The Hellenic Radio (ERA): News in English, 06-05-18

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

CONTENTS

[01] Revealed by NET New Food Poisonings by Greens

Sources: NET, NET 105.8

NET revealed five new food poisoning cases by consumption of greens. Three persons bought greens from super market Veropoulos, in Menidi and not Koukaki as the seven cases on Wednesday, and two members of a family who had bought dandelion greens from an outdoors market, in Athens and are hospitalised with food poisoning symptoms. In the meantime, four of the seven patients, who were poisoned by eating dandelion greens, are hospitalised out of danger in the ICU. The greens contained the weed datura inoxia, also known as stinkweed and were purchased from super market Veropoulos, in Koukaki. The producer claimed that his crops are absolutely fine and laboratory tests are expected.

The authorities have sounded the alarm, as super market Veropoulos had purchased 100 out of the 700kg of the mans produce. It remains unknown if more quantities of the greens are available in markets.

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

[02] In Southeast Asia Typhoon Chanchu's Passing

As Chinese state-run Mass Media reported, two children lost their lives when a building collapsed and 6,400 persons were cut-off by floods, as Typhoon Chanchu rushed through Guangdong, China, on Thursday morning. The authorities evacuated 900,000 of the regions inhabitants, since the typhoon was approaching the provinces of Guangdong and Fujian, causing landslides and floods as of Wednesday afternoon. Previously, Chanchu had visited the Philippines, where the authorities spoke of 37 dead, while the Vietnamese authorities reported that 99 fishermen aboard 11 boats are missing. The China Daily newspaper reported that the typhoon reaching 180km/hour winds is the strongest ever recorded in the sea of south China in May. Usually, southern Chinese shores are affected by typhoons from June to September. In Taiwan, a tanker was driven ashore when the waves pushed it to the southern Taiwanese shores, while rescuers recovered the 13 survivors.

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

[03] He Stressed His Speech Was Distorted Kostopoulos Resigned

Sources: ANA, NET

Social Security Secretary General Dimitris Kostopoulos resigned late on Wednesday night after causing a stir with his statements over the constitutionality of banning political figures from getting involved in the Stock Exchange. In a relevant speech, Kostopoulos had said there was evidence on the Stock Exchange scandal that never made the headlines. However, in recent statements, he said his speech was distorted by the Media. Kostopoulos' resignation was accepted by both Employment Minister Tsitouridis and Prime Minister Karamanlis.

"Unfair and Unacceptable" Attack Against Karamanlis

The resignation letter read the following: "Regarding the statements I made today in SMEHA's meeting for the formation of an investigative committee to go over the Stock Exchange crimes committed by the PASOK Government in 1999-2000, I should stressed they were misinterpreted and only part of the statements was broadcast.

Konstantinos Karamanlis, both as the leader of the Main Opposition and as the Prime Minister, has always been an avid supporter of transparency and an enemy of corruption. And this mainly regards Stock Exchange felonies.

Karamanlis' position and the position of all of us is that names should be mentioned based on proof and public speech should be completely documented.

This is why New Democracy has repeatedly asked for the formation of an investigative committee and did not just let the matter pass us by. And we are very sorry that PASOK had not accepted our repeated demands when they were governing.

The attack against the Prime Minister is unfair and unacceptable. And this is exactly the reason why I am forced to hand in my resignation today.

I honour Kostas Karamanlis and wish him to govern this country for many years to come. I will always be at his disposal. I will keep fighting for New Democracy's ideas, programme and transparency in Greece's public life."

PASOÊ: "Rambling Slanderous Delirium"

"ND's Government has one more of its members shown out the door. His appointment as Social Security Secretary General was the reward of his lies and slander as ND's main "bounty hunter," stressed PASOK spokesperson Nikos Athanasakis regarding Kostopoulos' resignation.

"Mr Kostopoulos' rambling slanderous delirium has led to his resignation, but revealed at the same time the way ND was exercising Opposition politics and even how some Government people are thinking. But what it all comes down to is that Mr Karamanlis has full responsibility for the actions of his party," noted Athanasakis.

Translated by Sofia Soulioti

[04] Visit by D. Sioufas

Sources: NET

On Thursday morning, Minister of Development Dimitris Sioufas accompanied by Deputy Minister Giannis Papathanasiou and President of the National Research and Technology Council Dimitris Nanopoulos visited the bioacademy research centre of the Athens Academy. The Development Minister toured the facilities of the research centre and was briefed by the centres members on the course of the research programmes and its operation so far. As the Minister stated, the Governments aim is the reformation of the context for research and technology, in cooperation with the Ministry of Education.

