The Hellenic Radio (ERA): News in English, 08-02-23

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

CONTENTS

[01] Putin Tough Statements

23 Feb 2008 20:18:00

Sources: ΝΕΤ-ΝΕΤ 105.8-ΑNA

Situation in Kosovo remains crucial as Serbian minority protesters continued demonstrations against their countrys declaration of independence from Serbia. At the same time, Russian president, Vladimir Putin calls Kosovos declaration of independence a terrible precedent that will come back to hit the West in the face. "Kosovo declaration of independence is a terrible precedent, which will de facto destroy the whole system of international relations, developed not over decades, but over centuries," Vladimir Putin said in televised comments on Friday. Referring to the countries which recognized Kosovo, he said that it will have "unpredictable repercussions.

In the meantime, Washington has recalled all unnecessary personnel from its embassy in Serbia, Holland has issued a travel advisory for Kosovo while Pristina government has banned entrance of Serbian non residents. Former US State Secretary Richard Hoolbrook, architect of Bosnia peace agreement, has described Kosovo declaration of independence as inevitable and necessary.

Many demonstrations against Kosovo independence were staged in European cities today in response to calls by the Serbian Council in Germany. Police have not reported any violent incidents.About one thousand people held a peaceful protest against Kosovo independence in Zurich on Saturday. The meeting had been called by pro-Serbia groups, and had been given official permission. The demonstrators waved Serbian flags and chanted anti-independence slogans, such as "Kosovo is Serbia" and "We shall not give Kosovo away." In Strasburg, some 120 extremist rightists and representatives of Serbian radical rightists societies protested against independence while a group of some 80 extremist leftists demonstrated in support of independence shouting slogans as "racists", "facists" "Nazi out". Police had made a human chain between the two groups to prevent violent incidents.

Translated by Chrisanthi Sarantis

[02] Albanian Gang Dismantled

Sources: ΝΕΤ 105.8

Greek police dismantled a large gang of Albanian nationals, who committed many robberies of gas stations, shops and houses in Attika south suburbs, Haidari, as well as in Boiotia and Fthiotida. Police arrested 9 people aged 19-26 while they are still seeking for other accomplices. Weapons, hoods and stolen items were found in their possession as well as 5 cars and a motorbike which they used for their transport.

Translated by Chrisanthi Sarantis

[03] Charges on HSAP Accident

By Vivian Papastefanou

Sources: ΝΕΤ 105.8

Director of HSAP Piraeus station and the train driver, on whose shift the accident happened yesterday, were charged of unintentional homicide by Piraeus Prosecutor today. Six cleaning employees were hurt and a homeless foreign national killed when an empty train undergoing maintenance at the Piraeus station went off the tracks and slammed into a wall. In parallel, an investigation ordered by the Transport Ministry is in progress to find how the brakes went out.

Translated by Chrisanthi Sarantis

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