The Hellenic Radio (ERA): News in English, 06-05-11

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

CONTENTS

[01] For the Constitution Gov't Proposals on Review

Sources: NET 105.8

Prime Minister Kostas Karamanlis referred to the seven main points of the constitutional review, while addressing New Democracys parliamentary group on Thursday morning. The PM proposed, among others, the establishment of private Universities, tougher audits for MPs declaration of assets, increasing the number of State MPs and abolishing the incompatibility institution for MPs. Meanwhile on Wednesday, in view of the review discussion, PASOK leader George Papandreou proposed direct elections for the President of the Hellenic Republic, stressing the need for a clear solution, since the inability of Parliament to elect a President leads to its dissolution. In addition, he suggested changes in the electoral system, distinct roles between the Church and the State, and the constitutional protection of decentralisation. Direct elections for the President would change the system of government, noted governmental circles, accusing PASOKs President of trying to create impressions. Finally, SYN (Coalition of the Left) described Papandreous proposal as an effort to weaken the peoples intervention and representation.

Substantial Review

The PMs speech concentrated on seven main points:

Contemporary Education for all Strengthening independence in the justice sector Conservation of the environment Protection of private property, including copyright Rule of law at the service of all citizens Safeguarding the strong Local Governments An institutional framework that guarantees transparency

After speaking of a substantial review, far from political conveniences, Karamanlis analysed his partys proposals, which, as he said, would consolidate the reestablishment of the State.

Translated by Vicky Ghionis

Related News:

Proposals on Constitutional Review

[02] Four Students in Hospital Group Food Poisoning

Sources: NET

On Wednesday, eighty students from the Kiato1st Middle School presented poisoning symptoms. The children following their return from a field trip stopped to eat at Kranidi. They immediately started suffering from the symptoms and four students were taken to Corinth Hospital, while the others were taken for tests in the Health Centres of Ligouri and Kranidi, where they were released late on Wednesday night.

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

[03] Iran Appears Ready to Talk

By Betty Savourdou

Sources: Reuters - BBC - ANA

US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice declared that a couple more weeks of negotiations are necessary to finalise the Wests reaction to Tehrans nuclear programme, adding that Washington was waiting for Europe to draw up a new proposal for Irans activities. Speaking from Indonesia, Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad dismissed the threat of sanctions against his country and declared ready to negotiate with any side, saying that countries with large stocks of nuclear weapons are practising "double standards" in pressing Tehran to stop its nuclear activities.

Awaiting European Proposal

As per Ahmadinejad, who is visiting Jakarta, his countrys nuclear programme is peaceful, without military objectives, while Tehran is ready to participate in talks with anyone.

As he noted, any action against the Iranian people would result in greater damage to those who commit it.

He also brushed off the threat of war against his nation because of its nuclear programme as a "joke."

"First of all, actually, the idea of going to war is a joke, its like a joke. Why should there be a war? Can the voice of a nation be violated so simply? We want to exercise our legal rights," he said in an interview to Indonesias Metro TV.

Moreover, the Iranian President stressed that Israel "will one day vanish."

Currently, the UN Security Council is not expected to make any decisions over Iran, since the USA is awaiting Europe to draw up a new proposal with benefits for Tehran, provided it suspends its controversial activities.

However, the foreign ministers of the EU3 (Germany, France and Britain) will be reviewing the experts proposals next Monday, on the sidelines of the EUs General Affairs Council.

If the proposals are accepted, they will then be sent to the USA, Russia and China.

Translated by Vicky Ghionis

Read the story on other sources:

BBC: US accepts Iran UN nuclear delay

CNN: Jakarta offers Iran mediation

Related News:

Diplomatic Moves over Iran

[04] Ierapetra in Shambles AEK Fans Cause Damage to Ship

By Athina Saloustrou

The Prosecutor ordered a preliminary inquiry into the incidents that took place onboard Ierapetra, after AEK fans left the ship in shambles on their return trip from Heraklio, Crete, where their team lost to Olympiacos in the Greek Football Cup final. Earlier on Thursday, the fans disembarked the ship, which was waiting off the coast of Rafina Port for an hour, without any further violent incidents taking place, but with a strong police force present. Two people were injured during the trip. As per the officers onboard, the ship, which had been chartered by AEK FC to transfer 687 fans, sailed from Heraklio at 10pm Wednesday. During the trip, a group of youths, mainly AEK fans, started breaking everything, for no apparent reason. They cause extensive damage to the passenger lounges and the bars, and a crewmember was injured, while they responded to the crews pleas with cussing. "A group of 30-40 people caused extensive damage to the ship. They stole, looted, and destroyed the ship, while they even injured a crewmember," declared Captain Vassilis Paraschos on radio station NET 105.8.

