The Hellenic Radio (ERA): News in English, 04-01-18

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

CONTENTS

[01] Israel to dispute court's right to rule on barrier

Israel plans to dispute the World Courts right to rule on its huge barrier going up inside the West Bank, political sources said today, but Prime Minister Ariel Sharon signalled some flexibility on the route. Sharon met top ministers to discuss strategy ahead of next months hearing by the Hague-based International Court of Justice on the internationally criticised barrier, which cuts deep into land Palestinians want for a state.

[02] French Muslim prefect targeted in car blast

An explosion destroyed the parked car of a newly appointed French prefect of Algerian origin today in an apparent attack on efforts to integrate Frances minorities. The explosion occurred near the home in Nantes, western France, of Aissa Dermouche. On Wednesday, Dermouche, who is from a Muslim background, was appointed prefect of the eastern Jura area, a post that gives him regional responsibility for law and order.

[03] Car bomb kills 20 outside main U.S. base in Baghdad

A suicide bomber detonated half a tonne of explosives outside the U.S. seat of power in Iraq today, killing at least 20 people in the deadliest attack since the capture of Saddam Hussein. The explosion in the heart of the Iraqi capital came a day before a key meeting in New York between the United Nations, Iraqs Governing Council and U.S. and British officials on the political future of the country. The United States confirmed at least 20 deaths, but the toll looked likely to rise.

[04] New poll shows Papandreou preferred as Prime Minister

In todays poll conducted for Sundays Kathimerini newspaper, regarding the question which party would be best suited to govern, New Democracy leads 41,1% against 35,5% for Pasok.-In the meantime, Giorgos Papandreou leads the poll as most preferred form Prime Minister 40,1% against Mr. Karamanlis 39,3%.

[05] Composer Theodorakis calls for left wing unity

In a written statement, well-known composer, Mikis Theodorakis called on the left wing to be united during the elections for a stronger presence in parliament in order to promote democratic values. Mr. Theodorakis ruled out his participation on any ballot but underlined his intention to vote for the left wing.

[06] Communist party's Papriga rejects cooperation with Coalition of the Left

Communist party general secretary, Aleka Papariga stated that harsher measures against employees would be imposed one day following the election outcome and also rejected a proposal by the Coalition party for unity referring to it as dishonest.

[07] N.D. leader winds up trip to Ilia-Arkadia

New Democracy leader, Kostas Karamanlis wound up his trip to Ilia and Arkadia prefectures. During his speech in Tripoli today, Mr. Karamanlis once again criticised Giorgos Papandreou stating his party did not remember local societies prior to the elections. The ND leader accused the governing party of lacking agricultural polices which results in millions of euro in losses from EU subsidies for Greece. Mr. Karamanlis called on citizens in Greece and abroad to prove that democracy is achieved by conscientious decisions.

[08] G. Papandreou continues tour in Thrace

Pasok party presidential candidate Giorgos Papandreou exercised criticism on the ruling partys method of operation referring to closed casts stating that the new period ahead requires new ideas. Speaking at the new-year pita cutting ceremony of Pasok party prefecture groups in Thrace, Mr. Papandreou characterized as unique the process for the election of Pasok party president and underlined his party is firmly based on the work of party founder, Andreas Papandreou and Kostas Simitis.

[09] Weather Forecast

Light clouds with sunny spells are forecast in all parts of the country accompanied by showers, especially in the west. Winds southwesterly, turning very strong at sea. Temperatures in Athens will range between 5-15 C and in Thessaloniki from 1-10 C.

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