The Hellenic Radio (ERA): News in English, 05-11-04

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[01] From the Position of Member of Parliament Achilleas Karamanlis Resigned

By Dimitris Alexopoulos

Sources: NET, NET 105.8

On Friday noon, with a letter to the Speaker of Parliament, New Democracy MP for Serres Achilleas Karamanlis submitted his resignation from his political position, after the Governments intention to not count blank ballots, based on the electoral bill. In his letter, Mr Achilleas Karamanlis noted that he accepted the courts verdict from respect to the judicial verdicts, and lived through a lengthy, painful ordeal by the attacks received. However, he observed that this experience and the commotion stirred against ND could have been avoided, if the party he has served for 40 and more years, had immediately published his opposition to the event of changing the ballots counting method for the emergence of MPs, as the Special Supreme Court did with its verdict. The first runner-up for his position is Mr Anastasios Karypidis, who has served as Prefect of Serres twice in the past.

The Letter of Resignation

In the letter sent to the Speaker of Parliament, and announced by the partys acting chairman, Sotiris Chatzigakis, Mr Achilleas Karamanlis stated the following:

"After the intention voiced by the Government to change the recent decision of a Special Supreme Court for the future, based on which I was re-elected MP, I consider that I should resign from my position.

My decision is due to the exact reasons which I accepted the courts verdict, which, as it is known to all, I never caused or demanded. I am speaking of the respect to the judicial verdicts and my countrys laws.

The aforementioned respect cost me a lengthy and painful ordeal, due to the fierce attacks I accepted, with humiliating motives and clearly of a slandering content.

This ordeal, as well as the commotion burdening New Democracy during the court case, could have been avoided if the party, in which I belong to and have served for forty and more years, had immediately publicised its opposition to the event of changing the ballots counting for the emergence of MPs, as the Special Supreme Court did with its verdict.

In this case, I would surely not have any reason to accept the verdict, upon returning to Parliament. First and foremost, the ruthless exploitation of the case by the Main Opposition Party would have been avoided, which through slandering my person, tried to affect the history and ethos of New Democracy."

Statements

The ND Central Committee Secretary, Apostolos Stavrou, described Mr Karamanlis as a top political figure and as a Minister who served the party for 40 years.

Mr Stavrou also added that with todays decision, he returns the slandering accusations to the ones that had stated them.

"Mr Achilleas Karamanlis resignation saddens many Greeks even beyond his constituency, the Prefecture of Serres. All of us who have been running for the ND since 1974 are fully aware of his efforts for restoring democracy following the seven-year dictatorship. We are also aware of his being serious and honest as a parliamentarian," said former ND leader Miltiadis Evert.

"Achilleas Karamanlis has done so much for ND and his choice to resign deeply saddened me," claimed government spokesman Thodoris Roussopoulos. Mr Achilleas is an honest and serious politician, with a valuable contribution to Greece, and we all ought to respect his decision, commented Government sources.

Athanasakis' Response to the Resignation

On the occasion of Mr Achilleas Karamanlis resignation, PASOK spokesman Nikos Athanasakis stated, "Mr Achilleas Karamanlis delayed resignation and the accusations he himself brought against his party, his government and NDs leadership, do not at all account for everything that has happened on this disgraceful issue so far."

"There was a coup which we surfaced from the very beginning and which resulted in distorting the election result and in Mr Achilleas Karamanlis stealing a parliamentary seat from PASOK," mentioned Mr Athanasakis and added, "The elections left the country with two electoral systems which was unheard-of."

"For all the aforementioned reasons, Mr Achilleas Karamanlis and the government are left exposed, because the Main Opposition leader, George Papandreou, repeatedly brought the issue to Parliament before Mr Karamanlis, but there was no answer," stated Mr Athanasakis.

PASOK parliamentarian Anna Diamantopoulou described the resignation as politically predictable and added, "It is indicative of the deadlocks the ruling party has reached."

