The Hellenic Radio (ERA): News in English, 05-12-29

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

CONTENTS

[01] To Pull Handbrake at 11pm the Latest Public Transport on New Year's Eve

By Athina Saloustrou

Means of public transport are to pull handbrake at 11pm the latest on New Years Eve, so that public transport personnel can welcome the New Year along with their families and beloved ones. In particular, as per an OASA (Athens Urban Transportation Organization) announcement, on New Years Eve, buses and trolleys are to gradually stop operating as of 10pm. The last metro and ISAP (Athens-Piraeus Electric Railway) routes are scheduled for 11pm. The routes of the suburban train are to run as usual, while tram is to run all day round as is the case for Fridays and Saturdays. Furthermore, no modifications are expected for the 24-hour bus and trolley lines.

Translated by Areti Christou

[02] For Young British Clubbers End to the "K-Hole"

By Annita Paschalinou

Sources: BBC

In Great Britain, the drug "cocktails" invented by youth, desperately seeking a good time, are becoming more and more original. The latest trend is a substance widely used in veterinary medicine, mainly as an anaesthetic for horses. Ketamine, which is better known as Special K on the dance floors, is legally sold in Great Britain, a fact which makes its an easy choice for the interested persons. As of January 1 things will change. The British legislature will class it as a class C drug in attempt to control its use.

Concern in Great Britain

Latest research in Great Britain concluded that the use of ketamine is relatively low.

Regardless of the above, it is recording an upward trend, on a level of sales, a fact that concerned the British Authorities over the legitimacy of its use.

Moreover, in British clubs, Special K is very popular for those wishing to uplift their mood.

Ketamine is available in liquid form or a white powder and its use is varied.

It can be smoked, injected, snorted or taken orally.

Depending on the dosage, it causes euphoria, hallucinations, tremors and a "disassociative" feeling.

Combined with alcohol or antidepressants it can be extremely dangerous.

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

Read the story on other sources:

BBC: Club 'horse' drug to be outlawed

[03] Four Dead by An Attack in the West Bank Suicide Attack in the Middle East

By Vagelis Theodorou

Violence in the Middle East is escalating, a few weeks before Parliamentary elections in Palestine scheduled for January 25. Three Palestinians and an Israeli soldier were killed and eight persons were injured in two suicide attacks in Tulkarem, West Bank. The attackers, a man and a woman, boarded on a vehicle with other Palestinians, which was stopped by Israeli soldiers at the entrance of the town, and detonated the explosives when one of the soldiers ordered them to step out of the vehicle. As Israeli radio reported, responsibility was claimed by Islamic Jihad, however, the organisation did not comment on the information.

In the meantime, in a joint announcement the Quartet (UN, EU, US and Russia) warned the Palestinian Authority that the Government that will emerge from the forthcoming elections cannot include members from armed militant organisations, while stating to Israel that it has to allow Palestinians of eastern Jerusalem exercise their voting right.

The Palestinian elections are up in the air, since Israel has announced that it will not allow the residents of eastern Jerusalem to vote. On its part, the Palestinian Authority condemned the ban and spoke of sabotage in the electoral procedure.

The cause of the dispute between the two sides is Hamas, which earned the majority in the recent Municipal elections on Palestinian ground, and is expected to receive a high percentage in the parliamentary elections. On Wednesday night, Israel attacked southern Gaza, as retaliation for the attacks the day before against an Israeli settlement.

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

Read the story on other sources:

Haaretz: Suicide bomber kills Israeli, 2 Palestinians at West Bank checkpoint

Reuters: Palestinian bomber kills Israeli at checkpoint

Related News:

Palestinian Elections Jeopardised

[04] Limited Changes G. Papandreou Introduces Staff Changes

By Athina Saloustrou

PASOK leader George Papandreou, who is to resign from the presidency of the Andreas Papandreou Foundation in view of his imminent election to the post of President of the Socialist International, proceeded with staff changes. Mr Papandreou assigned Thodoros Pangalos to head the procedures for the review of the Constitution, replacing Evangelos Venizelos. The most important change, though, was related to the comeback of Pavlos Geroulanos, who was appointed head of George Papandreous political office, replacing Vasilis Valassopoulos. Mr Geroulanos was George Papandreous close aid, during the latters term in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and first PASOK press spokesman, shortly after Mr Papandreou assumed the partys leadership. Mr Valassopoulos was appointed head of the decentralization committee, while he has also served as secretary general for the Ministry of the Interior and as a secretary general for the Region of Central Macedonia.

New President for the Andreas Papandreou Foundation

PASOK issued a press release reading that the committee led by Mr Valassopoulos is to directly refer to the PASOK leader, as the decentralisation policy is PASOKs keynote priority.

Achilleas Mitsos is the new President of the Andreas Papandreou Foundation, following George Papandreous walkout.

Translated by Areti Christou

[05] Marietta Giannakou at Maximos Mansion Meeting over Education

By Vagelis Theodorou

The priorities of the Ministry of Education for the upcoming year were at the focus of the meeting between the Prime Minister and relevant Minister Marietta Giannakou at Maximos Mansion. As Mrs Giannakou said, the framework-law for Universities and Technological Educational Institutes (TEI), the dialogue for which is in development, as well as issues over the Constitutional review, such as the establishment of private non-profit Universities were at the focus of the discussions. Questioned on whether the reshuffle issue was discussed, the Minister replied negatively, while on a question of whether she will complete her work at the Ministry of Education she noted, "Whoever is in the position will do what our Governments programmes foresees." In closing, Mrs Giannakou stated that there are no conflicting views in the Government and on the reported Pakistani abductions she referred to the statements of relevant Minister Giorgos Voulgarakis.

