The Hellenic Radio (ERA): News in English, 06-04-17

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

CONTENTS

[01] Nine Dead from a Suicide Attack Massacre in Tel Aviv

By Tina Valaoura

Sources: ANA, Reuters, BBC

Israeli authorities are on alert following a suicide attack, which occurred at a much-frequented area in Tel Aviv. The blast, which claimed the lives of at least nine people, including the Palestinian suicide bomber, occurred at a falafel restaurant in Neve Shaanan, near an old central bus station. As per the latest information, some 50 people have been injured and 15 of them are in critical condition. Two Palestinian groups claimed responsibility for the attack. The Al-Aqsa Martyrs Brigades, as well as the Islamic Jihad claimed responsibility for the attack and in fact released the identity of the suicide bomber. "Israel will act with all means at its disposal to prevent further attacks," stressed acting Prime Minister Ehud Olmert. Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas condemned the attack, stressing it harms Palestinian interests, while Hamas and Islamic Jihad spokespersons said the bomb attack was an act of self-defence. The international community and EU High Representative for Foreign Policy Javier Solana condemned the attack. On Monday night, following a wide-range operation the Israeli police arrested three Palestinians, who are suspected of being involved in the attack.

Palestinian Authority Condemned the Attack

The bomb went off at noon, while the falafel restaurant was packed with clients and was felt at a wide range.

A member of the Al-Aqsa Martyrs' Brigades called Reuters news agency a while later to say the attack was to avenge "Israeli massacres" in the Gaza Strip. However, another man called the state Israeli radio to claim responsibility for the attack in the name of the Islamic Jihad. The man said the attack coincided with the "Prisoner's Day" and was held to give an answer to Israeli slaughters and the siege Israel has imposed on the Palestinians. Islamic Jihad issued a videotape from the West Bank town of Jenin in which it named the bomber as Sami Salim.

Saeb Erekat, a senior aide to Abbas, who is also known as Abu Mazen, said on behalf of the Palestinian Authority, "I condemn this attack on behalf of President Abu Mazen, and I urge all Palestinian factions to observe a cessation of violence. Such attacks harm Palestinian interests." A while later, Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas issued an announcement describing the attack as a terrorist hit and urged the international community to intervene and put an end to the serious aggravation of the situation in the wider area. Meanwhile, a Hamas spokesperson said the attack was "a natural result of the continued Israeli crimes" against the Palestinian people. Our people are in a state of self-defence and they have every right to use all means to defend themselves," he added.

Last January another suicide attack had occurred at the same restaurant, "Mayor's Falafel." Back then only the suicide bomber had lost his life, while 15 people had been injured.

Read the story on other sources:

BBC - Tel Aviv suicide bomb kills seven

Reuters - Suicide bomber in Tel Aviv kills 8

CNN- Suicide bomber kills 8 in Tel Aviv

[02] G. Omirou's Contacts in Athens Focused on Cypriot Issue

Sources: NET, ANA

The developments in the Cypriot issue were at the focus of the meeting between PASOK President George Papandreou and President of EDEK Giannakis Omirou. In statements, both leaders stressed the need of making use of the European advantage of Cyprus, so that a fair and viable solution is given to the political problem of the island.

"The current position of Cyprus in the EU has to be used, in a course with new initiatives aimed at the resolution of the Cypriot issue, always within the framework of UN decisions," noted Mr Papandreou.

On his part, Mr Omirou stated "the prospects can be favourable, if Turkey abandons its uncompromising stance. I hope that in this climate created, the Turkish-Cypriot leadership will cooperate for a viable, democratic and under European specifications resolution of the Cypriot issue."

Earlier, Mr Omirou met with New Democracy Secretary Lefteris Zagoritis.

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

[03] Bakoyannis-Papandreou Meeting Contacts Over National Affairs

Sources: NET, ANA

Foreign Minister Dora Bakoyannis started a round of contacts with Greek political leaders on Monday, aiming to "fully inform political parties on the current developments of foreign affairs." She met with PASOK President George Papandreou in the morning. The meeting was held in a warm climate and lasted for an hour. The Foreign Minister briefed the President of the Main Opposition on the course of foreign affairs and on the latest developments. "Political parties in Greece share the same goals when it comes to foreign affairs and full briefing on such issues is hence vital," stressed Dora Bakoyannis after the end of the meeting. She is to meet with SYN President Alekos Alavanos on Tuesday morning.

