The Hellenic Radio (ERA): News in English, 05-11-27

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

CONTENTS

[01] Emphasis on Peace and Growth Summit on Terror

By Tina Valaoura

Sources: ANA-NET

The issue of combating terrorism without violating human rights is to top the agenda of the heads of state participating in the first EuroMed Summit scheduled for Monday in Barcelona under tight security. Greek Prime Minister Kostas Karamanlis arrived in the Spanish city on Sunday afternoon and he is attending a working meeting with the 37 leaders. Later, he is to attend the formal dinner Juan Carlos of Spain and Queen Sophia will be giving to honour them. On the sidelines of the Summit, the Greek Premier will hold a meeting with his British counterpart Tony Blair.

Dialogue on Cooperation

The Summit, which will officially open its proceedings on Monday, will be attended by 38 delegations, including the 25 EU Member-States and the ten states located on the southern Mediterranean coastline, namely Algeria, the Palestine Authority, Egypt, Israel, Jordan, Lebanon, Morocco, Syria, Tunisia and Turkey. Romania, Bulgaria and Croatia will also take part, while Libya, Mauritania, the Secretary General of the Arab Union, the President of the European Commission and the President of the European Parliament will attend the Summit with the capacity of permanent observers.

This gathering aims at introducing the second phase of the Euro-Mediterranean cooperation, which first began in 1995 in the same city, based on three key pillars. The economic (free trade in the Mediterranean basin and socioeconomic growth), social and cultural dialogue between the Mediterranean countries (struggle against poverty and racism, promotion of solidarity, respect for religions) and finally the security policy in the Mediterranean basin (respect for human rights, peace processes in the Middle East, terrorism, criminality and immigration).

However, the Summit is marked by important absences on the part of the Arab world. Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak, King Adbullah of Jordan, King Mohammed VI of Morocco and Syrian President Bashar al-Assad have abstained from the Summit.

Analysts put down this development on the failure of the so far negotiations to precisely define the term "terrorism", which is subject to various interpretations and especially they put down the absences to the joint text on combating terrorism which must be approved by all members. Over the last weeks, the draft text prompted reactions mainly from Syria, which argues that there is a great difference between the terrorists and those who participate in actions of violence that have the form of a legal defence or the fight against an occupation army.

British Premier Tony Blair had a meeting with the Palestinian Presidetn Mahmoud Abbas on the sidelines of the Summit to discuss the issue in question. "We condemn terrorism and we vehemently reject it," underlined Abbas in his joint press conference with Mr Blair. "Drawing a distinguishing line between the notions of terrorism and resistance is crucial," argued Mr Blair and added that terrorism does nothing but obstructing the dialogue between the Palestinians and the Israelis.

Pivotal New Challenges

In his exclusive interview with EFE news agency, Greek Premier Kostas Karamanlis highlighted the importance of the new challenges the region is facing and pointed out that it is about time the cooperation rhythm changed. "We do not expect decisions to be made. We must be realists. We can, though, give a fresh boost to the dialogue on the priorities set in the region," he argued and went on to note, "There is an agenda including several issues, an agenda that should gradually move from theory and dialogue to actions."

Referring on the new challenges, including terrorism, citizens safety, promotion of peace, stability and democracy principles, the Greek Premier voiced his expectation that the EuroMed Summit "Will guarantee the growth of all the Mediterranean countries in an environment of enhanced social cohesion and equal opportunities." He went on to add, "The Summit constitutes a strong cooperation model for our policies in the area," and that model can be further enhanced.

According to Mr Karamanlis, the texts to be approved during the Summit "will not only provide an answer to the international developments," but they will also express "the EUs political will to effectively cooperate with the Mediterranean countries on issues related to illegal immigration and the management of the immigration wave."

