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The Hellenic Radio (ERA): News in English, 06-01-29The Hellenic Radio (ERA): News in English Directory - Previous Article - Next ArticleFrom: The Hellenic Radio (ERA) <www.ert.gr/>CONTENTS[01] "We Can Change the World"29 Jan 2006 17:37:00 (Last updated: 29 Jan 2006 22:15:18)By Vicky Keleri Sources: NET-ANA The election of the PASOK leader to the presidency of Socialist International on Monday will escalate its proceedings taking place in Athens. Mr Papandreou is the only candidate for the position, following his nomination by a task force led by Spains Prime Minister Jose Luis Zapatero, while it is the first time for an acting politician to be elected to the post, since tradition has it that former Premiers, such as Willy Brandt or Pierre Mauroy, would be chosen for the post. The socialist leaders who consented to Papandreous nomination said, "The President of PASOK can provide plan, solutions, prospects and a new impetus. Socialist International kicked off its proceedings with a ceremony held at the Athens Concert Hall tonight with an address by George Papandreou. The President of PASOK focused on the initiatives of the party by Andreas Papandreou and Kostas Simitis for peace. "Our recent history is the history of a small country, which after its accession in the EEC, fought with the Socialists in power and established funds for the poorer regions of Europe with social coherence programmes. It is the history of a country that tried with the rise of the Socialists, to demark an independent course away from the cold-war blocs. An example is the effort for creating a nuclear-free zone in the Balkans. Another example if the Initiative of the Six, the Initiative of the 5 Continents with Olof Palme, Indira and later on Rajiv Gandhi, Raul Alfonsin, De la Madrid, Julius Nyerere and of course Andreas Papandreou," he said. Mr Papandreou voiced his will and PASOKs for changes. "The PASOK of the new era is the PASOK of new European generations which will run the country to the course of the European completion and globalization," he noted. In fact, welcoming more that 100 delegations of Socialist, Labour and Social Democrat parties, as well as many women participating in the Council of Womens Socialist International, he praised their political will "to change the world." A music programme entitled "Music of the World" followed. [02] Well Done Marcos!29 Jan 2006 14:03:00By Stathis Petropoulos Marcos Baghdatis of Cyprus lost to Swiss Roger Federer by 5-7, 7-5, 6-0, 6-2 at the Australian Open final. Despite his defeat, though, the Cypriot tennis player is undeniably the great winner of this tournament. He achieved a meteoric rise in the world rankings, his earnings amounted to 600,000 dollars and he battled to the very end against the worlds top-seeded tennis player. Federer had to drip with sweat before winning his seventh Grand Slam final and rely upon his amazing speed and vast experience. Baghdatis had a fiery start and won the first set by 7-5 proving his much acclaimed rival that although he was not the favourite, he was there to demonstrate his passion, spirit and skills. However, he could not work his way through the end, since the Swiss pulled himself together and did exactly what he had to do to claim the victory. Translated by Areti Christou [03] Sixteen People Were Killed String of Attacks and Blasts29 Jan 2006 12:58:00By Vivian Papastefanou A blast of attacks and blasts rocked yesterday cities in the south and north of Baghdad killing as many as 16 people, Iraqi forces said. In particular, a roadside bomb exploded at 20:00 Greek local time in the town of Iskandariyah, 60km south of Baghdad. The bomb had been planted inside a basket outside a candy shop, which was rather crowded at the time of the blast. Furthermore, a suicide attack 180km north of the Iraqi capital city targeting a military patrol claimed the lives of four soldiers and injured some ten. In Tikrit, former Iraqi general under Saddam Husseins reign Mahmoud Badawi was killed by a missile fired at his house. In the town of Bayji, an Iraqi police captain was shot dead, but the perpetrators managed to get away, police announced. On Sunday morning, Iraqi police forces assisted by US forces set up an ambush in