The Hellenic Radio (ERA): News in English, 08-04-16

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

CONTENTS

[01] New Development on Doping Case

16 Apr 2008 16:11:00

By Ampelakis Spyros

Sources: ��� - �NA

The 11 weightlifting athletes have finally proved positive in one and not in three substances, as per the Prosecutor, who received the lab tests from the lab in Cologne. Although the lab in Cologne told the Prosecutor that only one banned substance had been detected, WADA speaks of three forbidden substances. As a result the Prosecutor was puzzled and asked for the second sample to be examined. However, it appears that a translation mistake had taken place.

At the same time, the 11 athletes who had made use of the forbidden substances will testify on May 2. They are facing charges related to the use of forbidden substances.

Meanwhile, the 10 athletes advocate stated that his customers that they support their coach Christos Iakovou, adding that what he had stated is true.

In parallel, one of the 11 athletes will take recourse to justice for the substances she had received, with her advocate stating that some people should be behind bars now.

Translated by John Crystallidis

Related News:

Testimonies of the 11 in May 2

[02] Nimetz Contacts in FYROM Thursday

16 Apr 2008 14:46:00 (Last updated: 16 Apr 2008 16:41:24)

Sources: ���, ��� 105.8, �NA-�PA

Negotiations on the FYROM (Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia) name issue are entering a new phase with UN mediator Matthew Nimetzs arrival in Skopje today and in Athens on Friday. In FYROM the local leadership appears to be divided on the name issue, while efforts are being made for adopting a common stand. Besides, a meeting between FYROM president and the PM with special negotiator Nikola Dimitrov on coordinating efforts in view of Thursdays talks with the UN envoy is in progress. At the same time, the civilians of the neigbouring country are now favouring a compromise. Athens, from its side is expecting Mr Nimetzs proposals and is ready to reiterate that it will join the negotiations. "Greece remains firm on its position on a mutually accepted solution on the name issue," reiterated Foreign Ministry Spokesman Giorgos Koumoutsakos. The spokesman announced that the National Committee of Foreign Policy would meet on Thursday under Foreign Minister Dora Bakoyannis chairmanship to discuss developments on the name issue.

"Greece Firm on its Stance"

Briefing diplomatic editors Foreign Ministry spokesman Giorgos Koumoutsakos said that Greece continues supporting the UN-sponsored talks on the FYROM name issue, describing Mr Nimetzs imminent visits to Skopje and Athens positive. In parallel, he reported that Athens is taking seriously under consideration that FYROM has entered a pre-election period.

In relation to the various proposed names for FYROM, he reiterated the Foreign ministrys position not to get involved in the name issue, adding that Greece had already described what a proposal should consist of, so as it is considered as a negotiating basis.

Meanwhile, Mr Matthew Nimetz is not expected to present any fresh proposals, but instead wishes to scan the intentions of the two sides.

Meanwhile, ND Honorary President Constantine Mitsotakis and PM Kostas Karamanlis examined the FYROM name issue this morning. In parallel, he said that the US and Skopje should take their decisions, as Athens is not in a hurry, describing developments in Bucharest a success for the Greek side. Also, he stated that Greece is always ready to find a solution that will be based on a composite name for FYROM.

On a relative development, US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice described FYROMs non-entry to NATO an unfortunate development, adding that this will happen when the name issue is resolved.

Finally, in a poll conducted in Skopje the percentage of those who do not approve their countrys constitutional name to change has dropped from 83% to 60%, while 36% agree with the idea of a new name. Only 4% answered "I do not know or I do not answer."

Translated by John Crystallidis

Related News:

Solution Leads to Entry

[03] Oil Surges to Record High

With the euro dollar parity being set to 1.5968 dollars per euro, after Eurostat figures made public today showed that the annual inflation in the eurozone hit 3.6% in March instead of 3.5% as originally believed, this development boosted the European Central Banks stance, which has been adopting a tight monetary policy.

The last development will allow investors to expect that the euro will maintain its superiority to the dollar for a long time. All are expecting the release of data covering the three last months period on the dollar to be released by �������� JPMorgan Chase, Merrill Lynch ��� Morgan Stanley today, Thursday and Friday respectively.

The sinking dollar has sent oil prices high with the American crude touching US$114.5 per barrel and Brent reaching US$112.35. The price of crude oil has went up by 18% since the beginning of 2008.

Western countries are seeking a way out from the crisis that has been hitting international markets at a time when specialists are concerned that the surge of oil prices will boost the crisis with foodstuffs, which has affected dozens of countries.

