The Hellenic Radio (ERA): News in English, 05-08-29

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

CONTENTS

[01] It Exceeded 70 Dollars New Record High For Oil

By Vicky Keleri

Sources: BBC - CNN

Oil price keeps soaring uncontrollably exceeding for a while the 70-dollar barrier in Singapores market in the early hours of Monday. Hurricane Katrina, which threatens to damage the US refineries in the Gulf of Mexico, is behind this meteoric rise. In particular, the oil price for Octobers delivery contracts posted a 3.62-dollar rise over Friday afternoons close in New York and surged to 70.80 dollars a barrel. Later, it dropped to 69.75. The US authorities have already evacuated 21 oil plants in the areas of Mississippi and New Orleans. As per experts, hurricane Katrinas pass from New Orleans may be more devastating than that of Camilles, which killed 256 people when it hit the states of Louisiana and Mississippi in 1969. On his part, OPEC head made it clear that several alternatives will be taken into account at the meeting in September and claimed that the high prices do not reflect the basic principles of the market. He also maintained that the current stock combined with that to be added at the beginning of 2006 will meet winters high demand.

Translated by Areti Christou

[02] Turkey and EU at the Focus Greek PM in Prague

By Despina Hristopoulou

Sources: NET 105.8

Greek Prime Minister Kostas Karamanlis met with Czech President Vaclav Klaus in a cordial atmosphere, while he is to hold a meeting with his Czech peer Jiri Paroubek. The fiscal policies of the European Union and Turkeys accession talks are at the focus of the meetings. After his meeting with the Czech President, Mr Karamanlis visited Pragues historical sites.

Translated by Areti Christou

[03] Husband For Hire!

By Tina Valaoura

A 21-year-old Belgian woman tried to break free from the routine of her wedding in an outstanding manner. Nadia Manfroid from Brussels said that she was fed up with spending all her spare time with her 28-year-old husband, Denis and that she would prefer some quality time for herself. Therefore, she decided to put him up for sale. And the crucial question rises! What is so wrong about Denis that cannot stay at home on his own for four hours so that his precious little woman goes shopping or to the cinema with her friends? Could he be a naughty boy? No! Not at all, explained Het Nieuwsblad that publicized the ad. It is just that the "owner" does not want him to be left on his own.

As for the rented husband, he is ok with his wifes idea and said, "It would very much enjoy a dinner with a lady and I even fancy the idea of escorting one to a party. I am also willing to do the washing up, cut the grass, paint the kitchen or watch the dog. I can do everything but sex." So far, the highest bid has not exceeded 1.5 euros, but Nadia said that many women contacted her wishing to know whether he does the ironing too. "One asked me if he was a good kisser. He is for hire but after these four hours I want him back," said the resourceful wife.

Translated by Areti Christou

[04] Intermediate Finding Likely to be Issued Searching for Answers

By Vicky Keleri

Air Accidents and Incidents Investigative Committee delegates headed by chief investigator Akrivos Tsolakis flew to Cyprus to meet with Cypriot Transport Minister and interrogate Cyprus Civil Aviation Authority employees, Helios officials as well as the families of the victims. They seek solid answers to crucial questions regarding the training of the crew and the maintenance works on Helios airliners. As per Cypriot chief investigator Kostas Orphanos, the interrogation process is expected to be completed on Friday evening. However, the extension of the interrogation process is not ruled out, since more people are likely to be called to testify. He also said that the issuing of a new interim finding will probably follow the testimonies.

Translated by Areti Christou

[05] Residents Evacuate New Orleans Katrina Spreads Fear

By Despina Hristopoulou

Sources: BBC - CNN

Having claimed seven lives in the southern regions of New Orleans and having caused unprecedented damages, hurricane Katrina continues its devastating pass moving towards New Orleans. Katrina is swirling with winds of up to 260km/h, and it has already hit the coastal areas stretching from Louisiana to Alabama triggering huge waves that reach six metres above average. The American authorities have issued warnings that speak of extensive damages, while 1,300,000 people living in New Orleans and its suburbs have started evacuating their homes since the early hours of Friday. National Hurricane Centre Director Max Mayfield fears that Katrina may cause many victims.

Shelters for the Elderly and Tourists

Shelters and Louisiana Superdome have been employed to protect from the hurricanes fury those who did not manage to leave, mainly the elderly and tourists.

For those tourists who opted to remain in their hotels, the authorities advised them to stay above the third floors and to keep clear off the windows.

At the same time, a Red Cross spokesperson voiced his belief that Katrinas pass from New Orleans is likely to cause the most extensive natural disaster ever to be dealt with by the Red Cross organisation.

Translated by Areti Christou

[06] Explosion Without Injuries in Baghdad Constitution Vs Satisfaction and Violence

By Despina Hristopoulou

Violence continues a day after the ratification of the final version of the Constitution draft bill by the Iraqi Parliament. Today a strong explosion of mortar shell near the Oil Ministry upset Baghdad, but thankfully did not cause injuries. However, yesterday, 11 persons, four of whom were policemen, lost their lives in the Iraqi capital and neighbouring regions by rebel attacks. In the meantime, UN General Secretary Kofi Annan voiced his satisfaction over the ratification of the final version of the new Constitution draft bill, and encouraged Iraqis to continue cooperating in a national reconciliation spirit until the Constitutional referendum on October 15. Also, the UN Secretary expressed his satisfaction over the international organisations aid service to the Constitutional procedure in Iraq.

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

[07] Draw Is Better Than Nothing

By Vasilis Kalpinos

Panionios and Larissa, which were playing behind closed doors in Nea Smyrni, tied 1-1 in the premiere of the A National Professional Championship. The crimson team (Larissa) were better, but couldn't score a second goal that would have granted them victory and three points. The goalkeeper of Panionios was an iron rock and made some impressive saves. Panionios opened the score in the 60', when Fernantes was awarded a free kick, while Spasic tied the score for Larissa six minutes later. Kyparissis' kick hit the post in the 76', thus depriving the guests of another goal, while they also had two goals annulled, as they were scored from an offside position.

Referee: Nikolaidis (Thessaloniki) Yellow cards: Breska, Kiassos, Mitrou, Kalantzis

Line-ups

PANIONIOS: Baniak, Exouzidis, Magdy, Giannopoulos, Kontodimos, Fernantes, Langer, Kiassos (56' Mitrou), Oravec, Breska, Goundoulakis

LARISSA: Kotsolis, Stournaras (64' Spasic), Katsiaros, Dabizas, Simos, Gikas, Digozis, Serban (72' Bachramis), Aloneftis, Kalantzis, Gavrilopoulos (75' Kyparissis)

Translated by Sofia Soulioti

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