The Hellenic Radio (ERA): News in English, 06-02-21

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

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

CONTENTS

[01] New 48-Hour Maritime Strike Reviewing the Solutions

By Tina Valaoura

Sources: ΝΕΤ - ΝΕΤ 105.8

The ships will remain docked until 6am on Friday, as the Panhellenic Seamens Federation (PNO) decided on extending the strike for another 48 hours. In addition, Mercantile Marine Minister Manolis Kefalogiannis will meet with PNO representatives at 7pm on Tuesday. Meanwhile, the continuous maritime strike has resulted in serious shortages in basic commodities and fuel on the Greek inlands, while hundreds of trucks carrying perishable goods remain stranded at the ports. Economy Minister Giorgos Alogoskoufis and the Mercantile Marine Minister, who met to discuss the matter, noted that the relevant authorities are reviewing the maritime employees financial demands, taking into consideration the particularities of the profession. In the meantime, the Piraeus First Instance Court rejected the restraining order filed by the Union of Coastal Shipowners and ruled the strike legal. Government spokesperson Thodoros Roussopoulos rejected once again the possibility of politically mobilising the strikers, stressing that the Government is in favour of dialogue, while the Opposition attacked the Greek administration for the way it is handling the case.

Opposition Criticises the Government

Speaking at PASOKs parliamentary group meeting, party leader George Papandreou attributed full responsibility for the situation with Greek shipping to the Government.

Mr Papandreou accused the Government of acting like Pontius Pilot and hiding behind the disagreement and disputes between farmers and maritime employees, drivers and maritime employees and new and old workers. At the same time, as he noted, the islands are in trouble.

"For one, it is hypocritical for PASOK and its President to appear today as judges and it is politically irresponsible of them to politically exploit the demands of the workers," responded Government spokesperson Thodoros Roussopoulos. Referring to the clashes of interests between social groups, Mr Roussopoulos said, "The President of PASOK knows very well who the ones who excelled in social automatism practices are."

The Government spokesperson also stressed that the institutional demands of the maritime employees have been satisfied through dialogue, while only the financial demands remain to be discussed. Finally, asked to comment on the rumours coming from Maximos Mansion, whereby KKE instigated the strikes, Mr Roussopoulos noted that the Government never suggested that someone instigated the strikes while he launched an attack against Mr Papandreou, saying, "The only one who suggested that the strikes were instigated is the leader of the Opposition in a discussion in Parliament and he received an answer from the PM."

SYNs President voiced his support for the strikers demands, after meeting with their representatives in Piraeus on Tuesday morning. "It is a battle for their rights. We cannot accept that there is so much unemployment in this sector, that crews are constantly being cut and that security issues arise," noted Mr Alavanos. "Unfortunately, we believe that the PM is steering the boat towards a social storm and is employing the well-known method of instigating a civil war within society," added SYNs President, while the urged the maritime employees, the producers and the islanders to jointly resist the Governments intransigence.

Finally, PAME (All Workers Militant Front) has scheduled a rally for 6pm on Tuesday at Piraeus central station.

Shortages in Basic Commodities

In the meantime, trailer trucks are forming long queues at all of the countrys ports. Trucks carrying over 2,000 tonnes of perishable goods remain stranded, while if the strike continues for another two days, 50% of the production will be lost. The problems from the continuing strikes are accumulating and as a result, many islands are facing serious shortages in basic commodities.

The ships remain docked in Piraeus, but the situation is calm, since everyone is awaiting the unionists meeting.

The Piraeus Prosecutor had to intervene on Tuesday afternoon, as a ship under foreign flag sailed for Crete to collect some 100 trucks carrying perishable goods. The PNO filed a written complaint, claiming that the ship, which is expected in Crete in the early hours of Wednesday morning, sailed with inadequate personnel, while it has not implemented the necessary safety measures, although it received a permit to sail from the Piraeus Port Authority.

In Crete, producers of fruit and vegetables, and mainly tomatoes, are witnessing their crops perish. In Heraklion, the producers have blocked the new and old national Heraklion-Lasithi highways, close to the airport, asking for the products to be transferred.

In Kavala, after discussing with the captains of the ships, the employees from two local shipping companies decided to perform some shipping routes in order to transfer food and fuel.

Major problems were also recorded in Igoumenitsa. As per the truck drivers, the maritime employees strike is leading them to destruction.

