The Hellenic Radio (ERA): News in English, 05-10-29

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

CONTENTS

[01] Sources Spoke of Arrests of Suspects Triple Hit in Delhi

By Despina Hristopoulou

Sources: Reuters, Associated Press, ANA

At least 55 persons have been killed by the three blasts, which rocked New Delhi, three days before the commencement of the biggest Hinduism celebration, and with the capital being packed with people from all over the world. The latest toll spoke of 152 injured, among them many foreigners. The blasts occurred within minutes from each other. Two of the blasts occurred in busy markets of the Indian capital. As per government official Sheila Dikshit, the action was well planned, but noted that it is too early to conclude who is behind them In the meantime, a Police source announced that 10 persons have been arrested and being interrogated. The three suspects were arrested at the station of New Delhi and the rest in the city centre. Prime Minister Manmohan Singh urged citizens to remain calm and noted "India will win the battle against terrorism." The attacks were condemned by Pakistan, as the countrys Foreign Affairs Ministry described them as "terrorist actions." EU Foreign Policy Chief Javier Solana also condemned the attacks. Up to now, no organisation has claimed responsibility of the attacks.

Busy Areas Targeted

The blasts spread death, at the time when the Indian capitals markets were filled with families shopping for the Diwali festival. The citys streets were decorated with small lanterns, which were replaced by lights of police cars and ambulances. The majority of the dead were civilians. The authorities noted that the victims would have been more if the bombs had detonated the dozens of fireworks stored in houses and stores, in view of Diwali.

The Indian PM returned to Delhi from Calcutta, in order to preside over an emergency Security Council meeting.

The first strong blast occurred at a central hotel at a movie theatre, in a crowded shopping centre near the main railway station, in Paharganj, mostly visited by western tourists. As per sources, 60 persons were injured by the blast.

Shortly after, two more blasts followed. One of the explosions occurred at the Sarojini Nagar market, and the other at industrial area Govindpuri, in the southern part of the capital. Panic was apparent at the scene of the blasts. Rescue crews immediately attempted to collect the casualties and injured from the rubble, while citizens were trying to locate their family members within the injured.

As per Reuters, the blast in Govindpuri occurred near a bus filled with people. The driver said he saw two men leaving a bag. He called out to them but they did not return, while a man opened the bag. Following, the driver threw it in a bush. Indian officials stated that the bombers had used an explosive material called RDX.

The blasts sounded a terrorism alarm in India and Bombay, as well as in other towns, and the authorities heightened security measures. Actually, in New Delhi, where 12 millions persons live, all markets were closed down. Recently, the USA had warned their citizens on an expected terrorist hit in New Delhi and other Indian towns, as they suspected the existence of an Al Qaeda nucleus.

Translated by Areti Christou

[02] Sudden Weather Change Winter Sets In

By Dimitris Alexopoulos

Sources: NET, NET 105.8

A sudden fall in temperature by up to 13 degrees Celsius accompanied by gales in the Aegean Sea, reaching 9 on Beaufort scale, which resulted in the issuing of a sailing ban from the ports of Piraeus and Rafina, marks the end of October. In the Saronic Gulf, few routes are taking place, while there is no disruption in the routes connecting Rafina with Marmari. On the contrary, shipping routes from Kavala to Prinos have been banned. The 28 October long weekend holidayers, who visited the Aegean Sea islands and Crete, may encounter difficulties in returning, since the sailing ban is likely to be also in force on Sunday due to the gale winds.

Return With Snowfalls?

The fall in temperature is to mainly affect the eastern and northern parts of Greece.

The Hellenic National Meteorological Service has forecast snowfalls, while rains and storms are expected in the mainland.

The holidayers using the road network had better be informed about the weather conditions that will prevail over the place of their destination. The Traffic Police has already been on alert and is to monitor the basic road networks that lead to the major urban centres.

Translated by Areti Christou

[03] In Italy Piglet Clones

By Dimitris Alexopoulos

Sources: BBC

The Italian Laboratory of Reproductive Technology in Cremona announced on Friday the cloning of 14 pigs. It is noted that the laboratory in question had succeeded in producing the first horse clone. The piglets are a few weeks old and are in sound health. Given that the pigs genetic code is very much close to that of humans, their being cloned if of great significance to the studies conducted on the human organ transplants. So far, scientists have cloned many animals paving the way for a future animal clone. The latest experiments aimed at studying the stem cells, which constitute the base of the human body, and the scientists deem that their reproduction may contribute to wiping out many incurable diseases.

Translated by Areti Christou

[04] Party's Renewal is Necessary Aleka Papariga on Youth

By Despina Hristopoulou

Speaking at the Panhellenic KKE Conference about actions for problems and the modern needs of the youth, Aleka Papariga asked for the collective actions of KKE on the party and bodies renewal. The General Secretary referred to the partys responsibility to specialise its strategy on the youth, and noted that KKE "should work on a plan, focused on the renewal of the party and its bodies, with new blood from the workers classes." Moreover, she noted, "In order to respond to our duty to the youth, to renew the party, we have to change the way we work, meaning we have to readjust, taking into account the partys long term experience, and mainly that there are developments and new problems in approaching the youth. The same applies for the ideological political guidance and help to the Communist Youth of Greece (KNE)."

