The Hellenic Radio (ERA): News in English, 05-07-01

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

CONTENTS

[01] Alert in Ankara

By Despina Hristopoulou

Sources: Reuters - ANA

The citizens of the Turkish capital were alarmed this morning, when the Turkish police opened fire against an unknown man who tried to enter the Justice Ministry, in central Ankara. The man eventually fell dead. As per NTV and CNN Turk, the culprit, who was approximately 30 years old, was strapped with explosives. The Turkish Media showed footage of Turkish police officers shooting against the suicide bomber a number of times. The bomb squad that arrived at the scene confirmed that the man was strapped with explosives. The Turkish TV stations also showed a member of the bomb squad as he was trying to neutralise the bomb. Actually, witnesses mentioned that the man was unable to detonate his explosives. The police have sealed off the area surrounding the Ministry. Initially, the Media had announced that the attack was close to Mr Recep Tayyip Erdogans office, without ruling out the possibility that the Turkish PM may have been the target. Later it was clarified that the target was probably Justice Minister Cemil Cicek. The motives of the attacker, or his identity have not been publicised yet.

Translated by Vicky Ghionis

[02] Budget and Grants at the Focus Britain Takes the Baton

By Despina Hristopoulou

Sources: อลิ 105.8, มNA

Britain is taking over the presidency of the EU as of today and for the next six months, facing the task of finding a solution to the dispute over the farmers grants and Britains rebate from the EU budget, just a little while after the French and Dutch No to the European Constitutional Treaty. However, British Foreign Minister Jack Straw appeared optimistic, stressing that the British presidency would mainly focus on the issues that have been burdening the EU lately, including the EU budget and the decoupling of services, matters which, as he said, the British presidency would be seeking to resolve. Actually, he also expressed the hope that an agreement for the new EU budget for the period 2007-2013 could be reached during its 6-month presidency. With regard to the commencement of accession talks with Turkey on 3 October, Mr Straw repeated that the European Commission is the first judge concerning whether it fulfils the criteria or not. If the Commission gives its consent, then the presidency will also agree.

Barroso Asks for Compromise

However, the President of the European Commission, Jos&#233; Manuel Barroso, appeared less optimistic and warned that compromise is needed to reach an agreement. Mr Barosso, who will meet with PM Tony Blair in London, criticised the British Governments effort to connect varying issues, including the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) and the British rebates from the EU budget.

He urged all the EU Member-States, though, to be prepared to support the efforts of the British presidency, adding that an agreement on the budget could be achieved. He also called on Britain to compromise on the rebate issue, while stressing that the countries benefiting from the CAP should also make some moves.

Translated by Vicky Ghionis

[03] Brick by Brick

By Vicky Keleri

Although it had no money, the Savior and Transfiguration church in Dimitrovgrad was in dire need of restoration. So, the staff at the local registry office enlisted all their imagination and creativity to save the situation. They came up with a very original idea, since they asked every couple deciding to get married at the church to donate two bricks that would be used towards its restoration. However, the donation also holds a reward, since the names of the sponsors are carved on every brick bought. The idea seems to have caught on, as on the first day, newlyweds and their relatives reportedly paid for nearly a hundred bricks!

Translated by Vicky Ghionis

[04] ND Steadily in the Lead

By Betty Savourdou

Sources: NET 105.8 - Newspaper "Ta Nea"

As per an opinion poll conducted by Metron Analysis, New Democracy is ahead of PASOK in voting intention by 2.4%. The poll, which was conducted between 26 and 27 July, also showed that Kostas Karamanlis is considered more suitable for the position of Prime Minister, as he is ahead by 41.9%, compared to 27.9% for George Papandreou. In voting intention, ND received 36.1%, PASOK 33.7%, KKE 7.6%, Synaspismos 4.3% and LAOS 4%. In addition, the governing party is also ahead in the question regarding which party would win the elections, with ND receiving 51.8%, as opposed to 25.8% for PASOK. The difference between PASOK and ND in voting intention has decreased by 4% since February, but has increased by one unit since Aprils poll by the same company, at which time the lowest difference ever was recorded at 1.4%. Actually, ND remains at the same level since April, but PASOK seems to be losing ground. The main reasons for the negative image of the Opposition include the motion of censure in Parliament and the handling of the OTE issue, as PASOK did not appear to hold a clear stance. This also affected George Papandreous image concerning his suitability for the position of Prime Minister. On the other hand, KKE, SYN and LAOS seem to have gained ground.