150 students from Zakynthos, who were stranded in Patras due to the seamens strike, are returning to their island onboard landing ship Chios. The ship sailed from the port of Patras at 19:40 and is expected to dock in Zakynthos after 4 hours. The Ministry of Defence offered the ship, following a demand by Zakynthos Local Self Government.

On Cephalonia and Zakynthos, there are serious shortages in fuel and medical oxygen. On Corfu, the situation is better, since a ferry transferred patients and oxygen cylinders.

On Lesvos, more than 100 trucks carrying local products remain stranded at the port of Mytilene.

On Paros, long queues are being formed at the Olympic Airways counter for a seat in the daily flight to Athens, while the island is facing serious shortages in drugs, dairy products and construction materials.

Similar problems are being recorded on the islands of Serifos, Kythira, Naxos, Donousa, Schoinousa, Koufonisia and Tilos.

On Chios, the strike has created major problems for the fisheries, as 100 tonnes of fish for export remain refrigerated.

No ships have sailed into Amorgos since last Tuesday, while 15,000 lambs will spoil if they are not distributed to the countrys markets.

Finally, on Kastelorizo, the locals are using their private boats to get to neighbouring Turkey in order to purchase food and drugs.

Translated by Vicky Ghionis

Related News:

Turmoil at Greek Ports

[02] Belgrade and The Hague Denied Reports R. Mladic's Thriller Arrest

By Mary Lou Tzempelikou

Sources: Reuters, NET

As per international news agencies, Ratko Mladic, one of the most wanted men over war crimes, has been arrested. Mladic, whose arrest has not been officially confirmed, was indicted on genocide during the 43-month siege of Sarajevo, which cost the lives of 12,000 persons, as well as the massacre of 8,000 Muslims in Srebenica in 1995, an act considered as the biggest monstrosity following the end of WWII. As broadcast by local Mass Media, Mladic was arrested in the mountainous region of Tuzla, near the Serbian borders. However, The Hague, as well as the Serbian Government denied reports, describing them as "manipulation products, aimed at harming the Government in Belgrade." It is noted that Mladic, accused of war crimes during the Bosnian civil war (1992-1995), was wanted by The Hague tribunal for the previous ten years.

Who is Ratko Mladic?

Former General of Bosnias Serbs Ratko Mladic is one of the main persons responsible for the massacre of thousands of Muslims in Srebenica and the siege of Sarajevo during the Bosnian war (1992-1995). Accused of genocide, war crimes and crimes against humanity by The Hague International Criminal Tribunal for the Former Yugoslavia (ICTY) as of 1995, the 62-year-old former General was issued an international arrest warrant in 1996. Ratko Mladic together with former President of Bosnian Serbs Radovan Karadzic are allegedly the mastermind behind ethnic cleansings in Bosnia,

Born on 12 March 1943 in Bozinovici, in eastern Bosnia, Mladic was two years old when pro-Nazi Croats murdered his father. Seeking revenge, he declared himself "a defender of the Serbian people threatened by genocide and the danger of Islam entering European territory" and served the idea of the "Great Serbia."

He was the leader of Serb armed rebel groups in Croatia in 1992. After the declaration of the so-called "Serbian Democracy" in Bosnia, he was appointed General of the Serbian forces of Bosnia by the General Staff. In July 1995 and under his command, troops conquered the Muslim stronghold of Srebenica, which theoretically was under UN protection, and proceeded in the massacre of 8,000 Muslim civilians. Mladic was kicked out of the armed forces in 1996 under the Presidency of Biliana Plavsic and fled to his stronghold in Han Pijesak, a military base near Serajevo. Following he returned to Belgrade, where he lived until the fall of Slobodan Milosevic in 2000.

Thus far, Belgrade Authorities refused to answer if Mladic was hiding in Serbia until a report by the capitals secret services revealed that Serb officials aided Mladic until June 2002 in Serbia.

