The Hellenic Radio (ERA): News in English, 05-04-25

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

CONTENTS

[01] Rammed an Apartment Building Train Derailment Killed Dozens

By Despina Hristopoulou

Sources: BBC - ANA

A train derailed in western Japan spreading death and panic. The death toll so far is tragic. According to information, 49 people died and more than 200 were injured. As per eye-witnesses, it all started when the train, after colliding with a passing car, rammed an apartment building. In fact, one of its wagons literally embraced the building. The accident occurred shortly before rush hour at 09:02 local time, in Amagasaki, Chiondo province, near Osaka and while the train was running at 70km per hour. According to passengers who managed to escape the horrible accident, the train was moving too fast and started shaking. However, the causes of the accident have not been clarified yet.

Full of Employees and Students

So far, it hasn't been possible to say if the train derailed after or before colliding with the car. However, police haven't confirmed the car collision.

580 passengers were on board the commuter train, most of them employees and students. The driver, aged 23, who is on the job for less than a year, sustained serious injuries, but survived the accident.

As per eye-witnesses, there are still trapped people inside the train, while many of the injured were passers-by. This is the worst train accident in Japan since 1963, when 163 people had been killed and more than 600 were injured in Yokohama.

Translated by Sofia Soulioti

[02] Dialogue Should Commence Immediately Garganas' Report Made Public

Sources: NET 105.8 - ANA

On Monday, the Governor of the Bank of Greece estimated that inflation would be at 4% and growth rate at 3% for 2005, while presenting his annual report on Greek Economy. Meanwhile, Mr Garganas pointed out that a dialogue over major structural problems of the Greek Economy, including social security, should commence immediately. Furthermore, the Governor of the Bank of Greece applauded the governments efforts for dealing with fiscal disequilibria, describing the revised Stability Programme as a first positive step in this process.

Calls to Social Bodies

Mr Garganas made a special mention to the impacts from the ageing of the population, which lead to an increase in expenditures for pensions and medical care.

The Governor of the Bank of Greece said that emergency policies are needed to boost the birthrate, stressing that it should increase from 1.3, which is the case today, to 2.3, in order to keep the population at todays levels.

Meanwhile, he urged all social bodies to avoid incorporating the temporarily high inflation rate, triggered by the new tax measures, to increases in wages or prices.

Addressing the households, Mr Garganas told them to proceed with caution when taking out loans from banks, pointing out that they would have to borrow in moderation and based on their capabilities, while they should also bear in mind possible increases in interest rates.

The Bank of Greece data show that during the first quarter of 2005, the growth rate for house loans was at 25.8%, while the growth rate for consumer loans was at 33.9%.

Translated by Vicky Ghionis

[03] Tropical Exorcism

By Vagelis Theodorou

Police in India have arrested a 'holy man' who allegedly forced a woman to strip naked and broke coconuts on her head. Senthil Kumar, 27, promised to treat the woman, 30-year-old Selvi Dhanalakshmi, after her parents brought her to his hermitage at Velliraveli, near Erode. Kumar claimed she was possessed and offered to exorcise her of the evil spirit. He locked himself up with the woman in a room before stripping her of her clothes and lighting camphor on her palms and breasts. The woman began yelling in pain when the holy man, chanting prayers, started breaking coconuts on her head. Her parents, alarmed by the screams, forced open the door with the help of the locals and found her naked and bleeding from head injuries. It is reported villagers gave the holy man a good thrashing before handing him over to the police who have since charged him with attempted murder and fraud.

Translated by Sofia Soulioti

[04] One Dead and Six Missing Wreckage With Illegal Immigrants

By Despina Hristopoulou

They set off in a wooden boat off the coasts of Turkey, but their hopes for a better life quickly faded away in the Aegean sea. This morning, a port authority vessel located 25 illegal immigrants off the shores of Chios island, including 20 men and five women, as well as one dead man. As per the rescued people, a big ship hit the wooden boat and the then left, while as the immigrants said six more are missing, including two children. Two Coastguard boats rushed to the scene, as well one Air Force helicopter. The 25 foreigners were recovered and were taken to a Chios hospital for precautionary reasons, although they are all well. The dead man probably died during the collision with the ship. Search continues in the area, while all close-sailing ships have been notified. The Central Port Authority of Chios is running a preliminary hearing, while it should be noted that most castaways are Somalian.

