The Hellenic Radio (ERA): News in English, 06-03-01

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

CONTENTS

[01] Positive Verdict by French Appellate Court K. Bourboulia Extradited

By Mary Lou Tzempelikou

Sources: NET, ANA

The Paris Appellate Courts verdict was positive to the demand of the Greek Authorities for Konstantina Bourboulia, as on Wednesday noon her extradition to Greece was decided on. On her part, the former examiner voiced her reservations over the legal means she will use, in particular, if she will file an appeal, an action which can only be done until Monday night. Moreover, she asked for guarantees of her safe transport to Greece, complete secrecy in relation to the date of her return to the country, as well as the absence of journalists, during her departure and arrival on Greek soil, as well as the presence of her lawyer. Answering, the Judge said that the French Justice can only ensure her complete secrecy in France. In case Mrs Bourboulia does not file an appeal, the French State has a ten-day deadline in order to hand her over, while if the former examiner goes to the Court of Cassation, then the procedure could last up to two months.

Reply by D. Linos

Supreme Court Prosecutor Dimitris Linos replied to the former examiners sayings. It is noted that Mrs Bourboulia doubted that she will have a fair trial in the country. "Greece is a democratic, well governed and organised country and it is self-evident that it secures, not only the security and protection of the citizens, but also of all personal rights, as well as the conduction of a fair trial, if finally she surrenders."

Meanwhile, Appellate Prosecutor Panagiotis Nikoloudis did not accept lawyer Sakis Kechagioglou's demand to replace the measure of custody pending trial with restrictive conditions.

The Prosecutor's suggestion is that the lawyer, who is remanded in custody for his participation in the extra-judicial ring, should remain in custody as no evidence has turned up so far to refute the reasons for his incarceration.

On the contrary, authorities have gathered more incriminating evidence on Mr Kechagioglou.

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

Related News:

Final Decision Due Next Week

[02] Harsh Tongue over "Kapodistrias" Papandreou Criticism from Neapolis

By Vicky Keleri

Sources: NET, ANA

The PASOK President is holding a two-day tour at the prefecture of Lasithi. During his speech before the inhabitants of Neapolis, he harshly criticised the Government, accusing it of trying to Balkanise Greece by promoting division and discord among the citizens. George Papandreou underlined New Democracy does not want powerful local communities, but powerless citizens, who would depend on central authority or local rulers. Regarding the "Kapodistrias" plan, he attacked New Democracy for proceeding with the separation of municipalities based on personal criteria and favouritism. He even added that countdown has been initiated for the Government, which only serves the powerful minorities of interests.

Translated by Sofia Soulioti

[03] EFET Advised for Attention by Consumers Checks on Seafood

By Vicky Keleri

Sources: NET

Checks on seafood and Lenten foods are intensifying, in view of Clean Monday. Today, the Varvakios fish market was placed under the microscope of Athens Prefecture crews, as 565 kilos of shrimp, octopus, cuttlefish and squid were unfit for consumption. The products confiscated will be destroyed. Following the completion of the above procedure, the cases will be referred to the Prosecutor. Moreover, small violations were detected in the products price label. It is noted that fishmongers are obligated to record the country of origin on the label when fish catch is imported by a non-EU country. As Athens Prefect Giannis Sgouros stated, due to the celebratory three-day weekend and the increased demand of foodstuffs in the market, the Athens Prefecture is conducting intensive checks, aimed at securing the quality of the products and the protection of consumers, whilst adding that the checks will continue in the next days. Moreover, the Hellenic Food Authority (EFET) called on consumers to be extremely careful and look around markets.

