The Hellenic Radio (ERA): News in English, 05-06-19

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

CONTENTS

[01] Double Frontal European Dispute After the Summit

By Betty Savourdou

Sources: NET 105.8 - NET - ANA

Europe seems troubled just one day after the failed Summit Meeting in Brussels. Britain, which disagrees on the amount of funds and asks for the review of the EU funding, will now be taking on the responsibility of the negotiations. Tony Blair seems to be the target of most criticism by the international Media, although the British networks are supporting him for his inflexible stance. On the other hand, Turkey is on stand-by, while the Turkish Foreign Minister declared that his government will proceed with reforms and Ankara will not give in to the challenges of those who wish for "Turkey to close the door to the EU".

Union Threatened with Rift

Brussels will come to the focus again in four days, when the British PM will return to present his detailed plans for the EU, while at the same time he will be picking up the baton of the Unions six-month presidency.

In the meantime, both the British and the French sides are involved in a battle of statements.

British Defence Minister Jack Straw referred to the French-German axis, saying that it is trapped in the past, while he urged all European leaders to set their sights into the future.

Answering to these harsh statements, the French Foreign Affairs Ministry warned of the rift threatening the EU, following all the disagreements and recriminations.

Britons Side with Blair

Despite the fact that Tony Blair was accused of undermining the success of the Summit Meeting in Brussels, the British Media are broadcasting that the climate is different in London.

Specifically, according to an opinion poll made public on Sunday, three out of every four British citizens believed that their PM was right in rejecting the compromise proposal, while only 8% considered that Blair made the wrong decision.

Meanwhile, 40% of those asked believed that Britains contribution to the EU Budget is already very high.

However, the French Media did not stage a warm welcome for President Chirac, who is considered as having returned to Paris defeated.

But even in Germany, which is officially entering a pre-election period, the first opinion poll following the Summit showed that 6 out of every 10 Germans were disappointed over the European policy for Enlargement supported by Chancellor Schroeder.

Translated by Vicky Ghionis

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"ND's Government Onlooker of Developments"

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[02] Tiredness Defeats Greek Team

By Dimitris Alexopoulos

The Greek national team did not make it against Zicos boys who ran like crazy around the pitch. The Japanese team was far better, and fairly gained the three points. Japanese players did teamwork, run faster and missed lots of opportunities to open the score before they finally did it. On the other hand, the Greek team appeared tired with many absences, and its players lacking in imagination in the way they played. They were not able to fight against Japan as hard as they wished to. However, when it comes to strict mathematics, nothing is lost yet. If Greece wins the game against Mexico, and Brazil wins the two games to come against Mexico and Japan, then three teams will finish third at the end of the first round. This means that the results achieved and the goals each team scored will determine which teams are going to qualify. Greece will be benefited if Brazil wins both games by three or four goals. Greece, however, should also win Mexico by two goals. We should bear in mind, though, that this team has achieved miraculous results. So why not achieve one more? We will certainly know at the end of the day.

Boys Stay Calm

With many players absent, and new ones in its lineup, Greece did not make it against Japan.

There will be definitely many who believe that this is a poor excuse for the teams defeat, but it is not exactly like that.

In a country numbering approximately 12 million inhabitants, it is hard to find players talented enough to replace those who were crowned European Champions.

The Greek national team needs new blood, and this is pretty obvious. It cannot be done overnight, though. It requires programming, state help, but above all it does not require whining.

The three defeats in the last four games can show the Greeks the way provided they reflect on the situation and do not look behind.

Hasty moves and ill-meaning criticism will definitely result in adverse results.

Greeks are fed up with that. And if there are still some who haven not, they had better remember how things regarding the Greek football used to be, how they are now and how they can be improved in the years to come.

Translated by Areti Christou

[03] 23 Dead 36 Injured Massacre in Baghdad

By Betty Savourdou

Sources: Reuters - BBC

At least 23 people were killed, including seven police officers, and another 36 were injured on Sunday afternoon by a suicide bomber, as he was entering a restaurant in central Baghdad. The place, frequented by police officers, is located in the Green Zone, which is under tight security, as the US Embassy in nearby. According to the police spokesperson, the man entered Ibn Zanbour restaurant and detonated the explosives, at a time when the place was full of police officers.

Series of Attacks

In another incident in Baghdad two women were killed and another 29 civilians were injured by a car bomb explosion close to a Shia mosque, while a police patrol was driving past at the time.

Finally, at least three people were killed by a suicide bomber in a military camp in Tikrit.

