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

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

CONTENTS

[01] Traditional Dances Festival for Children

A Traditional Dances Festival is taking place in Karditsa for the 13th consecutive year with the participation of dance groups from Albania, Hungary, Ukraine, Poland, Romania, Serbia and Greek groups from Argos, Aigio, Drama, Ioannina and Karditsa.

The events will be held at Plastiras Square and will last for four days. The Festival will open at Pafsilipo at 20:30, Wednesday 20 August an conclude on Saturday, 23 August.

The dance groups will meet with the Metropolitan, the Prefect and Mayor, as well as visit Plastiras Lake and Meteora. They will also dance at other parts of the prefecture.

Music, dance and songs will serve as a bridge among children from Greece, Albania, Hungary, Ukraine, Poland, Romania and Serbia. The Festival, which has been organized by the Holy Thessaliotida Fanariofarsala Metropolis, the Self Governement and DETAK, is under the auspices of Karditsa municipality.

Translated by John Crystallidis

[02] Sarkozy Visits Kabul

Sources: ÁNA-ÌPA, AFP

President Nicolas Sarkozy on Wednesday pledged Frances commitment to its mission in Afghanistan as he visited French troops mourning 10 comrades killed in battle. Sarkozy flew into the capital Kabul early Wednesday with Defence Minister Herve Morin and Foreign Minister Bernard Kouchner in the wake of the deadliest battle for international forces since the Taliban was ousted in 2001.

Mr Sarkozy and his ministers are expected to visit some of the 21 French soldiers wounded during the attack near Kabul. A meeting between Afghan President Hamid Karzai and his French counterpart is being planned.

Before his departure to Afghanistan, Mr Sarkozy his visit there aims at proving that France stands by the French soldierss side, adding that France will remain committed to it war against terror.

Translated by John Crystallidis

[03] Bartholomew to Visit Mount Athos

Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew is expected in Thessaloniki at noon. The Patriarch will visit Mt Athos on the occasion of the festive events commemorating 500 years since the death of Saint Nifon, second owner of Dionisios Monastery.

Translated by John Crystallidis

[04] Greek Army Hires Soldiers

The General Staff will post a competitive examination on it site www.army.gr to hire 1,700 professional soldiers.

Those interested should submit the necessary documents to the General Staff until 19 September.

Translated by John Crystallidis

[05] Fire Fronts

Sources: ÍÅÔ 105.8, ÁNA-ÌPA

A wildfire is raging in a gnarled area at Krestena, Ilia, while the fire at Kalousi, Achaia is burning.

Meanwhile, the Fire Brigade has managed to put under control the fires at Kouvaras, Attica; Ano Vasiliki, Etoloakarnania and Lihada, Evia.

As per the General Secretariat of Political Protection, Athens, Eastern Attica, Evia, Skyros, Lesvos and Chios are running a high risk of fires to break out there.

Thus, open door works that might spark fire are prohibited. People should also not throw lit cigarettes. In case of fire they should call 199.

Translated by John Crystallidis

[06] South-western China Rocked

Sources: ÁNA-ÌPA, REUTERS

A 5-magnitude earthquake hit China's border with Burma earlier today, destroying homes and forcing about 1,200 people to flee their homes. The quake took place near the region, wher May's devasting quake killed at least 70,000 people, the state Media reported. The quake jolted western Yunnan province, south of mountainous Sichuan which took the brunt of the May 12 tremor. Many homes collapsed in Sudian and several other towns also reported damage, Xinhua reported. There were no immediate reports of casualties.

Translated by John Crystallidis

[07] Clashes in Niger Delta

Sources: ÁNA-ÌPA, REUTERS

At least three people have been killed in clashes between rival armed groups in Niger Delta, near Port Harcourt as per a resident and security services sources. The gun battle over control of stolen oil in Sama, a village near the main industrial city of Port Harcourt, prompted hundreds of residents to flee early Tuesday morning, said a female resident who asked not to be named. The middle-aged mother said she saw at least three deadbodies when she left Sama for Port Harcourt. A security source said at least 12 militants were killed inthe clashes, which did not involve any Nigerian security forces. The fighting underscores the deteriorating security situation in the delta, the hub of Nigerias two million barrels per day oil industry. The unrest has shut down a fifth of output and helped push global energy prices to record highs. A private security source working in the oil industry said the violence was a continuation of fighting which broke out three weeks ago between two rival militant factions -- SobomaGeorge and Farah.Security sources believe the armed groups have links toNigerias most prominent militant group, the Movement for theEmancipation of the Niger Delta.

[08] Win for Greek Water Polo Team

By Thanasis Karlos

Sources: ÍÅÔ 105.8, ÁNA-ÌPA

Greece defeated China to win the second 7th-12th Classification match of the day in the Mens Water Polo at the Yingdong Natatorium on August 20.

Now, Greece is to play against Germany Friday for the 7-10 position. If it defeats Germany, then it will rank seventh.

Translated by John Crystallidis

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