The Hellenic Radio (ERA): News in English, 05-11-16

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

CONTENTS

[01] They Amount to Three Million Alarm Over Syringes

By Anna Kourti

Sources: NET

Three Attica hospitals, Agia Olga, Amalia Fleming and Sotiria, had been supplied with syringes from the dangerous batch imported into Greece from a Chinese factory. 100,000 pieces have been confiscated so far following the spot checks at the hospitals stocks. Germanos Medical SA, which imported the batch in question, underlined that the import and distribution procedures were lawful, since the medical products carried the EU accreditation. It is mentioned that a hair found in one syringe four months ago resulted in confiscating and sending the batch to be inspected by the National Organisation for Medicines (EOF). However, it cannot yet be confirmed whether the accreditation was genuine or forged.

The Hospitals' Claims

Germanos Medical SA Director Vissarion Papageorgakopoulos underlined, "The 93/42 EU directive makes the CE accreditation on medical products ranging from CAT scans to syringes and gauges mandatory. The CE accreditation means that the products meet the safety standards that guarantee the health of the patients and the nursing staff. It is a necessary passport for the free movement of these products throughout the EU. We import cheap because we participate in tenders. More than 400,000 medical products are being marketed in the EU."

On his part, Mr Bamopoulos, Laboratory Directory of the Hellenic Organisation for Standardisation (ELOT), stated, "As is the case with all products, the manufacturer, meaning the Chinese company, places the CE accreditation on the package. The credibility of many international organisations that issue CE accreditations has frequently been questioned. The importers, though, tend to put an additional labelling from domestic bodies. This is necessary for a plethora of medical tools and appliances."

As per the announcement issued by the Agia Olga hospital, the supply of syringes occurred following a tender that related to the total of Atticas hospital institutions.

The Sotiria hospital also issued an announcement reading that a foreign object was detected in a syringe from a batch the hospital received following a tender that took place a year and a half ago. The hospital recalled both that particular batch and the total of nearly 50,000 syringes from the same supplier. Speaking on NET, Health Minister Nikitas Kaklamanis noted that the dangerous products carry the EU accreditation, while they have not been detected in pharmacies.

New Kaklamanis-Venizelos Dispute

In a written statement, PASOK parliamentarian responsible for health issues Evangelos Venizelos accused Health Minister Nikitas Kaklamanis of adopting a populist strategy by revealing so called scams the very same day when the Main Opposition launched a campaign in the countrys hospitals. "The hospitals were supplied with the syringes in question under 2004 and 2005 contracts entered into by the new boards of the hospitals," he added.

Translated by Areti Christou

Related News:

Dangerous Syringes

[02] By PASOK Members Discussions on Renewal

By Mary Lou Tzempelikou

Sources: NET, ANA

The statements of the partys President have started heated discussions and raised concern within the Parliamentary group of PASOK. It is noted that George Papandreou, speaking at Parliamentary reporters during a dinner, said that his foremost priority is renewal within the party, as well as in the Parliamentary group. Giannos Papandoniou said that the MPs are elected by the people, while Akis Tsochatzopoulos spoke of an effort to create a new elite within the party and of a control of authority. In replying, the partys Press spokesperson, Nikos Athanasakis, explained that the renewal does not have age limit criteria, and concerns structures, functions, programme positions and attitudes. "The people elect its representatives in Parliament," noted the partys MPs, a fact which was also noted by Mr Athanasakis, who said that judgement is up to the people, as Mr Papandreou also repeated yesterday. In addition, the partys spokesperson added, "There are no disputes between old or new members in PASOK." On his part, PASOK Parliamentary spokesperson Charis Kastanidis said, "The President of PASOK declared his faith in two self-evident truths. Firstly, that he is obliged to help the new generation of politicians enter the forefront, and secondly, that he hopes that this will happen in the forthcoming elections, leaving it up to the citizens judgement." said Mr Athanasakis "Renewal is considered as a positive fact, either concerning parties or any other department of social and political life," replied Government spokesperson Thodoros Rousopoulos to a relevant question.

