The Hellenic Radio (ERA): News in English, 08-07-14

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

CONTENTS

[01] Having 14 Extra Carriages

14 Ιουλ 2008 19:28:0

By

Sources: ΑNA-ΜNA-ΝΕΤ-ΝΕΤ 105,8

OSE crews are now trying to restore traffic in Bralos railways after the accident that occured today when a passengers train collided with a cargo early in the morning. The driver was rushed to hospital heavily injured. Specifically, a passenger train with 520 people on board en route from Thessaloniki to Athens collided with carriages that had become detached from a cargo train in central Greece. The crash was really strong, eyewitnesses were quoted as saying, while it took rescue crews one hour and a half to reach the site. Hundreds of passengers were board on buses heading for Athens. The Athens-Thessaloniki railway service has been sustained, while those who sustained injuries were taken to hospitals in the central Greek city of Lamia. Flash estimations speak of minor injuries. However, the driver, who was trapped in the wreckage, is in a critical condition. Injured people were transferred in hospital. According to OSEs announcement the accident occurred due to a sequence of human mistakes while the Organization admits that Hellenic Railway Organization faces problems during the last years but efforts are being launched by competent authorities in order to change the situation.

In their statements the two train drivers stated that 27 carriages detached from the cargo train. They insisted that there were no signs of a mechanical damage. Train traffic controller Mr. Thanasis Lepidas in his statement states that he had contacted twice with the train drivers as the signs he had in the electronic board showed that something was wrong. The train drivers were arrested and were driven to the police department of Fthiotida, but they were released a little after 2:00 after the prosecutors order.

PASOK- N. Sifounakis on OSE

PASOK political representative of Transport and Communication Mr. Nikos Sifounakis released the following announcement regarding the accident: "Unfortunately, Ministry of Transport and Communication lacks co-ordination and organization. This situation has led to the destruction of State Organizations with tragic consequences for passengers safety as well as for the financial and social life of the country". Nikos Sifounakis also referred on the "tragic situation prevailing in OSE and its affiliated companies, stressing that on reference to 2004, losses have been doubled from 3,5 to 7,5 euros and also spoke of "excessive losses and bank debts leading to OSEs collapse." The Greek society is expecting procedures on the investigation to speed up so as OSEs destructive route to stop," he concluded.

Translated by Sofia Gartziou

[02] From July 15 to August 31

14 Ιουλ 2008 18:31:0

By

Sales will start on Tuesday 15 and will last until August 31. However, consumers are advised to be careful and make the right choices, based on their true needs demanding receipts or product guarantees. In his statements, General Secretary of Consumers, Giannis Oikonomou stresses: "What is clear is that especially for the sales period, each consumer has to know his rights but has also to be careful so as to choose based on his/her needs. Sales in prices do not mean quality and mostly safety. For more information you can contact 1520 (General Secretary of Consumers). For complaints you can contact 210-3803116.

Translated by Sofia Gartziou

[03] Tony Blair in Middle East

Sources: Reuters

Middle East envoy Tony Blair is expected to travel to the Gaza Strip this week in what would be the highest-level visit by a Western official since Hamas took control a year ago, Hamas and Western officials said. The visit would come nearly a month after an Egyptian-brokered truce curbed cross-border fighting between Israel and Palestinian militants in the coastal enclave. Since his appointment last year, Blair has shunned Hamas, in keeping with a U.S.-led boycott of the Islamist group over its refusal to recognise Israel and renounce violence. Blairs office on Monday declined to comment on the former prime ministers travel plans. Hamas spokesman Ismail Rudwan said the group was aware of the planned visit and was making "all the necessary security arrangements".

[04] By O.E.E

14 Ιουλ 2008 18:49:0

Sources: ANA

The Organization of Labor Center (O.E.E) is distributing entertainment tickets to beneficiaries of Attika prefecture. Totally, 110.000 tickets of 1.309.000 euros will be provided for theatrical and cinema plays, events organized by the Foundation of the Hellenic World and other artistic and cultural events. In regional areas similar programmes will be announced by O.E.E local services.

Translated by Sofia Gartziou

[05] Ministry of Culture's Report in Parliament

By Athina Saloustrou

Minister of Justice, Sotiris Hatzigakis submitted today in Parliament the report on financial and management issues of Ministry of Culture during 2001-2006. The report signed by supreme prosecutors, P. Athanasiou and Eleni Rapti who conducted the preliminary investigation on the case was submitted in Parliament for inquiry on the funding provided in Ministry of Culture. According to the ministrys announcement, the funding aimed at covering expenses coming from payments for allowances, overtime working and employees salaries.

Translated by Sofia Gartziou

[06] Measures against Sun Burns

14 Ιουλ 2008 16:49:0

By Anna Kourti

Sources: Reuters, ANA, MNA

European Union commissioners recommended measures against sun burns in an effort to tackle skin cancer mostly presented in children. According to the Foundation of Skin Cancer, UVB is the main cause of cancer in skin. "Our message to consumers this summer is clear. Smart protection from the sun", was the announcement of Health Commissioner Mrs. Androula Vasileiou. Mrs. Vasileiou suggests to parents not to allow their babies and children to be exposed in the sun as UVB can cause skin cancer. There is UVA which helps tanning and UVB which causes sun burns. According to the British Center of Cancer, the number of skin cancer has been doubled since the 80s while more than 2.000 deaths from skin cancer have been reported.

Measures suggested by the European Committee are the following:

Avoid over exposure to sun over hours of high-let radiation (11:00-15:00) If you can not avoid exposure make sure you are well protected Huts and sun glasses can offer more protection Avoid over sun exposure of babies and children Use UVB and UVA sun protection products Use these products frequently (35 grams of sun protection cream are necessary for an average adult)

Translated by Sofia Gartziou

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