The Hellenic Radio (ERA): News in English, 05-12-19

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

CONTENTS

[01] Reenactment of Helios Air Crash Delayed Reaction

By Vagelis Theodorou

Sources: ANA, NET

Important findings for clearing up the tragedy with the Helios aircraft, which crashed on August 14 at Grammatiko killing 121 persons, emerged from the reenactment of the flight. Among others, it was concluded that partial and not total decompression occurred in the aircraft, that the pilots had the capability of reacting and that flight attendant Andreas Prodromou flew the Boeing for ten minutes before its crash. The reenactment took place with the same type of Boeing 737 of Olympic Airways, which took off shortly after 11am from Larnaca, with a three-member crew and members of the Air Accidents and Flight Security Committee as passengers, the Prosecutor leading the investigations and a doctor on board.

Light Shed to Causes

As it emerged by the reenactment, the loss of compression in the cabin was partial and not total, a fact that supports the event that many of the passengers were conscious at the time of the crash.

Based on this fact and under normal circumstances, the pilots should not have lost consciousness and could intercept the ascending course of the aircraft, which worsened the situation.

Moreover, it was concluded that Andreas Prodromou took over the fatal Boeing above the island of Kea, ten minutes before the crash. This time period was enough to land the aircraft if he was aware of the procedures.

Prodromou entered the pilots cabin before the engines shut down, opening the door with its code, while he was conscious as he used one or quite possibly two oxygen tanks.

The first draft of the findings will be ready in the beginning of March and will be submitted to all involved for any observations. The final verdict is expected to be issued in June.

In the meantime, Cypriot Government spokesperson Kypros Chrystostomidis announced the appointment of a committee for the investigation of the tragedy within the week.

The Reenactment

The reenactment of the flight was made by an initiative of the Greek Investigative Committee, while Akrivos Tsolakis was also aboard the aircraft.

The OA Boeing 737-300 took off from Larnaca Airport at 11:07am with pilot Mr Zafeirakis and copilot Mr Granitsas. Ten persons in total were aboard the flight.

At 10,000 feet, as per statements by head of the Committee Serafeim Kamoutsis, the alarm sounded in the aircraft as partial decompression was observed. At 14,000 feet oxygen masks dropped, but for unknown reasons, the pilot continued the aircrafts ascending course.

At 34,000 feet and while the aircraft was flying above Tzia, the descending course began, always on autopilot. As per the members of the Committee, Andreas Prodromou found a portable oxygen tank from the cabin, opened the cockpit, disconnected the autopilot and flew the aircraft for more than 10 minutes until it crashed in Grammatiko as it ran out of fuel.

An Air Force F-16 took part in the reenactment with pilot Lieutenant Panagiotis Stathopoulos, who was head of the two aircrafts formation approaching the Cypriot aircraft. The F-16 recorded todays procedure.

At 12:30, the OA Boeing flew above Grammatiko at 2,000 feet, while an hour later landed on Eleftherios Venizelos Airport.

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

Read the story on other sources:

BBC: Fatal Cyprus jet flight recreated

Related News:

Reenactment of the Fatal Flight

[02] Proposal for Stores by Mr Sioufas Stores Open on Specific Sundays

By Mary Lou Tzempelikou

Sources: NET, ANA

On Monday morning at the inauguration of the restored Varvakios Market and in the presence of Athens Mayor Dora Bakoyianni, Minister of Development Dimitris Sioufas made a proposal for stores to open on specific Sundays in the year. Mr Sioufas placed his proposal for public dialogue, which foresees stores opening 5-7 Sundays, after 10am, annually. In particular, 2-3 Sundays before Christmas, two Sundays before Easter and one Sunday before winter and summer sales. Moreover, he proposed that in the case that World Day for Consumers (March 15) and the Day of Greek Commerce (September 22) fall on a Sunday, stores should open.

Reactions

Mr Sioufas proposal caused a multitude of reactions.

The storeowners have taken two sides: the National Confederation of Commerce whished to discuss the proposal, the Commerce Union of Athens described it as inadvertent, while craftsmen/tradesmen and employees fiercely reacted.

On their part, consumers agree with the proposal. In fact, the General Secretariat for the Consumer had received many calls, mainly from working citizens, asking for stores to be open on specific Sundays in order to facilitate their shopping.