Translated by Sofia Soulioti

[05] Extra Traffic Measures Until 8 May Easter Holidays and Traffic Measures

By Despina Hristopoulou

Traffic Police will be on alert from today until Sunday 8 May in view of the Easter holidays and the extra measures are coming into force throughout then national road network. Strong forces will be along the national road network, as well as in commercial centers, ports, bus stations and train stations. Traffic Police will run intensive controls for traffic violations and driving under the influence of alcohol, while cameras will be placed in dangerous parts of national highways. On Easter Thursday and Good Friday, trucks will not be allowed to circulate on the national road network.

In the meantime, the weather will be a fine ally, as it will be warm throughout the Easter holidays.

Translated by Sofia Soulioti

[06] Young Prostitute Murdered Heinous Crime

By Betty Savourdou

A heinous crime was revealed on Monday morning in Omonoia, Athens. As per the first information, the victim was an unknown prostitute, probably Greek, aged around 25, who was found dead in a hotel room on 3 Maizonos Street. As the Police announced, the girl went to Minion hotel with a client around 20:30 on Sunday night and was found dead this morning by a chambermaid. She was lying on the bed with her hands tied behind her back, while the murderer strangled her with her clothes and had blocked her mouth with her underwear. Police officers are now at the scene of the crime to investigate the heinous murder.

Translated by Sofia Soulioti

[07] Before the End of the Ultimatum Syrian Soldiers Left Lebanon

By Despina Hristopoulou

The withdrawal of Syrian forces from Lebanon after thirty years of military presence has been completed. According to the Lebanese news agency Ani "Syrian forces completed the sixth and last phase of withdrawing from Lebanon based on the Taev treaties and the timeframe set by the small Lebanese-Syrian military committee. Many military convoys, some including more than 400 vehicles, tanks and personnel carriers, crossed the Masnaa border station and only a few troops have remained to participate in the ceremony held at the Rajak military base" in the Bekaa valley, broadcast the Lebanese agency. The pullout was completed a few days before the end of the ultimatum due on April 30. Pressures for the pullout had become more intense after the murder of former Lebanese Prime Minister Rafik Hariri.

Translated by Sofia Soulioti

[08] Huge Imports Increase Commission Measures On Chinese Products

By Betty Savourdou

The Commission took the first step on Sunday towards taking measures against the spectacular increase of Chinese textile exports, insisting however on the need to maintain the blooming relations between the EU and China. Citing his "responsibility to the European industry" as well as to the "sensitive" countries, whose sales in Europe could be eliminated by Chinese competition, the competent Commissioner said "the time has come to take further action." As he has already announced, the European Commission has scheduled a probe into nine categories of Chinese clothing and textile products.

"Maintain Relations With Beijing"

"In many textile and clothing categories, imports have caused great concern," said the European Commissioner for Trade, Peter Mandelson.

According to figures from the World Trade Organisation (WTO), China made 17% of the world's textiles in 2003, but this is expected to rise above 50% within three years. And data from the European Commission itself shows that imports of Chinese T-shirts into EU member states rose by 164% in the first three months of this year, while imports of pullovers leapt by 534%.

"Of course, Chinese imports should be given the chance to proceed at a regular speed after the end of the quota system. However, we should also protect the European industry, if it is to face an unprecedented catastrophic pressure," argued the Commissioner.

However, Mandelson said he was not interested in launching a trade battle. "If there are some interests in Europe who want to see some sort of trade war with China launched over this, then they are looking to the wrong person," he said and went on to add "

For this reason exactly and despite pressures by some member-states, which however refused to ask for protection measures, the Commission decided to take action based on the facts, suggesting an open dialogue with Beijing, explained Mr Mandelson.

During the period of unofficial negotiations, which have just begun and will last for a period of 60 days, the Commissioner urged "China to take a fresh look at the measures they have put in place already and explore whether they cannot do more." He also "asked for concrete evidence that their measures are having an effect." China should take further steps to avoid the imposition of so-called "safeguards" on its exports.

In the case that Beijing does not cooperate, then a period of negotiations will start in the context of the World Trade Organisation.

Translated by Sofia Soulioti

[09] Goals and Spectacle

By Dimitris Alexopoulos

In one of the most productive rounds of the season, Panathinaikos, AEK and Olympiacos thrilled their fans, as well as all those who were inside the Karaisakis stadium and were listening to the matches of Panathinaikos and AEK on the radio. A total of 26 goals were scored today, nine of them in Leoforos, five in the match between AEK and OFI and four in Piraeus. Despite all, everything remained the same at the top, since the first three teams won three points each with AEK having claimed the most thrilling victory, as it scored in the very last second. However, nothing is clear for a place in the next UEFA Cup, with Egaleo, Chalkidona, Iraklis and Kallithea claiming it with the same hopes. As it all points out, in the last spots of the standings Egrgotelis will follow Kerkyra in B National, while OFI, Aris and Apollo Kalamaria will have to fight to avoid third and last place.