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

Related News:

Papandreou's Message to PASOK

[03] World Summit Meeting in Tunisia E-Control to the USA

By Vagelis Theodorou

The utilisation of new technologies for the benefit of development throughout the planet and the decrease of a digital gap are the main issues of the second World Summit on the Information Society (WSIS), which began in Tunisia, on Wednesday. The discussions of the first day were adjourned with an agreement, leaving the control of the Internets address system to the US, while the UN is creating a new body that will take up more general issues of the Internet, such as electronic crime and spam. Moreover, WSIS, which will adjourn its proceedings on Friday, will investigate ways for the decrease of the digital gap between the rich and the poor, while the affordable $100 PC created by MIT was at the focus of discussions.

Global Manager

The agreement that leaves the US the control of the Internet caused intense disputes, as many countries are demanding the UN take up that role.

Up to now, the US Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN), is a non-profit organisation belonging to the Department of Commerce, which checks the addresses of the Internet, ie domain names, as well as its records, based on which every user connects to the websites they desire.

Many developing countries and the European Union asked for the transfer of Internet control to the UN. However, the 170 participants in the WSIS reached the controversial agreement with the logic that the infrastructure of the Internet is operating satisfactorily, and that the US do not have direct control on the content of the web.

Furthermore, the agreement foresees the creation of the Internet Governance Forum, a body of the United Nations, which will investigate the problems reported and will concern itself with more general issues of the Internet, such as crime, spam and viruses. However, the Internet Governance Forum will not have any control over the Internets operation.

Access for All

Digital shutout and differences in the absorbance of new technologies between the rich and the poor has been placed under the WSISs microscope. Actually, the first World Summit, which took place in Geneva, had set the aim of access for all by 2015.

However, many analysts doubt the achievement of this ambitious expectation. Currently, only 15% of the worlds population can connect to the Internet, at a time when 62% of the US population has access to the web.

Moreover, one of the issues of great interest is the $100 laptop, an affordable PC for developing countries thought by MIT Media Labs founder Nicholas Negroponte.

During the Summit Meeting, the organisation One Laptop Per Child, which has taken up the promotion of the idea, is expected to present the prototype. The aim of the effort is for 15 million low-price computers to be manufactured in one year.

In closing, the host country of the Summit Meeting is also expected to be at the focus of the discussion, since journalists and organisations have accused Tunisia of not respecting the freedom of digital expression.

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

Read the story on other sources:

CNN: Deal averts Internet showdown

Financial Times: FT Briefing: Internet governance

New Scientist: Late deal avoids split on internet governance

Related Links:

ICANN

WSIS

[04] By the Greek Premier Message of National Unity

By Mary Lou Tzempelikou

Sources: NET

Greek Prime Minister Kostas Karamanlis met on Wednesday with the Association of the Detainee and Exiled Resistance Fighters during the 1967-1974 military regime. Mr Karamanlis sent a message of national unity both in exercising the foreign policy and handling the economy problems. He also underlined that Greece has left behind the dividing lines of the past. The Prime Minister praised the activities and the courage of all the Greeks who stood up to Junta and he referred to the quality of democracy Greece has been enjoying since the downfall of the military regime. "You represent all the Greeks who were courageous enough to resist, struggle and fight for democracy, peoples freedom, freedom of expression and egalitarianism," said Mr Karamanlis addressing the members of the Association, and he underscored that the example they set is an inspiration for a better society in the years to come.

Translated by Areti Christou

[05] Town Planning Legislation Reviewed

By Tina Valaoura

Sources: NET

Speaking at a convention organised by economic newspaper Express for Major Technical Works and Real Estate, Public Works Minister Giorgos Souflias announced new changes to the town planning legislation, in order to ensure quicker expansion of town plans. As per the Minister, the new way of assigning major works ensures absolute transparency. "Our perennial aim is to construct public works with transparency, the best possible quality and the lowest possible price, in a specific and quickest possible timeframe," stressed Mr Souflias. He also mentioned that works amounting to 4.4 billion euros have been auctioned from the beginning of 2005 until today, as opposed to 1.07 billion euros, which was the annual average for works auctioned for the decade 1994-2003, including all the Olympic works.