Prices in seafood are varied:

fresh squid from 12 to 19 euros a kilo frozen octopus from 5 to 13.80 euros a kilo fresh octopus from 10 to 12 euros a kilo frozen cuttlefish cost 5.90 euros a kilo fresh cuttlefish at 8.50 euros a kilo shellfish 7 euros a kilo small shrimp 3.90 euros a kilo

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

Related News:

Unfit Foodstuffs Confiscated

[04] Focused on Labour Issues and Collective Contacts S. Tsitouridis GSEE Meeting

Sources: NET

On Wednesday and in his first visit to the Greek General Confederation of Labour (GSEE), Minister of Employment Savvas Tsitouridis voiced the belief that all margins will be exhausted, in order to distribute larger increases by the National Collective Contract. During the meeting, Mr Tsitouridis, who was accompanied by Deputy Minister Gerasimos Giakoumatos, repeated that the Government has used all means in order for the bankers to sit at the table of negotiations, while referring to the social security issue he explained that the dialogues procedure will be designated shortly. On its part, GSEE discussed the issues of sectoral contracts, increases and civil mobilisation and noted that if these obstacles are not lifted it will not participate in the social security dialogue.

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

[05] Meeting with Hamid Karzai Bush Makes Surprise Visit in Afghanistan

By Vagelis Theodorou

US President George W. Bush is on his first visit to Afghanistan, after the intervention of the US against the Taliban in 2001. Mr Bush arrived unscheduled to the Bagram Air Base and later on he is to hold a meeting with his Afghan counterpart Hamid Karzai. As per international news agencies correspondents, strict measures were implemented in Kabul, while, before the US Presidents arrival, the airspace of the city was banned for civil aircrafts. Mr Bush landed on Afghanistan, while he was on his way to a four-day visit to Pakistan and India, where 20,000 persons took the streets in New Delhi protesting over the USs policy. The visit of the US President is seeking to pressure the two countries into finding a solution for the disputed area of Kashmir, as well as an agreement to be signed between the US and India for non-military nuclear technology.

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

[06] Increased by 14.4% in February Satisfaction over Budget Revenues

The revenues of the Budget were increased importantly by 14.4% in February, continuing the positive course of January, when they presented an 18.5% increase. As per data presented in a Press conference at the General Secretariat of Information Systems (GGPS), the Minister of Economy Giorgos Alogoskoufis and Deputy Minister Antonis Bezas announced that the VAT of Public Financial Offices (DOY) was increased by 21% and Customs by 18%. It was also announced that the legislative provision, which will be submitted at Parliament within the week, for the implementation of revenues policy, foresees a 3% increase in salaries and 4% in pensions. The Minister of Economy repeated that all of the Governments pledges will be kept, in relation to the issue of open collective negotiations. "The Government is not planning to change the system of collective negotiations," said the Minister, underlining "the Governments stance, in any case, will not change on the issue."

Mr Alogoskoufis and Mr Bezas, as well as the General Secretary of the GGPS, presented the new electronic services offered by the Ministry of Economy for taxpayers.

In this context, taxpayers who submit their tax declaration electronically can immediately receive their statements of accounts.

Moreover, a new programme for submitting tax declarations of tax on wages by businesses, will be immediately implemented, a development that entails the facilitation of electronic cross-referencing, always in the context of tax evasion.

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

[07] Samaras Led Greece to Victory

By Vasilis Kalpinos

With Giorgos Samaras' goal in the 68' and Stelios Giannakopoulos' goal in the 90', the Greek football team prevailed over Kazakhstan 2-0 and won first place in Group A of the International Football Tournament held in Cyprus. The match took place at GSP Stadium in Nicosia in the presence of some 2,000 fans. The Greek forward, currently playing in Manchester City, was once again among the top players for Greece and this goal was his second in two matches in just two days. Back to game, Greece was far better than its opponent and managed to win an easy victory. Although Otto Rehhagel made many substitutions, it did not stop the players from gaining absolute control of the match. It is worth noting that Kazakhstan ended the game with 10 players, as Travin was sent off with a second yellow card in the 86'.