Translated by Sofia Soulioti

[04] Karamanlis' Meetings 4th CSF at Focus

By Betty Savourdou

Sources: NET, ANA

Economy Minister Giorgos Alogoskoufis and Deputy Minister Christos Folias met with Prime Minister Kostas Karamanlis at Maximos Mansion on Monday morning to discuss matters related to the 4th Community Support Framework. In statements, G. Alogoskoufis underlined that the 20.1 billion dollars the PM ensured are a great opportunity for growth and stressed the funds will be given to regional Greece in cooperation with other Ministries. Earlier, the PM had met with a group of ND European Parliamentarians and Parliamentarian Group Secretary General Apostolos Stavrou. After the meeting, European Parliamentarian Giannis Varvitsiotis said the discussion was long and in depth and every Parliamentarian briefed the PM on current affairs. According to Mr Stavrou, the Prime Minister gave them instructions and order, noting they have a very important task at hand. Following, Kostas Karamanlis met with former Foreign Minister Petros Molyviatis.

Translated by Sofia Soulioti

[05] Preamble by the National Council of Education Changes in Higher Education

Sources: NET, ANA

The preamble of the National Council of Education Committee to the Ministry of Education on Higher Education foresees a modified regime of university asylum, facing prolonged studies and a general vote by students in Dean elections. The proposals were compiled following a dialogue with the Deans and for changing the laws framework on the operation of universities.

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

[06] Following the Triple Attack in Coptic Churches Sectarian Violence Rises in Egypt

By Mary Lou Tzempelikou

Sources: BBC, NET

Sectarian violence is rising in Egypt following a triple attack in Coptic Christian churches last Friday, in Alexandria, which resulted in a Coptic Christian losing his life and at least 12 followers to be wounded. It all begun when Muslims armed with knives raided three churches during Holy Mass and attacked the crowd, resulting in clashes. On the next day, following the victims burial, angry Coptic Christians accusing the Government of discrimination, clashed with Muslims, in Alexandria, causing the polices intervention. The clashes between the two communities are continuing, resulting in one Muslim to lose his life.

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

Read the story on other sources:

ÂÂC: Sectarian tensions flare in Egypt

[07] Due to the Sandstorm from Gobi Desert Yellow Dust Settled on Beijing

By Mary Lou Tzempelikou

Sources: BBC, Reuters, Xinhua, ANA

The atmosphere in the Chinese capital is unbearable, due to a sandstorm coming from Gobi Desert, which covered great regions of the country. Visibility is low, while the large quantities of sand covering Beijing are making the inhabitants life difficult. This is the eight and worst sandstorm in 2006 affecting the Chinese city. On Monday morning the inhabitants saw a thin film of yellow dust, brought by the winds from Mongolia, surrounding the city. In an effort to protect themselves they are wearing masks and not going out, while the authorities are hosing down the streets and banned digging in worksites. Many persons were taken to hospital with breathing problems.

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

Read the story on other sources:

Reuters: Sand storm, pollution envelop Beijing

Xinhua: "Yellow blanket" covers Beijing overnight

BBC: Beijing hit by eighth sandstorm

[08] Increased by 1.62% Since 7 April Average Price of Unleaded Over 1 Euro

By Athina Saloustrou

As per nationwide price recordings of the Ministry of Development in 2,300 fuel stations, the price of unleaded fuel is at 1.004 euros per litre on 14 April. It presented an increase by 1.63% from 0.988 euros per litre on 7 April. As of the beginning of 2004, the price of unleaded fuel had increased by 37.35%, while Brent oil was increased by 123.81%. As per the Ministry of Development, the retail price of unleaded fuel in Greece is the lowest in the European Union and under 19.74% of the average price. Regarding heating oil, the nationwide price recording indicated that the average price is at 0.629 euros per litre on 14 April, while in Attica at 0,627 euros per litre. The price concerns small quantities of heating oil, while for quantities more than 1,000 litres the price is lower by 3-4 eurocents.