PASOK spoke of a proposal contradicting Mr Sioufas reassurances in Parliament, adding that a prerequisite on any new proposal is the consensus of the markets bodies and employees. On its part, KKE spoke of the Government attempting to abolish Sunday as a day off and described Mr Sioufas reasoning as hypocritical. SYN claimed that it will only benefit big multinational store chains and will lead to the closure of small-middle sized companies and the increase of unemployment.

It is noted that stores are open on Sundays in Ireland, Finland, Portugal, Great Britain and Luxemburg, while in Spain and Italy operate 10 to 12 Sundays a year.

Strict and Intensive Checks

In the meantime, checks are continuing in an intensive pace in order for the quality of products available to consumers to be secured, as deception phenomena are observed daily.

Tradesmen, who attempted to change pork meat of unknown country of origin to Greek, while others who sold frozen meat, which had been defrosted beforehand, were referred to the Prosecutor.

The checks investigating if storeowners issue retail receipts as foreseen, are strict.

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

[03] Ban on Baseball Caps Accessories code in UK Internet cafe

By Vicky Keleri

A chain of Internet caf&#233; in Britain has come up with a pretty bizarre ban. The company does not allow those wearing baseball caps to enter its premises, for the accessory in question stands for deviant behaviour! James Rothnie, the companys director said that the ban was introduced following a spate of theft. The CCTV failed to clearly identify the faces of those wearing baseball caps, thus making it rather difficult to locate the perpetrators. Therefore, they decided to introduce the ban, which will come into force at the chains branches in Edinburgh and Glasgow. Should the ban yield satisfying results, the ban will be imposed to the rest Internet caf&#233; of the chain.

There is also another reason for the introduction of the ban in question. As per the companys director, customers wearing baseball caps made the rest feel uncomfortable.

"We want to make sure that our cafes are places where customers can relax and feel secure," said Rothnie to Sunday Times.

However, this is not the first styling ban ever imposed in shops in Britain. A few days earlier, Paisley became the first UK city that prohibited young men and women to enter shopping malls wearing hooded tops.

A few months earlier, British Prime Minister Tony Blair backed a similar ban at a major shopping mall in the city of Kent.

Translated by Areti Christou

[04] Alavanos ESIEA Meeting The Problems of the Press

Sources: NET

On Monday morning, President of Synaspismos Alekos Alavanos held a meeting with the Coordinating Committee of Press Unions, where problems in the sector were discussed. Mr Alavanos voiced the need for an end to be given to the issue of contract workers, which as he said, is being resolved up to a point in Public Media, but is still unresolved in private companies. "Self-importance and self-esteem of the employees in the Press will reinforce the values voiced through printed matter or television stations," stated the President of Synaspismos. On the other hand, President of ESIEA Panos Sobolos stated that with the support of Alekos Alavanos and his party there will be an important development in the fair demands of the sector, adding, "we briefed the SYN President over out sectors issues and not only of journalists but also employees and technicians in the Mass Media." The Coordinating Committee of the Collaborating Press Unions is composed by 12 unions of employees in the Mass Media.

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

[05] KKE: "Danger of Indictments"

Sources: NET, ANA

On the occasion of the draft report by the Parliamentary Assembly of the European Council entitled Need for International Condemnation of the Crimes of Communism KKE General Secretary Aleka Papariga gave a Press conference. She estimated that there will be indictments against communist parties and criminalisation of the peoples fighting actions. Mrs Papariga called on Prime Minister Kostas Karamanlis and the political parties to publicly position themselves on the issue, while she asked from ND and PASOK representatives to explain what they voted on a few days ago when the issue was discussed at the Council of State. It is noted that the Councils draft report will be discussed on January 24-27.

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

[06] 17N Trial Continues Giotopoulos Against 17N

By Vagelis Theodorou

Todays session of 17N trial concluded with the Defences statements on the Motion on the Courts Incompetence. For the first time after his arrest, Alexandros Giotopoulos pleaded innocent, adding that he does not agree with the actions of the group mounted over the last decades and concluded describing its activities as "a bold political venture of modern left." Earlier, defendant Dimitris Koufontinas spoke of a political trial, arguing that the law on organized crime is "unconstitutional." Tomorrow morning , the judges of the Five-Member Appellate Court will rule on the Motion on the courts incompetence, while, as Court Chief Judge Dionysis Vertelis announced, the court is to hold sessions until December 22 and it will resume on January 3.

