wednesday, and issued a joint statement for boosting collaboration among the countries of the Balkans and Turkey on matters relating to terrorism, organised crime and human trafficking. They also agreed on the formation of special task groups, which will meet at least once a year to promote the terms of the collaboration. The convention was attended by the Interior and Justice Ministers of Albania, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, Moldova, FYROM, Romania, Serbia-Montenegro and Turkey, while it was chaired by Greek Justice Minister Anastasis Papaligouras and Greek Public Order Minister Giorgos Voulgarakis.

Boosting and Reinforcing Agreements

Specifically, the joint statement provides for: boosting actions against terrorism and human trafficking, fortifying existing agreements and measures, reinforcing cross-border collaborations for combating organised crime and terrorism, boosting collaboration with Eurojust and Europol in Southeastern Europe, and fully developing the expertise of existing Associations in those countries. They also agreed to reinforce the role of the SECI Centre (for combating cross-border crime) in Southeastern Europe, as well as having the opportunity to collaborate with other international and regional initiatives.

The ministers also agreed to the formation of a steering body that will draw up action plans for preventing and combating organised crime and terrorism. They also decided to form task groups made up of judges, prosecutors and officers, that will propose measures for effective exchange of relevant information, draw up annual reports describing the situation and assessing the threat, and process the development of initiatives at a business level where necessary. Finally, the joint statement mentions that the training of judicial and police authorities would have to be reinforced.

Translated by Vicky Ghionis

[04] PM Harshly Criticised Papandreou at Steering Body Meeting

By Athina Saloustrou

Speaking at the meeting of the Central Committees Steering Body, PASOK President George Papandreou referred to the citizens insecurity, created by the Governments policy. Mr Papandreou, who celebrates two years as leader of his party today, stressed that Karamanlis Government reinforces the Greek citizens insecurity, does not protect their income, or democratic rights and institutions, and does not secure the proper and harmonious operation of the institutions. "Every time the ministers speak, the suspicions that the truth is being suppressed intensify," he said, while he pointed out the contradictions voiced by the ministers to the Parliaments Special Permanent Committee on Institutions and Transparency. He also stressed that PASOK is asking for the truth to be revealed and added that, apart from the legal matters arising in the wiretapping case, there are huge political responsibilities for the PM and other complement ministers. PASOKs leader further added that the PM is also responsible for other major problems, such as unemployment, high prices and reduction of incomes. "Mr Karamanlis busies himself with the reshuffle of a Government which has been reshuffling for months, and this seems to be his main priority."

On the other hand, he noted that the PASOKs priorities include the citizens problems, the Economy, the attack against incomes and the countrys erroneous course globally. Mr Papandreou also pointed out that, in the last two years since his election to the presidency of his party, PASOK has made major leaps, mainly due to collective efforts. Finally, he concluded by underlining that another course exists, and PASOK, along with the citizens, will follow it victoriously.

Translated by Vicky Ghionis

[05] Following Public Prosecutor's Intervention Ano Liossia Refuse Dump Open

By Vivian Papastefanou

The Ano Liossia refuse dump remains open, following the intervention of the Public Prosecutor, who did not allow west Attica authorities to close down the hygienic refuse burial area. Garbage collection is held in a climate of outrage and with the presence of policemen, as inhabitants proceeded in protests. Meanwhile, inhabitants and competent bodies gathered outside the hygienic refuse burial area on Wednesday afternoon, protesting over the continued operation of the refuse dump, where over 6,500 tonnes are deposited daily, as opposed to the 500 tonnes provided for by the Supreme Administrative Courts ruling. The Western Attica Struggle Committee will convene next Monday to decide on further collective actions.

Related News:

Ano Liossia Refuse Dump Sealed

[06] On Thursday and Friday in Sicily NATO Defence Ministers' Meeting

By Vagelis Theodorou

NATOs growing global role, the expansion of its presence in Afghanistan and Sudan, and developing ties with Russia and a series of Middle East countries will be at the focus of the two-day talks between NATOs Defence Ministers on Thursday and Friday, in Taormina, Sicily. As per diplomatic sources, the ministers will review the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) plan for southern Afghanistan, which provides for the deployment of 6,000 men, apart from the 10,000 already deployed in the northern and western parts of the country. They are also expected to decide on expanding the Organisations activities in Darfur, Sudan, which is tormented by the civil war, while they will also discuss the relief operation for the people affected by the earthquake in Pakistan, since this concluded on 1 February. On the sidelines of the meeting, US Defence Secretary Donald Rumsfeld will hold talks with his Russian counterpart, Sergei Ivanov, as well as another seven of his counterparts from the Middle East and North Africa.