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

[06] ASEP Gave Green Light Good News for ERT Contract Workers

By Athina Saloustrou

The pending issue of the ERT contract workers is solved. The permanent working status for 1,498 journalists, technicians and managerial staff, was announced by Minister of State and government spokesman Thodoris Roussopoulos. In his statement, Mr Roussopoulos underlined, "A yet another pledge of the government has come into being. By authorising a permanent working status for 1,498 contract workers, under the Presidential Decree 164/2004, of Interior Minister Prokopis Pavlopoulos, the long-lasting hassle of the contract workers (journalists, technicians and managerial staff), who have been covering and still cover permanent needs of ERT SA, has come to an end. This decision constitutes a major step towards upgrading the role of the Greek radio and television." The Board of the Hellenic Broadcasting Corporation issued an announcement reading that the Supreme Council for Personnel Selection (ASEP) approved the decision of the companys council and authorized the settling of the issue. The announcement also noted that the decision, which was taken under the Presidential decree 164/2004, reflects the will of the political leadership, and concluded, "The Board of ERT SA will proceed with all necessary procedures to incorporate them into the company, by establishing permanent jobs."

Translated by Areti Christou

[07] Saddam's Chief Lawyer Advised Bush "Set Saddam Free"

By Athina Saloustrou

"The USA has no option but to set Saddam Hussein free should it wishes to put an end to Iraqs woes and should it wishes to earn the friendship of Arabs," read the letter sent to the US President George W. Bush by one of the former Iraqi leaders lawyers. In particular, Saddam Husseins chief lawyer mentioned in his letter that Iraqis who supported their former leader are awaiting a bold decision to free him. "I call on you Mr Bush to set Mr President (Saddam Hussein) free immediately and to allow the Iraqis to decide on his fate. Only then will you break the deadlock in Iraq and truly become an advocate of justice," read Khalil Dulaimis letter obtained by Reuters. Such a decision would turn out to be a real panacea for Washington since it will automatically put an end to all its woes in Iraq, added MrDulaimi.

"Iraq is Heading Toward a Destructive Civil War

"Your relations with Iraq will then be momentous and will earn you the support of the Arabs and Muslims all over the world," added Saddams chief lawyer, mentioning that this is the only way to deter a bloody civil war.

"Iraq is heading towards a destructive civil war [] Release him (Saddam Hussein) so that wounds can heal and Iraqis can unite," he underlined.

Mr Dulaimi also said that Mr Bush should understand that Saddams trial is a farce built upon false witnesses and lies, which should be stopped.

"You should be convinced of Saddam complete innocence. His popularity is growing day after day, and you should know that he is beloved by millions of Iraqis," noted the chief lawyer of the former Iraqi President.

[08] In a Sunni Neighbourhood Atrocious Murder in Iraq

By Vicky Keleri

Sources: ANA

A Shia family living in a Sunni neighbourhood in Iraq were killed when six gunmen stormed into their house, south of Baghdad, and murdered its eleven members by cutting their throat. As per the Iraqi police, a lot of pressure had been applied to the family to abandon the Sunni neighbourhood. In the meantime, yet another abduction occurred in the Iraqi capital. Lebanons Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced the name of the kidnapee. The same announcement also read that the efforts to free two more Lebanese hostages in Iraq are still underway. It is noted that a total of 50 Lebanese citizens working in private companies in Iraq have been abducted. Two of them were killed by their kidnappers, one in July 2004 and the other last November, while the rest were freed, after ransom wad paid. Further three Lebanese were killed in September 2004 in Baghdad.

Translated by Areti Christou

[09] Sunday: Derby of "Eternal Opponents"

By Ilias Papaioannou

As per a decision by the Hellenic Football Federation (HFF), the derby of the 16th round of A Division between Olympiacos and Panathinaikos, at Karaiskakis Stadium, will take place on Sunday, January 15, at 19:15. The organising authority did not acknowledge the request of TV station "ALPHA" which wanted the game to take place on Monday night, but regardless of the above, the thrilling battle of the "eternal opponents" will take place by the aforementioned television station. Apart from the classic derby, the remainder of games are also of great interest, a procedure that will be completed in four stages. The curtain will open with AEK vs Atromitos and Iraklis vs Akratitos on Saturday 14/1. All eyes will be turned on the derby Olympiacos vs Panathinaikos on Sunday, while on Monday the game Larissa vs Panionios will take place. The finale of the round of games will be made by Egaleo vs Kallithea, which was designated a few days later for broadcasting reasons, on 22/1.

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

[10] Gave out Gifts and Wishes to Children Nikitas Kaklamanis at "Kivotos"

Sources: NET

This morning, Minister of Health and Social Solidarity Nikitas Kaklamanis visited the "Kivotos tou Kosmou" in Kolonos. The Minister of Health spoke with priest Antonios Papanikolaou and teacher-volunteers on their work, and gave out wishes and gifts to 163 children of different nationalities hosted at the Kivotos. Earlier, the Minister of Health visited the Meropeio Elderly Home in Kallithea.

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

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