The Hellenic Radio (ERA): News in English, 06-04-05

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

CONTENTS

[01] Biministerial Committee Convenes Extension for Olympic Airlines

By Anna Kourti

Sources: ÍÅÔ 105.8 - ÍÅÔ

The Biministerial Committee is convening Wednesday to discuss the DEKOs (public utilities and enterprises), while the meeting is attended by directors of the companies that are heavily in debt, including OSE (National Railway Company), OASA (Athens Urban Transport Organisation) and the Greek Aerospace Industry. Speaking on radio station NET 105.8, Economy Minister Giorgos Alogoskoufis announced the incorporation of Olympic Airlines into the new law for DEKOs, saying that the matter will be discussed at the biministerial meeting. In the meantime, the European Commission granted a two-month extension for OA to return the illegal state aid it had received for the period 1998-2002. In addition, the EC warned that if the company does not comply the case will be referred to the European Court, while it proposed the imposition of penalties.

Translated by Vicky Ghionis

Related News:

Two-Month Extension to OA

[02] Meetings to Resolve the Deadlock French CPE at the Focus

By Athina Saloustrou

As per the organisers of Tuesdays mass rallies, over three million protesters around the country participated in collective actions, asking for the law to be repealed. This prompted the head of the governing partys (UMP) parliamentary group, Bernard Accoyer, to extend an invitation to all the leaders of the trade unions to commence talks in order to defuse the situation in France, created by the law for the First Employment Contract (CPE). With a letter to all the unions, co-signed by senior UMP member Josselin de Rohan, Accoyer offered to debate "without bias" a new draft law designed to modify the CPE. "Well be ready as of tomorrow to receive the unions," stressed Accoyer, adding that the meeting will take place at the Senate. Accoyer and Rohan will also meet with student unions and employer groups. The role of the UMP as mediator between the Government and the people is to the advantage of Interior Minister Nicolas Sarkozy, Villepins rival for presidential nominee.

Tough times for Villepin

The leaders of unions CGT and CFDT, Bernard Thibault and Francois Chereque, declared willing to accept the invitation to dialogue, provided that the discussion does not just focus on the amendment to the law. As they noted, although the Government declares it is open for a "without bias" debate, in essence it will probably not repeal the law signed by President Jacques Chirac, who offered to amend it later.

Despite the fact that the rallies were peaceful, over 383 people were arrested in Paris, while there were also reports of arrests in Rennes. Laurence Parisot, the head of the Medef employers group, spoke of a "threat to the Economy" because of the collective actions, urging for the crisis to be resolved as soon as possible. On Friday, however, Finance Minister Thierry Breton had declared that the current crisis, as well as the crisis in the French suburbs in winter, had not affected the Economy.

Following Tuesdays actions, CGTs Bernard Thibault declared, "I hope these rallies will help us deal it [CPE] the fatal blow."

The governing party and its leader, Interior Minister Nicolas Sarkozy, have taken over the task of defusing the crisis, since PM Dominique de Villepin has lost a significant part of his popularity, as per the opinion polls.

Villepin was the one who proposed the CPE law, presenting it as a way to reduce unemployment among youths, which is estimated at 22% - although analysts believe it is lower among the active population. However, he saw his popularity drop by 20 percentile units to 28% in the last two months, with a 14% reduction just last month. The crisis has significantly reduced his chances of being nominated by the UMP for president. As a matter of fact, 64% of those asked declared they have formed a negative opinion towards the PM.

In addition, a 3% drop was also recorded in the popularity of Chirac, with 36% for and 56% against, mainly due to his support towards Villepin, whom he was hoping would become his successor. However, Chirac seems to have distanced himself from Villepin lately, acting as a mediator between the UMP and the trade unions.

