The Hellenic Radio (ERA): News in English, 05-04-22

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

CONTENTS

[01] Betrayed by the Internet Apostolos Vavilis Arrested

By Tina Valaoura

Sources: NET- ANA

Italian police Authorities have captured fugitive Apostolos Vavilis. The man with the multiple identities and the multifaceted action was arrested in Bologna, on Friday, after information by the Greek police and in cooperation with Italian Security Authorities. According to Chief of the Greek Police, Mr Aggelakos, what lead the authorities to the phantom fugitive were electronic evidence; his use of the Internet and his credit cards. The past month, the Greek police "acted discretely, systematically and effectively," Mr Aggelakos said. The Greek Court Authorities will start the legal process in order for Vavilis to be extradited in Greece, given the fact that he has an Italian arrest warrant pending for not serving a 7-year imprisonment sentence.

Plan of Action for Phantom's Arrest

The Greek authorities, making use of existing information, intensively investigated the traces that would lead them to the man with the many aliases. They immediately contacted the countries authorities, Italy, Turkey and Taiwan, in which Vavilis had possibly fled to. At the same time, they searched possible hideouts in Greece. Greek police Chief, Giorgos Aggelakos, in the briefing over the plan of action of the Authorities, stated the difficulties that had risen, due to the fact that Vavilis arrest was not a priority of the foreign services. After a joint action of the Greek Squad of Electronic and Organized Crime Vavilis position was located in the Italian city of Bologna.

What betrayed him were the electronic evidence he left behind, when he used his credit cards, mobile phone and the Internet, by which he sent emails and communicated with his family. Mr Aggelakos presented a diagram in which the complicated way that Vavilis was trying to cover up his traces was shown, by making several visits in different Internet sites. Finally, the Squad of Electronic Crime managed to get to the position he was hiding. Repeated visits of Greek officials in Italy followed, in order to give information to the Italian authorities and Vavilis was placed under close surveillance.

On Friday evening, at 17:30 GMT, Italian carabinieri raided an apartment of Via De Crescenzi, an area close to the railroad station and Maggiore Hospital, in Bologna. They found Vavilis sitting in front of his laptop, dressed in clericals, and once again communicating by the Internet. As its was revealed, the apartment belonged to Vavilis female friend, 50-year-old Thandei Licia, who stated she was unaware of his actions, while they found a false Greek passport under the name Antonis-Iosif Aivaliotis, issued by the Athens Municipality in 2003.

As Vavilis lawyer, Mr Vlachos, who had contacted his client 15 minutes before his arrest, stated to NET the fugitive was surprised as he was unaware of what was going on at the time. Immediately after Vavilis arrest, Minister of Public Order, Giorgos Voulgarakis sent a telegram of gratitude to his counterpart in Italy and the Italian Ambassador in Athens. Also Greek police Chief, Mr Aggelakos expressed his gratitude to the leader of the Italian police, with whom as he said, there was a constant and direct contact, given the fact that Vavilis had a Italian pending arrest warrant for not serving a 7-year prison sentence.

As Vavilis lawyer, Mr Vlachos, who had contacted his client 15 minutes before his arrest, stated to NET the fugitive was surprised as he was unaware of what was going on at the time.

Immediately after Vavilis arrest, Minister of Public Order, Giorgos Voulgarakis sent a telegram of gratitude to his counterpart in Italy and the Italian Ambassador in Athens. Also Greek police Chief, Mr Aggelakos expressed his gratitude to the leader of the Italian police, with whom as he said, there was a constant and direct contact, given the fact that Vavilis had a Italian pending arrest warrant for not serving a 7-year prison sentence.

Issue of Extradition

The Court Authorities of Greece will immediately go forth with all the foreseeable legal actions in order for Apostolos Vavilis extradition issue to open.

According to Mr Aggelakos, the details over his future will be discussed by the Court cooperation between the two countries, given the fact that Vavilis had been convicted in Italy and there was a pending arrest warrant from the Italian authorities, which have every right to refuse his extradition.

"Vavilis will have a fair trial, just as every Greek citizen is entitled to," repeated Justice Minister, Mr Papaligouras.

