The Hellenic Radio (ERA): News in English, 08-05-22

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

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

CONTENTS

[01] Of the Tainted Sunflower Oil

22 May 2008 13:57:00 (Last updated: 22 May 2008 17:07:32)

The case of the contaminated sunflower oil is under investigation as new evidence comes into light every day. EFET, Greeces food safety agency, control services in custom stations as well as the General State Chemistry are in alert in order to trace the total amount of the sunflower oil that has been imported in Greece since early this year. The European Union is investigating consumers safety measures. According to an EFET decision, the total amount of oil imported in Greece was withdrawn irrespective of its import country. 1,000 tonnes of contaminated sunflower oil were located in Agrotiki importing company. EFET also clarified that the withdrawal order applies to products containing more than 10% of the Ukrainian sunflower oil.

Investigations Continue

New aspects of the tainted sunflower oil are being surfaced every day, with the Greek government assuring that the investigations will be thorough.

Asked on the risks for the public health, Government spokesman Theodoros Roussopoulos appeared reassuring and referred to the statements by relevant Minister Christos Folilas and EFET.

Head of SYRIZAs parliamentary group Alekos Alavanos requested the House issue a legislation that will make it obligatory to indicate the exact ingredients in the labeling of sunflower oil packages.

"There are political responsibilities that have to be attributed, irrespective of the accountable ones ties with the Prime Minister, argued LAOS President Giorgos Katatzaferis.

The annual consumption of sunflower oil in Greece stands at from fifty to forty thousands tonnes. The sunflower oil is used in the production of several goods, thus multiplying the consumers concerns. Experts, however, have assured that the toxic levels in the contaminated batches are so low that entail no risk to human health.

Former EFET chief Christina Papanikolaou told NET radio station that the list with the tainted products is really long. She then went on to add that if such products were systematically been consumed over the last five years, there could be a problem.

Related News:

Stop to Tainted Sunflower Oil

[02] Second Day of Pan Hellenic Exams

By

Panhellenic- exams for admission to tertiary education continue today with students taking tests at Biology, History, Physics, Mathematics and Statistics. Candidates claim entrance at Greek Universities (AEI) and Greek Technological Educational Institutes (TEI). The test results will be released to public analytically at NET and NET 105,8 and also through ERT website online.

Translated by Sofia Gartziou

[03] More Areas to Land Register

Sources: ΝΕΤ-ΝΕΤ 105.8

The opening date for the submission of petitions for the register of 107 areas included in several prefectures across Greece was set on 17 June. The closing date has been set on 30 September 2008 for people living in Greece, and on 30 December 2008 for Greeks living abroad. Registering movable property is obligatory, while in cases where more than one owner is involved, all owners should file a petition.

Translated by Areti Christou

[04] Of the 2008 ESC

22 May 2008 18:51:00

Taking place on Thursday night, the second ESC semi-final is expected to set all clear, as another 10 countries will be added to the final, for which Greece has already booked the much-coveted ticket.

Cyprus with "Femme Fatale" Evdokia Kadi is after a place in the big final. We wish them all the best!

The running order of the countries participating in the second semi-final is as follows: 01 Iceland: Euroband "This Is My Life" 02 Sweden: Charlotte Perrelli "Hero" 03 Turkey: Mor ve &#214;tesi "Deli" 04 Ukraine: Ani Lorak "Shady Lady" 05 Lithuania: Jeronimas Milius "Nomads In The Night" 06 Albania: Olta Boka "Zemr&#235;n E Lam&#235; Peng" 07 Switzerland: Paolo Meneguzzi "Era Stupendo" 08 The Czech Republic: Tereza Kerndlov&#225; "Have Some Fun" 09 Belarus: Ruslan Alehno "Hasta La Vista" 10 Latvia: Pirates Of The Sea "Wolves Of The Sea" 11 Croatia: Kraljevi Ulice & 75 Cents "Romanca" 12 Bulgaria: Deep Zone & Balthazar "DJ, Take Me Away" 13 Denmark: Simon Mathew "All Night Long" 14 Georgia: Diana Gurtskaya "Peace Will Come" 15 Hungary: Cs&#233;zy "Candlelight" 16 Malta Morena: "Vodka" 17 Cyprus: Evdokia Kadi "Femme Fatale" 18 FYROM: Tamara, Vr&#269;ak & Adrijan "Let Me Love You" 19 Portugal: V&#226;nia Fernandes "Senhora Do Mar (Negras &#193;guas)"

As was the case in the first semi-final, only the ESC viewers of the competing countries are entitled to vote. Although not competing in the semi-final, France, England and Serbia have voting rights. France and England because they are members of the big four, and Serbia because it landed first place in last years ESC.

Sweden, Ukraine, Bulgaria and Turkey are among this semi-finals favourites.

