The Hellenic Radio (ERA): News in English, 06-04-23

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

CONTENTS

[01] New Message by Bin Laden

By Vicky Keleri

Sources: Reuters, ANA, NET

On Sunday afternoon, Arabic television network Al Jazeera broadcast an audiotape in which the leader of al Qaeda, Osama bin Laden, referred to the cartoons depicting Prophet Mohammad published in European newspapers, the situation in the Middle East and Darfur. In the message, which has not yet been authenticated, bin Laden called for a boycott of products from western countries, which published the controversial cartoons. Moreover, he referred to the decision by western countries to stop aid to the Palestinian Authority following Hamas win, describing it as evidence of them waging "a Crusader-Zionist war" on Muslims. In fact, he added that the responsibility over this war is shared by the citizens of the western countries. "The war is a responsibility shared between the people and the governments. The war goes on and the people are renewing their allegiance to its rulers and masters," bin Laden said. Moreover, he stated that the crisis in Darfur is a result of "the war by the Crusaders." Another audiotape message by the leader of al Qaeda was aired in January, threatening with new attacks against the US and proposed a truce under certain conditions.

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

[02] Iran's Nuclear Programme "Irreversible"

By Betty Savourdou

Sources: Reuters, BBC, ANA, NET

Iran described its work on uranium enrichment for its nuclear programme, which as per Tehran only serves peaceful purposes, as irreversible. The announcement was made a few days before the end of the Security Councils ultimatum, on April 28, for conformation to the demand of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and halting nuclear activities. At the same time, concern is heightened over the prices of black gold, an economic problem directly associated to the Iranian crisis. The Organisation of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) ruled out the event of an increase in oil production, while the American President predicted a difficult summer for his countrys consumers.

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

Read the story on other sources:

BBC: Iran nuclear work 'irreversible'

Related News:

Oil Prices Jacked up Anew

Iran Asks for IAEA's Cooperation

[03] 24-Hour Deadline to the King New Curfew in Nepal

By Betty Savourdou

Sources: Reuters, ANA

On Sunday, the authorities enforced a new 11-hour curfew in the capital of Nepal, in an effort to prevent new mass demonstrations against King Gyanendra. As of Sunday morning, policemen and soldiers have taken the streets, an indication that the authorities will strictly enforce the curfew. However, local Mass Media broadcast that demonstrations took place early on Sunday morning and later on more mass protests are expected. On Friday, the King proposed to reinstate order, giving power to the seven-party coalition of the opposition, but the parties rejected his proposal, demanding a change of the Constitution. The King, who pushed over the government and took up total power on February 2005, is reportedly rejecting these demands. On its part, on Sunday, the opposition gave a 24-hour deadline to the King to reinstate the Parliament of 2002, while warning that in any other case it will form their own government in the sidelines.

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

Read the story on other sources:

The Guardian: Nepalis scorn king's offer

BBC: Nepal police enforce fresh curfew

Related News:

The Nepalese Back to Streets

Related Links:

The Himalayan Times

[04] Injuries by Firecrackers

By Betty Savourdou

Sources: NET, ANA

During the making of firecrackers, a 17-year-old male student, from village Dionisi, in Iraklion, Crete, mutilated his fingers when explosives burst in his hands. The student was taken to a hospital in Athens. Moreover, firecrackers caused injuries in Achaia. In particular, a 17-year-old is hospitalised in Agios Andreas, in Patras, suffering from serious injuries to his right hand. The doctors are trying to avoid the event of having to amputate. The 17-year-old was injured when trying to light the firecrackers in the village of Apideona. Moreover, a 19-year-old suffered slight injuries on his right hand and face when trying to light a firecracker outside of Zodochos Pigi Church, in Perivola, Patras. The 19-year-old was immediately taken to Agios Andreas Hospital, received first aid and released.

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

[05] Eight Persons Dead Attacks Continue in Iraq

By Vicky Keleri

New attacks took place in Iraq on Sunday. Northwest of Baghdad, three American soldiers were killed when the vehicle they were aboard was destroyed by a bomb explosion. Another five Iraqis were killed by an attack near the entrance of the Ministry of Defence, in the Green Zone. At the same time, in the Sunni area of Adamiya, in Baghdad, the bodies of six young men, who were shot in the head, were found.

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

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