The Hellenic Radio (ERA): News in English, 06-03-27

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

CONTENTS

[01] Detected by the EFET Violations by AGNO

By Mary Lou Tzempelikou

Sources: EFET, NET

On Friday 24 March, a new case of sanitation violations in a foodstuff company was revealed during an inspection conducted by a panel of the Central Food Control Agency (EFET). Specifically, checks conducted in dairy company AGNO SA, in Thessaloniki, indicated that the company post-dated the pasteurisation date on their products. As per the EFETs announcement, during the processing and packaging of fresh cream the company post-dated the pasteurisation date by two days, while during a check at the refrigerators quantities of fresh pasteurised milk were found on which the pasteurisation date was March 26,which means that the products were post-dated by at least two days. Over 64 tonnes of products were confiscated, while the inspectors will compile a report so that the company can be referred to the relevant judicial authorities.

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

[02] Bakoyannis' Speech to the UN SC Greece Is Standing by Haiti

By Tina Valaoura

Sources: ANA - NET

Greek FM Dora Bakoyannis, who is visiting the UN headquarters in New York, addressed a speech to the Security Council, which was convening over the issue of Haiti.

Bakoyannis noted the gravity of the next few weeks for the country, stressing the significance of expedient and unobstructed transfer of power to all levels and the formation of a new Government. In addition, she urged all relevant authorities to actively participate in the political process and respect the electoral results. The FM further mentioned that Greece is standing by Haiti, a country that first recognised Greeces independence, while, before Haitian President Rene Garcia Preval, she announced the doubling of Greek aid to the sum of 200,000 euros.

After the talks, and in view of her upcoming meeting with the UN Secretary-General, Bakoyannis was asked to reveal her agenda with Kofi Annan. "Naturally, our topic with be the issue with Cyprus, especially due to the recent mobility following the Secretary-Generals meeting with Mr Papadopoulos [Cypriot President] in Paris," she said, voicing the hope for a new initiative on the issue.

Asked to comment on how Greece would react in case Turkey does not fulfil its obligations towards the EU, she noted, "As you are aware, it has obligations and it has to follow them for its European course. I hope that it will fulfil its pledges."

Then, answering to a question concerning the statements made by Turkish PM Recep Tayyip Erdogan for Thrace, she declared, "Greece is a modern, democratic country, with isonomy and respect for peoples rights."

Translated by Vicky Ghionis

[03] Criticism Against Civil Mobilisation Alavanos PNO Meeting

By Vagelis Theodorou

Alekos Alavanos described civil mobilisation as a measure derived from the junta whilst presenting SYNs proposal on its abolishment to the Panhellenic Seamens Federation (PNO). Mr Alavanos accused the Government of ignoring the Justice in the seamens case and noted that issues, such as the high rate of unemployment and the situation of the Greek Merchant Seamens Pension Fund (NAT), will be presented by SYN in Parliament.

On his part, Secretary of the PNO Giannis Chalas described the civil mobilisation as "a felony" adding that the Federation has turned to the Council of State, while thanking Mr Alavanos for his support.

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

[04] For all EU Citizens Hi-Tech Driving Licences

By Mary Lou Tzempelikou

Sources: ANA - NET

A new era for driving licences will begin, following the decision of the European Union Transport Ministers Council, which provides for all EU Member States to be issuing hi-tech licences by 2012. The new licences will be very different to the standard pink three-fold ones, since they will be in the form of a credit card. They will possibly carry a microchip containing all of the drivers details, including blood type and number of traffic violations. The microchip will allow for the speedy recognition of the driver, with respect to the EU regulations and the privacy of personal information. The new "smarter" licences are expected to effectively deal with forgery, which will be rendered extremely difficult, while the cross-checking of information will be immediate.

Stricter Rules for Greater Security

The Greek Ministry of Transport aims at issuing the new licences within 2007.

At the same time, minimum common prerequisites will apply for medical exams, as well as stricter criteria for the selection of examiners.