Translated by Areti Christou

Related News:

17Íovember Trial Continues

[07] Over the Trial of Novelist Orhan Pamuk Erdogan Lashes Out at the EU

By Mary Lou Tzempelikou

Sources: Reuters, ÍÅÔ

The statements by European Commissioner for Enlargement Olli Rehn, who said that at the trial of novelist Orhan Pamuk, Turkey is in the dock and not the defendant, fuelled the rage of the Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan. Erdogan accused Rehn of trying to influence the Turkish judiciary. "The EU is vying to apply pressure on our judiciary and this is wrong. The judiciary is looking into the case and we should await their decision," replied the Turkish PM. The trial of the Turkish novelist, who is charged with insulting the Turkish nation, was adjourned to February 7, while according to a recent decision, he will be tried under the old penal law along with further five Turkish journalists.

It was Pamuks interview with a Swiss newspaper that brought him to trial. In his interview, he had said he is the only person in Turkey who dares to refer to the massacre of a million of Armenians during WWI, as well as to the death of 30,000 Kurdish over the last two decades.

It is noted that, in case the 53-year-old novelist is found guilty, he faces a possible three-year jail term.

Pamuks trial has not only raised grave concerns within the EU as to whether Turkey is ready to enter the "European family," but it has also divided the Turkish public.

Opposition parties and journalists criticized the government, while ultra-nationalists assaulted the EU observers, as well as the car carrying Pamuk. As per Anatolia news agency, Erdogan requested a probe.

Translated by Areti Christou

[08] First Gay Wedding in UK Civil Partnership for Gays in UK

By Vagelis Theodorou

The first gay couple in Britains history entered "civil" matrimony. Two women, Shannon Sickles and Grainne Close exchanged vows of eternal love at Belfasts City Hall, Northern Ireland. Cheering crowds of people had gathered outside the City Hall to stand by the two womens decision. Foes of gay weddings also gathered outside the City Hall staged a protest claiming that homosexuality is a sin. After the 20-minute ceremony, 30-year-old Grainne and 27-year-old Shannon, who first met in New York four years ago, said how excited they were and wished more couple would follow suite. Under the new law, which allows the civil union of same-sex couples and provides them with similar legal rights to married couples, two more civil partnership ceremonies will take place in Northern Ireland. On Tuesday, it is going to be Scotlands turn to witness such unions.

Translated by Areti Christou

Read the story on other sources:

BBC: 'Gay weddings' first for Belfast

Le Monde: Le premier mariage homosexuel a ete celebre au Royaume-Uni

CNN: Protests greet first UK gay union

[09] New President for Bolivia Bolivia Enters New Era

By Betty Savourdou

Sources: ANA

Native Indian Evo Morales, a leftist and admirer of Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez, is the winner of the elections in Bolivia. He is the first native Indian to be elected President in the country. Attorney by profession, he promised his people to proceed with Constitutional reforms and to nationalise the natural gas output, the second biggest in Latin America. The official election results are expected later on Monday. However, earlier exit polls gave Morales more than 50% of the vote, a result which was also recognised by his main challenger Jorge Quiroga. "As of tomorrow Bolivia enters a new era: an era during which we will work for equality, justice, peace and social justice," argued Morales while addressing thousands of cheering supporters.

Promises to Bolivia's Indigenous People

Bolivia is one of the poorest Latin America countries experiencing frequent political unrest. Over the last three years, two Presidents were toppled following mass demonstrations staged by coalminers, poor natives and coca-leaf growers.

The new government is to encounter the claim of Bolivias indigenous populations for a new Constitution, as well as the pressure applied by the rich living in the eastern provinces demanding local governments be given more powers.

Morales has pledged to nationalize the natural gas industry hoping to alleviate the peoples discontent stirred up by the free market policy followed by previous governments.

He has also promised the indigenous coca-leaf growers to oppose the US programme that foresees the destruction of cultivations used for production of coca leaf, which also makes the raw material for traditional medicines the natives use.

Translated by Areti Christou

Read the story on other sources:

BBC: Leftist claims victory in Bolivia

[10] Over the Trial of Novelist Orhan Pamuk Erdogan Lashes Out at the EU

By Mary Lou Tzempelikou

Sources: Reuters, ÍÅÔ

The statements by European Commissioner for Enlargement Olli Rehn, who said that at the trial of novelist Orhan Pamuk, Turkey is in the dock and not the defendant, fuelled the rage of the Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan. Erdogan accused Rehn of trying to influence the Turkish judiciary. "The EU is vying to apply pressure on our judiciary and this is wrong. The judiciary is looking into the case and we should await their decision," replied the Turkish PM. The trial of the Turkish novelist, who is charged with insulting the Turkish nation, was adjourned to February 7, while according to a recent decision, he will be tried under the old penal law along with further five Turkish journalists.

