The Hellenic Radio (ERA): News in English, 05-11-17

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

CONTENTS

[01] By the Downpour Traffic Problems

By Annita Paschalinou

Sources: NET

The heavy downpour that affected Attica in the morning caused traffic problems. Traffic jams and endless lines of car gave the Athenians a hard time. A traffic jam was reported on Posidonos Avenue starting from Alimos region to Flosvos and on the Athens-Lamia and Athens-Corinth national highways, as well as on Kifisou Avenue. Floodwaters had kept Kallirois Street closed until 11am.

Translated by Areti Christou

[02] Playing Cards in Police's Service King of Hearts Wanted

By Despina Hristopoulou

Sources: BBC

Chinese policemen have come up with the most genuine means ever to replace the well-known "Wanted" posters, we frequently see when watching US cowboy and Indian films. Since billposting is banned in many cities, Chinese police gave out 500,000 playing cards featuring one of the most-wanted criminal Zhang Zhijun. Apart from the footage of the criminal in the place of the king of hearts, the card mentions his height, date of birth and the fact that he has a scar on his left wrist. As per the Chinese authorities, they had to do this, since the usual way, namely the "Wanted" posters and the leaflets, seemed to bear no fruit. Deputy Director of the Public Security Bureau in Zhang Yu said that people pay no attention to the posters and throw away the leaflets. Cards, on the other hand, capture peoples attention and they tend to keep them longer. Mr Yu also said that a $2,500 reward is waiting those who will provide the authorities with information.

The truth is, though, that the mastermind behind this idea is the US security forces, which did the same to locate Saddam Husseins associates in Iraq, and not the Chinese policemen.

Translated by Areti Christou

Read the story on other sources:

BBC: China hunts criminals with cards

[03] Death Toll of the Virus has Reached Seven Two More H5N1 Victims in Indonesia

By Athina Saloustrou

On Thursday, the Ministry of Health announced that tests conducted in a Hong Kong laboratory confirmed that another two deaths were caused by the bird flu in Indonesia, thus increasing the number of H5N1 victims to seven. Hariadi Wibisono, an official of the Ministry, reported that tests were taken from samples of a 20-year-old girl that died last Saturday and a 16-year-old who died last week. In the meantime, China confirmed that the first outbreaks of the bird fly in humans was reported, since the deadly strain of H5N1 was detected. One outbreak was reported in the central province of Hunan and concerned a 12-year-old girl, while the second in the eastern province of Anhui. As reported by the Mass Media, 9-year-old He Junyao from the Hunan province, recovered from the virus, as opposed to his sister who died suffering from the same symptoms.

China and the World Health Organisation (WHO) were investigating the case of a girl that died in Hunan last month, after some cases of outbreak of the bird flu were reported. However, it has not been confirmed if it is related to the bird flu, while the WHO cannot record this outbreak, since the body of the girl has been cremated. The brother of the girl was also ill, but has since recovered. The second outbreak concerned a 24-year-old girl who died in hospital. Eleven outbreaks of H5N1 have been reported in the last month in China.

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

Read the story on other sources:

Jakarta Post: Indonesia's bird flu death toll climbs to seven

Reuters: Indonesia Says 2 More Deaths from Bird Flu Confirmed

Reuters: WHO warns of bird flu outbreaks

Reuters: WHO warns of bird flu outbreaks

[04] Uprising Anniversary Culminates in Athens

By Annita Paschalinou

The 32nd anniversary of a students uprising at the Athens Polytechnic is to reach its peak on Thursday. In the morning, the President of the Hellenic Republic, Karolos Papoulias, parliaments from all parties led by Speaker of the Greek Parliament, Anna Psarouda Benaki, PASOK secretary Mariliza Xenogiannakopoulou and SYN leader laid wreaths to honour the event. Marches and demonstrations are to be staged in Athens, Thessaloniki and other cities, while members of students organisations have undertaken to guard the premises of the University Institutions. Police have been put on standby. During the march towards the US embassy, scheduled for 2pm, the Traffic Police are to ban traffic around the embassy as well as downtown. Bus and trolley routes are also to be modified. Metro stations at Evangelismos and Megaro Mousikis will remain closed from 3pm to the end of the shift. Metro station at Panepistimio will have its exit towards Korai Street closed, while both exits at Syntagma station will be closed, as well.

