The Hellenic Radio (ERA): News in English, 06-03-19

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

CONTENTS

[01] Greece's Accession to EMU "Political Fraud" Economy Minister Stands Firm

Sources: NET

Economy Minister Giorgos Alogoskoufis stands firm on his statements, whereby Greeces accession to the European Monetary Union was a "political fraud." Speaking on NETs show "Press," he stressed Eurostat has drawn up a condemnatory report on six Economy sectors, which the former Government used to hide deficits, and that the inventory was a one-way street. He also described 2007 as a year of reinforcing lower incomes, pensioners and farmers, while stressing that from 2007 onwards citizens would be able to see the results of the followed policy on their own incomes. As Mr Alogoskoufis explained, all tax payers will be unburdened, especially medium incomes, while financially weaker classes and pensioners will receive all raises promised by New Democracy before the elections. In particular, raises in EKAS (Pensioners Social Solidarity Allowance) and OGA (Agricultural Insurance Organisation) pensions will be equal and legislated within 2006. In other words, EKAS will increase by 35 euros in 2007 and by 35 euros in 2008, while farmers pensions will increase by 50 euros in 2007 and by 50 euros in 2008. However, emphasis will also be put on medium incomes, while tax rates will gradually decrease within a two-year period from 2007 to 2009. The tax-free threshold will increase to 12,000 euros and tax rates will drop from 30% to 25% and from 40% to 35%. Regarding Ecofins recent approval of the stability programme, Mr Alogoskoufis underlined that the Cassandras were proven wrong, while he noted the Government respects and honors the institution of collective bargaining contracts. As he said on "Apogevmatini tis Kiriakis" newspaper, there can be no "new era" by abolishing vested rights and urged all parties to open talks.

Social partners will open talks over the National Collective Labour Contract on Wednesday. However, the President of the FGI (Federation of Greek Industries) has already described the raise, which he originally suggested at 2.8%, as generous. On his part, Employment Minister Savvas Tsitouridis clarified the Government will respect employees' rights. In his interview to "Apogevmatini tis Kiriakis" newspaper, Mr Tsitouridis addressed the FGI, "We all have rights and obligations on this course and we all need to contribute in a financially and socially difficult time. Sacrifices and contribution should equal anyone's abilities, otherwise society cannot move forward." He also underlined that positions like firing young people without severance pay are far from the Government's belief, while reassuring that those who have social security rights wont lose a thing after the reform.

Translated by Sofia Soulioti

Related News:

Papandreou Launched Harsh Attack

Full-Frontal Attack

Wrangling in Parliament

[02] A 28yo Male as per the Health Ministry Third H5N1 Victim in Egypt

By Athina Saloustrou

An Egyptian who was admitted to hospital on Thursday has been infected by the deadly H5N1 avian flu strain, as announced by the countrys Health Minister Hatem al-Gabali on Sunday. A woman had died in the country two days earlier, after being infected by the highly pathogenic strain, while a 30-year-old man died one day ago in a Cairo hospital. As per the Health Minister, the latest case is a 28-year-old, who reported to a hospital in Benha after manifesting the first symptoms, while he is undergoing supplementary tests.

Translated by Vicky Ghionis

Related News:

H5N1 Is Spreading

[03] Ultimatum to De Villepin's Government Voice of the People

By Athina Saloustrou

Students and trade unions gave French Prime Minister Dominique De Villepin a 48-hour ultimatum to repeal the new labour law, known as the First Employment Contract. The Presidents of the two major trade unions, CGT and CFDT, Bernard Thibault and Francois Chereque, clearly stated they give the Government room until Monday to repeal the law, otherwise they would toughen their stance, leading the country to a nationwide strike. Trade unions have joined the youth in this struggle, thus becoming their stronger ally and the Governments most dangerous opponent. However, some monitors stressed two points in relation to trade unions: One, their members are permanent employees and this is why it took them some time before taking part in the collective actions. Two, trade union elections are coming up next month and presidents intensified their actions as a result. However, a nationwide strike would paralyse France and suffer a major blow on Prime Minister De Villepin, candidate for the 2007 presidential elections, and the Government party. The countrys image on Saturday could not be viewed as reassuring for the Government. One word, "precarite," which means uncertainty for the future, was written on all banners in all rallies in Paris and regional France. "No to uncertainty," "Uncertainty in labour is modern slavery." And the demand was common, "First repeal the law and then open talk." The new labour law allows the dismissal of youths under 26 at any time during a two-year trial period without prior warning or severance pay. Despite corrections and facilitations, which the Prime Minister promised, the youths stick to their stance asking for the law to be repealed before holding any form of dialogue.