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

[03] For its Policies Concerning Cyprus Papoulias' Message to Ankara

By Vagelis Theodorou

Sources: ANA - NET

Speaking at the 8th Military Division Officers Club in Ioannina, in the context of the anniversary celebrations for the towns liberation, the President of the Hellenic Republic, Karolos Papoulias, sent a strong message concerning the Cypriot issue. Mr Papoulias stressed that Greeces stance in favour of Turkeys EU prospects is not unalterable and this should be noted both by Ankara and those who support its efforts to dissociate the issue with Cyprus from its accession course. The Greek President added that Ankara will jeopardise its accession talks if it does not review its policies concerning Cyprus. Furthermore, he concluded by saying, "The tenacious course of the Greek Cypriots from 1974 until today has no return. [] All the Greeks are committed to and united in this course." The significant statements by Mr Papoulias were made just one week before Cypriot President Tassos Papadopoulos meeting with UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan, in the context of a new round of negotiations for the issue with Cyprus.

Ending with a Parade

The celebrations marking the 93rd anniversary since the liberation of Ioannina form the Turks culminated with a grand student, scout, and Armed and Security Forces parade.

In his speech, apart from Turkeys European prospects, the Greek President also focused on the great efforts made by Greece to transform the Balkans into an area of cooperation, peaceful coexistence and progress. At the same time, he stressed that Kosovos transition to a new order of affairs is not easy, while he urged all the countries in the area to contribute towards the smoothest possible change of regime, with respect for human rights and the UN principles.

Finally, referring to Albanias European course, Mr Papoulias pointed out that Athens supports the neighbouring country, while its progress towards the EU also depends on the respect for the rights of the Greek minority, "which operates and should continue operating as a cooperation and collaboration bridge."

Education Minister Marietta Giannakou also attended the celebrations, representing the Government.

On Wednesday, the Greek President will visit the Living and Training Centre for Adults with Autism in Zitsa, while he will then attend the handing over ceremony of commission homes in Kato Marmara. Immediately after, Mr Papoulias will inaugurate the Ioannina University Hospitals Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Unit, while he will depart for Athens by plane at 2:00pm.

Translated by Vicky Ghionis

Related News:

K. Papoulias in Ioannina

[04] Submitted A List of Persons with Illegal Winnings L. Kanelli's Revelation on "Let's Bet"

Sources: NET, ANA

On Tuesday, KKE MP Liana Kanelli made a serious revelation, as she submitted a list of 1,200 persons, who won large sums of money in "Lets Bet" by an illegal way in 2001-2004, to the Institutions and Transparency Committee. As Mrs Kanelli said, the persons electronically submitted their form after the end of the game and as they already knew the result, intervened in the companys software and changed the submission hour. The KKE MP said that the names on the list are connected to football and teams, and noted that the submission of the list means the security of her natural presence in Parliament.

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

[05] Preparations by ND Candidate Secretaries

Sources: NET

On Friday morning, the speech of Prime Minister Kostas Karamanlis will signal the proceedings of New Democracys Central Committee for the emergence of the partys new secretary. The two candidates and MPs of Athens B, Lefteris Zagoritis and Katerina Papakosta, submitted their candidacies on Monday and are preparing for the voting day, exchanging views with their close associates in consecutive meetings. However, Mrs Papakostas proposal for the deferment of the voting was the cause of a debate between the two candidates, since Mr Zagoritis said he was informed on the MPs proposal by the Mass Media. Moreover, Mrs Papakosta proposed that a public positioning of the two candidates should take place on the election day, in the context of the Central Committee, a proposal which was agreed on by Mr Zagoritis. It is noted that according to the partys charter, the Secretary of the Central Committee is elected with absolute majority by the body.

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

Related News:

Zagoritis-Papakosta Are Candidates

[06] Passengers were Unharmed C130 Made Emergency Landing

An alarm sounded on Tuesday noon at the Pentagon, a few hours after the Huey helicopter crash in Giannitsa. A fault was detected in one of the engines of a C130, which had taken off from Ioannina, transporting General Air Force Staff Major General Georgios Avlonitis, General Navy Staff Vice Admiral Dimitrios Gousis and Greek Police Chief Giorgos Aggelakos. Immediately, the pilot safely returned to the Ioannina airport, while an order was given for another C130 to take-off from Elefsina, in order to transport the military leadership and the Police Chief to their destination. It is noted that the military leadership had attended the celebrations on the occasion of the 93rd anniversary of the liberation of Ioannina, presided by President of the Republic Karolos Papoulias.

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

[07] 2005 Financial Results Profits for Hellenic Petroleum

By Dimitris Alexopoulos

The Hellenic Petroleum Group recorded a spectacular 161% increase in net profits for the financial year 2005, which the company attributed to the environment by 80% and the administration by 20%. The company intends on proposing a final dividend of 0.28 euros per share, which along with the interim dividend of 0.15 euros per share will push the final dividend to 0.43 euros, which is 65% higher compared to 2004. Specifically, the group profits before tax came to 495 million euros and the net profits to 334 million euros, which corresponds to 1.09 euros per share.