British PM Gordon Brown has appealed to OPEC yesterday to boost its production so that oil prices are kept down.

However, the oil cartel will not respond positively to this appeal, as it has seen that oil demand had dropped. At the same time, while oil demand in the US the biggest oil consumer has been dropping, oil demand in China continues to increase at a fast pace (diesel imports in March rose by 49% in relation to February).

While Mr Brown is paying a four-day visit to the US to discuss the boosting of relations with the US, the British PM will focus on combating problems of the world economy.

He will meet with Wall Street Bankers in New York and will ask them to reveal their banks damages and written off debts, so that an end is given to the credit crisis.

Translated by John Crystallidis

Related News:

Oil Below Fresh New Record

[04] Land Use Plan Tabled

Sources: ���-��� 105.8-�NA/�PA

The new land use plan introduces changes in the land use, restrictions on construction in areas beyond the town planning, while the minimum building site for land beyond the town planning remains 4,000 square metres. The government argues that now the new land use plan will put an end to an issue that had been hanging in poise and Greece will also have its own land use plan as all EU countries. The new plan will protect the environment stated Environment Minister George Souflias.

"Protection for the Environment"

The land use plan aims at determining the strategic directions of a complete territorial development and sustainable organization of the national territory for the next 15 years.

Mr Souflias described the completion of the national land use plan one of the most important structural changes that had taken place in the last decades.

Meanwhile, Special Land Use plans for Renewable Energy Sources, Tourism, Industry and areas on coasts and highlands have been prepared.

All plans will constitute an umbrella for the protection of the environment, said the minister.

Translated by John Crystallidis

[05] On Thursday 17 April

16 Apr 2008 17:09:00

By Anna Kourti

Sources: UNICEF.GR, NET 105.8

"Together We Can" is the slogan of the Unicef-sponsored love radiothon that means to raise money for the creation of protection centres for the children that have been trafficked. Scheduled to take place on Thursday 17 April, the radiothon will be co-organised by the Greek Foreign Ministry and ERT, the Greek national broadcaster. Foreign Minister Dora Bakoyannis and ERTs President and Managing Director Christos Panagopoulos unveiled this promising campaign at the Museum of Cycladic Art in central Athens. The campaign includes the broadcast of radio and television spots and distribution of information brochures to social workers throughout Greece. Seven newscasters narrate the stories of children that have lived through the hell of trafficking. From 6am till midnight on Thursday, the state-run television, ERAs regional stations, as well as private radio and television stations, will adjust their programme to the need of the radiothon.

Translated by Areti Christou

[06] PASOK: Examining Committee for Bonds Case

PASOK is proposing the setting up of an Examining Committee that will look into the structured bonds issue. It demands that light is shed on the amounts invested in high risk bonds and in which Funds, as well as who are responsible for the decisions. The government is not commenting on issues that are being examining by Justice stressed Alternate government spokesman Evangelos Antonaros, stressing that all know what the government has done to shed light on isolated cases. In its letter to Mr Sioufas, PASOK is accusing the government of still covering the dimensions of an unprecedented scandal that literally shocked the public opinion.

Translated by John Crystallidis

[07] Revision after Easter

Sources: ��� 105.8-�NA/�PA

The revision of the Constitution will begin debated at the Plenum on 6 May and will be completed in six sessions. The prime minister was briefed on that decision at Maximos Mansion today by the President of the Parliament Dimitris Sioufas. The meeting also focused on the Inter-parliamentary Congress of south-eastern European countries that was held in Sofia in the beginning of this week. The meeting had focused on parliamentary cooperation among parliaments of countries participating in the Congress. Parliaments can contribute in the boosting of bilateral and multilateral relations and help in establishing peace, stability and cooperation in the region.

Translated by John Crystallidis

[08] Wanted Gangsters Arrested

Sources: ��� 105.8

The police and the Blackmailers Squad have arrested two wanted gangsters, who were carrying guns and who were especially dangerous. The first one was arrested in Peristeri by the police. He had taken part in an armed robbery at Kokkinos Mylos on 27 October 2007. The second one, a known beach bouncer was arrested on Lazaraki Street, Glyfada. He was carrying a gun and tried to attack the police while being arrested.

Translated by John Crystallidis

[09] Pope Benedict Visits the United States

By Betty Savourdou

by priests, which he said had left him 'deeply ashamed.'

Sources: Reuters, ANA, MNA

Pope Benedict, on his first papal visit to the United States, meets President George W. Bush at the White House and U.S. Roman Catholic bishops at a Washington basilica on Wednesday. Thousand of people are expected to attend the white House ceremony.

