The Hellenic Radio (ERA): News in English, 05-12-08

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

CONTENTS

[01] Defence Motion Dismissed Without Cameras

By Athina Saloustrou

The Appellate judges dismissed the defence's motion to allow the radio and television coverage of the 17 November trial. The defendants' reaction, and mainly that of Dimitris Koufontinas, was intense, as they supported there are reasons of public interest and hence the release of the procedure through a TV broadcast is a functional element of the Justice's independence. Both the Bench Prosecutor and defendant Patroklos Tselentis had voiced their opposition to the trial's coverage. Requesting to speak following the decision's announcement, Dimitris Koufontinas said the ones who submitted late documents to court after three years constitute a "factory", thus referring to the report released by Bench Prosecutor Efterpi Koutzamani on the set of keys found in 17N hideout on Patmos street. He described the relevant document as unimportant, stressing it confirms the dogma, "Once a defendant, always a defendant. Giannis Serifis is experiencing it and Theologos Psaradelis will experience it." And he concluded by saying, "Blocking media coverage of the trial is translated into blocking the people." The new evidence referred to hundreds of keys found in the hideout on Patmou street, some of which according to the law enforcement agencies, are similar to keys found in Patroklos Tselentis and Theologos Psaradellis' homes. The defence reacted and asked the court not to accept the document in question, while the prosecution spoke of ND members, which remain on the loose. The court has not ruled on the document yet.

Translated by Sofia Soulioti

[02] At ND's Parliamentary Group "Economy and Growth"

By Tina Valaoura

Sources: ANA - NET 105.8

New Democracys Parliamentary Group, presided by party president Kostas Karmanlis, is convening today in the Senate of the Parliament Hall to discuss the topic "Economy and Growth for today and tomorrow." Many representatives of social bodies have been called to present their views and proposals, including GSEE (Greek General Confederation of Labour) President Christos Polyzogopoulos; ADEDY (Supreme Administration of Greek Civil Servants Trade Unions ) President Spyros Papaspyros); GSEVEE (General Confederation of Small and Medium-Sized Business) President Dimitris Asimakopoulos; SEV (Federation of Greek Industries) President Odysseas Kyriakopoulos; ESEE ((National Confederation of Hellenic Commerce) President Dimitris Armenakis; the President of the National Union of Greek Chambers, Georgios Kassimatis; and PASEGES (Panhellenic Confederation of Unions of Agricultural Coops) President Tzanetos Karamichas. Furthermore the Ministers of Economy, Giorgos Alogoskoufis, and Development, Dimitris Sioufas, will make recommendations. The PM will close the proceedings.

Public Unities Bill's Articles at Parliamentary Committee

In the meantime, the relevant Parliamentary Committee is continuing its discussion on the DEKO (Public Utilities and Enterprises) bill today. "It is one of the biggest reforms promoted by the Government," said the Economy Minister, who confirmed that permanency will not be lifted in the public sector.

Commenting on Article 14 which allows the Government to intervene in collective bargaining agreements when disputes arise between the management and the unions Giorgos Alogoskoufis noted, "Naturally, the sole referee in this case is the Greek taxpayer, who pays for the damage."

Moreover, SEV President Odysseas Kyriakopoulos agreed with the general guidelines of the bill, but opposed Article 14.

SYN, on the other hand, described the bill as anti-labour and unconstitutional.

Furthermore, PASOK President George Papandreou voiced his opposition to the abolishment of collective bargaining contracts, during his meeting with GSEE and ADEDY, speaking of unfair and blind economic policies, while he stressed that other avenues exist.

"Mr Papandreou is seeking other avenues to cover his nihilistic refusal towards necessary changes and reforms," responded the Government.

Translated by Vicky Ghionis

Related News:

Changes with Social Consensus

[03] In the Centre of Baghdad Suicide Attack against Iraqi Bus

By Vivian Papastefanou

Sources: ANA - Reuters

Thirty people were killed and at least another 25 have been injured so far in a suicide attack recorded today in the centre of Baghdad. Iraqi police sources announced that the bomber detonated his explosives inside a bus, which was about to depart from the al-Nahda terminal and was bound for Nasiriyah, southern Iraq. Police forces sealed the area, while ambulances started transferring the wounded to hospital. As per a police spokesperson, some of the bodies have been completely burnt, while the bus was destroyed.