The decision of the EU25 transport ministers also provides for the gradual replacement of the 110 different types of drivers licences currently in circulation throughout the EU, which has to be concluded within the next 26 years, i.e. by 2032. The EU directive will start being implemented as of 2006, while all European driving licences would have to be issued using the new form by 2012.

It should be noted that the EU directive does not provide for common rules in acquiring licences at a European level, but licences would have to be renewed every 10 years, with the possibility of this being extended to 15 years for any Member States wishing to do so. At the same time, the drivers details would also be updated during renewal, while Member States would be able to require drivers undergo precautionary medical exams.

In addition, there will be changes to motorcycle licences, as those will vary according to the cubic capacity of each motorcycle. Under 24s will be unable to ride heavier, more powerful motorcycles, while younger riders would be able to do so, provided they can prove that they had been driving lighter motorcycles for at least two years.

Translated by Vicky Ghionis

[05] Broken up in Pangrati Baby-Smuggling Ring

Sources: NET - ANA

On Monday morning, during an operation in Pangrati, Attica Police broke up yet another baby-smuggling ring, as they arrested three Bulgarians who they were trying to sell a 20-day-old infant to a couple from Northern Greece. Later on, the police brought into custody another two women and a one-month-old infant, which they were probably going to sell. High-ranking officers have termed the case as extremely serious, given that it constitutes the continuation of other baby-smuggling cases involving Bulgarians that have been troubling the Greek authorities. The Police Juvenile Department has been collaborating with the Organised Crime Unit to crack the cases.

According to police evidence so far, at least ten people are implicated in the case and specifically four Greeks (three men and a woman) and six Bulgarians (including three pregnant women).

The Greeks were arrested at noon in Pangrati, as they were handing the 20-month-old infant over to a couple of police officers, who were posing as buyers.

The relevant authorities are investigating the possibility of the specific ring being related to the recent arrests of a Bulgarian in Lamia and of five Bulgarians in Volos. In the first case, the man and his two brothers were holding four pregnant women from Bulgaria until they gave birth, in order to sell the babies. In the second case, the five Bulgarians were trying to sell a 40-day-old infant for 13,000 euros.

The police are expected to proceed with further announcements as soon as the preliminary inquiry is concluded.

Translated by Vicky Ghionis

[06] No Ukrainian Party in the Lead Coalition Government Possible

By Dimitris Alexopoulos

Sources: ANA - Reuters

The Ukrainian parties are heading towards a coalition government, as yesterdays elections did not reveal a clear leader. With half of the votes counted so far, Viktor Yanukovichs pro-Russian Regions Party is in the lead with 27.05%, Yulia Tymoshenkos Bloc received 23.58%, while President Viktor Yushchenkos Our Ukraine is third with 16.18%. The EU, the USA ands Russia hailed the electoral results, while the Organisation for Safety and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) deemed the elections irreproachable and democratic.

Liberal Parties Have the Upper Hand

The electoral results in the Ukraine signalled the comeback of former pro-Russian President Viktor Yanukovich to the countrys political scene.

Yanukovich had been driven away from office in 2004, during the so-called Orange Revolution, following complaints for vote rigging.

As for the leaders of the peaceful overturning of the pro-Russian President, current Ukrainian President Viktor Yushchenkos party is third, behind former PM Yulia Tymoshenko. Based on the results, none of the parties can form an autonomous government.

However, despite their differences, all the political forces have declared ready to form a coalition government, while the former PM and former ally of President Yushchenko, who lost her post last year, is pressuring for an agreement over a liberal party coalition.

On the other hand, Viktor Yushchenko has not revealed anything yet, declaring that any type of coalition would depend on the final results.

The sum of the percentages gained by the liberal parties exceeds that of Viktor Yanukovichs Regions Party, which finished in first place in Sundays elections.