The Greek Premier also praised the initiative that was mutually agreed by himself and Spain PM Jos&#233; Luis Rodr&#237;guez Zapatero heralding the setting-up of the European Coast Guard, which, as it is said, "was warmly welcomed, despite the steps that need to be taken." With regard to the sector of bilateral cooperation, Mr Karamanlis announced that a proposal on financing a study aiming at creating a complete management system of the sea borders will be presented in the near future.

Translated by Areti Christou

Related News:

Message to Turkey

Greek PM Visits Barcelona

[02] On Turkey's EU Prospect Message to Turkey

By Athina Saloustrou

"If Turkey indeed wants to approach the Union, it should respect European principles and values and to respond to the proposals," noted Mr Karamanlis in Spanish newspaper ABC, entitled "The Combat of Terrorism Should Not Conflict with the United Nations Charter." Mr Karamanlis, who arrived in Barcelona in the afternoon, in order to participate in the Euro-Mediterranean Summit, the first presided by leaders of countries and Governments, is questioned on Turkeys European prospect, as well as Greek-Turkish relations. "Greece supports the European prospect of its southeastern neighbouring counties, since it considers that the area will be fully European; human rights will be respected and European principles and values will be enforced. This is why we support Turkeys European orientation, which is at its course towards Europe, gradually adjusting to community patrimony and will operate based on these principles. We believe that this will lead to new prospects of peace, good neighbouring relations, cooperation, economic grown and prosperity of the two countries. If Turkey indeed wants to access the EU, it ought to respond to the preconditions set by the EU, and of course to respect the principles and values of Europe and international law. Of course this should be reflected in its behaviour to its neighbours," stressed Mr Karamanlis.

Turkey's EU Prospect and Greek-Turkish Relations

On a question over the fact that Turkey does not recognise the Cypriot Republic, while Turkish troops remain stationed in the northern part of the island, Mr Karamanlis answered: "Cyprus is indeed a very important factor in the eastern Mediterranean, an EU Member-State as of May 1, 2004. Turkey is a candidate for accession, as on October 3 it started negotiations with the EU, and under this status has taken up all short and long-term commitments, the fulfilment of which will allow it become a full member. The EU has positioned itself on all these issues, both with the Negotiating Context and the document of the Counterstatement to Turkeys Statement over the non-recognition of the Cypriot Republic, and all relevant documents. Athens expects from Turkey to show its willingness to achieve progress in its European course. The EUs relevant decisions dictate a clear European context to Turkey, and designate a specific procedure which are cannot be taken aside or become objects of negotiation."

Mr Karamanlis explained the Euro-Mediterranean prospects of Athens to ABC, noting the special importance given by the European Union with the adoption of the Barcelona Declaration, 10 years ago, in cooperation with other Mediterranean countries.

"For Greece and the rest of the Mediterranean countries of the EU, the success of this initiative is of great importance. The Mediterranean is our neighbourhood. We are the ones directly influenced by any developments in the area. We are more accustomed to the problems and its needs. That is why I believe Greece and Spain are the best communication and cooperation bridge, as we have taken an initiative for the establishment of a European Coast Guard aimed at the better coordinating of actions in the Mediterranean and the department of illegal immigration," stated the Prime Minister.

In relation to security and the combat of terrorism, which constitutes an important priority for Mediterranean countries, Mr Karamanlis stressed that Greece "having been plagued by terrorism, is actively participating in efforts for its combat. Greece has ratified all twelve international treaties against terrorism and enforces Decisions 1373 and 1566 of the UN Security Council. "We support that anti-terrorism activities should not conflict with the UN Charter and international law. We closely cooperate with countries, and our cooperation is very effective since it broke up terrorist organisation 17N, as well as hosting the safest Olympic Games in the modern history of the event. The EU has designated an anti-terrorist strategy which we strongly believe in."