Translated by Vicky Ghionis

[04] Two Men Wounded Severely Bloody Clash in Ymittos

By Despina Hristopoulou

Sources: NET

A bloody clash on Wednesday night at Ymittos Square between Athens police and a lawyer, who was allegedly trafficking drugs, resulted in the severe injury of two men. The officers were stalking the 40-year-old lawyers apartment on Kontantinoupoleos Street, after they obtained information that he was a drug dealer, and raided the place a little after 10pm in order to arrest him. According to information, the lawyer fled the apartment and climbed to the roof, while then he jumped onto another two roofs, before exchanging fire with the officers. The culprit shot and wounded one police officer, while he was then sustained injuries to the leg when he fell from the roof of a two-storey building. The 40-year-old man is hospitalised in critical condition at the Athens Red Cross, while the officer was transferred to the 401 Military Hospital. As per information, two foreigners, possibly of Albanian origin, were in the apartment at the time of the raid, and they tried to escape, but were later recovered by the police. It remains unknown whether drugs or guns were found in the lawyers apartment.

Translated by Vicky Ghionis

[05] Social Discontent Must Be Voiced KKE: Condemn with Vote

By Despina Hristopoulou

Sources: NET

KKE general secretary Aleka Papariga described the upcoming municipal elections as a first-rate opportunity for the citizens to condemn the policies of New Democracy and PASOK. Speaking at a party event in Elefsina, Mrs Papariga repeated that the electoral battle has political character, while, once again, she opposed any form of coalition. She also stressed, "The opportunity should not be missed, and social discontent should definitely be voiced at the municipal elections, because harsher measures at the expense of employees are coming." At the same time, she noted that although PASOK complains about NDs policies, i.e. privatisations, it does not really disagree with the policies, but with the way they are carried out.

Translated by Vicky Ghionis

[06] Reminded the General Secretariat for Consumers Attention to CE Marking

By Tina Valaoura

Sources: ANA

The Greek General Secretariat for Consumer Affairs advised consumers to seek the European Unions special CE marking for proof of conformity. This is considered imperative, especially during this time of the year, as purchases skyrocket because of Christmas. Although products have been located in the past that did not conform to EU standards, even though they carried the marking, still, it remains a way of protecting consumers.

The reminder was prompted by the recent detection in the Greek market of a type of Christmas lights that were deemed dangerous for consumers. The writing of the box includes "100 miniature lights, fiver-way flasher", it is manufactured in China, does not carry the CE marking and has instructions in Greek. The General Secretariat called on consumers who have already purchased the lights not to use them and return them to the store they purchased them. In addition, all stockists were called to withdraw the product from their shelves immediately and return the unsold quantities to the supplier.

Moreover, the general secretary for Consumer Affairs, Atahnasios Skordas, announced that the company Chevrolet SA has recalled 119 cars of the model Chevrolet Matiz for inspection of the passenger airbag. Specifically, they are the models produced between 30/6/2004 and 16/10/2004 with engine nos 5C041024 to 5C065437. The company informed the owners, who can make an appointment at any authorised Chevrolet dealer around Greece, that the faulty airbag unit will be replaced free of charge.

Translated by Vicky Ghionis

[07] Some Will Stay Open in the Afternoon Extended Hours for Citizen Centres

By Tina Valaoura

Sources: ANA

By decision of the Interior Ministry, the Citizens Service Centres (KEP) in Greece that employ more than 3 staff will stay open in the afternoons as well, aiming at facilitating the citizens and mainly those who cannot proceed to the Centres in the morning.

Specifically the opening hours for KEPs with 3+ employees will be:

Monday-Friday: 08:00 20:00 Saturday: 08:00 to 14:00

The opening hours for KEPs that employ less than three people will remain the same as those for other public sector services. The decision will be printed in the Government Gazette within the next few days and will be effective immediately.

Translated by Vicky Ghionis

Related Links:

Citizen Service Centres - Greece

[08] Multi-Fatality Blast in Pakistan

By Vivian Papastefanou

At least 12 people were killed and another 35 injured when a bomb exploded in Pakistan, close to the borders with Afghanistan, as per officials. Specifically, the explosion was recorded in the town Jandola, in the South Waziristan region. The blast caused severe damages to a hotel and surrounding shops. A security forces official declared that the causes of the explosion are not yet known.

