The Hellenic Radio (ERA): News in English, 05-11-10

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

CONTENTS

[01] 24-hour Strike by ADEDY Public Sector on Strike

By Dimitris Alexopoulos

Greek citizens will be met with many problems today when dealing with public agencies, as the Supreme Administration of Greek Civil Servants Unions (ADEDY) has announced a 24-hour strike, demanding higher increases in wages and pensions. Local Self-Government organisations, hospitals, the Civil Aviation Authority and teaching staff in primary and high schools are also participating in the strike, with the latter continuing their collective actions tomorrow. At 11am, the strikers staged a rally in Korai Square, while they then marched towards the Parliament. The hospitals, where the Association of Hospital Doctors of Athens and Piraeus (EINAP) has also announced a 4-hour work stoppage for Friday, will operate with emergency staff. In addition, due to the strike by air traffic controllers, all of todays scheduled flights have been cancelled.

No Flights

Specifically, no flights whatsoever will be performed by any companies to and from Greek airports, including domestic flights between islands of the Aegean.

Olympic Airlines announced that 107 Olympic flights have been cancelled, while the company advised passengers to contact the call centre on +30210-9666666, in order to reschedule their bookings.

In addition, Aegean Airlines announced that passengers can contact the company on +30210 6261000.

The strike will not affect any airplanes flying over Greece, just as long as their final destination is not a Greek airport.

The only exceptions to the strike are airplanes carrying heads of states, military and fire department aircrafts or crafts carrying patients.

Translated by Vicky Ghionis

Related News:

On Strike

[02] Triple Attack in Jordan New al-Qaeda Hit

By Dimitris Alexopoulos

Sources: ANA, BBC, REUTERS, ASSOCIATED PRESS

Amman, Jordan, was the newest al-Qaeda target, since on Thursday, the groups Iraq faction claimed responsibility for the triple attack against the hotels Radisson SAS, Grand Hyatt and Day Inn, with an announcement posted on the Internet and signed by Abu Musab al-Zarqawi, the head of al-Qaeda in Iraq. However, the announcement has not been confirmed yet. Right from the start, though, the Jordanian authorities had declared that the Islamic group was behind the attacks, which killed 56 people and injured over 93. King Abdullah II of Jordan condemned the attacks, which he described as "terrorist acts," and pledged to continue the fight against terrorism.

Bloodbath

Most of the casualties are thought to be in Radisson SAS, as the suicide bomber blew himself up in a banqueting room where a wedding reception, with some 300 guests, was taking place.

On the other hand, the Grand Hyatt was surrounded by a cement casing, which was blown to bits. According to the witnesses, the blast occurred in the lobby.

All three hotels, located in Ammans commercial district, are frequented by Americans and European businessmen and diplomats. Specifically, the Radisson attracts Israeli tourists.

Most of the casualties are Jordanians; however 11 foreigners are among the victims, including one South Arab, one Palestinians, five Iraqis, three Chinese and one Indonesian.

Arrests of Iraqis

Tight security measures were implemented throughout the capital immediately after the attacks, especially around hotels and diplomatic missions.

Furthermore, the Jordanian police arrested three Iraqis, as they were considered suspects. According to TV network al Arabiya, which quoted Jordanian security forces, detailed maps of the specific locations in Amman were found in their car.

Condemning the Attack

US President George W. Bush called the attacks "cowardly" and "barbaric," while he added, "To the people of Jordan and King Abdullah, we pledge our full support in their efforts to bring the terrorists to justice. Jordan is a key ally in the war on terror and will have all assistance we can offer."

US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice condemned the attacks and said the United States "has offered Jordan whatever assistance and support it may need."

In addition, White House spokesman Scott McClellan strongly condemned these "heinous acts of terror."

On his part, UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan postponed his scheduled trip to Amman for today, while in an announcement he condemned the terrorist bombing attacks, extending his condolences to the families of the victims and the Jordanian government.

The attacks were also condemned by the EUs High Representative for the Common Foreign and Security Policy, Javier Solana, as well as Japan and Iraq.

