The Hellenic Radio (ERA): News in English, 08-05-19

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

CONTENTS

[01] For Admission to Higher Education

19 May 2008 09:10:00 (Last updated: 19 May 2008 11:35:50)

Sources: ΝΕΤ, ΝΕΤ 105.8, ANA-MPA

The school subject Modern Greek Language opens on Tuesday the national-level examinations for the general high school graduates. The night school ones are being examined on the same subject on Monday. This year, as many as 94,600 candidates will struggle for a place in higher education, while the Education Ministry is on standby to address any problems. Education Minister Evrypides Stylianides, who met Monday morning with the Prime Minister, has assured that all necessary measures have been stepped up to safeguard the objectivity of the exams. As is the case year in year out, ERTonline will be by the candidates side with a special section on the national-level exams, where they can search for the answers to the questions (the section said is available in Greek only). In the meantime, the Education said that a public dialogue on establishing a preparatory year for admission to tertiary education is to open within 2008, while the Ministry is considering abolishing the national-level exams. At the same time, the week that has just dawned is viewed as crucial for the implementation of the framework law on universities. Tensions have already run high in the academic community, while students unions are likely to announce sit-ins. The establishment of non-state universities has triggered off a new political wrangling.

Translated by Areti Christou

Related News:

Suggestions-Intersections in Education

[02] China Declares National Mourning

By Betty Savourdou

Sources: Reuters, ANA-MPA

China declared a three-day mourning period for the more than 30,000 victims of the strong quake that struck the country on 12 May. Flags are flying at half mast, while sirens sounded to "wail in grief" at 2:28 pm (9:28 Greek local time), the exact time the quake hit a week ago. A three-minute of silence was observed throughout the nation for the tens of thousands of dead and missing. All events related to the Olympic Torch, even the relay, were decided to be suspended for three days. The latest evidence speak of 32,173 dead, however the death toll is feared to rise. The injured stand at nearly 220,000, while as many as 9,509 people are believed to be still trapped in the rubble in the southwestern province of Sichuan. The missing amount to 29,418, and the homeless to 4.8 millions. On Sunday, a strong aftershock measuring 6.0 on the Richter scale claimed three lives. Another 1,000 were reported injured. The official Xinhua news agency said that more than 200 rescue workers had been buried under tones of mud in the last three day, while vying to access the quake-ravaged areas.

Translated by Areti Christou

Read the story on other sources:

BBC: China mourns earthquake victims

Related News:

Aftershocks Keep Jolting China

[03] Diplomats Visit Myanmar

19 May 2008 10:11:00

By Alexandros Moz

Sources: ANA-MPA, AFP

Myanmars junta allowed the reps of 29 nations to visit Wednesday the cyclone-hit areas at the Irrawaddy Delta, a Japanese paper read, citing an unnamed junta source.

A Japanese Ministry spokesman confirmed that his country had been invited "for an inspection tour." He did not said, however, whether the rest 28 nations had been invited.

As per the paper, Myanmars military rule invited friendly nations, like China and India, as well as the USA and other European countries, which have bitterly criticized Myanmars military regime.

Myanmar has come under fire for refusing an international humanitarian aid to the millions of the cyclone-stricken. On Saturday, the military regime led foreign diplomats and UN representatives to the stricken areas. Foreign reporters, however, are not allowed access to the same areas.

Donor Nations Summit

In the meantime, Myanmars junta wishes for a donor nations summit to coordinate the distribution of the foreign aid to the hundreds of thousands of cyclone victims, said Monday the head of the Thai diplomacy, exiting his meeting with his Burmese counterpart.

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