The Hellenic Radio (ERA): News in English, 08-02-19

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

CONTENTS

[01] Karamanlis-Bakoyannis Meeting

19 Feb 2008 10:21:00 (Last updated: 19 Feb 2008 11:23:07)

Sources: ÍÅÔ 105.8

In view of the second round of talks on the FYROM name dispute set to commence Tuesday in Athens, Greek Prime Minister Kostas Karamanlis is currently meeting with Foreign Minister Dora Bakoyannis. Prior to the talks, Bakoyannis will have private meetings with the Greece and FYROMs ambassadors to the UN, Adamantios Vassilakis and Nikola Dimitrov respectively. UN envoy Matthew Nimetz is believed to be ready to submit his final blueprint on the name issue.

Believing the time has come for a mutually acceptable solution, the Greek side will enter the talks with that goal in mind, Greek Foreign Ministry spokesman Giorgos Koumoutsakos told state-run radio station NET 105.8. He voiced his conviction that Matthew Nimetz will put forward a new and better-processed package of ideas, while he did not rule out a proposal on the name. Greece will not consent to the creation of ally relations between FYROM and NATO unless the name dispute is settled, concluded Koumoutsakos.

Translated by Areti Christou

Related News:

Nimetz Due in Athens

[02] Fidel Castro Steps Down

Fidel Castro announced Tuesday his intention to not seek a new presidential term, says the official website of the Cuban regime. I will not aspire to or accept, I repeat not aspire to or accept, the positions of President of Council of State and Commander in Chief," said Castro, who had not appeared in public for almost 19 months due to his illness.

Translated by Areti Christou

[03] Elections in Armenia

Sources: ANA-MPA

Armenians are electing Tuesday the nation new President, with acting Prime Minister and leader of the Republican Party Serzh Sarksyan looking set to win. About 2.3 million eligible voters of the former Soviet republic will be casting their ballots until 2000 hours local time.

Outgoing President Robert Kocharyan could not run anew, since he has already served the maximum two consecutive terms.

Hopeful Serzh Sarksyan, 53, is believed to outdo his nine challengers, as polls has suggested he might garner 50% of the ballot.

In case no candidate gets the 50% threshold in the first round, there will be a runoff vote.

Translated by Areti Christou

[04] Killed 24 People

19 Feb 2008 09:13:00

By Tina Valaoura

Sources: ÁNA-ÌPA

A blast in an illegal iron mine in northern China, Hebei province, killed at least 24 people and injured five on Sunday. The explosion happened in a tunnel but the cause of the blast was still unknown and the local government was investigating according to New China agency. The owner of the mine, which was privately held, fled the scene and was still at large.

Translated by Chrisanthi Sarantis

[05] Serbia "Annuls" Kosovo's Decision

By

The Serbian Parliament "annulled" late on Monday Kosovos unilateral declaration of independence, speaking of an interim governments decision that violates Serbias integrity and sovereignty. Serbia also recalled its ambassadors from the nations that recognized the breakaway province. Winding up his trip to Tanzania, US President George W. Bush rushed to say that the people of Kosovo are now independent and that Washington believes that such a move will bring peace in the Balkans. Serbian President Boris Tadic, on the other hand, said at the UN Security Council that dozens other regions might follow suit even using violence. Tadic called on the Security Council member states to annul Kosovos declaration of independence. Tadic was backed by Russia and China, while nations such as South Africa and Vietnam warned of the serious consequences, however they neither approved nor rejected Kosovos independence.

Translated by Areti Christou

Related News:

Reactions and Concern over Kosovo

[06] Athens: Light Quake

A light quake measuring 4 degrees on the Richer scale was recorded shortly after 07:00 this morning. Its epicenter was located in the region of Parnitha, south of Filis suburb and was felt in Athens. Seismologists are monitoring developments

Translated by Chrisanthi Sarantis

[07] State Mechanism on the Alert

19 Feb 2008 07:05:00

Sources: ÍÅÔ, ÍÅÔ 105.8, ÁNA-ÌPA

Extreme weather is abating, but central and northern parts remain in clutches of gripping cold weather while the state mechanism is still on the alert. All major problems have been overcome while national and provincial roads have opened to travel, however, snow chains are necessary even in some parts of Attika, particularly in the northern and east suburbs. A ban on heavy lorries travel in the Elefsina-Thibes old national road was effected late last night. Traffic police advise motorists to take precautions due to slick roads. In the meantime, operation of mass transport is gradually returning to normal, with the Metro, electric train, tram and suburban railways operating on their regular schedule and blue and trolley buses operating in most routes. Ban on sailing was lifted while all todays flights from Eleftherios Benizelos Airport are leaving on schedule. Athens Municipality Day Care Centers, all schools in the Athens, East and West Attika and Piraeus prefectures as well as in the Argosaronikos and Cyclade islands, Eboia and mountainous Korinthia will remain closed today. Most tertiary education institutions will also remain closed apart from the Athens University and Piraeus Technical College and some departments of the Athens Technical University. Students are advised to contact with their departments for information. All courts and judicial services are operating today.

Weather Forecast

Gradual improvement of weather but icy cold in central and northern parts of the country and strong to gale force winds. Temperatures will range from 12 below zero to 6C in northern Greece, -8 to 11C in the Ionian islands and continental parts, -1 to 11C in the Aegean islands and Crete. Fair weather with moderate winds and temperatures ranging from -2 to 11C -3 to 7C in Athens and Thessaloniki respectively.

Translated by Chrisanthi Sarantis

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