Translated by Vicky Ghionis

Read the story on other sources:

ÂÂC: 'Al-Qaeda' claims Jordan attacks

CCN: Al Qaeda linked to Jordan blasts

Related News:

Series of Explosions in Amman

[03] In Phanar "Grey Wolves" Create Unrest

Sources: NET

A new challenge was delivered by the "Grey Wolves" in Istanbul, just hours after the State Department issued a report criticising Turkeys religious freedoms. A group of Turkish nationalists gathered in Phanar this morning, calling for the expulsion of the Ecumenical Patriarchate and chanting mottos against the USA, the EU and Tayyip Erdogan. The group, however, did not accomplish its target. In Athens, after meeting with Greek President Karolos Papoulias, Foreign Minister Petros Molyviatis, answering to a relevant question, reminded reporters of Turkeys pledges concerning religious freedoms and voiced his satisfaction over yesterdays reports by the State Department and the European Commission.

Translated by Vicky Ghionis

Related News:

Double Hit Against Turkey

[04] Deadly Attack in a Crowded Restaurant Suicide Bomber Attack in Baghdad

By Athina Saloustrou

As per the Iraqi Police, a suicide bomber detonated his explosives in a crowded restaurant in the centre of Baghdad, resulting in 35 persons being killed and at least 25 to be injured. The target of the suicide bomber were officials of the Iraqi Security Forces, who frequented the specific restaurant for breakfast, while even the time of attack was very well planned, since the employees take a small morning break for breakfast, and that is why many persons were approaching the restaurant. The attack took place at 09:40am local time in the centre of the Iraqi capital, near the hotels Palestine and Sheraton, where many journalists and foreign employees reside. This is one of the biggest attacks of the previous months in the Iraqi capital, and followed an attack of two cars packed with explosives, where at least six people lost their lives and 25 injured.

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

Read the story on other sources:

Reuters: Suicide bomb kills 35 in Baghdad restaurant

BBC: Bomb attack on Baghdad restaurant

CNN: At least 28 dead in Baghdad suicide blast

[05] Formal Visit in Japan Prime Minister in Tokyo

By Dimitris Alexopoulos

As of Thursday noon, Prime Minister Kostas Karamanlis is in Japan, where tomorrow he will hold meetings with his Japanese counterpart, as well as the imperial couple. Issues of bilateral relations, as well as the reinforcement of Japanese entrepreneurship in Greece, will be at the focus of the contacts. The aim of Athens is the advancement of an action plan agreed on March 2002, and the mutual partnership of Japanese and Greece businessmen in the Balkans and the Black Sea. During his stay in Tokyo, Mr Karamanlis will give a series of interviews, while a business lunch has been scheduled at the Japanese Business Federation (Nippon Keidanren), which for the first time Greek delegates of the business world, accompanying the Prime Minister, will attend. Mr Kostas Karamanlis is accompanied by Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Evripidis Stilianidis, in charge of foreign trade department, and alternate Government spokesperson Evangelos Andonaros.

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

Related News:

Prime Minister in Japan

[06] Early Awakening Weak Quake on Karpathos

By Dimitris Alexopoulos

An earthquake measuring 4.3 on the Richter scale was recorded at 6:50am on Thursday on the Greek island of Karpathos. The quake was felt in many areas of the eastern Aegean; however, as per the local authorities, there have been no reports on damages or victims. Speaking on NETs morning show "Frontline," the Mayor of Karpathos mentioned that the locals remain calm, despite being awakened early by the earthquake.

Translated by Vicky Ghionis

[07] Incidents Contained Relative Calm in France

By Dimitris Alexopoulos

The riots overnight in France were somewhat contained compared to previous nights, since emergency measures have been implemented in 38 cities, suburbs and towns. The French police announced that 482 cars were torched, while 203 people were arrested throughout the country during the 14th night of unrest. This latest toll demonstrates that the incidents have been considerably restricted, declared national Police Chief Michel Gaudin. In the meantime, according to the police figures for Tuesday, the 13th night of rioting, 617 arson attacks were recorded, while 280 people were arrested. The most serious incidents occurred in Toulouse and the Val-DOise district, close to Paris.