Translated by Vicky Ghionis

[07] Ordered by Director Porter Goss CIA Leak Investigation

By Athina Saloustrou

CIA Director Porter Goss ordered an internal investigation over the leak of confidential information to the media. As US television network ABC News announced on Tuesday, Goss in a rare email accused "a very small number of people" over leaks about secret operations that as he underlined "do damage to the credibility of the agency." Goss stated that any CIA member, suspected of leaking confidential information to the media will undergo an unscheduled lie detector test reported ABC citing sources, which read the email. Moreover, ABC said that the email briefed CIA personnel that the US Justice Department asked for criminal indictments to be brought against any employee leaking confidential information. Officially, the CIA has not commented on the story. The Agency asked the Justice Department to investigate a probable leak to newspaper The Washington Post concerning its article on secret prisons around the world.

Joint Investigation

Leading Republicans asked for a joint investigation by Senate and Congress committees over secret services, in order to examine if rated information was given to the newspaper, who leaked them and the expansion of damage, if there was any, to US interests.

A former member of the CIA spoke of a developing "witch hunt." However, some objected and said that Goss message had a specific aim and does not insinuate the start of unscheduled lie detector tests in the Agency as per ABC.

ABC reported that Goss confirmed the outline of the investigation over the leak of information in a Congress committee for secret services on 2 February.

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

[08] Aim at Boosting Exports

By Despina Hristopoulou

Sources: NET, NET Radio 105.8, ANA

During the National Export Council meeting, Giorgos Alogoskoufis repeated the Government's intention to proceed with the bank denationalization plan. As per the Economy Minister, "there are weaknesses in the banking system, but the Government does not encourage developments that reduce competition." At the same time, he seemed pleased with the course of exports, underlining the Government's commitment to further boost exports. He also put emphasis on the major wager, ie to stop the Greek Economy's introvert nature, stressing there is still a long way to go. Mr Alogoskoufis went on to add the main targets of export policy are major markets abroad, coordination of competent bodies and advertising Greek products abroad. Referring to the achievements of Greek Economy, he said efforts to increase exports are on the right track.

Translated by Sofia Soulioti

[09] Larissa in Cup Semifinals

By Vasilis Kalpinos

Larissa celebrated their qualification to the Greek Cup semifinals, after prevailing over Akratitos 1-0 in Ano Liossia. In fact, Larissa tied Doxa Dramas' six participations in Greek Cup semifinals, which are more than any other regional team's, while they will be playing in the semifinals for the first time since 1989. Nikos Dabizas scored the only goal of the match with a header in the 37'.

Referee: Briakos (Epirus)

Yellow cards: Penia, Skoufalis, Marinesku, Chloros

AKRATITOS: Lymberopoulos, Gustavo, Penia, Dieg (86' Sfakianakis), Pipinis, Skoufalis, Make, Sunsin (46' De Francesco), Ledesma, Sales, Marinesku (72' Pagonis)

LARISSA: Kotsolis, Galitsios, Dabizas, Firster, Katsiaros, Digozis, Wella Junior, Serban (72' Gikas), Chloros (69' Kyparissis), Aloneftis (84' Papakostas), Kalantzis

Translated by Sofia Soulioti

[10] Agrotikos Qualified to Cup Semifinals

By Vasilis Kalpinos

Agrotikos Asteras qualified to the Greek Cup semifinals, after crushing Ethnikos Asteras 4-0. Their first in-between match had ended in a 1-1 draw and todays win came as a surprise. Agrotikos, a Division 3 team, claimed one of the greatest victories in its history and thus continued its impressive course in the Greek Cup. It is worth mentioning that Agrotikos Asteras has also eliminated PAOK and Ergotelis. Kaliakis in the 36, Iordanidis in the 67 and 77 and Bekiaris in the 90+ (penalty kick) scored the four goals of the match.

