The Hellenic Radio (ERA): News in English, 05-12-27

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

CONTENTS

[01] Over the Tax Offices' Deadline Battle Against Time

By Athina Saloustrou

The new objective values on the real estate, which will come into force as of 1 January 2006, are to be announced within the week. However, the contracts for purchase, donation and parental grant can be drawn up based on the existing objective values by February 28 as long as the transfer petition is submitted to the Tax Offices by the end of 2005. Furthermore, the income tax instalments and the aggregate clients-suppliers lists for 2004 should be submitted by December 30.

[02] Less Than the 1/3 of the Excursionists Returned Rainy Return

By Vicky Keleri

Sources: ΝΕΤ

Rainy weather is expecting Christmas holidaymakers who are returning to Athens. As per data released by the Traffic Police, this years exodus was decreased by 6% compared to last years. In particular, around 330,000 vehicles passed through the Afidnes toll booth, while nearly 350,000 vehicles left the capital last year. But, it seems that less than the 1/3 of the excursionists have returned. However, the decreased exodus was not accompanied by a decrease in car accidents. In 28 accidents occurred so far, 29 people were killed, while 20 were killed in Attica only over the last week. Traffic Police keeps holding breath alcohol tests. Since December 19, 108 offenders were reported in 7,073 breath alcohol tests.

Translated by Areti Christou

Related News:

Excursionists Return

[03] The Unluckiest Pickpocket Ever!

By Vicky Keleri

He tried to catch them off-guard, but he was caught red-handed! Our story talks about a 45-year-old pickpocket who decided to make his Christmas earnings in a Christmas party. Yet, he found himself in the wrong place, the wrong time! Being pretty careless, he entered a bar, and hoping that the customers would be intoxicated both by the joyous festive atmosphere and a couple of drinks, he started stripping their coats and jackets in the cloakroom of all the unnecessary burdens! His plans, however, fell flat. You see, it was the officers of the German Federal Police criminal investigations unit that had thrown the Christmas party, and they immediately realised what was going on. The 45-year-old pickpocket was completely taken aback, and before he knew it, he found himself behind bars! The policemen, though, should probably thank him for he earned them their easiest arrest of the year!

Translated by Areti Christou

[04] Inclement Weather Causes Serious Troubles Snowbound Turkey

By Vicky Keleri

Four people have died so far in Turkey due to the frost and the heavy snowfalls that have been affecting the country. In the town of Jibril, a 25-year-old male died of hypothermia and two immigrants were found dead in the area of Ipsala near the Greek borders. Furthermore, a local official was killed when his car crushed into a road-sign. At the same time, several road networks in the eastern and central regions of the country have been closed, while a total of 3,300 towns have been snowbound.

Translated by Areti Christou

[05] Death Toll Feared to Reach Eight Multi-fatality Blast in Venezuela

By Vicky Keleri

Four people were killed in Venezuela when a firework shop exploded in a town east of the country. Civil protection agency director Antonio Rivero said that the death toll is likely to rise to eight. The firefighters have not yet reached the area, since the shop also sold guns and ammunitions. The fire, which spread in a crowded market area of the town, has already been brought under control. It is noted that firework accidents are too common in Venezuela, especially during holiday seasons, when sales post a remarkable rise, irrespective of the governments painstaking efforts to ban fireworks. Fireworks caused 43 fires in the Venezuelan capital city of Caracas on Christmas night.

Translated by Areti Christou

[06] Israeli Helicopters Fired Missiles Targeting Gaza

By Athina Saloustrou

Israeli helicopters hit targets in the Gaza Strip in the early hours of Tuesday spreading panic, but no victims. The helicopters fired missiles against two buildings, which, according to the Israeli army officials, were used by the al-Aqsa Martyrs Brigades to recruit new members. As per the Palestinian security forces, one of the buildings is related to Fatah. After a while, a fighter jet bombarded a road north of the Gaza Strip causing severe damages. Israel had threatened to launch heavy air strikes against the Gaza Strip aiming at stopping defiant militants from firing rockets against Israel. However, the threat had not yet been realised, as the inclement weather conditions had grounded the helicopters and the fighter jets.

The rockets fired by the Palestinians rarely cause any damages or victims. They could sustain, though, a heavy blow to Ariel Sharons re-election. However, the attacks, and mostly those mounted from the Gaza Strip, are likely to boost Sharons main rival Benjamin Netanyahu, who strongly opposed the Israeli pullout from the Gaza Strip. Netanyahu underlined that the pullout equals to surrender and that it is to encourage the Palestinians to mount more attacks against Israel.

Translated by Areti Christou

[07] Devetzi, Best Female Athlete for 2005

By Vasilis Kalpinos

The Panhellenic Sports Press Association (PSAT) awarded Pigi Devetzi the title of the years best female athlete. The 2004 Olympic silver medallist in the triple jump lived up to everyones expectations this year as well, since she earned the fifth place at the World Athletics Championships in Helsinki and the first one at the IAAF Grand Prix Final. Speaking on NET television station, the Greek champion in the triple jump said that she into new challenges, thanked everyone for this award and underlined that he is dreaming of the gold medal in Beijing Olympic Games.

Translated by Areti Christou

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