The Hellenic Radio (ERA): News in English, 06-02-10

The Hellenic Radio (ERA): News in English Directory - Previous Article - Next Article

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

CONTENTS

[01] Experts Give Reassurances Awaiting the Findings

By Vicky Keleri

Sources: NET, ANA

The findings of the lab exams on the three dead swans, in which the avian flu was detected, and found in Thessaloniki and Pieria will be made known in a week. The samples were sent to the WHO Reference Laboratory in London, in order to conclude if the swans were infected by the deadly strain of H5N1. Today, another dead swan was found at the Stavros Beach, in Chalkidiki, while samples were taken, in order to conclude if this is another avian flu case. At the same time, an army newly-recruit, who had participated in a dead bird collection in Stavros, was taken to Thessaloniki Military Hospital for preventive examinations. In fact, the Ministry of Rural Development in yesterdays emergency circular to all Prefectures, asked for an intensification of bio-safety measures, particularly in poultry breeding units. Moreover, it is in constant contact with relevant Ministries, while personnel and means have been reinforced in veterinary services in all Prefectures. As announced today, these measures will be enforced, even if the samples test positive to H5N1, as they are in full accordance with EU regulations and directives.

Strict Measures

Particularly, the measures foresee the following:

Areas within a three-kilometre radius from spots were suspicious cases were found will be quarantined and

Poultry breeding units situated in a ten-kilometre radius are set under strict surveillance.

The exposure of any kind of poultry in a free-range environment is banned, while the disinfections of poultry breeding units, the checks on poultry distribution and briefing of persons coming into contact with cases are intensified.

Moreover, strict inspections are conducted to exported and imported poultry products in Greece entry points and all foreseen measures are taken.

Due to the developments it is very likely that a ban on hunting will be implemented on poultry species, whose hunting season ends on 28/2/2006.

"No Reason to Panic"

At the same time, Minister of Rural Development Evangelos Basiakos stated that the State is in readiness and fully prepared, while he urged for calmness, as all foreseen veterinary-sanitation measure are foreseen, which are in accordance with EU regulations and directives.

On their part, the Deputy Prefects of Thessaloniki and Pieria, Ioannis Bikos and Athanasios Fotiou, stated that there is no reason to panic. "Ten days have passed from the collection of suspicious samples and if something was to appear, it would have done so," said the Thessaloniki Deputy Prefect.

Veterinarian of Thessaloniki Prefectures Veterinary Directorate Vaggelis Tsamadis stated that all necessary measures in the areas where suspicious avian flu samples were found have been implemented.

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

Related News:

Swans Carrying Avian Flu?

[02] Where Did the Oscars Go?

By Vagelis Theodorou

"And the winner is" The residents of Honk Kong are left wondering every year over the Best Picture Award, since the broadcast of the ceremony is interrupted at that point! The reason is that just before the announcement of which film receives the much-awaited gold statuette, an educational show of "public interest" begins, dedicated to the peoples education and its broadcast is strictly programmed for that time. "Every year we ask if this adjustment can be regulated for the Oscars and every year the Government refuses, as the Hollywood ceremony is not of public interest," stated an official of state-run channel TVB.

It seems that bureaucracy cannot even be bent by Chinese Ang Lees candidacy, whose film "Brokeback Mountain" is nominated for eight awards, among which that of Best Picture.

Every year TVB receives a flood of protests by disgruntled citizens, since the Kodak Theatre filled with glamorous stars is replaced by a miserable educational show studio.

However, even as the change of programme relies on a miracle, TVBs officials are hoping that for Ang Lees sake, the Government will make a small adjustment on 5 March.

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

Related Links:

The Academy Awards

[03] With the Presidents of ADAE, EETT and Professors Kostas Karamanlis' Meetings

By Annita Paschalinou

Sources: NET, ANA

On Monday morning, the Prime Minister will hold meetings with Presidents of Independent Communication Protection Authorities and University Professors over the wiretappings case, at Maximos Mansion. The Prosecution is investigating all evidence emerging from the testimonies, while First Instance Chief Dimitris Papaggelopoulos and Prosecutor Ioannis Diotis, who is investigating Tsalikidis death, briefed Supreme Court Prosecutor Dimitris Linos. All events are investigated over K. Tsalikidis death, however, as per Prosecution sources, everything indicates to suicide.

Institutional Safeguarding of Telecommunications

On Monday, the Prime Minister will hold meetings with the Presidents of Independent Communication Protection Authorities and leading University Professors.

The above was announced by alternate Government spokesperson Mr Andonaros, noting that the Prime Ministers support to the relevant authorities is clear, in order for them to perform their duties as best as possible.