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

[05] N. Georgiadis to Apologise

By Dimitris Alexopoulos

Following the fiery reactions, the Secretary of NDs Parliamentary Group, Apostolos Stavrou, called upon the partys MP Nikos Georgiadis to apologise for his opinion with regard to the name of the FYROM. In his interview with a radio station, Mr Georgiadis had used the word "hogwash" to describe Greeces policy on the issue of the FYROM. He then claimed that the use of the word was rather emphatic, while he placed himself in favour of the name "Republic of Macedonia." The two men will be meeting on Monday.

Translated by Areti Christou

[06] Talat's Trip to the USA Talat Achieved the Self-Evident

By Dimitris Alexopoulos

Commenting on the meeting held between the Turkish-Cypriot leader Mehmet Ali Talat with the US Secretary of State Condoleeza Rice, Cypriot government spokesperson Kypros Chrysostomidis said that Mr Talats trip to the USA failed to produce the anticipated results for the Turkish-Cypriot side. Mr Chrysostomidis claimed that Mr Talat achieved the self-evident, namely the recognition that the Turkish-Cypriots are in need of an economic boost, without managing to talk the USA into using the ports and the airports of the occupied Cyprus. When asked to comment on the statement by the Turkish-Cypriot leader that he is dedicated to a solution that will unify the island, Mr Chrysostomidis maintained that the Greek-Cypriot side fully agrees and reiterated that they are in favour of a direct dialogue, which needs to be thoroughly prepared first. He added, however, that it remains to be clarified whether Turkey and Mehmet Ali Talat are after reintroducing the Annan plan as it is or with minor decorative changes.

He Criticised the US Policy

Mr Chrysostomidis also noted that Ms Rice met Mr Talat with the capacity of the leader of the Turkish-Cypriot community, however, he added that such actions fuel the dividing tendencies that lie in Cyprus and give the impression that Talat can assume a separate legal identity, which constitutes its aspiration.

Therefore, he once again criticised the US policy on the Cyprus issue claiming that the USA seems to fail to realise that by boosting Mr Talats arrogance it boosts the dividing tendencies in Cyprus.

The 20-minute meeting between Talat and Rice topped the front covers of Saturdays Turkish-Cyprus papers with most of them highlighting the fact that the Turkish-Cyprus leader was addressed as "President."

Translated by Areti Christou

[07] Multi-Casualty Attack in Iraq

By Despina Hristopoulou

Sources: BBC

Iraq lived through another bloodshed today. On Saturday evening, more than 25 persons were killed in a car bombing in the market of the Shiite village of Howaider, near Baquba, north of Baghdad. As per hospital sources the injured exceed 30. In the meantime, the US Army announced that during the last 48-hours eight soldiers were killed in Iraq.

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

[08] Denied the Report's Findings Syria-UN Collaboration

By Despina Hristopoulou

On Friday, after a meeting with Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak, in Damascus, Syrian President Bashar al-Assad announced the forming of a special judicial committee on the investigation, in collaboration with the UN investigate committee, of an probable Syrian intervention in the death of former Lebanese PM Rafik Hariri. "President al-Assad gave an order for the creation of a special investigative committee in collaboration with Syrian citizens and military men, while it will closely work with the UN committee as well as Lebanese judicial authorities," reads a special announcement by the countrys Presidency. The UN Investigative Committee led by Detlev Mehlis pointed the finger at high rank Syrian intelligence officials on organising the assassination, in collaboration with former officials of Lebanon. However, Syria and Lebanon denied the reports findings. Actually, the Syrian President noted that the findings of the investigation "which has not yet been completed" are to be used "to serve certain sides and interests."

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

Related News:

Implementation of Measures by Syria

[09] 2nd Win for Maroussi

By Stathis Petropoulos

Maroussi doubled its wins in this years Championship, as it defeated Olympia Larissa 64-63, in a game for the 2nd round of the A Basketball Division. The visiting team was ahead 19-15 in the start of the second period, however the "yellow and blacks" answered back with a consecutive 10-0, which resulted in them gaining the lead 25-19. Olympia tried to react, however, Panagiotis Yannakis players kept the lead in the score until the first half by 35-29. The "oranges" took the lead by 51-49 in the start of the fourth period. In the 37 the two teams tied, however the home team retained its coolness, and celebrated the win by 64-63. The ten-minute periods: 15-16, 35-29, 49-47, and 64-63.

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

[10] Olympiacos Beats Apollon Patras

By Vasilis Kalpinos

Regardless of the games difficulties, ie players injuries and a ten-point difference, Olympiacos earned a win against Apollon Patras 70-64, in the game for the second round of the A Basketball Division. This was the second win in two games for the team of Jonas Kazlauskas. The ten-minute periods: 15-25, 32-41, 55-50, and 64-70.

