The Hellenic Radio (ERA): News in English, 08-04-28

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

CONTENTS

[01] With Improved Weather

28 Apr 2008 10:13:00

Sources: ΝΕΤ-ΝΕΤ 105,8

Road traffic police has taken extra measures in the national and province road nets as the return of the first wave of Eastern holiday makers is expected to be risen. Meteorologists are expecting rainfalls and sporadic storms northeast which will progressively improve in the continental part of the country. Today traffic of lorries will be prohibited in the national highways. Police officers will also conduct alcohol tests and control checks for exceeding speed and reckless driving. Risen measures will also put onto effect in airports, ports and bus stations. In addition, traffic officers will also inspect traffic in the tolls of urban centers where many accidents are reported every year.

Translated by Sofia Gartziou

[02] EU Report on Economy

Sources: ΝΕΤ-ΝΕΤ 105,8

According to the European Commission spring report which is expected to be released on Monday, Greeces budgetary deficit is expected to settle at 2%. Inflation will record a rise of 3,7% in 2008 and will drop to 3,6% in 2009. The unemployment rate 8,3% will not change in 2008 while it will settle at 8% in 2009. The growth pace will double in realtion to the average 2008 eurozone growth pace; that is 3,4% from 1,7%. The European Commission report is likely to express low expectations regarding the eurozone's inflation rate which is expected to rise up to 3,2% this year due to the international oil prices as well as due to the rising prices of basic consumption products. However, the European Commission estimates that the European Union will not face an economic recession.

Translated by Sofia Gartziou

[03] Oil Price Reaches $ 120

Sources: ANA, MNA

Oil prices hit a historic peak close to 120 dollars on Monday after a strike at a key Scottish refinery slashed North Sea output and heightened global supply concerns. New Yorks main oil futures contract, light sweet crude for June delivery, touched 119.93 dollars in early Asian trade, beating last Thursdays previous high of 119.90 dollars. The contract later stood at 119.21 dollars, up 69 cents from Friday.

Londons Brent North Sea crude for June rose 72 cents to 117.06 dollars Monday after striking an all-time high of 117.56 dollars on Friday. Industrial action at the Grangemouth refinery, west of Edinburgh, has forced British energy giant BP to shut down the neighbouring Forties pipeline which supplies 40 percent of the countrys oil and gas.

The market has also been supported by a weak dollar, tightening global supplies, ongoing unrest in key African producer Nigeria and the OPEC cartels refusal to increase output, traders said.

Translated by Sofia Gartziou

[04] Karamanlis-Putin Meeting

28 Apr 2008 12:20:00

Sources: ΝΕΤ 105,8

Energy cooperation between Greece-Russia and also the Skopje name issue will dominate the talks which will take place in Moscow where the Prime Minister Mr. Costas Karamanlis will meet Vladimir Putin. However, it is estimated that at the focus of discussion will be the memorandum for the South Stream natural gas pipe line construction. During his visit in the Russian capital, Kostas Karamanlis will have his first meeting with the successor of Vladimir Putin, Dimitri Medvedev.

Translated by Sofia Gartziou

[05] Austria Shocked

Austria is shocked by the scandal that has recently brought into light; a woman was kept prisoner for 24 years in the basement of her house by her own father who was sexually abusing her from the age of eleven. Authorities of Amstetten city report that the case is reminiscent of that of Natasha Kampusch, the Austrian teenager held captive in a cellar in a house in a Vienna suburb for eight years, who ran to freedom in 2006. According to the police the father, 73, allegedly had seven children with his daughter, now aged 42, and is under arrest. 3 of the children were kept locked with their mother while one of them died shortly after his birth.

Translated by Sofia Gartziou

[06] UN Meeting on Poverty

UN general secretary Ban Ki-Moon will present on Monday the 27 suggestions adopted by the UN services such as the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund for the handling of the major crisis caused by the rising of food product prices recorded in an international level. Severe debate is expected in the meeting between supporters and opponents on the protection and the opening of markets, bio fuels as well as on other issues too.

Translated by Sofia Gartziou

[07] Fire in Los Angeles

Los Angeles authorities proceeded to the removal of 1.000 people from their houses due to fire that broke out along a walking path and was soon spread to the hills south east of the city. 400 to 500 houses were evacuated after order issued by the authorities while 50 people who were attending a wedding in a mountainous resort were also removed by helicopter as the fire had blocked all exit roads. The fire broke out on Saturday in S. California where the temperature was quite high. Weak winds as well as humidity are helping the effort of firemen. However it will take 4 to 5 days until the fire is distinguished. 400 firemen as well as firefighting planes and helicopters are trying to put it under control.

Translated by Sofia Gartziou

[08] Multi Fatal Train Accident

By

A high-speed passenger train jumped the track in the eastern province of Shandong early on Monday, striking another train and leaving 70 dead and 416 injured, railway authorities confirmed. Authorities are afraid that death toll may rise as 51 injured passengers are in critical condition. Four French nationals were hospitalized with bone fractures. Preliminary investigations suggested the accident was caused by human error. Authorities have ruled out the possibility of terrorism. It is estimated that this is the worst train accident since 1997 when more than 100 people were killed in a train crash in Yunnan province.

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