The Hellenic Radio (ERA): News in English, 05-11-12

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

CONTENTS

[01] Prime Minister's Visit to Japan 'No' to Frequent Reshuffles

Sources: NET

In an interview on a Japanese television network, the Prime Minister stated his opposition to frequent reshuffles in the Government formation. Mr Karamanlis, in a cordial discussion with journalists of the Greek delegation in Tokyo, referred to foreign and European policy. On his visit to Ankara, he noted that dates have not been set yet, but it is not likely to happen before the end of the year. The Prime Minister appeared determined on the issue of agricultural grants, saying that even if the issue is posed to the European leaders Summit Meeting, in December, it will not be adopted since there is an alliance opposing the specific demand.

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

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Aimed at Investments

[02] G. Alogoskoufis in the USA

Sources: NET

From New York, the Minister of Economy and Finance announced the full denationalisation of Emporiki Bank, the further conversion of the Agricultural Bank of Greece into shares, as well as the entrance of the Greek Postal Savings Bank in the stock market. Giorgos Aloskoufis attended the New York Stock Exchange where he rang the bell at the closing of the session, and moreover made contacts with delegates of the investments community and big banking houses of the city. The aim of the Economy Ministers visit to New York is the advancement of the denationalisation programme and the promotion of reforms implemented in the Greek economy.

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

[03] Another Night of Riots Ban of Rallies

By Annita Paschalinou

Sources: AFP, Le Monde

A temporary ban of rallies in Paris, from Saturday 10am local time until Sunday at 8am, was decided by the French authorities, after threats over riots this weekend, on the occasion of Armistice Day; the truce which ended World War I. As per the French police, the threats of incidents this weekend circulated on the Internet and by text messages. During this weekend, which as per Le Parisien newspaper is decisive, 12,000 policemen will be on alert throughout the country, and 3,000 of which only in Paris. Regardless of the measures, riots and car arsons continued last night.

Attack Against Mosque

The temporary toll of the 16th night gives a slightly better picture, in relation to the previous night.

On Friday to Saturday night, until 4am, there were 384 car arsons and 162 arrests, in comparison to the previous night where 395 arsons and 168 arrests were made.

Earlier, on Friday afternoon, unidentified men threw petrol bombs at a mosque in the town of Carpentras, in southern France.

The attack was made during a prayer, causing only slight damage.

The act was condemned by President of the Republic Jacques Chirac and Minister for the Interior Nicola Sarkozy.

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

Read the story on other sources:

Le Monde: Deux cocktails molotov lances contre la mosquee de Carpentras

Le Monde: La police est en alerte, les rassemblements sont interdits a Paris

Le Parisien:LES RASSEMBLEMENTS SONT INTERDITS DE SAMEDI A DIMANCHE MATIN A PARIS

Reuters: French police brace for possible unrest in Paris

[04] Kofi Annan in Iraq

By Annita Paschalinou

A few hours ago, UN General Secretary Kofi Annan arrived in Baghdad, making a surprise visit. A delegate of the United Nations announced that Kofi Annan will meet with Iraqi Prime Minister Ibrahim Al-Jaafari. At the time Kofi Annan was arriving in Baghdad, a new attack was taking place in the Iraqi capital. A car packed with explosives blasted in a market of the town, resulting in the death of four persons and the injuring of twelve.

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

Read the story on other sources:

BBC : UN chief in surprise Iraq visit

Reuters: Annan arrives in Iraq to meet Jaafari

[05] In Bangkok Baby Positive to Bird Flu

By Annita Paschalinou

Sources: Reuters, Bangkok Post

Concern over bird flu in the capital of Thailand, Bangkok, is heightened, as last month a new outbreak of the disease was reported. On Saturday, the first outbreak of the disease in a human was reported, and specifically in a 12-month-old baby. It tested positive to the bird flu, and was possibly infected by chickens, carriers of the virus, he was playing with in the yard. His grandmother is under medical observation.

Fewer Outbreaks in 2005

The bird flu has cost the lives of 13 Thais up to now.

Since the beginning of October it has reappeared in 10 out of 76 provinces of Thailand.

Regardless of the spread of the virus in Bangkok, outbreaks in Thailand are less in relation to 2004, where the bird flu had been reported in 44 out of the 76 provinces of the country.

New Outbreak in China

In the meantime, on Friday, the Chinese Agriculture Ministry reconfirmed a new bird flu outbreak in the province of Hubei, the eight during the past month. The authorities, as per the announcement of the Chinese Health Ministry, proceeded in the slaughtering of 3,000 poultry after the death of 2,500 birds infected by the deadly virus. Four suspected human outbreaks are being investigated in the province of Hubei. However, up to now, no human outbreaks have been reconfirmed.

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

Read the story on other sources:

Reuters:Bangkok toddler confirmed as bird flu victim

Bangkok Post: China reports bird flu in new province

BBC Online: Eighth bird flu outbreak in China

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