The relevant bill, which is expected to be submitted by this coming spring, will bring about changes to the town planning legislation, in order to include areas in the town plans quicker and to effectuate residential programmes, as announced by Mr Souflias.

Finally, he noted that by September 2006, the country will have an integrated zoning plan, with special zones for Tourism, Industries, renewable energy sources, as well as building plans for the Coastal and Mountainous areas.

Translated by Vicky Ghionis

[06] Kenteris and Thanou Arraigned

By Vasilis Kalpinos

Sources: ANA

The accident of Kostas Kenteris and Katerina Thanou was "staged," in relation to the case of the reported road accident of August 12, 2004 "in order to avoid doping check and their immediate appearance to the disciplinary committee," as well as the consequences from any prospective penalty which would cost them their participation to the games and their fame and career in general, said First Instance Judge Mr Andreas Karaflos. Furthermore, he proposed the arraignment of the two Greek athletes, as well as their former coach, Christos Tzekos, to the Misdemeanour Council. The charges for the three persons are misdemeanours.

Witnesses also Arraigned

Apart from the two Olympians and their former coach, who as Mr Karaflos said "staged the accident reported on the eve of the Olympic Games," he also demanded the arraignment of the two witnesses of the accident, Messrs Zografos and Sakelarios, charged with perjury and false report to the authorities.

This means that the two athletes and their coach will be tried, charged with false report to the authorities and perjury, as per the Prosecutor

Moreover, Kenteris and Thanou will also be arraigned on the charges of liability, and participation of breach of duty, while Christos Tzekos on the charges of supply, import, possession, production, storage and sale of anabolic substances.

In closing, the First Instance Judge ruled that the seven doctors of KAT Hospital, who have been charged with breach of duty, should not be arraigned, since their actions are justified "due to the deceiving behaviour dizziness, nausea etc of the accused in hospital."

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

[07] First High-Level Contact in Months Shalom-Abbas Meeting

By Despina Hristopoulou

Sources: ANA, Reuters

A day after the accord on the reopening of the Rafah crossing, Israeli Foreign Minister Silvan Shalom and Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas hold two meetings on Wednesday on the sidelines of the World Summit on the Information Society in Tunis. The meeting of the two men stand for the first high-level contact the two sides held in months. Following the end of the first, unscheduled meeting, the Palestinian President argued that the talks were made in a cordial atmosphere and that they discussed accord brokered on Tuesday. As per information, the Israeli Minister voiced his disapproval of the participation of the militant Hamas group in the Palestinian parliamentary elections scheduled for January. Mr Shalom also underscored that the Israeli government cannot stand "Israeli troops being killed in terrorist attacks." On his part, Abbas claimed that if Hamas is disarmed, a civil war will definitely break out.

"Peace Talks Should not be Disrupted"

At the same time, the head of the Israeli diplomacy noted that the Gaza Strip "should set an example," and he further added, "law and order" should prevail. The Palestinian leader, also, did not miss underlining how important it is for the peace process to be further promoted and the peace talks not to be disrupted each time something happens.

Later, the two men held a second round of talks attended by UN Secretary General Kofi Annan. An Israeli Foreign Ministry official described the second meeting as "friendly" and pointed out that that it did not last long. He declined, however, to reveal any details with regard to the content of the discussion.

Would-be Suicide Bomber Arrested

In the meantime, a 16-year-old Palestinian with a suicide belt on was arrested at a checkpoint near the city of Nablus. As per an Israeli source, the belt consisted of six explosive devices and it was hidden in a rucksack. The young Palestinian is being questioned.

