The Hellenic Radio (ERA): News in English, 08-06-25

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

CONTENTS

[01] Wildfre on Hymettus Abating

A big fire is now in progress in Hymettus area, Athens. The fire started in a forestall area in Glyka Nera, near to a residential area and was quickly spread to Hymettus antennas due to strong winds. The fire was finally put under control in the afternoon after fire-fighting planes and helicopters fought the blaze. No inhabited areas were at risk. The Interior minister kept the Prime Minister briefed. Firemen had been ordered to keep the fire away from homes and put the fire under control before the night.

Difficulty in Putting out the Fire

Fire-fighting planes played the leading role in putting out the fire as fireengines could not approach it from the ground.

Nine fire-fighting planes, three water-dropping helicopters, 30 water trucks with 90 men, 72 trekkers and volunteers combated the fire. In parallel, fire-fighting units were transferred from the province to Athens to help in putting out the fire.

Electric-power cuts took place in Hellinikon, Glyfada, Nea Smirni and in the centre of Athens due to the fire.

Meanwhile, in an interview with NET, Glyka Nera Mayor Giorgos Siokos spoke of arson, while inhabitants reported that the fire was preceded explosions.

At the same time, there was a hoax call to the fire brigade about a fire in Attiko Alsos and Egina.

The fire in Elikodromio in Stamata was put under control in the afternoon. Another fire broke out at the Pontians settlement at Agios Stefanos, but was put under control soon due the Fire Brigades prompt intervention.

As per the General Secretariat of Political Protection, there is a high risk for fires in Athens, Eastern Attica, Piraeus and Evia on Thursday.

Finally, citizens are advised when using elevators as electric-power cuts may take place.

Party Announcements

Commenting on the fires in Attica, the KKE (Communist Party of Greece) issued an announcement reading that forests should become the property of the people, adding that measures for the protection of forests should be taken immediately.

SYN (Coalition of the Left) party urges the government to do something in solving the problem with the fires.

[02] Record Price for Monet Painting

Monets 1919 "Le Bassin aux Nympheas was sold at Cristies International at the record price of 51,668,743 euros. Monets 6-foot, 7-inch-wide canvas had been expected to sell for between 18 million pounds and 24 million pounds.

This painting is most expensive work of art to have been sold at Christies International in Europe. The buyers identity has not been revealed.

In May, Christies sold Monets 1873 canvas ``Le Pont du Chemin de Fer a Argenteuil in New York for $41.5 million.

Translated by John Crystallidis

[03] Mud-Sludge Removed

By Alexandros Moz

Always sensitized with the protection of the environment the Hellenic Aerospace Industry S.A (EAV) has informed all that it removed the neutralized mud-sludge from its installations, in cooperation with a specialized and certified company.

It is noteworthy that prior to its removal, the mud-sludge had been collected in containers not posing any danger to public health and the environment.

The company will continue with its announcements on actions taken to the protection of the environment and the initiative it will assume within the framework of its programme "Green Development".

Translated by John Crystallidis

[04] Karamanlis-Alogoskoufis' Cooperation

25 Ιουν 2008 14:04:0 (Last updated: 25 Ιουν 2008 16:49:1)

Sources: ΝΕΤ, ΝΕΤ 105.8, ΑNA-ΜNA

The Prime Minister, Kostas Karamanlis discussed today with minister of Economy Mr. Alogoskoufis the effects on economy caused by the international financial crisis reported today.

Minister of Economy stressed that the governments goal focus at the smooth materialization of the state budget and the constant reforms in order to reinforce economy and make it stronger so as to be able to cope with the problems of financially weaker citizens.

As Mr. Alogoskoufis underlined the government has the will to proceed to the reforms which will give the Greek economy the necessary dynamic to continue to develop with paces faster than the rest of Europe. It also aims at coping with the problems of low income citizens and to boost further economy of our country.

According to the announcements of the Prime Minister made in the 1st Symposium of International University of Thessaloniki, the Fund of Social Solidarity will be put into effect in September targeting at intervening to problems of weaker social groups.

Translated by Sofia Gartziou

[05] Celebrating Color for Eifel Tower

25 Ιουν 2008 13:26:0

Sources: ANA, MNA

French decided to change color to Eifel Tower in order to mark Paris presidency in the European Union, July 1st. The famous monument will become blue and yellow small lights will create stars so as to resemble the flag of the European Union, "Le Parisien" newspaper refers. Eight big spot lights will be placed in the ground and 100 at the top of the tower in order for the special lighting to be achieved. The light of Eifel Tower was golden orange in 1985 New Years Eve and since 2000 when dark falls until 2:00 in the morning it has been winking every 10 minutes per hour.

Translated by Sofia Gartziou

[06] Philippines: 50 Bodies Found

By Athina Saloustrou

Coastguard of Philippines traced 50 bodies of passengers flooding100 Km away from the shipwreck that was reported on Saturday. Investigations continue for the tracing of possible survivors. The unfortunate passengers were aboard on Princess of the Stars ship which sunk on Saturday due to a typhoon. More than 740 people are missing in this shipwreck 300 Km south of Manila. 100 Philippians and US divers started rescue efforts today but chances to trace any survivors are limited. Only 48 people survived in a ship tragedy that is the worst of the last decades. The coast guard warned that 100.000 liter of fuels coming from the tank of the ship has been spread to the sea.

