The Hellenic Radio (ERA): News in English, 08-05-07

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

CONTENTS

[01] Strong Quake Hits Japan

By Katerina Ioannidou

Sources: ANA-MPA

A strong earthquake measuring 6.7 on the Richter scale jolted Wednesday eastern Japan. The local meteorological service said the tremor was felt in Tokyo, while its epicentre was located around 40km below sea level in the Pacific Ocean. There have been no reports of damage or casualties and no tsunami warning has been issued. Several other earthquakes measuring from 4.5 to 6.2 on the Richter scale had preceded.

Translated by Areti Christou

[02] Brian Cowen Is Ireland's New PM

Sources: AFP

Irelands new premier Brian Cowen vowed Wednesday to make winning a crunch EU referendum next month his first priority, immediately after being elected to succeed veteran leader Bertie Ahern. More broadly the former finance minister, who was elected by 88 votes to 76 in parliament, faces growing economic gloom after a decade-long boom in the so-called Celtic Tiger economy under Ahern. "I will strive to ensure that our European vocation is alive, engaged and a creative thing," he told lawmakers in a debate after his election by the Irish Dail, Irelands legislative assembly. "I look forward to leading a campaign over coming weeks to assure the Irish people that ratification of the European Reform Treaty is in our interests," he added, referring to the referendum expected on June 12. Ireland is the only EU member holding a referendum on the new treaty, whose rejection by French and Dutch voters in 2005 plunged the bloc into limbo. Ahern, one of Europes longest-serving leaders, announced his surprise resignation last month amid growing pressure from a judicial corruption probe. He has denied any wrong-doing. Cowen, 48, was the only contender for the leadership of Aherns ruling Fianna Fail party, and therefore for head of government.

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