The Hellenic Radio (ERA): News in English, 05-09-10

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

CONTENTS

[01] Tight Security Measures in Thessaloniki The 70th TIF Opens its Gates

By Anna Kourti

The Greek PM, who mentioned that the countrys greatest challenge is fiscal reform with strong growth prospects, is at the moment visiting the stands of the 70th Thessaloniki International Fair. In the afternoon he will preside over a meeting between the citys social bodies, while in the evening, during a reception hosted by the TIF in his honour, he is scheduled to present the priorities of the Governments economic policy. "We are moving ahead with clear-cut strategies and team work. We are moving on the path of changes and reforms. Northern Greece is entering the track of the future it deserves. The aim is to make Thessaloniki a Regional Conference and Exhibition Centre," declared Mr Karamanlis in his speech yesterday, during the inauguration ceremony of the International Fair, in the "I. Vellidis" Conference Centre. In the meantime, tight security measures have been implemented all over the city, as three rallies are scheduled for this afternoon. The first one will take place at 6:30pm at the Venizelos statue and it has been organised by GSEE (Greek General Confederation of Labour), ADEDY (Supreme Administration of Greek Civil Servants Trade Unions" and the Macedonia Labour Centres. The second rally, organised by PAME (All Workers Militant Front), will take place at the central gate of the port, while the third has been organised by left-wing groups in Kamares. The gathered crowds will then march towards Hanth Square, opposite the Vellidis Conference Centre, where Mr Karamanlis will give his speech at 8pm.

Voulgarakis Visits the Police and Fire Dept Stands

This morning, the Greek Minister of Social Order inaugurated the stands of the Hellenic Police and Fire Department.

At the Hellenic Police stand, Mr Voulgarakis declared, "The fact that the Police has approached the citizens is very significant. Today, the people need the Police by their side and this is a conquest."

Then, the Minister inaugurated the Fire Department stand and presented a commemorative plaque to the Minister of National Defence.

Translated by Vicky Ghionis

Related News:

"We Move Ahead"

Related Links:

70th Thessaloniki International Fair

[02] In the Backyard of a House Military Plane Crash

By Anna Kourti

A military plane crashed into the backyard of a house close to Limassol, Cyprus, at 10:30am this morning. According to initial information, both pilots are dead. Eyewitnesses saw the craft flying low, 5km northeast of the British air bases in Akrotiri, and clipping the bell tower of the local church in the village of Kolossi, five kilometres west of Limassol. It then crashed into the garage of a neighbouring house, which caught fire, close to the historic Crusaders Castle. The neighbours, who rushed to help the residents, could not get close, because of explosions, possibly due to explosives. The plane was circling over the village, which probably means that the pilot had realised there was a problem with the engine and was trying to fly lower in order to land the plane in Akrotiri. Ambulances arrived on site immediately. It should be noted that the one-engine plane, under the name Ammohostos, was participating in a National Guard military exercise, which commenced yesterday. At the time of the crash, it was heading from Paphos to Agios Ioannis Malounta, close to Nicosia, where National Guard commander Athanasios Nikolodimos and Defence Minister Kyriacos Mavronicolas were attending an event. The Defence and Justice Ministers, as well as the National Guard commander travelled to the crash site.

The craft was built in Switzerland and was sold to the Cypriot National Guard in 1989, along with another plane named Keryneia.

It is a two-seater PC-9 Pilatus type aircraft, which is used by many countries air forces, mainly for training and recognisance purposes. In addition, it can be used to support land forces in case of hostilities.

Translated by Vicky Ghionis

[03] 13 Dead Air Tragedy in Congo

By Anna Kourti

An Antonov type plane, owned by a private company in Congo, crashed late at night 50km north of Brazzaville, resulting in the death of 13 passengers and crew. The plane, registered to Air Kasai, was flying from Congo to Kinshasa, Zaire. The causes of the crash remain unknown.

Translated by Vicky Ghionis

[04] Chirac Will Miss the UN Summit

By Athina Saloustrou

French President Jacques Chirac, who left Val-de-Grace military hospital on Friday following a weeks treatment for a minor vascular problem, will not attend the UN General Assembly scheduled for next week in New York. President Chirac himself informed UN Secretary General Kofi Annan of his absence and repeated Frances backing to the UNs work. Mr Chirac told Mr Annan that French PM Dominique de Villepin will head the French delegates and underlined, "France favours the reforms proposals and wishes the Assembly the best of luck." It is noteworthy that the UN Assembly will focus on the fight against poverty and work out the reforms to be taken within the Organisation.

Translated by Areti Christou

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