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The Hellenic Radio (ERA): News in English, 06-02-03

The Hellenic Radio (ERA): News in English Directory - Previous Article - Next Article

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

CONTENTS

  • [01] Investigation over Wiretappings
  • [02] Dancing Genes
  • [03] Mine on the Moon
  • [04] Protests over Cartoons
  • [05] Votanikos Changes its Look
  • [06] Weak Tremors in Greece
  • [07] Tornadoes Follow Katrina
  • [08] Pre-Arranged War
  • [09] Meetings on Collective Working Contracts
  • [10] AEK Defeated by Benetton

  • [01] Case Taken to Interrogator Investigation over Wiretappings

    03 Feb 2006 12:10:00

    Sources: NET, NET 105.8

    An interrogator, who will carry out the main probe on the wiretapping case, is expected to be appointed within the day, after criminal proceedings ordered by Prosecutor Ioannis Diotis against all involved over breach of confidentiality and possible espionage. The case was publicised yesterday by the Ministers of State, Public Order and Justice, stating that the wiretappings were conducted before the Olympic Games and until March 2005, of around 100 mobile phones, among which the Prime Ministers and leading Ministers. The case has caused diverse and intense reactions, while many parts of it remain under investigation, mainly who and why conducted the wiretappings.

    Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

    [02] Study by the Hebrew University Dancing Genes

    03 Feb 2006 11:00:00

    By Vagelis Theodorou

    Has it ever occurred to you why professional dancers swing their bodies so gracefully, while you keep failing no matter how hard you try? A study conducted by the Hebrew University has the answer for you. Professional dancers are "equipped" with consistent differences in genes and run-of-the-mill behavioural traits rarely found in the layman, argued the study. After examining a group of 85 Israeli dancers and advanced dancing students, the research team led by Dr Richard Ebstein found variants of two genes that provide the code for the serotonin transporter and arginine vasopressin receptor 1a, both involved in the transmission of information between nerve cells.

    Talented Skills

    Serotonin accounts for the mood and it constitutes a brain transmitter that contributes to spiritual experience, while research on animals has shown that vasopressin receptor rules social communication and plays a part in establishing social relations.

    The functions in question, claimed the researchers whose study was published in the US journal Public Library of Sciences Genetics, are closely related to the age-long art of dancing.

    As per Dr Ebstein, dancers demonstrate several qualities also found in other people, who do not express them that strongly as the dancer type. Acute sense of communication, often of symbolic nature and strong spiritual traits, are some of the qualities that set dancers apart.

    However, the results did not take the researchers by surprise, since similar genetic variants have already been detected in musicians and athletes.

    The genetic data of the dancers were confirmed via a questionnaire on spirituality, need for social contact and openness to communication. Then, the answers were compared with data taken from people with different occupations, including athletes, who were chosen because they have to be in a good state like dancers.

    Read the story on other sources:

    Jerusalem Post: Study shows genes key in going into your dance

    Related Links:

    Hebrew University

    [03] Russians Aspire to Mine for Fuel Mine on the Moon

    03 Feb 2006 10:06:00

    By Vagelis Theodorou

    Russia is seriously considering setting up a permanent base on the Moon by 2015 to mine for a rare fuel source. Head of Russias giant Energia Space Corporation Nikolai Sevastyanov argued that the base could start tapping helium-3 in 2020. The International Space Station (ISS) is expected to play an instrumental role in the Russian plan, since it will serve as an interim stop while delivering helium-3 to Earth. The spacecrafts to be used are Klipper and Parom capsule meant to tow space containers. Helium-3 is a non radioactive by-product of helium that could easily be used for the production of non-polluting energy.

    However, the know-how to produce helium-3 at an industrial scale has yet to be studied, since the amounts of it on Earth are limited.

    Similar proposals had also been submitted in the past, however, the Russian government refused to fund them. In fact, there voices claiming that Nikolai Sevastyanovs statements reflect Energias effort to raise funds. It should be noted that the Russian plan was made public at a time when NASA has already announced its intention to launch a manned mission on the Moon by 2020.

    Translated by Areti Christou

    Read the story on other sources:

    Space.com: Russian Rocket Builder Aims for Moon Base by 2015, Reports Say

    Related Links:

    Energia

    [04] Denmark's Embassy in Jakarta Taken Over Protests over Cartoons

    03 Feb 2006 09:50:00 (Last updated: 03 Feb 2006 13:34:44)

    By Dimitris Alexopoulos

    Sources: ANA-REUTERS

    Islamists around the world escalate their reactions over the cartoons of the Prophet Muhammad published on Danish and French dailies. Today, hundreds of militant Muslims broke into the building housing Denmarks embassy in Jakarta, Indonesia, in protest over 12 cartoons that they argue insult the Prophet. The protesters, from the Islamic Defenders Front (FPI) initially gathered outside the building chanting for "holy war," and then stormed into the lobby of the building, but they were forced out by the police. As per a spokesman of the protesters, Danish ambassador Niels Andersen held talks with a three-member Muslim delegation and promised to send a written apology to Indonesias newspapers. The protesters were dispersed without causing any incidents.

    Reactions in Gaza

    Thirty armed Fatah militants staged today a protest in front of Gazas French Cultural Centre protesting over the cartoons mocking the Prophet, while further twenty Fatah and Jihad militants wrote graffiti at the entrance of the EU office in Gaza demanding it be shut down.

    At the same time, Al-Aqsa Martyrs Brigades sent a letter to the Gaza AFP warning that all Norwegians, Danish or French residing on their soil are a target.

    Danish Prime Minister Mr Rasmussen has called and emergency meeting to examine the crisis raised by the publication of the cartoons.

    Seventy-one ambassadors will attend the meeting, and as per the Danish press, they will be given guidelines for a communicative and diplomatic counterattack.