[05] Papandreou Asks for Debate on Price Surge

By Andreas Roditis

Sources: NET-ANA

PASOK (Panhellenic Socialist Movement) President George Papandreou sent a letter to the House Speaker requesting an off-the-agenda debate on price surges and incomes, PASOK spokesman Giorgos Papakonstantinou said.

Papakonstantinou said PASOK wants an off-the-agenda debate, "because the citizens everyday life is being undermined and worsening, high prices make it difficult for the Greek family to make ends meet, the purchasing power is dwindling due to the oligopolistic and state policies."

The PASOK spokesman also said that the Governments tax policy results in the income redistribution at the expense of the majority and blasted the Government for its inability to set out market rules.

Translated by Areti Christou

[06] Greek PM Visits Chinese Embassy

By Anna Kourti

Sources: ANA-MPA

Greeces Prime Minister Kostas Karamanlis visited Chinas embassy in Athens Thursday to offer the Greek peoples solidarity to the quake victims. Kostas Karamanlis also singed a book of condolences. "The devastating earthquake that hit Sichuan province in China, leaving many casualties in its wake, has shocked the world, raising feelings of horror over the scale of the natural disaster and grave sorrow for those who lost their lives. Greece sympathizes with the Chinese people. In such difficult times, our thoughts are to those who suffer," read the Greek PMs note.

Translated by Areti Christou

[07] Deadline of Income Tax Statements

By

Sources: ΝΕΤ 105.8

The electronic submission of income tax statements is extended for 10 more days for special income payers categories. The new deadline involves employees, officers of commercial ships, insurance companies and company revenues' collectors.

[08] In the Airport Station-No Passengers Aboard

22 May 2008 09:52:00

By Athina Saloustrou

A suburban railway train heading to the airport jumped the rails a little after 4.20 and slightly crashed to a protective wall. There were no passengers aboard, and fortunately no one else was injured. Technicians managed to disengage the trapped train which continued its route as normal.

Translated by Sofia Gartziou

[09] In Lefkada Island

22 May 2008 09:28:00

Sources: NET 105.8

Investigation regarding the founding of a 30 years passenger of "Ikaros Pallas" ferry which according to the captain crashed after 4.30 in Kavo Doukato area, Lefkada Island, continues. According to information, the man is a foreigner. 2 port authorities boats, a Military Navy helicopter as well as a rescue boat participate in the saving efforts. The ship was conducting the route Patra-Igoumenitsa-Corfu-Italy. Winds of 3 Beaufort were blowing in the area.

Translated by Sofia Gartziou

[10] Iraq: US Military Strike Kills 8 Civilians

By Athina Saloustrou

Sources: Reuters

A U.S. military helicopter air strike on a car on Wednesday night killed eight civilians in Baiji north of Baghdad, two police officials said on Thursday.Baijis police chief chief Colonel Mudhher al-Qaisi told Reuters that the civilians were shepherds who were in a farming area in the town when the strike took place. A U.S. military spokeswoman said on Thursday "suspicious activity" had been noted and people in the car ignored warnings to stop. According to police sources, 8 civilians tried to rescue during the US strike. American troopers arrested 7 civilians and put fire in a building and two cars. Eyewitnesses reported that US troopers stopped every white car and checked the identities of the passengers. They also added that residents stayed inside their houses because they were afraid that they may be arrested or killed.

Translated by Sofia Gartziou

[11] Manchester United Crowned European Champions

By Giahanatzis Dimitris

Manchester United was crowned European Champion in a penalty shoot-out in Moscow on Wednesday night against Chelsea. The Red Devils celebrated their third European trophy in the history of Champions League. Cristiano Ronaldo had scored in the 26th minute for Manchester United, his 42nd goal of the season. Frank Lampard tied it for Chelsea in the 45th at Luzhniki Stadium A red card was shown to Drogba in extra time after he slapped Nemanja Vidic. Ronaldo, considered by many Europes top player this season, was stopped by goalkeeper Petr Cech on Uniteds third penalty kick. That gave the advantage to Chelsea. Cheslea captain stepped up with the score 4-4 and the chance to win it. But he slipped and his kick hit a post as Manchester keeper Edwin van der Sar dived the other way. Anderson and Ryan Giggs then converted for United around Salomon Kalous score for Chelsea. That left it up to Anelka, whose failure at just past 1:30 a.m. set off another celebration for the Red Devils. Carlos Tevez, Michael Carrick, Owen Hargreaves and Nani scored the other kicks for the Red Devils. Michael Ballack, Juliano Belletti, Lampard, Ashley Cole converted for Chelsea. Its the second time Uniteds manager Alex Ferguson has won the championship during his 21 years at the club.

Translated by Sofia Gartziou

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