Once again, the Economy seems to be a thorny subject for the Government as the citizens voiced their strong discontent for the economic problems and the countrys progress. Specifically, 61.2% believe that the countrys Economy is in a worst state than last year, compared to 6% who believe the opposite. In addition, 56.9% consider that the country is moving towards the wrong direction.

Translated by Vicky Ghionis

[05] Greece to the Security Council Presidency

By Betty Savourdou

Sources: ANA

Greece is taking over the presidency of the UN Security Council as of today and for one month. Greeces permanent representative to the UN, Ambassador Adamantios Vassilakis, will hold a series of meetings with his counterparts from the various Member-States, aiming at briefing them on the issues of the months agenda. Specifically, the agenda includes the UN Secretary-Generals programme of reports, which mainly pertain to the deadlines for renewing the peacekeeping operations orders. It should be noted that Greece is a non-permanent member of the Security Council for 2005 and 2006, while the last time it was a member was back in 1952 and 1953.

Full Agenda

The members of the Security Council are expected to adopt the programme on Tuesday, as Monday is a public holiday in the USA for the celebration of Independence Day.

Greece, as the president of the Council, will present the issue "The role of the Security council in humanitarian crises" on 12 July. Greek FM Petros Molyviatis will present the topic and he will then preside over the open discussion that will follow.

The issues that are expected to be discussed by the Council in July mainly include the problems faced by the Central African Republic, Papua-New Guinea, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Somalia, Sudan and Ethiopia. Furthermore, the Council will discuss the situation in the Middle East and the peacekeeping missions to Lebanon and Georgia.

An open briefing on the issue of HIV/AIDS, in the context of the peacekeeping operations, will take place on 18 July, which is the 5-year anniversary since the adoption of the Security Councils relevant Resolution 1308.

Furthermore, a public meeting is scheduled for 25 July on the progress of proceedings by the three Security Council Committees dealing with terrorism issues: the Counter Terrorism Committee, the Taliban Sanctions Committee and the Nuclear Weapons Non-Proliferation Committee.

Translated by Vicky Ghionis

[06] ELA Acquitted

By Betty Savourdou

Sources: NET Radio 105.8 - NET

On Friday morning, the defendants of the ELA case were acquitted in their second trial for participating in the terrorist group. Michalis Kassimis and Giannis Serifis, who was tried for murder during an attack against a MAT bus in Perissos, were unanimously found not guilty. The other four defendants, Christos Tsigaridas, Aggeletos Kanas, Kostas Agapiou and Eirini Athanasaki, were found not guilty by the majority of judges, however they have been convicted for the first part of the case to 25 years of imprisonment and apart from Christos Tsigaridas, who has been released for health reasons, they are detained in the Korydallos prison. The court ruled the defendants did not commit the actions they were accused of in any way. "The Court ruled based on the self-evident and not based on political purposes," stated Christos Tsigaridas.

Translated by Sofia Soulioti

[07] Barroso Appears Pessimistic

By Betty Savourdou

Sources: ANA - Reuters

The President of the European Commission, Jos&#233; Manuel Barroso, voiced his doubts concerning the future of the proposed European Constitution, following the rejection of the Constitutional Treaty by the French and the Dutch. In an interview with the Guardian newspaper, published on the same day that Britain is taking over the presidency of the EU, he declared that the Union would not have a Constitution in the next years.