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

[02] Security in Internal European Market "Investment in New Technologies"

By Anna Kourti

On Friday night, Prime Minister Kostas Karamanlis gave a speech in Herakleion, Crete, at the treaty signing ceremony for the European Network and Information Security Agency (ENISA), which will be based at the Cretan capital. The aim of the new EU organization is to protect the security of exchanges through electronic networks in the internal European market. In his speech, Mr Karamanlis spoke about the investment in new technologies, adding "the public administration, in all EU member states, resort to electronic control for effective function and better accommodation of the citizens." The organization will create new employment positions, while there will be a direct air connection between Herakleion, Crete and Brussels.

"A Strong Research and Technological Infrastructure"

"The main aim of the new administration is to form a strong research and technological infrastructure, on which the future course of the country can be based upon," stated the Prime Minister, expressing his satisfaction over the fact that another European organization will be based in our country. Also, Mr Karamanlis stated that this is an agreement of special importance for Greece, since the new organization will center the focus of an important department of the international scientific community in the country."

"I would like to mention that this effort was initiated by the previous Greek government and is successfully completed today," stated the Prime Minister.

"The fact that ENISA will be based in Greece and especially in Herakleion, Crete is an honor but also a duty. Symbolically and substantially it raises expectations. We are investing in new technologies and dynamically entering information society," stated Minister of Transport, Michalis Liapis in his speech.

"The presence of the European Organization for Web Security and Information in Crete signals the start of a new era for the island," stated the General Secretary of the Prefecture, Serafeim Tsokas in his address.

Deputy Minister of Transport, Anastasios Neratzis and ENISA Executive Director, Andrea Perotti signed the agreement.

The founding of the organization was decided in 2003 and is aimed at the joining of European efforts for the effective prevention and counter of network and information security problems.

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

[03] Fairy Tales Responsible of Women's Behavior? Fairy Tales Can Influence Women

By Annita Paschalinou

Can fairy tales be responsible over a womans submission and behavior? A British university student claims that they can, after research for her master in Cognitive Behavioral Psychology. As she concluded, women who read fairy tales as children are in danger of becoming victims of abuse. Moreover, they are more submissive as they believe that love can change everything and everyone. Her research will be presented in May at the International Convention of Cognitive Psychology in Gothenburg, Sweden.

Victims of Fairy Tales

Cinderella, Sleeping Beauty, and Snow White.

The much loved heroines of fairy tales are incriminated by Susan Darker-Smith who claims that women who read such fairy tales as children are in danger of becoming abuse victims by their partners.

Smith states that the abuse victims relate to the heroines of the fairy tales and consider them as their role models.

In the case of abuse from their husbands, the women consider that love will be able to change their partners violent behavior.

The university student states that opposed to their grandmothers generation, which grew up with classic literature and who were less submissive, todays girls are more easily influenced by television and other media.

Professor of Derby University Michael Townsend distanced himself from Smiths research.

"Suzans work is interesting, but further research is needed," he stated.

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

[04] 338 people are requested to return the irons Uproar over Perla Steam Irons

By Vivian Papastefanou

The process of an investigation to determine who is responsible and prosecute them has been started by the Ministry of Development following the uproar surrounding the dangerous steam irons of Chinese origin circulated on the Greek market. Minister Dimitris Sioufas stated that as soon as the case became known, all necessary measures were taken, while both prefectures and the people were informed immediately through a relevant statement. At the same time, he clarified that there had been no previous information from the company. Furthermore, he expressed his sorrow at the three deaths caused by the unsuitable PERLA irons, while he called on people who have bought an iron from this company to return it immediately to the place where it was bought.

Translated by Millie Williams

Related News:

Killer Irons

[05] Inter-party cooperation against corruption Papandreou: Government is Uncaptained Ship

By Annita Paschalinou

A harsh attack against the government and the prime minister was launched from the podium of the National Council of PASOK by George Papandreou. The leader of the Opposition stated that instead of war (a reference to recent statements by Kostas Karamanlis), the government is leading the country into unwarranted retreats and defeats at all levels. Regarding the Main Shareholder issue, he voiced his support for two-party cooperation in order for there to be an instituted context to combat corruption, while concerning foreign policy, he said that there was inactivity and abandonment of longstanding Greek positions.

Harsh Criticism

George Papandreou compared the government to a ship wandering uncaptained on the sea, at the mercy of the elements.

He accused the PM: "as a captain he promised a different destination to each passenger," and noted that the governments policy resembles schizophrenic psychology.

