The Hellenic Radio (ERA): News in English, 06-03-10

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

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

CONTENTS

[01] Following her Extradition Bourboulia in Athens

By Anna Kourti

Sources: NET

Konstantina Bourboulia arrived in Athens shortly after 11pm Friday night. The former Examiner departed at 20.10pm from the Paris Charles de Gaul Airport, after being turned in to Greek police officers. Upon her arrival, the former Examiner will be taken to the headquarters of the Athens Police on Alexandras Avenue, where she will be remanded in custody, since a European arrest warrant for money laundering and abuse of power is pending against her.

The Accusations and the Extradition

The countdown for the former Examiner began in June, 2003. Appellate Prosecutor Giorgos Koliokostas requested criminal proceedings be brought against her for the way she handled the Athens Stock Market scandal. A European arrest warrant for two charges against her has been pending since last September.

In her effort to avoid her extradition to Greece, the former Examiner argued before the French Justice that she would not stand a fair trial in Greece and that her life, as well as her daughters, would be in danger.

Following a string of sessions, the French Court ruled in favour of her being extradited. The former Examiner was sentenced to three years and ten months for accepting bribery and further seven months for not submitting a financial audit of declaration of assets.

Her name has also been implicated in the extrajudicial ring, as she is charged with having favoured cases of businessmen. He footage along with remanded-in-custody judge Evangelos Kalousis taken from a yacht owned by a well-known businessman, whose case had been favourably handled by her, triggered off the investigation into her involvement in the extrajudicial ring.

At the same time, the Appellate Examiners are going over the evidence her bank accounts in Switzerland have yielded, while they are awaiting the copies of the 33 bank accounts she holds in Greek banks. They are also examining the likelihood to investigate whether she held bank accounts in other countries apart from Switzerland.

Translated by Areti Christou

[02] In Parliament Inventory Sparks off Heated Dispute

By Vicky Keleri

Sources: ΝΕΤ-ANA

The issue of fiscal inventory, following Eurostats decision on the way the inventory of the defence expenditure has to be implemented, sparked off a pretty heated dispute Friday in Parliament. PASOK parliamentary spokesman Evangelos Venizelos lambasted the Government saying, "The inventory was an act of treason against the country [Greece] and the Prime Minister is to be held personally responsible." Economy Minister Georgios Alogoskoufis answered back, accusing the Main Opposition of black propaganda and counterfeiting evidence. He also blamed PASOK for hiding the relevant expenditure. On his part, SYN parliamentarian Giannis Dragasakis called the inventory ostensible. The dispute also touched on the issue of collective negotiations with the banking sector. PASOKs parliamentarians called on the Government to ask the banks to negotiate, while the Economy Minister blasted PASOK for having fully fallen in line with OTOEs (Hellenic Federation of Bank Employee Union) stance.

"War" of Statements

In the meantime, regarding the issue of inventory, Deputy Government spokesman Evangelos Antonaros used harsh language while answering to PASOKs accusations. "Those who masterminded the counterfeiting of figures, those who deceived both the Greek citizens and the European partners, have not come up with any word of repentance," he stormed.

As he added, PASOK is concealing the fact that the inventory was not conducted for the defence expenditure only, just to create impressions.

He also underlined that the defence expenditure constituted only a small part of the inventory that targeted the alchemies and creative logistics they systematically implemented.

Answering, PASOK spokesman Nikos Athanasakis described the inventory as "a major political crime against the countrys Economy, society and the citizens."

As he noted, NDs Government is to be held fully responsible for this political crime.

Translated by Areti Christou

[03] Aiming at a Social Europe

By Vicky Keleri

PASOK leader George Papandreou flew to Prague to participate in the Party of European Socialists (PES) conference. Commenting on the proceedings of the conference, Mr Papandreou pointed out that the socialists are getting ready to fight a battle at the imminent Summit Meeting for a social Europe. He also highlighted the need for employment for all the European citizens, reforms and a different, environment-friendly energy policy. On the sidelines of the conference, George Papandreou held several meetings with European leaders, including Tony Blair, Romano Prodi, Poul Nyrup Rasmussen and Massimo DAlema. PASOK leader did not miss referring to the phone-tapping case, describing the developments on the issue as really serious, and announced that he is to take his stand upon his arrival in Athens.

