The Hellenic Radio (ERA): News in English, 06-02-20

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

CONTENTS

[01] Hundreds of Trucks Immobilised Ships Docked for the 5th Day

Sources: NET, NET 105.8

Ships in ports remain docked for the fifth day, due to a new 48hour strike announced by the Panhellenic Seamens Organisation (PNO), as they claimed that the Ministry of Mercantile Marine has not replied and not fulfilled their demands, concerning the repeal of the bill on maritime education and the increase of their pensions lump sum. On his part, Minister of Mercantile Marine considered that most of the demands have been fulfilled and called on the Organisation for dialogue on pending issues. Spirits were calm at the Piraeus port in the morning, regardless that hundreds of trucks and lorries are immobilised, waiting to transport fuel and perishable goods to the Aegean Islands. The strike has caused serious problems to Cretan producers, whose products are rotting in greenhouses. At this time, a protest rally staged by the islands producers is in development in Heraklion. Last night, a stir was created in the port of Heraklion, where incidents between seamen and farmers took place, asking for the routing of a ship in order to transport their goods, while the answer to that demand is expected at noon. However, the farmers explained that they do not want a dispute to arise between the two classes, as they recognise the demands of the seamen. In the meantime, the Navys landing ship "Rodos" is sailing to the island. For the time being, routes to the ports of Rio-Antirrio, Aigio-Agios Nikolaos, Oropos-Eretria, as well as local routes between islands are taking place as normal. In the meantime, hundreds of lorries packed with perishable goods remain stranded at ports waiting to sail towards the Aegean Islands, Crete and the Dodecanese. Trucks and lorries destined for the ports of Patras and Igoumenitsa are jammed in the ports of Bari and Ancona in Italy.

Warning with Take-Overs

However, producers are warning that if a solution is not found by both sides by Monday, they will stage a protest and a take-over of the offices in regional Crete. Already, a fax allowing a ship to transport products has been send by the producers to the PNO, while all Cretan bodies, led by regional General Secretary Mr Serafim Tsokas, are trying to find a solution for the Cretan producers products with consecutive contacts with the Ministry of Mercantile Marine and the PNO. In the meantime, the Government is planning to use landing ships in order to transport, if necessary, fuel to the islands, while landing ship "Rodos" has already sailed to the islands.

KKE General Secretary Aleka Papariga will tour the Piraeus port at 17:00 in support to the seamens strikes.

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

Related News:

Maritime Strike Continues

[02] Meetings with Messrs Sioufas and Tsitouridis Labour Issue at Maximos

The developments in the labour issue were at the focus of the meeting between the Prime Minister and Ministers of Development and Employment Dimitris Sioufas and Savvas Tsitouridis. At this time, Kostas Karamanlis is meeting with his personal adviser Mr Giannis Kefelogiannis. The issue of freeing the employment market was at the focus of the meeting with the Development Minister, as well as the new authorisation context of renewable energy sources and the utilisation of new technologies. Mr Sioufas said that he gave details over the operation of the Thessaly Research and Technology Centre, as well as the establishment of three new centres in Patras, Ioannina and Xanthi, which, as the Minister of Development said, will constitute a base for innovation development. On his part, upon his exit from Maximos Mansion, newly appointed Minister of Employment sent a message to all involved employees bodies. "In this land, we do not always have to agree but it is important to understand," underlined Mr Tsitouridis, speaking of a high level of responsibility of union bodies, when questioned whether the Government fears social tensions and an imminent wave of strikes. Mr Tsitouridis and the Prime Minister discussed the Ministrys actions and stated that complete development, which opens new employment positions, remains the aim of the Government, as well as constant discussions for the benefit of everyday life of all Greeks.

