The Hellenic Radio (ERA): News in English, 10-03-02

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

CONTENTS

[01] Israel: Houses Pulled down to Build Archaeological Park

The Jerusalem Mayor is planning to turn part of the Arab-inhabited Silwan neighborhood, near the Old City, into an archaeological park. Mayor Birkat is expected to unveil the details of the plan called Kings Garden because it looks out upon the place where King David was thought to have been. The Israeli radio said about 40 Arab houses have to be pulled down.

Their owners were offered to switch to new houses.

Ire Amim, an Israeli non governmental organization, stressed that the Mayor's intention is part of a plan to create nine "biblical parks" around the Old City.

Source: ANA/MPA News item: 33913

[02] No Rises in Pensions

Citing insurmountable financial problems that plague the pension funds, the Greek Employment Minister confirmed there will be no rises in the pensions. Andreas Loverdos reiterated his stance against having retirement age risen from 65 to 67 years. He said that his goal is to have the retirement age risen to 63,5 years. SYRIZA (Coalition of the Radical Left) took a stand against the abolition of the tripartite funding, while KKE (Greek Communist Party) declined a dialogue invitation. "We will live through tough times, yet we hope bridges for tomorrow will hold," commented LAOS (Popular Orthodox Rally).

Source: ΝΕΤ 105.8 News item: 33906

[03] Devastating Earthquake Turns Chile into "War Zone"

Thousands of Chilean troops have been deployed to the country's devastated earthquake zone to restore order and avert looting, after the massive 8.8 magnitude quake that hit the country in the early hours of Saturday and claimed at least 723 lives. In the meantime, hundreds of people are still missing, while the damage caused in infrastructure is huge. However, reality is highly likely to take a turn for the worse, since the tidal waves that followed the earthquake swept through entire fish villages. Authorities fear that the death toll might rise even further. Flash projections say that the damage caused is estimated to cost 30 billion dollars, about 20% of Chile's GDP.

Looting and Calls for International Aid

The army was called in to help the police force to deal with looters and restore order. In the meantime, outgoing Chilean President Michelle Bachelet called for international aid, as it was become clear that the country's infrastructure was not enough to helps the millions of the quake-stricken.

Several areas of Concepcion have been turned into a war zone, since looting and burglaries have increased despite tank patrols.

Tens of people stormed into a super market late on Monday, while others raided a fire service station, since the residents are seeking for water and petrol.

Shop owners and residents have formed patrolling groups trying to protect their fortunes.

Michelle Bachelet deployed about 7,000 soldiers and ordered a curfew in a drive to restore order. She also said that the government was to dispatch food and medicines.

A small airplane carrying aid to Concepcion crashed on Monday. All six passengers on board were killed.

Source: NET, NET 105.8, ANA/MPA

Σχετικό άρθρο: Ξεπέρασαν τους 700 οι νεκροί στη Χιλή BBC: Extra troops deployed amid Chile earthquake unrest News item: 33905

[04] Taxi Drivers on Strike

Reacting to the new taxation system, taxi drivers embarked Tuesday on a 48-hour strike. In particular, they oppose the government's intention to force them keep accounts. The taxi drivers are to gather in central Athens and drive towards the Finance Ministry.

Source: NET 105,8, ANA/MPA News item: 33904

[05] Turkey: Crucial Meeting on Military Coup Plot

The crisis that broke out in Turkey over an alleged military coup plot would be addressed within the law, said Turkey's President after meeting with Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan and armed forces chief Gen Ilker Basbug.

Mr Erdogan was quoted by local media as saying Thursday's meeting had gone "very well".

Following the meeting, the President's office issued reading, "It was stressed that citizens can be sure that the problems on the agenda will be solved within the framework of the constitution and our laws."

Source: NET, BBC News item: 33755

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