The Hellenic Radio (ERA): News in English, 05-08-22

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

CONTENTS

[01] Party Bait

By Vagelis Theodorou

Police in South Africa tracked down 20 of their most wanted criminals by inviting them to a party! They sent a VIP party invite, with the promise of spectacular prizes, to the last known addresses of nearly 200 offenders and 20 turned up. Police in Kimberley, in the Northern Cape, invited 190 of the province's most wanted criminals to the party at the local town hall in an operation dubbed Operation Nice Surprise. The invites promised surprise celebrity guests and top entertainment provided by a local DJ, as well as a guaranteed prize for all those with invitations. It was enough to tempt 20 of the hardened criminals out of hiding, who got more than they bargained for when, shortly after the prizes had been dished out, police burst in and arrested them. Police spokeswoman Mashay Gamieldien said the idea was to get all the criminals under the same roof and arrest them at the same time.

Translated by Sofia Soulioti

[02] Last Settlers Leave Gaza All Eyes on the West Bank

By Vicky Keleri

The pullout from settlements at the Gaza Strip is expected to end today. Following, Israeli forces will set their eyes on the West Bank, where four settlements will be evacuated amidst harsh reactions, as is expected. On Sunday, Jewish settlers opposing to the pullout threw a Molotov bomb on an Israeli military vehicle, reported Israeli Army General Staff Chief Dan Halouj. At the same time, 2,000 protestors have gathered at the settlements of Sanour and Homesh and are believed to put up a strong resistance. Army officials support that some protestors possess guns and will not hesitate to use them. Taking all these under consideration, armed military groups could be used in the pullout of settlers, in opposition to Gaza, where soldiers were unarmed.

Sharon Satisfied

In the meantime, late last night Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon visited the Ein Haslosha camp near the Gaza Strip to voice his satisfaction for the successful development of the pullout operation.

"You completed this very difficult operation, difficult both for you and the settlers, in a way that reinforces respect towards you and we thank you for it," stressed Ariel Sharon speaking to military officials.

Translated by Sofia Soulioti

[03] Revealing Evidence on Menezes' Death They Support Scotland Yard Chief

By Vicky Keleri

British Home Secretary Charles Clark supported Scotland Yard Chief Mr Blair, as revealing evidence was brought to light over the activities of the Metropolitan Police and secret services regarding the death of Brazilian Jean Charles de Menezes, who was mortally shot on July 22, after suspicions he was a suicide bomber. As Ian Blair admitted in an interview, for 24 hours he didn't know that his men had killed an innocent civilian. "The point is that at the time and for the next 24 hours, myself and those informing me believed that the man shot was a suicide bomber," said Scotland Yard Chief to the "News of the World."

British Home Secretary rushed to politically support Blair, voicing his satisfaction on the way the entire Metropolitan Police and its chief work regarding the investigation on Menezes' death.

Vice President of the British Government John Prescott also supported Ian Blair and answered positively when asked whether Tony Blair trusts the head of the Police.

However, Prescott implied there could be a public investigation, as Menezes' parents and human rights groups have asked.

Lastly, he criticised the way in which the British Police offered a compensation of 15,000 pounds (22,000 euros) to the unfortunate Brazilian's family.

Translated by Sofia Soulioti

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