The Hellenic Radio (ERA): News in English, 05-05-02

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

CONTENTS

[01] 60 nautical miles off Pylos Thriller with Norwegian Ship

By Annita Paschalinou

A thriller with a Norwegian ship has been playing out 60 nautical miles off Pylos. The special signal sent out to the offices of the company that owns the craft leaves open the possibility that mutiny has taken place on board. This, however, has yet to be confirmed, as more recent information reports second communications with the company, which had a positive response. Navy frigate Spetses, a helicopter and Port Authority craft are rushing to the point, in order to determine what exactly is happening. Earlier, there were reports that the ship had a malfunction. The crew of the ship consists of Filipinos, Romanians and Poles.

Translated by Millie Williams

[02] New Outburst by Eirinaios

By Annita Paschalinou

Patriarch Eirinaios of Jerusalem has launched a counterattack, speaking earlier today to the faithful who attended Mass at the Patriarchal Church of St Constantine. "Let my hands be chopped off if I have stolen," he stated, answering allegations against him regarding the sale of Patriarchal real estate. He added: "The mud thrown at me is fresh, but when it dries, it falls and the truth is clear," he stressed, answering the allegations. The Patriarch called on the faithful not to listen to what is being said and asked for their support and the strength of God to continue his work.

On the Counterattack

Patriarch Eirinaios attacked his critics, speaking to about 100 faithful who attended Mass at the Patriarchal Church of St Constantine.

As he said, there are also tourist reasons behind the attack against him, while he also spoke of financial interests, without clarifying them, however.

The Patriarch also attacked those who fight the Holy Light. Unfortunately, he stressed, there are worms and trash who cast doubt upon the Holy Light, even in the brotherhood, and he called on the faithful not to be influenced by the unscrupulous who insult the Holy Light. "We are not going to surrender what was granted to us," he added. He also referred to the long-standing request of the Armenians also to enter the Holy Sepulchre and receive the Light. Let them hate me, he said, we have no hatred. We have to have a clear conscience, we will explain ourselves to the Lord, where it will be clear who is a thief.

Translated by Millie Williams

[03] Revelations from US First Lady Boring Mister Bush

By Annita Paschalinou

Sources: BBC

Laura Bush said it al about her husband, speaking at the annual White House Correspondents Association dinner. It all started when George Bush started to repeat one of his old favourite jokes. Laura Bush stood up and in annoyance shouted "not that old joke, not again." The audience broke into laughter, but this was only the start, seeing that Laura was determined to open her mouth and wash the presidents dirty linen in public.

The President's Early Bedtimes

"Ive been attending these dinners for years and just quietly sitting there. Well, Ive got a few things I want to say for a change," she said to great applause.

The First Lady reveals her pain!

"Nine oclock and Mr Excitement here is in bed and I am watching Desperate Housewives - with [vice-presidents wife] Lynne Cheney. Ladies and gentlemen, I am a desperate housewife," stressed Laura, determined to go on to say much more.

For example, regarding the American Presidents abilities as a cow boy.

The first time they went to their ranch in Crawford, George Bush went to milk a horse.

Whats worse, added Laura, the President didnt even choose the mare!

She was even humorous in talking about her mother-in-law.

"People think shes a sweet, grandmotherly... type. Shes actually more Don Corleone."

Translated by Millie Williams

[04] For bomb attack in Khusandasi Kurdish Organisation Claims Responsibility

By Despina Hristopoulou

According to the website of pro-Turkish news agency Mesopotamia, which is based in Germany, a militant Kurdish organization has claimed responsibility for the bomb attack which occurred on Saturday in Khusandasi in western Turkey, which killed one policeman and injured four. In fact, as the agency reports, the Hawks of Freedom of Kurdistan have claimed responsibility and called on tourists not to travel to Turkey. The bomb exploded as experts were attempting to neutralize it.

Translated by Millie Williams

Related News:

Bomb Caught Up With Them

[05] Turkey concerned over Iran's nuclear programme Erdogan Ready for Middle East

By Despina Hristopoulou

The reinforcement of bilateral relations was decided upon between Turkey and Israel, during the visit of Turkish PM Recep Tayyip Erdogan to Israel. In fact, as Israeli PM Ariel Sharon stated, they agreed to create a direct telephone line between their offices to exchange information. The Israeli PM added that Turkey can help the Palestinian Authority to build an electric power station in the Gaza Strip and help to construct residences for the Palestinians in Gaza when Israel withdraws from the Occupied seaside Strip in August. "We are ready and willing to contribute to whatever is asked of us," said Erdogan.

Next Stop Ramallah

The two leaders did not comment directly on information in the Media that Erdogans visit would include the signing of important agreements on weaponry, including a 400-500 million dollar agreement on upgrading Turkish fighter craft.

In any case, according to the website of Israeli newspaper Haarej , Erdogan is alleged to have stated to Israeli President Moshe Katzav that Turkey is concerned about Irans nuclear programme.

In the afternoon, Mr Erdogan went to Ramallah, where he met with Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas.

In statements afterwards, he repeated that Turkey will do what it can to promote the peace process, provided it is asked by Israel and the Palestinians.

This is the first official visit by the Turkish Prime Minister to the Palestinian territories.

Two Dead in Exchange of Fire

In the meantime, this morning, one Israeli soldier and a Palestinian militant were killed in exchange of fire in the village of Sida in the West Bank, near Tulkarem. According to Palestinian sources, a strong Israeli forceinvaded the village, supported by a helicopter and imposed a cyrfew in Sida and nearby Allar.

During the operation to arrest two Palestinian militants, a battle broke out, in which one Israeli soldier and one of the two Palestinians were killed. Palestinian authorities report that the identity of the Palestinian has not been made known, although the Israeli military radio reported that he was a fighter in Islamic Jihad. At the same time, the Israeli minister responsible for Diaspora relations Nathan Staransky today submitted his resignation from government, in protest against the withdrawal from the Gaza Strip planned for his summer.

Translated by Millie Williams

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