The Hellenic Radio (ERA): News in English, 05-07-25

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

CONTENTS

[01] Warning of New Actions as of Autumn Strike Fever

By Despina Hristopoulou

Sources: ÍÅÔ 105.8

Tomorrows discussion in Parliament for the labour relations bill will commence amid reactions, as GSEE (Greek General Confederation of Labour) is escalating its collective actions, while the labour unions are warning of further actions as of autumn. GSEE has announced a 24-hour nationwide strike against the bill, while ADEDY has called a work stoppage as of 11am. On Tuesday night, GSEE has also scheduled a rally outside Parliament, while PAME (All Workers Militant Front) is organising a protest in Kaniggos Square. In addition, Public Transport will be disrupted, as railway and Civil Aviation employees will also be participating in the strike. Furthermore, no newspapers will be published, while employees of all Mass Media will go on strike. PASOK asked for the bill to be withdrawn, while it declared that it would abolish it once it returns to power. KKE spoke of a coordinated attack by the Government and the manufacturers against employees, while SYN launched an appeal for collective, mass actions.

Problems with Public Transport

Employees in banks, DEKOs, the private sector and stores will be participating in the strike.

Meanwhile, employees in the public sector, tax offices, municipalities, prefectures, social security and public hospitals, as well as doctors in hospitals, will participate in a three-hour work stoppage from the beginning of their shift until 11am.

Buses, the suburban railway, the metro, OSE and the electric railway will not be operating. Trolley bus drivers will stop work from 5am-7am and from 10pm until the end of their shift. The tram drivers will be deciding on their actions today.

Furthermore, Olympic Airways will be performing one flight per destination.

Rallies in Thessaloniki

Two rallies will be taking place in Thessaloniki. The Thessaloniki Employees Centre has organized a rally for 9:30am in front of their headquarters, following a sit-in at the General Inspection of Labour offices on Frangou Street. PAMEs rally is scheduled for 10am in front of Eleftherios Venizelos statue. Both rallies will march towards the Ministry of Macedonia-Thrace.

All Mass Media will be silenced tomorrow. Employees on e-Media will go on strike on Tuesday, while no newspapers will be published, as journalists went on strike on Monday.

Translated by Vicky Ghionis

Related News:

Press on Strike

[02] Tourist Death Toll Rises Looking for the Culprits

By Vicky Keleri

Sources: ÂÂC

The Egyptian authorities have launched a manhunt for the arrest of six Pakistanis, believed to be implicated in the triple-bombing attacks against the sea resort of Sharm el-Sheikh. Photos of the suspects, who allegedly were staying at the resort at the time of the attacks, have already been distributed. The police have arrested more than 90 people, while over 70 people have been interrogated so far. With a message posted on the Internet, a new Islamic group, called "Mujahideen of Egypt", claimed responsibility for the massacre, denying that it was the work of the group "Abdullah Azzam Brigades, al-Qaeda, in Syria and Egypt", which is affiliated to al-Qaeda. In its message, the group mentioned that five of its members drove rigged vehicles and caused the terrorist attacks, which resulted in the death of at least 88 people and the injury of another 200. Furthermore, the message also contained an ultimatum towards Jews and Christians, giving them 60 days to get out of Egypt. Meanwhile, the tourist death toll is rising. According to sources, four Turkish citizens and one Italian couple have been killed, while another two Italian women are still missing.

"Stop Terrorism"

In the meantime, 2,000 citizens of Sharm el-Sheikh, Egyptians and foreigners, demonstrated against terrorism of front of the hotel Ghazala Gardens, which was destroyed by the attacks against the Egyptian resort.

Holding banners reading "Stop Terrorism" and "We will not be terrorised," hotel workers, Bedouin sheikhs and foreign dive school instructors gathered in front of the partly-collapsed building to express their anger and disgust.

At nighttime, the protestors lit candles and placed them, along with flowers, on the ground in front of the hotel, which continues to be guarded by strong police forces.

Translated by Vicky Ghionis

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New Explosion in Cairo

[03] More Innocents Could Die Won't Back Down

By Vicky Keleri

Sources: BBC

Scotland Yard pointed out the possibility of more innocents dying, as part of their battle against terrorism, while it declared determined to continue its shoot-to-kill policy. The warning comes after police mistakenly shot dead Brazilian Jean Charles de Menezes, who, as was proven later, was in no way connected to the recent terrorist attacks in London. Metropolitan Police Commissioner Ian Blair expressed his sorrow for the loss of Menezes, however he defended the new policy. Speaking on Sky News, Blair stressed, "I think we are quite comfortable that the policy is right, but of course these are fantastically difficult times. Its still happening out there, there are still officers having to make those calls as we speak. This is a terrifying set of circumstances for individuals to make decisions. Somebody else could be shot." British Interior Minister Charles Clarke also defended the shoot-to-kill policy. "A mistake was clearly made which will be regretted forever. But I dont think that means that they are wrong to have a policy [to deal] with these appalling circumstances."

Translated by Vicky Ghionis

Related News:

Innocent, but Dead!

[04] Seven Dead, Ten Injured Double Attack in Baghdad

By Vicky Keleri

Sources: Reuters

New bloodbath today in Baghdad, with seven people killed another ten injured, following two bombing attacks. Early in the morning, a suicide bomber blew up a minivan packed with explosives near the central hotel Sadir, which has been targeted in the past, as it usually houses American contractors. Five people were killed in the explosion. A few hours later, a government building in the Iraqi capital was targeted by a bombing attack, resulting in the death of two police officers.

Related News:

New Massacre in Iraq

[05] Continuing to Implement its Policies "Government not Aiming for Elections"

By Vicky Keleri

Sources: ÍÅÔ- ÍÅÔ 105.8

In an interview to the Greek newspaper Vradyni, New Democracys Secretary Vangelis Meimarakis put an end to the rumours about early elections, declaring that the Government is not aiming for elections, but is determined to proceed with implementing its policies. However, he wondered in what way elections are considered a deterrent or a threat. NDs secretary also pointed out that the Government has to deal with the accumulated problems left behind by PASOK promptly, while he described those accusing it of delays in implementing measures as frivolous. In the meantime, he did not specify whether a new package of measures would be implemented in autumn, although it is something demanded by the international economic state of affairs. Mr Meimarakis also referred to Miltiadis Evert, saying that the former ND president supports the Governments general policy and direction.

Translated by Vicky Ghionis

[06] No Damages Earthquake in Kyparissia

By Despina Hristopoulou

Sources: ÍÅÔ

An earthquake measuring 4.9 on the Richter scale was recorded at 7:38am near the islet Strofades, off the coast of Kyparissia, Peloponnese. Although the locals were rattled, the quake did not cause any damages. As per the experts monitoring the event, the tremor was part of the usual seismic activity in the area.

Translated by Vicky Ghionis

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