    Foreign Affairs Minister Per Stig Moller argued that the Danish government has no intention of apologizing, instead, it intends to condemn actions that insult religious beliefs, without, on the other hand, violating the freedom of expression.

    Defending Freedom of Press

    However, although the majority of the French papers admitted that the Muslims were deeply shocked, they strongly defended the freedom of press.

    "Its been a real tsunami showing how many of us have the right to sound the alarm," read France Soir, the French daily that fired its managing director for reprinting the caricatures. "Freedom of expression is an inalienable right all democracies enjoy," underlined LHumanit&#233;.

    "Democracy cannot monitor expression, unless it violates human rights," read Le Monde.

    Finally, Lib&#233;ration decided to reprint two of the 12 controversial cartoons following a debate among the papers journalists.

    The cartoon showing the Prophet wearing a headdress shaped like a bomb is not included among those reprinted, for such a move would associate all the Muslims with terrorists.

    Translated by Areti Christou

    Read the story on other sources:

    BBC: Muslims in new cartoon protest

    [05] Alogoskoufis Bakoyianni Meeting Votanikos Changes its Look

    03 Feb 2006 10:58:00

    By Vivian Papastefanou

    Sources: NET, ANA

    Minister of Economy Giorgos Alogoskoufis and Mayor of Athens Dora Bakoyianni agreed on the funding of general interest works during a meeting in the morning. The Minister of Economy noted that the aim of the decision is the improvement of Athenians quality of life, in area of the capital, which is underprivileged. The works will be funded by the 3rd and 4th Community Support Framework (CFS), and as both Mr Alogoskoufis and Mrs Bakoyianni stated this is the biggest remodelling work in Athens and connected with the double remodelling of the broader area of Votanikos Alexandras Avenue.

    Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

    [06] In Kastoria and Kefalonia Weak Tremors in Greece

    03 Feb 2006 06:50:00

    By Dimitris Alexopoulos

    Two weak earthquakes measuring 4.4 and 4.3 on the Richter scale were reported at 1:55am and 2am respectively. Their epicentre was located south of the northwestern city of Kastoria, 330km NW of Athens, and they were felt in Kozani, Florina and Kastoria. A 4.4 magnitude earthquake occurred 20 minutes after midnight south of the Ionian island of Kefalonia.

    Translated by Areti Christou

    [07] New Hit in New Orleans Tornadoes Follow Katrina

    03 Feb 2006 07:31:00

    By Dimitris Alexopoulos

    Five months after hurricane Katrinas devastating pass, tornadoes ripped through New Orleans, knocking down seven buildings and severely damaging the citys water and power networks. The citys airport was also battered, since several windows were smashed to pieces and the terminal was destroyed. The wave of adverse weather caused many flights to be cancelled. As per the police, a citizen was injured by shattered windows.

    Translated by Areti Christou

    [08] Against Iraq by Bush and Blair Pre-Arranged War

    03 Feb 2006 00:24:00

    By Vicky Keleri

    US President George W. Bush and British PM Tony Blair had been ready to wage a war against Iraq since the early 2003, whether or not there was a relevant UN resolution vesting them with the power to do so, reported late on Thursday British television network Channel 4, citing a leaked White House memo referring to the meeting held between the two leader on January 31, 2003. Channel 4 revealed that Bush had specifically named the March 10th as the day for the war to start. In the memo the US President was quoted as saying that the USA would put "its full weight behind efforts to get another resolution," and would even "threaten" some UN members. He is said to have told that if the plan fell flat, "military action would follow anyway." British PM Blair answered that he would stand by Bushs side and that he was ready to do everything necessary to disarm Saddam.

    Oddly enough, the two leaders were not convinced that the Iraqi regime had breached the UN resolution 1441. During their meeting, Bush is alleged to have argued that Washington intended to send U2 reconnaissance aircraft with fighter cover over Iraq painted in UN colours.

    He then explained that "if Saddam fired on them, he would be in breach." He also referred to the possibility that a defector could be brought out who "could give a public presentation of Saddams weapons of mass destruction," as well as to a "small possibility that Saddam would be assassinated."

    Translated by Areti Christou

    [09] Between Employment Minister and Banks' Heads Meetings on Collective Working Contracts

    03 Feb 2006 10:30:00

    By Vivian Papastefanou

    The issue of collective working contracts is to be at the focus of the meetings Employment Minister Panos Panagiotopoulos is scheduled to have with Eurobank Managing Director Nikos Nanopoulos and Governor of Piraeus Bank Mihalis Sallas. The issue in question has made the headlines following the announcement issued by six bank governors reading that they have no intention of signing the collective working contract with the Hellenic Federation of Bank Employee Unions (OTOE), which have declared a 24-hour strike set for Monday. At the same time, PASOKs National Council Secretary Maliliza Xenogiannakopoulou is holding talks with OTOEs officials. Upon exiting her meeting with OTOE held yesterday, KKE secretary general Aleka Papariga argued that employers have taken it into their heads to abolish the collective working contracts.

    Translated by Areti Christou

    Related News:

    Panagiotopoulos Arapoglou Meeting

    [10] AEK Defeated by Benetton

    02 Feb 2006 23:34:00

    By Vasilis Kalpinos

    AEK did not achieve a win in Euroleague once again. The team, which has already bid farewell to qualifying in the 16 of the event, was crushed by Benetton 103-83 in a game for the 13th round in A Group. This was the 10th defeat out of 13 games for AEK, while Benetton has qualified to the next phase and has earned its 8th win. The top scorer for AEK was Giannis Bourousis with 26 points. The score of the ten-minute periods: 25-19, 55-37, 79-60, 103-83.

    Translated by Eirene Nisiriou


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