The Hellenic Radio (ERA): News in English, 08-08-18

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

CONTENTS

[01] In Expectance of Withdrawal

Sources: ΝΕΤ 105.8, ΑNA

Russian President Dmitry Medvedev told his French counterpart Nicolas Sarkozy on a telephone conversation today that Russia will commence withdrawing its troops from Georgia today. Meanwhile, after Russia's announcement to withdraw its forces from Georgia, Georgian President Mikheil Saakasvili spoke about "future negotiations" with Russia, showing thus a sign of approach.Mr Sarkozy warned Russia to implement the peace agreement terms, otherwise it would face the consequences in its relations with the EU. German Chancellor Angela Merkel described the withdrawal an issue of credibility for Russia. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice also urged Russia to keep its promises and withdraw its troops, while as per The New York Times, Russia has installed multiple bases in South Ossetia for the launching of SS-21 missiles. Meanwhile, the president of secessed South Ossetia declared the region in a state of emergency, dismissing his government. At the same time, two border guards have killed in Abkhazia from a blast caused by the Georgian secret services.

Anti-missile Shield Agreement to be Signed

NATO Foreign Ministers are meeting in Brussels at the US reaquest to discuss the crisis in Caucasus. Then, US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice is to visit Warsaw to sign the agreement for the installment of anti-missile system.

Meanwhile, Russias permanent representative in NATO has announced today that Russia will re-examine its relations with NATO, following the "unacceptable" relations of NATO officials on Moscows role in the crisis between Georgia and South Ossetia.

Finally, UNHR has announced that due to the clashes, about 158,000 had been forced to leave their homes.

Translated by John Crystallidis

[02] All in Their Positions

Sources: ΝΕΤ 105.8

In view of the Thessaloniki International Trade Fair political parties are on alert. Prime Minister Kostas Karamanlis is holding deliberations with government cadres and Interior Minister Prokopis Pavlopoulos on the promotion of the new "Kapodistrias" plan today.

Meanwhile, PASOK (Socialists) cadres are in their positions as of today in view of its autumn counter attack. Party President George Papandreou will hold meetings on the 3 September anniversary and his presence in the Thessaloniki International Trade Fair. Mr Papandreou will visit the prefecture of Ilia at the end of the week to deliver the self-governments a cheque equal to 30% of the state subsidy received by PASOK. Soon, PASOK will focus its opposition policy on the civilians problems and the situation in the economy.

Translated by John Crystallidis

[03] Fleeing for Fear of Cyclone

Sources: ΑNA, ΝΕΤ 105.8

About 10,000 people have been evacuated in Cuba and 25,000 more from Kiz islands in Florida, areas that are threatened by tropical storm Fay, which may turn to a cyclone. Five people were killed when the storm lashed the Dominican Republic and Haiti. The storm, which caused downpours in southeastern Cuba with downpours and heavy winds Sunday, is expected to head toward Florida. Meteorologists do not rule ou t Fay to bring gusts of wind of up to 118 kph. Tourists have already begun evacuating Ki West island, 150 kilometres from Cuba, which is expected to be hit first by the storm.

Translated by John Crystallidis

[04] Oil Ceiling Prices to be Revised

Sources: ΝΕΤ 105.8

The Development Ministry will revise oil ceiling prices today, as new oil prices are to be announced in the afternnon on the basis of oil prices at petrol stations.

Ceiling prices are decided on the basis of the average unleaded oil prices in Attica, with an additional 5 cents that cover transport costs.

Meanwhile, petrol station owners in Crete are reacting to the oil ceiling prices measure. Although they have decided to implement the measure in order not to cause problems to tourists in Crete, they are thinking of taking recourse to the EU and Justice to claim foregone profits.

Translated by John Crystallidis

[05] Oil Prices Rising

Sources: ANA

Concerns over the possible repurcussions of tropical storm Fay on US oil installations in the Mexican Gulf have been pushing oil prices up. The morning price of light crude for September delivery was up by 74 cents at US$114.51 per barrel from Fridays US$113.77. Brent for October delivery was up by 85 cents at US$113.40 per barrel. An analyst for Purvin and Gertz in Singapore said that tropical storm Fay is threatening oil and natural gas production in the Mexican Gulf.

Translated by John Crystallidis

[06] Fifty Killed in Haiti

Sources: ANA

At least 50 people were killed when in Haiti on Sunday when a bus tried to cross a river swollen with rain from tropical storm Fay and was swept away. Over 20 survivors were pulled alive out of the raging waters of the River Glace in the south-western province of Grand-Anse, Mayor Oreste Andre of the town of Bomont, where the accident occurred, said. He said the people who were rescued survived by climbing onto the roof of the sunken bus. As per an eyetwitness, a child was among the survivors but a dozen children on board failed to make it out. The bus was packed with over 80 people, eyewitnesses reported.

Translated by John Crystallidis

[07] Coach Crash in Spain

Sources: ΝΕΤ 105.8, ΑNA

At least eight people were killed when a coach crashed at Oropesa del Mar, north of Valencia, on Sunday. The local media reported that an additional 40 passengers were injured, with six of them being in critical condition. The passengers were tourists from Morocco, who were travelling to Barcelona. Those killed included the Spanish driver. Initial investigations revealed that the driver lost control of the vehicle after a tyre burst. The bus was travelling from Valencia via Tarragona to Barcelona.

Translated by John Crystallidis

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