Violent Incidents

Saturday's collective actions on a national level seem to have created a dead-end situation for the Government.

Major rallies in 160 French cities gave the image of an endless sea of people, without being able to determine the number of protestors, as the organisers speak of two million people, while the Police spoke of some 500,000 people.

In Paris, the march measured over 5km and lasted for over 5 hours. Strong police forces were discreetly stationed at the vertical streets surrounding the rally.

All participants, organizations, trade unions, schools and universities had defence groups that formed human chains around their members to prevent the infiltration of rioters.

The rally was staged without any incidents until it reached its final destination at the Nation Square (Place de la Nation). Youth groups, which had nothing to do with the demonstration, were waiting there determined to cause trouble. They launched an attack against policemen stationed at the square with rocks they carried in their backpacks, while storefronts collapsed and a car was torched.

Riots were reported around 23:00 outside Sorbonne, in Cartier Latin, where students held a sitting protest outside the university's iron fence. When young men tried to tear down the fence using ropes, armed policemen intervened by throwing teargases and arresting people. Order was restored around 04:00 in the morning.

A total of 166 youth were arrested, while seven police officers and seventeen protestors were injured in the riots.

Incidents were not only reported in Paris, but in regional France as well, in the cities of Bordeaux, Marseilles, Grenoble and Lille.

On the Brink of Crisis

After the incidents at the Nation Square, Government spokesperson Jean Francois Cope was asked whether the Prime Minister would repeal the law and hence open the dialogue with the youth and answered, "the door of dialogue will always be open." He also stressed the Government fully supports the Prime Minister.

So, the big question is how long would the PM last, now that his popularity has taken a tumble. As per Sunday newspaper JDD, 61% of the French are disappointed at him, while only 37% still have faith in him. The respective percentages in February were 54% and 43%.

Translated by Sofia Soulioti

Related News:

Student Ultimatum

French Students on the Streets

[04] Over 20,000 Hectares Have Flooded Extensive Devastation in Evros

By Athina Saloustrou

The inhabitants of Evros, who were affected by the floods, will be able to file compensation claims as of Monday. The Government reassured compensations would be submitted within three months. The extent of the devastation is revealed as waters subside, since over 20,000 hectares of crops have flooded, cattle raising has been severely affected, while infrastructure and greenhouses have sustained extensive damages. The floods have also affected the water supply network and railroad transports. Meanwhile, deputy prefect of Evros Mr Kougioumtzis said on NET radio 105.8 that the water level has begun to subside at a slow but steady pace.

Translated by Sofia Soulioti

[05] Police Cooperation

By Anna Kourti

Sources: NET

The Informal Regional Conference between Interior, Security and Public Order Ministers of SE European countries, which took place in Varna, Bulgaria, focused on combating drug, human and gun trafficking, smuggling, and money laundering. Greek Public Order Minister Byron Polydoras proposal for exchanging information between SE European law enforcement agencies was unanimously accepted by all his counterparts. Mr Polydoras also suggested the establishment of police cooperation, based on full respect for the rules governing the protection of private information. Greece was represented at the Conference by Byron Polydoras, accompanied by Deputy Appellate Prosecutor Dimitrios Asprogerakas, who is responsible for matters relating to organised crime and terrorism, the Director of State Security and the Director of International Police Cooperation.

