The Hellenic Radio (ERA): News in English, 08-07-28

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

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[01] Authorities Speak of Terror Act

28 Éïõë 2008 07:55:0 (Last updated: 28 Éïõë 2008 10:42:5)

By Betty Savourdou

Sources: Reuters, ÍÅÔ 105.8, ÁNA-ÌPA

A double bomb attack in Gungoren district, Constantinople on Sunday killed at least 15 and injured more than 150, hours ahead of a court case over banning the governing party. However, the number of casualties is expected to rise, as many of the injured are in a critical condition. As per the authorities, behind the attack are Kurdish PKK guerillas at a time when the Turkish army is fighting them in northern Iraq. While, President Abdulah Gul described the incident a terror attack no organization has assumed responsibility of the attack. Meanwhile, Turkeys Constitutional Court is holding a meeting today on the banning of the government party. German Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier on Monday condemned the double blast, describing it "a blind act of terrorism."

Double Attack

As per a preliminary investigation, the first bomb exploded in a refuse bin in a commercial street in Gungoren district, Constantinople.

The second blast, which was stronger, followed a few minutes later, while the people began gathering around the spot of the first blast.

The Constantinople governor stated that the police would examine the scenes depicted from the open-air cameras in the area.

Translated by John Crystallidis

Read the story on other sources:

BBC: Deadly blasts hit Istanbul street

[02] Under Partial Control

Sources: ÍÅÔ 105.8, ÁNA-ÌPA

The wildfire that turned to ashes tens of thousands of squares of metres of forestland on Rhodes and had negative repercussions on tourism is under partial control. The Fire Brigade, volunteers and water-dropping helicopters continue fighting the blaze. The fronts in Gadoura and Profilia are under partial control. It has been estimated that about 13,333 acres of forestland, including the Laermon forest have been turned to ashes. Tourists living in hotels in southern Rhodes, who had been removed for precautionary reasons, have returned to back.

Meanwhile, Interior Minister Prokopis Pavlopoulos, Deputy Interior Minister Panagiotis Chinofotis and Deputy Rural Development Minister Costas Kiltidis are visiting Rhodes today to assess the situation.

A meeting will be held at Genadi at 12:30 to be followed by a Press Conference.

Finally, the fire in Psachna, Evia is under partial control, while the fire in Neochori, Arcadia is abating.

Translated by John Crystallidis

Related News:

Rhodes Wildfire Has Abated

[03] Cruisers Collide in Piraeus

Sources: ÍÅÔ 105.8, ÁNA-ÌPA

"Zenith", Malta flagged cruiser with 619 crew-members and 1,819 passengers collided with the "Aegean Pearl" Greek flagged cruiser that was docked in Piraeus port Monday morning. "Aegean Pearl" had 349 crew-members and 504 passengers on board

No injuries have been reported, while the departure of both cruisers has been banned.

Translated by John Crystallidis

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