The Hellenic Radio (ERA): News in English, 05-02-11

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

CONTENTS

[01] Antiquities Trafficking File Re-Opened Leonidas Stathis Testifies Today

By Vivian Papastefanou

Sources: NET RADIO 105.8

First Instance Court Judge Leonidas Stathis, who is accused of bribery, testifies today to the Supreme Court Vice-Prosecutor Giorgos Sanidas. Six lawyers, who appear to have deposited money orders in his account, and two civilians whose cases he handled, will be also be interrogated. Today the large file of antiquities trafficking in Kithira, during 1990, concerning the embezzlement of ancient artifacts of untold value, in which, among others, Archimandrite Iakovos Giosakis is involved, is being re-opened. The case of the attempt of the President of the First Instance Court Evangelos Kalousis to cash a false travelers check has been submitted to the Prosecutor of the Court of Appeals. It should be noted that Kalousis has been also accused of procuring.

Supreme Court Investigation Continues

At the same time, a large-scale Supreme Court investigation into 30 Judiciary members who reportedly have committed a series of disciplinary indiscretions is underway, while the 7th arraignment decision for the expulsion of another First Instance Court who is reported to be involved in drug trafficking is to be made.

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

Related News:

Radical Developments in Justice Scandal

Revelations Continue

[02] Worst Wave of Bad Weather in a Decade Deadly Floods in Pakistan

By Viki Keleri

Sources: Reuters- Associated Press

Pakistan is living under the fury of bad weather. From the heavy rainfalls and snowfall, which are described as the worst of the last decade, the dead have reached 50 while the missing are hundreds. In the province of Pasni, southwest of the country, 25 people were killed when a part of the dam collapsed. As area residents stated, the number of the victims could be on the increase. From the collapse of the dam many serious damages occurred in the villages of Sidi Puso and Turati where 700 people saw their houses being flooded. From the heavy rainfall many villages in the area have been closed off. Serious damage has been caused to the phone lines and the power supply network.

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

[03] By a group of far right extremists Netanyahu Attacked

By Viki Keleri

The Israeli Minister of Finance Benjamin Netanyahu found himself the target of a small group of far right extremists. The incident occurred during a ceremony in the village of Kfar Habad, which is inhabited by strict Orthodox Jews. According to newspaper Yedioth Ahronoth , a member of a small group, who are opposed to Sharons plan for unilateral withdrawal from Gaza, attacked Netanyahu by throwing a plate at him. After the incident, a commotion ensued in the hall, as the remaining members of the group began to shout slogans against the Israeli Prime Minister. The Minister, as Israeli Media states, was not injured, and was protected by his bodyguards.

Translated by Millie Williams

[04] In ND Offices and Banks' Branches Seven Arson Attempts in Athens

By Vivian Papastefanou

Sources: NET RADIO 105.8

A series of arson attempts with small gas tins occurred during the night. More specifically around 2:30, after midnight. two explosions of arson devices occured in the ND offices, in 8 Agios Nikolaos Street in Ilion and 17 Thivon Street in Lambrini. A little while after explosions took place in four branches of Eurobank on Alexandras Avenue, in Athinas Street in Petralona and Glifada and a branch of the National Bank of Greece at the town centre of Athens. After the explosions small fires broke out which resulted to minimal damage but with no victims. Up to this moment no responsibility has been taken.

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

[05] No Victims Strong Explosion in Larisa Hospital

By Vivian Papastefanou

Sources: NET RADIO 105.8

A commotion arose yesterday night in Larisa General Hospital from a strong explosion, which occurred in the air tank compound which fuels oxygen to the Hospital. The explosion was so strong that cement and glass parts of the compound flew many meters away, thankfully without injuring anyone. Panic stricken doctors, nurses, patients and attendants all rushed out, while the Fire Department and EMAK rushed to the scene immediately, but did not intervene as there was no fire. Speaking on ERA Larisa, the Head of the Hospital Iakovos Brouskelis stated that the explosion was quite possibly caused by the age of the system and that its replacement is underway. During the next 48 hours no surgery will be performed in the Hospital. Emergency cases will be treated in the University Hospital, since the supply of oxygen in the specific department has been stopped.

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

[06] Holy See representative says pope has recovered Pope Returns to Vatican

By Viki Keleri

After being treated for nine days in Gemelli Hospital, Pope John Paul II has returned to the Vatican. Special plastic coverings were placed at the hospital entrance, leading to the door to his special vehicle, in order to protect him from the cold. On the way to the Vatican, the leader of the Catholic Church waved to the crowds who had gathered along the streets. According to the BBC correspondent in the Italian capital, the Pope appeared to have recovered. Besides this, as noted by the Press spokesman for the Holy See, Joachin Navarro Walz, the Pontiff has been successfully treated for the lung infection he suffered from. He is now expected to use the six weeks of Lent, during which in any case his public appearances are restricted each year, to fully regain his strength.

