The Hellenic Radio (ERA): News in English, 08-07-11

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

CONTENTS

[01] It Exceeded $147 per Barrel

11 Ιουλ 2008 14:22:0 (Last updated: 11 Ιουλ 2008 21:34:4)

By Alexandros Moz

Sources: ANA-MPA, Reuters

Breaking all records, crude oil in New York rose more than $5 per barrel, exceeding $147 on concerns that the geopolitical developments in Iran and Nigeria and a strike in Brazil may cut supplies.

In New York, crude oil rallied to a record high of $147.27 per barrel, smashing an earlier record of $146.90. In London, Brent increased by $4.74 to $146.77 per barrel.

Analysts believe that it was the threats to have supplies cut torpedoed oil markets worldwide, since as far as the oil demand is concerned everything is likely to change after the Beijing Olympic Games.

A press report by Jerusalem Post, whereby Israeli war planes practiced over Iraq, just a few hours after Irans second test-fire, was enough to skyrocket oil prices, although the Iraqi Defence Minister dismissed it as groundless.

In addition, a Brazilian union said it plans a five-day strike on platforms that pump 80 percent of the countrys crude and Nigerian militants pledged to renew attacks on oil facilities. The rebel attacks on the countrys oil infrastructure are one of the key factors that led to a nearly 50% rise in the oil prices this year.

Translated by Areti Christou

[02] Unity Government in Lebanon

By Katerina Ioannidou

Sources: ANA/MPA-AFP-REUTERS-NET

A 30-member unity government under Fouad Siniora was agreed in Lebanon, lifting the lengthy political impasse the country had plunged into. Under the agreement, the opposition gets 11 of the 30 ministries in the framework of the compromise the two sides arrived at in Qatar on 21 May. The said compromise aspires to put an end to a conflict that triggered the worst atrocities Lebanon has experienced since the civil war (1975-1990).

Hailing the agreement, Greek Foreign Minister Dora Bakoyannis noted that the formation of a unity government can and should signal a new era of stability and reconstruction in Lebanon.

UN Secretary General Ki-Moon also voiced his satisfaction over the formation of a unity government.

Translated by Areti Christou

Read the story on other sources:

Reuters:Lebanon forms unity government with Hezbollah

[03] Alexander Downer

11 Ιουλ 2008 21:42:0

By Katerina Ioannidou

Sources: ΑNA-MPA-ΝΕΤ 105.8

Former Australian Foreign Minister Alexander Downer was named United Nations special envoy to the Cyprus peace process. In the meantime, UN Secretary General Ki-Moon will hold separate talks with President of the Cypriot Republic Demetris Christofias on coming Sunday in Paris and with Turkish-Cypriot leader Mehmet Ali Talat on Tuesday in Berlin.

Translated by Areti Christou

[04] Georgia Requests a UN Session

By Katerina Ioannidou

Sources: ANA/MPA, AFP, REUTERS

Georgia requested an emergency sitting of the UN Security Council to assess the conditions prevailing in the breakaway provinces of Abkhazia and South Ossetia. Georgian Deputy Foreign Minister Grigol Vashadze told a TV network that his country requested an emergency UN session, because violence is escalating in Abkhazia and South Ossetia.

Diplomatic analysts think violence is rooted in Washingtons intentions to have Georgia awarded a full NATO memberships. On its part, Tbilisi blames Moscow for laying claims to Abkhazia and South Ossetia.

Translated by Areti Christou

[05] For a Second Term

11 Ιουλ 2008 20:13:0

By Katerina Ioannidou

Sources: ANA-MPA

French President Nicolas Sarkozy offered Friday his backing to European Commission President Jose Manuel Barroso for a second term, despite the recent rift over matters pertaining to oil prices and the fishermens strike. At a joint press conference with Jose Manuel Barroso, Sarkozy said: "You ask me if I have a candidate - my answer is yes. You ask if he is sitting at the same table - my answer is yes," making his intention crystal clear. Apart from France, Barroso enjoys the backing of his motherland, Portugal, since Portuguese Foreign Minister Luis Amado argued Friday evening that his countrys Parliament will support Barrosos candidacy as soon as it is announced. Former Portuguese Prime Minister, Barroso has been at the helm of the European Commission since 2004. His term runs through in a year and despite he has not yet revealed his intentions, his associates have clearly implied that he would wish a second term.

Translated by Areti Christou

[06] Probe into Bribe-taking

11 Ιουλ 2008 17:26:0

Sources: Reuters

Israeli police accused Prime Minister Ehud Olmert of fraud on Friday and said an investigation into alleged bribe-taking had been widened to look at whether he made duplicate claims for travel expenses.

Police and prosecutors said they asked the Israeli leader during questioning on Friday to "give his account about suspicions of serious fraud and other offences", which involved him billing different public bodies for the same trips abroad. "According to the suspicions, during his tenure as Jerusalem mayor and trade and industry minister, Olmert would seek duplicate funding for his trips abroad from public bodies, including from the state, with each of them requested to fund the same trip," the statement from police and prosecutors said.

Police suspect Olmerts travel agency issued multiple invoices for trips then transferred the surplus money into a bank account in his name which it managed on his behalf. The funds were used for Olmerts private trips, the statement said.

[07] 113 Opposition Supporters Were Killed

11 Ιουλ 2008 16:10:0

By Alexandros Moz

Zimbabwes government and opposition keep discussing ways to ease the political impasse the country has plunged into, following a Security Council vote on possible sanctions was postponed.

The reps of the two sides first met after the controversial re-election of Robert Mugabe to the presidency on 27 June and resumed on Friday morning, said the South- African presidency, which has mediated talks.

In the meantime, the opposition Movement for Democratic Change (MDC) said that as many as 113 opposition supporters have been killed since the 29 March elections.

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