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

[02] On the Extra-Judicial Ring Investigations in Development

By Dimitris Alexopoulos

Sources: NET, NET 105.8

The investigations of Justice for cracking up the extra-judicial ring are continuing, and within the coming days new criminal proceedings are expected to be brought against judicial workers and lawyers. Interrogator Antonia Ilia has yet to be arrested, as she hasnt been located by the Police Authorities. Meanwhile, with a new document to the Greek Banks Union, the special Appellate interrogator asked for the speeding up of opening the bank accounts of independent MP Petros Madouvalos and his associates, in order to avoid the statute of limitations.

Antonia Ilia Sought After

This morning, actor and entertainer Lakis Lazopoulos testified to the special Appellate interrogators conducting the investigation.

As per sources, the testimony concerned the case of psychiatrist Petros Lyberis, on the case of the Kastalia Clinic, but had been jailed and freed, a case handled by dismissed interrogator Antonia Ilia in 2001.

However, former interrogator Antonia Ilia is being sought after, regardless of the fact that her lawyer, Ioannis Stamoulis, reconfirmed her presence in Greece. There are doubts, however, of the fact that the lawyer is investigating the event of his clients testimony to the interrogators by letter of attorney.

In his statements, former Archimandrite Iakovos Giosakis pointed the finger at Mrs Ilia, as he spoke of their personal relations, and the ability of Ilia to be a participant in trials whenever she wished to do so.

Moreover, his statement reconfirmed the fact that he had discussed criminal cases with the former interrogator.

On the case of independent MP Petros Madouvalos, the interrogators seem disappointed by the Greek Banks Union, as the latter have not submitted all evidence of the lawyer and his associates, which have been asked for since July.

With a document to the Union, Appellate interrogator Ioannis Sideris, in a severe tone, asked for the immediate sending of the evidence, since, as he noted, there is a danger of statute of limitations.

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

Related News:

Supreme Court Showed the Door Again

[03] B Division on ERT

By Ilias Papaioannou

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Translated by Areti Christou

[04] In Thessaloniki, the City of Students 'Eternal Students' on the Increase

By Dimitris Kalantzis

Eternal students have reached 35,000 in the Aristotle University, in Thessaloniki, since one out of two of the institutions students, receive their diploma, two years after the end of their normal course of studies, while 70% of the entrants of every department are sworn in within eight years. After the end of the eight years, usually the remaining 30% drop out of university, and enter the category of pensioner students, lacking a diploma. The evidence is revealed by a research of the Aristotle University, which sketched the profile of students, who study three hours daily, hang out for an hour in the canteen and spending 1.8 euros, and need 100 euros, weekly allowance for personal expenses and outings.

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

[05] Between Government and Main Opposition Conflict Over Revaluation

By Mary Lou Tzempelikou

The revaluation of goods triggered a new political conflict on Friday. Deputy Development Minister Giannis Papathanasiou released the names of super markets as well as evidence on the prices of goods in response to PASOKs accusations that the government has left the consumers unprotected. "I called on PASOK to avoid worthless disputes [] and discuss the measures and the policies we have to embark on to curb the high prices," argued Mr Papathanasiou, who justified his decision to release the evidence by saying that he had no choice but to defend the credibility of the samples the Ministry had recently announced. PASOK, on the other hand, claimed that its samples show that the revaluations on many goods amount up to 17.7%.

PASOK's Campaign

The list with the comparative prices on goods sold from five great super market chains proves that prices vary.

In fact, Mr Papathanasiou, citing the list, maintained that of the 12 products he bought in September from a particular super market, one can buy the six at the same prices and the rest six at lower prices.

"The issue of high prices can be dealt neither with lies nor with populism. It is dealt with the opening up of the markets, stricter inspections and with high fines on those who have been profiteering at the expense of the consumers over the past years. And at least on these issues, unlike PASOK, the government has gone a long way by making public names and issuing fines. Perhaps, this is what annoys the most," underlined the Deputy Development Minister.