Moreover, Kostas Karamanlis will request for proposals by leading Professors on the safeguarding of the institutional context, concerning the protection of telecommunications.

In the above context, the Prime Minister will meet with Professors Messrs Al. Manitakis, D. Tsatsos, N. Androulakis, G. Manoledakis, Ch. Kapsalis and Mrs P. Tsanaka.

New Questions Risen

However, at the same time, new questions arise on the issue of Vodafone executive K. Tsalikidis death by an interview in newspaper Ethnos today.

A former employee of the company revealed that the last week of Tsalikidis life included arguments with superiors and a change in his behaviour.

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

Related News:

New Evidence to Prosecutor

[04] A Personal Pledge by G. Papandreou By the Side of the Disabled

By Annita Paschalinou

Sources: NET, ANA

At the 6th ESAEA Conference, George Papandreou submitted PASOKs proposals on the problems faced by persons with disabilities. The President of PASOK repeated his personal pledge for cooperation with the movement, in a campaign to lift exclusion in Greek society. "We need to do away with certain mentalities," he said, underlining that doing so is a very difficult task. Moreover, he announced the creation of a committee for persons with disabilities, in which representatives of every action and political department will participate in, in order for everything planned or implemented in PASOK to include their personal views.

ESAEA Conference

The 6th Conference of the Greek Confederation for People with Disabilities (ESAEA) is taking place with the support of the Ministries of Health and Social Solidarity, Employment and Social Protection, as well as the Union of Prefectural Administrations (ENAE) and the Union of Local Authorities (KEDKE).

Mr Karamanlis address was delivered by Deputy Minister of Health Giorgos Konstantopoulos to the 1,500 persons attending the conference. "The movement of disability challenges the feeling of responsibility to all of us," he noted.

President of ESAE Giannis Vardakastanis voiced his satisfaction over the serious way that the disability issue is handled by the Government and the Prime Minister, underlining the need for disability to enter the forefront of governments policies.

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

[05] They Say They Were Framed Criminal Proceedings Against 7 Policemen

By Despina Hristopoulou

Sources: NET, ANA

The seven policemen serving in the Drug Squad in Kilkis, who were arrested by the Greek Polices Interior Affairs and charged with illegal possession of narcotic substances and breach of duty, were taken before the Public Prosecutor on Friday morning. Public Prosecutor Eirini Chrysogianni brought criminal proceedings against the officers for drug trafficking, possession and mediation to purchase narcotic substances and breach of duty. The police officers were arrested when a drug addict filed a complaint saying a Kilkis policeman gave him drugs in exchange for leads on big drug dealing cases. Small quantities of pot were found at their offices, but the policemen said they were framed.

Translated by Sofia Soulioti

[06] Spotlight on Nea Smyrni

By Vasilis Kalpinos

All eyes are on Nea Smyrni and the most important game of the A Division Championships 19th round, where Panathinaikos will meet Panionios on Sunday. The "greens," who will line up without Eki Gonzales, due to a punishment, want a win in order to move up to second place, which leads to Champions League. On the other hand, Panionios is near the danger zone of relegation and a win is imperative.

Important Battles for the Pioneers

On Monday, in Ano Liosia, Olympiacos will face Akratitos and is aimed at a win that will maintain it six points ahead of AEK. On the other hand, Akratitos is in the last place of rankings and will try for a good result against the "red and whites."

AEK will face a very dangerous Larissa in OAKA on Sunday. AEK is after a win in order to keep close to Olympiacos and trying to keep spirits high in view of the big derby in Karaiskakis in the next round.

The Remainder of Games

Another important game will take place on Sunday between Egaleo and PAOK. Both teams want the win, since they are aimed at entering Europe.

The curtain of the 19th round will unveil on Saturday. Iraklis will face OFI and Kallithea will face Ionikos. The other two games of Sunday are Atromitos vs Apollonas Kalamaria and Levadiakos vs Xanthi.

The 19th Round of Games

SATURDAY

17:45 (Kaftatzoglio) Iraklis vs OFI Alpha

19:15 (Kallithea) Kallithea vs Ionikos Supersport

SUNDAY

14:45 (Peristeri) Atromitos vs Apollonas Kalamaria

14:45 (Livadia) Levadiakos vs Xanthi

17:15 (Egaleo) Egaleo vs PAOK Alpha

19:30 (ฯมสม) มลส vs Larissa Supersport

20:00 (Panionios) Panionios vs Panathinaikos Alpha

MONDAY

21:00 (Ano Liosia) Akratitos vs Olympiacos Alpha

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

The Hellenic Radio (ERA): News in English Directory - Previous Article - Next Article