The Hellenic Radio (ERA): News in English, 05-08-23

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

CONTENTS

[01] Injured in Athens by C-130 Explosion on Santorini

By Annita Paschalinou

Liquid gas exploded in a restaurant in Oia, Santorini killing one person and seriously injuring another five. Speaking on NET radio station 105.8, Thira eparch Chrysanthos Roussos said that the person who was killed was a Greek national. The five injured people were originally taken to the Medical Centre in Fira, but three seriously injured where taken to KAT, Athens, by a C-130 aircraft that landed on the island with EKAV doctors and firemen. 46-year-old Ioannis Magkoutas was taken to Evangelismos hospital, while Nineta Kalidrousi and Eirini Chrysi are still hospitalised in KAT and are out of danger. The explosion occurred shortly after 8pm and caused the ceiling to collapse. The Fire Service rushed on site to free trapped customers, as the restaurants roof collapsed after the explosion.

[02] Fears for the Use of Guns by Settlers West Bank Pullout Started

By Vicky Keleri

The pullout operation of settlers from the West Bank started with the invasion of Israeli forces in the settlements of Sanur and Homesh. The settlement entrances were demolished with the help of excavating machines, while hundreds of Israeli soldiers, who worked for the removal of settles from the Gaza Strip, have been redeployed in the West Bank, as there are fears resistance will be much stronger. For this reason, armed troops are included in the military forces. More than 2,000 settlers have barricaded themselves in Sanur, while less are those in Homesh, some of whom are carrying weapons. Israeli media reported last night that some hardliners in the West Bank possess weapons, which they will probably use to prevent their eviction.

Satisfaction and Optimism

Shortly after dawn in Sanur, settlers burned tyres and laid down spikes, on the road, but an hour later the fires died down and unarmed police were seen cutting wire next to the gates and entering the settlement

However, for the time being the situation is described as calm.

Earlier, settlers in Ganim and Kadim, north of the West Bank, had left voluntarily.

After the pullout at the Gaza Strip, Mahmud Abbas anb Ariel Sharon had a telephone conversation during which they voiced their mutual hope that the evacuation will signal the beginning of a new era in the relations of the two peoples.

US President George W Bush hailed the Gaza evacuation as an "historic step" that would bolster the search for peace in the Middle East.

Translated by Sofia Soulioti

Related News:

West Bank Pullout Next

[03] Love Hotel for Pets

By Mary Lou Tzempelikou

The more pet owners, who want the best for their four-legged friends increase, the more their extravagant demands increase, in order to provide their cats and dogs the same comforts like humans have. Following this kind of thinking, Brazilians established an original love hotel for pets to mate. Now, their owners will no longer have to worry where to find a worthy mate for their pet in order to produce healthy and beautiful offsprings, since in the Pet Love hotel, in Sao Paolo, their pets can meet the mate of their dreams and spend unforgettable times together in the specially decorated rooms with satin sheets, ceiling mirrors and lots of cushions. Explaining the reasons for which the owners of the hotel decided to proceed with its establishment, a Pet Love spokesperson said, "Pets have needs and they also want some excitement."

Translated by Sofia Soulioti

[04] Building Collapse Kills Eleven

By Mary Lou Tzempelikou

Panic prevailed on Tuesday morning in Bombay, when a four-storeyed building collapsed suddenly, killing 11 people. At least 25 more people remain trapped under the debris, while rescue crews have managed to free 47 persons so far, who have been taken to a local hospital. Authorities believe the main reason of the collapse is that the building was very old (at least 100 years). In the same area 1,900 more constructions have been found dangerous, while in the past many old and badly preserved buildings had collapsed, especially during the monsoon period. Last July, over 1,000 people lost their lives in India, when buildings collapsed due to the heavy rainfalls.

Translated by Sofia Soulioti

[05] Three More Days to Reach Agreement New Extension for Iraqi Constitution

By Mary Lou Tzempelikou

Sources: BBC, ANA

Negotiations over the Iraqi Constitution reached a dead-end once more, as Parliamentarians did not vote for the draft, on which Shias and Kurds had agreed. Therefore, a new deadline of three more days was given, as the previous deadline ended on Monday midnight. Sunni Arabs reacted to the draft Constitution, supporting that the adaptation of the text could lead to Iraq's split-up, while Kurds stated they would no accept he imposition of a text without the Shias' approval. In the meantime, the White House welcomed "another step forward" in the work on the Constitution. It is noted that the original deadline was last week, but it was shifted to midnight on Monday when no agreement was reached.

Main Differences

The main points of dispute focus on the meaning of "federation" as Iraq will be according to the draft.

The Sunnis have voiced concerns, as they believe federalism may lead to the creation of an autonomous Shia area in southern Iraq, like the Kurdish north but under Iran's influence. It is noted that both areas are rich in oil deposits.

Even though the political groups of Shias and Kurds have the necessary majority in Parliament to pass the draft even without the accordance of the Sunnis, however they will not proceed with such an action, because it is a politically damaging move.

US officials say a delay risks playing into the hands of the insurgents, who killed 10 people in Baghdad on Monday, while over thirty people have lost their lives over the last two days in various parts of Iraq.

Translated by Sofia Soulioti

[06] By Jordanian Authorities Man Behind Aqaba Hit Arrested

By Mary Lou Tzempelikou

The culprit of the rocket attack, which occurred on Friday at the port of Aqaba against two US warships, is at the hands of the Jordanian police. As per an announcement issued by the Authorities of Jordan, the man is Mohammed Hassan Abdullah al-Sihly from Syria, member of an Iraqi terrorist group. The announcement also read that three more members of this group arrived in Jordan on August 6. The two were al Sehli's sons and the third, named abu Muhtar, is the spiritual leader of the group. It is noted that one more rocket was launched against neighbouring Eylan, in Israel, without exploding though. One Jordanian soldier lost his life to the blast in Aqaba.

Translated by Sofia Soulioti

[07] With Three Injured Blast in Beirut

By Annita Paschalinou

Sources: Reuters, Associated Press

A strong blast literary shook the suburb of Zalka in Beirut on Monday night. The first information speaks of three slightly injured people, two civilians and rescue crewmember. The bomb had been places at Promenade hotel's parking lot, very close to the much-frequented Mussa shopping mall and only a heartbeat away from Starbucks. Strong police forces blocked the area and have reportedly arrested five suspects.

This is the latest of a series of bomb attacks that followed the murder of Prime Minister Rafik Hariri in February.

The last bomb attack was against a Christian suburb on July 23, a few hours after the surprise visit of US Secretary of State Condoleeza Rice.

Translated by Sofia Soulioti

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