PASOK, on the other hand, has scheduled for Saturday a campaign under the title, "Active citizens against high prices." More than 400 PASOK panels escorted by MPs and members of the partys Political Council will be visiting shopping malls and open markets throughout Greece.

Translated by Areti Christou

[06] PASOK President's Tour in Thesprotia Papandreou on Heating Oil Benefit

By Annita Paschalinou

George Papandreou, from the mountainous village of Gramesi, in Dodoni Municipality, the first stop of his tour in Thesprotia, described the payment of the heating oil benefit as an issue of humanity and solidarity. PASOK will insist on the payment of the heating oil benefit, he said and added that PASOK will stand by the demand of all mountainous areas, due to the low temperatures in winter. From Paramythia, second stop of his tour, PASOK leader underlined that the people is asking of the renewed PASOK to rule the country to solve the grave problems that have aroused. He also referred to the farmers problems adding that the new common agricultural policy should be exploited so that a new form of agricultural growth can emerge. Furthermore, he noted that the priority should be given to the development of the countryside.

Countryside Elevated to Development Pillar

He then visited the city of Igoumenitsa, where he held talks with the representatives of the area and the members of the Prefecture. In his brief address, Mr Papandreou said that PASOK views Ipiros as a top priority area. Therefore, he argued that the quality of the products should bear the name of their origin to gain value and to become competitive. He also said that growth cannot be forwarded by Athens red tape tactics and that the countryside should elevate to a development pillar through a string of radical reforms that will accredit to the local governments the role they deserve.

Members of the party and local MPs are accompanying the President of PASOK in his tour. In the evening, George Papandreou made an address in an open political rally in the Igoumenitsa Gymnasium.

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

[07] Over the Candidate for Mayor Disagreements in SYN

By Mary Lou Tzempelikou

Sources: NET 105.8

The decision of SYNs Athens Prefectorial Committee to nominate former European MP Michalis Papagiannakis for the post of Athens Mayor, while SYN President Alekos Alavanos favours Alexis Tsipras candidacy, triggered disagreements within the partys bodies. Speaking on radio station NET 105.8, Mr Papagiannakis argued that it is everyones right to suggest anything he or she wants, since the process of decision making is still in progress. However, the final word on the issue lies with SYNs Central Committee, which is to hold a meeting on Sunday to approve or not the decision taken by the Prefectorial Committee.

Translated by Areti Christou

[08] Plea for Dialogue by the European Council Paris is Burning

By Athina Saloustrou

Regardless of the hopes that the end of Ramadan would smooth the situation out in the French capital, the rioters, many of who are Muslims of North African descent, continued. In the northeastern suburbs of Paris, they set alight more than 500 cars and several buildings, while five policemen were lightly injured, and 78 persons arrested in total. The General Directorate of French Police announced that 519 cars were set alight, as opposed to 315, between Wednesday and Thursday night. Many underprivileged neighbourhoods around Paris, where Police forces had gathered, lived through the eighth night of riots, regardless of the French Authorities pleas for ceasefire. In Strasburg, the European Council made a plea for calmness, and the start of dialogue. The French Prime Minister also sent a message to the rioters, before the last incidents broke out. "We will not stand for these outbreaks of violence," stated Dominique de Villepin, underlining that a dialogue for solutions will take place. The incidents taking place during the past days have extended in other towns of France, such as Dijon.

Goodwill Move by Sarkozy

On his part, the French Minister for the Interior and Public Order, Nicola Sarkozy, met with the families of the two teenagers, whose death signalled the start of the riots. The French politician promised the families of the victims that a full and thorough investigation will take place, in order to investigate the circumstances behind the death of the two youths, Bouna Traore, aged 15, and Zyed Benna, 17, of African descent.