Translated by Vicky Ghionis

Related Links:

Hellenic Petroleum

[08] Spreading Rapidly New Avian Flu Cases

By Vivian Papastefanou

Sources: NET - ANA

The list of countries where the bird flu virus has been located keeps getting longer. The virus has been detected in Bosnia and Hungary, while it resurfaced in Malaysia, after a whole year. In addition, 22 new cases of the H5N1 virus in swans were located in Germany. Moreover, seven new cases of the H5 virus were detected in dead swans in northern Greece, while samples have been sent to London. Research has shown that the H5N1 virus has become more threatening for chickens and mice and more resilient to high temperatures. The EUs veterinary committee is convening in Brussels on Tuesday in order to review France and the Netherlands plan for vaccination against bird flu. The national vaccination programmes will initially be reviewed by the EU, which will in turn offer its opinions to the Member States veterinary committee that will make the relevant decision after a voting session.

In the meantime, the World Health Organisation is warning that the possibility of humans being infected by avian flu in India, Egypt and Nigeria is high. In a Press conference, WHOs spokesperson Dick Thompson declared that "a number of people" with flu-like symptoms have been tested for the H5N1 strain in the three countries, where outbreaks have been reported in birds. According to the WHO, bird flu has been detected in more than 30 countries and territories since 2003 and 170 people are known to have been infected by the virus, of which 92 died.

Authorities on Alert

Seven new cases of the H5 flu virus were detected in dead swans in northern Greece. As per the Thessaloniki Reporting Lab, those were located in two swan samples from Amouliani, Chalkidiki, one swan sample from Katerini, Pieria, one swan sample from Makrygialos, Pieria, one swan sample from Paralia Stavrou, Thessaloniki, one swan sample from Paralia Epanomis, Thessaloniki, and one swan sample from the River Loudias, Pella. All the samples have been sent to London for further tests, while the veterinary services of the prefectures are implementing all the necessary measures.

In addition, H5N1 bird flu cases in dead swans were detected in yet another EU country, Hungary. As announced by a Government spokesperson, the virus has been confirmed by the specialised lab in Weybridge, UK, where the samples were sent last week. The initials tests performed in Budapest last week had diagnosed a possible H5N1 infection.

Furthermore, two dead swans were found at a lake near the town of Jajce, Bosnia, and according to the initial results, they had been infected by the deadly H5N1 strain, while the country is awaiting confirmation from a British lab.

At the same time, the cases of the deadly virus in wild birds keep are increasing in Germany, after another 22 dead birds were located on Ruegen Island in the Baltic. Specifically, the virus was detected in 18 swans, three wild ducks and a crow. The veterinary institute at Reims said that those wild birds were found in the same zone as most of the 81 infected birds detected already, since all but two of the birds were found on Ruegen Island. The other two were found in the northeastern state of Mecklenburg, Western Pomerania.

The Mecklenburgs agriculture minister, Till Backhaus, sounded the alarm for the spreading of the disease in the country. On Monday, the authorities deployed 300 troops to provide assistance to the locals in dealing with the disease, in an effort to stop the virus from further spreading in this tourist state. In addition, Ruegen Island was declared a protection zone, hence all trade and transfer of poultry has been banned for 21 days, while 2,463 birds were culled as a precaution.

Moreover, Croatias Agriculture Minister announced that the highly pathogenic H5N1 virus was detected in a swan found dead on Ciovo Island on 14 February.

In the meantime, Belgium announced that the countrys biggest zoos will vaccine hundreds of rare birds this week, since they cannot be confined. A spokesperson for Antwerps zoo declared that pelicans, cranes and aquatic birds will be vaccinated, as they run the highest risk of being infected. Although no avian flu cases have been detected in Belgium yet, the Government decided that all poultry should be kept inside from 1 March to avoid the risk of being infected by migratory birds.