Translated by Vicky Ghionis

[06] Alavanos' Speech SYN's Two-Day Meeting

By Anna Kourti

Sources: ANA

The two-day proceedings of SYNs Central Political Committee concluded on Sunday. Party President Alekos Alananos stressed, "SYN is a strong political force that can influence the general political development in the country [Greece]." The Central Committee approved by majority vote the Political Secretariats proposal for the preparation of the 4th European Social Forum, scheduled to take place in Athens on 4-7 May. It also approved Mr Stratoulis proposal on unemployment, labour relations and employment. Finally, Mr Alavanos noted that the arrangement of the political forces, especially the smaller ones and not the forces of the two-party political system, will affect the governmental formations that will emerge from the next elections, and that is why great things are at stake.

Translated by Vicky Ghionis

[07] With Byzantine Grandeur New Metropolitan Bishop of Piraeus

By Stathis Petropoulos

Sources: NET - ANA

The new Metropolitan Bishop of Piraeus, Serafim, was enthroned on Sunday with Byzantine grandeur, during a ceremony attended by Archbishop Christodoulos of Athens and All of Greece, as well as representatives of autocephalous Orthodox Churches and local authorities. The former secretary of the Holy Synod and former Bishop of Christianoupoli was warmly welcomed in Piraeus, while he declared to the congregation, "I am not seeking glory or earthly pleasures. My emblem has always been that I have never wished for silver or gold and I prefer to give rather than receive." The new hierarch was welcomed at the Agia Triada Cathedral by his predecessor, Metropolitan Bishop Kallinikos, who spoke emotionally and wished him success in his new task. Others who attended the ceremony included Archbishop Christodoulos; representatives of the Ecumenical Patriarchate, the Patriarchate of Alexandria and the Patriarchate of Jerusalem; Piraeus Mayor Christos Agripidis; Deputy Education Minister Giorgos Kalos; PASOK MP Maria Damanaki; clergymen from Piraeus; and others.

Translated by Vicky Ghionis

[08] Protesting against the Refuse Dump Attiki Odos Motorway Blocked

By Athina Saloustrou

Motorists on Attiki Odos were greatly inconvenienced on Sunday when citizens from the municipalities of Kamatero, Ano Liossia and Fyli blocked both the inbound and outbound lanes, asking for the Ano Liossia Hygienic Refuse Burial Area to be moved to another location. The citizens of Western Attica gathered at Exit 6 (Fylis Avenue) and started burning tires, while the police rushed to the scene. Earlier, the protestors had staged a rally outside the Ano Liossia Town Hall.

Translated by Vicky Ghionis

[09] Protest Rally against Vote Rigging Polls Close in Belarus

By Anna Kourti

Sources: BBC - REUTERS - ANA

The elections in Belarus concluded at 20:00 (local time), when the polls closed. Current President Alexander Lukashenko looks set for victory. However, thousands of Opposition supporters gathered in the centre of Minsk, denouncing the elections as rigged. On the other hand, the Belarusian President described President George Bush as "terrorist no. 1 on the planet". Lukashenko made the statement to reporters, right after casting his vote, in response to the comments made by Washington, whereby Belarus has the last dictatorial regime in Europe. Some seven million citizens voted on Sunday to elect their countrys President.

Translated by Vicky Ghionis

Related News:

Belarussians Vote Amidst Rigging Fears

[10] No Victims or Injuries Metro Tunnel Collapsed in Moscow

Sources: Reuters - NET

The alarm was sounded in Moscow when part of a metro tunnel collapsed. The accident occurred at 14:37 (local time) between the stations Voikovskaya and Sokol, NW of the Russian capital, at the time when a train was travelling towards the city centre. Part of the tunnel collapsed, falling on the third carriage of the train and resulting in a fire. The train services on the specific line were suspended, while Fire Department forces and rescuers rushed to the scene. Emergencies Ministry spokesman Viktor Beltsov declared that all the passengers were safely evacuated, while there were no injuries. According to Intrefax, the collapse occurred when workmen digging a hole above the underground train line drove a concrete pillar into the roof of the moving train. Prosecutors said they had begun a criminal investigation into suspected violations of the building safety code. Correspondents from the Russian capital mentioned that the specific accident clearly depicts the abandonment of the antiquated Moscow underground metro system.

