The Hellenic Radio (ERA): News in English, 03-03-18

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

CONTENTS

[01] Weather forecast

Extreme weather conditions with gale force winds up to 12 beaufort, have caused serious problems throughout Greece, destroying acres of crops, uprooting trees and damaging properties.Ships remain docked at ports nationwide and all ferry routes have temporarily closed down.

According to the weather bureau, winds will begin to abate in the afternoon.

(18/3/2003 2:06:00 μμ)

[02] Bush ultimatum- globe reaction

In his speech he said the U.S had sufficient authority to attack Iraq based on existing UN resolutions and called all foreign nationals including journalists and UN weapon inspectors to leave Iraq immediately for their on safety.

He also urged Iraqui military and civilian personnel not to destroy oil wells a source of wealth that belongs to the Iraqui people and not to obey any command to use chemical or biological weapons against invaders or Iraqui people.

As Bush ended his speech, the US government put the country on the second highest level of alert and warned of possible attacks against the US if the country took military action against Iraq.

In the meantime the Iraqui government denied the American Pentagon s information about the distribution of chemical weapons to selected army units, accusing it dirty propaganda.

Around the globe there was strong opposition to Bush s ultimatum and to the looming of war against Iraq. Muslim majority Indonesia and Malaysia slammed Washington saying a conflict would enrage Muslims and called for continuation of diplomatic efforts.

But allies, Australia, Japan and Poland backed a US led war while Turkey s cabinet said it would discuss today a resolution allowing the US forces to use its territory to launch a northern front against Iraq.Contarry to expectations, Canada said its military would play no role in any US led attack on Iraq.

The UN Security Council holds an emergency session tomorrow following France and Russia s request insisting that the UN must play a decisive role for a diplomatic solution of the Iraqui crisis.

China said the world community wants peace no war adding that it will not give up on a peaceful solution to the Iraqui crisis.

UN Sec General Kofi Annan ordered all international UN staff including the weapons inspectors, their support staff and humanitarian workers to evacuate Iraq.

In Britain , the president of the House of Representatives , Robin Hook submitted his resignation while the International Development Minister, Clair Sort is also expected to resign.

The Greek Foreign Ministry yesterday ordered Greek diplomatic personnel to leave the Greek embassy while the NATO base in Suda, on the island of Crete has been placed on the alert. Police authorities have taken on high security measures at all embassies, diplomatic delegations and public utility organisations while explosives detection devices have been installed at all airports.

Greek Prime-minister, Kostas Simitis , and President of the EU, leaves for Brussels today in view of Thursday s EU summit.

Foreign Minister, George Papandreou President of the EU Foreign Ministers Council is already in Brussels. Papandreou, representing the EU presidency, yesterday urged the world to work until the last moment to find a peaceful settlement of the Iraq crisis through the U.N.

(18/3/2003 2:07:00 μμ)

[03] Killer pneumonia

Known as severe acute respiratory syndrome, it is not clear if the ilness is caused by a virus, germ or new pathogen. So far it is believed that it has killed 17 people and infected nearly 200 others in Asia, Canada and Europe

(18/3/2003 2:08:00 μμ)

[04] November 17 trial

(18/3/2003 2:08:00 μμ)

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