Translated by Vicky Ghionis

Read the story on other sources:

BBC: Ukraine leaders jostle for power

Related News:

Opposition Party in the Lead

[07] At a Convention of the Governing Party Erdogan's Provocative Statements

By Mary Lou Tzempelikou

Sources: NET - ANA

Speaking at a local convention of governing party Justice and Development in Ankara, Turkish PM Recep Tayyip Erdogan referred provocatively to the Cypriot issue once again. Erdogan accused the Greek-Cypriot side of intransigence, especially after its accession to the EU, saying, "Turkey will not be raising the bar any higher than the Annan Plan," and stressing that the Greek-Cypriot side should do the same. In addition, he refused anew of fulfilling the Turkish obligations towards Cyprus, as provided for by the Union Protocol, including opening the ports and airports, if the restrictions against the Turkish-Cypriot side are not lifted. "Those who are avoiding to invite the Turkish-Cypriots to the table will not be able to negotiate with us either. Because they have to know that the primary speaker is the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus," he said. Furthermore, he appeared quite provocative against Greece, claiming that the Muslims of Western Thrace are being deprived of their religious liberties.

"It is very interesting, for example, that in Western Thrace, the Muslims cannot choose their religious leaders. The Greek Government is saying that it will be the one choosing those leaders. However, we do not appoint the leader of the Patriarchate in Turkey, he is appointed by them. Therefore, we are more liberal," he noted. Referring to the restoration of temples, he said that Turkey allows the repair and restoration of Orthodox churches, although Greece is refusing to do the same for three mosques in Athens.

Commenting on the statements made by the Turkish PM, Government spokesperson Theodoros Roussopoulos stressed, "The Muslim minority enjoys equality before the law."

Translated by Vicky Ghionis

[08] At Least 40 Persons Dead and 30 Injured Multi-Fatality Attack in Iraq

By Vagelis Theodorou

The wave of violence in Iraq seems to be never-ending. At least 30 persons were killed and 20 injured in a suicide attack in a US-Iraqi army base in Mosul. As a local official stated, a suicide bomber detonated the explosives he was carrying inside military base Aski Kalak, at the time when civilians were waiting to be recruited in the army. In an announcement, the US Army reported that no Americans were among the victims, while adding that the attack was performed by a car bomb. In the meantime, the funerals of 20 Shiites took place amid a tense climate. However, this was not the only attack of the day, as another seven people were killed and 23 were injured during two mortar attacks in Zaafaraniya, on the southern of Baghdad. It is noted that the Shiites were killed during a military operation in a Baghdad mosque on Sunday night.

Anger over Mosque Operation

The leaders of the Shiites accused American soldiers over the massacre in the mosque, however, the US refuted any involvement in the attacks, which were targeted at radical Shiite cleric Moqtada al-Sadr.

"The American forces went into Mustafa mosque and killed more than 20 worshippers [...] They tied them up and shot them," said a Sadr aide.

On its part, in a statement, the US Army reported that the Iraqi Special Forces raided the district of Adhamiyah while targeting a terrorist cell, adding that US men were in the area but were playing an advisory role.

In the meantime, Governor of Baghdad Husayn al-Tahan announced that he will suspend any cooperation with US Forces until an independent investigation is carried out, while adding that the US Embassy and the Iraqi Defence Ministry should participate in the committee, but not the US Army.

At the same time, the Shiite Islamic Cooperation asked for the return of the control of the area from the US forces to the Iraqi Government.

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

Read the story on other sources:

BBC: Many dead in US-Iraq base blast

CNN: Suicide bomber kills 20 near Mosul

Related News:

Horror Reigns in Iraq

[09] Confidence Vote Expected by Parliament Hamas Calls on Quartet

By Vagelis Theodorou

During the first day of the meeting over the confidence vote, Prime Minister-designate Ismail Haniyeh presented the programme of the 24-member Government. Mr Haniyeh stated that the Government is ready for a dialogue with the Quartet (UN, EU, US, Russia) aimed at "ending the clash and the reestablishment of serenity in the area." "We were never followers of war, terrorism or bloodshed, but it is the Israeli occupation exercising all forms of terrorism against our people," stated the PM-designate, while calling on the US to review their policy over Palestinians and "stop supporting the occupation and following double standards." The confidence vote procedure is expected to conclude on Wednesday and is considered as routine, since Hamas has 77 out of the 132 seats in Parliament.