Thrills and Giovanni

Today, Panathinaikos managed to surpass their bad defensive play, since this is the first time in the Malesani era they received three goals, and finally claimed victory after scoring six times. Of course, it should be noted that Chalkidona were very good after quite some time although playing without Simos Dagas and Pappas. Originally, they took the lead in the first half with 1-2 and then tied to 3-3, but failed to maintain the score in their favour.

In Crete, the match between OFI and AEK was not for people with a poor heart. Both teams were after victory, but finally AEK claimed three points thanks to an amazing Lymberopoulos kick, half a second before the end of the match. AEK had originally taken the lead, but by the 89' OFI had tied to score and were hoping to win. Now the Cretans will have to outdo themselves in order to remain in A National.

The Karaiskakis stadium also housed a nice match. Olympiacos defeated Egaleo thanks to Rivaldo's football genius and Giovanni's inspiration. Despite scoring, the latter did not celebrate his goal for the first time and proved he is no longer part of this team. His attitude shows that he will probably say goodbye to Piraeus in the summer.

In Xanthi, the local team put a stop to Iraklis' wild course defeating them 1-0 but the latter are still hoping to compete in the UEFA cup. The main feature of the match was the referees' strange attitude, who after canceling a goal finally affirmed it. Xanthi has claimed fourth place in the standings again, since on Saturday PAOK reached a 1-1 draw playing versus Ionikos.

Kallithea and Panionios shared points and impressions with Takis Lemonis' team still having hopes of playing in the UEFA Cup.

In Kleanthis Vikelidis stadium, Aris finally managed to "kill the beast." We are not talking about Kerkyra, which has already been relegated to B National, but about the players' anxiety, who managed to defeat it and claim victory, their fifth on home grounds.

This victory has won them three more points and are now at 27, just like Kalamaria which defeated Ergotelis on Saturday. Apart from Ergotelis and Kerkyra which are relegated to B National, the next three rounds will point which of the following three teams, Aris, Kalamaria and OFI, will follow suit.

Results-Scorers-Next Round

Results: Ionikos-PAOK 1-1

Kalamaria-Ergotelis 1-0

Xanthi-Iraklis 1-0

OFI-AEK 2-3

Kallithea-Panionios 1-1

Aris-Kerkyra 2-0

Panathinaikos-Chalkidona 6-3

Olympiacos-Egaleo 3-1

Scorers: 17 goals: Gekas (Panathinaikos/Kallithea) 15 goals: Luciano (Xanthi) 14 goals: Konstantinou (Panathinaikos) 12 goals: Machlas (OFI), Salpiggidis (PAOK) 11 goals: Soares (AEK), Ogunsoto (Ergotelis), Rivaldo (Olympiacos) 10 goals: Katsouranis (AEK), Barkoglou (Egaleo), Giovanni (Olympiacos) 9 goals: Iliopoulos (Chalkidona) 8 goals: Lymberopoulos (AEK)

Next Round (28th, 7-8 May): P���-Panathinaikos �FI-Xanthi Iraklis-Kallithea ���-Ionikos Panionios-Aris Kerkyra-Olympiacos Chalkidona-Apollo Kalamaria Egaleo Ergotelis

Translated by Sofia Soulioti

[10] Thrilling Match

By Stathis Petropoulos

The score alone is enough to make you realize what happened in Leoforos and unfortunately before empty stands. After what had happened in the Panathinaikos-Olympiacos derby two weeks ago, Malesani's players were forced to play behind closed doors and fans missed out on the chance to witness one of the most beautiful and thrilling matches of the season. Showing two different faces in two different half times, Panathinaikos claimed victory against Chalkidona with the amazing score of 6-3. The home team opened the score with a penalty kick in the 8' performed by Munch. From then onwards, however, the first half had Chalkidona written all over it as it ended with 1-2.