Referring to the recent statements by the leader of the Turkish Armed Forces, he stressed that Ankara should realise its obligations towards the EU and the international community.

Reshuffle

Regarding the reshuffle in organisation, George Papandreou stated that very significant steps have been taken and that from "Change everything George" the party has gone to "Changing PASOK in order to change Greece."

He added that political decisions must be taken beyond scientific anchors and should be a product of combining politics with wider consensus, noting that there will be no failures in these principles.

The partys Secretary referred to region reshuffle. Mariliza Xenogiannakopoulou stated there are three regional organisations and a regional office being formed in Attica, while in Central Macedonia and Thessalonica 31 regional committees will be formed.

Andonaros' Answer

Alternate government spokesperson Evangelos Andonaros, answering to Giorgos Papandreou stated, "the PASOK leader does not persuade anyone, and instead of making dangerous and destructive statements to impress the public, he should apologize to the Greek people." He also stated, "the Greek people know the truth and what PASOK governments have left behind, as well as that the country is reorganizing its powers, is changing from day to day and is optimistically looking to the future."

Translated by Millie Williams

[06] Meeting with PM Molyviatis at Maximos Mansion

By Athina Saloustrou

Greek Foreign Minister Petros Molyviatis met with PM Kostas Karamanlis in Maximos Mansion this morning to discuss foreign policy. Mr Molyviatis voiced his satisfaction over the EUs decisions regarding the commencement of accession talks with Turkey, as well as the relations between Turkey and Cyprus. Answering to whether the PM will be visiting Turkey, Mr Molyviatis said that all relative matters would be discussed via diplomatic channels. In another question about the latest rumours regarding his removal from the Foreign Ministry, Mr Molyviatis answered, "You want me to leave? This is not an issue." In the meantime, the PMs schedule concerning his trip to the USA is under discussion. Mr Karamanlis will be visiting the States between 20 and 23 May, as he will be made an honorary lecturer at Tufts University in Boston, from which he graduated.

Translated by Vicky Ghionis

[07] No responsibility clamed Explosion in Elliniko Investigated

By Annita Paschalinou

Police investigations into the strong explosion that occurred t 02:30 on 28 October Street in Elliniko are underway. The home-made explosive device had been placed in a car left parked in the area. Fortunately, noone was injured in the explosion, although windows in nearby houses were broken.

Probable Scenario

The police are investigating the possibility that the attack is connected to the profession of the owner of the car in which the explosive device was placed.

The car belonged to Ioannis Theofilis, the director of the Ministry of Public Works lighting and roads division.

Mr Ioannis Theofilis has recently become widely known, following an appearance on a television programme where he spoke about the cameras that are to be placed on roads.

So far, however, no organisation has claimed responsibility for the act.

Translated by Millie Williams

[08] In Russian Caucasus Group Poisoning by Chemicals

By Vivian Papastefanou

More than 100 people suffered poisoning symptoms, while 30 were hospitalized, possibly due to a leak of a chemical substance, in Kabardino-Balkaria, in Russian Caucasus, According to the Ministry of Emergencies, from April 15 to 21, in the area of Terek, in Kabardino-Balkaria, 118 people were admitted to hospital, while another 27 remained for treatment. All the patients are inhabitants of the area. According to a Ministry official, the poisoning is possibly due to a hydrogen sulfide leak from a nearby oil well. However, the investigation that was undertaken did not show anything worrying. Today, the inhabitants protested asking of the authorities to speed up the investigations over the causes of the incident. The Court Authorities reassured that no deaths have been reported, but the people claim that a woman did die after suffering a hypertension crisis, that resulted from the leak of the dangerous gas.

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

[09] Threatening to Kill Journalists

By Anna Kourti

On Friday, the Arab television network Al Jazeera broadcast that rebels gave Romania a four-day deadline to withdraw its troops from Iraq, in order to not execute the three Romanian journalists that were kidnapped last month. "They gave the Romanian government a four-day deadline, from the day of the videotape broadcast, to withdraw its troops from Iraq, otherwise they will execute them," stated the television network. Al Jazeera broadcast the videotape it received, with the two men and a woman that were abducted on March 28 in Baghdad.