Strong police forces had been deployed at the port, which remained closed, while, before disembarking, the youths started throwing flares, lifejackets and iron bars from the deck. A police officer was injured in the leg by a flare. As per initial estimates the damages to the ship come to 150,000 euros. The teams administration asked the crewmembers to identify the perpetrators. Ten suspects have been arrested so far, while the crewmember injured during the trip and the police officer injured by the flare were transferred to hospital by ambulances.

Translated by Vicky Ghionis

[05] Returned to Eleftherios Venizelos Airport False Alarm in Aegean Airlines Plane

By Athina Saloustrou

Aegean Airlines attributed the disturbance caused in one of its aircrafts, specifically flight 650 en route to Rome and carrying 86 passengers, to a wrong indication by one of the two computers checking the aircrafts systems. Flight 650 of Aegean Airlines was en route to Rome and was to depart at 09:00, but due to a delay departed at 09:50. However, a few minutes after take-off and while it was on ascension, approximately at 4,000 feet, the pilot detected a fault, as per indications in the cockpits instruments. For security reasons, the pilot immediately contacted the control tower requesting to return to Eleftherios Venizelos Airport, which was set to "local stand-by." A number of oxygen masks dropped during landing, which as per Aegean Airlines were not properly secured. Finally, the aircraft landed without problem at 10:08 and the passengers departed on another plane of the company at 11:10.

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

[06] 20 Killed in Somali Clashes

Sources: Reuters

At least 20 people, including a pregnant woman and her three children, were killed and 50 were injured overnight in the Somali capital, Mogadishu, a militia leader said on Thursday, bringing the death toll in five days of fighting to almost 120. The third round of street battles this year between gunmen allied to Islamic courts and militia from a self-styled anti-terrorist alliance of powerful warlords erupted on Sunday. It is the worst fighting in the capital of the failed Horn of Africa state for several years. According to the same source, Siisii, in northern Mogadishu, has also been turned into a battleground. "So many houses have been shelled and hundreds of residents are fleeing. Its a catastrophe," he added, noting that the clashes are continuing.

[07] Explosions in Pakistan

At least six people were killed and 12 were injured in five blasts recorded on Thursday morning against a police training centre in the SW Baluchistan province, Pakistan. As per a police official, the explosions occurred in a firing range of the centre. No group has claimed responsibility for the attack so far.

Read the story on other sources:

BBC: Blasts hit Pakistan police school

[08] Trade and Energy at the Focus 4th EU-Latin America Summit Begins

By Athina Saloustrou

The 4th EU-Latin America Summit, aiming to further strengthen their strategic relationship, trade and collaboration in the energy sector, begins on Thursday in Vienna. The EU25 leaders, along with their counterparts from Romania, Bulgaria and Turkey, will meet with the 33 leaders of Latin America and the Caribbean (ALC) at a dinner reception, hosted by Austrian Chancellor and current EU President Wolfgang Sch&#252;ssel. The last EU-ALC Summit had taken place in Guadalajara, Mexico, two years ago. The three-day Summit will officially commence at noon, with a meeting between the 60 foreign ministers. Cuban leader Fidel Castro will not attend the Vienna Summit, but leftist national leaders Hugo Chavez of Venezuela and Evo Morales of Bolivia, who recently announced the nationalisation of his countrys hydrocarbon industry, will be there. On Saturday, Chavez is scheduled to speak at the "alternative summit," which is being organised in the Austrian capital by opponents of globalisation. In this summit, the protestors will also stage a "popular court" to symbolically condemn European multinationals. On Wednesday, the UN urged the European leaders to "export security" to Latin America "by helping regions plagued by instability, violence and injustice to tackle their problems at source."

Translated by Vicky Ghionis

[09] Compared to Q1 for 2005 GNP up by 4% in 2006 Q1

As per the National Statistical Service of Greece, the GNP rose by 4% in Q1 for 2006, compared to the same quarter for 2005, thus contributing to the increase of final demand by 3.9%. Moreover, investments recorded a 5.3%-increase, leading to a 1.1%-rise in final demand for the economy. As for exports and imports in Q1 (2006), compared to Q1 (2005), exports increased by 3.5%, contributing to a 0.6%-rise in demand, while imports increased by 3.2%. In the meantime, the process for the further floating of Agricultural Bank shares (5%) is underway. while Economy Ministry circles estimate that 30% of the Greek Postal Savings Bank shares will be floated in the Stock Exchange within the coming days.

[10] At $72.42 per Barrel in Singapore Oil Prices on the Rise in Asia

By Athina Saloustrou

An increase in the price of oil was recorded on Thursday morning in Asia, although investors fear that the rise in US reserves might not be enough to cover demand. The price of black gold increased by 29 cents in Singapore on Thursday morning, reaching $72.42 per barrel, after closing at $72.13 in New York. For the second week running, the US Department of Energy announced an increase in oil reserves by 2.4 million barrels, while analysts were only expecting a one-million rise. "The data did show an increase in gasoline and crude, but I think that the key reason why the market rose is because of the change in demand," said Darius Kowalczyk, a Hong Kong-based senior investment strategist with CFC Seymour.

