The Hellenic Radio (ERA): News in English, 05-10-15

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

CONTENTS

[01] For the Prevention and Countering Europe Takes Measures

By Mary Lou Tzempelikou

The European Union is planning to fight the bird flu threat with the creation of danger zones, the restriction of homebred animals in interior spaces, as well as the strict adherence to hygiene regulations in aviculture. The above was decided during a EU emergency meeting of special veterinarians, who adopted the measures proposed by the European Commission. On its part, the World Health Organisation (WHO) advised European governments to closely monitor all cases, either concerning humans or animals, as it estimates that there is no reason of upgrading the alarm, since the virus does not seem to be contracted from birds to humans. An emergency meeting of the 25 EU Foreign Ministers will take place, in order to investigate and evaluate the situation, on Tuesday, in Luxemburg.

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

Related News:

Shielded Against Virus

Meeting in Brussels

[02] Recorded a New Opinion Poll on ND 2.2 Unit Lead for ND

By Mary Lou Tzempelikou

Sources: NET 105.8

New Democracy is ahead of PASOK by 2.2% on the intention to vote, as it is recorded in a Metron Analysis opinion poll, on the account of newspaper Imerisia. On the question of "what would you vote if elections would take place now," 33.3% of the persons asked answered ND, as opposed to 31.1% who said PASOK, followed by KKE 6%, SYN 3.8% and LAOS 3.9%, while 12.6% are undecided. Even if 38.5% trusts ND on economy issues, as opposed to 22.9% that favoured PASOK, however, six out of ten citizens negatively view the governments economic policy. On the question on foreign policy, 49% believed that we are entering new adventures in national issues, while 52% disagreed with the governments handlings on the FYROM issue. Speaking to NET 105.8, ND MP Theodoros Kassimis said "this is the worst possible time for Government on economy issues," claiming that the tight economic policy is disfavoured by all, and added: "Only NDs policy can open roads." Questioned on the results of the opinion poll, PASOK MP Milena Apostolaki said: "As time goes by, opinion polls improve PASOKs image."

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

Related News:

ND in the Lead

PASOK in the Lead

[03] Referendum on Constitution Draft Bill Polls Opened in Iraq

By Mary Lou Tzempelikou

Sources: BBC, ANA

After ten years, the first referendum which the Iraqis are called to vote "Yes" or "No" on the new Constitution, its taking place in Iraq today, under strict security measures, that however have not discouraged rebels. Around 15 million voters are expected to arrive in the 6,000 electoral constituencies, and to approve of reject the Constitution draft bill, which many Sunnis oppose. The President of the country, Jalal Talabani, and Prime Minister Ibrahim al-Jaafari were the first ones to vote on the controversial document compiled by the Shias and Kurds. "I voted Yes and I urge all Iraqis, no matter their different ethnicities and religions, to vote Yes to the Constitution," said Talabani in statements to journalists. The Constitution will be approved if 50% of the Iraqis say "Yes", and if "No" does not exceed 2/3 of the votes.

Attacks and Sabotage Aimed at Referendum

Exactly ten years ago, on October 15, 1995, the first public referendum took place after the abolishment of monarchy in 1958, in which Saddam Hussein was the only candidate for the renewal of his term in Presidency. As per the results, 99.96% favoured Saddams term renewal.

Regardless of the strict security measures, the attacks continue. A few hours before the polls opened, three Iraqi soldiers lost their lives and another three wounded by bomb explosions targeted at their convoy, 80km east of Makuba.

Similar attacks took place in Ramadi.

The security measures included the closing of borders and Baghdad Airport, while traffic and parking of private vehicles in many areas has been banned, fearing car bomb attacks.

Some electoral constituencies in Baghdad have been targeted by armed men, without any reports of victims.

Furthermore, on Friday night, power was cut in Baghdad and Basra for some hours due to sabotage. Explosive devices, which were placed in high-voltage lines supplying the Iraqi capital with electricity, were detonated and resulted in the city being drowned in darkness, while due to the sabotage Basra was also affected.

Sunnis React

The Kurds and Shias are expected to vote for the document, while the Sunnis are more likely to vote against it, since their leaders have expressed fears that the proposed plan will lead the country to collapse, with the Kurds ruling the north, the Shias the south and the Sunnis not being able to access the rich oil reserves of the country.

Washington appeared optimistic, hoping that the Constitution draft bill will win the trust of the Iraqis. If this occurs, then the document will constitute the basis for the start of Parliamentary elections. The polls will close at 18:00 local time, while the result will not be announced immediately.

The Main Points of the Constitution:

Iraq will be a federal, Parliamentary Republic Official languages will be Arabic and Kurdish Official religion is Islam and securing religious freedom Equal rights for all Independent judicial authorities Elections every four years

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

[04] Justice is Blind!

By Mary Lou Tzempelikou

It seems that no one can be justified even if they are outright innocent. That is what happened to a British woman who was in a car accident and called the Traffic Police to report the event. Mary Magilton, 54, from Oldham, Manchester, was chatting away with her friends during a walk out in the neighbourhood, when a very rushed and careless driver mounted the pavement. The result of this sudden invasion of the uninvited guest in the discussion was the 54-year-old being seriously injured. The driver, not caring less, fled the scene, while Mrs Magiltons company called the Police. The policeman that appeared to investigate the incident asked the furious woman what had happened, but when she started giving a description of the driver, she made the mistake of calling her fat. This word enraged the policeman, who advised her to not use such language. Actually, in order to put her in her place he fined her.

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

[05] Wide-Ranging Attack

PASOK President George Papandreou launched a full-scale harsh attack against the government and the Prime Minister on Friday night in Komotini, while speaking at an open PASOK supporters meeting. George Papandreou referred to the developments over the FYROM issue and the Economy, while stressing that ND is teaching lessons of corruption, personally accusing the Prime Minister for his choices. In the morning, the PASOK president visited rural villages and listened to cotton producers demands for solving their problems. On the other hand, State Minister Thodoros Roussopoulos said, "As a Government, PASOK led Greek farmers to insecurity and inexistent perspective. It abandoned them to make it on their own. Now, as the Main Opposition, the PASOK president is suggesting a different path, without saying anything over its starting point, course or destination," he added.

Translated by Sofia Soulioti

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