The Hellenic Radio (ERA): News in English, 06-04-13

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

CONTENTS

[01] Following the Two Earthquakes Zakynthos on Alert

By Anna Kourti

Sources: ANA, NET 105.8

Two aftershocks measuring 4.5 on the Richter scale were recorded during the night by the seismographs of the University of Thessaloniki, while their epicentre was located on Zakynthos. The two strong earthquakes measuring 5.4 and 5.8 on the Richter scale, which occurred shortly before 20:00 on Wednesday night, extended the residents suspense. There is great concern, while many residents spend the night in neighbouring villages or in their cars. Some damage has been reported in buildings. However, the construction of buildings is described as excellent. In the meantime, due to the continuous earthquakes, the first cancellations were made in view of Easter time. With a decision by the Municipal Local Self Governments of Zakynthos and Ilia schools in both prefectures will be closed and will re-operate after the Easter holidays. The developments are closely observed by seismologists, who estimated that the phenomenon is gradually subsiding.

Is this is an Earthquake Swarm?

Speaking on NET 105.8, Director of the Geodynamic Institute Gerasimos Papadopoulos stated that they cannot determine if this is an earthquake swarm yet. "If the seismic activity continues with less than magnitude-6 quakes, then we should not be concerned," he said.

Speaking on NET, Professor of Seismology Vasilis Papazachos on his part appeared certain that this is an earthquake swarm, a particular phenomenon which is not a precursor to a bigger earthquake.

As announced by the Geophysics Institute of Aristotle University, Thessaloniki, tens of aftershocks occurred after the two earthquakes of magnitude 5.8 and 5.4. The biggest occurred half an hour after midnight and measured 4.5 on the Richter scale, while the aftershocks, observed for the first time from the phenomenon, continued until dawn.

The phenomenon of consecutive seismic activity exceeding 5 Richter was observed last autumn in the area of Samos, while Zakynthos and the Ionian Islands have strong constructions which can absorb such vibrations.

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

Related News:

New Quakes on Zakynthos

[02] In Parliament Economy on the Focus

By Anna Kourti

Sources: NET 105.8

A discussion is taking place at this time in Parliament over the economy and presided by political leaders, following a demand of the Main Opposition leader. In his speech, the Prime Minister underlined that reforms will continue and are focused on the citizens interest, while making special reference to the effort of rationalising financial matters, noting that the vicious circle of deficits has to close. "We are fighting against the establishment and organised interests. The Governments priority is the increase of employment and the strengthening of vulnerable citizens," he said. The PM fiercely criticised PASOK noting "the proposals for uninsured employment and open dismissals reveal its double identity and secret plans". On the other hand, President of PASOK George Papandreou is expected to criticise the Governments economic policy and will speak about the weakening of the social state. In the meantime, on Thursday evening, the Prime Minister is to depart for Bulgaria, accompanied by Minister of Foreign Affairs Dora Bakoyannis and hold discussions with the political and State leadership. Moreover, agreements in the context of strengthening bilateral ties will be signed. A tour of Kilkis and Thessaloniki has been programmed on the weekend.

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

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[03] ND on the Lead

Sources: NET

As per an opinion poll by VPRC for SKAI RAdio, New Democracy is on the lead by two percentile units and receiving 41.5%, as opposed to PASOK which received 39.5%. On the question of who is more suitable for Prime Minister, Kostas Karamanlis received 16 percentile units, as opposed to George Papandreou. In particular, K. Karamanlis is considered more suitable by 43% of the persons questioned, as opposed to 45% received in a previous poll. On the same question, the leader of the Main Opposition received 27%, while 24% answered "none of the two." The majority of the persons negatively criticised the Governments economic policy. The opinion poll was conducted by telephone throughout the country on 6-7 April.

Responsibility over the Economy

In voter intention, the governing party received 41.5%, as opposed to 42% in March, while the Main Opposition Party 39.5%. The Communist Party presented an increase of one percentile unit receiving 9%, while Synaspismos and LAOS lost half a percentile unit and received 3% and 4% respectively.

Commenting on the Governments economic policy, 62% of the persons questioned described it as negative and 31% as positive, as opposed to 46% and 31% respectively in March.

On the question of which government has more responsibility over the economy, 16% answered ND and 45% PASOK, while 33% attributed responsibility to both.

Based on the vote in the 2004 election, 54% of ND voters voiced their satisfaction by their party and 38% their dissatisfaction. The percentages of PASOK voters on the above question were 52% and 45%.

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

[04] Honorary Dinner for Cats

By Mary Lou Tzempelikou

The dinner was a success. Two-hundred special guests were honoured for their assistance to a village in China. The only difference of the typical official dinner was the fact that the guests of honour were cats. The residents of the village of Sanjiang, in the eastern province of Guangdong, wanted to thank the cats, as they eradicated rats that were destroying their crops. The story began a few years back, when the villagers killed all the snakes, which, as everyone knows, eat rats, resulting in the unstoppable activity of the rodents. The villagers spend around 1,200 euros and bought 200 cats, releasing them into the fields. They in turn followed their instincts and performed their duties, eating the rats. When the time for reward approached, the villagers splashed out, buying large amounts of fish for their friendly felines and showing their gratitude.

