The Hellenic Radio (ERA): News in English, 08-03-02

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

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

CONTENTS

[01] Critical 24 Hours for Giannakou

Sources: ÍÅÔ, ÍÅÔ 105.8

After the angioplasty operation former Education Minister Marietta Giannakou underwent on Friday afternoon, she remains hospitalized in Errikos Dynan Hospital. This is the second 24 critical hours for the patient, who is on a life-support machine.

The doctors are concerned as her situation is deteriorating due to the diabetes mellitus she is suffering from.

Giannakou underwent clinical tests on Sunday to assess her cardiac and kidney competency.

Translated by John Crystallidis

Related News:

M. Giannakou in Critical Condition

[02] Bloody Attack against Gaza Strip

By Betty Savourdou

Sources: Reuters, Associated Press, ÁNA-ÌPA

Palestinian leader Mahmoud Abbas has suspended contact with Israel in protest at an assault on Gaza which has killed about 100 people in the last days. Mr Abbas spokesman, Nabil Abu Rudeina, blamed Israel for the suspension of talks on all levels. Meanwhile, Israel aims at continuing its negotiations with the Palestinians said Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert. Mr Olmert vowed to carry on the assault, until Hamas was weakened, something which would offer more opportunities to peace. While Hamas asks for a national unity government, US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice is leaving for the Middle East on Monday. At the same time, the international community has expressed its concern over the dramatic escalation of violence in Gaza. From her side, Greek minister of Foreign Affairs Dora Bakoyannis has denounced punishment as a means to achieve a goal, while KKE (Greek Communist Party) has issued an announcement on the raids launched against Gaza.

International Condemnation

The violence intensified on Saturday, when nearly 70 people were killed in one of Gazas bloodiest days in years. Over 10 of the victims were civilians.

During the night, eight air raids, one targeting Hamas leading member Ismail Haniyas office were launched during the night.

The UN Security Council denounced Israels attacks as well as those launched by Hamas militants, who launch missiles against south Israel. The Security Council members urge both sides to halt violence.

UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon has described Israels reaction excessive, while the European Union Presidency also made similar statements.

The US has appealed for an end of clashes and the resumption of peace talks after Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas had suspended talks with the Israelis.

Dora Bakoyannis denounced the use of violence, while in its announcement the KKE calls on the Greek people to denounce Israels murderous attacks as it describes them.

Translated by John Crystallidis

Related News:

Bloody Operations in Gaza

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