Financial Aid to Continue

Mr Haniyeh also proposed for a dialogue to take place with all counties, in order to ensure the continuation of international aid to the Palestinians, reassuring that the sum of money will be spent in full transparency.

Among others, Mr Haniyeh said that the Governmental programme includes the fight against occupation, the obliteration of Jewish settlements and the apartheid wall, as well as the creation of an independent Palestinian state, the capital of which will be Jerusalem.

The PM-designate noted that his Government rejects Israels unilateral segregation plan "aimed at transforming our country into secluded cantons."

It is noted that the meeting of Palestinian Parliament over the confidence vote begins a day prior to Israels Parliamentary elections, where the opinion polls are giving the lead to Kadima, the party founded by Ariel Sharon and led by Ehud Olmert.

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

Read the story on other sources:

Middle East Times: Hamas ready for international Mideast peace push

Le Monde: Le Hamas se dit pret au dialogue avec le Quartet pour mettre fin au conflit palestinien

Ha'aretz: Hamas: We need peace more than any nation

Related News:

Opinion Polls Point to Kadima

Hamas Presents Cabinet

[10] Israel Goes to Polls on Tuesday Opinion Polls Point to Kadima

By Vagelis Theodorou

A day before the Israelis go to the polls for the emergence of their new Government, opinions polls are bringing Kadima first. The party was founded by Ariel Sharon and led by current Prime Minister Ehud Olmert. As per a research by Dahaf Institute, in a sample of 1,115 persons with an error percentage of +/-3% for newspaper Yiediot Aharonot, Kadima wins 34 seats of out Knessets 120, Amir Peretzs Labour Party 21 and Benyamin Netanyahus 13. In another opinion poll by Telseker Institute to a sample of 1,300 persons, with the same error percentage and published in newspaper Maariv, Kadima receives 34 seats, Labour 17 and Likoud 14.

The Parliamentary elections are taking place under the shadow of Hamas win in the 25 January elections in Palestinian territory and the sudden withdrawal of Prime Minister Ariel Sharon from politics, following the stroke he suffered on 4 January.

More than 5 million voters are called to go to the polls. However, the turnout is expected to be low, while the undecided exceed 20%. The main issue of the pre-election agenda, as well as the issue that the Government is expected to discuss, is the long-term delay of mapping out the borders of Israel.

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

Read the story on other sources:

Ha'aretz: On election eve, opinion polls remain 'undecided' as well

Der Spiegel: Abstimmung uber die Landkarte

Related News:

Hamas Calls on Quartet

[11] Rimonabant Knock-off Available on the Net EU Warns of Counterfeit Drugs

By Tina Valaoura

On Monday, the European Union warned consumers of the dangerous fake anti-obesity drug rimonabant, which is available on the Internet. "This latest example underlines European Commission concern that criminals are taking advantage of the anonymity of the Internet to sell fake, adulterated and unlicensed medicines to an unsuspecting public, putting lives at risk as well as undermining the pharmaceutical industry," is mentioned in the European Commissions Press release.

To Be Marketed under the Name Acomplia

French pharmaceutical company Sanofi-Aventis intends to market rimonabant under the name Acomplia, once it is approved by the relevant EU scientific committee.

It has also been noted that the specific drug can assist in smoking cessation.

As per the Commissions announcement, 170 medicines have been identified to be counterfeit in the illegal distribution channels over the past 5 years, including Viagra and anti-viral Tamiflu.

