The Hellenic Radio (ERA): News in English, 04-03-12

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

CONTENTS

[01] South Korean pres. impeached

South Koreas parliament impeached President Roh Moo-hyun today, suspending him from office amid chaotic scenes and thrusting the country into unprecedented economic and political uncertainty.

[02] ETA denies responsibility for Madrid bombings

ETA said today it was not responsible for the Madrid train bomb blasts that killed nearly 200 people, but Spanish Prime Minister Jose Maria Aznar said the Basque separatist group remained the focus of inquiry.

[03] Pasok's Executive Bureau reviews election results

Pasoks Executive Office met today in order to review the results of the March 7th elections. Pasok president, George Papandreou stated his party is prepared to forge ahead with much work and added that all measures announced during the campaign period regarding changes within the party would be implemented.

[04] UN changes format of Cyprus talks

The United Nations announced changes to the format of Cypriot reunification talks today, acknowledging difficulties in its bid to persuade the sides to engage in trade-offs just days before a cut-off date.

But despite the impasse in talks, the European Commission and Turkey both expressed hope that rival Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots would be able to accept a reunification deal in time for a reunited Cyprus to join the European Union on May 1.

U.N. envoy Alvaro de Soto will now launch intensive separate consultations with the two sides, in addition to direct engagement, a spokesman for the U.N. mission in Nicosia said.

[05] Extra security measures in Greece

Extra security measures have been implemented in Athens at the Spanish Embassy and other possible terrorist targets of Spanish interests, the Hellenic Railway network, the electric train, airports and ports. A senior Greek police official stated however that there has been no sign of any possible threat of terrorist activities in Greece.

[06] Greece asks NATO for Olympics Games help

Greece requested NATO today to help guard the Athens Olympics, asking for air and sea patrols as well as protection against nuclear, chemical or biological attacks. While the request was not directly linked to Thursdays Madrid bombings, the Spanish attacks appeared to be the final spur for the government to override domestic opposition to foreign forces protecting the August 13 to 29 Games.

[07] PM Karamanlis examines Olympics security in wake of Madrid bombings

The terrorist attacks in Madrid and the possibility of special measures being enforced in Greece in view of the Olympic Games were discussed today during consecutives meetings held by Prime Minister Karamanlis.

[08] Weather Forecast

Light clouds are forecast in all parts of the country, with showers likely in the east and south. Winds variable, moderate to strong, turning gale force in the Aegean. Temperatures in Athens will range between 7-14 C and in Thessaloniki from 4-10 C.

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