Translated by Areti Christou

[05] In Athens and Lamia Attacks Against PASOK Offices

By Anna Kourti

Sources: NET

This morning, in Lamia, unidentified men attacked the PASOK offices with small gas bottles. The smoke trapped two persons and the intervention of the Fire Department was needed for their rescue. On Wednesday, in Athens, a group of youths torched a small bus of the Police and threw petrol bombs at the guard of the PASOK office.

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

Related News:

Policemen Attacked in Athens

[06] On the North Korean Nuclear Crisis US- South Korea Joint Front

By Athina Saloustrou

US President George W. Bush and his South Korean counterpart Roh Moo-hyun met on Thursday and reaffirmed their joint front against the North Korean nuclear crisis. They also claimed that they are in favour of a non-nuclear Korean peninsula. In a joint statement, the two leaders urged North Korea "to immediately dismantle its nuclear programme." "A nuclear-armed North Korean will not be tolerated," underscored the South Korean President in a joint press conference, adding that the issue should be weathered "by peaceful and diplomatic means." On his part, President Bush, who is in North Korea to attend the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Summit to commence on Friday, pointed out the Korean peninsula may be united some time in the future if they join forces. The US President called on North Korea to abandon its nuclear programme and get the light water reactor it had requested, instead. In the meantime, hundreds of South Koreans staged a protest rally in the city of Gyeongju against the US President.

Translated by Areti Christou

Read the story on other sources:

Reuters: Bush, Roh call for Korea armistice talks

BBC: Leaders urge Korea peace treaty

BBC: Leaders urge Korea peace treaty

[07] Three Algerian Nationals Detained Terror Suspects Arrested in Italy

By Annita Paschalinou

Sources: BBC

Italian police in Naples and Brescia arrested three Algerian Nationals on suspicion of planning a terrorist attack. The detainees are believed to be related to Algerias Salafist (GSPC) Movement, the leading Islamic militant group in Algeria. In June, the police authorities in Italy had arrested some five individuals linked to the same movement.

[08] Following Sharon-Peretz Agreement Early Elections in Israel

By Anna Kourti

Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon and Labour party leader Amir Peretz met on Thursday and agreed to hold early elections between late February and March in 2006. The exact date will be decided on Monday following the Parliament Session, said the new Labour party leader. The elections were initially scheduled for November 2006. "We have to make sure that 2006 is not going to witness a failure in the efforts to reach an accord with the Palestinians," underlined the Israeli Premier in his interview with Yedioth Ahronoth and called for early elections to be held in February. As soon as he was elected new Labour party leader, Mr Peretz immediately voiced his preference for early elections in March.

Translated by Areti Christou

Read the story on other sources:

Reuters:Sharon, Peretz agree on early Israeli election

[09] PAO Made it in Italy

By Vasilis Kalpinos

Panathinaikos achieved a great away 82-78 victory over Siena on match day three of Group C of Euroleague. Panathinaikos has not chalked up a victory in Sienas home since November 200. Zeljko Obradovics squad won its third victory in three matches the tenth one running both in Greece and Europe. The score per period: 16-26, 32-38, 55-56, 78-82.

[10] Greece Makes a New Beginning

By Vasilis Kalpinos

The Greek national football team gave its best, in an effort, which may lead to the European Championship. In a friendly match, the reigning European Champions defeated Hungary 2-1, but leaving the impression that a lot of hard work is needed. Greece opened the score in the 31 with Giannakopoulos and the Hungarians tied in the 78 with a penalty kick. The goal that gave Greece the win was scored by Kaffes in added time.

