The Hellenic Radio (ERA): News in English, 05-04-24

The Hellenic Radio (ERA): News in English Directory - Previous Article - Next Article

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

CONTENTS

[01] K. Karamanlis' Interview "Immediate Reforms"

By Anna Kourti

Sources: Kathimerini tis Kyriakis

Greek Prime Minister Kostas Karamanlis gave a wide-ranging interview to the newspaper Kathimerini tis Kyrakis, where he announced his plans for immediate reforms in crucial matters concerning Greek society. According to the PM the main areas of change are DEKOs (Public Services and Utilities), the employment market, working hours and Olympic Airways. Furthermore, Mr Karamanlis mentioned a new law for trade, stressing the importance of privatisations, major public works and the freeing of the energy market. He refuted all reshuffling scenarios, denied implementation of new tax measures and declared he was determined to fight corruption. With regard to the Main Shareholder, he said that a common place and some amendments are being sought.

Fight Against Corruption Continues

On the issue of transparency, Mr Karamanlis declared that the fight against corruption will continue.

Concerning matters of national interest, the PM mentioned, "Greece supports Turkeys European prospects, however, its behaviour is being judged and assessed daily."

Finally, with regard to FYROM, Mr Karamanlis stressed, "Serious errors were being made for a number of years." He also noted that, although the Nimitz initiative may not be fully satisfactory, it does provide a perspective that is worth discussing.

Translated by Vicky Ghionis

[02] Attended by Many VIPs and Politicians Inaugural Mass for New Pope

By Anna Kourti

Sources: Reuters - BBC - ANA

Pope Benedicts XVIs inaugural Mass commenced a little while ago in St Peters Basilica, under tight security measures. Joseph Ratzinger arrived in St Peters square at 10am (local time), followed by a procession of Cardinals. A little before emerging in the square, he had visited the tomb of the Churchs first pope, St. Peter, who is buried in the crypt of the vast basilica. The symbols of papal authority, the Fishermans Ring and the pallium, a narrow stole of white wool, sat on the tomb overnight and will be presented to Benedict during the service to mark his accession as the Churchs 265th pontiff. The inaugural Mass is attended by many VIPs and politicians, including German Chancellor Gerhard Schroeder and French PM Jean-Pierre Raffarin, while flowers, green carpets, seats and giant video screens have been placed in the square in front of the church. More than 500,000 pilgrims are expected in the Vatican, while according to the estimates of the German Embassy in Rome, 100,000 of those are Germans.

The main avenue joining Tiber to the Vatican has been sealed off, while metal bars have been put up leading the crowds towards the square.

Furthermore, video screens have been set up along the avenue, so the pilgrims can watch the Mass as they are heading towards St Peters Basilica. As per the First Aid Agencys director, Norberto, Lopes, twenty ambulances, ten fire engines and 200 medics are on alert.

Translated by Vicky Ghionis

[03] Six Dead, 26 Injured Double Suicide Attacks in Tikrit

By Anna Kourti

At least six Iraqis were killed and another 26 injured on Sunday morning by two car bombs against the Police Academy and military compound in Tikrit, 180km north of Baghdad. As per Colonel Abdullah Ali of the Tikrit police station, four of the dead and 18 of the injured were police officers. He further added that one of the cars driven by a suicide bomber exploded in front of the academy, while the second exploded a few minutes later in front of a nearby office. The attack took place when a group of police officers were leaving the Academy to head for Jordan on a training assignment. Earlier, Saleh Ibrahim, a cameraman for Associated Press, was killed in Mosul, northern Iraq, while filming a battle; however, the news agency has not disclosed his nationality yet.

Translated by Vicky Ghionis

[04] Two Dead, Three Injured Bombing Attack in Thailand

By Anna Kourti

Sources: Reuters

Two police officers were killed and another three injured when a bomb exploded in Thailands mainly Muslim South, just one day after the countrys Queen verbally attacked those behind a 15-month wave of violence. The areas chief of police told Bangkok radio station, "This was caused by bad people who want to create unrest in the three provinces in the south." Since January 2004, the death toll has exceeded 600. In a nationally-televised address on Saturday, Queen Sirikit urged Thais to unite against the violence in the south, which, she said, threatened the countrys lucrative tourist industry.

Translated by Vicky Ghionis

[05] As Per an Opinion Poll The Dutch Say 'No'

By Anna Kourti

According to an opinion poll conducted for the countrys public TV channel NOS, the Dutch will vote No to the European Constitution, in view of the 1 June referendum. The poll showed that the voter turnout will be 48%, while 52% of those will vote against the EU Constitution. The Maurice de Hord Institute conducted the poll via the Internet. Two previous polls, conducted on behalf of the Dutch government, gave the lead to the Yes vote. The referendum in the Netherlands, however, will not be binding. The two major parties the governing Christian Democrats and the Labour opposition have declared that they would take the results of the referendum into account, provided the turnout exceeds 30%.

Translated by Vicky Ghionis

The Hellenic Radio (ERA): News in English Directory - Previous Article - Next Article