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

[09] Renewable Energy Sources Instead of Oil Promotion of RES

Sources: NET, ANA

The priorities of the Development Ministrys energy policy are saving up energy and gradually substituting oil. During the inauguration of the Renewable Energy Sources Centre hosted in the multi-purpose venue of the Ministry, Deputy Minister of Development Giannis Papathanasiou presented the main points for the usage of alternative fuels. Economic incentives for attracting energy investments in renewable energy sources aimed at substituting liquid fuels, both in transport and heating are included among others.

Mr Papathanasiou noted that the Development Ministry has been fighting for lifting obstacles and solving chronic structural problems in the RES sector and the saving up of energy.

In the context of the 3rd Community Support Framework (CSF) and for supporting the RES, the Ministry of Development is materialising actions concerning economic incentives for strengthening individual private energy investments and works promoting and implementing innovative solutions and technologies on approximately a 1 billion-euro budget.

Currently the installed power of RES is 600 MW. The aim is for 3,000 MW by 2010, a power equalling to 20.1% of gross energy consumption by renewable electric production. The use of alternative fuels and hydrogen are the priorities of the Renewable Energy Sources Centre (CRES).

The exhibition of the CRES will be open from 17 April until 12 May, while it will be closed on 19-25 April due to the Easter holiday.

The visitors will learn about the forms and advantages of environmentally friendly RES and will be able to be informed about the modern methods and techniques for saving up energy.

The centre will host a variety of applications, such as a model wind-power generator, a small hydraulic device, photovoltaic arrangements, RSE-powered hydrogen production device, biomass showcase, among others, while audiovisual material on new energy technologies will be presented.

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

[10] Intervention by Minister of Justice 82yo Woman in Prison

By Tina Valaoura

Sources: ANA, NET

An 82-year-old woman was unfortunately toured in the interior of Korydallos Prison for debt to the Public Sector. The elderly woman was arrested a few days ago over a debt of 9,600 euros, which rose from 1,760-euro fine imposed for trespass of forested area in 1993. On Friday, the Prosecutor for Execution of Sentences had given a deadline, so that the debt can be paid by the elderly woman, however, this was not possible. The Minister of Justice was informed of the 82-year-olds issue and immediately intervened, requesting the stepping up of procedures for the release of the woman and arrangement of her case.

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

[11] Investigation on Wiretaps Fruitless ADAE at NIS

By Dimitris Alexopoulos

Sources: NET, NET 105.8, ANA

The investigation conducted by the Hellenic Authority for the Information and Communication Security and Privacy (ADAE) to the offices of the Hellenic Intelligence Service (NIS) was fruitless. The committee was summoned by the Ministry of Public Order following Press articles referring to NIS involvement in the wiretaps case. As it emerged by the 4-hour investigation by ADAE, NIS does not have the technical abilities to make legal or illegal interceptions. Its machinery can only locate the position of the mobile phones user and it does so, only following an order by the Prosecution. As per President of the Independent Authority Andreas Labrinopoulos there are no indications in relation to illegal activities. On his part, Director of the Intelligence Service Ioannis Korantis stated that the service operates in accordance to the Constitution and law.

Shielding Electronic Communications

By a joint decision, Minister of Transport and Communications and Minister of Justice Messrs Michael Liapis and Anastasis Papaligrouas announced the formation of a law-making committee that will propose measures for further shielding the institutional context, concerning the security of electronic communications, which will be presided by former PM and honorary Supreme Court President Ioannis Grivas.

The committee will also be composed by Professors of the University of Athens and the National Technical University of Athens, as well as members of the Council of State, who will submit a verdict for strengthening the role and responsibility of independent authorities for better coordination benefiting the citizens and Greek society.

As the Minister of Justice stated, the committee will take up a crucial and urgent task, while this initiative, as he said, strengthens the inviolability of telecommunications and individual rights of citizens.

On his part, Mr Liapis spoke of shielding the institutional context, underlining that as electronic communications are increasing, the dangers and threats deriving from them are growing.

"This is the price of the digital revolution and for this reason the State ought to protect citizens, individual rights and certainly the confidentiality of conversations," he said.

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

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