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

[03] First Round of Talks for Kosovo Serbs and Albanians Face to Face

By Despina Hristopoulou

Sources: ANA, NET

The Serbs and Kosovo Albanians are meeting on Monday in Vienna for direct negotiations regarding the future status of Kosovo, while Belgrade continues to oppose the possibility of granting independence to the temporarily UN-governed area. This is the first time the Serbs and Albanians are meeting face to face. Negotiations, under UN-appointed mediator Martti Ahtisaari, are expected to last one and a half days and mainly focus on "decentralisation." However, the issue of Kosovos independence will constitute the basis of all talks. The UN-appointed mediator failed to reach an acceptable solution for both sides, despite his many missions to Pristina and Belgrade. The area is currently considered a Serbian province, but it has been placed under UN protection since 1999, when NATO forces removed the Serbian army.

Requesting the Golden Medium

The Kosovo Albanians, corresponding to 90% of Kosovo's inhabitants, wish for independence, as opposed to the Serbs who insist on preserving their domination.

Serbian President Boris Tadic recently suggested that the regime should be decided after a "20-year period of grace," a proposal which Kosovar Prime Minister Bajram Kosumi categorically rejected.

The Contact Group, consisting of Britain, France, Germany, Italy, Russia and the USA, supports the efforts of the UN-appointed mediator and tried to ease off the tension. The United Nations insist the Albanian Government of Kosovo shows progress in implementing "democratic rules." Some 200,000 Serbs have abandoned the area, in fear of retaliation from the Albanians.

Translated by Sofia Soulioti

[04] A Pensioner Drove 64km Backwards Driving in the Wrong Lane!

By Mary Lou Tzempelikou

The German police deplored tens of its vehicles in order to stop a carefree 82-year-old pensioner, who was driving in the wrong lane on the A1 Hamburg National Road. The careless driver, who had already driven 64km on the other lane, was stopped when the police blockaded the road with ten police cars. The bizarre thing is that the old man was not only unaware that he driving in the opposite traffic lane, but ignored the police cars and their blaring sirens. In fact, believing that all the other drivers were going the wrong way, he flashed his headlights in order to warn them! When he finally stopped at the police blockade, the policemen saw the careless driver was not under the influence of substances, but in an excellent state of body and mind. Maybe his small violation was due to his excessive carefree feeling.

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

[05] Candidacy Submission Deadline Ends Tonight Proceedings for ND Secretary

Sources: NET, NET 105.8

A week of party proceedings in ND is commencing, as the candidacy submission deadline ends tonight for the position of the Secretary of NDs Central Committee, following the Ministerial appointment of Vaggelis Meimarakis. The electoral procedure will take place on Friday and will be presided by Prime Minister Kostas Karamanlis. The MPs who have voiced their intention for candidacy are Lefteris Zagoritis and Katerina Papakosta, while MP for Argolida Giannis Manolis and MP for Kozani Michalis Papadopoulos are also expected to run for the position. In fact, Mr Papadopoulos speaking on NET 105.8 said that he will make a decision by this afternoon, following a careful calculation of power comparison. "The question is what the people want; a party with political effect or a party with the Governments positions," said Mrs Katerina Papakosta speaking on NET 105.8.

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

Related News:

New ND Secretary on Friday

Developments in ND

[06] Judicial Employees, Doctors and Taxis on Strike Triple Strike Front

Sources: NET 105.8

Only trials on flagrant crimes will take place, due to the judicial employees strike today and tomorrow, protesting over institutional and financial demands. Apart from the courts, Prosecutions, salaried registries and cadastre offices will also remain closed. Moreover, only emergency cases will be treated in Athens and Piraeus hospitals, due to the 24hour strike by doctors. The capital will remain without taxis from 15:00 to 19:00 due to a work stoppage by the motorists.

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

[07] Company's Employees Testifying Today K. Diotis at Vodofone

Prosecutor Ioannis Diotis will conduct a search in Kostas Tsalikidis office at the central headquarters of Vodafone, in Chalandri, within the week. It is noted that the Prosecutor has been examining the executives causes of death last March. In fact, employees and friends of Tsalikidis will begin testifying to the Prosecutor today. The investigation is expected to be completed in 10 days.

