The Hellenic Radio (ERA): News in English, 05-07-09

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

CONTENTS

[01] Four Children Among the Nine Dead New Tragedy in Maliakos

By Vagelis Theodorou

A pile-up of death occurred on Saturday afternoon at the Maliakos sharp bend. Nine people, including four children, died a horrible death and two were injured, when four cars collided at the 201st km of the Athens-Lamia national highway, at the intersection of Alamana. It all started shortly before 19:00 when two vehicles traveling to opposite directions had a head-on collision and where then wrapped up in flames. Two more vehicles, which were also traveling to opposite directions, collided with the burning cars. Traffic was blocked, while policemen, fire-fighters and EMAK members from Lamia rushed to the scene to recover the dead and injured from the wrecked cars.

Translated by Sofia Soulioti

[02] Proposal During Exams

By Vagelis Theodorou

A law student was so bored with his final year paper that he stood up in the middle of the exam and asked his girlfriend to marry him. Student Edin Smailovic, 29, requested permission to address the rest of the students during an economic law exam at Bijelo Polje University in Montenegro. Examiners gave their permission believing he had a query regarding the paper that was also of importance to the rest of the group. But after approaching the front of the room he got down on one knee and asked his 26-year-old girlfriend, Edita Bikic, who was also sitting the exam, to marry him. "I had planned to take Edita on holiday to Egypt after our exams were over and propose there, but I was so bored with the paper and so excited about the prospect of getting married that I decided I had to ask her there and then," said Smailovic. Edita said "yes" and the couple are to marry later this month. What more can we say? May they live happily ever after!

Translated by Sofia Soulioti

[03] Opinion Poll on London Attacks Attacks Condemned

By Despina Hristopoulou

Sources: NET Radio 105.8

The overwhelming majority of Greeks condemned the multi-fatality bomb attacks in London. As per a KAPA Research opinion poll published in Vima newspaper, 84.6% of Greek feel the July 7 attacks in London are a criminal act. However, there is an 8% approving the incident as an act of resistance against big powers. 75% believe that Greece should remain neutral in case of a harsh answer. As for the impact of Londons attack on Greece, 60% feel it will not be negative, while 33% wait for negative effects on Greece. Further more, 85% think the solution to international terrorism lies in taking measures to financially support poorer countries, while 10% say that measures should be taken for a strike against terrorism.

Regarding the reasons for which there was no terrorist hit in Greece during the Olympic Games, Greeks answer it was due to Greeces traditionally good relations with the Arab countries and to Greeces effective anti-terrorist preparation.

Answering which were the probable causes for the hit, Greeks believe it was primarily a natural consequence of the attacks in New York and Madrid, followed by an attack against the G8 and the prospect of hosting the 2012 Olympics.

Translated by Sofia Soulioti

[04] It Broke Out by Unknown Reasons Fire on Mt Imittos

By Despina Hristopoulou

Sources: ANA - NET Radio 105.8

After many hours fighting flames, the Fire Brigade managed to set the fire, which started on Saturday noon on Mt Imittos at a forested area in Ilioupoli, under control. 60 firemen and 20 fire engines are on site, as well as four SL415 fire planes, four SL215 planes, two helicopters and 30 EMAK men. Fire Brigades crews are still on site in case the fire rekindles. The causes of the fire, which burnt more than 5 hectares of pine trees and bushes, remain unknown.

Translated by Sofia Soulioti

[05] Dennis Sweeps Through Cuba

By Despina Hristopoulou

Cuba did not escape the furry of Dennis, the ferocious hurricane. As Cuban leader Fidel Castro announced, 10 people including an 18-month-old baby were killed to the hurricane that swept through the southeastern coasts of the island. Before reaching Cuba, it had already hit Haiti, resulting in the death of 22 people, while in Jamaica it caused extensive floods. Hurricane Dennis is moving towards the Gulf of Mexico in the USA, where there are oil platforms and vulnerable coastal areas. The Cuban President said on a televised message that despite quick actions and evacuation of many areas, 10 people died, most of them when their houses collapsed. As per army officials, 15,400 out of 20,000 homes in the hurricanes path sustained damages or were even destroyed by Dennis and the wind, which travelled at 240km per hour. Extensive damages were caused in the city of Cienfuegos, but no casualties were reported.

Florida on Alert

US authorities ordered inhabitants to evacuate Key West and the lower parts of the Florida Keys.

Dennis is the most ferocious hurricane of the Atlantic since 1851, when the first hurricanes were recorded and is on a similar path as hurricane Ivan, which afflicted the Caribbean last September.

Translated by Sofia Soulioti

Related News:

Dennis the Menace

[06] Two Dead and 17 Injured Bus Rolled Over

By Despina Hristopoulou

Sources: ANA, Associated Press

At least two dead and 17 injured was the account of the bloody accident, which occurred on highway A9 near the French city of Adges. Two Dutch tourists died, who together with Belgian tourists were on board a Belgian-registered double-decker bound for Barcelona. As per the police report, five of the injured are in serious condition, while the accident occurred at 04:15 local time, when the bus-driver reportedly fell asleep on the wheel. As a result, the bus rolled over and fell in a ditch. According to a justice source, the bus driver is charged with manslaughter. 54 passengers were on board the double-decker.

Translated by Sofia Soulioti

[07] He Opened Fire Against Children Throwing Rocks Teenager Murdered in Cold Blood

By Despina Hristopoulou

A teenage Palestinian dropped dead, when an Israeli policeman opened fire against him on Friday night near an Israeli watch post at the West Bank. As per the Israeli radio, the boy along with other teenagers was throwing rocks at the watch post. The murderous incident occurred at a field near Beit Likija, northwest of Ramallah. The policeman who reportedly opened fire was arrested and his weapon confiscated. Information on the teenagers name is conflicting, as the hospital said he was 11, while the Israeli radio stressed his was 17.

Translated by Sofia Soulioti

[08] Murder and Attempted Suicide Tragedy in Menidi

By Vagelis Theodorou

A savage crime was reported this morning in Menidi, Athens. For reasons, which yet remain unknown, 53-year-old Konstantinos Fotopoulos killed his future in-law, Konstantina Lolou, with a shotgun and then tried to commit suicide by cutting his wrists. The perpetrators son and the victims daughter, who were to get married soon and live in the house, witnessed the incident. It should be noted that the in-laws were also living together as a couple. Their children managed to get the shotgun from the 53-year-old, who then got down to the basement and cut his wrists and throat with a sharp object. The perpetrator was taken to KAT hospital, where he is hospitalized in a critical condition, while the Police station of Acharnes are running a preliminary hearing on this family tragedy.

Translated by Sofia Soulioti

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