Translated by Vicky Ghionis

Read the story on other sources:

BBC: French unions to discuss job law

The New York Times: French Premier Refuses to Bow to Protests by Angry Youths

Le Monde: Apres le succes du 4 avril, l'UMP engage de nouvelles negociations avec les syndicats

Related News:

France Hit by Mass Rallies

[03] No Reports on Victims or Damages Quake Rocks Western Greece

By Anna Kourti

Sources: ÁNA - ÍÅÔ 105.8

A strong earthquake registering 5.7 on the Richter scale was recorded in the early hours of the Wednesday morning in Western Greece, with the epicenter located in the sea SW of the island of Zakynthos. There have been no reports on victims or damages yet. The quake was felt in the Prefectures of Achaia, Ilia, Etoloakarnania, Zakynthos and other parts west of the country. Firefighting and police forces are inspecting the area to list any damages. Seismologist Gerasimos Chouliaras of the Geodynamics Institute voiced his reservations as to the development of the seismic activity in the area, where apart from the 5.7 quake at 1:05am, another tremor measuring 4.7 had been recorded two days ago. On this part, Zakyntos Prefect Dionysis Gasparos appeared concerned over the two consecutive earthquakes with the same epicenter.

Translated by Vicky Ghionis

[04] For the Organisational Programme Karamanlis-Kaklamanis Meeting

By Vivian Papastefanou

On Wednesday morning, Nikitas Kalamanis briefed PM Kostas Karamanlis on his organisational programme in view of the upcoming municipal elections. The meeting was also attended by NDs Central Committee general secretary Lefteris Zagoritis. Upon exiting Maximos Mansion, Kaklamanis declared he would seek to meet with Cabinet ministers who are co-responsible for Local Self-Government, adding that he would be holding meetings with Public Works Minister Giorgos Souflias and Interior Minister Prokopis Pavlopoulos before Easter. Answering to a question concerning his relationship with current Health Minister Dimitris Avramopoulos, he underlined, "As a member of the party, I am interested in the unity of the party, the continuation of the governments task and my vision for the city of Athens," adding, "Nothing has happened." In another question as to whether an issue was created when Avramopoulos repealed a provision of a bill for medicines, which had been submitted by Kaklamanis, the former Health Minister responded, "No problem." He went on to add, "The bill has three main axes pertaining to abolishing the medicine list, returning money to the social security funds and stamping out bureaucracy. All three axes are unaltered and will be ratified."

"Athens Benefited by Kaklamanis' Nomination"

NDs Central Committee secretary Lefteris Zagoritis stressed, "Athens can only benefit from Kaklamanis nomination" Answering to a question regarding the insulting mottos heard during the Culture Ministers speech at DAP (New Democracy-affiliated students union) in Thessaloniki on Tuesday, he stressed that both Giorgos Voulgarakis and the president of ONNED (NDs youth organisation) condemned the mottos, adding. "They do not honour our political culture."

Asked to comment on the allegation concerning the wiretapping of reporters phones, he referred to Public Order Minister Byron Polidoras statements, noting that the Government has nothing to fear.

Finally, the Central Committee secretary underlined that ND wishes for the truth to prevail, reminding that the Government was a wiretapping victim as well and wants the guilty parties to be punished.

Translated by Vicky Ghionis

[05] Polls Opened Student Elections

By Anna Kourti

Sources: NET 105.8

Students for all over Greece are voting Wednesday to elect their representatives at the executive boards of the associations. The polls opened at 8pm and will close at sundown. The turnout is not expected to exceed that of last years (30-40%), while it will not be possible for joint results to be announced this year either. On Tuesday, PASOK leader George Papandreou and Culture Minister Giorgos Voulgarakis crossed swords while talking to members of PASP (PASOK-affiliated students union) and DAP-NDFK (New Democracy-affiliated students union). PASOK stressed that the Culture Minister was "greatly exposed" as he did not react to the insulting mottos against Papandreou. Later on, the Minister condemned the mottos, which, as he said, do not represent either himself or the vast majority of DAP students.

Translated by Vicky Ghionis

[06] He Used Vulgar Word to Describe Centre-Left Voters Berlusconi's Vulgar Word Shocks Italy

By Athina Saloustrou

The vulgar word used by Italian PM Silvio Berlusconi to describe the centre-left voters has made the headlines both in Italy and the international press. Berlusconi said that the voters would be "idiots" if they voted for centre-left in the upcoming elections. "Berlusconi attacked and insulted the left voters," read Italian paper Corriere Della Sera. "Is it just nervousness or yet another exaggeration?" wondered La Republica. The Italian Press reported that the word "coglioni" used by the Italian PM while addressing a shopkeepers group is a slang word for testicles. However, the Italian PM initially argued that the Press distorted his words, while later at night he stressed he meant to say "masochists." Silvio Berlusconi claimed that the Left always vies to distort his words and make a fuss about non-existent cases. He then went on to clarify that he just meant to be ironic, while they have been showering him with insults. On his part, centre-left leader Romano Prodi spoke of a "lousy provocation" and called on the voters to turn their backs on it.

