The Hellenic Radio (ERA): News in English, 04-02-01

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

CONTENTS

[01] Flights cancelled over al Qaeda attack fears

Western airlines grounded several flights to and from the United States today amid reports U.S. officials had intelligence suggesting al Qaeda may be planning a chemical or biological attack on an aircraft. Three intelligence officials told the Washington Post the possible threats included releasing a biological agent like smallpox or anthrax on a plane so those aboard would spread the infection without knowing it. British Airways, Air France and Continental Airlines said on Saturday they had cancelled several transatlantic flights scheduled for Sunday and Monday citing security concerns.

[02] Suicide bombs kill at least 56 in N.Iraq

Suicide bombers strapped with explosives blew themselves up on Sunday in the offices of two Kurdish parties aligned with U.S. occupation forces in northern Iraq, killing at least 56 people and wounding 200. Iraqi Foreign Minister Hoshiyar Zebari, a Kurd, blamed the attacks on the al Qaeda network or its allies.

[03] At least 244 killed in haj pilgrimage stampede

At least 244 Muslim pilgrims were crushed to death and the same number injured in a human tide during a devil-stoning ritual at the climax of the annual haj pilgrimage in Saudi Arabia today.

The disaster happened as two million pilgrims, wrapped in white robes, flocked to Jamarat Bridge in Mena to throw stones at pillars representing the devil on the Muslim Eid al-Adha feast day of sacrifice. Witnesses said a huge number of pilgrims had opted to perform the ritual at the same time although the kingdom had been encouraging them to stagger times to prevent a stampede. Most of the victims were not part of organised haj trips and several had been carrying personal belongings that had caused obstructions.

[04] Dikki leader tells voters to show resisitance

DIKKI party leader, Dimitris Tsovolas stated from Peristeri today in a campaign speech that both New Democracy and Pasok are aiming to continue their anti-popular policies and called on voters to show resistance by sending progressive parties to parliament.

[05] Coalition's N. Konstantopoulos speaks in Kolonos

During a campaign speech in Kolonos, Athens today, Coalition party leader, Nikos Konstantopoulos lashed out at Pasok and New Democracy. In response to statements made by honorary Communist party president, Harilaos Florakis in Sundays Vima newspaper, who characterized Mikis Theodorakis call for unity among the left-wing in the upcoming elections as infeasable due to the lack of time remaining, Mr. Konstantopoulos underlined it is a matter of political will and not time.

[06] Communist party's A. Papriga visits Agrotica exhibit in Thessaloniki

Communist party general secretary, Aleka Papariga visited the 20th International Agrotica Exhibit in Thessaloniki today where she asked farmers for their support and proposed a 400 Euro minimum pension for farmers at age 60 for males and 55 for females.

[07] ND leader commits to actions and efforts for drug problems

New Democracy opposition leader, Kostas Karamanlis personally committed to coordinate actions and efforts in order to confront the drug problems faced by many-- following his visit to the Paremvasi drug rehabilitation center in Rafina. Later, Mr. Karamanlis visited the National Gallery where he attended an art exhibit and pointed out that one of his partys first priorities will be investments in Culture and Education.

[08] Weather Forecast

Pleasant weather with light clouds in the northeast of the country is forecast with winds northerly light to moderate and strong at sea. Temperatures in Athens will range between 1-15 C and in Thessaloniki from 1-10 C.

[09] G. Papandreou speaks at Halkida

During his speech in Halkida today, Foreign Minister and future Pasok leader George Papandreou called on citizens to join together with a popular mandate to make reversals in the countrys system of bureaucracy and model of governance and specified that radical changes must be made noting that chairs and positions were not permanent. Mr. Papandreou made announcements concerning unemployment and creating a network of protection for the weaker classes and analyzed his recent proposal concerning the hiring of young adults without periodic insurance premium payments. The new Pasok leader committed to increase education spending from 3.5% of the GDP to 5%. Speaking to journalists, Mr. Papandreou underlined that many changes must be made in order to make Pasok a party of institutions and values, giving a stigma of his political intentions and plans for Pasok.

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