Referee: Emvraizoglou (Epirus)

Yellow cards: Ladakis, Ferekidis, Chasiotis, Nalitzis, Kyzeridis, Tziokas, Zudi, Chouzouris

AGROTIKOS ASTERAS: Theofanous, Mallus, Barbas, Papadopoulos, Sakellaridis, Bekiaris, Ladakis, Tziokas (86 Kosmidis), Kaliakis, Kyzeridis (89 Tsouklis), Iordanidis (80 Teliadis)

ETHNIKOS ASTERAS: Liourdis, Chouzouris, Galanis, Chasiotis, Paraskevaidis (71 Christou), Kamara (46 Zudi), Versvalle (46 Kalapodis), Ferekidis, Moulopoulos, Debas, Nalitzis

Translated by Sofia Soulioti

[11] ERT's Digital Platform Television with Sensitivity

By Anna Kourti

Sources: NET

ERT President Christos Panagopoulos informed the Parliament's interparty committee on Wednesday on the initiatives of the Public Television, upon entering the new digital era. The aim of digital television is to cover the activities and problems of people with disabilities. The Parliamentarian members, comprising the committee, showed particular interest in ERT's digital innovations and hoped this could set an example for all other Media in the course and effort to lift social exclusion for these people. ERT's three digital channels were set in pilot operation in January.

Three New Pilot Digital Channels

"Prisma Plus" will be a channel for all, including entertainment and information shows and brief new bulletins, while integrating technologies that would allow unobstructed access to its content by people with disabilities. "Cine Plus" will be a channel of culture, broadcasting a programme of entertainment with films, documentaries and certain TV series from ERT's rich archive. "Sport Plus" will put emphasis on sports with various shows, sports bulletins and athletic events. However, it will also feature music shows and news bulletins.

Translated by Sofia Soulioti

[12] Paris Hilton's Day in Court

By Annita Paschalinou

By decision of a Los Angeles court commissioner, Paris Hilton has to keep away from her former boyfriend Brian Quintana. The Mexican-born events producer resorted to Justice, after the famous hotel heiress assaulted and threatened him. Hilton was accusing his of trying to break up her relationship with Greek heir Stavros Niarchos, whom she had met through Quintana. In fact, she believed that he was doing everything in his power to get Niarchos back together with his former girlfriend, Mary-Kate Olsen. She even went to the extent of threatening to ruin a lot of his jobs.

Translated by Vicky Ghionis

[13] By Paris' Appellate Court Adjournment for Bourboulia

By Tina Valaoura

Sources: ANA

On Wednesday, Paris Appellate Court adjourned the hearing of former Examiner Konstantina Bourboulias case. The new hearing for the European arrest warrant and her extradition was scheduled for 15 February. Today, the supplementary evidence provided by the Greek State was read in court, since, based on the judicial process, the attorney for the defence did not have access to it until today. In case the ruling for the extradition is positive, Bourboulia is expected to appeal to the High Court, in an attempt to delay her extradition once again. On the other hand, the Greek authorities are confident things will go ahead. In the meantime, the Federal Court will convene in Lausanne on Friday to decide on the release of her bank accounts.

Translated by Vicky Ghionis

[14] Separate Incidents in Kilkis and Thessaloniki Three Killed in Rail Accidents

By Tina Valaoura

Sources: ANA - NET

Three people lost their lives in two separate accidents recorded within the span of two hours at railway crossings in Thessaloniki and Kilkis.

In the first incident, the driver and co-driver were killed when they tried to cross the tracks with their car at a railway crossing in Diavata, Thessaloniki, but collided with passenger train 1631, which was performing the Serres-Thessaloniki route. The two men have not been identified yet. As per OSE (Greek railway company), the crossing has an automatic light and sound system, as well as protective barriers, which were operating at the time of the accident. Sindos Police Station is conducting a preliminary investigation into the causes of the accident.

Two hours later, a farmer was fatally wounded in another rail accident, just outside Doirani Station. Passenger train 445, which was performing the Istanbul-Thessaloniki route, collided with a minivan at a crossing. According to information, the unfortunate man had attempted to cross the tracks when the protective barriers were down. His identity has not been revealed yet.

Translated by Vicky Ghionis

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