It was Pamuks interview with a Swiss newspaper that brought him to trial. In his interview, he had said he is the only person in Turkey who dares to refer to the massacre of a million of Armenians during WWI, as well as to the death of 30,000 Kurdish over the last two decades.

It is noted that, in case the 53-year-old novelist is found guilty, he faces a possible three-year jail term.

Pamuks trial do not only raises grave concerns within the EU as to whether Turkey is ready to enter the "European family," but is has also divided the Turkish public.

Opposition parties and journalists criticized the government, while ultra-nationalists assaulted the EU observers, as well as the car carrying Pamuk. As per Anatolia news agency, Erdogan requested a probe.

Translated by Areti Christou

[11] Proposal Rejected by GSEE FGI Makes Provocative Proposal

By Despina Hristopoulou

Sources: NET, ANA

The negotiations on the new Collective Work Contract began with a proposal of President the Federation of Greek Industries (FGI) Odysseas Kyriakopoulos, which stirred a commotion. The President of FGI proposed that newly recruits in areas with high unemployment rates to receive less money than foreseen by the national work contract. On his part, President of the General Confederation of Labour (GSEE) Christos Polyzogopoulos rejected such event in the strongest terms, stating that Unions "will not accept such proposals."

Unionists React

The All Workers Militant Front (PAME) also apposed FGIs proposal.

PAME spokesperson Giorgos Mavrikos spoke of a provocative demand, which will lead to age and local contracts, noting "FGI is attempting to implement Article 14 of the recent DEKO bill first."

GSEE Alternate President Alekos Kalydis noted that FGIs demand is leading to the exception of a large part of employees under the protection of a collective contract, spoke of an attack by the Government and employers and asked for the fighting alertness of Unions.

Tough Negotiations

In the meantime, Mr Polyzogopoulos spoke of a tough negotiation and accused the Government of wanting to shift the discussion to other issues and described the demands of the Unions for real increases in wages. Moreover, he asked for the collective negotiations to be respected, noting that the Unions are aimed at completing negotiations by the end of February.

On their part, President of the National Confederation of Hellenic Commerce (ESEE) Dimitris Armenakis, President of the Confederation of Small and Medium-sized Enterprises of Greece (GSEVEE) Dimitris Asimakopoulos and President of FGI Odysseas Kyriakopoulos spoke of tough negotiations voicing the optimistic estimation that an agreement will be achieved just as previous years.

GSEE asked for raises in wages of 8% while employers claimed that they wished to consent to rises of around 4.5%. Working hours will also be at the focus, as well as overtime payments.

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

Related News:

Talks Between GSEE and Employers

Related Links:

GSEE

GSEVEE

ESEE

[12] DELTA-Chipita Merger Greek Business Colossus

By Dimitris Alexopoulos

DELTA S.A. and Chipita International S.A. merged into the biggest food group in Greece and one of the 50 biggest in Europe. The known dairy industry announced its merger with the snack company, thus successfully completing a process that had started for quite some time. The goal was to establish a Greek business colossus in the food industry that would be able to hit the European market. Ealrier, DELTA S.A. announced selling DELTA-ICE CREAM to Swiss Nestle for 240 million euros. Along with Chipita, DELTA announced the absorption of Goodys S.A. and Barba-Stathis General Foods S.A., Chipitas subsidiaries.

Exchange of Stocks

The merger will take place with the absorption of Chipita by DELTA. DELTA stockholders will keep the number of stocks they had before the merger.

Chipital International S.A. stockholders will exchange each Chipita share they now have with 0.33 new Goody's shares, 1.05 new Barba Stathis shares and 0.54 new shares, which will come from the increased DELTA S.A. venture capital.

After the merger, Chipita International S.A. shareholders will acquire 24% of the unified company, Goody's stockholders will get 7.4% and Barba Stathis General Foods S.A. shareholders some 1.8%.

It is estimated the process would end in July 2006 and until then the companies' common vision would be expressed via the transitional BrandCo name, which is used to establish the creation of a powerful food group.

