The Hellenic Radio (ERA): News in English, 05-11-07

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

CONTENTS

[01] For the 11th Night in a Row Out of Control

By Anna Kourti

Sources: AFP, ANA, Reuters, NET

Violent episodes in Paris and other French cities continue. Thirty-four police officers sustained injuries, including two who were shot at in Grigny, south of Essonne. At least 839 cars were torched during the 11th night of unrest in France. However, 186 rioters were arrested after being caught throwing stones and other objects against policemen, while some of them even opened fire against the Police using air guns. Riots and vandalisms were reported shortly after the end of the Internal Security Council emergency meeting, where President Chirac had said restoring order was his top priority, stressing the law would have the last word. During the night, the French President announced a new decree to reinforce the action of the Police and Justice against the perpetrators of these violent incidents. It should be noted that riots started on October 27, when two young immigrants died after being pursued by the Police in the Parisian suburb of Seine-Saint-Denis.

France's Image Worldwide

On Sunday afternoon, cars and rubbish bins were torched in Nantes, Orleans, Rennes and Saint-Etienne.

In Saint-Etienne, youngsters stopped a bus, removed all passengers and set it on fire. The driver and one passenger were injured as a result.

In Hervy, south of Paris, on Saturday, the Police discovered a workshop of homemade bombs and arrested six young men while exiting the building. They confiscated 50 Molotov cocktails ready to be used, 100 empty bottles and 60 litres of gasoline.

French authorities believe that the young rioters are incited by drug dealers and fanatic Islamists, who coordinate them using the Internet and mobile phones.

The Opposition is accusing the Government and Sarkozy in person for the unrest. Francois Hollande, leader of the Socialist Party, spoke of the Government's failure. Members of the Communist Party and the Greens have asked for Internal Affairs Minister Nicolas Sarkozy's resignation, as they support his statements regarding "the dregs of society" instigated the rage of young immigrants living in the Parisian suburbs.

The violent incidents have suffered a blow on France's image around the world and made Prime Minister Dominique de Villepin postpone his visit to Canada. Russia and the USA have warned their citizens to avoid visiting the French cities, were incidents have been reported.

Neighbouring Germany, where over 3 million Muslims of mainly Turkish origin are currently living in, is concerned over the situation in France. A Christian Democrat parliamentarian said there is no doubt such incidents could occur in Germany.

In Italy, Opposition leader Romano Prodi asked the Government to take measures. "We have the worst suburbs in Europe. I don't think things are any different here than in Paris. It is simply a matter of time before having the same incidents in Italy," stressed Romano Prodi.

Translated by Sofia Soulioti

[02] Upon Arriving in Chile Fujimori Arrested

By Mary Lou Tzempelikou

Sources: ANA, BBC

Just a few hours after arriving in Santiago, Chile, coming from Japan, former Peruvian president Alberto Fujimori was arrested by the Chilean Police authorities. Peruvian Foreign Minister Oscar Maurtua de Romana announced Fujimori's arrest, which took place at the hotel he was residing in. The former Peruvian President was charged with corruption and human rights violations and Chilean judge Orlando Alvarez, who was appointed by the Supreme Court to consider his extradition request, ordered his arrest. Fujimori is expected to appear before Alvarez later today. Upon arriving in Santiago on Sunday, Fujimori had said he planned "a temporary stay in Chile as part of a return to Peru to keep a promise with a large part of the people of Peru" to stand again for president next April.

Denying Charges

International arrest warrants are pending against 67-year-old Fujimory, who had been self-exiled in Japan since 2000, while he received the Japanese citizenship, as both his parents were from Japan.

Even though Peru had requested for his extradition, Tokyo refused to let him go, and he was arrested even though Peruvian warrants for his arrest were thought invalid in Chile.

Mr Fujimori, who was recently given a new Peruvian passport, denies any wrongdoing and believes he can win the vote.

Translated by Sofia Soulioti

[03] Hospital Doctors on Strike Today Week of Strikes

By Mary Lou Tzempelikou

Collective actions in the wider Public Sector premiere today with the strike of hospital doctors, who will not be reporting to duty until the end of the week, thus claiming financial and institutional demands. In the meantime, this morning pensioners will gather outside the Council of State, where the issue of granting the family benefit to both parents will top the agenda. Following, protestors will rally towards Syntagma Square. Tomorrow, Tuesday, all banks in Attica will remain closed, as bank clerks participate in OTOEs (Hellenic Federation of Bank Employee Unions) 24-hour strike, while civil servants have scheduled to go on strike on Thursday.

Translated by Sofia Soulioti

[04] With New Democracy Top Officials Karamanlis' Meetings

By Mary Lou Tzempelikou

Prime Minister Kostas Karamanlis will be meeting with ND's top officials today. The talks with ND general manager Kostas Simeoforidis and Parliamentarian Group secretary Apostolos Stavrou are expected to focus on the governing party's preparation in view of the 2006 municipal elections, scheduled for October. As per information, Mr Karamanlis asked party members and parliamentarians to actively participate in the government's efforts. Following, the PM also met with Development Minister Dimitris Sioufas and Public Order Minister Giorgos Voulgarakis.

Translated by Sofia Soulioti

[05] Bush-Lula da Silva Meeting Bush Says "No" to Agricultural Subsidies

By Mary Lou Tzempelikou

The issue of agricultural subsidies topped the meeting between US President George Bush and his Brazilian counterpart, Inacio Lula da Silva, on Sunday in Brasilia. Bush repeated his government's intention to eliminate agricultural subsidies in order to move towards free trade around the world. However, he said this move would depend on Europe's willingness to do the same thing. As for Lula da Silva, he spoke of a growing partnership between the two countries, which is reinforced as he agreed that eliminating agricultural subsidies is the key to World Trade Organisation talks. In his Sunday speech, Bush sent a message to the countries that roll back the democratic process, based on fear and accusations against their neighbours, apparently referring to Venezuela and its president, Hugo Chavez.

Translated by Sofia Soulioti

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