Translated by Vicky Ghionis

[09] No Victims Bomb Derails Train in Russia

By Athina Saloustrou

A freight train went off the rails in the Dagestan line this morning, after an unknown device exploded near the railway, without any victims, as per the Russian Itar-Tass news agency. The explosion was recorded in the town Khasavyurt, close to the borders with Chechnya, while the authorities believe that it was the work of autonomist rebels. The bomb was detonated by remote control from a nearby forest, as per Akhmed Magomayev, head of the Makhachkala transport police. The train had departed from Mineralnye Vodi, near Stavropol, and was heading towards Makhachkala.

Translated by Vicky Ghionis

[10] Blast in Mine Underground Nightmare in China

By Tina Valaoura

Sources: ANA - AFP - Reuters

The worst-case scenarios for the 96 miners who were missing, trapped in the underground galleys of a Chinese mine, where a gas leak explosion occurred yesterday, were unfortunately confirmed. Seventy-two miners were recovered dead, while the rescue crews are continuing their efforts to find another 32 who are missing.

The incident took place at the Liuguantun colliery in Tangshan, in the northern province of Hebei. The Xinhua news agency estimated that 123 people were in the mine at the time of the explosion, while only 27 managed to escape unharmed. The Liuguantun mine was originally a state-owned mine run by the local government with an annual production capacity of 300,000 tonnes. In 2002 it went into private ownership and its production capacity was halved.

The Chinese authorities are making efforts to improve the working conditions in the countrys mine industry, where tens of thousands of people lose their lives annually. The latest accident occurred around the end of November, when 171 miners were killed in Heilongjiang.

Translated by Vicky Ghionis

Related News:

Blast in Chinese Mine

[11] Youth Takes the Floor European Youth Week

By Annita Paschalinou

The celebrations for the European Youth Week, which will last until 11 December, commenced on Wednesday at the Olympic Badminton Stadium. Youths, and their spirit and imagination will be the main stars of the Week. The celebrations, which are organised in Greece by the Education Ministrys General Secretariat for Youth, will take place in 31 European countries simultaneously and include cultural events, seminars, educational games, day events, and traditional and digital games. In the context of the European Youth Week, Greek Education Minister Marietta Giannakou held an interesting online chat with youths from all over the country.

Games, Events and Music

The events will include educational games, mock interviews to prepare the youths for their entry to the employment market as well as lotteries with three-day visits to Brussels as prizes, so that the youths can get to know the European Union and its institutions from up close.

Cultural Events

"Manual to Change the World"

Through a mixed show, based on their origins, the youths will draw up their own Manual, using their imagination, creative spirit and spontaneity.

"Lets Improvise"

A contemporary dance and adlib workshop, where youths will have the opportunity to learn about modern dance and express themselves through kinesiology. Modern dance tutors will guide spectators through a unique experience.

"Dress up for your Role"

Two hundred theatrical costumes of bygone eras will invite youths to a wonderful theatrical game, full of extemporisation.

Screening of short Greek films by contemporary directors, produced in 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, as well as from 1995 to 1997 Presentation of the play Eliza by Xenia Kalogeropoulou

Admission to all events is free of charge, while the Week will close on Sunday 11 December, with a concert by Greek artist Michalis Chatzigiannis, and the support band "Kitrina Podylata" (Yellow Bicycles) and Despina Olympiou.

Information about the daily programmes can be obtained through the official website of the Greek General Secretariat for Youth.

Translated by Vicky Ghionis

[12] State to Pick up Tab for Permanency Focus on Local-Self Gov't Funds

By Despina Hristopoulou

Sources: NET - ANA

The meeting on Wednesday between the Central Association of Cities and Communities of Greece (KEDKE), and the Ministers of Interior, Prokopis Pavlopoulos, and Economy, Giorgos Alogoskoufis, focused on the municipalities finances and mainly the cost of turning contract workers into permanent staff. In statements he made after the meeting, Mr Pavlopoulos stressed that the State will cover the expenses arising from permanency, around mid 2006, after ASEP (Supreme Council for Personnel Selection) concludes the procedures for permanency and sets the costs. He also mentioned that the matter with the embezzled funds from Local Self-Governments will be settled with bonds, whose duration and legal form will arise from a joint decision by the Economy Ministry and KEDKE. After the meeting, the Associations President, Paris Koukoulopoulos, declared that government pledges are not being fulfilled, while he said he will be filing a proposal, whereby the permanency costs can be obtained from the funds for emergency financing, provided for by the budget. Mr Koukoulopoulos also said that KEDKE is awaiting a prompt response from the Government, while the Associations Board will convene on Thursday to decide on whether they will proceed with collective actions.