Questioned on the Middle East and ways to improve the atmosphere, the Prime Minister, after explaining that Greece keeps good relations with all the areas countries, based on tradition, and which also present opportunities for a future cooperation and consecutively is interested for its stability and prosperity, explained: "We give great emphasis to the approach and cooperation of these countries with the EU, as we consider that the beneficial effect of the EU can be determinative for the advancement of a peaceful co-existence, stability and growth in the area. In this context, we are ready to play a decisive part in initiatives concerning the political, economic and cultural department. Greece can offer its valuable experience gained in the Balkans, which turned from an arsenal to an area of stability, prosperity and reunification. We support the political, economic and social reforms, which are necessary for the growth of the areas countries, but we believe that they should be the result of internal proceedings. We give special importance to the advancement of the Transnational Dialogue through the Euro-Mediterranean Cooperation and we believe that we should support the Foundation of the Transnational Dialogue. We also support efforts for a solution of the Middle East conflict, which will be based on the recognition of a Palestinian State and the guarantee of Israels security. We believe that a continuous and viable peace in the Middle East requires the reconciliation with all neighbouring countries."

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

Read the story on other sources:

ABC: CONSTANTINO KARAMANLIS, Primer ministro de Grecia: �La lucha antiterrorista no debe vulnerar la Carta de Naciones Unidas�

[03] With Strong Anti-Inflammatory Properties Wonder Parasite

By Thanasis Karlos

Sources: Reuters-BBC

It is not the first time that parasite worms have kindled the interest of the scientists, who repeatedly examine them for their therapeutic properties. Last year, US researchers found out that a certain parasite yielded wonder results on people suffering from the Crohn disease, a chronic disorder in the small intestine. This year, Irish researchers have drawn their attention to the anti-inflammatory properties of another tiny worm, which, although it infects humans, it immunizes humans against lung inflammations and psoriasis.

Future's Drug Store

The parasite that won the interest of the researchers of Trinity College in Dublin is called Schistosoma mansoni and is thought to infect nearly 250 million people residing in tropical countries, since it is transmitted through polluted water. It is responsible for a disorder called schistosomiosis, which may even result in death. Yet, while infecting the human body, it releases a molecule with strong properties against acute inflammations. This molecule modifies and strengthens the bodys immune system.

The lab tests showed that the schistosome parasites could also prevent allergies and intestine disorders. Now, researchers have drawn their attention to decoding this process and determining which part can be used safely to the benefit of humans health.

"Our strategy is to develop new drugs for human diseases by exploiting mechanisms and molecules that worms have developed over millions of years of co-evolution with man," head of the research team Dr Fallon said and went on to describe the parasite worms as the "drug store" of the future.

Undeniably, the questions regarding the fashion the worm in question functions are too many. However, the brains working on the issue are not few, either. Dr Doenhoff of Bangor University is also examining the same parasite and believes that it may also hold the key to reducing cholesterol levels, while other research teams from the USA and Britain are testing similar species.

Translated by Areti Christou

Read the story on other sources:

Journal of Experimental Medicine: Antiinflammatory eggs

[04] Papandreou's Tour in Karditsa Papandreou: "False Promises"

By Tina Valaoura

Sources: NET-ANA

PASOK leader George Papandreou, who is visiting Karditsa, lashed out at the governments policy on the field of agriculture. He also accused the government of lacking a well-though programme, irresponsibility and breaking its pre-election pledges to the farmers.

"Farmers have been experiencing NDs pledges as well as the harsh reality. They promised the farmers a lot, however, nothing positive has come. Instead, things are getting worse and worse for all the farmers. Before the elections they had said, "All the kilos all the money," and yet they knew that this was against the policies followed by the EU. So, they knew they were lying," Papandreou argued while delivering his speech at the municipality of Sofades in the context of the nationwide campaign on economy PASOK has launched.

PASOK leader also blamed the government for lacking goals regarding both the problems burdening the farmers and the Common Agriculture Policy. "Although it was his pre-election commitment, the Greek Premier is not giving battles in Brussels, he said and underlined that PASOK has a programme on the agriculture sector and will implement it as soon as it assumes offices.

He also referred to the efforts to renew PASOK and requested the support of the citizens, while he demanded the government grant the heating oil benefit.

