The Hellenic Radio (ERA): News in English, 04-04-08

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

CONTENTS

[01] Top rebel killed, ministers hurt in Indian Kashmir

At least four people died and 35, including two state ministers, were hurt in a blast in Indian Kashmir today after troops killed the chief of a rebel group blamed for a raid on Indias parliament. The explosion occurred during campaigning for this months national elections by Jammu and Kashmir states ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the busy trading town of Uri, near the frontier with Pakistan.

[02] Rice: U.S. was not at war before 9/11 despite threats

National security adviser Condoleezza Rice told the Sept. 11 commission today that four U.S. presidents including George W. Bush failed to respond adequately to terror threats, but there was no "silver bullet" that could have averted the deadly attacks on America. In highly charged testimony that has taken on enormous political importance, Rice, under oath and before a live national television audience, clashed with Democratic members of the bipartisan commission over whether the Bush administration was negligent in the summer before the hijacked airliner attacks.

[03] Chaos continues in Iraq

U.S. troops fought Sunni and Shiite rebels in the Iraqi towns of Falluja and Kerbala today as hospital officials reported hundreds of casualties in the heaviest fighting since Saddam Husseins fall a year ago. Meanwhile, seven South Koreans, seized by armed men in Iraq while doing missionary work, have been freed unharmed according to Seouls foreign ministry today. Insurgents in Iraq have kidnapped two Palestinians with Israeli identity cards and accused them of spying for Israel, according to footage shown today by an Iranian TV station.

[04] Poll says Greek Cypriots set to reject unity planl

Greek Cypriots look set to flatly reject a United Nations plan to reunify Cyprus in an April 24 referendum, while Turkish Cypriots are poised to give it a resounding Yes, a poll suggested today. The telephone poll by Metron Analysis, conducted in Nicosia, Athens, Istanbul and the Turkish Cypriot part of Nicosia, asked the same question in all cities -- whether respondents would support or reject the reunification plan were they to vote in the planned referendums later in the month.

[05] Annan disappointed over plan rejection by Cypriot president

UN Secretary General Kofi Annan has expressed disappointment over the decision by Cyprus President Tassos Papadopoulos to reject the UN plan for a comprehensive settlement, the Annan Plan.

A written statement by Annans spokesman mentions that the Secretary General stated he fully respected the wishes of the people of Cyprus and would not interfere in them but also pointed out that Cypriots should seize the unique opportunity to reunite their country.

[06] Five soldiers killed in Evros military outpost

Five soldiers between the ages of 20-28 were electrocuted today, at a military outpost near Soufli, in the Evros border region, after coming into contact with a live wire while putting up a flagpost. Defence Minister Spilios Spiliotopoulos who rushed to the scene along with othr army officlas extended his condolences to the families of the five soldiers and declared a two-day mourning in the Greek Armed Forces. It was also decided that Easter celebrations in all military camps in the country would take place without artist performances or music events.

A prosecutor also arrived on the site to investigate the conditions surrounding the accident.

[07] Weather Forecast

Sunshine is forecast in all parts of the country with some scattered clouds. Showers may fall in the north. Winds southerly, moderate to strong. Temperatures in Athens will range between 12-25 C and in Thessaloniki from 14-24 C.

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