Translated by Areti Christou

Read the story on other sources:

Reuters: Israeli minister, Palestinian leader meet in Tunis

BBC: Abbas meets Israeli FM at summit

Related News:

Rafah Crossing Reopens

[08] At Maximos Mansion Budget Meeting

By Vivian Papastefanou

Sources: NET - ANA

The 2006 budget will top the meeting between the Prime Minister and Economy and Development Ministers Giorgos Alogskoufis and Dimitris Sioufas in view of submitting it to Parliament next week. Mr Alogoskoufis stressed there has been a significant deficit reduction from 6.6% to 4.4% in 2005, while it is expected to drop below 3% in 2006. Answering a question on securitisation, Mr Alogoskoufis said it is a "secondary matter that has been clarified." As for Mr Sioufas, he underlined the statements of the Economy Minister are true, also adding that he informed the Prime Minister on the growth planning for 2006 and the following years. At the same time, in view of the Prime Ministers imminent tour to the countryside, the two Ministers briefed the Prime Minister on the course of the development works. Government spokesman Thodoris Roussopoulos stated that Karamanlis tour is not connected to the scenarios that speak of early parliamentarian elections, which, as he said, will be called at the end of the governments term.

They Crossed Their Swords

In the meantime, PASOK press spokesman Nikos Athanasakis accused the Economy Minister and the government of "lack of seriousness." "The Economy Minister has announced a 4.4% deficit, since the government seems unable to successfully handle even the issue of securitisation," Mr Athanasakis stated and went on to forecast that the deficit may close higher. He also called on Mr Alogoskoufis to answer the interpellation filed by PASOKs parliamentarians regarding the time VAT will be imposed on estate.

He also made a reference to the comment of the government spokesman Thodoris Roussopoulos, who said that the PASOK leader must have been looking at a mirror when he argued that early elections "are a dead-end for the government." He further claimed, "The government spokesman should consult his mirror more often to see whether his everyday lies make his nose grow longer," and maintained that it was Mr Roussopoulos who unintentionally brought up the issue of early elections. Commenting on Mr Siofas statement, Mr Athanasakis referred to the continuous fall in the Public Investment Programme, which the government had chosen to curb.

The Economy Ministry, on the other hand, blamed PASOK for displaying hypocrisy and underlined, "Mr Athanasakis, following in the footsteps of his leader who admitted that the chaos in the economy generated by Simitis governments should be settled, confirmed that the fiscal figures presented by PASOKs governments were nothing but an effort to mislead the Greek people. PASOK officials had better cease misleading and creating impressions." On the issue of the VAT on estate, which, as the Ministry stressed, was a PASOK pre-election pledge, will be implemented as of 1/1/2006.

[09] Announced Eurostat Small Inflation Decrease

By Tina Valaoura

Sources: ANA

Inflation in Greece has dropped from 3.8% in September to 3.7% in October, but still is the fourth highest in the 25, as per data released today by Eurostat, the EU's Statistical Service.

In the Eurozone, inflation dropped from 2.6% in September to 2.5% in October. A year ago, it was at 2.4%. Among the 25, inflation dropped from 2.5% in September to 2.4% in October, while a year ago it was at 2.3%.

In October, the lowest inflation rates were recorded in Finland (0.8%), Sweden (0.9%), the Netherlands (1.5%) and Poland (1.6%), while the highest were recorded in Latvia (7.7%), Luxemburg (5%), Estonia (4.5%) and Greece (3.7%).

Translated by Sofia Soulioti

[10] Kenteris and Thanou Arraigned

By Vasilis Kalpinos

Sources: ANA

The accident of Kostas Kenteris and Katerina Thanou was "staged," in relation to the case of the reported road accident of August 12, 2004 "in order to avoid doping check and their immediate appearance to the disciplinary committee," as well as the consequences from any prospective penalty which would cost them their participation to the games and their fame and career in general, said First Instance Judge Mr Andreas Karaflos. Furthermore, he proposed the arraignment of the two Greek athletes, as well as their former coach, Christos Tzekos, to the Misdemeanour Council. The charges for the three persons are misdemeanours.