[11] May Spread Throughout the Middle East Allawi Sees Civil War in Iraq

By Athina Saloustrou

Former Iraqi PM Iyad Allawi warned that Iraq is in the midst of civil war, while it is reaching the point of no return and the danger of the violence spreading throughout the Middle East is imminent. Three years after the US invasion of Iraq, Allawi admitted, "It is unfortunate that we are in civil war. We are losing each day an average 50 to 60 people throughout the country. If this is not civil war, then God knows what civil war is." Speaking to the BBC, Allawi also declared, "Iraq is in the centre of a crisis. We may have not reached the point of no return yet, but we are moving towards it. We are in the middle of a terrible civil war." He also warned that if the nationalistic and racial conflicts in Iraq do not stop, then sectarianism could spread throughout the Middle East and the consequences would also be felt in Europe and the USA. On the other hand, in an article in newspaper Washington Post on the occasion of the three-year anniversary since the start of the war against Iraq, US Defence Secretary Donald Rumsfeld claimed that abandoning Iraq now would be like handing post-war Germany back to the Nazis. Rumsfeld also mentioned that the terrorists are trying to start a civil war in Iraq, but at the same time they are monitoring with fear the progress achieved by the country in the last three years.

In the meantime, US soldiers killed 9 Iraqis, including the members of a family, in Duluiya, 90km north of Baghdad. Police said three of the victims were a 13-year-old boy and his parents, who were shot dead when US soldiers entered their house and opened fire against them. They also announced that three of the other victims were young men, without clarifying whether they were militants or civilians. Another six people were injured during the US attack, while seven were arrested. The US army has not responded to Reuters, which asked for clarifications concerning the incident. A Reuters reporter from the same Sunni town mentioned that gunshots and explosions were being heard from 2am to 4am. When the clashes stopped, the residents got out of their houses and saw US soldiers on the streets, who had taken over the town. Many houses suffered damages during the attack.

Moreover, mortar explosions were recorded in the town Kerbala, southern Iraq, raising concerns among the local authorities. Thousands of Shiite pilgrims have started arriving in the town to participate in one of their most important religious ceremonies, the Ashura, the annual pilgrimage to Imam Husains mausoleum. According to the police, there were no victims from the explosion, which occurred in a car park, some 150m from the mausoleum. The authorities have deployed 8,000 Iraqi police officers and soldiers to uphold the order, as some 2 million Shiites are expected to gather in Kerbala.

Translated by Vicky Ghionis

Read the story on other sources:

BBC: Iraq in civil war, says former PM

[12] Easy Win for Olympiacos

By Stathis Petropoulos

In the game that concluded round 19 of the Greek A1 basketball championship, Olympiacos defeated Larissa by 87-69 and climbed to second place in the rankings, even though it was playing behind closed doors. In view of the teams upcoming game against Barcelona for the Euroleague, which will determine whether Olympiacos will finish on top spot in its group, the coach decided to give Edney and Lewis a rest, using mainly substitutes. The score per period: 27-19, 41-35, 67-52, 87-69.

Translated by Vicky Ghionis

[13] Panathinaikos Claimed the Greek Cup

By Vasilis Kalpinos

For the second time in a row Panathinaikos was crowned Greek Basketball Cup holder. In this season's final in Galatsi, Panathinaikos prevailed over Marousi by 68-57 and claimed the first of the three Cups they aim at winning this year. What is more, Panathinaikos is the first team to have won the Cup nine times, followed by Aris with eight, Olympiacos with seven, PASOK and AEK with three and Panionios with one. Kostas Tsartsaris was proclaimed MVP of the match with 16 points. Marousi tried to stand up to Panathinaikos and even did it at some point, but Panathinaikos did not leave much room for reaction and finally claimed victory. The score per period: 15-12, 28-31, 49-43, 68-57.