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

[05] Greek PM to Visit Paris Next Week French European Affairs Minister in Athens

Sources: NET 105.8, ANA

The European Unions enlargement, developments in the Balkans, as well as the Iran issue will be at the focus of the meeting to be held between Greek Foreign Affairs Minister Dora Bakoyannis and French European Affairs Minister Catherine Colonna, who is in Athens as of Wednesday night. As it was announced by the relevant French diplomatic sources, Greek Prime Minister Kostas Karamanlis and Foreign Affairs Minister Dora Bakoyannis will depart next week for Paris, where they will hold discussions on bilateral and European affairs with French President Jacques Chirac and PM Dominique de Villepin.

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

[06] 4.5 on the Richter Scale Weak Tremor in Pieria

By Anna Kourti

Sources: ANA

A weak earthquake measuring 4.5 on the Richter scale occurred in the early morning hours in Pieria. Its epicentre was located below the seabed near the shores of Katerini and Litochoro. "This is a natural development, as no strong earthquakes, larger than 5 on the Richter scale, have occurred in this area in the past. Seismic activity is quite low and there is no reason to worry," stated Vasilis Karakostas, seismologist of the Thessaloniki Aristotle University, to news agencies ANA-MPA. On Wednesday, two earthquakes were recorded in the same area, one measuring 3.3 on the Richter scale at 20:04 and the other measuring 3.2 on the Richter scale at 22:57.

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

[07] As Per a Statement by Iranian FM Jordanian 'Yes' to Iran's Nuclear Plan

Iranian Foreign Minister Manuchehr Motaki is in Amman, Jordan, on an official visit. Mr Motaki held a meeting with his Jordanian counterpart Abdelelah Al-Khatib, with whom he discussed his countrys nuclear programme. In a joint Press conference, Manuchehr Motaki stated that the Jordanian Government voiced its support to Tehrans right to acquire nuclear technology for peaceful purposes. In addition, he defended his countrys position and requested a resolution to the dispute with the West through dialogue and not Security Council procedures. "We appreciate Jordans support of Irans just right to acquire nuclear technology for peaceful purposes," said the Iranian FM. "Diplomatic ways and a dialogue are the only ways for facing this issue and it should be done so in the context of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and not by the UN Security Council," stated Mr Motaki.

Earlier, Jordanian King Abdullah II, in his meeting with the head of Iranian diplomacy, supported a diplomatic solution to the dispute raised over Tehrans nuclear ambitions and warned that force against Iran "will have serious consequences on the regions stability."

Motaki refuted rumours of a discussion for a Jordanian intervention between Tehran and the West, while referring to Iraq he stated that forming a national unity government is necessary, as to designate a schedule for the withdrawal of foreign troops from the country.

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

Related News:

Iran Rejected EU Proposal

[08] By Toxic Gas as Per Initial Indications Four Dead in Canadian Mine

As per an announcement by Teck Cominco Ltd, the biggest mining company worldwide, four persons lost their lives in a lead and zinc mine in Kimberley of British Columbia, in Canada. As per the announcement, among the victims are two miners and two ambulance paramedics. The circumstances of the accident have not been clarified so far. The Royal Canadian Mounted Police estimated that the chain of events that led to the death of the four persons begun with the discovery of an employees body, who checked the quality of water. The man who led the rescuers to the body later on died by an unknown cause and further on two more died. The first indications are that the victims inhaled some kind of toxic gas but "this hasnt been confirmed" stated James Ogilvie, Mayor of Kimberley, a 7,000-resident town. Teck Cominco Ltd reported that the rescuers who recovered three of the bodies were wearing oxygen masks. The fourth body remains in the mine. An investigation is being conducted on the case.

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

[09] Nine Persons Dead Blood-Filled Attacks in Iraq

By Anna Kourti

Sources: BBC, Reuters, ANA

Nine persons were killed and four others wounded in consecutive attacks reported in the Iraqi capital. The first attack occurred in a neighbourhood of northern Baghdad, when a bomb exploded and resulted in the death of four persons and three others to be injured as per a latest announcement of the police. The target of the attack was a patrol of the Iraqi police. An AFP journalist who arrived in the scene of the attack reported that the explosion destroyed three parked vehicles. The second attack occurred in southeast Baghdad, when armed rebels aboard a vehicle opened fire at a small van resulting in five persons to be killed and one to be injured. "The small van was transporting employees to work," stated a police spokesperson. At the same time, British Defence Minister Des Browne arrived in Basra and is to meet with British soldiers stationed in southern Iraq and to witness the situation in the front line. Attacks against British troops, as well as disputes between local Iraqi leaders have increased a fact which is worrying the leadership of British Forces.