Translated by Areti Christou

[04] Rainy Weekend Ahead Rain Returns in March

By Tina Valaoura

Sources: General Secretariat of Civil Protection, NET

An old Greek saying by farmers goes "Rainy, harvester and tiresome March," and the third month of the year comes to please them, as, following the short sunny break, the weather will change its mind once again. As of Friday night, the scenery will change with strong southern gales, accompanied by strong rainfall and local thunderstorms. Meteorologists forecast a rainy weekend, while the weather will subside throughout the country in the coming four days.

The General Secretariat of Civil Protection and a emergency weather bulletin issued by the Hellenic National Meteorological Service (HNMS) warned that the areas mostly affected will be the Ionian Islands, Epirus, mainland Greece, the Peloponnese, the Cyclades Islands, Crete, Thrace, the islands of the eastern Aegean and the Dodecanese. Local heavy snow will fall at western Macedonia, mainly on Monday, as well as in the rest of the mountainous regions. The winds will blow to 8 on the Beaufort wind scale.

Already, all relevant bodies and services have been briefed by the General Secretariat for Civil Protection and are on alert, in order to intervene if necessary. Moreover, the General Secretariat for Civil Protection advised citizens to take all necessary self-protection measures. An improvement in weather is expected as of Wednesday. The advices of the Mercantile Marine Ministry were along the same lines, as it ordered all Greeces Port Authorities for alert and briefed ships and yachts to implement the advised security measures.

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

[05] Demanding the Imposing of Penalties Doctors Campaigning over Guantanamo

By Betty Savourdou

Sources: AFP, ANA

A petition signed by 263 doctors is condemning the force-feeding of detainees in Guantanamo and asked the American Medical Association (AMA) to impose penalties against the medical personnel involved in this practice. In the letter, which was published in medical journal The Lancet, it is reminded that the World Medical Association has voiced its opposition to the specific practice twice, decisions that were endorsed by the AMA. The doctors are British in their majority, but among them there are Americans, Australians, Irish, Germans, Dutch and Italian colleagues. It is reminded that consistently and persistently, both international human rights organisations and the UN are pressuring the US to close down Guantanamo.

Violation of Human Rights

A detainee has the right to refuse treatment, if he decides so, stated the doctors. "The doctors do not need to agree with the detainee, but ought to respect a decision taken consciously. They ought to give explanations to their professional associations, if they do not respect these principles," concluded the doctors.

The letter published in the British medical journal, which will be on sale on Friday, is a reaction to accusations of former detainees that they were force fed with violence during a hunger strike in Guantanamo.

Force-feeding is performed by restraining the detainee and inserting a thin tube by the nostril that passes through the gullet and ends up in the stomach.

As per the letter, the practice was found by John Edmoson, a former Director of the Guantanamo Hospital, who stated in court that he did so following an order by a superior.

In his reply, Edmoson stated that he never force-fed anyone using violence, but gave food supplements on a voluntary basis to detainees who were protesting over their imprisonment and refused to eat.

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

Read the story on other sources:

BBC: Doctors attack US over Guantanamo

ABC: Doctors condemn Guantanamo force-feeding

Stop Guantanamo force-feeding, demand doctors

Related Links:

