The Hellenic Radio (ERA): News in English, 06-02-11

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

CONTENTS

[01] The Sample Was Sent to London Suspect Case on Skyros

By Anna Kourti

Sources: NET

A wild goose found today on the island of Skyros is the new avian flu case, the fourth so far in Greece. The sample was initially sent to the National Veterinary Reference Laboratory in Thessaloniki, where it was tested positive to the virus. It was then taken to the WHO Reference Laboratory in London to detect whether it was infected with the deadly H5N1 strain, while the results of the tests on the three wild swans found dead in the Prefectures of Thessaloniki and Pieria are expected in the days to come. In the meantime, yet another two migratory birds were found dead in Neoi Epivates in Thessaloniki. The relevant authorities rushed to the site and collected the dead birds. The Prefecture of Thessaloniki issued a ban on hunting until the end of the month. Furthermore, in neighbouring Italy, suspect cases were detected in birds. As per Italian news agency ANSA, the Health Ministry has started conducting inspections on possible avian flu cases on Sicily. Italian Health Minister Francesco Storace is expected to brief the government on the issue within the day.

Biosecurity Measures

The Ministry of Rural Development issued a circular urging all Greek Prefectures and Local Governments to intensify biosecurity measures, while the Ministry of Education gave out a circular informing students.

In the city of Karditsa, central Greece, the Deputy Education Minister chaired a meeting on preventative measures regarding the protection of students.

Translated by Areti Christou

Related News:

Protection Shield

UN: "Warning by Nature"

[02] "His Life Is in Danger" Sharon in Critical Condition

By Anna Kourti

Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon underwent an operation after his digestive tract had suffered serious damage, announced Ron Krumer, spokesman for the Hadassah hospital, where Ariel Sharon has been treated since early January. "His life is in danger," said Ron Krumer. Ariel Sharon, 77, has been in a medically induced coma for five weeks, following a severe stroke he sustained.

Translated by Areti Christou

Read the story on other sources:

BBC: Ariel Sharon's condition worsens

Reuters: Sharon undergoes emergency surgery

[03] Seven Fatalities Moscow Block of Flats on Fire

By Anna Kourti

A fire that broke out in a Moscow block of flats claimed seven lives. Citing fire department sources, Interfax news agency reported that the causes of the fire remain to be investigated. The fire initially broke out in the basement and soon spread on the first three floors. One of the victims died while jumping out of the window.

Translated by Areti Christou

[04] "Keep it Solid" World Economic Growth

By Anna Kourti

Sources: REUTERS, BBC

The issue of proper coordination aiming to settle international economic imbalances will top the meeting to be held in Moscow among the Economy Ministers of the worlds eight wealthiest nations, also known as the G8. The draft of their final text argued that the world economic growth is likely to remain solid this year, as well, despite the risks volatile oil prices entail. World markets running smoothly are of vital importance to a healthy world economy, noted the G8 nations.

Translated by Areti Christou

Read the story on other sources:

Reuters: G8 calls for stable energy supplies

BBC: G8 Moscow talks focus on energy

[05] Ceremony Full of Passion

By Ilias Papaioannou

Under the protection of the snowy Alps and highlighted by the famous Italian class and style, the Opening Ceremony of the 20th Winter Olympics took place in Turin at Olympico stadium in the presence of 30,000 spectators. Over 2,500 athletes from 80 countries will take part in the most important winter athletic event of the planet, which starts today and will last until 26 February, thus turning international interest on the region of Piemonte. Greece will be participating in the Winter Olympics for the 16th time, represented by athletes Magda Kalomoirou, Panagiota Tsakiri, Vasilis Dimitriadis, Stavros Christoforidis and Lefteris Fafalis, who carried the Olympic flag during the Opening Ceremony parade. With the help of 32 cameras, located at various spots of Turins Olympico stadium, over 2 billions viewers around the world watched the truly magical show. In Greece, ET1 broadcast the Opening Ceremony live, while ERTs digital channel "Sport+" started its live broadcasts tonight.

Greek Colours in the Parade

Turin's renovated stadium came back to life on Friday night, filled with colours, lights, poetry and music from the Opening Ceremony of the 20th Winter Olympics. 240 professionals in perfect cooperation with 6,100 volunteers presented a spectacular show and welcomed delegations from 80 countries in a party atmosphere. They managed to pass on the passion that constitutes the driving force of life and made us part of the celebration.

Famous top model Carla Bruni handed the Italian flag over to the Carabinieri and a 9-year-old girl, Eleonora Benneti, dressed in a ski uniform, sang the Italian national anthem, thus signaling the raising of the flag.

500 professional dancers and volunteers formed the Latin symbol for 20, i.e. XX, which stands for the 20th Winter Olympic Games and the two XX were then transformed, amidst intense applauding, into a gigantic impressive skier, getting ready for the big jump.

The parade of the 80 delegations started through an impressive arc. It should be noted that over 2,500 athletes are taking part in the Games, which is a record number for Winter Olympics. Greek athlete Lefteris Fafalis, aged 30, was the flag bearer of the parade once again (he was flag bearer in Salt Lake City too), while Cyprus paraded with two athletes.

After the end of the parade, Italian champions were honoured for their achievements in the Winter Olympic Games, while the emblem of the Olympics, i.e. the five circles, shone on top of the highest construction ever built.

From Dante to Ferrari

Through Dante Aligieri's poetic verses, the hosts managed to take us back in time with costumes designed by Giorgio Armani and melodic sounds. We wandered through the Middle Ages, the Renaissance and Baroque, where passion and Art played the leading part and expressed themselves with the contribution of acrobats and dancers.

We then took a huge imaginary step into Futurism, the first complete aesthetic movement of the 20th century. Futurism may have started in 1908 with a Buggati, which went off the road and fell in a ditch, but in the land of Ferrari, a red single-seater had to put in an appearance and make the crowds go wild.

Belmondo Lit Up the Flame

Some of the stars of this dreamy night included famous Italian actor and director Adriano Giannini, Oscar award winner Sofia Loren, famous tenor Luciano Pavarotti, who celebrated his 70th birthday on Friday, British singer Peter Gabriel, who performed John Lennon's "Imagine," Japanese Yoko Ono, top model Eva Herzigova and others.

The moment of the Flame has arrived. Italian Olympian Alberto Tomba passed the torch on to two more great Italian athletes, who then handed it over to Italian skier and Olympian Stefania Belmondo. She was the last torchbearer and had the honour of lighting up the cauldron, thus sending the "Eternal Light" around the world. The 20th Winter Olympic Games have officially started in Turin and IOC President Jacques Rogge accompanied by President of the Italian Republic Carlo Azeglio Ciampi welcomed all delegations and thanked the 25,000 volunteers, who helped Turin successfully host the Games.

Translated by Sofia Soulioti

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