Translated by Vicky Ghionis

[04] Between Israel and Palestine Agreement on Gaza Strip Settlements

By Vivian Papastefanou

Israel and the Palestinian Authority have agreed Jewish settler homes in the Gaza Strip will be destroyed as part of Israels pullout from the area. For this reason, they also agreed to work on the relevant plan in order to ensure a peaceful withdrawal and create conditions for economic viability and hope for the Palestinian people. The agreement was announced by US secretary of State Condoleezza Rice, during a Press conference for her Middle East tour. Rice also stressed that US economic envoy James Wolfensohn would assist Israel and the Palestinian Authority in formulating a demolition and cleanup plan. She further noted it was very important that both sides seem to want to work together on this matter. Israel has scheduled the withdrawal from the Gaza Strip and a part of the West Bank for mid-August. At the same time, bloody clashes were recorded on the southern part of the Gaza Strip, whereby one Palestinian and three Israelis were injured by an attack against an Israeli guard post.

Rice Visits Jordan

On Sunday evening, Condoleezza Rice arrived in Jordan, where she is to hold talks with King Abdallah.

On her arrival in Amman, US Secretary of State degraded the elections for the Iranian presidency saying, "They do not constitute a bold effort for Irans to approach a democratic future."

Ms Rice will later travel to Egypt and Saudi Arabia before ending her tour in the Middle East.

Translated by Vicky Ghionis

Related News:

Rice Visits the Middle East

[05] All Benefits Discussed From Scratch Public Sector's Salary at the Focus

By Betty Savourdou

Sources: NET 105.8 - "Apogevmatini tis Kyriakis"

Interior and Economy Ministries will be negotiation with ADEDY (Supreme Administration of Greek Civil Servants Trade Unions) on the drafting of the new salary scale for public sector employees, and the issue of heavy and health-hazardous occupations within July. Speaking to newspaper "Apgevmatini tis Kyriakis" Interior Minister Prokopis Pavlopoulos stated that the issue of benefits would be examined from scratch. He further noted "The ill-conceived policy on benefits triggered gross inequalities, and was proved detrimental to public administration for it acted as disincentive for competent employees." Mr Pavlopoulos also made a reference to the bill due to be submitted, which dictates monitoring mechanisms for all legislative reforms for public sector. In the meantime, bank employees will be staging a strike on Tuesday, while GSEE (Greek General Confederation of Labour) decided to go on a 24-hour strike in DEKOs (Public Utilities and Services) and in the private sector on June 24.

Translated by Areti Christou

Related News:

Mobilisations Escalate

[06] Describes the Bodyguards as Believers Eirinaios' Provocative Statements

By Vivian Papastefanou

Sources: NET 105.8

Former Patriarch Eirinaios of Jerusalem in his statement described the armed bodyguards, who tried to take over the Patriarchate on his behalf, as believers who wished for his blessing. Eirinaios claimed that he was assaulted at his home by monks, adding "The unfair assault and empathy displayed by the members of the Holy Sepulchre Brotherhood against believers wishing for the Patriarchs blessing is indicative of their ethos, who broke the doors using marbles and pieces of wood in an unprecedented action." In his statement, Eirinaios concluded asking believers not to tolerate such phenomena, and support his effort embracing truth, lawfulness and transparency against the enemies of the Orthodox religion.

Translated by Areti Christou

[07] To the Attackers of Orthodox Religion Christodoulos' Response

By Vivian Papastefanou

Archbishop Christodoulos appeared in favour of a referendum so that the people can decide on matters concerning the Church. Basically, Christodoulos responded to all those asking for the religious icons adorning courtrooms and schools to come down, as well as to those who consider the tolling of church bell excessive. Furthermore, he supported the EU for the first time, stressing that it has left it to the individual Member-States to decide on their customs, traditions and culture. In concluding, the Archbishop pointed out that the plans of those who wish for the Church to remain in the sidelines will not be fulfilled, since the people and the clergy are united.

Translated by Vicky Ghionis

[08] Against Politicians ETA Ceases Attacks

By Betty Savourdou

Sources: ANA

The Basque separatist group ETA announced its intention to cease attacks against Spanish politicians, in a statement sent to the Basque newspaper, Gara, and released on its website. ETA claimed in its statement that the latest changes in the political climate dictated this decision, which is to come into effect from July 1. It should be added that Madrid had suggested a negotiation with the group be launched provided that ETA laid down its weapons. ETA in its 40-year fight has been held responsible for the death of 850 people.

Translated by Areti Christou

Related Links:

Gara

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