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

[08] Islamic Jihad Chief Dead

By Despina Hristopoulou

The chief of an armed branch of Islamic Jihad fell dead by Israeli fire in Nablus. As per Palestinian security sources, Hamad Abu Sharif, chief of the Al Qods Brigades, was killed by Israeli soldiers fire north of the Gaza Strip, on Sunday night. The Israeli army, on its part, confirmed the death of an armed Palestinian. In the meantime, unrest in Nablus continued this morning, as Israeli soldiers shot and killed another two Palestinian insurgents. As per Palestinian security sources, an Israeli unit opened fire against fighters, members of the Al Qods Brigades an armed branch of Islamic Jihad. Earlier, Israeli soldiers killed two 17-year-old boys in a refugee camp in Balata during a military operation, in which many Palestinian were arrested.

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

[09] In Fear of Avian Flu Summit over Poultry Breeding

By Despina Hristopoulou

Sources: ANA, NET 105.8

This noon, EU Agriculture Ministers will convene in Brussels aimed at investigating measures, which have to be implemented for the support of poultry breeding being affected by the decrease in poultry consumption, due to the fear of avian flu spreading. Italy and Greece, which have been especially affected by the crisis, have asked for support for poultry breeding to be discussed in a European level. However, the Commissions capabilities for financial aid to the poultry breeds are limited. The Summit of the Ministers, expected to commence at 12:00 Greek time, is convening at a time when the deadly form of the avian flu is appearing in the interior of the EU affecting six Member-States (Germany, Austria, France, Greece, Italy and Slovenia). Regardless that all outbreaks were located in wild and not domesticated poultry, its appearance has caused a decrease in poultry consumption in the EU, reaching 70% in Italy. In France, the biggest poultry producer and exporter, the consumption has fell by 15%.

Europe Bracing Itself

However, poultry breeders, who are seeing their sales decrease due to the avian flu fear, should not hope for a generous financial aid by Brussels. In a national level, the Member-States are free to financially support sectors of agriculture, without the approval of Brussels, but only for sums reaching 3,000 euros, maximum, in a three-year term for every producer.

In the meantime, several European Governments are putting on systematic efforts in order to convince the population that there is no danger over poultry consumption, while strengthening measures for the prevention of the virus expansion. New measures are being implemented in the Netherlands, including poultry being confined in covered sheds, both for professional breeding or small domesticated units. Moreover the Dutch Government has started an awareness campaign for the citizens, while it is also promoting a proposal over a broad poultry vaccination programme to Member-States, an action also supported by France.

Moreover, in Germany, in particular Rugen Island in the Baltic Sea has been declared a protected zone, as 18 new avian flu outbreaks were detected.

Situation in India Under Control

In the meantime, in India, the Sanitation Authorities announced that the first outbreaks of the avian flu are under control. Moreover, in the village of Maharastra, in Nadurbar, west India, where 50,000 birds were found dead and H5N1 was detected in several farmhouses, around 30 persons are undergoing medical examinations. However, the Sanitation Authorities Director noted, "the avian flu is under control and there is no reason to panic."

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

Related News:

H5N1 Hits France

[10] 4 Wins in 4 Derbies Full Steam Ahead for the Title!

By Stathis Petropoulos

Having won in all four derbies of the season, Olympiacos is going full steam ahead for the title. Tonight, Olympiacos proved it is one step ahead from all the other claimers of the football championship title and prevailed over AEK with 3-0 goals, a score depicting pretty much what happened in the game. The difference between the two teams has now reached 9 points and the 2006 championship is being painted red! Okkas opened the score in the 6 and Rivaldo finished AEK off in the 66 and in the extra time with two more goals.

