The Hellenic Radio (ERA): News in English, 08-04-20

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

CONTENTS

[01] Under Very Strict Security Measures

20 Apr 2008 11:07:00

Sources: ANA, MNA, AFP, German News Agency

The Olympic flame arrived in Malaysia on Sunday ahead of a relay in which it will be guarded by about 1,000 police watching for possible protesters over Chinas Tibet crackdown.

The flame, stored in a special container, arrived from Bangkok early Sunday on a plane dedicated to carry it to all 19 international destinations on the torch relay before it lands in Beijing for the Olympic Games opening ceremony in August.

Police "are fully aware of the challenges that this torch has faced in other situations, and they have been organizing themselves to face any of these challenges," said M. Jegathesan, vice president of the Olympic Council Malaysia.

On Friday, about 30 Falun Gong practitioners demonstrated in Kuala Lumpur, calling for an end to alleged Chinese human rights abuses ahead of the Beijing Olympics. China has banned the Falun Gong spiritual movement as a dangerous cult. It is not banned in Malaysia.

The destinations of the Olympic Flame on Asia include India, Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, Australia, South Korea, Japan, and Vietnam before it arrives in China.

Translated by Sofia Gartziou

[02] At least 15 Dead

20 Apr 2008 10:44:00

Sources: ANA, MNA

At least 15 people died and 35 were injured when a broke out by fireworks swept through a crowded Quito nightclub on Saturday, emergency officials said.

Rescue workers continued to search for bodies after the fire, among the worst in a decade in the hilly capital, where restaurants and clubs often lack proper emergency exits.

"The fire has been put under control but we still do not know the death toll," a representative of the Red Cross stated. According to information there are many injured people in critical condition.

Translated by Sofia Gartziou

[03] 9 Tourists form Finland Died

20 Apr 2008 10:38:00

Sources: ANA, MNA

Police authorities announced that 9 tourists from Finland died and 35 injured when their bus crashed with a car in Costa Del Sol, S. Spain.

The 49 passengers of the bus were members of a team in vacations and were heading to the airport when the accident occurred in Benalmadena area.

The bus crashed to a car, the driver of the bus lost control and the bus fell to a cliff. 19 of the injured passengers are being hospitalized in critical condition.

This is the most serious accident that has ever occurred in Spain during the last 7 years.

According to police report, the car that caused the accident was driving to the opposite direction from the bus, the driver tried to illegally pass the bus resulting to the collision of the two vehicles. According to Mass Media the driver of the car was drunk.

Translated by Sofia Gartziou

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