Translated by Areti Christou

Read the story on other sources:

Corriere della Sera : Berlusconi:«Non credo tanti coglioni....»

[07] In Need of Financial Aid Somalia Threatened by Famine

By Athina Saloustrou

Somalia is in need of financial assistance amounting to $326 million so as to deal with the crop shortages and the famine threatening the countrys new Government. As announced by the UNs coordinator of humanitarian of Humanitarian Affairs in the country, Christian Balslev-Olesen, the drought plaguing NE Africa is extremely acute in Somalia, where the new Government only has control over a small part of the country, while nearly half of the animals have perished. Speaking at a Press conference, he noted that over 2 million of the countrys 9 million inhabitants are already in need of food, while over 10,000 people are expected to die each month if assistance does not arrive. The local war chiefs took over the country after the outing of dictator Mohamed Siad Barre in 1991, while the new Government returned to the country from Kenya last February. Balslev-Olesen warned that if the international community does not contribute to this humanitarian aid, there will be repercussions to the political process. He also stressed that although Somalia has always needed some kind of humanitarian assistance, "this current drought is unprecedented in 10 years."

Translated by Vicky Ghionis

[08] Trial Resumes Saddam Back to Court

By Anna Kourti

Sources: Reuters, BBC, ANA

Saddam Hussein is on trial again, charged with killing 148 Shiite Muslims some 20 years ago, just a day after the court announced that he would face new charges of genocide and crimes against humanity. Shortly before the hearing commenced, Saddam blasted the Iraqi Interior Minister for killing thousands of Iraqis. "Its the side that kills thousands in the street and tortures them," underlined the toppled leader, criticising the Interior Ministry for having been taken over by Shiite Muslims. When the court president interrupted him, Saddam snapped, "If youre scared of the Interior Minister, he doesnt scare my dog."

Read the story on other sources:

BBC: Saddam Hussein appears in court

Reuters: Saddam returns to court, denounces Interior Ministry

Related News:

Saddam Charged with Genocide

[09] First Step by Panathinaikos

By Stathis Petropoulos

Panathinaikos pulled away to defeat Tau Ceramica 84-72 and made the first step to advance to the Prague final four. At a packed OAKA Olympic arena, the Greek team won the first leg and in case they "dazzle" the Basque at their home, they will make it to the final four. If not, they will host Tau anew at the OAKA arena on April 12. As it was expected, the first "battle" between the teams was not at all an easy one. Panathinaikos won the game because they made fewer turnovers, eight compared to 24 by Tau, and because of their excellent defence. The score per period: 24-21, 43-37, 61-58, 84-72.

Translated by Areti Christou

[10] Olympiacos Neared the Dream

By Stathis Petropoulos

Olympiacos missed a great chance to get off on the right foot and score a surprise win against Maccabi Tel Aviv in Israel. They suffered an 84-78 defeat in their first game, although they fought well. Undeniably, the encounter was rather difficult, yet the Greek team demonstrated a fighting spirit and balanced the game when the Israelis managed to take a substantial lead, proving that there is a pretty tedious task ahead for Maccabi at the Peace and Friendship Stadium in Athens. The turnovers and the poor defence, which marred Olympiacos performance in the first half, gave their way to a stiff defence in the second half. However, Maccabi remained calm and claimed the victory. The score per period: 27-23, 51-42, 70-62, 87-78.