The teenagers were electrocuted in a power station, trying to escape from the policemen who were chasing them, as per statements by their relatives.

With this initiative, Sarkozy is hoping to deescalate the heightened tension, as many criticised him of being the fire starter, as he described the rioters as scum.

Moreover, Muslim spiritual leaders called on French politicians to show respect to their religious communities.

Plea by the Council of Europe

In an announcement, the President of the Parliamentary Assembly of the European Council, Ren&#233; van der Linden, asked from the French Authorities to start a dialogue, keeping a strict stance to the perpetrators of the incidents. Moreover, he called on politicians to act on all levels, local, national and European.

"A security and integration policy have to be implemented simultaneously, which will give options to the population of the neighbourhoods," stated Ren&#233; van der Linden. "The residents of the neighbourhoods are the ones suffering by this violence, which deprives them of public and private means of transport, their schools, as well as their jobs, in some cases," read the announcement.

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

Related News:

Riots Continue in Paris

[09] Argentinean Tango for Bush-Demonstrators

By Despina Hristopoulou

Sources: NET, BBC

The Summit of the Americas, also attended by the US President, commenced in the Argentinean city of Mar del Plata amid tight security and mass demonstrations. Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez and Argentinean football ace Diego Maradona are among the demonstrators who have packed the streets of Mar del Plata. The Summit will focus on free trade and poverty in the Latin American countries, where 96 million people survive on less than a dollar per day. However, analysts claim that the issues between the US President and his Venezuelan counterpart will steal the show, since Mr Chavez is determined to reject any Bush proposal on free trade. During the Summit, Hugo Chavez suggested the USA-backed Central American Free Trade Area be substituted for an Alliance against Poverty, as the assassinated US President John F. Kennedy had proposed. "Instead of supplying oxygen to a deceased devil, why dont we try to make the best of Kennedys proposal or suggest something similar," wondered Mr Chavez. It is noted that Cuba abstains from the Summit.

"Warm" Welcome to Bush

For two days, thousands of people will be expressing their opposition to Bushs plans by singing and chanting. However, the tight security and the 8,000 policemen, who have been deployed to guard the venue of the Summit, will keep the demonstrators away from the US President.

Staying true to his promise to Fidel Castro, Diego Maradona arrived in Mar del Plata wearing a T-shirt that read "Throw Bush Out and headed the anti-USA rally." Several celebrities, including Bosnian director Emir Kusturica, were among the demonstrators.

Translated by Areti Christou

[10] No Casualties Reported Malaysia's Twin Towers on Fire

By Mary Lou Tzempelikou

Sources: Reuters

Panic prevailed on Friday night when a fire broke out at a cinema complex located at Malaysias twin towers in Kuala Lumpur. Hardly had the fire broken out when hundreds of panicked cinema-goers started running to safety. No casualties were reported. Eyewitnesses said that the smokes made the atmosphere stuffy obstructing the evacuation.

Translated by Areti Christou

[11] For the Month of September Eurozone: Drop in Unemployment

By Dimitris Alexopoulos

The unemployment rate in the Eurozone dropped slightly from 8.5% in August to 8.4% in September, as per the figures made public today by the European statistical service. However, the average for the 25 EU Member-States remains at 8.6%. Compared to 2004, the unemployment rate has fallen both in the Eurozone, as well as the EU. Specifically, in September 2004, the rate was 8.8% in the Eurozone and 9% in the EU. For September 2005, the lowest percentages were recorded in Ireland (4.3%), the Netherlands (4.6%), Denmark (4.7%) and Austria (5.2%). On the other hand, the countries with the highest unemployment rates were Poland (17.7%), Slovakia (16.4%), France (9.4%), Spain (9.3%) and Latvia (8.8%). Eurostat believes that the total number of unemployed in the European Union last September was 18.8 million.