The pope in his flight remarks referred on the scandal of sexual abuse of children by priests, which he said had left him "deeply ashamed."

This is the popes first visit in the US after his election which took place three years ago.

In his 6 day visit, the head of the Roman Catholic Church is expected to address United Nations and to officiate of a ceremony at "ground zero".

"Deeply Ashamed"

Pope Benedict speaking to reporters in his flight remarks said that he feels deeply ashamed for the priests who are involved to the scandal of sexual abuse of children in the US.

"The Church will do whatever possible to heal the wounds caused by the pedophile priests" the Pope said, affirming at the same time that similar incidents will not happen again, as Ansa News Agency reported.

"Pedophilia is not in accordance with the exercise of the priest calling. It is better to have good priests than many priests", he added.

American Catholics are expecting from the Pope to use harsh language for the scandal which has tarnished the Churchs image.

Translated by Sofia Gartziou

[10] More Riots in Tahiti on Foodstuffs

By Vivian Papastefanou

Sources: �NA/�PA

Civilians and shop owners in Tahiti clashed Tuesday as the price of rice has not dropped by 15% despite government promises. Past days clashes had resulted in the death of at least five people. Most shop owners believed that the price of foodstuffs would drop immediately after the governments decision on Saturday and thus the price of a 50-kilo bag of rice would drop from US$51 to 43. As the prices have not dropped and Tahitians live with at least two dollars per day, riots broke out. No injuries have been recorded in yesterdays clashes. However, MPs have called the government to announce when exactly prices will drop. At the same time, international organizations are encouraging the dispatch of aid to Tahiti, so that the food crisis is tackled and further riots prevented.

Translated by John Crystallidis

[11] Testify as Suspects of Culpable Actions

16 Apr 2008 11:00:00

By Athina Saloustrou

The 11 athletes of the National Team of Weightlifting asked and have been given by the Prosecutor a deadline until May 2 to testify as they were found suspects of culpable actions. Their councilor, Charalambos Lykoudis in his statements expressed the athletes support to their coach Christos Iakovou and stated that Vasiliki Kasapis (co athlete) claims that the athletes had been given orders to change their mobile SIM cards and were not allowed to speak to anyone are lies. Today the general secretary of Weightlifting Federation Giannis Sgouros is expected to testify. Tomorrow the coaches, physiotherapists, doctors as well as the pharmacist of the National Team, who produced capsules from illegal substances, will testify. Meantime, the businessman from Larissa Panayiotis Katselos will testify today in the framework of the preliminary investigation of Larissa Court for the doping case. The National Pharmaceutical Organization (EOF) president Mr. Vassilis Kontozamanis stated that within the following weeks the report on the illegal capsules produced in Kolonos pharmacist will have been completed and will be submitted to the Prosecutor.

"Beijings News" newspaper reports today that the Chinese company which supplied the illegal substances was not an authorized company. A Chinese representative confirmed today the apology letter sent by the Chinese company but added that the claims speaking of a mistake have not been proved yet.

Translated by Sofia Gartziou

[12] TV Cables Replaced in Trikala

TV cables have been replaced in many blocks of flats in the city center of Trikala as residents aim at improving the area aesthetically. Firstly, the cables of block of flats in the main axons around Lithaios River which crosses the town and around the ancient town of the town are being replaced. This specific plan is in progress and the interest of flat owners is intense. The procedure will continue until cables in 58 blocks of flats as well as cables of flats at the city center are replaced. The number of the new cables has been approved by Trikala prefecture and is expected to rise.

Translated by Sofia Gartziou

[13] On Thursday

16 Apr 2008 09:29:00

Sources: ANA, MNA

Attika residents will face difficulties tomorrow in public transportations due to the working stoppage of the employees who react to the dismissal of two tram drivers. More specifically the stoppage will last until 12:00 in the afternoon. Buses: 7:00-10:00. Metro and railway: 11:00-3:00. Trolley routes will be conducted normally.

Translated by Sofia Gartziou

[14] When the bus Plunged into a Canal

16 Apr 2008 08:45:00

At least 44 people, most of them children on their way to school, have drowned when their bus plunged into a canal in western India, police said. A police control room official said the accident occurred at Bodeli, 170km from Ahmedabad, the capital of Gujarat state. "Forty-four bodies have been fished out of the canal so far," police officer M S Bhabhor, who was supervising emergency operations at the accident site, a police officer said.

Translated by Sofia Gartziou

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