New Business Scene

The business move of the decade will definitely change the food market and establish new data, as the new company that will emerge will rein the top of the food industry in Greece. It will be the second in the food-beverage industry, the seventh biggest Greek industrial company, the sixteenth biggest Greek company and the 35th food company in Europe.

The total turnover is estimated at 859.1 billion euros, its net profit at 38 million euros, while the new company would employ more than 4,000 personnel.

Translated by Sofia Soulioti

[13] K. Karamanlis More Suitable for Prime Minister 2.1% Lead for ND

By Betty Savourdou

Sources: NET - Eleftheros Typos

As per an opinion poll conducted by RASS on behalf of top selling Eleftheros Typos, New Democracy enjoys a steady 2.1% lead in voting intention. Furthermore, the Prime Ministers popularity is also 13.1 units ahead of George Papandreous. The opinion poll also recorded the publics backup to the governments bill on Public Utilities and Enterprises (DEKO), as well as to the governments efforts to improve the Greek economy. The nationwide opinion poll in a sample of 1,214 people was conducted between 15 and 17 December.

In voting intention, the ruling party is ahead by 30.5% as opposed to 28.4% PASOK received. KKE gathered 6.1$, LAOS 4.0%, SYN 2.6%, the rest of the parties received 1.8%, while the undecided vote amounted to 18.5%.

In the question, "Who is more suitable for Prime Minister?" Kostas Karamanlis received 43.0%, George Papandreou 24.2%, George Karatzaferis 5.5%, Aleka Papariga 3.0% and Alekos Alavanos 1.1%.

In the question regarding who is to be held accountable for the economic situation in Greece, 53.6% of the participants in the poll held responsible the policy adhered to by PASOKs governments, 28.5% the 20-month ND ruling, 11.6% did not know, while 6.3% did not answer.

As for the bill on DEKOs, 58.9% of those questioned described it as correct as opposed to 30.8% of the participants who expressed an opposite opinion. 9.5% did not know, while 0.8% did not answer.

In the question, "Has George Papandreous efforts to renew PASOK convinced you that PASOK has changed and can prove a responsible government?" 66.5% gave a negative response, 29.5% responded positively, while 4.0% of those asked did not offer an opinion.

PASOK Doubts Results

PASOK Press spokesperson Nikos Athanasakis noted that the opinion poll indicated the positive trends of PASOKs course and the negative of NDs, but based on the percentages the company gives to the two big parties, concluded a different result in relation to the intention to vote.

As he stated, with ND at 65.9% and PASOK 73.2% currently, if these percentages are doubled with the percentages of the two parties in the March 2004 national elections, an intention to vote for ND is 29.9% and PASOK 26.9%, which means a 0.3% difference on the intention to vote.

Mr Athanasakis said that these results emerged from a simple arithmetic operation and added that he is awaiting explanations from RASS.

Translated by Areti Christou

[14] Motion on the Court's Incompetence 17Íovember Trial Continues

By Athina Saloustrou

"There is no case the crimes committed by 17 November are described as political." This was the Prosecutions opening statement, regarding the motion filed by the Defence on the courts incompetence, in the 9th session of the 17 November trial. Prosecution lawyer Vasilis Cheirdaris admitted that originally, after the dictatorship, the group had political purposes and tried to substitute the state and justice by committing crimes against the torturers, but the problem was that they imposed a singe penalty, the death penalty. According to Mr Cheirdaris, 17 November did not suffice with their original actions. "Its members murdered, ruthlessly beat up people, turned against the human race with a kind of animal behaviour and utterly changed the nature of the group with robberies. The financial crimes completely stripped the group off its political nature. These are no political criminals, these are common crooks, these people are thieves," concluded the Prosecution. Dimitris Koufontinas, who was allowed to take the stand, read a long statement-manifesto to voice the groups positions and indicate the political nature of the 17N crimes.

Manifesto Answer by Koufontinas

Koufontinas commented various statements, speaking of arrogance and hypocrisy. As he said, the purpose is to abolish the notion of political trial. He described the new law on organised crime as "unconstitutional" and addressing the panel of judges, he said they are "violating their oaths."

He spoke of 17N's political action and underlined that each hit triggered national and international reactions. He cited foreign press articles and authors to stress, "Bush and Blair should be referred to the International Court as criminals of war."

Translated by Sofia Soulioti

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