[13] Panathinaikos' European Annihilation

By Stathis Petropoulos

Panathinaikos did not even manage to bow out of this years Champions League with its head held high, as it was crushed tonight by Werder Bremen with 5-1. Alberto Malezanis team was once again dismal in the defence and this time right from the word go, as it trailed in the score from the first minute, when Bremens Micoud kicked a successful penalty, after Galinovic knocked over Klose inside the box. At the close of the first half hour, Panathinaikos was literally surrendering to Valdezs tricks, since he scored two goals, in the 28 and the 31, sealing a very relaxing evening for the Germans, whose interests immediately focused on the Udineze-Barcelona match, as the outcome was to decide whether they would continue in Champions League or the UEFA Cup.

The first few minutes of the second half quenched the last hopes of even the most optimistic fans for avoiding any more goals, since Klose scored one in the 51. In addition, Morris goal two minutes later did not do much to revive Panathinaikos. The final goal for Bremen was scored by Frings in added time, giving an end to yet another torturous match, which constituted Panathinaikos worst away performance in Champions League. With three losses in as many games and an aggregate of 1-13, the 2005-2006 season will surely be one that the Athenian team will not live down easily.

Referee: Peter Frojdfeldt (SWE) Yellow Cards: Galinovic, Torghelle, Vintra Vranjes

BREMEN: Reinke, Owomoyela, Andreasen, Fahrenhorst, Schulz (50 Pasanen), Frings, Baumann (75 Jensen), Micoud, Vranjes (79 Hunt), Klose

PANATHINAIKOS: Galinovic, Vintra, Morris, Biscan, Darlas (71 Wooter), Nilsson (79 Kotsios), Conceicao, Tziolis, Gonzales, Papadopoulos, Torghelle (72 Mantzios).

Translated by Vicky Ghionis

[14] Youth Takes the Floor European Youth Week

By Annita Paschalinou

The celebrations for the European Youth Week, which will last until 11 December, commenced on Wednesday at the Olympic Badminton Stadium. Youths, and their spirit and imagination will be the main stars of the Week. The celebrations, which are organised in Greece by the Education Ministrys General Secretariat for Youth, will take place in 31 European countries simultaneously and include cultural events, seminars, educational games, day events, and traditional and digital games. In the context of the European Youth Week, Greek Education Minister Marietta Giannakou held an interesting online chat with youths from all over the country.

Games, Events and Music

The events will include educational games, mock interviews to prepare the youths for their entry to the employment market as well as lotteries with three-day visits to Brussels as prizes, so that the youths can get to know the European Union and its institutions from up close.

Cultural Events

"Manual to Change the World"

Through a mixed show, based on their origins, the youths will draw up their own Manual, using their imagination, creative spirit and spontaneity.

"Lets Improvise"

A contemporary dance and adlib workshop, where youths will have the opportunity to learn about modern dance and express themselves through kinesiology. Modern dance tutors will guide spectators through a unique experience.

"Dress up for your Role"

Two hundred theatrical costumes of bygone eras will invite youths to a wonderful theatrical game, full of extemporisation.

Screening of short Greek films by contemporary directors, produced in 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, as well as from 1995 to 1997 Presentation of the play Eliza by Xenia Kalogeropoulou

Admission to all events is free of charge, while the Week will close on Sunday 11 December, with a concert by Greek artist Michalis Chatzigiannis, and the support band "Kitrina Podylata" (Yellow Bicycles) and Despina Olympiou.

Information about the daily programmes can be obtained through the official website of the Greek General Secretariat for Youth.

Translated by Vicky Ghionis

[15] Extension Granted Madouvalos Testifies Monday

By Tina Valaoura

Appellate Examiner G. Sideris granted independent MP Petros Madouvalos an extension to testify, until Monday 12:30pm. Madouvalos is accused of bribing a judge and legalising profits from illegal activities. Furthermore, businessman Giannis Boletsis, who is accused of accessory to abuse of power, allegedly committed by former First Instance Judge Evangelos Kalousis, was also scheduled to testify today. The businessman, who had been implicated in a series of bombing cases in 2000, when Kalousis was the Examiner, was admitted to hospital yesterday, because of a health problem. However, it remains unknown whether he will be subpoenaed to testify before Mr Sideris at a later date.

Translated by Vicky Ghionis

Related News:

Madouvalos to Testify

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