The Hellenic Radio (ERA): News in English, 08-05-09

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

CONTENTS

[01] At least 10 Dead and Tens Injured

09 May 2008 09:35:00

By Athina Saloustrou

Fierce clashes among supporters of the anti-Syrian majority and supporters of the opposition backed by Damascus and Tehran continue for the third day in Beirut raising fears for a new civil war in Lebanon. French newspaper "LOrient Le Jour" says "War has broken out in the streets of west Beirut". Hospital sources said that at least 10 people were killed and tens injured on Thursday. Gunfire and rocket propelled grenades were heard during the night mainly in west Beirut.

According to eyewitnesses Hezbollah militia is in control of many neighbourhoods in west Beirut, considered stronghold of majority leader Saad Hariri. Clashes also broke out in the mixed Shiite, Sunni and Christian neighbourhood Hamra. Beiruts airport remains closed for the third day while the citys port also closed as a port authority official announced. The mouthpiece of the Sunni Muslim Future Current movement al Mustaqbal newspaper, owned by the Hariri family, was stormed by opposition followers at dawn. The army now is inside the building of the newspaper and the employees are now safe, said a journalist who works for the newspaper. Future Television, also owned by the Hariri family, is now under the control of the army, and the station has stopped its broadcasts.

In the meantime, many people, among them foreign nationals, have gone to the north borders of the country, trying to flee to Syria.

Translated by Chrisanthi Sarantis

Read the story on other sources:

BBC: Fighters shut Lebanon TV station

[02] Siemens: Questioning Continues

Sources: ÍÅÔ, ÍÅÔ 105.8, ÁNA-ÌPA

Prosecutor Panagiotis Athanasiou continues interrogation of alleged suspects in the Siemens case. Six people were summoned for today, among them 3 former OTE executives, a former Siemens executive and two executives from an electrical equipment company connected with the controversial bank account in Monaco. However they were given extension to give their statements on May, 16 and 22. The total number of people summoned so far is 20, while another two persons are likely to be questioned . The public prosecutor has collected significant information while the opening of the Swiss bank account is awaited with high interest. The holder of the account who has some kind of relation with an executive of Siemens Hellas agreed with the opening of the account stating that she is unaware of suspicious moves the authorities are investigating. In parallel, the prosecutor has asked the German authorities to send him the report on former Siemens executive, who is to face German justice on May, 26. It should be noted that the German top executive, who is both a defendant and witness, has spoken of channeling sums to Greek recipients. Investigation is expected to conclude in about a month.

Translated by Chrisanthi Sarantis

[03] "Cure Greed"

"Exandas" has selected four award winner documentaries regarding relation of contemporary man with the environment and the greed of multinational companies, states and individuals leading to destruction to be screened during a special event entitled "Cure Greed" to be held at the Microcosmos Cinema, on May, 11. Viewers will also have the opportunity to discuss related issues and questions with the director of the documentaries Giorgo Avgeropoulo and the "Exanda" group. Greek state television ERT is the sponsor of the event.

Tickets can be bought at the Microcosmos Cinema, 106 Syggrou Av, telephone 210 -921 5305. Priority will be considered due to the limited number of tickets. Price of ticket 5 euros for all films.

Translated by Chrisanthi Sarantis

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