The Hellenic Radio (ERA): News in English, 05-05-10

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

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

CONTENTS

[01] Neapolitan Embargo

By Tina Valaoura

Carabinieri in Naples had enough with common crooks robbing poor, unsuspicious tourists visiting the historic monuments of the picturesque city and decided to do something about it. They laid their cards on the table and searched for a solution. On the one hand, they knew that thieves would not stay with their hands crossed and wait to be handcuffed and on the other hand, experience has taught them that common crooks like them use scooters to speed away through the historic center's narrow alleyways. Since they cant convince the mountain to come to Mohamed, then they might as well ban it from going anywhere else. They concluded that the best solution to fight scooter crime is to ban scooter circulation. So, as of next Tuesday, at which point the new measure will come into force, non-residents of the picturesque but often unruly area will be required to either leave their scooters behind, or walk them through the historic center, motors off. Sanctions include a fine of about 35 euros and possible confiscation of the vehicle.

Translated by Sofia Soulioti

[02] Against US Forces and Iraqi Police Multi-Fatality Attacks in Baghdad

By Vivian Papastefanou

Two explosions were reported this morning at the heart of Baghdad, scattering fear and death. The first suicide attack occurred at the centre of Baghdad against US military forces and resulted in the death of 7 and the injury of 16 people. Several cars were destroyed from the blast, while windows were shuttered from the sound wave. A few hours later a new suicide-attack was reported outside the Police headquarters at the Tiger river banks. As per the Police, the number of victims is large.

Translated by Sofia Soulioti

[03] Ports closed off Lorry Drivers on Strike

By Vivian Papastefanou

Today, lorry drivers are pulling on the hand-brake, as they are holding a 24-hour nationwide strike. Among other things, they are asking for the implementation of the collective work contract, and for lorry drivers not to pay the fines imposed for overweight loads. Salaried lorry drivers have closed off the Piraeus commercial terminal and the customs entrances since this morning, while they have stated that they will also make their way to the port. They have also closed off the entrance gate to Ikonio, while they are also planning to block off the ports of Keratsini, Patra and Thessalonica.

Translated by Millie Williams

[04] From 8 to 15 May European Education Action Week

By Athina Saloustrou

The European Education Action Week is taking place from 8 to 15 May, organized by eight European countries, under the central message "Education is not merchandise." It will be a week of action and discussion, arranged by the Education Network, supported by the European Social Forum. Approximately fifty organizations are participating in the network, along with movements and trade unions with a common message to promote the activity. In Greece, France, Italy, Portugal, Spain and other European countries, people will take to the streets to fight against submitting education to market needs, the Bolkestein Directive, flexibility of teachers working relations, weakening and splintering of the programme of studies, which means that the majority of citizens do not have ready access to culture. From Greece, OLME and POSDEP are participating in the action and jointly organizing a rally and discussion on Thursday 12 May at 6pm in the Polytechnic building, and a protest rally on Friday 13 May at the Ministry of Education at 1pm. Other organizations supporting the appeal in Greece are DOE, OSEP- TEI, OIELE, ADEDY and VEF (Balkan Friendship Organisation).

According to the appeal by the Education Network, which has been written in six languages, the Action is in support of defending and creating a real public education system at a European level, which will express collective and individual needs, education which will guarantee pluralism of ideas and critical thought as necessary conditions of democracy.

Translated by Millie Williams

[05] New Quake in Sumatra

By Vivian Papastefanou

Sources: Reuters

A strong earthquake measuring 6.6 on the Richter scale was reported shortly after 01:00 Greek time on the island of Sumatra, Indonesia. So far, there has been no information on victims or damages. A spokesperson for the Geophysics and Meteorological Service in Jakarta stated that the tremor occurred 267km northwest of Lioua city, while there have been no reports on the generation of a new tsunami.

Translated by Sofia Soulioti

[06] Seismic Activity in Lechaina

By Vivian Papastefanou

An earthquake of 4.4 magnitude was reported at 01:35 north of the Ilia prefecture in Greece. The tremor's epicenter is located near Lechaina, 200km west of Athens. There are no reports on damages so far.

Translated by Sofia Soulioti

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