The Hellenic Radio (ERA): News in English, 06-05-14

The Hellenic Radio (ERA): News in English Directory - Previous Article - Next Article

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

CONTENTS

[01] 14 Killed and 40 Injured Series of Attacks in Baghdad

Five bombs and two car bombs exploded in the streets of Baghdad, killing 14 people and injuring a further 40. The first car exploded on Sunday morning in a market south of Baghdad, killing four civilians and injuring another 16. The second car bomb targeted a US military convoy that was heading towards the airport, injuring 18 American soldiers. Another two bombs targeted police patrols, injuring two police officers and destroying a minibus, killing all five passengers. The fourth bomb had been placed in bag in a tea-shop. The last bomb targeted a US military convoy in eastern Baghdad.

[02] Mother: The Source of Life

On the occasion of Mothers Day on Sunday 14 May, UNICEF issued a report stressing that children without mothers means a world without love. As per the report, in the developing world, one mother dies in labour every minute.

In the meantime, City of Athens Creche and Childcare Centres organised a Mothers Day event at the National Gardens on Sunday to honour the most loved figure in the world. Hundreds of children attended workshops where they created gifts for their mothers and presented them with flowers. They were also entertained by clowns, stilt-walkers and the philharmonic band. The event was also attended by Athens Mayor Theodoros Bechrakis, deputy mayors and members of the city council.

In his Mothers Day message, Greek President Karolos Papoulias underlined that mothers are the source of life, and the foundation of families and society, while they symbolise the hope for a better future.

Translated by Vicky Ghionis

[03] 55 Attacks against Police Stations Bloody Clashes in Brazil

Sources: AFP - Reuters

A series of overnight attacks on Sao Paulo police stations left 30 people dead, including 23 police officers. As per the local authorities, the attacks were launched in reprisal for the transfer of gangsters to a high-security prison. Five of the assailants were killed and 16 suspects were arrested. Meanwhile, inmates in at least 22 prisons staged uprisings. The police reported that 55 attacks were carried out overnight against police barracks, a fire station, police vehicles and officers on patrol.

In a Press conference, Sao Paulos Governor declared transferring the 765 inmates would be a difficult task and they knew the risks. The decision was made in an attempt to head off a coordinated rebellion in the Sao Paulo state prison system planned by the First Command of the Capital gang for Mothers Day weekend, when leaves and visits usually increase.

As per Walter Maierovitch, President of the Brazilian Giovanni Falcone Institute for crime research, spoke of terrorist methods. "The fact that organised crime is declaring war against the state is alarming because that attacks against police could turn into attacks against the people."

[04] At the Central Greece Regional Conference Harsh Criticism by Papandreou

Sources: NET - NET 105.8

Speaking at PASOKs Central Greece Regional Conference in Lamia, party leader George Papandreou harshly criticised the Government. Referring to the current political developments, Papandreou stressed that the Constitution is not Greeces main problem. On the issue with the Pakistanis, he directly accused Prime Minister Kostas Karamanlis for not respecting the institutions and covering for his ministers, who are shamelessly lying to the Greek people. "We want the power of justice and not the justice of the powerful," noted Papandreou, while, on the occasion of the reactions prompted by Gul Karahasans nomination for Prefect, he underlined that PASOK aims to unite the Greek people. In his speech, he also launched a personal attack against the PM, describing him as "a captain without directions," adding that PASOKs policies will reveal New Democracys hidden agenda. Answering to Papandreou, Government spokesperson Thodoros Roussopoulos declared, "Wooden delivery, annihilation and polarisation are Mr Papandreou and his partys last resorts. They are the only things they can bring against the tangible results of the new governance; results that the citizens and the international organisations acknowledge. Unfortunately for them, they do not convince anyone anymore."

"Greece Is Absent"

Commenting on the fight against unemployment, he said that PASOK has submitted a specific and well-rounded proposal, aiming at developing the country and not drawing it back.

In addition, the leader of the Opposition referred to the domestic affairs, claiming that Greece is absent in the Balkans and Europe. "Everything has remained where we left it," said Papandreou, accusing the Government of being interested only in separating citizens based on their political beliefs, while it is employing methods to instill lack of meritocracy.

At the same time, he accused the Government of abandoning the agricultural sector when it came to paying indemnities for new crops, as well as the issues relating to the distribution of olives, which remain in the producers warehouses.

After his speech, George Papandreou visited Stylida, where he talked with the locals.

Translated by Vicky Ghionis

[05] Refusing to Evacuate the Area Indonesian Volcano Ready to Erupt

Thousands of people living on the slopes of Mount Merapi, on the Indonesian island of Java, are refusing to abandon their homes, despite warnings by scientists that the volcano might erupt soon. The Indonesian authorities have announced that at least 30,000 people are living in risky areas. However, only 10,000 people, mainly elderly, women and children, had abandoned their homes by Sunday morning. Mount Merapi has an altitude of 2,968m and is situated 450m SE of Jakarta, while it is one of the 65 most dangerous volcanoes in Indonesia. The deadliest eruption was in 1930 when 1,369 people were killed, while heat clouds killed 66 people when it last erupted in 1994. Volcanologists are saying that people living within a 10km radius from the crater are running the highest risk.

Translated by Vicky Ghionis

[06] Aris FC Back to Division 1

By Vasilis Kalpinos

Aris celebrated their return to Division 1 after an entire season of playing in Division 2. Nikos Anastopoulos' team prevailed 3-1 over Kerkyra in Kleanthis Vikelidis stadium and claimed third place in the rankings with 54 points. Kerkyra FC have already secured their return to Division 1 with 56 points overall. Ergotelis FC claimed first place and the title of the champion after tying with Kalamata 3-3. On the other hand, Panachaiki, which lost to Thrasyvoulos, and Olympiacos Volou, which defeated Ethnikos Asteras but failed to remain in Division 2, joined Paniliakos in Division 3.

Results

Kalamata-Ergotelis 3-3 Thrasyvoulos-Panachaiki 3-1 Proodeftiki-Veroia 4-2 Olympiacos Volou-Ethnikos Asteras 3-1 Paniliakos-Panseraikos 0-1 Niki Volou-Kastoria 3-1 Ilisiakos-Chaidari 2-1 Aris-Kerkyra 3-1

RANKINGS (FINAL)

1. Ergotelis 56 DIVISION 1 2. Kerkyra 56 DIVISION 1 3. Aris 54 DIVISION 1 -------------------------- 4. Thrasyvoulos 53 5. Veroia 41 6. Kastoria 40 . Ilisiakos 40 8. Kalamata 39 9. Ethnikos Asteras 38 . Niki Volou 38 . Proodeftiki 38 12. Chaidari 37 . Panseraikos 37 -------------------------- 14. ASK Olympiacos 37 DIVISION 3 15. Panachaiki 34 DIVISION 3 16. Paniliakos 9 DIVISION 3

Translated by Sofia Soulioti

The Hellenic Radio (ERA): News in English Directory - Previous Article - Next Article