The Hellenic Radio (ERA): News in English, 06-04-11

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

CONTENTS

[01] Three Tremors Quakes Hit Zakynthos

By Anna Kourti

Sources: ANA

A strong earthquake measuring 5.7 on the Richter scale was recorded at 3am on the island of Zakynthos, while the epicenter was in the sea, at the same location as that of the 4 April quake of the same magnitude. Many of the locals took to the streets due to the intensity of the quake and the fear created earlier by two previous quakes at 12:10am and 12:27am, measuring 4.4 and 4.7 respectively. The Prefect of Zakynthos, Dionysis Gasparos, declared, "There are no serious damages, apart from some minor cracks in old buildings and two Venetian bridges." All the schools on the island will remain closed both as a precaution and because the buildings need to be inspected by a panel of engineers. The seismologists have not ruled out the possibility of a new stronger earthquake, but the most likely scenario is for a quake measuring around 5 on the Richter scale. An OASP (Earthquake Planning and Protection Organisation) panel is expected to arrive in Zakynthos from Athens in order to assess the damages.

Seismic Activity Decreasing

The head of the Athens Geodynamics Institute, Giorgos Stavrakakis, put fears to rest, as he believes that Tuesdays 5.7 quake, as well as the 4 April quake of the same magnitude, demonstrate that the seismic activity is decreasing.

"Todays quake was a result of the lack of a strong aftershock following the first quake on 4 April. A constant seismic activity followed that quake, but no tremor over 5 Richter was recorded," noted the head of the Geodynamics Institute.

"The chances of a new quake, stronger than 5.5 Richter, in the Zakynthos region are almost negligible," declared Geophysics Professor Vassilis Papazachos of the University of Thessaloniki.

"Our probable estimate is that a new stronger earthquake will not be taking place," he stressed, reminding that the Ionian is the most seismic region in Greece.

It should be noted that initially the seismologists were wrong as to the progress of the phenomenon, according to the Prefect of Zakynthos. Following the first two quakes after midnight, the Prefect contacted the Geodynamics Institute and the seismologist on duty told him that the two tremors were aftershocks of the 4 April quake, but the 5.7 Richter quake came two hours later.

Translated by Vicky Ghionis

[02] Marginal Victory for Prodi On the Razor's Edge

By Anna Kourti

Sources: BBC - REUTERS - ANA

Romano Prodi seems to have won the elections on the finishing line. According to the results of the votes cast by Italians abroad, broadcast by TV network Sky Italia, the centre-left coalition has secured at least 4 out of the 6 seats in the Senate assigned to Italian expatriates, winning 158 seats in total, as opposed to 156 for the centre-right coalition, while one seat remains to be determined. Following the long thriller earlier, Romano Prodi won the majority in the Lower House, securing 49.8% and 340 seats. The government coalition, on the other hand, received 49.7% and 277 seats. The difference between the two major parties is just 25,224 votes. However, Silvio Berlusconi is asking for a recount of the Lower House votes.

Victory Full of Suspense

The House of Liberties (CDL, Berlusconis coalition) will ask for a recount. "The margin is under 25,000 votes. Such a tiny difference necessitates a scrupulous checking of the counting and tally sheets," noted Bonaiuti.

After securing the majority in the Lower House, winner Romano Prodi welcomed the suspenseful and undisputed victory before thousands of his supporters in Santissimi Apostoli Square, Rome.

"As of today we turn a page. The country is divided [...] it was a very difficult battle, until the last minute we were on the edge of the razor, but in the end victory arrived. We have won, and now we have to start working to implement our program and unify the country," stressed the leader of the centre-left coalition, adding that Silvio Berlusconis Government created a law "so we can lose, but we won eventually."

Translated by Vicky Ghionis

Read the story on other sources:

BBC: Centre-left claims Italy victory

REUTERS: Berlusconi disputes Prodi victory claim

Related News:

Thriller in Italy

[03] Crucial POE-OTA Meeting

Sources: ΝΕΤ - ΝΕΤ 105.8

The situation in many municipalities is unbearable, as the strike of municipal cleaning employees is continuing for the seventh day, with the main demand being the inclusion of the sector in the heavy and health hazardous occupations. POE-OTA (Panhellenic Federation of Workers Associations of the Local Government) is convening to decide on future collective actions. Interior Minister Prokopis Pavlopoulos appealed to the employees to stop the strike and commence negotiations once again. At the same time, he repeated his proposals for the formation of a committee that would examine in the next two months which type of employees are entitled to be included in the heavy and health hazardous occupations. Pavlopoulos further noted that no government had approached the matter in the last 18 years, while he spoke of political expediencies on the part of the unionists.

In the meantime, some of the rubbish started being collected as of Sunday from the Municipalities of Athens and Thessaloniki.

The aim is to remove the rubbish that has piled up in front of hospitals, schools and central parts of the cities.

It is estimated that over 30 tonnes of rubbish have accumulated in the Greek capital, while it will take over a week to collect them.

Translated by Vicky Ghionis

Related News:

Piles of Garbage

[04] Against Child Trafficking Humanitarian Radiothon

By Anna Kourti

Sources: ΝΕΤ 105.8 - ΝΕΤ

UNICEFs humanitarian radiothon against child trafficking, exploitation and child pornography commenced at 6am and will run until 8pm, with dozens of radio stations throughout Greece joining their voices. More than one million children around the world fall victims of traffickers annually. "1,200 to 1,500 children are trafficked annually in Greece," declared the President of the Hellenic Committee for UNICEF, Lambros Kanellopoulos, on radio station NET 105.8. Anyone wishing to donate funds can contact the call centre on +30 210 3362800. Radio stations NET 105.8, SKAI 100.3, Antenna 97.2, Flash 96.0, Alpha 98.9, Athina 984, Second Programme 103.7, Melodia 99.2, Red 96.3, Diesi 101.3, SOHO 89.8, Sportime 89.2, regional ERA stations and dozens of private radio stations throughout the country are participating in the fundraiser.

Translated by Vicky Ghionis

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