Translated by Vicky Ghionis

[12] Greece-Italy Energy Hub

By Dimitris Alexopoulos

Greece and Italy signed on Friday in Lecce, Italy a transnational agreement on the construction of a Greek-Italian natural gas pipeline connecting the natural gas systems of the two countries. Greek Development Minister Dimitris Sioufas and Italian Productive Activities Minister Claudio Scaiola signed the agreement in the presence of Turkish Energy and Natural Recourses Minister Hilmi Mehmet Guler. DEPA SA and EDISON enterprises have undertaken to carry out the project by the end of 2009. The pipeline, which stretches for 212 km, will connect the energy networks of the two countries and is expected to transfer 8 billion cubic metres of natural gas to Italy with the prospect of further enlarging its capacity. The pipeline will begin from the city of Komotini, northern Greece, and run as far as Nea Mesimvria via the existing Greek network. From there, a 300 km pipeline will be constructed to be transferring the gas to Stavrolimena.

Energy Channel

"This project is highly important to both countries and enjoys the EUs consent. Its construction will turn Greece, Italy and Turkey into a natural gas energy channel connecting the Caspian region with the Western markets. This agreement once again proves the high level of cooperation between the two countries and their governments," stated Development Minister Dimitris Sioufas.

Earlier, deputy government spokesman Evangelos Antonaros noted that the realization of the project "elevates Greece into a transfer channel of large quantities of natural gas from the Caspian and Central Asian regions to West Europes markets."

"The project in question is one of the five top priorities of the European energy networks as well as an EU strategic choice," he added.

Finally, Mr Antonaros pointed out that this project "proves the developing bilateral relations between Greece and Italy, and highlights the further amplification of the cooperation within the EU as well as Greeces firm will to turn the region into a platform of development for the Northeastern European countries.

On his part, Mr Scaiola underscored that the project is of multidimensional importance to Italy, because the available natural gas qualities will assume an upward course and because its multiple uses contribute not only to the competitiveness of the products but also to keeping the cost for families and industries low.

"Italy has embarked on a new path with regard to the energy sector. Being already a natural gas importer, it will soon turn into an exporter, playing a pivotal role in Europes energy sector," pointed out the Italian Minister.

The agreement was praised by Turkish Natural Recourses Minister Mr Guler, who voiced his gratification for his being present at the signing of the agreement. Mr Guler also stressed that the Mediterranean Sea is a sea of friendship and that the common energy plan unites the three countries. "The more we proceed with the natural gas connection, on which Turkey has already worked alongside with Greece, the stronger the bonds between our countries (Greece and Turkey) grow," claimed Mr Guler.

Translated by Areti Christou

[13] Deliberations With the EU Continue Securitisations Not Rejected

By Dimitris Alexopoulos

"The EU has not rejected any Greek claim with regard to the securitisation of debts," underlined on Friday deputy government spokesman Evangelos Antonaros while answering a question on the changes in the preliminary draft of the budget. At the same time, he noted, "The government has submitted a budget preliminary draft which will be subjected to various changes until the budget is submitted at the end of the month." He also said that the reduction in securitisation by 300 million euros is due to the increase in permanent adjustments and to the improvement of the net profits increase rate. On Thursday, the Economy Minister made it clear that the government stays true to the mild adjustment policy implemented with structural measures of permanent nature without additional tax measures. PASOK spokesman Nikos Athanasakis spoke of failure in the governments economy policy and argued that the 2006 budget is in the air long before it is submitted to Parliament.

Almunia: "Deliberations Continue"

Referring to the securitisation issue, European Commissioner for Economic and Monetary Affairs Joaquin Almunia said that it is clearly a matter of technical nature and that it should be solved by the competent services. At the same time, he noted that the result of the deliberations that have long been underway should enjoy everyones respect.

In particular, on the sidelines of the EU Economy Ministers Summit on the upcoming Tuesday, the Spaniard Commissioner will have a full-scale meeting with Mr Alogoskoufis on the prospects of the Greek economy for 2006. He finally noted that up until then he will have a full picture of the fiscal progress report he received on Thursday from Athens.

