The Hellenic Radio (ERA): News in English, 09-06-26

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

CONTENTS

[01] Crisis Both Inside Iran and Beyond

The council had already rejected a call for the annulment of the vote by moderate former Prime Minister Mirhossein Mousavi, who has led mass protests since he was declared a distant second in the election behind incumbent President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad.

"I want the judiciary to ... punish leading rioters firmly and without showing any mercy to teach everyone a lesson," Ahmad Khatami told worshippers at Tehran University.

Iranian state television said on Thursday eight Basij militiamen were killed by "rioters" during the protests. State media previously said 20 people were killed in the marches.

The Group of Eight foreign ministers, meeting in Italy, said they "deplored" the post-election violence and called on Iran to settle the crisis soon through democratic dialogue and peaceful means.

"The crisis should be settled soon through democratic dialogue and peaceful means on the basis of the rule of law," said a final draft statement by the G8 ministers. "We call on the Iranian government to guarantee that the will of the Iranian people is reflected in the electoral process.â

Source: Reuters

News item: 24126

[02] Karamanlis-Bakoyannis Meeting

Security in Europe is expected to run high on the agenda of the OECD Summit, which more than 50 Foreign Ministers, all the EU and NATO member states and Russia will participate in.

On the sidelines of the summit, Dora Bakoyannis will hold bilateral talks with the Foreign Ministers of Russia, Britain, Germany, Croatia, Turkey and the NATO Secretary General.

Exiting the Maximos Mansion, Bakoyannis commented on the measures taken by the government, arguing that no government wants emergency measures, but when it is forced to do so the goal is to tackle the budget's deficit.

News item: 24108

[03] Hoping to Get Christoforakos Extradited

The arrestee, who has a double citizenship, will probably pursue to stand trial in Germany where the offences he has committed are misdemeanors.

The Greek government, on its part, said it wishes to fully unravel the case, while PASOK (Panhellenic Socialist Movement) argued that the German Justice did what the Greek one failed to do and hoped that Mr Christoforakos will be extradited to Greece so that truth may finally come to light.

LAOS Popular Orthodox Rally) feared that the arrest may have resulted from a deal.

In the meantime, former Socialist deputy Theodoros Tsoukatos was given until coming Wednesday to testify on the case of one million Deutsche marks he said Siemens gave to PASOK.

Source: NET, ANA

Related news: Former Siemens Hellas Manager Arrested

News item: 24109

[04] King of Pop Passed Away

Michael Jackson, the child star turned King of Pop who set the world dancing but whose musical genius was overshadowed by a bizarre lifestyle and sex scandals, died on Thursday. He was 50.

Jackson was pronounced dead after arriving at a Los Angeles hospital in full cardiac arrest, Los Angeles coroner Fred Corral said.

Jackson's sudden death had been reported earlier by U.S. media including the Los Angeles Times and the TMZ entertainment website, which said he was taken ill at his home and rushed to the hospital by paramedics who found him not breathing when they arrived.

Known as the "King of Pop," for hits that included "Thriller" and "Billie Jean," Jackson's dramatic, one-gloved stage presence and innovative dance moves were imitated by legions of fans around the world.

His lifetime record sales tally is believed to be around 750 million, which, added to the 13 Grammy Awards he received, made him one of the most successful entertainers of all time.

But Jackson's belief that "I am Peter Pan in my heart", his preference for the company of children, his friendship with a chimp, his high-pitched voice and numerous plastic surgeries also earned him critics and the nickname "Wacko Jacko."

Jackson, who had lived as a virtual recluse since his acquittal in 2005 on charges of child molestation, had been scheduled to launch a comeback tour from London next month

News item: 24107

[05] Greek Socialist Leader Tours Balkan Nations

On Saturday, Papandreou will fly to Belgrade and join working luncheon hosted by Serbian President Boris Tadic. He will then meet with the head of the Serbian Socialist Party and Interior Minister Ivica Dacic.

Papandreou is due in Montenegro on Sunday evening to chair a meeting of the Socialist International board.

On Monday and Tuesday, George Papandreou will chair a council of the Socialist International. The global financial turmoil, climate change, illegal immigration and regional crises are among the issues to be brought up.

News item: 24092

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