The Hellenic Radio (ERA): News in English, 08-06-21

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

CONTENTS

[01] Siemens Case

21 Ιουν 2008 13:44:0 (Last updated: 21 Ιουν 2008 17:48:0)

By Anna Kourti

Sources: ΝΕΤ, ΝΕΤ 105.8

Political news centers on developments in Siemens case, particularly after revelations for involvement of former PASOK senior members. However, judicial authorities are seeking for all persons involved in the laundering of the "black money". At the same time revelations by Thodoros Tsoukatos suspect of taking the some of 420.000 euros, who is to make his statement to public prosecutor next Tuesday, is posing a threat to PASOK party unity. In parallel, Akis Tsohatzopoulos has referred to justice denouncing a fabricated attempt to slander him. From Brussels, Prime-minister, Kostas Karamanlis has left open possibility for the setting up of an Inquiry Committee after the conclusion of judicial investigation. Mr. Karamanlis underlined that the ND party has no involvement in the case while he stressed that culprits will be punished regardless of their positions. " This situation harms Democracy and institutions" stressed Health Minister, Dimitris Abramopoulos, adding that politicians must assume their responsibilities and formulate an institutional framework which will consolidate transparency". "I demand the setting up of an Inquiry Committee on the Siemens case, as the start of deep restructures in the political system. I am determined to confront with the government and practices that damnify Greece", stressed PASOK President after the annual memorial for Andreas Papandreou. "Citizens must know how the distribution ring of black money to large political parties operated in our country said SYN president, Alexis Tsipras. LAOS party spoke of strong magnitude quake from Siemens case.

Translated by Chrisanthi Sarantis

[02] Fires in Crete under Control

By Anna Kourti

Sources: ΝΕΤ, ΝΕΤ 105.8

The fires at Gournes and Pompia, Heraklion in Crete were put under control late noon. Although the fire that broke out in Gournes threatened residences, it was put under full control in time. Two fire-fighting planes that are heading to Heraklion to help in containing the fire. The fire turned to ashes 200,000 square metres of grassland, while seven fire engines and 17 firemen helped in extinguishing the fire.

Another fire broke out in Foinikia, west of Selia, Rethymno burning grassland. Eight fire engines, 20 firemen and one fire-fighting helicopter fought the flames.

The fire is now under partial control.

Presently, a fire is burning in a rural area in Lefkada. Combating the fire are six fire engines, 12 firemen and two fire-fighting planes.

Meanwhile, Kalamos inhabitants spent a difficult night, as the fire that had broken out there yesterday afternoon, was put under control Saturday morning. Two houses were burnt and others sustained serious damages, while grassland and pine trees covering an area of 35,000 square metres were turned to ashes.

In parallel, another fire broke out at Attiko Alsos in Galatsi yesterday evening. The fire was put out before it spread. Meanwhile, the General Secretariat of Political Protection issued a warning for high risk of fires for today in eastern Attica, Evia, Crete, Lesvos, Chios, Samos and Ikaria.

Finally, Athens Mayor Nikitas Kaklamanis stated that the City of Athens will set up a Group of Special Needs to help firemen in their work.

Translated by John Crystallidis

Related News:

Fires in Kalamos and Attiko Alsos

[03] Quake 5.4 in Methoni

By Anna Kourti

Sources: ΑNA-ΜPA

A fresh quake measuring 5 on the Richter scale was registered south off Methoni at 16:45. This quake followed a 5.9-magnitude quake registered at 14:36 and the 5.4-magnitude quake that hit the same area at 08:57.

The 5.4-magnitude quake was registered by the Athens Observatory Geodynamic Institute and the Thessaloniki University Geophysics Laboratory.

Its epicenter was located 270 km southwest of Athens in the sea region south of Methoni. The same region was rocked by a 6.5 quake in February. The first quake was felt in the nearby regions but there are no reports of damages.