Development Minister Dimitris Sioufas commented on the main opposition leaders visit to Karditsa. "It is an opportunity for him to have a close contact with a part of Greece his partys governments used to call the other Greece and to see for himself how much could have been done over the last 20 years and to realise the problems the past bequeathed to the Greek countryside," he argued.

Rural Development Minister Evangelos Basiakos answered to the criticism on the agricultural police calling on PASOK to apologise for the mistakes it made and for the EU regulations it rejected instead of using lies just to halt the wise policy followed by the government.

"A few years ago, PASOK and its Agriculture Minister Ms Dris argued that the farmers should get by on their own. Now, they care about them by following a policy that aims at creating impressions, a policy that fails to address the real problems the farmers encounter," claimed Minister of State and government spokesman Thodoris Roussopoulos.

Translated by Areti Christou

[05] Grotesque Initiation for British Royal Marines Unbelievable Brutality in Camp

By Athina Saloustrou

The British Mass Media broadcast a video from the grotesque initiation of Royal Marines. The images are of unbelievable violence and recorded by a marine in order to provide evidence over torture, and even the rape of newly recruits. Twelve newly recruited men are forced to wrestle each other naked. When someone dares to complain he is kicked in the face, leaving him unconscious. The orders were given by an official, who is wearing a surgeons outfit for the occasion, while another British official is dressed in a schoolgirls uniform and standing next to him! Forty British Marines were watching this grotesque initiation; all of them naked. The specific incident took place last May, at the 42 Commandos base of the Bickleigh Barracks, Plymouth. On its part, the British Defence Ministry announced that it is taking the video seriously into account. The marine that recorded the revelation stated that this is not an isolated incident, as it has happened many times before. The report which reached the British Parliament last December, gave statistical data, as per which, 7% of British soldiers has gone through abusive treatment and even sexual molestation.

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

Read the story on other sources:

Independent Television News (ITN): Marines 'bullying video' probed

BBC: Marines 'violent bullying' probed

[06] Power Cut for 250,000 Germans Heavy Snowfalls in Western Europe

By Athina Saloustrou

The inclement weather conditions in western Europe continue. Heavy snowfalls and low temperatures have been affecting several countries in central and northern Europe. In the Netherlands, the snow has caused traffic jams, while traffic flow has also been heavy in Spain. Destructions, flight cancellations and power cuts have become a cruel reality for Germany, where the winter has set in for good with freezing cold temperatures and heavy snowfalls. Nearly 250,000 Germans were struck with power failures due to the severe snowfalls that have been falling in western Germany since Friday. "Almost 25 communities have been left without power due to failures caused by the adverse weather, mostly in the area of Munster near the border with the Netherlands," clarified a spokesman for utility RWE.

Translated by Areti Christou

[07] For 2006 No Emergency Tax Measures

By Athina Saloustrou

In his interview with Vima tis Kyriakis, Greek Economy Minister Giorgos ALogoskoufis argued that the 2006 budget provides for no emergency tax measures. However, new taxation on cigars and fuels is deemed possible should the excise duty help the market run smoothly. Mr Alogoskoufis also said that he envisages simplifying the taxation system and gradually reducing it to 25% for companies and natural persons starting as of 2007. He further noted that the real increase in the employees income for 2006 will amount to 1.7%, without taking into account the inflation and the rises in the indirect taxation, and he pointed out, "This is how far we can go." He then went on to underline the high growth rates the Greek economy has been enjoying, as well as the slight drop in unemployment, while he voiced his belief that the living standards have been considerably improved compared to those two years ago. "I admit that people have not been living they way I myself would like them to. We have, however, to deal with the grave problems of our countrys economy first and then provide solutions for the social issues. I have no intention of making the same mistakes former governments made," he added.

