The Hellenic Radio (ERA): News in English, 08-07-20

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

CONTENTS

[01] Shocking Video with British Hostage

Sources: BBC

Gordon Brown has called for the release of five British hostages held in Iraq, after the release of a video by Sunday Times that claims that one has killed himself. The prime minister, who is visiting Israel, described the video as "abhorrent" and said it would only add to the anguish of the mens families.

Worries over the Hostages

The tape, purporting to come from the kidnappers, alleges that a man known as Jason died on 25 May 2008. The men were kidnapped in May 2007 by militants disguised as police officers. So far, British officials say they are not able to corroborate the claims.

According to the Sunday Times, an intermediary who handed the video to its representative said Jason had attempted suicide on two previous occasions.

Speaking between meetings with Israeli and Palestinian leaders in Jerusalem, Mr Brown said he had discussed the kidnappings with Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri Maliki during a visit to Bagdad on Saturday. He said he had also raised the issue with "Americans and others who are active in Iraq". "I call on the hostage-takers to release those people who have been held in captivity immediately", Mr. Brown said.

The hostages friends and relatives marked the first anniversary of their capture in May by appealing for the hostages to be released. The Foreign and Commonwealth Office has always maintained that sensitive negotiations for the mens release are going on behind the scenes.

PM's Contacts

The prime minister also promised further support in training the Palestinian police, after talks with PA President Mahmoud Abbas. Mr Brown will meet with Mr Abbas in Bethlehem after talks in Tel Aviv with Israeli President Shimon Peres. Mr. Brown visited Baghdad and announced that more British forces will withdraw from Iraq. Then he visited the British bases in the northern part of Iraq.

Read the story on other sources:

BBC: PM calls for Iraq hostage release

[02] Olympic Games-Environment at Focus

Sources: ΝΕΤ, ΑNA-MNA

3 day festivals initiated by ONNED (youth affiliated to New Democracy), in Ancient Olympia were completed today with discussions on issues young people face. This year, the festivals focused at the Olympic Games and the Environment. ONNED members distributed PCs to young residents of the area and also provided the local fire brigade department with 3 special water tanks for putting out fires. In the framework of the festival, discussions took place regarding issues young people face like, modern methods for addiction cessation from drugs as well as development focusing on the environment.

Translated by Sofia Gartziou

[03] Interview in "Kyriakatiki Eleftherotypia"

20 Ιουλ 2008 13:31:0

Sources: ΝΕΤ, ΝΕΤ 105.8

Public discussion regarding the detachment of public schools from the Pan Hellenic entrance exams will start within the year, minister of education Mr. Stylianidis said in his interview in "Kyriakatiki Eleftherotypia". On reference to the reforms on colleges, he makes clear that the aim is "to set the rules to education so as civilians can be protected from fortune-seekers". PASOK council under the presidency of Anna Dimanotoupou decided to vote against the governmental reforms.

Translated by Sofia Gartziou

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