The Hellenic Radio (ERA): News in English, 08-03-25

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

CONTENTS

[01] Of the 25 March Anniversary

25 Mar 2008 11:15:00 (Last updated: 25 Mar 2008 15:16:53)

The stately commemorations celebrating the 25 March anniversary culminated Tuesday morning with a grand military in central Athens before President of the Hellenic Republic Karolos Papoulias. Prime Minister Kostas Karamanlis, Socialist leader George Papandreou, political party leaders and scores of people also attended the parade. A Te Deum had preceded to commemorate the dual celebration of the Annunciation of Virgin Mary and the Greek revolution against the Ottoman Empire at the Athens Cathedral. Archbishop Ieronymos of Athens and all Greece failed to attend the commemorations, as he is recovering from a leg injury he underwent on Monday.

Upon the end of the parade, the President of the Hellenic Republic appeared optimistic on the nations future, noting that the Greek people "is ready for all needed sacrifices to cement its freedom and national independence." The Prime Minister stressed that the Greek people as one can look ahead with confidence. "We are honouring in practice the principles and ideals that inspired the [Greek] independence fighters. We are working for a prosperous and fair society, for a strong and proud Greece," commented Karamanlis. Parliament Speaker Dimitris Sioufas underscored that the message emerging from the 25 March anniversary is translated today in our duty to stay alert for the shake of Democracy, freedom and national independence. Papandreou, on his part, said "These struggles never fade away, as we are all fighting for a state that would really respect the Greek people. And a political system that it would at last express the peoples voice."

Translated by Areti Christou

Related News:

Messages on the Greek National Holiday

[02] On FYROM Name Dispute

25 Mar 2008 12:48:00 (Last updated: 25 Mar 2008 15:08:43)

Sources: ΝΕΤ-ΝΕΤ 105.8

The new round of negotiations between Athens and Skopje under UN envoy Matthew Nimetz is to commence in New York on Tuesday. Just a week ahead of the NATO Summit, the time given for the two sides reaching an agreement seems to be running out. In the meantime, FYROM Prime Minister Nikola Gruevski lashed out at the countrys President, Branko Crvenkovski, for the latters position in favour of a compromise. Gruevski, on his part, insists on a dual name.

Translated by Areti Christou

[03] Of Long Weekend Excursionists

25 Mar 2008 11:52:00

By Vivian Papastefanou

Sources: ΝΕΤ -ΝΕΤ 105.8-ANA

Holidaymakers who celebrated the 25 March anniversary away from urban centres are returning with the unsettled weather conditions not being a good ally. Those who opted for island destinations will have a hard time coming back, as the gale-force winds prompted authorities to issue sailing bans. In the meantime, traffic police are on standby to facilitate drivers return to urban centres.

In the meantime, weather turned really nasty in northern Greece on Monday evening. Showers and snowfalls have been affecting Macedonia, while drivers travelling on the Kastoria-Ioannina national highway are advised to use snow chains.

Translated by Areti Christou

[04] A State of Emergency Was Declared

25 Mar 2008 10:53:00 (Last updated: 25 Mar 2008 15:08:58)

By Vivian Papastefanou

The major wildfire that has been ravaging the Greek island of Skopelos since Monday evening has been partially contained, while local authorities have declared a state of emergency. However, no built-up areas are in immediate danger. So far, a 200 hectare pine forest has been reduced to ashes. As per the fire service, the blaze broke out on Monday evening when a farmer in the area of Agnontas tried to burn dry weeds. However, it went out of control due to the winds.

Translated by Areti Christou

[05] Wishes for Speedy Recovery

25 Mar 2008 15:15:00 (Last updated: 25 Mar 2008 15:39:58)

By Vivian Papastefanou

Sources: ΝΕΤ -ΝΕΤ 105.8-ANA

The post-operative recovery of Archbishop Ieronymos of Athens and all Greece is running smoothly. Ieronymos underwent Monday a leg operation after breaking it in the southern Greek city of Kalamata. Ieronymos will not be discharged from hospital until Wednesday night, while it was announced that his visit to the Ecumenical Patriarchate scheduled to last from Friday to Monday would be cancelled. Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew sent Tuesday noon a letter to Ieronymos voicing his sorrow over the accident, which, as he added, cast a shadow over his long-awaited visit. Bartholomew also wished him a speedy recovery. In the meantime, Socialist leader George Papandreou visited Tuesday noon the Archbishop to wish him a speedy recovery. Furthermore, the President of the Hellenic Republic, the Education Minister and the Athens Mayor offered their sympathy over the phone. Prime Minister Kostas Karamanlis sent him flowers and wishes for a speedy recovery on Monday.

Translated by Areti Christou

Related News:

Archbishop Ieronymos Suffered Fracture

[06] Before Musharraf

25 Mar 2008 12:41:00

Sources: REUTERS

Pakistani President Pervez Musharraf swore in new Prime Minister Yousaf Raza Gilani on Tuesday, a day after parliament elected the top official from assassinated opposition leader Benazir Bhuttos party. In an apparent snub to the increasingly isolated Musharraf, Bhuttos widower, Asif Ali Zardari, and their son, Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, who together lead her party, declined to attend the ceremony at the presidency.

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