Crucial Moment

"There are a lot of anxieties. Those are political anxieties that come when the situation is a difficult one, where we understand that Europe [...] has not had the same level of support it had before," Barroso mentioned in the interview.

Furthermore, the President of the Commission praised the British PM, saying, "Tony Blair has shown great leadership qualities in Britain. I hope he will show now the same leadership qualities in Europe. For that he needs an approach that is inclusive. Dynamic yes. But inclusive." He also noted that Britain was taking over the EUs rotating presidency at a "crucial moment".

Translated by Vicky Ghionis

[08] Another Two Gold Medals

By Dimitris Alexopoulos

Weightlifting and wrestling were the main events for Greece on Thursday, as they gave the country another two gold medals, during the Mediterranean Games in Almeria, Spain. Fani Psatha climbed on the highest step of the podium in womens wrestling, while Nikos Kourtidis, who was competing in the 94kg category in weightlifting, lifted 207kg in his third clean & jerk attempt, winning the gold. In wrestling, Fani Psatha defeated Spaniard Sara Sanchez-Parra by 8-0 in the womens 48kg category. In the same event, Sofia Pombouridou won the bronze in 55kg, as did Evangelia Chrysi in 59kg. Orestis Saridis finished third in boxing, in the 60kg category, while in judo, Dionysis Iliadis won a bronze medal in the mens 100kg category. Dimitris Papageridis also won a bronze medal in mens Weightlifting (snatch), as the 19-year-old athlete lifted 175kg in the 105kg category. Finally, Flora Rentoumi won a bronze medal in 100m hurdles. The Greek champion finished third with a time of 13.16, behind Spaniard Glory Alozie (12.90) and French Adrianna Lamalle (12.99).

Other Greek Results

The womens archery team did not manage to climb on the podium. In the consolation final, the Greek team of Anita Atla, Maria Kyrilopoulou and Elpida Romantzi was defeated by Slovenia with a score of 219-218 and thus was ranked fourth overall.

Varvara Akritidou finished in fifth place in womens judo, -78kg category, as she lost to Seda Karadag (Turkey) by a Koka in the repechage finals.

The womens Greek basketball team will fight it out for the bronze in Almeria. The team was defeated by Turkey (85-60) in the semifinals and on Friday, it will play against the loser of the Croatia-Spain match for places 3 and 4.

The womens handball team ranked eighth overall. The Greek team lost to Slovenia by 41-32 in the match for places 7 and 8, thus finishing in last place of the tournament.

On the other hand, the mens handball team will also play for either place 7 or 8 on Friday. Ulf Schefverts team was defeated by Slovenia with a score of 28-25 (11-13 half-time) and will now play against France.

Finally, the mens Greek volleyball team lost to Croatia by 9-6. This result makes things tough as far as qualifying for the semifinals is concerned. On Friday, they will play against Italy. The goals in the match against Croatia were scored by: Liotsakis 2, Giorgos Fountoulis 1, Blanis 1, Karountzos 1, Doulos 1.

Translated by Vicky Ghionis

[09] Football Championship Draw

By Vasilis Kalpinos

Two were the top events at the draw of the 28th Professional Football Championship. Great Brazilian ace Ronaldinho, who attended the draw, and the match between Panathinaikos and Olympiacos for the first round of the next season, scheduled for August 28. This has happened only twice in the past, the first time during the 1981-82 season, when both teams tied at 0-0 in Patras and the second time during the 1993-94 season, when they tied again with 1-1 in Karaiskakis. This means, in other words, that Panathinaikos will be the home team for the first time ever in the beginning of the Championship. From then onwards, the AEK-Olympiacos derby will be held in the 5th round, AEK will play against Panathinaikos in OAKA in the 7th round. In the 8th round, Panathinaikos welcomes PAOK and in the 12th round PAOK will come to Athens to play versus AEK. Lastly, it is noted that the match between Olympiacos and PAOK at Karaiskakis stadium will be held behind closed doors.