Referee: Tsikinis

Red Cards: Stoltidis Yellow Cards: Georgatos, Rivaldo, Cirillo, Lakis, Georgeas, Ivic, Kontis

LINEUPS

OLYMPIACOS: Nikopolidis, Pantos, Georgatos, Schurrer, Anatolakis, Stoltidis, Toure (85 Kostoulas), Okkas (63 Babaginda), Konstantinou, Rivaldo, Djordjevic

���: Sorrentino, Kontis, Georgeas, Cirillo, Alexopoulos, Emerson (81 Venglinskyi), Katsouranis, Chanko (46 Ivic), Lakis, Lymperopoulos, Julio Cezar (65 Soares)

Translated by Sofia Soulioti

[11] Panathinaikos Prevailed over Kallithea

By Vasilis Kalpinos

Panathinaikos easily prevailed over Kallithea on home grounds with 2-0 goals in round 20 of the football championship. Panathinaikos missed out on many classic opportunities to score in the first half, but did it twice in the rerun. Fanis Gekas scored the first goal in the 52' and Dimitris Papadopoulos the second towards the end of the match. Bagging three more points, Panathinaikos remained in third place on the scoreboard and in fact reduced their difference with AEK down to three points.

Referee: Flabouris

Yellow Cards: Behi, Kotsios, Georgiev, Petkovic, Venetis

LINEUPS

PANATHINAIKOS: Galinovic, Kotsios (32' Darlas), Morris, Goumas, Vintra, Tziolis, Gonzalez, Biscan, Seric (46' Charalabidis), Gekas (86' Leontiou), Papadopoulos

KALLITHEA: Bartzokas, Koulakiotis, Venetis, Karatzas, Mijatovic, Bay, Georgiev, Petkovic, Pasas (70' Sylla), Cleber, Randovanovic (62' Koutsospyros)

Translated by Sofia Soulioti

[12] In Fear of Avian Flu Summit over Poultry Breeding

By Despina Hristopoulou

Sources: ANA, NET 105.8

This noon, EU Agriculture Ministers will convene in Brussels aimed at investigating measures, which have to be implemented for the support of poultry breeding being affected by the decrease in poultry consumption, due to the fear of avian flu spreading. Italy and Greece, which have been especially affected by the crisis, have asked for support for poultry breeding to be discussed in a European level. However, the Commissions capabilities for financial aid to the poultry breeds are limited. The Summit of the Ministers, expected to commence at 12:00 Greek time, is convening at a time when the deadly form of the avian flu is appearing in the interior of the EU affecting six Member-States (Germany, Austria, France, Greece, Italy and Slovenia). Regardless that all outbreaks were located in wild and not domesticated poultry, its appearance has caused a decrease in poultry consumption in the EU, reaching 70% in Italy. In France, the biggest poultry producer and exporter, the consumption has fell by 15%.

Europe Bracing Itself

However, poultry breeders, who are seeing their sales decrease due to the avian flu fear, should not hope for a generous financial aid by Brussels. In a national level, the Member-States are free to financially support sectors of agriculture, without the approval of Brussels, but only for sums reaching 3,000 euros, maximum, in a three-year term for every producer.

In the meantime, several European Governments are putting on systematic efforts in order to convince the population that there is no danger over poultry consumption, while strengthening measures for the prevention of the virus expansion. New measures are being implemented in the Netherlands, including poultry being confined in covered sheds, both for professional breeding or small domesticated units. Moreover the Dutch Government has started an awareness campaign for the citizens, while it is also promoting a proposal over a broad poultry vaccination programme to Member-States, an action also supported by France.

Moreover, in Germany, in particular Rugen Island in the Baltic Sea has been declared a protected zone, as 18 new avian flu outbreaks were detected.

Situation in India Under Control

In the meantime, in India, the Sanitation Authorities announced that the first outbreaks of the avian flu are under control. Moreover, in the village of Maharastra, in Nadurbar, west India, where 50,000 birds were found dead and H5N1 was detected in several farmhouses, around 30 persons are undergoing medical examinations. However, the Sanitation Authorities Director noted, "the avian flu is under control and there is no reason to panic."

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

Related News:

H5N1 Hits France

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