Referee: Pietr Fink (the Netherlands)

Yellow cards: Zagorakis, Basinas - Torghelle

Red card: 82 Torghelle (2nd yellow card)

Greece: Nikopolidis (75 Kotsolis), Seitaridis (52 Vintra), Fissas (86 Gekas), Antzas, Kyrgiakos, Katsouranis, Zagorakis (46 Kafes), Basinas, Giannakopoulos (90+ Kapsis), Mantzios (46 Lymberopoulos), Salpigidis (46 Papadopoulos)

Hungary: Kiraly, Balog (46 Ferenzi), Gyepes, Eger, Korsos, Boor (69 Kenesei), Halmosi, Hajnal (90 Boijte), Bodnar, Torghelle, Rosa

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

[11] As Per an Official CIA: Castro Has Parkinson's

By Athina Saloustrou

CIA claimed that Cuban President Fidel Castro suffers from Parkinsons disease and that he is likely to have difficulties in performing his duties, since his health is deteriorating, an official said. CIA reached that conclusion over the recent months and given the fact that the Parkinsons disease is a debilitating one, US policymakers have found themselves before a string of issues related to Cuba and the new scenery being created. "The assessment is that he has the disease and that his condition has progressed," an official told Reuters.

Officials of Bush administration as well as Congress members have already been briefed on the issue. However, US diplomats argued that such conclusions should play no role in making decisions about Cuba or Fidel Castro, whatsoever. "Do we see him loosing control over his country? No," stated a State Department official and added, "We are not in any way adapting how we plan for the day Castro is gone based on an assessment that he might have Parkinsons."

Translated by Areti Christou

Read the story on other sources:

Reuters: CIA says Castro has Parkinson's disease

BBC: 'Castro has Parkinson's' says CIA

[12] Multi-Fatality Accident in Mexico

By Annita Paschalinou

A truck carrying toxic ammonium chloride collided with a passenger bus in Mexico s killing 38 people. The crash occurred near the city of Los Mochis in Sinaloa province. Inhaling ammonium rather than the crash itself seems to have been the main death cause, said the police. As per flash evidence, the truck had a brake failure, the driver lost control and crashed into the rear of the bus. The ammonium leak at the crash scene made the task of policemen and rescue workers extremely difficult.

Translated by Areti Christou

Read the story on other sources:

Terra Mex: Treinta y ocho muertos al chocar camión cisterna y autobús

[13] Law to Curb Riots Emergency Laws Extended in France

By Vagelis Theodorou

The Senate in France passed a law allowing the extension of state of emergency by three months to curb the riots. Earlier, the new law, which is to come into effect as of Sunday night, had been approved by the French Parliament by a 346-148 majority. At the same time, nearly 4,000 people staged a protest rally in Paris claiming that the extension of emergency laws poses a serious threat to civil rights. On the other hand, an overwhelming majority of the French public approves the harsh measures suggested by Interior Minister Nicolas Sarkozy, showed an opinion poll that appeared in Le Point magazine. In the meantime, on Tuesday night 163 vehicles were torched and 50 people were arrested in the sporadic clashes reported in French cities. The number of the detainees has risen to 2,900 since October 27, the day the crisis broke out.

Favouring the Deportation of Foreigners

As per an opinion poll, 63% of the French people favours the deportation of the riot-involved immigrants as opposed to 32% of them opposing Mr Sarkozys proposal.

In fact, the Interior Minister informed the French Parliament that the deportation procedures of ten foreigners participating in the riots are under way.

At the same time, nearly seven out of ten French approve of the measures taken since the outbreak of the riots on the outskirts of the French cities, while 64% of those questioned views Sarkozy as the most suitable person to come up with solutions that will ease the situation in the impoverished French suburbs.

Furthermore, 54% of the participants in the poll disagrees with President Jacques Chiracs stance, while 59% of the French fears that he is unable to offer a solution to the problem.

Finally, Prime Minister and possible challenger of the French Presidency as a right wing candidate Mr de Villepin enjoys the trust of 58% of the French people as opposed to the 40% who does not think much of him.

Translated by Areti Christou

Read the story on other sources:

BBC: France extends laws to curb riots

Le Figaro: Les violences en baisse, les cotes de Sarkozy et Villepin en hausse

Le Monde: Les deputes UMP et UDF votent l'etat d'urgence pour trois mois

Reuters: France adopts law extending emergency powers

Related News:

Arrests and Riots Continue in Paris

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