The Hellenic Radio (ERA): News in English, 05-02-10

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

CONTENTS

[01] 30 Justices Under the Microscope, 15 for Dismissal Radical Developments in Justice Scandal

By Athina Saloustrou

Shower of revelations in the extra judicial network case only a few hours before the Bill to fight corruption in Justice is submitted to Parliament. First Instance Chairman of Chania Evangelos Kalousis appeared before the Public Prosecutor today, after being arrested yesterday while trying to cash a counterfeit traveler's cheque. Kalousis was referred to the Supreme Court's Plenary Session on the question of definitive dismissal for trafficking foreign women. What is more, a female Public Prosecutor has also been put under the Supreme Court's microscope for having relations with drug dealers. Judicial cycles estimate that the final number of justices to be definitively dismissed will reach 15, while 30 more justices are under control for disciplinary matters. In the meantime, First Instance Chairman Leonidas Stathis is testifying today before the Supreme Court's Assistant Public Prosecutor as a suspect for bribery offences. He is charged of having taken 5,000 euros to issue a favourable ruling in a car accident case.

Translated by Sofia Soulioti

[02] On April 6, According to Information Charles and Camilla Are Getting Married

By Mary Lou Tzempelikou

A surely unexpected wedding announcement made the tour of the world on Thursday morning. Prince Charles' office announced that Charles will finally marry his companion for the past 30 years, Camilla Parker-Bowles. So far there has been no further official information regarding the wedding date, however sources say it will most probably be held on April 6. The yearlong relationship of the prince of Wales and heir to the British throne with Camilla Parker-Bowles constitutes a highly sensitive matter for the British society, as Camilla is divorced and her husband is alive. This fact has caused the harsh reaction of certain Anglicans who oppose to the remarrying of divorced people, as when prince Charles ascends the throne he will also become the head of the Church of England.

Translated by Sofia Soulioti

[03] Indefinitely N. Korea Withdraws from Talks

By Betty Savourdou

Sources: BBC - Reuters

North Korea suspended talks over its nuclear programme for an indefinite period, accusing Washington at the same time of trying to overturn the country's regime. According to the Foreign Ministry spokesperson's announcement on Thursday, Pyongyang still wanted to use dialogue to rid the Korean peninsula of atomic weapons, but there was no point in the talks since the US had termed N. Korea an "outpost of tyranny". It is worth saying that this is the first time N. Korea publicly admits to have built nuclear weapons for self-defence.

"Bush's Aim is to Stifle N. Korea"

"We had already taken the resolute action of pulling out of the NPT (Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty) and have manufactured nukes to cope with the Bush administration's evermore undisguised policy to isolate and stifle the Democratic People's Republic of Korea," said the Foreign Ministry.

The latest crisis erupted in October 2002 when the United States accused North Korea of having an illegal program based on highly enriched uranium, as well as a plutonium scheme that it had put on hold.

Since then, the two countries have held three rounds of talks, together with China, Japan, Russia and South Korea, but little progress has been made.

Translated by Sofia Soulioti

[04] Explosion Kills Four in Baghdad

By Mary Lou Tzempelikou

A car bomb exploded on Thursday morning at the heart of the Iraqi capital. According to first information, a remotely detonated car bomb cost the lives of at least four people and the injury of another five. The explosion occurred at 08.30 local time in Tahrir Square, a much frequented commercial intersection lined with shops and market stalls. According to a police official, it appears that the target of the blast was a US military convoy that had passed through the area shortly before. This is the second assault within the week, as on Tuesday 21 people lost their lives to a suicide attack outside a military recruitment centre.

Translated by Sofia Soulioti

[05] Public Dialogue at Zappeio New Round for Journalists' Professional Relations

By Athina Saloustrou

Decisions that will come up from public discussion regarding the professional relations of journalists and the public sector could constitute the object of legislation reform if asked. These were the statements of State Minister Theodoros Rousopoulos during the second discussion held at Zappeio. In a letter, the Minister stressed that the purpose of this dialogue between political parties and Journalist Unions is to reach common conclusions on what is to be done.