Translated by Sofia Soulioti

[14] Panathinaikos Climbs One Spot

By Stathis Petropoulos

Panathinaikos caught up to AEK in second place in the rankings, after defeating OFI in the Olympic Stadium with a score of 3-1, in a match for round 24 of the Greek Division 1 football championship. Although the squads performance was not that impressive, they played better and were lucky enough to have Dimitris Papadopoulos, who essentially led the team to victory. The first half culminated towards the end. In the 38, Papadopoulos scored the first goal, but two minutes later, Nwafor scored the equaliser, bringing the home teams celebrations to an abrupt end. Panathinaikos took the lead once again very early in the second half. In the 49, Papadopoulos scored the second goal for his team, off Morris header. Panathinaikos controlled the game from that point onwards, while it sealed the victory with a third goal by Biscan in the 75.

Referee: Tsachilidis (Piraeus) Yellow Cards: Biscan Khachatryan, Oforiquaye, Ednilson

PANATHINAIKOS: Galinovic, Goumas, Morris, Vintra, Seric, Tziolis (77 Leontiou), Biscan (86 Andric), Gonzales, Charalambidis, Papadopoulos, Gekas (68 Mantzios)

OFI: Sifakis, Davidson, Konstantinidis, Isa, Roubakis, Khachatryan, Ednilson, Oforiquaye (60 Samaras), Dentsas, Nwafor (81 Bryce), Kazantzis (86 Anastasiadis).

Translated by Vicky Ghionis

[15] Iraklis Unbeatable at Home

By Stathis Petropoulos

Iraklis was unsurpassable in yet another game on home ground, reaching its tenth consecutive home victory after defeating Egaleo by 4-2. The home team showed its teeth right from the start. Lagos missed an opportunity in the 5, but Epalle found the mark in the 22. In the 27, Herrera missed a great chance to further increase the lead, but in the subsequent corner kick, Georgiadis scored the second goal for Iraklis. However, although Herrera did not score a relatively easy shot, he came back, kicking the trams third goal in the 34. Egaleo started reacting, and Moustogiannis closed the gap to 3-1 in the 35. The match became more interesting in the 63, when Drougas knocked over Papoutsis inside the box and Agritis penalty kick made the score 3-2. The final goal was scored by Epalle in the 86.

Referee: Dabosis (Pieria) Yellow Cards: Zapropoulos, Omo

IRAKLIS: Abaris, Sznaucner, Drougas, Katsabis, Seghiri, Prittas (76 Lawal), Poursanidis, Lagos, Georgiadis (81 Papapostolou), Herrera (88 Papazacharias), Epalle

EGALEO: Gennamo, Papoutsis, Zapropoulos, Psomas, Popov, Jancetic, Tsatsos (61 Manousakis), Omo, Skopelitis, Moustogiannis (61 Saganas), Agritis.

Translated by Vicky Ghionis

[16] Levadiakos Gains a Point

By Stathis Petropoulos

Akratitos and Levadiakos ended their showdown in Ano Liossia in a nil-all tie during the match for round 24 of the Greek football championship. This result certainly does not assist the home team in its efforts to stay in Division 1, while the point could prove valuable for Takis Lemonis squad. The first half produced nothing worth talking about. The second half was a bit more interesting, but failed to achieve any positive results for either team. It should be noted that Lwevadiakos finished the match with ten players, as Pastos was sent off in the 90.

AKRATITOS: Lymberopoulos, Pena, Sfakianakis, Apostolakis, Pagonis, Macquet, Tzimopoulos, Skoufalis (46 De Francesco), Sunsing, Gustavos, Ledezma

LEVADIAKOS: Zafiropoulos, Pastos, Dimitropoulos, Anderson, Vitali, Bassala (68 Rusev), Kallimanis, Chrysafis, Bushi (72 Perrone), Alex (52 Gourma), Andralas.