Translated by Millie Williams

[07] He Visited Mosul and Baghdad Rumsfeld in Iraq

By Viki Keleri

Sources: Reuters

The U.S. Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld made an impromptu meeting early this morning in Iraq. The aim of his visit was to be briefed in person on the training of Iraqi security forces and to hold discussions with Army officers, as the Pentagon spokesperson stated. The Minister stated that the American army "will return to the U.S. with honours," when the mission in Iraq is completed. In the meantime attacks are continuing. In Baghdad a team of armed men opened fire at a bakery in the east of the city resulting to the death of nine civilians.

Retreat of American Troops Indefinite

Rumsfeld arrived at the Air Force base, near Mosul, Iraq at dawn. "Our aim is to continue to help Iraqi security forces in their work. This will take a long time," stated Mr Rumsfeld speaking to an amphitheatre decorated with paper hearts and cupid posters in view of St Valentines Day on Monday.

He described the process of Iraqi elections as a good day for Iraq and stated that there are many more challenges that have to be faced.

In following, he visited Baghdad where he watched exercises of fire-protection from trainees for a police paramilitary anti-insurgency organization.

During his speech he repeated that the American troops will retreat from Iraq when the countrys forces will be in a position to ensure law and order.

"Once they have that confidence and that capacity and capability our forces, the coalition forces, will be able to go home, go home with the honour that we will have earned and the gratitude of a grateful nation," he stated.

Rumsfelds visit in Iraq is his eight, and comes a day before the meeting of NATOs member states in France, where he will prod the European countries to speed up the procedures for the training and equip of Iraqi security forces.

Attacks Continuing

At the same time Iraq is up in flames. This morning in Baghdad a group of 12 armed men opened fire at a bakery at the east of the city resulting to 11 people being killed. According to information by the Police representave, the assailants entered the bakery and started shooting. In closing, only this week, 50 Iraqi soldiers were killed during suicide attacks in Baghdad, Baquba and Mosul.

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

[08] Panathinaikos to Play to Empty Stands

By Ilias Papaioannou

The repeat match in the Champions League between Panathinaikos and Friedrichshafen of Germany will definitely take place on Wednesday 16 February at 18:00. The Greek champions are afraid that they will not have the necessary support of their fans for the match against the Germans, as at 20:00 on the same day, the clubs football team will host Seville of Spain for the round of 32 of the UEFA Cup. For this reason, the administration of the green team tried to change the time at which the volleyball match was due to start from 18:00 to 17:00, which was ultimately rejected, as it would cause problems to the television broadcast in Germany.

Germans Were not Keen

Panagiotis Lakasas team asked the Confederation of European Volleyball (CEV) to allow the repeat match in Glyfada against Friedrichshafen to take place one hour earlier, at 17:00 instead of 18:00, as on the same day at 20:00 the football team will play against Spanish team Seville for the UEFA Cup. This is causing a headache for the green team in their efforts to qualify to the round of 6 in the European tournament, as they now suspect that even though there was hope of filling the stands in Glyfada, this now seems very unlikely. CEV accepted Panathinaikos request, while the cable channel which is due to show the match has no problems. The issue, however, caused great concern among the Germans, who have already sold tickets to their fans to watch the match on the big screen, which will be set up in Friedrichshafen, and the time difference between Greece and Germany would cause difficulties for this plan.

Translated by Millie Williams

[09] Qualifying in Defeat

By Vasilis Kalpinos

Since they had already secured their ticket to qualify to the next round, AEKs motivation in the match was to put on a good performance, and a potential win would have helped them psychologically against Olimpia Ljubliana. In the end, they didnt make it, as they were defeated by the host team 70-66 on the 14th match day and went forward to the round of 16 as fourth in terms of score. The match quarters: 10-16, 36-31, 54-48, 70-66

Translated by Millie Williams

[10] Bring Back High-Waisted Trousers

By Tina Valaoura

It seems that all other problems were solved in the state of Virginia thus the authorities decided to take up the issue of how a pair of trousers should be worn. The fashion that has been apparent in Europe and the U.S. of low rise trousers, which leave the wearers underwear in plain view, has been targeted in the legislature. Boxer shorts and string underwear that peer through low rise trousers were considered as "scandalous" and go against morals. The legislative law which foresees a 50 dollar fine for the violators, irregardless of age, has been adopted by a majority of 60 to 34 in the state.

The Republicans are leading the crusade against low-rise trousers and state that underwear has a reason to be named as it has, while they consider that the adoption of the law will be positive, not only for the state but the whole of the country. Of course there is always the voice of logic that reminds us that the youth have always been style crazy. "Let the kids express themselves," said Lionell Sruill, a representative for the Democrats, who described the law as silly and reminded his co-workers of how they dressed during the 70s. At the same time he warned of another side of the issue, that such a measure will turn against African Americans, who in their majority follow the low-rise trouser trend. No one seems to listening though.

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

[11] 25 Passengers and 17 Crew Members are Safe Ship Run Aground in Chios

By Vivian Papastefanou

Damage to the rudder forced passenger and vehicle carrying ship Arion, with 25 passengers and a 17 member crew, to run aground at the northwestern shore of Chios, at 4:30 am. From the ships run aground, water entered the engine room which resulted to the captain of special boat "RO-RO" to call to help. A rescue craft and two Super Puma helicopters rushed to the area and collected the passengers who are drivers of vehicles which Arion was transporting.

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

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