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

[10] Barca at the Top of Europe

Sources: Uefa

The UEFA Champions League final between FC Barcelona and Arsenal FC promised to be an entertaining epic, but instead Paris witnessed a masterclass of a different kind. Ten-man Arsenal took a first-half lead against the odds and their fabled defence protected it for almost 40 minutes, only for Bar&#231;a to get their reward for a patient display with two goals in the last 15 minutes, from Samuel Etoo and Juliano Belletti, to give the Spanish side the trophy for the second time.

First Dismissal

Both teams started in positive mood but the pattern changed completely in the 18th minute after Arsenal goalkeeper Jens Lehmann brought down Etoo to become the first player to be sent off in a European Champion Clubs Cup final. Incredibly Sol Campbell headed the English side in front in the 37th minute and Arsenal had a number of opportunities to extend their advantage but were unable to take them. Then their tired legs finally gave way in the concluding quarter of an hour. Bar&#231;a substitute Henrik Larsson was the catalyst, creating goals for Etoo and Belletti to turn the tie and take the title to Catalonia.

Henry Threat

A banner unfurled at the Barcelona end before kick-off read "M&#225;s que un club" more than a club and the weight of expectation initially seemed to sit heavily on the shoulders of the on-pitch representatives of the Catalan giants, who might have fallen behind twice inside the opening five minutes. Emmanuel Ebou&#233; galloped down the Arsenal right in the third minute and his cross was allowed to travel as far as the dangerous Thierry Henry, who span away from his marker but V&#237;ctor Vald&#233;s rushed off his line to block the prodded shot with his legs. From the resulting corner the Barcelona goalkeeper was again forced into action by the Arsenal captain, palming away his effort from outside the area at the near post.

Lehmann Dismissed

Having survived those early scares with their goal intact, Bar&#231;a set about ending Arsenals ten-game run without conceding, Ludovic Giuly stinging Lehmanns palms with an angled attempt before Ronaldinho curled a long-range free-kick past the post and Deco unleashed a rasping strike straight at the Arsenal keeper. His last contribution proved his most telling, however, as Ronaldinho split the Gunners defence in the 18th minute with a pass that sent Etoo in on goal, only for the Cameroonian to be felled on the edge of the area by Lehmann. The German was promptly red-carded, forcing Ars&#232;ne Wenger to replace midfielder Robert Pir&#232;s with Lehmanns deputy Manuel Almunia, although Arsenal escaped further punishment when Ronaldinho bent the ensuing set-piece wide.

Campbell Breakthrough

Unsurprisingly, the Blaugrana enjoyed the majority of the possession thereafter and pressed their opponents back although without seriously threatening their defence again. When a goal did arrive, it came unexpectedly at the other end as Ebou&#233; made more ground down the right and drew a foul from Carles Puyol. Henry swung the free-kick into the goalmouth and Campbell rose highest to power a header past Vald&#233;s. Falling behind seemed to jolt Bar&#231;a into a more direct course of action and Ronaldinho and Etoo might have combined to restore parity before the interval, the Brazilian rolling a pass into his strike partner who turned away from his marker only for his shot to be pushed on to the upright by Almunia.

Barca Frustrated

Bar&#231;a began the second period in similarly dominant mood and both Deco and half-time substitute Andr&#233;s Iniesta tested Almunia from distance but on each occasion the Spaniard was equal to the task. He needed Kolo Tour&#233;s assistance to clear a Ronaldinho cross from danger, although when the Brazilian scuffed an attempt wide when in space in the Arsenal area it appeared to encapsulate Catalan frustration. Their situation might have worsened twice in quick succession just past the hour, Aleksandr Hleb pulling an effort past the near post after a swift Arsenal counterattack before Vald&#233;s was required to touch over Fredrik Ljungbergs shot from the narrowest of angles.

Biting Back

Arsenal squandered an even better opening moment later as Henry broke clear only to fire straight at the Barcelona custodian. Fourteen minutes from time the Londoners were made to pay for that profligacy as Larsson - on his farewell appearance before returning to his native Sweden - undid the Arsenal back line and Etoo made no mistake, prodding past Almunia at the near post. The goal visibly lifted Bar&#231;a and nine minutes from time they snatched a decisive second with Larsson again instrumental, playing a clever reverse ball for another substitute, Belletti, to drill in from an acute angle and send thousands of Catalan fans into raptures.

Referee: Terje Hauge (Norway)

Yellow Cards: Oleguer, Larson, Eboue, Henry

Red Cards: Lehmann (18´)

LINEUPS

BARCELONA: Valdes, Oleguer (71' Belletti), Marquez, Carles Puyol, van Bronckhorst, Deco, Edmilson (46' Iniesta), van Bommel (61' Larsson), Giuly, Eto'o, Ronaldinho

ARSENAL: Lehmann, Eboue, Toure, Campbell, Cole, Pires (20' Almunia), Gilberto, Ljungberg, Fabregas (74' Flamini), Hleb (84' Reyes), Henry

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