Referee: Panikos Kailis (Cyprus)

Yellow Cards: Basinas, Baltiev, Azowski, Bayzanov, Cichulin, Travin Red Cards: Travin (2nd Yellow)

GREECE: Kotsolis (46' Chalkias), Seitaridis, Fyssas, Kyrgiakos, Goumas, Zagorakis (64' Vintra), Basinas, Karagounis (46' Giannakopoulos), Salpigidis (46' Papadopoulos), Amanatidis (46' Samaras), Charisteas (46' Mantzios)

KAZAKHSTAN: Loria, Kumisbekov, Cuchma (71' Irismetov), Zalmakabetov, Jegor Azowski (71' Familcev), Travin, Sergijenko (61' Larin), Bayzanov (46' Cichulin), Maxim Azowsky (89' Kamelov), Baltiev, Kukejev (46' Zumaskaliev)

Translated by Sofia Soulioti

[08] With Messrs Voulgarakis and Bechrakis Prime Minister's Contacts

By Anna Kourti

Sources: NET, NET 105.8

Issues of the Ministry of Culture, based on the next 2-year term were at the focus of the meeting held between Prime Minister Kostas Karamanlis and newly appointed Minister of Culture Giorgos Voulgarakis, at Maximos Mansion. Following the end of the meeting, Mr Voulgarakis stated, "we planned the agenda based on the forthcoming 2-year term." Earlier, the remodelling of the area of Votanikos, the new stadium of Panathinaikos, recycling and controlled parking lots were discussed in the meeting of the Prime Minister with the new Athens Mayor Theodoros Bechrakis. Immediately after the meeting, Mr Bechrakis voiced his belief that he secured the Governments support, which is necessary for the continuation of his work.

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

[09] During a Visit by a PASOK Panel Incidents in Skaramagas Shipyard

Small-range incidents accompanied the visit of PASOK Secretary Mariliza Xenogiannakopoulou, the leader of the Main Oppositions panel, to the Skaramagas Shipyard. The incidents were caused during the entrance of the panel, when the administration refused to allow entry to television crews, which was made after the intervention of employees. Mrs Xenogiannakopoulou, after speaking of an unprecedented undemocratic behaviour, announced that the PASOK panel refuses to meet with the administration of the shipyards, regardless of the scheduled appointment. PASOK panel member Vaggelis Papachristos stated that the employers convey the Governments policy on civil mobilisation. The PASOK Secretary voiced her support to the fight of the employees union of the Skaramagas Shipyards. "I agree with the complaints. In principle I consider that journalists not being allowed to be present is a mistake," commented Government spokesman Theodoros Roussopoulos, answering to a relevant question in relation to the incidents.

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

[10] On the Wiretaps Case Katsikeas Testifies on Wiretaps

Sources: ΝΕΤ - ΝΕΤ 105.8

On Wednesday, businessman Vassilis Katsikeas, whose name is included in the list of people who had their phones tapped, testified to the 24th Regular Examiner, who is conducting the inquiry into the wiretapping case. Mr Katsikeas, a member of PASOKs National Council and President of the Foundation for Mediterranean Collaboration, has alleged that he had been kidnapped and interrogated by foreign secret services in 2004 in Sofia. In his statements, Mr Katsikeas linked the tapping of his phone to his abduction in Bulgaria, while he has also filed a lawsuit against Vodafones executives. In the meantime, the Hellenic Authority for Information and Communication Security and Privacy (ADAE), is trying to find answers as to the way the wiretaps operated.

"Fabricated Stories in Newspapers"

As per ADAE, and following the long simulation, it is quite possible that the manufacturer of the illegal software may have had an accomplice in Greece who had access to Ericsson and Vodafone. In statements on the case, newly appointed Culture Minister Giorgos Voulgarakis noted that the Government gave all evidence, with clarity, to the Institutions and Transparency Committee, underlining that all else are fabrications.

Government spokesperson Theodoros Roussopoulos, commenting on the headlines of newspaper TA NEA, stated, "whatever evidence the Government had was initially given to Justice and following made public."

As ND MP Kostas Tasoulas declared on radio station NET 105.8, it is better to wait for the findings of Justice, since it is the only one with authority on the matter. Speaking on the same station, PASOK MP Petros Efthimiou stressed that this is Greeces 9/11, while he attributed responsibilities to the Government for trying to cover it up.

On its part, Vodafone refuted that it was aware of the wiretaps issue than the date referred to by the three Ministers.

Related News:

Simulation of Wiretaps System

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