The Hellenic Radio (ERA): News in English, 05-02-26

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

CONTENTS

[01] Truce Goes Up in Smoke Powerful Deadly Explosion in Tel Aviv

By Despina Hristopoulou

Sources: Reuters

Four people were killed, while at least 50 were injured from a powerful explosion that rocked Tel Aviv late on Friday night. As per Israeli radio, the explosion was prompted by a suicide bomber, outside a nightclub. A member of the Islamic Jihad assumed responsibility for the attack, declaring that its is a martyrs attack and demonstrates their opposition to the truce with Israel, for as long as it continues to arrest and kill Palestinians. However, a little later, Jihads leadership denied having any knowledge of the attack, stressing that they are participating in the truce.he explosion took place on a busy promenade with many restaurants around. This new attack by Palestinian militants shredded hopes of reconciliation between Israel and Palestine, which had been rekindled following Mahmoud Abbas election as head of the Palestinian Authority, thus putting an end to the de facto truce that became effective on 8 February. The Palestinian Authority condemned the attack. "Whoever is behind it, is seriously attempting to sabotage the efforts being exerted to revive the peace process and should not be allowed to succeed," declared Palestinian chief negotiator Saeb Erekat.

Palestinian Authority's Efforts Failed

Israel is accusing the Palestinian Authority of failing to curb terrorism. "The Palestinian Authoritys attempt to reach arrangements for the prevention of terror have failed, just as Israel said they would. Israel has always maintained that it is impossible to maintain a dialogue with militants," said the Israeli government spokesperson, David Baker, without commenting on whether the ceasefire declared by Prime Minister Ariel Sharon and Mahmoud Abbas was still in effect.

In the meantime, another Israeli official declared that this attack demonstrates the need for Palestinians to destroy terrorist groups, instead of trying to reach agreements with militants.

Translated by Vicky Ghionis

[02] A Bomb Was Placed in his Car Mayor of Rhodes Target of Bombers

Sources: NET - ANA

A bomb exploded at 10:30pm on Friday night in the car of the Mayor of Rhodes, Mr Giorgos Giannopoulos, which was parked outside his house. Serious damages were caused both to the car, as well as to other vehicles parked nearby. The explosion was heard around the town, causing disturbance to the residents. The Dodecanese police has already commenced investigations.

Translated by Vicky Ghionis

[03] Corrupt Justices will be Suspended Justices to Be Transferred

Sources: NET - NET 105.8

On Friday, the Director of the Athens Appeals Prosecutions, Antonis Plomaritis, appeared before the Supreme Court Prosecutor in order to provide explanations concerning Archimandrite Iakovos Giosakis, who is being remanded in custody. As per sources, Mr Plomaritis, for whom a preliminary disciplinary investigation has been ordered by Justice Minister Anastasis Papaligouras, denied ever favouring Giosakis in his rulings. In the meantime, the first witnesses who were called to testify on the case of Judge Leonidas Stathis, who is accused of money laundering and bribery, appeared before the specially appointed Appellate Examiner today. Another six lawyers who are connected to the case, four for whom are accused of bribery and two of accessories to bribery, will also be subpoenaed on Monday. Meanwhile, in the next few days, the Supreme Court Chief Justice, Giorgios Kapos, is expected to ask for the transfer of 15 Justices, who are serving in the Piraeus district. Finally, as per the Justices and Prosecutors Union, the judicial officers are fixed on suspending from the force any corrupt members, while stressing that the presentation of illegally acquired material by TV shows may be aiming at manipulating judges and therefore it asks for the protection of the prestige of Justice.

Translated by Vicky Ghionis

Related News:

Stormy Developments in Justice

[04] Better Left Alone

By Tina Valaoura

Seven out of ten Japanese women said they are perfectly happy on their own, according to an opinion poll conducted by the Japanese newspaper Yomiuri. As per the paper and contrary to common belief, the percentage of women believing that the life of singles without commitments can be really happy, has risen by 10% in relation to 2003. Analysts say the results reflect the fact that the image of an unmarried woman in Japan bears no longer the social stigma it once did. It also provides an explanation for Japans falling birth-rate, as many Japanese think twice before saying "I do."

Choosing Singledom

The birth-rate is now among the lowest in the world, with just 1.29 children per woman. The government is concerned that a shrinking work force will be unable to support the country's growing numbers of elderly. (You have heard that before, haven't you? And mind you, it was not for Japan)

However, Japanese women do not feel like handling the country's health insurance problems and 73% of singles say they are perfectly happy and independent. In fact, according to the same opinion poll, 67% of single men agreed that women could be completely happy living on their own.

Of course, it should be noted that these figures dropped with age. Of those in their 20s, 74% of males and females asked said they believed women could be happy if they did not marry. The rate dropped to 66% for respondents in their 30s, and 58% for those in their 40s.

Translated by Sofia Soulioti

[05] Haiti in Turmoil

By Tina Valaoura

Various areas of Port-au-Prince, the capital of Haiti, were turned into war zones last Thursday on the occasion of one year since the fall of former president Jean Bertrand Aristide. Hot-headed supporters asking for Aristide's return to the presidency opened fire against young men, who had set up a security group to preserve order in their area. The "Eternal City," a suburb south of the capital, was turned into a theatre of blood and violence, as 13 people lost their lives, almost 20 were injured and three houses were set on fire. Five more people, most likely Aristide's supporters, were killed in a clash with the police at the Salin suburb.

On the following day as well, the heart of Port-au-Prince and other districts became fields of exchanging fire. A human rights protection group, the National Coalition for the Rights of Haitians, reported that eight dead bodies were taken to the university hospital of Haiti, while twelve more people are hospitalized with bullet wounds.

Translated by Sofia Soulioti

[06] Erdogan's Speech "We Are not Obliged to Recognise Cyprus"

By Despina Hristopoulou

Sources: NET 105.8 - ANA

Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan repeated his countrys stance that they will not be recognizing the Republic of Cyprus. In a televised speech, which was broadcast by Turkish Media on Friday, Mr Erdogan noted that during the Brussels Summit, Turkey assumed no legal obligation to recognize South Cyprus, further stressing that his country is prepared to make every effort concerning the resolution of the issue with Cyprus, on a UN level. He also pointed out that Turkeys stance is clear and cannot be misinterpreted. He then repeated the fixed demand regarding the lifting of the blockade on Turkish-Cypriots, while he mentioned that "Turkey will not take any steps, prior to any international steps for a fair and permanent solution. The first step should be the lifting of the blockade by the international community." He concluded by saying that, provided these steps are taken and a fair and permanent solution is reached for the island, then Turkey will participate in negotiations. With regard to the EU, he noted that the dilemma they are facing concerning the issue with Cyprus is due to the fact that, "It accepted as a full-fledged member only a part of it, while it continues to be a problem for the UN."

Translated by Vicky Ghionis

[07] Estimates Indicate Instantaneous Death Three Workers Dead

Sources: NET

A little before 10pm on Friday night, the three workers that had been crushed by a collapsed roof and a wall of a listed building in Alexandroupoli, which was being renovated, were recovered dead. As per the initial estimates, their death was instantaneous, since they had been crushed by a large amount of rubble. More than 50 firemen, members of Thessalonikis EMAK unit, the Greek rescue team and the Red Cross assisted in the rescue operation. The whole process was quite arduous as the building was nearly crumbled. The police are searching for two contractors, who had been assigned the job, and two civil engineers, who are employed by the Municipality of Alexandroupoli.

Translated by Vicky Ghionis

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