The Hellenic Radio (ERA): News in English, 05-10-16

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

CONTENTS

[01] In Europe and Turkey Concern and Measures

By Mary Lou Tzempelikou

New cases were detected on Saturday in Romania and Turkey rekindling the fears and concerns regarding the spread of the avian flu. Hundreds of chickens were found dead in a poultry unit in the Turkish town of Agri near the border with Iran. The chickens had been bought in Prusa, western Turkey. These new findings proved the hopes cherished by the Turkish Sanitary Authorities wrong. The first lab tests to precisely determine what killed the birds are underway in Erzerum. Meanwhile, two more cases reported in an isolated village in Romania spread panic. The grave concern is enhanced by the fact that the lab tests conducted in Britain proving that the dead birds had been infected with the H5N1 strain of the avian flu, which has claimed the lives of 60 people in Asia.

Emergency Meeting of the EU Foreign Affairs Ministers

Romania announced that the measures towards averting the spread of the bird flu are being expanded throughout the country. The measures include ban on selling live birds as well as pigs, which are also likely to be infected with the virus.

Furthermore, the Romanian Authorities are considering coordinating their efforts with the neighbouring countries. A meeting among the Agricultural Ministers of Georgia, Romania and Moldova has already been decided to take place on Sunday. The European Union is also taking measures. The EU Foreign Affairs Ministers are to have an emergency meeting on the issue in Luxemburg on Tuesday.

Greece has already proceeded with adopting specialised prevention measures, while the scientists never miss to suggest the public not panic.

Speaking on NET radio station 105.8, Deputy Rural Development Minister Alexandros Kontos stated, "In Greece, we have worked on a thorough plan and in case bird flu cases are detected, the competent authorities know exactly what to do."

Translated by Areti Christou

Related News:

Europe Takes Measures

[02] For a Four-Day Official Visit Greek President to Cyprus

By Mary Lou Tzempelikou

Sources: NET 105.8, ANA

The Greek-Cypriots enthusiastically welcomed the President of the Greek Republic Karolos Papoulias, who arrived in Larnaca on Sunday morning for a four-day official visit. Mr Papoulias, who is escorted by Deputy FM Ioannis Valinakis, was welcomed in a special ceremony held at the airport by Cypriot President Tassos Papadopoulos. Mr Papoulias addressed a solidarity message and wished there would not be army on the occupied territories of the island the next time he will visit Cyprus. Earlier, Mr Papadopoulos had expressed his gratitude to the Greek President for his honest and heartfelt interest in Cyprus.

At noon, the two leaders will have a meeting at the Presidential Mansion, in Nicosia. The Cyprus issue, the new developments within the EU following the commencement of Turkeys accession talks, as well as the Greek-Cypriot relations are expected to top the meeting. On Monday afternoon, the President of the Greek Republic is to address the Cypriot House of Commons, while he is to tour many towns across the island.

Translated by Areti Christou

[03] The Ibero-American Summit Asked "End the Blockade"

By Mary Lou Tzempelikou

Sources: Reuters

At the Ibero-American Summit, which took place in Salamanca, Spain on Saturday, twenty-two leaders from Spain, Portugal and Latin America urged the USA to lift the economic, commercial and financial blockade against Cuba. Also favouring Cuba, the twenty-two leaders approved a resolution on terrorism, according to which the person accountable for the bomb attack against a Cubana de Aviacion plane in October 1976 that killed 73 civilians should be extradited or brought to justice. The suspect is former CIA operative Luis Posada Carriles, whom the USA refuses to extradite to Venezuela on the account that he may face the threat of torture. The USA did not miss to express its concern and a spokesperson for the US ambassador to Madrid said, "It would be unfortunate if these texts were interpreted as a sign of support for the Castro dictatorship." European Commission President Jose Manuel Barroso, who also attended the Summit, claimed, "I hope it is not interpreted as a sign of tolerance of violation of human rights in Cuba."