A National Draw

1st round

Levadeiakos-Ionikos

Apollo Kalamaria-OFI

Panathinaikos-Olympiacos

Xanthi-PAOK

Panionios-Larissa

Atromitos-มลส

Kallithea-Egaleo

Akratitos-Iraklis

2nd round

Apollo Kalamaria-Levadeiakos

Ionikos-Panathinaikos

OFI-Xanthi

Olympiacos-Panionios

PAOK-Atromitos

Larissa-Kallithea

มลส-Iraklis

Egaleo-Akratitos

3rd round

Levadeiakos-Panathinaikos

Xanthi-Apollo Kalamaria

Panionios-Ionikos

Atromitos-OFI

Kallithea-Olympiacos

Iraklis-PAOK

Akratitos-Larissa

มลส-Egaleo

4th round

Xanthi-Levadeiakos

Panathinaikos-Panionios

Apollo Kalamaria-Atromitos

Ionikos-Kallithea

OFI-Iraklis

Olympiacos-Akratitos

PAOK-Egaleo

Larissa-มลส

5th round

Levadeiakos-Panionios

Atromitos-Xanthi

Kallithea-Panathinaikos

Iraklis-Apollo Kalamaria

Akratitos-Ionikos

Egaleo-OFI

มลส-Olympiacos

PAOK-Larissa

6th round

Atromitos-Levadeiakos

Panionios-Kallithea

Xanthi-Iraklis

Panathinaikos-Akratitos

Apollo Kalamaria-Egaleo

Ionikos-มลส

OFI-Larissa

Olympiacos-PAOK

7th round

Levadeiakos-Kallithea

Iraklis-Atromitos

Akratitos-Panionios

Egaleo-Xanthi

มลส-Panathinaikos

Larissa-Apollo Kalamaria

PAOK-Ionikos

OFI-Olympiacos

8th round

Iraklis-Levadeiakos

Kallithea-Akratitos

Atromitos-Egaleo

Panionios-มลส

Xanthi-Larissa

Panathinaikos-PAOK

Apollo Kalamaria-Olympiacos

Ionikos-OFI

9th round

Levadeiakos-Akratitos

Egaleo-Iraklis

มลส-Kallithea

Larissa-Atromitos

PAOK-Panionios

Olympiacos-Xanthi

OFI-Panathinaikos

Ionikos-Apollo Kalamaria

10th round

Egaleo-Levadeiakos

Akratitos-มลส

Iraklis-Larissa

Kallithea-PAOK

Atromitos-Olympiacos

Panionios-OFI

Xanthi-Ionikos

Panathinaikos-Apollo Kalamaria

11th round

Levadeiakos-มลส

Larissa-Egaleo

PAOK-Akratitos

Olympiacos-Iraklis

OFI-Kallithea

Ionikos-Atromitos

Apollo Kalamaria-Panionios

Panathinaikos-Xanthi

12th round

Larissa-Levadeiakos

มลส-PAOK

Egaleo-Olympiacos

Akratitos-OFI

Iraklis-Ionikos

Kallithea-Apollo Kalamaria

Atromitos-Panathinaikos

Panionios-Xanthi

13th round

Levadeiakos-PAOK

Olympiacos-Larissa

OFI-มลส

Ionikos-Egaleo

Apollo Kalamaria-Akratitos

Panathinaikos-Iraklis

Xanthi-Kallithea

Panionios-Atromitos

14th round

Olympiacos-Levadeiakos

PAOK-OFI

Larissa-Ionikos

มลส-Apollo Kalamaria

Egaleo-Panathinaikos

Akratitos-Xanthi

Iraklis-Panionios

Kallithea-Atromitos

15th round

Levadeiakos-OFI

Ionikos-Olympiacos

Apollo Kalamaria-PAOK

Panathinaikos-Larissa

Xanthi-มลส

Panionios-Egaleo

Atromitos-Akratitos

Kallithea-Iraklis

Translated by Sofia Soulioti

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