Witnesses also Arraigned

Apart from the two Olympians and their former coach, who as Mr Karaflos said "staged the accident reported on the eve of the Olympic Games," he also demanded the arraignment of the two witnesses of the accident, Messrs Zografos and Sakelarios, charged with perjury and false report to the authorities.

This means that the two athletes and their coach will be tried, charged with false report to the authorities and perjury, as per the Prosecutor

Moreover, Kenteris and Thanou will also be arraigned on the charges of liability, and participation of breach of duty, while Christos Tzekos on the charges of supply, import, possession, production, storage and sale of anabolic substances.

In closing, the First Instance Judge ruled that the seven doctors of KAT Hospital, who have been charged with breach of duty, should not be arraigned, since their actions are justified "due to the deceiving behaviour dizziness, nausea etc of the accused in hospital."

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

[11] From 16 November 2005 to 5 February 2006 Exhibition of Bousianis' Works

By Annita Paschalinou

The Benaki Museum, Athens is organising the largest exhibition of works by Yorgos Bousianis (1885-1959) since 1977. A total of 70 oil paintings, watercolours, pastels and drawings on display illustrate the distinct painting style of one of the most prominent representatives of the European expressionism. After his short-lived flirtation with academic painting, realism and expressionism, Bousianis formed a recognisable, personal expressionistic style that ranked him among Greek avant-garde. The works on display are from the collection of Vassilis J. Valambous, who has been vying to locate Bousianis works for 27 years. The exhibition is accompanied by a catalogue containing photographs and bibliographic documentation of the works, as well as texts by Angelos Delivorrias, Vassilis J. Valambous, Chronis Botsoglou and Sania Papa.

Translated by Areti Christou

[12] They Amount to Three Millions Alarm Over Syringes

By Anna Kourti

Sources: NET

Three Attica hospitals, Agia Olga, Amalia Fleming and Sotiria, had been supplied with syringes from the dangerous batch imported into Greece from a Chinese factory. 100,000 pieces have been confiscated so far following the spot checks at the hospitals stocks. Germanos Medical SA, which imported the batch in question, underlined that the import and distribution procedures were lawful, since the medical products carried the EU accreditation. It is mentioned that a hair found in one syringe four months ago resulted in confiscating and sending the batch to be inspected by the National Organisation for Medicines (EOF). However, it cannot yet be confirmed whether the accreditation was genuine or forged.

The Hospitals' Claims

As per the announcement issued by the Agia Olga hospital, the supply of syringes occurred following a tender that related to the total of Atticas hospital institutions.

The Sotiria hospital also issued an announcement reading that a foreign object was detected in a syringe from a batch the hospital received following a tender that took place a year and a half ago.

The hospital recalled both that particular batch and the total of nearly 50,000 syringes from the same supplier.

Speaking on NET, Health Minister Nikitas Kaklamanis noted that the dangerous products carry the EU accreditation, while they have not been detected in pharmacies.

Translated by Areti Christou

Related News:

Dangerous Syringes

[13] On Dial Up Connections, as of December 6 Internet Prices Increase

By Mary Lou Tzempelikou

Sources: NET

Dialling up to the Internet will cost even as 75% more, as per the new price rates of OTE enforced as of December 6, and in accordance with the National Telecommunications and Post Commission (EETT). From now on, users surfing via the Single Access Dial-up Number (EPAK) will be charged with 23 units per hour, as opposed to 13 currently in force, while the night rates, which were cheaper, will be abolished. This means that the user, for one hour of connection, will pay 0.60 euros, as opposed to 0.34 euros. Answering to a relevant question, Government spokesperson Thodoros Rousopoulos said that the Telecommunications Independent Authority had asked for the harmonisation of prices with the corresponding European countries, as well as the market, and explained that the increase "does not range to the percentages reported in some articles."