Translated by Vicky Ghionis

[17] From Agrinio Criticism by George Papandreou

By Anna Kourti

Sources: NET

The President of PASOK commenced a two-day tour of Etoloakarnania on Sunday. Speaking at an event hosted in Agrinios Sports Hall, George Papandreou launched an attack against the PM for the economy, the wiretapping scandal and the fiscal policy. Mr Papandreou urged Kostas Karamanlis to stop hiding in Maximos Mansion, behind ministers and announcements. Referring to the economy, he spoke of felonious economic policies, noting that Mr Karamanlis is personally responsible for the fiscal inventory fraud, as is constitutes a great moral and political crime committed by ND.

With regard to the problems being faced by farmers, Mr Papandreou noted that the Karamanlis Government is risky, as it has not secured the farming income. Upon concluding his speech, he once again voiced the belief that PASOK will become the next Government whenever the elections are held. In responding to the President of PASOK, State Minister Thodoros Roussopoulos declared, "Before addressing the farming community, Mr Papandreou should firstly formally apologise for the official stance of the Governments in which he served as minister, whereby the farmers should fend for themselves. Until he does that, every effort he makes to appear as a critic further distances him from the limits of responsibility."

On Monday, Mr Papandreou will visit the Municipality of Neapoli and the Community of Stanos.

Translated by Vicky Ghionis

Related News:

Papandreou Launched Harsh Attack

[18] Apollon Kalamaria's Comeback

By Stathis Petropoulos

Although Ionikos dominated from the onset of the match against Apollon Kalamaria in Thessaloniki, it was the home team that eventually had the last word. In the 4, Ionikos threatened Apollon, but Makors free kick hit the post. The game evened out from then onwards, but nothing major happened in the first half. The game literally came alive right from the start of the second half. Usual suspect Makor scored for Ionikos, marking his fourth gaol in as many matches against Apollon. This seemed to awaken the home team, which started counterattacking. In the 81 Pappas scored his seventh goal for the season, while Cleyton sealed the victory for Apollon in the 88.

Referee: Germanakos (Athens) Yellow Cards: Papadopoulos, Kovac Poulopoulos

APOLLON KALAMARIA: Kovac, Amponsah (68 Murawski), Fytanidis (56 Popara), Papdopoulos, Koltsis, Ailton (55 Mouzaoui), Orfanos, Parmaxidis, Karaliopoulos, Pappas, Cleyton

IONIKOS: Beqaz, Poulopoulos, Ukar, Gutman, Vourexakis, Kotitsas, Kakaras, Da Costa (90 Trinatafyllou), Makor, Letieri, Onwuachi (67 Mendrinos).

Translated by Vicky Ghionis

[19] Against the PASOK President Head-On Attack by Roussopoulos

Speaking at a DAP (ND-affiliated Students' Union) meeting at Caravel Hotel, State Minister Thodoros Roussopoulos launched a head-on attack against George Papandreou, accusing him of political irresponsibility. Mr Roussopoulos noted that Opposition attacks acquire an even more black and yellow colour as time goes by. The State Minister stressed that George Papandreou urged the youths on Saturday to imitate the French example and intentionally hid that this policy is part of Mr Papandreou's pre-election proposal. He also added the PASOK President has exceeded all limits of irresponsibility in his desperate effort to exercise oppositional politics. In view of the students' elections, the Government spokesperson urged the youth to send a message to all directions, as well as to the Opposition and the Media supporting it, by massively voting in the 5 April elections.

Zagoritis' Fire

ND Secretary Lefteris Zagoritis harshly attacked George Papandreou during the same meeting, accusing the Main Opposition of excessive arrogance. "He kept saying weird things about youth employment without social security, as if an industrialist was talking, as if the FGI was talking," he underlined.

Mr Zagoritis accused George Papandreou of ignoring the problems during PASOK's rule. "I understand he traveled a lot, but he should know what was happening with the deficits, expensiveness, corruption and unemployment," underlined Mr Zagoritis and added he has entire libraries to show him with PASOK mistakes and omissions.

Translated by Sofia Soulioti

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