The Hellenic Radio (ERA): News in English, 05-07-17

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

CONTENTS

[01] Fresh Multi-Fatality Suicide Attack in Iraq A Brutal Massacre

By Mary Lou Tzempelikou

Sources: BBC - ANA

A powerful blast that occurred on Saturday night in Musayyib, south of Baghdad, resulted in severe damages and 70 fatalities. A suicide bomber, who was on a fuel tanker, detonated near a mosque. The blast injured 134 people, while two neighbouring block of flats and several shops caught fire. The bomber blew up himself at the towns crowded market. Eyewitnesses reported seeing terrified parents throwing their children out of the windows of the houses that were on fire to save them. Before the blast, an organisation with links to al-Qaeda had posted statements announcing new attacks in their effort to take over Baghdad. It is the deadliest attack since April, when the new Turkish government assumed power.

A String of Attacks

Four people were also killed on Sunday in two different attacks against American and Iraqi targets.

In Kirkuk, an American troop was killed and two more were injured when an explosive devise went off, while an attack against a police convoy killed two Iraqi policemen and a civilian. A further 13 people were also injured.

On Saturday, 16 died including three British troops in a string of attacks that occurred throughout Iraq.

Translated by Areti Christou

[02] Iran-Iraq Establish Friendly Ties

By Mary Lou Tzempelikou

Sources: Reuters - ANA

The strained relations between the two neighbouring countries, Iran and Iraq, enter a new era with the Iraqi PM Ibrahim Jaafari visiting Iran. On his arrival in the Iranian capital, Jaafari, who was welcomed with military honours, pointed out the need to cement close relations with Iran. On his part, Iranian Vice-President Mohammad Reza Aref said they consider Iraq as a brother, thus establishing solid ties that may foreshadow healthier commercial and security links between the two countries. Our objective is to substantially transform our relations. We are ready to assist Iraq in all sectors, namely politics, security and economy. Iraqs safety is our safety as well, said Aref. It is noteworthy that Jaafari is the first Iraqi leader to visit Tehran in decades and he is expected to sign energy and oil deals with its former mortal foe. The two countries have improved their diplomatic relations since September 2004.

Pivotal Deals

The two countries are planning to establish regular flights between Tehran and Baghdad and link Irans electricity grid to Iraq.

As per Iranian news agency IRNA, Iraqi Industry Minister said that Iran and Iraq should embark on joint car making business.

So far, Iran has agreed to send approximately 200,000 tonnes of flour to its neighbouring country and will guarantee letters of credits to a total of 300 million dollars.

Iraq has already bought heating fuel from Iran, OPECs second biggest crude exporter, while minor trade exchanges between the two countries are underway.

Translated by Areti Christou

[03] It Was a Parcel Bomb

By Mary Lou Tzempelikou

As per Turkish authorities, an explosive devise hidden in a parcel appears to have triggered the blast that rocked the Turkish resort of Kusadasi on Saturday killing 5 people. Investigations are still in progress. It was initially announced that a female suicide bomber was to be held accountable for the blast that ripped through the tourist mini-bus. However, investigations carried out so far dispel this speculation. No group has yet claimed responsibility for Saturdays blast, which was described as a terrorist action by the Turkish PM Tayyip Erdogan.

Translated by Areti Christou

Related News:

Deadly Blast in Turkey

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