In India, the authorities are intensifying the preventive security measures to avert the further spreading of the disease, since 10 people are being hospitalised after manifesting avian flu symptoms. As per the IANS new agency, the ten people were admitted to hospitals in the town of Navapur in western Maharashtra state, 420km north of Bombay. On Saturday, eight confirmed cases of avian flu were detected in birds. However, the health authorities are noting that no human cases have been detected yet. On Monday, the local authorities ordered the culling of 110,000 chickens, while another 80,000 birds are expected to be culled on Tuesday.

Translated by Vicky Ghionis

Related News:

Dead Swan in School

[09] Experts Are Demanding Immediate Blockages Food Unfit for Consumption

During the 10th Panhellenic Veterinary Congress, expert scientists stressed the need for an immediate blockage to be placed on the production, processing, distribution and storage of foods unfit of consumption. As per one of the scientists, "The situation cannot continue any longer. We are witnessing detections of unfit foodstuffs making their way to our plates daily and unfortunately, we consume them without realising the harmful consequences to our health." In order to deal with the situation, it was decided that Greece should immediately proceed with implementing the new EU directives for Food Safety. Those directives set the terms and conditions for the safety of foodstuffs, starting from their production and ending in their sale to consumers. Only by adhering to those directives, can we be sure that the products reaching our homes are safe for consumption.

Heavy Metals and Food

The report drawn up by the Agricultural Development and Food Ministrys lab for inspecting animal products presented just a small sample of what is contained in the foods consumed in Greece.

The Laboratory for the Protection of Public Health inspects the cadmium, lead and mercury in animal products. The main products inspected are milk, meats and intestines (beef, lamb, pork and chicken) for cadmium and lead and fishery products for cadmium and mercury.

The inspections in the report pertain to domestic and imported products for the period 2000-2005.

Conclusions

The speakers pointed out the need for continuous inspections and raising public awareness. For this reason, they suggested the following:

Forming a Steering Body, linked to Central Administration, responsible for food safety Training and informing veterinarians on the new legislation Training and informing technical personnel and employees in the food industry Issuing directives on the new regulations for food safety Taking initiatives for raising public awareness Securing the professional rights of scientists monitoring the food safety administration systems

[10] Against Foetal Alcohol Syndrome Baby Shield

By Annita Paschalinou

Alcohol, just like smoking, is one of the first things a doctor will ask a pregnant woman to quit. But what happens when pregnant alcoholics cannot seem to stop drinking? Until now there was no effective treatment that could prevent or overcome the harmful consequences of alcohol to foetuses. However, there is new hope that could save babies prenatally exposed to alcohol.

Nicotinamide VS Foetal Alcohol Syndrome

The protection shield is called nicotinamide, a drug administered to patients suffering from autoimmune diseases, which are caused because the immune system attacks itself by mistake, affecting many parts of the body.

The first lab results from tests on mice are encouraging, although scientists underlined there is still a long way to go.

The Experiment

Experts injected mice shortly after birth with a dose of alcohol comparable to the amount to which a human foetus would be exposed during a bout of excessive drinking by its mother.

A dose enough to destroy brain cells, leading to behavioural abnormalities after the mice had grown to adulthood.

Two hours later, the mice were injected with nicotinamide.

What experts observed is that the number of cells that died was no greater than in normal brain development, and there were no behavioural abnormalities.

It Takes Work

Although the research is still at an early stage, scientists underlined it is not an excuse for women to consume alcohol during pregnancy.

Some experts stress that more information is needed at this stage, because nicotinamide could have harmful consequences for pregnant women.

The Cornell University study is published in the medical journal Public Library of Science Medicine.

Translated by Sofia Soulioti

[11] Surveillance of Cafeterias "Put the Brownie Down"

By Annita Paschalinou

Sources: Associated Press

Tom goes to the cafeterias checkout and shows his prepaid lunch card. His tray contains chicken fillets (baked not fried), green salad, a glass of milk and a brownie. When Tom punches in his secret code, in order to pay with his card, the following warning is heard "this student has a food restriction" and the brownie is placed back onto the shelf.

Prepaid Lunch Card

The scene just described will soon be an everyday reality in Huston, Texas schools, in an effort to control childrens dietary habits and aimed at fighting obesity.

Primero Food Service Solutions in cooperation with Cybersoft will introduce a prepaid lunch card system, which will allow parents to check what students eat daily in school.

With the help of a computer, parents could observe their childrens preferences and intervene when there is a large consumption of sweets or unhealthy foods.

Moreover, they will be able to inform the cafeteria staff over which foods can be consumed, in cases that the child suffers from allergies and allow small doses of sweets.