Translated by Sofia Soulioti

[06] Bomb Shell Attacks Violence Follows Historic Agreement

By Betty Savourdou

Sources: ANA

The cycle of violence continues in the Middle East, only a few hours after the historic and hopeful truce signed by Sharon and Abbas last Tuesday. A 20year-old Palestinian was killed when unknown gunmen opened fire against a Jewish settlement in Gaza. An Israeli military source claimed that soldiers fired warning shots after locating four Palestinians that had approached 50 metres from the security wall around the settlement and feared they might attempt an attack. In retaliation, Hamas launched a series of bomb shell assaults against Jewish settlements in southern Gaza without injuries however. In another incident, a Hamas member was killed at the Gaza Strip, while training on the use of bombs, according to Hamas sources.

Translated by Sofia Soulioti

[07] Panathinaikos Defeated in Germany

By Dimitris Alexopoulos

Inside the stadium of Friedrichschafen, Panathinaikos volleyball team lost to the local team and German champion with 3-1 sets (27-25, 25-20, 25-23, 20-25), but still keep the dream of qualification alive. The Green volleyball players believe that with the help of their fans in the second match they will be able to qualify, no matter how difficult that may seem at the time. Despite all, Panathinaikos have faith in the power of home grounds.

During the first set Panathinaikos got off to a numb start, as Friedrichschafen caused problems to their reception with a powerful serve and took the lead with 16-12. Panathinaikos counterattacked and finally tied the score at 22-22, thus making the Germans really anxious, who finally won the set with 27-25.

At the second set, the home team took the lead with 8-3, 16-12 having an effective block and finally matched their won sets.

During the third set, Lappas entered the game and with corner attacks Panathinaikos managed to claim victory with 23-25 and reduce to 2-1.

In the decisive fourth set the Greek champions failed to overturn the score after a few mistakes of their own and a few false calls by the Italian referee and Friedrichschafen was thus proclaimed winner in their first match against Panathinaikos.

Translated by Sofia Soulioti

[08] Greek National Team Face-Off A Golden Win

By Dimitris Alexopoulos

In a freezing Karaiskakis Stadium, from the chilly cold but amidst Greek fans, the Greek National team managed to warm our hearts and continue the qualification issue with its win against Denmark. The three valuable points acquired tonight by the European Champions will surely count towards the difficult games ahead. Otto Rehhagels team with its win against Denmark reached 8 points and has entered, for good, the run for qualification. The goals were scored by Zagorakis in the 25 and Basinas in the 32 with a penalty. For the Danish team, Rommendhal scored in the added time of the first half.

Passion for a Win

The passion was evident from the first minute of the game for the Greek team. Fully aware that a win is a one-way street they entered the field of Karaiskakis Stadium with a glare in their eyes.

Having closed all the passages towards Nikopolidis nets, pressing at all lengths and widths of the field, they managed to control the pace and with sudden and well organized attacks reached the opportunity of a goal.

The first sigh was heard in the 14th when an incredible shot by Karagounis outside the goal area stopped at the post and ended out.

The Greek team continued pressing and in the 17 Charisteas from a good position caught a header after Basinas corner kick and sent the ball a little further out from Sorensens nets.

With the force that the European Champions were playing everything seemed to show that a goal was on its way.

And it did not take long to happen. In the 25 Greece won a foul outside the goal area. While the Danish were setting up their barrier Collina blew his whistle. Thodoris Zagorakis took advantage of the gap between the defenders and with a nice shot scored 1-0. This was the first goal of the teams Captain in his 101 games participation. Seven minutes later and Greece scored a second goal. In the 32 Giannakopoulos chased a deep ball in Denmarks area won the ball and a penalty by Gravensen who tugged at his shirt in order to stop him,

Penalty specialist Basinas did not miss the nets and scored 2-0.

When it all seemed that Greece will enter the locker rooms with a secure score an unlikely moment appeared and put Denmark back in the game.

The clock was counting the last seconds of added time when Perez kicked from centrefield, Nikopolidis made an unfortunate exit and Rommendhal infront of an empty goalpost scored 2-1.

Fear of a Tie

The second half was hard for the Greek people to watch. With the Danish acquiring a high morale from the goal, they pressed to reach a tie.

The Greek players retreated without reason while the anxiousness for a win burdened their legs, and resulted to the organized attacks of the first half to be transformed in constrained movements which gave the chance to the faster Danish players to counterattack.

The game turned into Russian roulette for Greece who was in defense in order to avoid the worst.

