The Hellenic Radio (ERA): News in English, 05-08-02

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

CONTENTS

[01] Blast in British Offices Terror in Tehran

By Anna Kourti

An explosion was heard near the building housing the British Airways and British Petroleum offices in Tehran, Iran. No casualties have been reported so far. As per witnesses, the building sustained damages. Meanwhile, Iran said its decision to restart nuclear activities in the town of Isfahan is irrevesrible. Irans Supreme National Security Council spokesperson Ali Aghamohammadi said, "The political decision has been taken. We have handed over the letter to the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). The resumption is irreversible, I deny reports of any delay."

Translated by Areti Christou

[02] State Services on Alert Fires on Evia and Preveza

By Anna Kourti

The fire that broke out in the town of Psachna on the island of Evia and in Ano Rahi in Preveza northwest of Greece, have been brought under control. However, the state services are on alert because of the high temperatures that are expected for the next three days. DEI (Public Power Corporation) urges consumers to use power-run appliances wisely. "Should everyone limits the power consumption between 11am and 3pm, then power supply will not be disturbed," said on NET radio 105.8 Grigoris Antonopoulos, Management and Network Development Director. Meanwhile, two benefits will be immediately granted to the fire-stricken following the decision made in the meeting between the Environment Minister Giorgos Souflias, Eastern Attica Prefect Leonidas Kouris and the mayors of the wider area. Speaking on NET, Rafinas mayor Andreas Kehagioglou said, "The criteria determining the buildings in breach of planning regulations have not yet been set." The municipal authorities in Rafina are to hold an unscheduled meeting today with the participation of the Prefect and MPs that belong to the Eastern Attica constituency.

Translated by Areti Christou

Related News:

Aid to Fire-Stricken

August Arrives with Heat Wave

[03] War of Statements for Contract Workers

By Betty Savourdou

Sources: NET 105.8

The Ministry for the Interior accuses PASOK of a political irresponsibility that reaches the point of political audacity, on the occasion of todays statements by Evangelos Venizelos on the issue of contract workers. More specifically, the PASOK steerer for the Employment Department stated "the government should stop playing games with the contract workers and resolve their issue immediately," and added that it is its duty to fulfill its pre-election commitments and enacting the relevant Community Directive, which is in full accordance with the relative Constitutional clauses. "No legal pretenses allow the government to break its promises and humiliate and burden contract workers," added Mr Venizelos. The announcement by the Ministry for the Interior reads that PASOK, which as government created thousands of hostage contract workers cannot accuse the Karamanlis government, which in a short time interval gave a solution to this great problem, is stated. Moreover, it reminds Mr Venizelos that the trial in the European Justice Court concerns decree 81/2003 of PASOK over contract workers and not the Pavlopoulos Presidential Decree of decasualization.

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

[04] Aiming at Two-Way Relations "TV Magazine"

By Anna Kourti

Sources: REUTERS

Former US Vice President Al Gore launched a new cable network called Current TV. The channel broadcasts short programmes targeting 18 to 34-year-olds. Its operation occurred a year after Al Gores initiative to head an investor group that bought the cable channel Newsworld International from Vivendi Universal for an undisclosed sum. Former US Vice President described Current TV as a TV magazine aiming at creating a two-way relation with its viewers. The programmes offered last from a few second to 15 minutes and are produced by both professionals and viewers.

"This Generation Wants to be in Control of its Media"

Al Gore said that Current TV invites the new generation, who has at its disposal digital media, to work on TV, and he added, "This generation wants to be in control of its media. They want personalized media."

Some analysts welcomed the new channel as a turning point in the evolution of TV, since its draws attention to engaging individuals in creating a TV product for mass audiences.

Translated by Areti Christou

[05] Deadly Attack

By Anna Kourti

Colombian President Alvaro Uribe said that rebels launched an attack that claimed the lives of eleven police officers in Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta. As per preliminary information, the police convoy was attacked with explosives. Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta is the scene of extensive fights among several armed gangs, including the leftist groups FARC and ELN and right-wing paramilitaries.

Translated by Areti Christou

[06] While Toothless Stealing Toothbrushes!

By Thanasis Karlos

toothless man was arrested in Brazil for stealing toothbrushes! 32-year-old Ednor Rodrigues was filmed by the shops closed circuit television. When the police approached him, he denied stealing by showing them his toothless mouth! Only when the police showed him the video, did he admit to the robbery. "I dont know why I did it. I know it is stupid, since I have no teeth. What was I thinking?" he told the policemen.

Translated by Areti Christou

[07] 12 Suspects New Arrests

By Despina Hristopoulou

Sources: BBC - AFP - NET

Two more suspects of July 21 failed bombing attacks are in police custody following raids in three houses in southern London. Two were arrested in Stockwell and one in Clapham. As per Metropolitan Police spokesperson, the two arrests were held under the Terrorism Act. The two men are being questioning raising the number of suspects in custody to 21.

Charges Against Hussain

Meanwhile, Italian Justice pressed charges against 27-year-old Ethiopian Osman Hussain. Despite Italian police believes he is not to be related to any international terrorist rings, he is still a suspect. In particular, Hussain is charged with association with the aim of international terrorism and with possessing false documents.

However, the police had stated earlier that the investigations showed that Hussain lacks the profile of an terrorist with associations overseas. Hussain, also known as Hamdi Isaac, will still be in police custody in Italy.

Head of Italian anti-terrorism police Carlo De Stefano said the Hussains two brothers, who have also been arrested, seem to be related to international terrorism.

Translated by Areti Christou

Related News:

"I'm Not an Al Qaeda Member"

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