[04] According to Poll in Newsweek

21 Ιουν 2008 13:02:0

By Anna Kourti

Sources: ΑNA-ΜPA, Reuters, AFP

The presumptive Democratic Party presidential nominee, Barack Obama is 15 points (51%- 36%) ahead of his Republican party rival John MacCain according to a poll carried in Newsweek magazine. Newsweek says that the poll was conducted among 1.010 registered voters on 18, 19 June and allows a ±4 percentage points mistake. In the meantime, Barack Obama raised $21.9 million in May, his campaign reported on Friday, a day after the Democratic candidate said he would reject public financing for his presidential bid. "Israel is justified in providing for its security amid the "extraordinary threat" posed to it by Iran" said Barac Obama in response to an article carried in "The New York Times" quoting unnamed U.S. officials as saying that Israel had carried out a large military exercise this month that appeared to be a rehearsal for a potential bombing attack on Irans nuclear facilities. Obama, who will face his Republican party rival John MacCain, was asked during a press interview in Florida whether Israel is justified in organizing the military exercise.

Meridor:"Israel will not Tolerate a Nuclear Iran"

Barac Obama asked at a news conference in Jacksonville, Florida whether Israel was right to carry out the exercise said: "Without access to the actual detailed intelligence, I want to be careful about characterizing what was done and whether it was appropriate or not." But the Illinois Senator added that the Jewish state was right to be concerned about the anti-Israel comments of Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad and about Tehrans support for Hezbollah and Hamas. "And so there is no doubt that Iran poses an extraordinary threat to Israel and Israel is always justified in making decisions that will provide for its security," Obama said.

The Times said more than 100 Israeli F-16 and F-15 fighters took part in the maneuvers over the eastern Mediterranean and Greece in the first week of June. It said the exercise appeared to be an effort to focus on long-range strikes and illustrates the seriousness with which Israel views Irans nuclear program.

In an interview with CBS News Israels ambassador to the United States, Sallai Meridor, also talked of the "threat" posed by Iran. "We cannot take this threat lightly and as our prime minister recently said Israel will not tolerate a nuclear Iran," Meridor told the U.S. television network. Asked how much time was left before the diplomatic window closes, Meridor replied, "Less today than we had yesterday, and its, its running out."

Record High in US Political History

In the meantime, Barack Obama raised $21.9 million in May from contributions from his supporters while his campaign has a debt of about $304,000. The amount of contributions to his campaign is a record high in US political history.

In an event in Jacksonville, Florida to raise funds for his campaign, Obama maintained that it is too difficult for the Republicans to base their campaign on their economic or their outstanding foreign policy. Obama said: "We know the content of their campaign. They will try to scare you, to fear me. He is young, inexperienced and has a weird name. And referred that he is black, adding "They will also say that he has a nervous wife." "We know their strategy they have already shown their cards." However, the American people know that this old fashion prevented us from going ahead and only divided us", he concluded.

Translated by Chrisanthi Sarantis

[05] Oil Pipeline Attacked

By Betty Savourdou

Unknown attackers blew up a Nigerian crude oil pipeline operated by U.S. major Chevron late on Thursday, halting the production of 120,000 barrels per day, the Nigerian army announced.

The attack was launched near Escravos, Nigeria. The oil pipeline was destroyed with explosives stated an army official responsible for coordinating security in the Niger Delta region.

Translated by John Crystallidis

[06] Bookshop Torched

Sources: ANA-MPA

About 15 individuals set fire to "Nea Thesi" bookshop on 65, Ippokratous Street Saturday noon.

After storming into the bookshop, they drove the employees out and set fire to the bookshop, causing serious damage. Then, they fled, while the fire was put out by the Fire Brigade later.

Translated by John Crystallidis

[07] Stampede in a Police Raid

By Betty Savourdou

Sources: Reuters, ΑNA-ΜPA

At least 12 people have died in a stampede during a police raid on a packed nightclub in Mexico City.

The capitals police chief said 1,000 youths marking the end of the school year had panicked when police raided the News Divine club.

He said there had been a stampede by customers trying to escape. Three police officers were among the dead.

Police said they had been investigating reports that drugs and alcohol were being sold to under-age clubbers. At least 38 people were arrested.

At least 13 people were injured during the raid, police said.