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

[05] POE-OTA Strike Continuing Unbearable Situation

By Anna Kourti

Sources: NET 105.8

Refuse collectors in municipalities are striking for the 9th day and demanding their sectors integration to heavy and health hazardous occupations. Tonnes of garbage have piled up in the roads of the prefecture, while garbage trucks have started collecting around selected centre spots in Athens. In support of the employees, the Supreme Administration of Greek Civil Servants Trade Unions (ADEDY) will stage a four hour work stoppage from 11:00 to 15:00, in Athens and Thessaloniki. On Wednesday, the Presidency of the Federation of Workers Associations of the Local Government (POE-OTA) decided to proceed to a new 24-hour strike. On his part, Minister for the Interior Prokopis Pavlopoulos invited the unions to a dialogue over the heavy and health hazardous occupations list, while criticising POE-OTAs stance, noting that "it neither serves the interests of employees or society." The parties of the opposition criticised the Government over its stance on the issue.

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

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Piles of Rubbish

[06] 40 Hectares of Pine Forest Burned Down Fire in Skopelos under Control

Sources: NET 105.8

The great fire that broke out on Wednesday noon in the area of Stafylos, in Skopelos and burned down 40 hectares of pine forest was put under control on Thursday. Two aircrafts and a helicopter joined in the battle against the flames, while the latter is still in the area and throwing water on the remaining sources of the fire. Speaking on ERA Volos, the islands Mayor, Mr Pachis, voiced his grief over the destruction of the beautiful forest. It is reminded that the forest had been burned down in 1978 but was replanted.

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

[07] International Reactions IAEA Chief in Tehran

By Betty Savourdou

Sources: Reuters, BBC

Chief of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Mohamed ElBaradei has arrived in Tehran to resolve the crisis caused by Irans announcement that it successfully enriched uranium in a nuclear facility in Natanz. ElBaradei voiced the hope that he will convince Iran to suspend uranium enrichment, until important issues are resolved. On his part, President of Iran Mahmoud Ahmadinejad stated that his country will not negotiate over its peoples rights.

"We Will Not Negotiate"

"Today, our situation has changed and we are a nuclear country and we are talking to others from that position," stated Ahmadinejad shortly before the arrival of the IAEA Chief to the country.

"We will not hold talks with anyone about the Iranian nations right (to enrichment) and no one has the right to step back, even one iota," said the Iranian President.

It is noted that the report by ElBaradei, on Irans nuclear programme, will be ready by the end of the month and submitted to the UN Security Council and the 35 member-states of the IAEA.

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

Read the story on other sources:

BBC: ElBaradei puts pressure on Iran

CNN: Iran firm on nuclear program

Related News:

Iran Provokes with Uranium Enrichment

Related Links:

ÉÁÅÁ

[08] Tens of Casualties Bloody Clashes in Sudan

By Anna Kourti

Sources: Reuters, ANA

At least 32 persons, among whom 17 civilians, were killed in clashes between two opposing wings of an armed group, in southern Sudan, during the last five days. Rebels of the South Sudan Defence Forces (SSDF) clashed with an organisation that fought for the Government of Sudan against the Sudan Peoples Liberation Army (SPLA), during the north-south war. UN had developed 10,000 men, who were to observe the truce between the SPLA and Government forces.

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

[09] Fearing a Worsening of the Situation Cholera Cases in Angola

By Anna Kourti

Sources: Reuters, ANA

At least 142 persons have lost their lives by a cholera outbreak in Angola. As per UNICEF estimations the disease is worsening and new deaths may be recorded. "The problem is not under control," said UNICEF programme officer Akhil Iyer. His comments appeared in contrast to Angolan Minister of Health Sabastiao Velosos announcement last month that the disease is under control. In Angola, 3,321 cholera cases have been reported, the majority of which concentrated in the capital Luanda as per the latest data of the Ministry of Health. Cholera is transmitted through water and food, as well as contact with infected persons. If the right treatment is not used, the disease can kill up to 50% of those infected.

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

[10] Clarifications for Interim Report ADAE before Parliamentary Committee

By Vivian Papastefanou

The Parliaments Special Permanent Committee on Institutions and Transparency will convene anew the week after Easter to review the wiretapping case and call the Hellenic Authority for Information and Communications Security and Privacy (ADAE) to provide clarifications for their second interim report. As per the Committees President, Anastasios Karamarios, the head of the ADAE, Andreas Lambrinopoulos, will be asked to give a deposition. PASOK MP Evangelos Venizelos had expressed a similar request, while ND MPs Vassilis Magginas and Miltiadis Evert had stressed that the Committee should wait for ADAEs final report. Finally, the former Speaker of Parliament insisted on calling National Intelligence Service (NIS) chief Ioannis Korantis to testify.

Translated by Vicky Ghionis

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