Translated by Areti Christou

[11] "The Threat Has Not Diminished" Britain Continues 7 July Investigation

By Athina Saloustrou

Sources: Reuters

Investigations into last Julys London suicide bombings are proceeding with no let-up, but the terrorist threat to Britain has not declined, the countrys top anti-terrorism investigator, Peter Clarke, said on Tuesday. "Since July, the pace of investigation, the scale of the threat has not diminished in any way whatsoever," the national coordinator of terrorism investigations told a security conference in Germany. He added, "There are no terrorist-free zones in the United Kingdom. The footprint of international terrorism is in every part of the country." Clarke declined to give a progress update on the London bomb probe, which he said involved more than 35,000 documents, 10,000 witness statements, 38,000 police exhibits and 90,000 pieces of computer evidence. Asked about the extent of foreign backing and support for the four young Muslim men who blew themselves up, Clarke told Reuters, "Thats something were still looking at."

Three of the attackers were British-born men of Pakistani origin, while several of the plotters had travelled to Pakistan before the bombings, but police have not said publicly if they believe they received training, support or instructions from there.

Clarke said he had just returned from a trip to Pakistan, but this was to discuss broader cooperation issues, not specifically the 7 July investigation.

Commenting on the wider threat from Islamist radicals, he told the conference he was concerned about the difficulty of getting sources inside the Muslim community to come forward with intelligence. As he noted, though, most of the cases are a result of intelligence that has come from overseas.

[12] Humanitarian aid for H5N1 The USA Wants to Help, But

By Athina Saloustrou

Sources: Reuters

The United States wants to increase humanitarian assistance to Palestinians and help them control an outbreak of bird flu, even though it will not give aid to a Hamas-led government, US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice said on Tuesday. "One thing we are reviewing is how we can even increase our humanitarian assistance because we dont want to send a negative message to the Palestinian people about their humanitarian needs," Rice told a congressional budget hearing. The United States has banned its officials and contractors from having contact with Palestinian ministries after a Hamas-led government was sworn in late last month facing a budget crisis. It was not immediately clear if Rice would make an exception to allow some US coordination over bird flu with Palestinian officials in a Hamas-led government.

"I can assure you that we are doing everything that we can to avoid any assistance to the Palestinian government that is Hamas-led," she said. "I might note that the only time that emergency situations for instance we are dealing right now with an avian flu outbreak in the Palestinian territories. I think we will want to do whatever is necessary to deal with that avian flu outbreak."

[13] Twelve Killed Deadly Floods in Yemen

By Anna Kourti

Sources: ANA - AFP

At least 12 people have lost their lives in Yemen to lightning strikes and floods caused by the torrential rains afflicting the country. As per the authorities, the floods recorded on Monday killed three people in Dhamar, 70km south of capital Sanaa. Three more people, including two young girls, died in the province of Hodeida, some 270km west of the capital. Another six people were struck dead by lightning Monday in Manakhah, which lies midway between Hodeida and Sanaa, the official Saba news agency reported. It should be noted that at least five people were killed by floods that swept through Dhamar at the start of Yemens rainy season in February.

[14] By the Bush Administration New Counterterrorism Plan

By Anna Kourti

Sources: Reuters - ÁNA

Four and a half years after the 9/11 attacks, the Bush administration is nearing completion of a government-wide strategic plan for the war on terror that would assign counterterrorism tasks to specific federal agencies and departments. As per officials, the plan is part of the administrations effort to bring greater integration and coordination to the counterterrorism activities of different agencies and departments including the CIA, FBI, Treasury Department, Pentagon and State Department. Planning began late last summer under the direction of the National Counterterrorism Centre, an entity created by the congressionally mandated intelligence reforms. A counterterrorism official who asked not to be identified said the plan was expected to be completed by 30 June. A new strategic operational plan for the war on terror could mean a change of traditional US government practices in non-combat zones overseas, where resident ambassadors have been viewed as wielding primary authority over all US activities.

"There are grey areas. It would be quite a different issue if you were operating, lets say, in a Jordan how you might deal with that particular government as opposed to the problems that might be posed in a Somalia where there is no viable government," said Thomas OConnell, assistant Defence Secretary for special operations and low-intensity conflict.

Diplomats should continue to pull together counterterrorism operations in countries where US troops are not deployed in combat, but in combat zones such as Iraq, primary authority over counterterrorism operations rests with the Pentagon. The Pentagon said last month it was placing special operations troops in US embassies in about two dozen countries to gather information on potential terror threats.

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