Kirkuk, killed three insurgents and arrested a fourth one. Translated by Areti Christou [04] Speeches at ND's Central Committee Meeting On Local Self Government Elections29 Jan 2006 17:00:00By Vicky Keleri Sources: ANA The tactic of New Democracy, in view of the upcoming elections in Local Self Government, was at the focus of rapporteurs in ND's Central Committee meeting. The need for the procedures of evaluation, selection of figures and candidate mayors and Prefects, which ND will support in the October elections, in the areas where there is not a current mayor, was stated by the Athens Mayor. In her speech, Mrs Bakoyianni explained that the nomination is not important politically-wise, but the context and the evaluation procedure of figures, and as she added, this means that the party cannot allow uncontrollable situations to be developed on a local level, which create a confusing and tense atmosphere. "We have to chose the best, the worthy and capable candidates, leaving party balances and weaknesses behind," she said. Mrs Bakoyianni also stated that these elections will be made by a new electoral system and submitted its main points, which, according to her, constitute a strong reform context for the renewal of the Local Self Government institution and are: The creation of a metropolitan municipal organisation in Athens, Thessaloniki, Patras and Heraklion. The establishment of an elected administration for the immediate election of Regional Director and Regional Council by the electoral body. The enlargement of Local Self Governments role and the planning of regional development, reinforcement of financial autonomy and independence. On his part, Secretary of the Central Committee Mr Vaggelis Meimarakis noted that New Democracy will not make any collaboration with any party in the municipal elections. He added that the party is encouraging collaborations on a local level, while he explained that the Prefects and Mayors of New Democracy will be candidates in the coming municipal elections once again. As Mr Meimarakis stated, the candidacy of a Prefect, just like a Mayors, in the capitals of the Prefectures, is a political choice, and, in any other case, there will be an agreement on a local level, and, wherever needed, the candidates will emerge by local assemblies. He also said that NDs Political Council, from now on, will operate as an electoral committee, while the tours of members for contacts with local societies will begin soon enough. Emphasis on Self-Reliance In his speech, Minister for the Interior Prokopis Pavlopoulos stated that New Democracy should exhibit its ideology of self-government supremacy, adding that Local Self Government means a democratic self-organisation and operation of local institutions. We want the Local Self Government to disengage from guiding the state, said Mr Pavlopoulos, and added that the party does not give nominations, but selects the most capable and worthy and will support them. He described the election of Prefects by 42% as a medium, as it favours real collaborations of local powers. Moreover, Mr Pavlopoulos made special reference to the contribution of Local Self Government bodies in facing problems by the bad weather. The Local Self Government stood by the citizens and fought for facing the problems, thus exhibiting its real role, he said. In her speech, Education Minister Marietta Giannakou said that the upcoming elections have to be faced as a part of an effort for a guaranteed relation of the political personnel and administration institutions with citizens. She proposed the main points, which, according to her, will contribute to the building of the democratic trust, while their adoption by the members will importantly benefit the electoral action of the party. Mrs Giannakous proposals were the following: The utilisation of funds given out for viable development in local societies, which are presented nationally, European and internationally, aimed at the convergence to national and European viability standards. The utilisation of manpower and other funds on a local level, aimed at better progress opportunities for all citizens in local societies. The enlargement of citizens participation in local programmes, firstly through structures and public discussion procedures for