The World Medical Association

The Lancet

[06] In the Informal EU Summit in Salzburg In a Cordial Climate

By Anna Kourti

Sources: ANA, ΝΕΤ

Greek FM Dora Bakoyannis described her meeting with her Turkish counterpart Abdullah Gul held Friday night as constructive and useful. The meeting was held on the sidelines of the informal EU foreign ministers meeting in Salzburg. "Greece believes in Turkeys European prospects, taking into consideration the preconditions it has to fulfil on its way to Europe. We believe that our people [Greeks and Turks] wish for a really good and friendly relationship. We also believe that the Turkish people has a European future and we will be working pretty hard during that process," said Mrs Bakoyannis, who noted that during her meeting with Mr Gul had the chance to pose several issues of mutual interest to her counterpart. Mrs Bakoyannis invited Mr Gul to visit Athens soon. On his part, the Turkish FM underlined, "We will be having several chances to meet in the future. If not, we will create them," adding that they both share a relationship of mutual trust, which will offer a new drive to the ties of the two countries. It should be noted that the Greek FM will take part in a debate staged by the Austrian television on the developments in the Balkans. Five FMs, including Austrian Foreign Minister Ursula Plassnik, will also participate in the debate.

Translated by Areti Christou

[07] National Council on Competitiveness Boosting Economy at the Focus

By Despina Hristopoulou

Sources: ANA, ΝΕΤ

Boosting the Greek economy and businesses at an international level was on the agenda of the Greek National Council on Competitiveness and Development (ESAA) that convened Friday, chaired by Development Minister Dimitris Sioufas. Upgrading the quality of education and familiarising employees with the new technologies also attracted the interest of the meeting. The bodies that participated in the ESAA requested training to new technologies be given priority, so that growth advances. The Ministers response was but immediate. Mr Sioufas also stated that the Ministry is working on promoting ESAAs cooperation with the correspondent Councils of other countries, and listed the Ministrys key initiatives towards boosting the competitiveness of the Greek economy.

Joint Growth Policy

Furthermore, the Minister stressed that both the Ministry of Economy and Finance and the Ministry of Development have a joint objective, the same economic and growth policy, which "has already started bearing fruit for all the Greeks and mostly for the employees and the pensioners."

Mr Sioufas announced that Greece will host an international forum on competitiveness in mid-June.

The Greek National Council on Competitiveness and Development also discussed the stance Greece is to have at the meeting to be held on Monday in Brussels.

As per figures released, with regard to economic prospects, Greece ranks 25th among 104 countries.

Social Security at the Focus

Referring to the issue of social security, National Confederation of Hellenic Commerce (ESEE) President Dimitris Armenakis noted that it should always be open to dialogue, pointing out that the Greeks "are paying their contributions, yet the capacity of paying out pensions in the future is dwindling."

On his part, Dimitris Asimakopoulos, President of the General Confederation of Small and Medium Sized Business (GSEVEE), stated that the social security issue shouldnt be judged and commented on based on speculations. "We all have to get serious, put speculations aside and try to settle the issue by focusing on its real dimensions," underlined the GSEVEE President.

Furthermore, spokesman for the Supreme Administration of Greek Civil Servants Trade Unions (ADEDY), Dimitris Damianidis declared that there is no problem, yet the Government has to boost the funds, adding, "there are no deficits, the Government itself is creating them with its policy." He further underscored that there is a feeling of insecurity among the Public Sector employees concerning their pensions, pointing out that although Greeks work more than the average European, their wages are far lower. Mr Damianidis made it public that ADEDY is soon to hold a general assembly for its members to decide whether they are to participate in the dialogue on the social security issue or not.

[08] Village Placed Under Quarantine

By Betty Savourdou

Sources: NET, ANA

The village of Cuke in southern Albania has been placed under quarantine, as a chicken infected by the avian flu was located. In order to stop the spread of the virus, the local authorities are proceeding to culling domestic birds, while spraying the exits and entrances of the village. On Friday, the campaign, which is conducted under the surveillance of a bi-ministerial committee, expanded in the neighbouring village of Berdenesh. In fact, the Albanian government in order to achieve better cooperation with the residents announced that it will compensate them with 6 euros for every chicken culled. Moreover, strict measures have been implemented in six customs, as well as in Corfu, as all foodstuffs are confiscated, while travellers and vehicles are disinfected.

Other Outbreaks Quite Possible

However, the Albanian scientific institute of poultry breeding stated that it is quite possible that other avian flu outbreaks exist, mainly along the coasts and especially at Vlore-Fier, Durres, Lezha and Shkodra.