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

[10] ND MP's Discontent Over Funds EU Compensates Cotton Growers

By Vivian Papastefanou

Sources: NET- ANA

The European Commission has given Greece the green light for the dispensation of compensation of 80 million euros from state funds to stricken farmers. As the Deputy Minister of Rural Development stated, the money is expected to be dispensed within two months. Mr Basiakos, answering to criticism he received over the issue of fund cuts to cotton growers, made clear that the allocation of cotton rights was made in 2005, after an agreement with the collectives bodies. "The government did not cut anyone, it just accepted and materialized the number of assented proposals by the relative farmers bodies. The allocation of rights was made on the basis of available declarations and pre-evaluated evidence," stated the Minister.

Meeting Over Funds

Yesterday, ND MPs met with Secretary of the ND Parliamentary Group, Apostolos Stavrou, in which Deputy Minister of Rural Development, Alexandros Kontos and Vice President of OPEKEPE, Kostas Skiadas also attended.

According to sources, in the behind closed doors meeting in Parliament, the MPs from Thessaly accounted serious responsibilities to the Minister of Rural Development for the rejection of thousands of cotton growers applications for funds for around 70,000 sq m of land.

It is noted that according to the decision by the Cotton Cooperatives Bodies and the Ministry, Greece should not have exceeded 3,600,000 sq m, since in an opposing case, and based on the community regulation, the final production of the country would be larger and would result to bigger cuts in cotton funds.

In the meantime, on April 27 and May 5 respectively, compensation will be given to the farmers of Samothraki and the Prefecture of Evros who were stricken by floods in February.

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

[11] No Increase in Age Limits or Contributions Recovering IKA Debts

The Deputy Minister of Employment, Gerasimos Giakoumatos, announced on radio station NET 105.8 that harsh measures would be implemented as of 3 May both in the public and private sectors. Beginning from 3 May, anyone with outstanding debts to IKA (Social Security Institute) would have to pay them immediately. As per the Deputy Minister, the law will apply for everyone. Furthermore, Mr Giakoumatos repeated the governments commitment that neither the age limits for retirement nor the contributions would increase. Furthermore, referring to the issues with the banks social security, he stressed that the ones owing debts should pay and not IKA. "Top executives have their own ideas and view society in numbers," pointed out Mr Giakoumatos, who added that the views of OECD (Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development) General Secretary over social security are similar. As per the Deputy Minister, social security is an issue that involves a constant search for funds.

Translated by Vicky Ghionis

[12] Report Ready for EURO 2012

By Dimitris Alexopoulos

As of today, the economic and technical report by the Review Committee of Technoeconomic Data for stadiums, in view of Greeces candidacy for the EURO 2012 event has been handed to Deputy Minister of Sports, Giorgos Orfanos. The Committee, which was formed two weeks ago, reviewed all the technical data of the stadiums proposed for the event, evaluating all the necessary finance that is needed for the upgrade of stadiums and the recreation of the surrounding areas.

Seven Stages for Candidacy

The real capabilities of the seven stadiums that have been proposed and which fulfill UEFAs conditions are mentioned in the report.

Except for the stadiums that are already completed and successfully used at the Athens Olympic Games, OAKA and Karaiskakis Stadium, the report of the Deputy Ministry of Sports committee in charge foresees a spectacular increase in the seating capacity of the following stadiums: Kaftatzogleio (Thessalonica): +40,0000 seats, Panthessaliko (Volos): +30,000 seats, Pankreition (Herakleion): +30,000 seats, Panpeloponnisiako (Patra): from 30,000 to 40,000 seats and Toumba Stadium (Thessalonica): +30,000 seats.

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

[13] Maldini, Bugs Bunny and the Nets

By Ilias Papaioannou

Milan s Italian football star, Paolo Maldini, tastes carrots from the hands of cute Bugs Bunny, who is not that great at tackles, while his Brazilian teammate Dida wanders the streets of Gotham City fighting crime alongside Batman. Do you think this is a joke? Wait till you hear the rest. Milans Ukrainian Yuri Shevchenko will be quickly changing in a phone booth together with Clark Kent, aka Superman, before Lois Lane discovers his true identity. But dont go sending for the straightjackets; this is no crazy talk. In a little while, Milans star footballers will be starring off the pitches in a historic three-year advertising campaign signed between Warner Bros and the squad.