Translated by Vicky Ghionis

[11] Olympiacos BC in Semifinals

By Vasilis Kalpinos

Olympiacos easily earned the qualification for the semifinal play-offs. In the second game of the preliminaries, the "red and whites" exhibited their power and crushed AEK 104-83 at the Indoor Hall, in Galatsi. Olympiacos for its opponent, who will emerge from the game between Maroussi and PAOK, as after the latters win a third game is needed. AEK landed in 7th place, as ranking games for places 5-8 are not foreseen. The score of the ten-minute periods: 21-29, 43-56, 64-80, 83-104.

[12] Panathinaikos Scored 100-Pts

By Vasilis Kalpinos

As it was expected, Panathinaikos qualified to the semifinal phase of play-offs. The "greens" defeated Panionios 104-86 at the Indoor Hall, in Elliniko. In addition, they earned two wins in the preliminary phase and easily qualified to the semifinal play-offs. Panathinaikos opponent will be Aris, which qualified following its second away win against Panellinios. In addition, Panathinaikos will have the advantage of home turf. Panionios landed in 8th place, as ranking games are not foreseen. The score of the ten-minute periods: 22-27, 43-50, 65-78, 86-104.

[13] Sevilla FC Earned UEFA Cup

By Vasilis Kalpinos

Sevilla FC celebrated its first European title. The team coached by Juande Romas defeated Middlesbrough 4-0 in the UEFA Cup Final at PSV Stadion, in Eindhoven. The team from Andalusia conquered the trophy for the fist time in the clubs history and the 27th European title in Spain, nearing Italy at the 2nd place of the relevant standings. The goals of the Spaniards were scored by Luis Fabiano in the 27, Maresca in the 78 and 84 and Kanoute in the 89. This was an important game for both clubs as they attended the final of a European event for the first time in their history.

Referee: Herbert Fandel (Germany)

Yellow cards: Rochemback-Daniel, Escude, Maresca

The line-ups:

MIDDLESBROUGH: Schwarzer, Parnaby, Southgate, Queudrue (70 Ayegbeni), Morrison (46 Maccarone), Fabio Rochemback, Boateng, Downing, Viduka (86 Cattermole), Hasselbaink.

SEVILLA: Palop, Daniel, Javi Navarro, Escude, David, Jesus Navas, Marti, Maresca, Adriano (86 Puerta), Luis Fabiano (72 Renato,) Saviola (46 Kanoute).

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

[14] Arson Attack in Athens

By Betty Savourdou

Sources: ANA

A fire that broke out in the early hours of Thursday morning destroyed the warehouses of two moving companies on 168 Orfeos Street, Votanikos. As per the investigation carried out by experts of the Fire Service, unknown perpetrators cut the padlocks of the prefabricated warehouses Aegina and Peloponnesus owned by Eleftheria and Ekaterini Vlachogiorgi stole various items and then started a fire using sulphuric acid. The fire was put out 20 minutes later by fire fighters, however, the warehouses burnt to the ground. The investigation also revealed that the perpetrators had also stolen items from a nearby warehouse.

Translated by Vicky Ghionis

[15] New Infected Blood Case

By Betty Savourdou

Sources: NET 105.8 - ANA

The Hellenic Centre for Infectious Diseases Control (KEEL) is examining the possibility of an 85-year-old patient having been infected with HIV, after a transfusion from a 62-year-old donor, who had given blood on 8/6/2005. Initially the sample tested negative to the deadly virus, but the sample was also sent to the National Coordinating Haemovigilance Centre (SKAE), where it turned out positive after molecular testing. According to the scientists, it is a case of a "silent window" period, meaning that the woman was probably infected a short while before donating blood, so the initial test turned out negative.

"Silent Window"

The donor tested positive to HIV on 13 March 2006, when she gave blood at Georgios Gennimatas General Hospital. The previous time she had donated blood was at the IKA Hospital of Athens.

As it turned out, the plasma from the specific donor was destroyed for technical reasons, but the red blood cells were transfused to a patient suffering from sugar diabetes, who had had his lower limb amputated. The 85-year-old has not been located yet.

The manager of the IKA Blood Donation Centre mentioned that it was a "silent window" period, so the infection does not surface immediately. She also mentioned that last June the blood was tested using the molecular PCR test and it was negative.

It should be noted that from now on, molecular tests will be conducted on all individual samples, as it is the most contemporary and effective way to test transmittable diseases.

Translated by Vicky Ghionis

Related Links:

Greek Ministry of Health

Hellenic Centre for Infectious Diseases Control

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