However, no major incidents were reported in the French capital and its surrounding areas up until midnight, when, during the previous nights, hundreds of vehicles were burnt and dozens of attacks were recorded against public buildings.

A French government official mentioned that the trend is positive, compared to Sunday night, when 1,400 cars were torched.

At the same time, an opinion poll showed that 73% of the French citizens welcomed the emergency measures.

Translated by Vicky Ghionis

Read the story on other sources:

BBC: Curfew for riot-hit French towns

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Incidents Continue

[08] Otto Remains in Greek Team

By Ilias Papaioannou

As it all seems, German coach Otto Rehhagel will end his career at the benches of the Greek National football team until the EURO 2008. Meanwhile, he announced the names of the 22 players who will be included in the squad for the friendly game against Hungary on November 16, at Karaiskakis Stadium. Rumours wanted Mr Rehhagel to have recently met with the Hellenic Football Federation (HFF) President, Vasilis Gagatsis, and to have agreed to all. Furthermore, as per the same scenario, an emergency Board meeting will take place in order to officially ratify the partnership of the two sides. As per initial estimations, Mr Rehhagels new contract will be around 800,000 euros annually, together with a bonus, if Greece qualifies to the EURO 2008 finals.

The 22 Players

With the upcoming friendly match with the Hungarians, Rehhagel has summoned Mantzios, Lagos, Kapsis, Kafes, Basinas, Nikopolidis, Vintra, Seitaridis, Goumas, Fissas, Katsouranis, Kyrgiakos, Zagorakis, Lymberopoulos, Giannakopoulos, Salpigidis, Gekas, Kotsolis, Papadopoulos, Darlas, Antzas and Anatolakis. Even if Giorgos Karagounis and Aggelos Charisteas were also called initially, they will not participate in the squad.

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

[09] 500,000 Poultry Culled as Prevention Two New H5N1 Cases in China

By Athina Saloustrou

Chinese Media reported two new outbreaks of the H5N1 bird flu strain in two areas of the northeast Liaoning province. According to the China Daily, the provincial health authorities reported that about 1,100 chickens were killed in the latest outbreaks. China has not reported any human avian flu cases, although the World Health Organisation (WHO) is assisting in the investigation of a possible human infection in the Hunan province, where an outbreak was recorded in October. As per the China Daily, the authorities culled some 500,000 poultry within a 3km radius of the outbreak sites, to prevent the spreading of the disease. The Chinese Government has so far culled 10 million poultry in the Liaoning province. On Tuesday, Prime Minister Wen Jiabao said that the country faces a "very serious situation," since the disease has not been brought under control and might spread.

In the meantime, in Vietnam, which counts most of the human victims of the disease, as well as the greatest financial losses from bird flu, the authorities reported two new cases this week, as well as the death of 1,300 poultry. Out of those, 1,000 were culled by officials of the Agriculture Ministry, which is trying to contain the disease. In addition, in the Bac Giang province, where 134,000 chickens, ducks and geese were slaughtered last week, 15 ducks died of avian flu.

Vietnam Counts the Most Victims

Vietnamese Agriculture Minister Cao Duc Phat urged the local authorities to educate farmers, in an effort to prevent new outbreaks of the disease. At least 92 people have been infected in Vietnam, 42 of whom died, since December 2003, when the first reports mentioning that bird flu can be transmitted to humans surfaced. In addition, the scientists fear that the virus can mutate into a form that can be transmitted from humans to humans, costing millions of lives.

The latest Vietnamese bird flu victim was a 35-year-old man, who died in late October. However, a suspected case of a 24-year-old woman from Bac Giang province, turned out to be a false alarm, according to state Media.

Translated by Vicky Ghionis

Read the story on other sources:

China Daily: 2 new outbreaks reported in Liaoning, 'situation serious'

CNN: China reports 2 new bird flu cases

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