Moreover, he noted that the pledge of the Prime Minister for cheaper Internet to students will soon materialise, and voiced the certainty that OTE will expand its networks and provide services "affordable to Greek citizens in order to facilitate the state into entering the new electronic era."

Even if Internet connection prices in Greece have been stable since 1999, it is still the most expensive country in Europe on such charges. If the new rates are finally approved by the EETT, a good deal for users will be ADSL connection, which is somewhat more expensive, however, it is surely faster.

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

[14] Moving Out of "Old Smelly"

By Vagelis Theodorou

A village in Serbia was renamed as chaffing comments made all the young people move out. Specifically, the village of Smric, which means Old Smelly, was renamed to Izvor, meaning Spring. Its residents made an appeal to the their government and asked for the renaming, even if the villages name dated back through hundreds of years, based on a myth of a dead horse. As one of the residents, Smilja Kostic, stated, the new name derived from the spring of a neighbouring village, which is known for its crystal clear running waters. "The young ones moved as they thought it is embarrassing to live in a village with such a name," claimed Mr Kostic, adding that his daughter is now very proud of being a resident of Spring.

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

[15] A Police Bus Was Torched Policemen Attacked in Athens

By Vicky Keleri

Sources: NET- ANA

A group of hooded youths mounted a double attack with Molotov cocktails against policemen in the junction of Navarinou and Mavromihali Streets and outside PASOKs headquarters. Initially, the hooded youths had attacked the policemen guarding the Chemistry University on Solonos Street. The policemen fled and the youths reached the Navarinou-Mavromihali junction, where a police bas was parked. They forced the driver out, beat him and threw Molotov cocktails at its interior. A policeman, who was inside, managed to get out at the very last moment, while the bus was completely burnt down. They then marched towards PASOKs headquarters and threw another Molotov cocktail against the policeman standing at the entrance. The policeman fired a riot control grenade back and the hooded youths fled towards Exarheia Square.

Translated by Areti Christou

[16] Honouring the Fighters

By Vicky Keleri

Sources: NET

The statements of the partys President have started heated discussions and raised concern within the Parliamentary group of PASOK. It is noted that George Papandreou, speaking at Parliamentary reporters during a dinner, said that his foremost priority is renewal within the party, as well as in the Parliamentary group. Giannos Papandoniou said that the MPs are elected by the people, while Akis Tsochatzopoulos spoke of an effort to create a new elite within the party and of a control of authority. In replying, the partys Press spokesperson, Nikos Athanasakis, explained that the renewal does not have age limit criteria, and concerns structures, functions, programme positions and attitudes. "The people elect its representatives in Parliament," noted the partys MPs, a fact which was also noted by Mr Athanasakis, who said that judgement is up to the people, as Mr Papandreou also repeated yesterday. "Renewal is considered as a positive fact, either concerning parties or any other department of social and political life," replied Government spokesperson Thodoros Rousopoulos to a relevant question. PASOK Press spokesperson Nikos Athanasakis condemned the presence of the specific paintings and noted, "The anti-junta fight of the youth and the people led to the revolt of the Polytechnic. It is not remotely related to the assassins who tried or are trying to take advantage of that event."

Incidents in Patras

In the meantime, incidents took place at the University of Patras last night, between delegates of students political parties, during which seven persons were injured.

Members of students parties belonging to KNE and EAAK were involved in the incidents, while the cause was the arrangement of banners and tables. The seven injured were admitted to hospital, but were released after being given first aid.

The celebrations of the 1973 revolt anniversary continued in Thessaloniki, with the laying of wreaths at the Polytechnic monument. Tomorrow, a march will be staged to the Polytechnic, while parking is banned on the central streets of Thessaloniki from 8am.

Moreover, the Traffic Police will be gradually stopping traffic in all central road networks of the city, while the centre of Thessaloniki will be closed of from 3pm.

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

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