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

[11] First Win for Makedonikos

By Vasilis Kalpinos

In a game for the second round of the A Division Basketball Championship, Makedonikos earned a win against Panionios. This was the first win for the new coach of the "greens", Giorgos Kalafatakis. Moreover, it was also a kind of informal revenge by the Greek coach, who last year, left the team of Panionios in not the best possible way. The ten-minute periods: 14-13, 36-27, 51-43, and 72-59.

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

[12] First Win for Kallithea

By Stathis Petropoulos

Kallithea, obviously better in the duration of the game, defeated Akratitos 2-0, with Ilie Dumitrescu celebrating, since his new team beat his previous. The Romanian however was in the stands and not at the teams benches, as he was replaced by Vagelis Goutis, who did quite well coaching. The home team lost its first good opportunity in the 26 with Georgiev send the ball on the goalpost with a foul shot, and the first half of the game had nothing better in store. In the second half, Akratitos made its presence felt for the first time in the game in the 51 when Vujovic kicked the ball onto Souloganis, but Kallithea was the one counterattacking, thus in the 69 Lazanas opened the score. The final 2-0 was scored in the third minute of added time with Yanchev, while earlier, in the 80 Merino, Akratitos best player, had been kicked out for a foul on Koulakiotis.

Referee: Kouklakis (Chania) Red card: Merino 80 Yellow cards: Vokolos, Passas

Kallithea: Souloganis, Georgiev, Vokolos, Koulakiotis, Karatzas (67 Diamantis), Tsiolis, Telkivski (46 Petkovic, 89 Aggelopoulos), Yanchev, Lazanas, Sylla, Passas

Akratitos: Stelea, Obradovic, Vanoli, Paganin, Badas, Zuela, Marinescu (71 Skoufalis), Sales (60 Macquet), Defrancesco, Merino, Vujovic (84 Sow)

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

[13] Olympiacos' Winning Streak

By Stathis Petropoulos

Olympiacos fulfilled its purpose in Kalamaria, and the losing streak of two defeats did not continue, since the score of 2-1 gave the "red and whites" three points, placing them at the top of the A Division rankings. However, the teams performance cannot be described as good, as the win came about by the experience of Sollieds players, managing their powers in such a way, as to not lose from objectively weak teams. Olympiacos was not impressive, even if it imposed its pace and lost several opportunities, one of which was Buluts goalpost shot in the 12. The goals for Olympiacos were scored by Okkas in the 46 and Konstantinou in the 72, while for Apollon Kalamarias by El Omari in the 60.

Referee: Tsikinis Yellow cards: Fytanidis, Murawski, Toure

Apollon Kalamaria: Kovac, Ioannou, Fytanidis, Cleyton, Wellington, Karamanlis (80 Mouzaoui), Murawski, Karaliopoulos, Parmaxidis (78 Samouilidis), Amponsah, Christoforidis (58 El Omari)

Olympiacos: Giannou, Mavrogenidis, Kostoulas, Anatolakis, Bulut (70 Georgatos), Kafes, Toure, Stoltidis (70 Babaginda), Okkas, Djordjevic, Konstantinou (89 Dani)

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

[14] Of Avian Influenza in Birds on Oinousses Final Results are Negative

By Despina Hristopoulou

Sources: ANA

The final results of the analysis of samples from poultry on Oinousses were negative of the avian influenza. The results were announced by the Community Reference Laboratory on the Avian Flu, in Weybridge, Great Britain, and the National Reference Laboratory in Thessaloniki. After the issuing of the final results, the General Veterinary Directorate of the Rural Development Ministry, in collaboration and the accordance of the EU relevant Veterinary Service, briefed the Veterinary Directorate of Chios, on the lift of the suspected H5 measures taken, in compliance with the foreseen on the Emergency Management Plan. Moreover, the Veterinary Directorate of the Rural Development Ministry briefed relevant bodies of the European Commission, as well as other international organisations on the final results of the analysis.

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

Related News:

Yet Another Case of H5N1

[15] Aris Defeated GS Larissa

By Vasilis Kalpinos

Aris, led by coach, Ilias Zouros, with great difficulty defeated GS Larissa 91-84, in a game of the 2nd round of the A Division Championship, thus reaching 4 points in the standings. On the other hand, the team of Larissa counted its second consecutive defeat. The ten-minute periods: 20-22, 43-43, 61-66, and 84-91.

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

[16] Iraklis Earned a Win

By Vasilis Kalpinos

In the game for the second round of A Division Basketball Championship, Iraklis defeated Kolossos Rhodes 78-75. The game was a derby, since the winner emerged in its last minutes, with Iraklis keeping its cool in the court. On the other hand, the team of Rhodes lost a great opportunity of earning a first win in the A Division. The ten-minute periods: 17-20, 40-38, 60-58, and 78-75.

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

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