decisions on a local level, and secondly through the cultivation of co-responsibility of citizens for the improvement of lifes quality on a local level. The activation of transparency and accounting for decisions and the management of funds in a municipal and local level, aimed at promoting democratic control. Programmes of social integration in local societies for groups of the population with social-economic characteristics, such as immigrants, the unemployed, drug users, aimed at reinforcing social solidarity and support. Reformation of the party's organisation on a local level, which, firstly have to take up the role of promoting party and Governmental positions on a local level, and secondly emerging in structures of citizens participation and expressing expansive views and demands of local society. Translated by Eirene Nisiriou Related News: Citizens Come First [05] Caught Red-Handed Doctor Charged with Bribery to Prosecutor29 Jan 2006 13:25:00 (Last updated: 29 Jan 2006 22:51:39)By Vivian Papastefanou Sources: NET The well-known surgeon of Geniko Kratiko Hospital in Nikaia, who was caught red-handed being bribed, was referred today to the Prosecutor. The family of an old lady, who was to undergo a heart surgery, called the police, noting that it was the second time he asked for money. Apart from penal sanctions, the surgeon also faces disciplinary sanctions under the medical code of conduct. Translated by Areti Christou [06] Two Dead and One Seriously Injured Accident at Ice Rink in Sweden29 Jan 2006 19:45:00By Vicky Keleri A tragic accident occurred at an ice rink near the town of Mariefred, west of Stockholm. Two men lost their lives, when a group of ice skaters fell into the frozen lake, as the ice, which covered it, broke. Another man is hospitalised in critical condition. The group of the 16 ice skaters fell into the freezing waters yesterday afternoon, at the shores of Malaren Lake, the third largest of Sweden, which is used as an ice rink by both ice skaters and skiers. Many persons fell into the waters to rescue whoever was in danger. All the victims were taken to hospital suffering from hypothermia. A 31-year-old man died several hours after his transport to Karolinska Hosptial in Stockholm, while a 26-year-old man succumbed to his injuries this morning. Experts stated that the ice conditions this winter are particularly difficult, as the temperatures are very low and continuously worsening due to the snowfalls. Translated by Eirene Nisiriou [07] Rescue Operation in Development Train Derailment in Pakistan29 Jan 2006 19:25:00By Vicky Keleri Sources: Reuters, ANA At least two persons were killed and 30 injured, when six carriages of a train derailed and fell into a ravine near the town of Jhelum, in central Pakistan. It is estimated that approximately 400 passengers were aboard. The train was en route from Rawalpindi to Lahore, stated junior Transport Minister Ishaq Khakwani. "Up to 400 passengers may have been on the carriages that have derailed. We pray that there are not many casualties. Its all dark, we are trying our best to rescue people," added Khakwani. Translated by Eirene Nisiriou [08] At a Crucial Period of Time Merkel Tours Middle East29 Jan 2006 13:33:00By Vivian Papastefanou German Chancellor Angela Merkels tour in the Middle East is viewed as highly pivotal, since she is the first Western leader to visit the area after the Palestinian elections. Mrs Merkel is to hold talks with the Israeli leadership and Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas. However, it has not yet been made known whether he is to meet with Hamas officials. On their part, though, the leaders of the Islamic group have voiced their desire to meet with the German Chancellor. In the meantime, interim Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert demanded today Hamas abolish its charter, which proclaims the destruction of Israel. "We demand Hamas abolish its charter and recognize Israels right to exist within safe and accepted borders, and all the agreements the Palestinian Authority has consented to and pledged its allegiance to," underlined Olmert while addressing the Israeli Cabinet. "We do not intend to give up on these demands and the international leaders, with whom I have talked, fall in line with our