"Better Useful Than Pleasant"

On the issue of a possible cabinet reshuffle, Mr ALogoskoufis claimed, "A cabinet reshuffle is out of the question before the voting of the budget. It is up to the Prime Minister to decide. I know he is not in favour of reshuffles, but this does not at all mean that he will never do so." As far as himself is concerned, the Economy Minister said that he is most likely to retain this awkward post for at least a year and went on to express his interest in the field of Culture.

When questioned about his recently released disputes with the rest of the Ministers, Mr Alogoskoufis put the blame on his being the Economy Minister. "I do not feel lonely, for the Prime Minister stands by my work and my choices, he coordinates the cabinet and there is a team spirit in the government," he argued and made it clear that between being "pleasant" or "useful" he goes for the second even if it costs him his popularity.

Translated by Areti Christou

[08] Winning Streak for PAO

By Stathis Petropoulos

Panathinaikos claimed their 14th win for this years basketball championship on match day six. Obradovics squad showed what they were willing to do from the very beginning of their encounter against Panionios and achieved a 20-point lead in the first half. Nothing changed in the second half with Panathinaikos lead being constantly on the increase. Therefore, the score was 81-55 a few moments before the final whistle and Panathinaikos only cared whether they would score 100 points, from which they were a stones throw away. The score per period: 31-20, 54-34, 73-52, 98-77

Translated by Areti Christou

[09] Goalless Tie for OFI and Kallithea

By Stathis Petropoulos

IRaklio Stadium witnessed a nail-biting game, since Kallithea did their best to get the tie point against OFI. The Cretans proved their supremacy from the very beginning of the game, however, their attempts to open the score bore no fruit, mostly because Souloganis brilliant performance.

Referee: Vassaras (Thessaloniki)

Yellow Cards: Belegrinis, Georgiev, Sfakianakis, Vokolos Karatzas, Mahlas Red Cards: Gerogiev (2nd yellow card)

OFI: Sifakis, Davidson (80` Triantafillou), Anastasiadis, Roubakis, Sfakianakis, Deyanof, Pitsos, Khachatryan, Mahlas, Nwafor (87` Kazantzis).

KALLITHEA: Souloganis, Tsiolis, Koulakiotis (65` Koutsospiros), Venetis, Karatzas, Telkivski (22` Belegrinis), Yanchev, Georgiev, Passas (70` Petkovic), Lazanas Vokolos.

Translated by Areti Christou

[10] New Win for Ionikos

By Stathis Petropoulos

Ionikos coasted a 3-1 victory over Atromitos on match day eleven of A1 Division and now are one point behind PAOK and Egaleo. The home side had a pretty easy task, since as early as the 6 they had took a 2-0 lead. Both goals were scored by Makor. Atromitos, on the other hand, managed to eliminate the difference in score in the 36. Although Atromitos players performed better in the second half they failed to equalise. Instead, it was Ionikos who rejoiced a third time, since a counterattack earned them their third goal in the 61.

Referee: Terovitsas (Etoloakarnania) Yellow Cards: Dagas, Korakakis, Dimos, Melabianakis

IONIKOS: Beqaj, Pajuelo, King, Tsiblidis, Melabianakis, Lettieri (58` Mendrinos), Vourexakis, Da Costa, Konstandinidis (58` Ophridopoulos), Makor, Perrone.

ATROMITOS: Mihailidis, Georgiou, Dagas, Sotirhos, Pappas (32` Skarmoutsos), Katemis, Dimos (59` Petkov), Geladaris, Koutsis, Korakakis, Zaharopoulos.

Translated by Areti Christou

[11] Fair Win for Kalamaria

By Stathis Petropoulos

Apollon Kalamarias achieved a great 1-0 victory over Panionios on match day eleven of A1 Division. The three points the home side put in the bag earned them the 11th place on the scoreboard. They deserved to win since Panionios seemed unable to react. The score opened in the 21 when Ambonsah headed the ball in the nets of Vaniak. Panionios, on the other hand, missed the chance to equalize the score when in the extra time Nalitzis failed to send the ball in.