Castro Did Not Attend the Summit

However, in a bid to avoid any ruffled feathers, the US embassy in Madrid issued an announcement claiming that the US-Spanish ties remain strong. Political analysts hailed the announcement as important given the withdrawal of the Spanish troops from the Iraqi territory shortly after Prime Minister Jose Luis Rodriguez Zapatero assumed office.

Cuban leader Fidel Castro did not attend the Salamanca Summit despite having been invited. For the history record, this was the fifth consecutive Summit Castro did not participate in. Cubas FM Felipe Perez Roque, head of the Cuban delegation, described both resolutions as "a victory of the Cuban diplomacy." Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez, Castros staunch political ally, accused the USA of nourishing the terrorists, praised the Summits resolutions and pointed out, "I think that it is a step forward the fact that the Salamanca Summit calls things by their name."

Reactions

The Summit was met with reactions on the part of the people. Inviting Castro sparked many demonstrations in the streets of Salamanca. Nearly 200 demonstrators gathered to protest against the Cuban regime and Spains invitation to Castro. Pro-Castro and Chavez marchers also staged rallies waving pictures of the Cuban leader and Che Guevara.

Colombias President &#193;lvaro Uribe V&#233;lez voiced his opposition to the high cost of the Summits and underlined that it would be better and less expensive if the participants were to talk through phones, instead of meeting at the place that hosts the Summits. In fact, he called these trips "Presidential tourism," and stressed that austerity should be diplomacys initial ingredient.

Aid to the Poorer Latin American Countries

The 22-nation Summit decided to set up a permanent Ibero-American Secretariat aiming at monitoring the realisation of the resolutions taken and at facilitating the communication among the participant countries. Enrique Iglesias was named Secretary General.

There were many leaders, however, that could not make it to the Summit, since the devastating passage of hurricane Stan left them with no choice but to remain in their countries to coordinate the relief operations. The Presidents of Equator, Nicaragua, Guatemala and El Salvador addressed the Summit through teleconferences

The 22 leaders also agreed to establish a mechanism for monitoring the response to natural disasters, while it is expected to play an instrumental role to immigration issues. At the same time, they discussed the possibility of forgiving debts of the Latin American countries in return for investment in education.

Spain announced that it is to grant a 65 million dollar aid to Guatemala and El Salvador, where the landslides caused by hurricane Stan killed more that 1,000 people.

Translated by Areti Christou

[04] Gunmen Killed Three People Atrocious Crime in Aigio

By Mary Lou Tzempelikou

Sources: NET, NET 105.8

A crime beyond belief was committed shortly after 8pm on Saturday in Aigio. Two armed masked men stormed into the house of a Greek-Egyptian businessman, after having cut the power, and opened fire before the eyes of the familys two children. The 40-year-old businessman and his parents were shot dead, while his wife is being treated in the hospital in a serious condition. The crime was brought to surface when the victims youngest daughter broke free and notified the villages residents. The police are conducting a probe and are considering all possibilities. As per information, the victim and his family had been living in Gerakas, Attica and been into the advertising industry. Top-ranking officials of the Greek Police have moved to Aigio to coordinate the probe into the motives of the murder.

Translated by Areti Christou

[05] Riots in Ohio

Violent clashes between neo-Nazis and members of anti-racist groups turned the city of Toledo, Ohio USA, into a battlefield. The riots broke out shortly before a group of neo-Nazis march in the centre of the city. Members of anti-racist organisations attacked the neo-Nazis with bottles and the police had to cancel the march. This decision made things even worse refuelling the clashes. Policemen and firefighters sustained minor injuries, while damages were caused to police vehicles. At least 24 people were arrested when the enraged crowd set fire on a shop. The Police Chief voiced his belief that tension is to prevail in the upcoming days, while Toledo Mayor Jack Ford put the blame on the gangs for they took advantage of the tension to settle their differences. At the same time, he banned circulation and declared a state of emergency.

Translated by Areti Christou

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