stance," he argued. Translated by Areti Christou [09] Panellinios Full Steam Ahead29 Jan 2006 20:53:00By Vasilis Kalpinos Panellinios was unstoppable and earned an 8th straight win in the A1 Basketball Championship, defeating AEK in an away game 82-74 in a game for the 13th round. This way, the "Olympians" maintained their position in the quartet of the Championship. Since the start of the game, Panellinios managed to take the lead, thanks to the "usual suspect" Damir Mulaomerovic. AEK reacted in the third ten-minute period, mainly by Pelekanos. In the 4th period, Panellinios started getting away in the score and with the triplet composed of "Mula," Nadfeji and Boumtje Boumtje, and earning an important win. The score of the ten-minute periods: 22-10, 37-31, 54-52, 82-74. Translated by Eirene Nisiriou [10] Easy Win for Olympiacos29 Jan 2006 20:27:00By Vasilis Kalpinos For a half-time Olympia Larissa managed to look Olympiacos straight in the eye but in the end succumbed to the dominance of its opponent. Thus, the "red and whites" easily won 78-61 against the "oranges" and managed to remain in the second place of standings, in the game for the 13th round of A1 Division Basketball Championship. The top players for the winning team were Chatzis and Edney with 14 and 13 points respectively, while for Olympia Larissa Mason with 10 points. Translated by Eirene Nisiriou [11] Panathinaikos Gnawed the Difference29 Jan 2006 22:12:00By Stathis Petropoulos Todays round of games was an optimistic note for Panathinaikos, not only by AEKs defeat from Iraklis, but also because it decreased the difference between the two teams. Moreover, Panathinaikos performance was very satisfactory. Alberto Malezanis team made one of its best performances this year and thanks to Gekas goal in the 7 earned the win. Referee: Styliaras (Etoloakarnania) Yellow cards: Biscan, Gonzales, Gutman, Poulopoulos PANATHINAIKOS: Galinovic, Vintra, Morris, Goumas, Biscan, Gonzales, Tziolis (76 Leontiou), Papadopoulos, Gekas (86 Mantzios), Charalabidis (90 Andric), Kotsios. IONIKOS: Beqaj, King (46 Perrone), Poulopoulos, Tsimblidis, Da Costa, Makor (80 Triantafillou), Malabianakis (70 Onwuachi), Vourexakis, Konstantinidis, Gutman, Ukar. Translated by Eirene Nisiriou [12] Iraklis Used its Club!29 Jan 2006 21:53:00By Stathis Petropoulos The main point of AEKs crushing defeat by Iraklis by 4-0 was that the latter remains in the battle for UEFA, earning a lead as opposed to the other teams, after surpassing the former. The substantial point was that the win, and its breadth, made Savvas Kofidis players a terror to every team, whilst lifting up the spirits. Iraklis played an excellent game with a careful defence and sensible offence, which combined with the tragic "yellow and black" defence lead it to the goal opportunities. The goals were scored by Lagos in the 14, Herrera in the 61, Lagos in the 73, and Epalle in the 84. Referee: Terovitsas Yellow cards: Epalle, Cirillo, Lagos IRAKLIS: Abaris, Sznaucner, Drougas (90 Perperidis), Katsabis, Papazacharias, Poursanidis, Prittas, Herrera (81 K. Kapetanos), Epalle (88 Diamantidis), Lagos, Georgiadis. AEK: Sorrentino, Malbasa (69 Venglinskyi), Moras (46 Dellas), Cirillo, Alexopoulos, Katsouranis, Emerson, Ivic (46 Lakis), Julio Cesar, Soares, Liberopoulos. Translated by Eirene Nisiriou [13] Atromitos: Fearless and Invulnerable29 Jan 2006 19:41:00By Stathis Petropoulos Atromitos exhibited the character of a great team against PAOK in the 17th round, even if being behind in the score, it managed to overturn the match and earn a great win, which brought it to 25 points and stopped PAOK to 27. The first half was driven to a grand 0-0, since PAOKs strong start did not bore fruit, while the recovery of the home team stopped on Fernandez. However, in the 43, Mieciel broke away from the left wing of Atromitos defence and avoided all the other players, and just as he entered the goalies area Dagas threw him down. The penalty was a given fact, as well as the home teams protests, however, the visitors also protested, since the referee showed a yellow card to the Atromitos player, when he could easily send him off. Either way, Salpigidis scored 0-1 and the situation seemed irreversible. In the break, the coach of Atromitos asked for a quick