Translated by Vicky Ghionis

[12] For all EU Citizens Hi-Tech Driving Licences

By Mary Lou Tzempelikou

Sources: ANA - NET

A new era for driving licences will begin, following the decision of the European Union Transport Ministers Council, which provides for all EU Member States to be issuing hi-tech licences by 2012. The new licences will be very different to the standard pink three-fold ones, since they will be in the form of a credit card. They will possibly carry a microchip containing all of the drivers details, including blood type and number of traffic violations. The microchip will allow for the speedy recognition of the driver, with respect to the EU regulations and the privacy of personal information. The new "smarter" licences are expected to effectively deal with forgery, which will be rendered extremely difficult, while the cross-checking of information will be immediate.

Stricter Rules for Greater Security

The Greek Ministry of Transport aims at issuing the new licences within 2007.

At the same time, minimum common prerequisites will apply for medical exams, as well as stricter criteria for the selection of examiners.

The decision of the EU25 transport ministers also provides for the gradual replacement of the 110 different types of drivers licences currently in circulation throughout the EU, which has to be concluded within the next 26 years, i.e. by 2032. The EU directive will start being implemented as of 2006, while all European driving licences would have to be issued using the new form by 2012.

It should be noted that the EU directive does not provide for common rules in acquiring licences at a European level, but licences would have to be renewed every 10 years, with the possibility of this being extended to 15 years for any Member States wishing to do so. At the same time, the drivers details would also be updated during renewal, while Member States would be able to require drivers undergo precautionary medical exams.

In addition, there will be changes to motorcycle licences, as those will vary according to the cubic capacity of each motorcycle. Under 24s will be unable to ride heavier, more powerful motorcycles, while younger riders would be able to do so, provided they can prove that they had been driving lighter motorcycles for at least two years.

Translated by Vicky Ghionis

[13] Tough 3-0 for Olympiacos

By Stathis Petropoulos

Playing without Rivadlo and another two main defenders, Anatolakis and Schurrer, Olympiacos had a much harder time than demonstrated by the 3-0 result in its match against Atromitos. Although Konstantinou snapped the early lead for his team with a goal in the 18, the home team had it rough against Giorgos Paraschos boys, who were at times right in contesting the calls of referee Dabosis assistants. In the 71, Bulut headed in Olympiacos second goal, off Marics corner kick, scoring his first goal in the championship. The third goal was scored by team captain Djordjevic with a penalty kick, following a manoeuvre which should have cost Katemis a red card. Dabosis final blow was delivered just before the final whistle. Nikopolidis knocked over Djebbour and the referee awarded a foul, but only showed the goalkeeper a yellow card.

Referee: Dabosis (Pieria) Yellow Cards: Nikopolidis Katemis

OLYMPIACOS: Nikopolidis, Pantos, Bulut, Kostoulas, Toure, Stoltidis (87 Taralidis), Georgatos (46 Castillo), Kafes, Konstantinou, Okkas (68 Maric), Djordjevic

ATROMITOS: Michailidis, Geladaris, Georgious, Dagas, Katemis, Koutsis (71 Dimos), Raguel, Korakakis (80 Sotirhos), Merino, Zacharopoulos (66 Karadimos), Djebbour.

Translated by Vicky Ghionis

[14] He Attended a Traditional Costume Exhibition Papoulias Visits Lyceum of Greek Women

By Mary Lou Tzempelikou

On Monday, President of the Republic Karolos Papoulias visited the exhibition of traditional costume of Pogoni, Epirus, his hometown, which is being organised by the Lyceum of Greek Women. Mr Papoulias was toured in the rooms of the exhibition by the President of the Lyceum, Eleni Tsaldari, and the exhibitions curator Lili Antzaka, while he showed special interest on the complex way in which the women tied their headdress. During the small reception which followed the visit, Mr Papoulias congratulated the Board of Directors of the Lyceum of Greek Women on its work, concerning the projection and the preservation of Greek traditional costume.