Referee: Vasiliou (Ilia)

Yellow Cards: Cichon, Smiljanic

Lineups:

APPOLON KALAMARIAS: Kovac, Ambonsah, Papadopoulos CH, Fitanidis, Petkakis, Karaliopoulos, Ioannou, Murawski (75 Karamanlis), Cleyton, Papas (82 Wellington), Mouzaoui (87 Orfanos).

PANIONIOS: Vaniak, Giannopoulos, Smiljanic, Cichon (39` Magdy), Breska, Sheppard (46` Fernantes), Goundoulakis, Galanopoulos, Langer, Lazaridis, Oravec (46` Nalitzis).

Translated by Areti Christou

[12] The Setting-Up of a National Board is Provided For New Standards for Filming Policy

By Tina Valaoura

Sources: ANA

The draft law on filming policy, which will be discussed by the unions and the representatives of the filming industry before its being submitted to Parliament in February, was presented by Deputy Culture Minister Petros Tatoulis during a press conference in Thessaloniki, shortly before the end of the 46th Film Festival. "We have forwarded structural changes in the law, changes inspired by the premise that it is not the institutions that make the Greek filming industry. The Greek filming industry is the work of its own people. The institutional context should function as a shield protecting creativity and clearing the way for a healthy development that lives up to modern expectations," argued Mr Tatoulis.

Referring to the key pillars of the draft law, he heralded the setting-up of a "new, simple and flexible scheme," free of state dependence. The new scheme will consist of the National Filming Board and four societe anonyme (the Thessaloniki Film Festival, the Greek Film Centre, the Greek Screen and the Greek Bureau of Audiovisual Production), which is expected to replace the total of the existing structure of the filming policy.

As for the Thessaloniki Film Festival, the draft law is directed at replacing it and renaming it to international in order to be given priority and the Greek film producers be given the opportunity to enter the modern international forum, Mr Tatoulis claimed. He further added that the Cinema Museum will acquire an autonomous management with its own budget.

Furthermore, Mr Tatoulis spoke of interventions on the means of financing the new scheme, the re-implementation of the public events tax, the issuing of a certificate proving that the product is Greek, the cooperation with banking organisations, the state quality awards and the investment of television networks in filming productions.

Finally, when questioned on the one half of the tax, Mr Tatoulis stated that the television networks will keep being obliged to return the 1.5% of their gross revenues to boost the domestic film production.

Mr Tatoulis announcements prompted PASOKs reaction. "The announcements on the new schemes and bodies serve no one but red tape. Eve more when they accompanied by cuts is funds to all Greek film makers. Mr Karamanlis, should see to providing the Greek filming industry with everything it deserves based on the existing laws and announcements before his new pompous promises," commented PASOK parliamentarian responsible for education and culture Maria Damanaki.

Translated by Areti Christou

[13] Ten Dead and Dozens of Injured Strong Quake Hits Southern Iran

By Athina Saloustrou

A strong earthquake measuring 5.9 on the Richter scale rocked the island of Qeshm, southern Iran, leaving ten people dead and dozens injured in its wake, said the islands governor Heydar Alishbandi to the Iranian television network. The villages of Gabardin, Tonban, Tourian and Khaldin situated in the western part of the island were almost flattened, while there were no reports of damages in the city of Qeshm, the governor added. The earthquake, which lasted more than 20 seconds, was felt in the port of Bandar Abbas, about 1,000 km south of Tehran, reported the IRNA news agency. The state-run television reported that the epicenter was located near the island of Qeshm, 35km off Bandar Abbas. As per the IRNA, the moment the earthquake occurred, the residents rushed to flee their homes. Eyewitnesses stated that the earthquake was also felt in the United Arab Emirates and Dubai, which lies 250 km off Qeshm. The US Geological Survey measured a 6.1-magnitude earthquake and put its epicenter around 58 km southwest of Bandar Abbas.

Translated by Areti Christou

Read the story on other sources:

BBC: 'Several die' in south Iran quake

IRIB: Quake shook Qeshm, 5 dead

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