The Hellenic Radio (ERA): News in English, 05-04-09

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

CONTENTS

[01] No End to Violence Multi-fatality Blasts in Iraq

By Anna Kourti

Fifteen Iraqi soldiers lost their lives and several were injured this morning from a bomb blast in Latifiya, south of Baghdad. Latifiya is located in the so-called triangle of death, because of the continuous attacks by Iraqi militants. Earlier, two Iraqis were killed and another five were injured when Iraqi insurgents opened fire against a convoy of 14 Commerce Ministry trucks on the road artery linking Qout to Baghdad. "Four trucks managed to escape, but the rest vanished," announced a source of the Ministry of Internal Affairs, adding that two drivers were killed and five more were injured. In the meanwhile, on the occasion of the anniversary of Saddam Hussein's fall, tens of thousands of Iraqis rallied at the heart of Baghdad on Saturday morning, protesting against the US presence in Iraq. Their motto was "No to the USA, No to the Occupation."

Radical Shias and Sunni imams had invited during prayer yesterday all faithful to gather in Firdus square, where on 9 April 2003, hundreds of protestors had torn down the statue of Saddam. Shia leader Moktana Sadr and the Muslim Committee, one of the largest Sunni religious groups, urged all their fans to massively participate in the demonstration.

Translated by Sofia Soulioti

[02] Reasons of Resignation Not Given David Stone Tendered his Resignation

By Anna Kourti

The head of a US agency charged with providing post-September 11 security for commercial airlines has abruptly resigned in the wake of charges that despite a massive overhaul of security procedures, US carriers remained vulnerable to terrorist attack. After spending slightly over eight months in the job, retired admiral David Stone has tendered his resignation letter to new Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff, who has accepted it, Transportation Security Administration spokesman Mark Hatfield said in a one-sentence statement made public Friday. No reasons for Stone's departure were officially given, but a confidential report compiled by the Homeland Security Department and the FBI earlier this year pointed out that US commercial airliners remained vulnerable to attack by Al-Qaeda and other terrorist groups, despite billions of dollars spent on new security measures that include meticulous searches of airline passengers and security watch lists. The report has never been publicly released, but was described to reporters by administration officials last month.

Translated by Sofia Soulioti

[03] One More Chance for Panathinaikos

By Ilias Papaioannou

In a fanatically charged climate in the Turkish ground, Panathinaikos did not manage to put the final seal to the ticket for the final 4 of the Euroleague, which is this year to be held in Moscow, on 6 and 8 May. In the second match of the quarterfinals, the green team was defeated 75-63 by Efes Pilsen, who equaled the games 1-1. This means that Zelico Obradovics team will have one last chance in Athens on 14 April to defeat the Turks and qualify along with TSSKA Moscow, Maccabi and Taou to the finals.

Qualifier to Play Out in Athens

In an anti-Greek climate, created early on by Turkish fans, Efes Pilsens players went in determined to score and send the chance to qualify to a third game.

In the first quarter, Panathinaikos followed the host teams score closely, with the latter leading 18-16, but in the second quarter, the Turks, led by Prkatsin, opened up the gap to 7 points, 24-17.

The coach of the Greek team, Zelico Obradovic, reacted immediately. He sent Patrick Femerling onto the court, and with 6 rebounds, Panathinaikos managed to turn things around and equalize, 24-24. Following this, with two three-pointers by Alvertis, Panathinaikos went into the lead: 32-28.

In the second half, the Greek team continued to keep their lead, but with a good offensive, Solomon worked well for Efes, who had the support of the crowd and turned the situation round, and in 33 got nine points ahead, 62-53. However, the greens did not give it up, and tried to get back into the picture, and with a three-pointer by Skepanovic they reduced the difference to 64-61. From then on, however, the Turks stepped up the pace, and with Solomon out in front, they scored the 75-63 that keeps their hopes of qualifying alive until 14 April, when the last match will be held at the Olympic Stadium against the Greek champions.

The quarters: 18-16, 28-32, 52-45, 75-63

EFES PILSEN (Oktai Mahmouti) Arslan (2), Solomon 24 (5), Peker 9, Kuko 4, Abi 2, Ketchman 2, Prkatsin 16, Nikolich 7, Domerkand 5

PANATHINAIKOS (Zelico Obradovic) Diamantidis 9 (1), Skepanovic 7 (1), Lakovic 20 (3), Battiste 2, Alvertis 9 (2), Kalaitzis, Papanikolaou 3 (1), Tsartsaris

Translated by Millie Williams

[04] With Civil Marriage Charles and Camilla Are Getting Married

By Anna Kourti

The civil marriage of the Prince of Wales and Camilla Parker Bowles is due to take place today at 14.30 in Windsor Guildhall, attended by all the senior royals, apart from Queen Elizabeth and her husband Philip, Duke of Edinburgh. However they will be at the blessing afterwards in St George's Chapel, Windsor castle. Charles' sons princes Harry and William and Camilla's children Tom and Laura will also attend the civil service. Charles is expected to wear a suit and not the military uniform we wore to his first wedding with Lady Diana. 56-year-old Charles and 57-year-old Camilla Parker Bowles were forced to perform a civil marriage, as they are both divorced.

Civil Marriage Not Valid

After the civil service that will last for half an hour the royal couple will receive the blessing of the Archbishop of Canterbury, Rowan Williams, at St George's Chapel, Windsor castle, and then a reception for 800 will follow.

According to an older legislation, civil marriage is not valid for Royal family members.

Prince Charles, who arrived back in London on Friday night after attending the funeral of Pope John Paul II in Rome, spent the wedding eve at Highgrove, while Camilla in London, at Clarence House.

Translated by Sofia Soulioti

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