For example, parents can allow their children to buy a packet of potato chips once a week.

Freedom to Choose Healthy

Similar systems have been created by other companies and are already used in schools in Arizona, Oklahoma, Michigan and Tennessee.

Prepaid lunch cards have been used in the US for the previous 5-10 years.

However, surveillance programs of dietary habits are a recent development.

Some believe that they will importantly help the fight against obesity.

Some others, however, said that the children should learn what foods are healthy and which not from parents and they have the right to choose.

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

[12] Present in the Fight Against Poverty Bono Donates Guitar

By Annita Paschalinou

Brazilian President Da Silvas bet is noble and it has to be won. By the end of his term in office, that is 31 December 2006, his zero hunger campaign has to bear fruit and ensure that all Brazilians have three meals a day. Many artists, including Bono, are standing by his side for this noble cause. U2s lead singer decided to donate one of his guitars for an auction to be held this week, following a U2 concert in Morumbi soccer stadium, Sao Paulo. According to the Governments official news agency, the rock star-activist met with President Da Silva at the Granja do Torto presidential resort to talk about the governments efforts to reduce hunger and develop renewable energy sources.

Translated by Sofia Soulioti

[13] Due to a 24hour Work Stoppage by Drivers Truck Drivers on Strike

By Mary Lou Tzempelikou

Sources: NET, ANA

Truck drivers announced and staged a 24hour work stoppage reacting to the Ministry of Transport bill on freight transport, advanced for voting at Parliament. The drivers claimed that the bill will harm their sector and will make transport more dangerous, while a meeting has been scheduled at the Unions offices at 15:30, in order to decide on the further course of collective actions.

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

[14] In the Institutions and Transparency Committee Wiretaps at Parliament

Sources: NET

The hearing procedure of the President and members of the Hellenic Authority for the Information and Communication Security and Privacy (ADAE) is continuing in the Institutions and Transparency Committee. The MPs questions are focused on the expertise of the software, as well as their deactivation. As per statements by President of the Authority Andreas Labrinopoulos, the softwares deactivation by Vodafone CEO Giorgos Koronias eliminated the chances of locating the perpetrators. Moreover, he added that the Authority learned that all the companies had the capability to listen in conversations as of 2003, on June 2003. After the adjournment of the procedure, PASOKs demand, on summoning the CEO of Vodafone and Director of the Premiers office Giannis Aggelou, will be investigated.

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

[15] On 28 February and 15 March GSEE-ADEDY Collective Actions

By Mary Lou Tzempelikou

Sources: NET - ANA

GSEE (Greek General Confederation of Labour) and ADEDY (Supreme Administration of Greek Civil Servants Trade Unions) are reacting to the employee issues with collective actions. On Tuesday, the two unions decided to proceed with a four-hour work stoppage in the private and public sector and the banks, on 28 February (11am-3pm). The collective actions will culminate on Wednesday 15 March with a 24-hour strike. A rally will be staged at the OTOE (Hellenic Federation of Bank Employee Unions) offices in Athens and Thessaloniki in the context of the four-hour work stoppage. The main issues troubling the unions are dismissals, collective work contracts and the low pay raises offered by the employers. On Monday, Employment Minister Savvas Tsitouridis addressed a new plea to employee and employer representatives to recommence talks, adding that the Government aims at combating unemployment, dealing with the everyday problems and concentrating on growth. Answering to a relevant question, Mr Tsitouridis said that the GSEE defends the rights of the employees and its role is respected, while he voiced his certainly that the problems will be resolved.

Translated by Vicky Ghionis

[16] K. Karamanlis D. Avramopoulos Meeting Focused on the Health Sector

By Vicky Keleri

Sources: NET, NET 105.8

At noon, Prime Minister Kostas Karamanlis held a meeting with Minister of Health Dimitris Avramopoulos at Maximos Mansion. The Governments priorities in the Health sector were at the focus of the meeting. As Mr Avramopoulos stated following the meeting, he will present the Ministrys programme of action in 15-20 days, reminding that the Governments programme has continuity and prospect. In the meantime, on Friday, Mr Avramopoulos will attend an emergency Summit Meting of EU Health Ministers, where the avian flu issue will be discussed. On the specific issue, the Minister described the Governments handlings as successful, which, as he said, has entered the Health sector in a quick pace.

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

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