Moreover, it reported that the country does not have the necessary infrastructure to control the situation in the provinces, thus it called on citizens to contribute in the location of possible outbreaks.

On Thursday, in a village in Vlore-Fiore, 15 domestic poultry were found dead, as well as a wild duck in a lake near Gjirokaster.

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

Related News:

Strict Border Inspections

[09] On the Occasion of World Consumer Rights Day PASOK at GSEE and ENAE

By Despina Hristopoulou

Sources: ANA

In the context of the campaign "Active Citizens in the Centre of Developments," which is in development in view of the World Consumer Rights Day on 15 March, PASOK started discussions with a series of bodies. A panel of the party led by Anna Diamantopoulou, Christos Protopappas, Dimitris Pipergias and Anna Rokofyllou visited the General Confederation of Workers of Labour (GSEE). Mrs Diamantopoulou noted that the panel and GSEE President members discussed policies on the protection for the consumer in Greece, as well as expensiveness and quality issues, which, as she said, were put forward by PASOK. Mr Polyzogopoulos noted, "We are striking on 15 March. The voices of salary earners and consumers will be united. With this collective action we want to send the messages for the protection of contracts and boosting of incomes." In relation to collective contracts, he noted that GSEE does not ask for anyones intervention but only guarantees by the Government on the negotiating context.

Aimed at the Protection of Consumers

Following, the PASOK panel arrived at the Union of Prefectural Administrations of Greece (ENAE), where it met with the Presidency of the Union. Its President, Fofi Gennimata, noted "the action of Prefectures throughout Greece for the protection of consumers has started being recognised by the citizens. It is very important that they are becoming aware, active, and complaints have actually increased," while saying that ENAE is not satisfied by complaints and spot checks as "we want the citizens to feel secure."

Mrs Diamantopoulou underlined that the consumer is receiving important blows and PASOKs aim is for an active consumer to enter the centre of developments. Moreover, she noted that the ENAE and the Prefects have made an important amount of work, as spot checks surfaced important issues. However, she added, "there is a great extent to cooperate with the State, the Prefectures and the society, always aimed at protecting public health, consumers income and the creation of a new model of every day life."

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

[10] Tragic End for a 55-Year-Old in Paleo Faliro Burned Alive in his Room

By Tina Valaoura

Sources: NET, NET 105.8

A 55-year-old man found a tragic end by a fire that broke out at 01:20 at midnight, in his bedroom at a ground floor apartment at 31 Niriides Street, at Paleo Faliro. The unidentified man, who lived alone, as per sources, fell asleep with a lit candle, since there was a cut in the power supply. Nine firemen and three engines rushed to the scene and extinguished the fire, but it was too late for the 55-year-old who was found burned. The Interrogation Department of the Fire Service is conducting a preliminary investigation over the event.

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

[11] From 14:00 until 18:00 on Friday Four-Hour Work Stoppage by OSE

By Tina Valaoura

Sources: NET 105.8, NET, OSE

Employees of the National Railway Company (OSE) are staging a four-hour work stoppage from 14:00 until 18:00 on Friday in support to the family of the train driver who was killed in the train accident in Menidi. Trains en route will stop, while passengers who have pre-purchased their tickets for these routes will be fully compensated. On its part, the administration of OSE attributed the majority of accidents to wrong human manoeuvres.

Moreover, it is reminded that criminal proceedings, on felony charges, were ordered by the Prosecution against the train station master, switchman and assistant switchman for unintentional manslaughter

On the issue of the full reinstatement of the route at that point of the network, OSE announced that routes 2543 Chalkida-Athens, on Friday, and 1530 Athens-Chalkida, on Friday, and Saturday on 10 and 11 March, will be made by the organisations buses, which will stop at the stations of Athens, Acharnes, Agios Stefanos, Afidnes, Avlonas, Oinoi, Avlida and Chalkida. For more information passengers can contact OSEs hotline at 1110.

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

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