Translated by Areti Christou

Related News:

Reduction Without Measures

[14] A Research with Impressive Results Mirror Rids Pain

By Vicky Keleri

Every time we were in pain, we took a pain killer to make it through the day, but the time has come to change habits. Next time we will feel pain, it is better to look ourselves in the mirror! At least this is what a new research by British scientists of Hospital of Bath proposed, as it was successfully tested on patients, suffering from chronic pain in their limbs. In particular, they suffered from complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS), which appears to persons who have had multiple fractures in their wrists. Approximately one third of these cases, after the plaster cast removal, showed inexplicable and strong pains throughout the arm. Patients who had suffered multiple fractures in their limbs participated in the research. Eight patients stood in front of a long mirror, in a way that they saw the side that did not hurt, and the same side again, in order to complete their body image. Thus, they had a perfectly healthy and pain-free image, in which the doctors asked them to concentrate and believe, as what they saw was their really healthy reflection.

Tricking the Brain

Three of the participants in the experiment got rid of the pains, while more time was needed for the rest, who eventually made it. Actually, six of the patients who continued the mirror therapy were fully treated.

The scientists claimed that the treatment is effective, as it convinces the brain that there is no problem in the limbs, and the bodys image is what it should be.

Thus, it stops sending warnings or pains, which means that something is wrong.

In order to reconfirm the credibility of the method, they tried it in reverse.

This time, they asked healthy persons to stand in front of the mirror, and move their shoulder in a way that will alter their image.

Looking at their altered image for some minutes, they began to feel pain in their shoulders, which began as a common discomfort, and in some cases became unbearable, and resulted in some volunteers stopping the experiment.

However, some patients reacted, claiming that in some cases the pains are due to inflammations and damaged nerves, and are not connected with how the brain perceives the condition.

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

[15] Bartholomew's Speech in London Bridging Europe and Islam

By Mary Lou Tzempelikou

Addressing the "Hellenic Observatory" at the London School of Economics on Thursday evening, Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew referred to the instrumental role the Ecumenical Patriarchate can play in Europes relationship with Islam. Bartholomew pointed out that the Phanar lies in a Muslim country and added that it can act as a "Bridge between Europe and Islam." At the same time, Bartholomew argued that the accession of a Muslim country to the EU is to benefit Europe provided that Turkey agrees to fall in line with the EU universals, "including respecting the religious freedoms and the rights of minorities."

Church-State Cooperation With Discreet Roles

Bartholomew referred to the issue of church-state relations citing Justinian, the Byzantine emperor, who stood by the "harmonious and active cooperation with discreet roles."

He also commented on the fact that the recommended draft of the European Constitutional Treaty fails to clearly refer to the fundamental contribution of Christianity to the formation of the European heritage despite the reactions of the religious leaders and movements.

The event was organised by the "Hellenic Observatory" and the London Hellenic Society.

Translated by Areti Christou

[16] Sent by OLME to Students' Parents A Letter of Complaints

By Athina Saloustrou

A letter on the problems of education, was sent to students parents by the Greek Federation of School Teachers of Secondary Education (OLME), who together with primary and nursery teachers are striking on November 10 and 11. The letter reads: "Are you aware that there are great gaps in teaching personnel, weeks after the start of classes, that classrooms are not enough, and that the double shift of schools aggravates many of you, while crucial institutions of social importance, such as reinforced teaching and Added Teaching Support are downgraded or cancelled?" In the letter, the teachers numbered their demands, among which are: "We demand the self evident," further stating "the upgrade of education and its content and the increase of funds for education at 5% of the GDP." The teachers called the parents to stand by their side, and noted, "The win of the educators is a win for education and the society in the whole." An open letter is sent by OLME to educators, stating that the situation has reached a dead end, and called the department to participate in collective actions.

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

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