Even if the Danes were more substantial we could be talking of a tragedy right now.

Antonis Nikopolidis showed his class and experience for one more time.

The Greek goalkeeper with rescue blocks in the 77 in a kick by Tomasson and in the added time of the game when he stopped Madsen who was alone in the goal area, protected his nets and the three valuable points of the win.

This is what is important, the three points, a breath of fresh air for the Greek team and as Stelios Giannakopoulos stated the change of morale has brought the win to the team.

Referee: Pierluigi Collina (Italy) Yellow cards: Katsouranis, Dellas, Laursen, Kroldrup

Greece (Otto Rehhagel): Nikopolidis, Seitaridis, Fissas, Katsouranis, Dellas, Zagorakis (46 Kirgiakos), Basinas, Giannakopoulos, Karagounis (61 Kaffes), Charisteas, Vrizas (83 Amanatidis).

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

[09] Several Crushed or Injured in Traffic Accidents Panic at Department Store Opening in London

By Mary Lou Tzempelikou

Chaos took over during the opening of a well-known department store in the British capital. A man was knifed, traffic road accidents occurred outside the department store and several people were taken to hospital for first aid when more than 5,000 people rushed to enter the IKEA department store that opened its doors at midnight in Edmonton, north London. The people in charge of the department store were forced to close the stores doors half an hour later due to an "unexpected customer turn-out." A little while after, the Police announced that the man who was knifed is not in danger, and the incident is not related to the opening of the store, since the accident occurred outside of the store.

Company is Blamed for Lack of Security Measures

Five people were taken into hospital, one of which with strong chest pains, while another 20 experienced heat stroke from the congestion. The London Fire Department assisted the ambulance men, which cleared the area from the people that collapsed from exhaustion and whoever was injured in road traffic accidents that occurred around the department store area.

The road traffic accidents are due to the fact that many drivers preferred to leave their cars on the motorway causing serious traffic problems.

An IKEA representative stated that the company is "shocked and is concerned," while he blamed the panic to the massive turnout of the customers.

However, on the scene witnesses blamed the company for lack of security measures since there were many customers that were waiting since the afternoon to enter the store and were eventually crushed.

From its side, the company stated that it had cooperated closely with the security services and announced that the store will remain closed until security issues are solved and damages to door are restored.

The large turnout of the customers is caused to the fact that the department store had announced big sales for whoever performed their purchases during the first opening hours of the store.

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

[10] Between Militants and Army Multifatality Clashes in Colombia

By Mary Lou Tzempelikou

Thirty one dead and eight missing is the tragic account of clashes that occurred on Wednesday between armed forces and Marxist militants. The militant attack was launched when an army patrol located members of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC) in the Uraba jungle, northwest of the country. Twenty soldiers and eleven militants were killed during the clashes that followed, while eight soldiers are reported missing. It is the bloodiest clash since 2002, when the president of the country Alvaro Uribe came into office. In fact, this rebel hit, the third of the last month, is believed to constitute a serious blow to Uribe's policy, who has committed to put an end to the 40yearlong militant action.

Translated by Sofia Soulioti

[11] Elections Premiere in Saudi Arabia

By Mary Lou Tzempelikou

The first elections ever in the kingdom of Saudi Arabia held today, Thursday, could be very well considered as a democracy experiment. Almost 148,000 Saudi Arabians are expected to come to 200 electoral precincts in and around the capital, Riyadh, in order to participate in the first of the three municipal electoral rounds. Todays elections are part of the reforms announced by the Saudi Arabian government after the 11 September attacks. It should be noted that women do not have the right to vote, while men over 21 years of age can cast their vote, military officials are excluded, while only some 148,000 of the 400,000 eligible men have registered.

Under the Shadow of Terrorist Attacks

Today's elections, which are held under draconian security measures out of fear of assaults, will elect half the members of the 38 municipal councils, whose powers are not clear yet, while the other half will still be chosen, as before, by appointment.

Overall, 1,800 candidates are vying for 592 seats in 178 councils. In Riyadh, 650 are fighting for just seven seats. Polls in Riyadh and its suburbs opened at 08.00 local time and will close at 17.00.

The second round of elections will be held on March 3, when the inhabitants of eastern and southwestern provinces will be called to cast their vote, while men in northern and western areas will vote on April 21.

Translated by Sofia Soulioti

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