The Hellenic Radio (ERA): News in English, 05-04-17

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

CONTENTS

[01] Interview in "Kathimerini tis Kyriakis" "Greece Causes Tension in Aegean"

By Annita Paschalinou

The interview given by Recep Tayyip Erdogan to the Greek newspaper Kathimerini tis Kyriakis gave an insight to the views, policies and future intentions of Ankara for the Aegean. In tune with the Turkish military leadership, Turkeys PM blamed Greece for the tension in the Aegean, underlining that Athens insists on claiming the 10 nautical miles of airspace, at a time when its territorial waters are at six nautical miles. As Mr Erdogan said, the Turkish fighter planes are "harassed" by Greek ones, when they are flying over the Aegeans "international airspace."

Violations: "A Legitimate Right"

Meanwhile, he noted that "Turkey submits flights plans to the Greek authorities daily, through NATO channels," while he added, "The Turkish fighter planes fly over the Aegean unarmed, unless they are harassed by Greek fighter planes, and therefore activate their Identification Friend or Foe (IFF) system."

Recep Tayyip Erdogan also revealed the future actions of Turkish fighter planes. "Turkey has the right and freedom to perform flights over the Aegeans international airspace and will not give up the right to use the international territorial waters and international airspace, as these arise from international legislation."

However, he asked for a "fair and acceptable agreement on all issues regarding the Aegean," while he underlined that Turkey is devoted to having good relations with its neighbour Greece and improving the relations between the two countries on all levels.

It should be noted that the interview was given prior to the Greek Foreign Ministers visit to Ankara.

Translated by Vicky Ghionis

[02] Tension Between the Two Countries Conflict between Japan and China

By Annita Paschalinou

Sources: BBC

The Japanese Foreign Minister will meet with his Chinese counterpart in Beijing to discuss the crisis that has erupted in the relations between Japan and China over the last three weeks. Nobutaka Machimura is expected to demand explanations and compensation from China for the damages caused to Japanese-owned businesses on Chinese soil. The whole situation was triggered by Japans decision to remove from the countrys schoolbooks any mention of wartime atrocities against the Chinese during the colonial wars, prior to WWII. Furthermore, Beijing is also reacting against Tokyos bid for a permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council. In addition, Japan further angered China by issuing drilling rights for oil and gas in a disputed area of the East China Sea.

Mass Demonstrations

Earlier today, the demonstrations outside Japanese-owned businesses continued for the third week running, while in Shenyang thousands of people marched towards the Japanese Consulate.

The protestors threw rocks and red paint at the Consulate, while serious incidents were avoided because of the strong Chinese police presence.

Anti-Japanese rallies took place in other cities as well, where people protested outside Japanese-owned companies, factories and supermarkets.

Neither Will Back Down

According to correspondents and political analysts, the situation does not seem to improve, since neither country is willing to compromise.

The Xinhua new agency, quoting a statement issued by the Chinese government, wrote that the protests were cause by "Japans wrong attitudes and actions on a series of issues such as its history of aggression."

At the same time, the Chinese newspaper Peoples Daily, called for the public to "maintain social stability."

The Causes of the Crisis

The tension between the two countries was prompted by Japans decision to approve eight new schoolbooks, which omit historical facts that revealed Japans aggression against China before and during WWII.

Among the issues causing outrage is the description of the Japanese armys massacre of between 50,000 and 300,000 civilians in the Chinese city of Nanjing in 1937 and 1938 as "an incident".

However, the Japanese government officially declared that private companies were responsible for the texts, while it is up to individual school districts to decide which books they will use.

Translated by Vicky Ghionis

Related News:

Outbreak of Violence in China

[03] 6.1 Richter, 100km Southwest of the Island New Strong Quake in Indonesia

By Annita Paschalinou

The people of Indonesia panicked once again from a new earthquake in the area. A quake rocked Nias Island late last night, in the same area where an 8.7 Richter tremor killed nearly 700 people on 28 March. This time the epicentre was located 107km southwest of the island and at a depth of 20km. The new quake spread terror among the islanders, who fled to higher ground fearing another tsunami. There are no reports yet on casualties or damages.

Translated by Vicky Ghionis

[04] Collapse Probably Due to Age of Building Trapped in her Home's Rubble

A tragedy took place in Aridea, Pella, when a two-storey house collapsed, probably due to its age, and the residents were trapped in the rubble. A 63-year-old woman was killed, while her husband and son were injured and transferred to hospital. According to the neighbours, the family was planning on moving soon, as they kept hearing strange noises.

Translated by Vicky Ghionis

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