The Hellenic Radio (ERA): News in English, 05-07-03

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

CONTENTS

[01] Violence Outbreak

By Tina Valaoura

Sources: ANA

Violence has once again erupted in Iraq. While in the context of the Sword Operation the Iraqi security forces and 1,000 US Marines continued rooting out terrorists and foreign fighters alongside Euphrates River between the towns of Hait and Hadithah, a string of bomb attacks occurred in other Iraqi towns. Earlier in the day, a suicide bomber killed 12 people and wounded 22 others at a police recruiting centre in Baghdad.

A few hours later in the town of al-Mahmoudiya, south of Baghdad, a suicide car bomb went off at an Iraqi police checkpoint near a bank. At least five people were killed and 12 were wounded, most of them civilians.

Two similar attacks rocked Hilah late at night. The bombers detonated two trapped cars outside a building housing a charitable organisation. Five Iraqis died. In Kirkuk, seven Iraqis died in rebels ambushes.

On Saturday, hundreds of Shiites attended the funeral of a high-ranking Shiite clergyman who was Grand Ayatollah Ali al-Sistanis deputy in Baghdad. The Shiite cleric had been assassinated in Friday.

Translated by Areti Christou

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[02] A Series of Blasts Tension in Pristina

By Tina Valaoura

Sources: ANA - AFP

A series of blasts occurred on Saturday night in the capital city of Kosovo, Pristina. No casualties have been reported. The first blast went off outside the building that houses the offices of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE), the second targeted the Parliament building and the seat of the Community Assistance for Reconstruction and Development and the third went off between a parking station and the United Nations Mission headquarters in Kosovo. All the buildings are within 500 metres from each other.

All three blasts, though casualty-free, occurred during a visit by the United Nations secretary generals special envoy Kai Eide and sparked fears over lack of stability before discussions later this year on the final status of Kosovo, which is currently under UN command. Albanian Prime Minister Bajram Kosumi spoke of a disturbing incident at a very delicate moment for the region. "It is an organised action against Kosovo," he declared.

However, the night ran its course smoothly in Pristina which was under increased security measures. The circulation was banned in the centre of the town, with the local police and that of UN and helicopters patrolling the area. No one has yet claimed responsibility for the blasts. On their part, foreign officials of international bodies in Pristina refused to speculate over those who detonated the bombs.

Translated by Areti Christou

[03] Elections in Albania

By Tina Valaoura

Albanias national elections held today are expected to be a closely fought race for all candidates. The polls opened early in the morning under the scrutiny of 400 international and 3,500 native observers aiming at securing that Albania enjoys a free and fair election process as the President of the Republic, Alfred Moisiu, pointed out. "The country is running out of time. We must hurry so that we enter the enlarged European family," he added.

The Democratic Party led by former President Sali Berisha slightly tops opinion polls with 35%, while the ruling Socialist Party led by Fatos Nano comes second with 34%. As per estimations, no party will be able to rule alone, while the party of the former PM led by Ilir Meta, which according to opinion polls receives the 10% of the voters, is expected to play an instrumental role.

2,9 million Albanians will be voting for 140 MPs choosing among 57 political parties and coalitions that have entered the national election process. Polls are to close at 20.00 (Greek local time). Preliminary results are expected tomorrow.

Translated by Areti Christou

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