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

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

CONTENTS

[01] Nine Americans missing in Iraq

A shaky truce between US marines and Sunni Muslim guerrillas held in Falluja today, after further talks to calm Iraq's bloodiest fighting since the fall of Saddam Hussein. The US military said two American soldiers and seven contractors were missing in Iraq, where seven Chinese and three Japanese are among foreigners being held by guerrillas. Two Czech journalists became the latest foreigners to go missing.

[02] Easter traffic returns to Athens

Traffic police are on the alert and have implemented emergency measures, as a massive wave of holidaymakers return to Athens and other urban centers from their Easter vacations. Despite an extra inbound lane made available to motorists, the heavy traffic has caused standstills at toll gates on the Athens-Corinth highway, at the level of Kakia Skala.

[03] Cypriot vice-consul's car target of attack

In Thessaloniki last night, an automobile belonging to the Vice-Consul of Cyprus, Panayotis Georgiadis, was the target of arsonists. Unknown perpetrators placed small, home-made explosive devices under the vehicle, owned by the Cypriot consulate and parked outside the apartment building where the vice-consul resided. The explosion caused serious damage, estimated at around 11,500 euros. Police are examining the possibility that the attack may be linked to the current developments in the Cyprus issue.

[04] Athens focuses on Cyprus issue

A flurry of activity on the Cyprus issue is also taking place in Athens. On Thursday, April 15, the Council of Political Leaders is scheduled to convene, under the chairmanship of the President of the Greek Republic, Costis Stephanopoulos. On April 14, the Coalition of the Lefts Central Committee will met to decide on the partys stance on Cyprus.

[05] No withdrawal of Turkish troops on Cyprus if "no" to referendum by one side

In Ankara, Turkish Prime Minister Tayyip Erdogan has said that Turkish forces will not withdraw from Cyprus if one of the two sides answers no to the April 24 referendum. Meanwhile, Turkish Foreign Minister Abdullah Gul underlined the importance of a simultaneous referendum in Cyprus prior to May 1. At the same time, he noted that the Cypriot Republics unilateral accession to the European Union would constitute an obstacle for everything.

[06] Cypriot party suggest postponement of April 24 referendum

A proposal by the Cypriot AKEL party the islands second largest party to postpone the April 24 referendum on a UN reunification plan, has changed the scene in developments involving a settlement of the long-standing Cyprus dispute. Reaction to the proposal by the government and opposition parties was positive.

[07] Weather forecast

A partly cloudy day is forecast, with local showers in the western, central and northern parts of the country. Temperatures in Athens will range from 13 to 23 degrees centigrade, and in Thessaloniki from 14 to 19 degrees.

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