Mexico City police chief Joel Ortega told Mexicos Televisa that the panic began when the clubs owner announced that police officers were present.

Read the story on other sources:

BBC: Deadly stampede at Mexico disco

[08] "Digital Briefing"

Sources: ΝΕΤ, ΑNA-ΜPA

The sessions of the 16th Panhellenic Journalists Conference in Samothrace concluded with the participation of about 300 journalists from Cyprus, Bulgaria, Turkey and Russia, foreign correspondents, University professors, politicians and self-government representatives. The meeting took place under the aegis of the Self-Governments Associations and the General Secretariat of Communication-Briefing of Macedonia-Thrace ministries. The conference was entitled - "Briefing on Digital Courses Challenges, changes, problems". About 35 electronic Press representatives from Greece, Cyprus and other countries, as well as professors and political party representatives addressed the meeting. The Conference constitutes an institution not only for journalists by for Samothrace itself as it plays an important role in its promotion and development.

Translated by John Crystallidis

[09] Two Concerts by Greek State Radio

By Anna Kourti

Sources: ΝΕΤ

Greek state radio celebrated World Music Day with transmission of two live concerts by the Second and Third radio programs. The Third Program transmitted live ERT National Orchestra concert conducted by Alkis Baltas with clarinet solist the winner of "Eurovision Young Musicians 2008" Dionisis Grammenos. The Second Program transmitted live ERT Contemporary Music Orchestra concert who performed works of Greek composers conducted by Andreas Pularinos. Songs were performed by Lena Alkaios, Magda Pensou and Maria Spiropoulos.

Translated by Chrisanthi Sarantis

[10] Bribed African Leaders

Sources: ΑPA-ΜPA, REUTERS

A minister of Zimbabwe government has accused the British Prime-minister Gordon Brown of trying to bribe African leaders to condemn second round of presidential elections in the African country before they were even held. "True to fashion, prime minister Gordon Brown is going back to the old habit of divide and rule," Science and Technology Minister Olivia Muchena, one of Mugabes campaign co-ordinators, said on state television. "We note with concern the attempt to bribe and coerce African leaders to speak against the results of the presidential run-off before they are even held on the 27th of June."

Translated by Chrisanthi Sarantis

[11] Torch Relay Ended "Without Incidents"

By Anna Kourti

Sources: BBC, ΑNA-ΜPA

The Olympic torch procession through Lhasa capital of Tibet ended without any incidents according to Fench News Agency correspondent. The Olympic torch relay in the geopolitical Chinese province, convulsed by bloody anti-Chinese protests three months ago which authorities attributed to autonomists, was held under tight security measures. The Olympic torch will pass through two other regions, birth-places of the present and a former Dalai Lama. A minutes silence in memory of quake victims in Sichuan province was kept at the opening ceremony. Tibet government in exile strongly criticized the route of the Olympic torch relay while incidents occurred during its world tour. Olympic Games start in August, in Beijing.

Translated by Chrisanthi Sarantis

[12] Turkey Reaches Euro 2008 Semis

By Giahanatzis Dimitris

Sources: ASSOCIATED PRESS

The Turks advanced to the semifinals with a 3-1 shootout victory over Croatia in Vienna, Austria, following a 1-1 draw through injury time. They barely got the goal that forced the penalty kicks that they then dominated.

"I tell my players never to give up," said Turkey coach Fatih Terim, whose team rallied with two late goals to beat the Czech Republic and qualify for the quarterfinals.

In the shootout, Turkey made its first three tries, and goalkeeper Rustu Recber dived left to save a penalty shot from Mladen Petric to clinch it.

Turkey next faces Germany on Wednesday in Basel, Switzerland.

Lineups:

Croatia: Pletikosa, Corluka, R Kovac, Simunic, Pranjic, Srna, Modric, N Kovac, Rakitic, Kranjcar (Petric 64), Olic (Klasnic 97).

Turkey: Rustu, Altintop, Zan, Asik, Balta, Topal (Senturk 76), Sarioglu, Sanli, Turan, Kazim-Richards (Boral 61), Nihat (Karadeniz 117). Booked: Sanli, Turan, Boral, Asik.

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