Translated by Sofia Gartziou

[07] Policeman in Serious Condition

25 Ιουν 2008 12:15:0

By Athina Saloustrou

Sources: ΝΕΤ - ΝΕΤ 105.8

Search for the arrest of the man who fired and injured three policemen at hash plantation in Malades, Crete has proved fruitless so far. Interrogation of suspects and house search continues, however, there is no new evidence on the case while results of DNA tests are expected. In the meantime, still crucial is the health state of Drug Combat Squad policeman, Thodoros Gennitsaridis, 38, shot in the head. He is in the intensive care ward of Heraklio University Hospital. The other two policemen, injured in the attack, have overcome danger. Deputy chief of the Drug Combat Squad, Yiannis Tsiminakis, who suffered the slightest injuries, has given description of the culprit.

Translated by Chrisanthi Sarantis

[08] Taxi Driver Shot

By Athina Saloustrou

Unidentified people shot at 5:10 in the morning a taxi driver outside his house in Ilioupoli area, Athens. Markos Vasilakis, 44 years old, is being hospitalized in General State Hospital of Athens and his condition is not critical. The unfortunate man was attacked when he was about to enter his taxi. He bears injuries in the chest and in his left armpit. The police have found an explosive device, two hand grenades as well as quantity of dynamite, which was placed under the taxi. The motives of the attack are not known yet but there is a possibility of a vendetta as Vasilamkis coming form Crete is the brother of a prisoner who has been convicted for homicide. Athens Security department has ordered preliminary investigation on the case.

Translated by Sofia Gartziou

[09] Illegal Network Unveiled

Sources: ΝΕΤ 105,8

A Greek woman doctor and two sister owners of a store who are believed to be members of the same network were arrested. They are charged of finding nephritic patients in Greece and sending them for transplantation in India after been given expensive payment. Up to this moment 10 people have died by complications after the surgeries. EL.AS (Greek Police) will make announcements today.

Translated by Sofia Gartziou

[10] "Suspension" of OASA Menidi Bus Service

By Athina Saloustrou

OASA drivers in the local Menidi 728 bus service have suspended the service for a week in protest against bus attacks by unidentified men. According to drivers, an unknown person fired at a bus last week and as they said they were fortunate not to mourn victims.

Translated by Chrisanthi Sarantis

[11] Biofuels to Blame for Food Costs Rise

By Athina Saloustrou

According to a report by international aid agency Oxfam biofuels are responsible for 30 % of the increase in global food prices which means pushing 30 million people worldwide into poverty. The use of biofuels is soaring as developed countries try to reduce their dependence on imported oil and cut carbon dioxide emissions. Critics, however, say that the use of agricultural land for the production of biofuels has led to a shortage of grain, pushing up basic food prices.

"Rich countries demands for more biofuels in their transport fuels are causing spiralling production and food inflation," said Oxfam biofuel policy adviser Rob Bailey, who wrote the report. "Grain reserves are now at an all-time low" he added.

Oxfam called on rich countries to dismantle subsidies for biofuels and reduce import tariffs."Rich countries spent up to $15 billion last year supporting biofuels while blocking cheaper Brazilian ethanol, which is far less damaging for global food security," the report said.

The aid agency also urged rich countries to scrap biofuels targets, including European Union plans to get 10 percent of its transport fuel from renewable sources like biofuels by 2020.

Translated by Chrisanthi Sarantis

[12] Slight Drop in Oil Price

By Athina Saloustrou

Oil price is slightly dropping in Asian markets shortly before the weekly announcement of US Energy Ministry on its strategic reserves. Price of light crude for August delivery dropped by 19 cents to $136.81 per barrel in morning transactions compared to NY closing yesterday at $137. Brent alos dropped 6 cents to $136.40. "The market is expecting US announcement on its strategic reserves said an Astmax analyst in Tokyo. Investors are still highly concerned over the market supply after OPEC president Chakib Khelil warned that oil prices will not come down ahead of a meeting with EU officials in Brussels today "the cartel had done all it could to ease prices", he said. OPEC Secretary-General Abdalla el-Badri said: OPEC members besides Saudi Arabia have no intention of raising output to bring down near-record prices.

Translated by Chrisanthi Sarantis

[13] "Quartet" Plea to End Settlement

By Betty Savourdou

Sources: ΝΕΤ 105.8, ΑNA-ΜPA

Concluding their meeting in Berlin, on Tuesday diplomats from the Middle East "quartet" ( US, EU, Russia, UN) urged for the end of Israeli settlement in the West Bank and the demolition of settlements built since March, 2001 and on. It should be mentioned that 155 million euros aid was raised to finance Palestinian Authority security infrastructure during the international donors conference in Berlin.

Translated by Chrisanthi Sarantis

Read the story on other sources:

BBC: Donors boost Palestinian security

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