tie and his players proceeded to doing so, when in the 48 Katemis was found in a wide-open space and scored 1-1, with Fernandez being his only opponent. PAOK answered back and regained its power, attempting to take the lead anew, however, this was not achieved and the game was seemed doomed at 1-1, but Fernandez made the first mistake of the game. Korakakis took advantage and scored the final 2-1. Referee: Vasiliou Yellow cards: Dagas, Mikes Christodoulopoulos, Chasiotis, Vaggelis ATROMITOS: Michailidis, Geladaris, Katemis, Chalaris (46 Mikes, 70 Pappas, due to injury), Georgiou, Dagas, Koutsis, Korakakis, Merino, Doe (80 Petkov), Zacharopoulos. PAOK: Fernandez, Arabatzis, Konstantinidis, Maladenis, Chasiotis (85 Giasemakis), Zagorakis, Iliadis (73 Vaggelis), Shikabala, Christodoulopoulos, Salpigidis, Mieciel. Translated by Eirene Nisiriou [14] Sample Tested Positive to the Deadly Virus H5N1 Case on Turkish-Occupied Cyprus29 Jan 2006 15:30:00By Vivian Papastefanou Sources: NET-ANA The samples taken from Turkish-occupied Cyprus and sent to Britain were tested positive to H5N1 strain. "The European Commission and the Turkish authorities were briefed by the EU laboratory at Weybridge on having detected a high pathogenic type of H5N1 strain of avian flu on a sample taken from northern occupied Cyprus," read the announcement issued by a relevant EU body. As per the European Commission, neither poultry nor poultry products, including feathers, from the Turkish-occupied side are allowed to enter the Republic of Cyprus and the rest of the European Union. Translated by Areti Christou [15] Apollonas Scored an Easy Win29 Jan 2006 19:34:00By Vasilis Kalpinos Apollonas Patras took a walk in the park against Kolossos Rhodes, which it defeated by 105-72, in the game for the 13th round of A1 Division Basketball. The team of Patras totalled 5 wins, while Kolossos, reached 12 defeats out of 13 games and its permanence in the A1 looms difficult. In the first ten-minute period Kolossos tried and was close to the score, however, from the second half onwards, Apollonas went full throttle and easily earned a win. The score of the ten-minute periods: 24-17, 54-40, 76-53, 105-72. Translated by Eirene Nisiriou [16] Contact over Cypriot Issue29 Jan 2006 19:10:00By Vicky Keleri Sources: ANA As Cypriot newspaper Haravgi publicised today, President Tassos Papadopolos confirmed that he held a lengthy phone conversation with UN General Secretary Kofi Annan. As he stated, the aim of the contact was for Kofi Annan to be briefed on his and the Governments positions over Guls proposals. Answering to a question of what was the UN General Secretarys position to the Turkish proposals, the Cypriot President said: "Clear and categorical. He said it two or three times during the discussion, which lasted approximately 35 minutes. I have not positioned myself yet, I will speak to those who are interested and involved in the issue, in order to decide if I will take up my role or not." As per Haravgi, Messrs Papadopoulos and Annan agreed to meet in March, while their continuous contact, which is aimed at the promotion of starting a new round of discussions for the Cypriot issue, was also agreed on. Translated by Eirene Nisiriou [17] Tie in Xanthi29 Jan 2006 17:10:00By Vasilis Kalpinos Points and impressions were shared between Xanthi and OFI, with 0-0 being the final score in the game in the context of the 17th round of the Championship. The match did not display much quality, since the goal opportunities were minimal and the final result was fair. However, the result favoured OFI, since it received a valuable point in a difficult away game, which will help the team further on. Referee: Paboridis (Kilkis) Red: none Yellow cards: Antzas Khachatryan, Machlas, Gonzalez Line-ups: XANTHI: Pizanowski, Papadimitriou (74 Chiquinho), Fliskas, Paviot, Torosidis, Antzas, Quintana, Maghradze (46 Baykara), Barkoglou (74 Kazakis), Manso, Labriakos. OFI: Sifakis, Davidson, Gonzalez, Konstantinidis, Pitsos, Koltzos, Khachatryan, Sfakianakis (86 Belevonis) Dentsas, Machlas (90 Samura), Ofori Quaye (81 Anastasiadis). Translated by Eirene Nisiriou The Hellenic Radio (ERA): News in English Directory - Previous Article - Next Article |
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