1-2 Cold Shower

In the 16' Chalkidona warned! Zacharopoulos' long kick landed on Galinovic' post which almost broke, but in the 24' with an even stronger kick Sotirchos scored a beautiful goal and reached the draw. Shortly before the end of the first half, Giorgos Paraschos' team offered Panathinaikos a cold shower when Katemis run along half the pitch and scored Chalkidona's second goal in the 41', leaving Galinovic amazed.

Michalakis Cleared the Match

Shortly before the end of the first half, Gonzalez decided to take match on his shoulders and after dribbling over most of his opponents reached the area and tied the score. In the extra time, Gekas tripled Panathinaikos' goals after Konstantinou's pass. In the rerun and in particular in the 55', Katemis retied the match for the third time with his second personal goal, but at that point it was time for Konstantinou to take action! With a kick in the 58' and a header in the 60' he formulated the score at 5-3 and in the 75' Papadopoulos ended the match with 6-3. From 5-3 onwards, there wasn't much Chalkidona could have done.

Referee: Takidis (Kilkis)

Yellow Cards: Konstantinou Panathinaikos: Galinovic, Kotsios, Morris, Goumas, Munch, Charalambidis (78' Vintra), Basinas, Gonzalez, Gekas (62' Konstantinidis), Papadopoulos (82' Sanmartean), Konstantinou

Chalkidona: Ebede, Katemis (86' Raguel), Geladaris, Sotirchos, Chalaris, Korbos, Dimos, Moyo (78' Iliopoulos), Al Jaher, Koutsokostas (64' Tsiktsiris), Zacharopoulos

Translated by Sofia Soulioti

[11] Points Shared

By Dimitris Alexopoulos

Kallithea and Panionios shared points and impressions in El Paso today. Both teams reached a 1-1 draw with Kallithea holding on to some hopes of competing for the UEFA Cup, given that the other thee contestants (Chalkidona, Egaleo, Iraklis) were defeated today and fight during the last three rounds becomes even hotter.

Everybody Happy

The supremacy of the home team during the first 20 minutes translated into a goal. In the 17' Alekos Alexandris received Dragisevic' pass and after dancing Panionios' defenders performed a direct strong kick right at the heart of Drobny's post.

Two minutes before half time, Panionios were fortunate enough to tie the match thanks to Kallithea's inactivity. In the 28' Breska was awarded a foul kick, passed the ball to Tziolis and the latter caught Bartziokas napping to tie the score at 1-1.

In the 48' Panionios lost a unique chance to double their goals when Nalitzis' kick was saved by Koulakiotis on the line.

Referee: Skoufitsas

Yellow Cards: Tsiolis, Nalitzis

LINEUPS

KALLITHEA: Bartzokas, Aggelopoulos, Koulakiotis, Georgiev, Vokolos, Kyrgiakos, Dragisevic, Petkovic, Savvidis, Koutsospyros, Alexandris

PANIONIOS: Drobny, Maniatis, Smilianic, Exouzidis, Tziolis, Galanopoulos, Goundoulakis, Makos, Tsiolis, Breska, Nalitzis

Translated by Sofia Soulioti

[12] Victory at Last

By Dimitris Alexopoulos

Today Aris took an important step to remaining in A National. Giorgos Chatzaras' team prevailed with 2-0 over Kerkyra and is now sharing 13th place in the standings with Apollo Kalamaria. Murawski (43') and Gogolos (59') scored for the home team. Along with this defeat, Kerkyra is the first team to have said goodbye to A National.

They Defeated Stress

Stress was dominant in the first half of the match, with Aris going after a goal from the very first minutes.

In the 15' the home team almost touched goal when Murawski marked the bar of Gkitkos' post with a header, but two minutes before half time the same player did not miss twice. After Nebegleras' centre kick, the Polish midfielder opened the score with a header.

In the rerun Aris scored again, when Gogolos remained unmarked and with a direct header in the 64' gave his team a definite lead against Kerkyra, which lost N'Diaye.

The last was given a red card and sent off by referee Vasileiou for kicking Naintos, and Kerkyra lost whatever chances they had of achieving something good.

Referee: Vasileiou

Red Cards: N'Diaye (64')

LINEUPS

ARIS: Pourliotopoulos, Papadopoulos, Gogolos, Kallimanis, Naintos, Murawski, Sanjurcho, Inongue, Nebegleras, Lazanas, Kuemacha

��R��R�: Gkitkos, Georgiou, Ribeiro, Pereirra, Garozis, Bughanem, Gitas, Antoniou, Petras, Gibro, Rodriquez de Silva, N'Diaye

Translated by Sofia Soulioti

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