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

[15] Rimonabant Knock-off Available on the Net EU Warns of Counterfeit Drugs

By Tina Valaoura

On Monday, the European Union warned consumers of the dangerous fake anti-obesity drug rimonabant, which is available on the Internet. "This latest example underlines European Commission concern that criminals are taking advantage of the anonymity of the Internet to sell fake, adulterated and unlicensed medicines to an unsuspecting public, putting lives at risk as well as undermining the pharmaceutical industry," is mentioned in the European Commissions Press release.

To Be Marketed under the Name Acomplia

French pharmaceutical company Sanofi-Aventis intends to market rimonabant under the name Acomplia, once it is approved by the relevant EU scientific committee.

It has also been noted that the specific drug can assist in smoking cessation.

As per the Commissions announcement, 170 medicines have been identified to be counterfeit in the illegal distribution channels over the past 5 years, including Viagra and anti-viral Tamiflu.

Translated by Vicky Ghionis

[16] For a Muslim in India Dreamy Divorce

By Tina Valaoura

Sources: ANA - Reuters

A Muslim couple from India was told by local religious leaders that they had to separate, as the husband divorced his wife in his sleep. The Press Trust of India reported that Sohela Ansari, the wife, told friends that her husband Aftab had uttered the word talaq (divorce) three times in his sleep.

When the local Islamic leaders found out, they said that Aftabs words constituted a divorce under an Islamic procedure known as "triple talaq". Aftab and Sohela have been married for 11 years and have three children. The religious leaders ruled that if the couple wanted to remarry they would have to wait at least 100 days. In addition, Sohela would also have to spend a night with another man and be divorced by him in turn.

The couple, who live in the eastern state of West Bengal, have refused to obey the order and the issue has been referred to a local family counselling centre. Indias minority Muslim population is governed by Islamic personal laws on issues such as marriage, divorce and property inheritance.

"This is a totally unnecessary controversy and the local community leaders, or whoever has said it, are totally ignorant of Islamic law. The law clearly says any action under compulsion or in a state of intoxication has no effect. The case of someone uttering something while asleep falls under this category and will have no impact whatsoever," said Zafarul-Islam Khan, an Islamic scholar and editor of The Milli Gazette, a popular Muslim newspaper.

[17] At Volos Hospital On Strike over On-Call Shifts

Sources: ΝΕΤ - ΝΕΤ 105.8

Doctors at Volos Hospital have announced an extended strike as of Monday, over a series of demands relating to their on-call shifts. The doctors are asking for the suspension of the judicial and administrative procedures that commenced after the prosecutors inspected the Hospital and realised that a great number of doctors that were supposedly on call were away. At the same time, they are claiming that no lodging is provided in regional hospitals, while they are scheduled to perform over 15 on-call shifts per month. However, they are saying that the hospitals never lack emergency specialisations. The whole matter has raised concerns within the Ministry of Health, since it is a common secret that on-call doctors stay at home, not only because of lack of lodging, but also because of personnel shortages. The matter, though, is being reviewed so as to find solutions.

Translated by Vicky Ghionis

[18] Four Gypsies Testified Remanded in Custody for Burglaries

Sources: ANA - NET

Four gypsies, all members of the gang accused of a series of robberies and burglaries in houses in western Greece and NE Attica, were remanded in custody. According to the police, which arrested the defendants after a major operation last Wednesday, the four gypsies including a 16-year-old are implicated in the murder of an 80-year-old woman in Ypato, Viotia. The defendants testified before the Examiner, while a commotion was stirred in the office when the relatives tried to attack the police officers. In the meantime, as per the ongoing investigation, the gang is also accused of other burglaries. A 74-year-old woman from Martino and an 83-year-old woman from Moschochori, Fthiotida, also fell victims to the gang, while evidence against them has surfaced for another 13 burglaries in Attica and specifically in Petroupoli, Peristeri, Agia Varvara, Nea Ionia, Maroussi and Kifisia.

Related News:

Gypsy Gang Broken Up

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