Milan's Most Popular Logo

Milan is hoping that this campaign will make the teams logo extremely popular, especially in the States. Milans vice-director, Laura Massi, declared, "Our collaboration with Warner Bros will entertain young and old, as Milans players have been doing for over a century. Two entrainment giants join forces in an unprecedented collaboration and we are hoping for great results. I believe that, following this agreement, Milans logo will become more powerful and popular around the world."

Translated by Vicky Ghionis

[14] On Holy Wednesday The Passion by Athens Municipal Choir

By Despina Hristopoulou

On Holy Wednesday, 27 April 2005 at 8pm, as part of their Easter programme, the Music Bands of the Municipality of Athens invite music-loving members of the public to a unique concert of Religious Music by the Municipal Choir in the First Greek Evangelical Church of Athens (Amalias Avenue 50, opposite Hadrians Gate). The Athens Municipal Choir, conducted by Stavros Beris, will perform hymns, motets and Negro spirituals celebrating the Passion. Works by Ludovicus Bardos, Gy&#246;rgy Deak-Bardos, Sergei Rakhmaninov, Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky, Anton Bruckner, Charles Gounod, Gioachino Rossini, Gabriel Faure and Themistoklis Polykratis will be performed. Admission will be free to the public.

Translated by Millie Williams

[15] Breast scans and preemptive checks Breast Cancer's Nightingale

By Despina Hristopoulou

The Municipality of Athens is taking an initiative in favour of life, entering the battle against breast cancer, one of the most significant causes of death among women. The programme will begin in the 5th Municipal Constituency and offers free breast scans and preemptive checks. The 5th Municipal Constituency was not chosen by chance, as the area already boasts the Breast Cancer Centre (Tirinthos Road 2, Ano Patissia). Aghoi Anargyroi Hospital has undertaken scientific responsibility for the prgramme of early diagnosis and information regarding breast cancer. The Municipality of Athens is also working together with the Friends of the Oncological Hospital and the campaign "Fashion against Breast Cancer," who paid for the building and operation of the Breast Cancer Centre. In an open letter, Athens Mayor Dora Bakogianni calls on women in Athens aged between 45 and 69 to take advantage of this opportunity and participate in the programme.

Aim to Extend Across Municipality

In its second stage, the programme will be extended to the 6th Constituency, while the aim is to gradually introduce it to all areas of the Municipality.

The programme offering free breast scans is part of a general campaign conducted by the Municipal Authority, which is to peak in this coming October, the month designated to be dedicated to the international fight against breast cancer.

Translated by Millie Williams

[16] Mariah Becomes A Writer

By Despina Hristopoulou

Mariah Carey seems to be following Madonnas newly acquired career as a childrens books author. The 35-year-old R&B diva, speaking to a music channel, announced her plans of publishing a series of illustrated childrens books. As she said, she has been feverishly working on the books since last summer, stating that she will soon enter the publishing world, since it is a dream of hers but also wants to actively participate in the procedure. The books will be based on personal experiences she had as a child from an interracial marriage, and will tell the story of an orphaned girl, whose parents come from different races. Except for her ambitious plans for the series of books, Mariah Carey is hard at work promoting her new album entitled "The Emancipation of Mimi."

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

[17] Relatives of Amalia Ginaki outraged Vasilopoulos Acquitted

By Annita Paschalinou

The Appeals Court acquitted the former Director of Police Athanasios Vasilopoulos by majority regarding the death of Amalia Ginaki in September 1998, during the operation to arrest Romanian criminal Sorin Mattei, who had sought refufe in the flat belonging to the Ginakis family on Niovis Street in Kato Patissia. The former Police Director had been charged with homicide by neglect over the tragic death of the young girl during the police operation to arrest Mattei. In the first degree, Vasilopoulos was given a one-year suspended sentence, as the judges ruled that he had not correctly assessed the Romanians threat of a hand-grenade.

Second Gravestone

The Appeals Court, however, ruled today that Vasilopoulos was not responsible for the hand-grenade used by Mattei which led to the death of the young girl.

Public Prosecutor Eleftherios Patsis raised a motion for dismissal in the court.

The relatives of the unfortunate girl, Amalia Ginaki expressed their disappointment with the court ruling, describing it as a second gravestone over the memory of their daughter.

Translated by Millie Williams

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