The Hellenic Radio (ERA): News in English, 08-08-22

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

CONTENTS

[01] P. Efthymiou Attacked with Crowbar

By Katerina Ioannidou

Sources: ÁNA-ÌPA, ÍÅÔ 105.8

PASOK MP Petros Efthymiou remains hospitalized at Evangelismos Hospital after being attacked with a crowbar outside his office by an unidentified person. As per information the blow on the back of his head is not serious. However, he underwent medical tests. Mr Efthymiou spoke of a para-state action, demanding from the government to assume its responsibilities against the para-state. Health Minister Dimitris Avramopoulos wished the former minister a quick recovery.

Translated by John Crystallidis

[02] Final Word to Flight Recorders

By Alexandros Moz

Sources: ANA-MPA, AFP

The final word belongs to the two flight recorders of the MD-82 aircraft for the authorities to reach a conclusion on what caused the Spanair tragedy in Madrid.

Although Spanair is the second biggest air company in Spain with 65 aircrafts has been criticized despite the fact that it argues it met all civil aviation regulations.

Spanair deputy manager Xavier Mendoza stated that during take off, the pilot had reported a problem with the heating system, which was settled by the staff as per the regulations.

Spanair has been encoutering several financial problems lately due to the rise of fuel prices and tough competition. A few hours before the crash, the companys pilots had threatened to stage a strike as the management was planning to sack employees and reduce flights. El Moundo newspaper had also written that the co-pilot of the aircraft was included in the list of personnel, who was about to be sacked.

SAS had tried to sell its subsidiary Spanair last year as it the company was non-profitanble. In the first six months of 2008, Spanair had sustained losses ammonting to US$81million.

Scenarios and Views

According to some investigators, who examined videos of the tragedy shot by airport cameras, the engine of the aircraft had not caught fire during take-off, contradicting thus eyewitnesses' reports.

Meanwhile, as per the ABC the shots show the aircraft loosing power during take-off, verifying the report of a captain who was landing his plane.

Another scenario by El Moundo newspaper speaks of an explosion of the left engine, the chips of which caused damages to the steering wheel.

In parallel, as per a former Spanair captain, the company is exerting pressure to mechanics to give the green light to aircrafts to take off even if they are not ready.

The Infrastructure Ministry has not issued any information in relation to the progress of the investigation.

The Prosecutor, from his side, expects the results from the flight recorders will be ready in a month.

However, the captain of the aircraft reported that the problem with the heating system of the aircraft was restored after take-off.

Finally, as per the authorities, three out of the 19 injured are in a critical condition.

Translated by John Crystallidis

Related News:

Causes of Tragedy Investigated

[03] Amid Dispute with NATO

22 Áõã 2008 10:27:00

Sources: ÍÅÔ 105.8, ÁNA

Russian troops would pull back from Georgia by the end of Friday said the Defence Ministry. Earlier Russian Foreign Minister, Sergei Lavrof clarified that some 500 peacekeepers will remain in a security zone near South Ossetia borders. A top U.S. general visiting Georgia condemned the pullout as "far too slow". In the meantime, Moscow has halted military cooperation with NATO. US President, George Bush spoke with his Georgian counterpart, Mikheil Saakashvili on Thursday and repeated that the US want Russia to immediately comply with withdrawal agreement, said the White House.

The EU and the US must intervene to oblige Russian forces to move out of Georgia and stop expansionism, Georgia President, Mikheil Saakashvili told French newspaper "Figgaro". His statements came after the West indicated it was annoyed by slow pace in Russian troops withdrawal according to timetable of peace plan brockered by French President, Nikola Sarkozy.

Saakashvili described as "unclear" the French peace plan, maintaining that it allows Russians to move according to its willingness. "The question is that we depend on Russias good willingness. We can only make declarations, said Georgian President. Georgia did not expect Russia to show its military might in South Ossetia and was completely unprepared for the Attack, said Georgian Defence undersecretary in an interview with "Financial Times", in Tbilisi.

Translated by Chrisanthi Sarantis

[04] Two Killed in Derailed Train

By Katerina Ioannidou

Sources: ÁNA-ÌPA-AFP-REUTERS

Two people were killed and 25 injured when a train derailed in north-eastern Portugal this morning. One of the dead was a child that passed out in the hospital and the other one a 47-year-old Portuguese. As per the Political Protection Directorate 10 of the injured are in a critical condition. The train was carrying 47 passengers and was going from Tua to Mirandela. The line is popular with tourists because it passes along the Tua river and the Douro wine growing region. As per the train driver, a blast preceeded the derailment.

Translated by John Crystallidis

[05] Dalai Lama Inaugurates Buddhist Temple

By Katerina Ioannidou

Sources: ANA-MPA, AFP

The Dalai Lama on Friday urged China to "march towards democracy" as he met French first lady Carla Bruni-Sarkozy and Foreign Minister Bernard Kouchner in a trip that has fuelled tensions between Paris and Beijing. They were attending the inauguration of a Buddhist temple by the exiled Tibetan spiritual leader in the south of France and spoke privately with him after the ceremony.

The Dalai Lama told Kouchner the only way China can "regain its respectability in the international community" was the "march towards democracy," his French interpreter, Buddhist monk Matthieu Ricard, said after the meeting. The Dalai Lama presented the pair with long white scarves, a Tibetan gesture of hospitality and respect, which they wore around their necks as they watched their host prostrate himself before a statue of the Buddha. The spiritual leader made a speech in English after officially opening the temple in which he called for harmony between different religious traditions and for respect for the environment. "We have the responsibility to take care of this planet," he said. "We must extend love to all creatures, trees and beautiful things." French human rights minister Rama Yade and former prime minister Alain Juppe were also at the event which was attended by about 2,000 people. President Nicolas Sarkozy declined to meet the Dalai Lama, sparking accusations from the opposition Socialists that "the only guiding principle (of Sarkozys policy towards China) appears to be not to displease Beijing." A spokesman for the Dalai Lama said Friday that Carla Bruni-Sarkozy had passed on the presidents "greetings" when she met with him at the temple.

[06] Fires in the Peloponnese

By Katerina Ioannidou

The fire that broke out at Agionori, Corinthia is still burning, having turned to ashes many acres of green. The fires that broke out on Friday at Zevgolatio, Corinthia and Nedousa on Mt Taygetus, Kalamata are still burning. Firemen and fire-fighting planes are presently operating in the area. Meanwhile, another fire broke out in Vrontamas, Laconia a few hours ago.

The fires in Kopanaki, Aetos municipality in Messinia has burnt eight acres of forestland and eight acres of cultivated land. Five acres of forestland have been burnt in Arsinoi, Messinia. Firemen are in the area trying to contain the fire.

Meanwhile, as per the General Secretariat of Political Protection, Athens, eastern Attica and Evia are running a high risk of fires on Saturday. People are advised to abstain from outdoor works that might spark a fire. In case of fire they should call 199.

Translated by John Crystallidis

[07] Molyviatis: "Statement of Accounts not Negative"

By Katerina Ioannidou

Sources: ÁNA-ÌPA-ÍÅÔ

In a statement of accounts on the progress made to the relief of the fire-hit, Special Fund President for Emergencies Petros Molyviatis stated that although not all problems had been resolved, damages restored and houses built, progress has been made in a year. The state has spent until not on the fire-hit 400 euros, half of which has been spent on the Ilia prefecture. The state will also hammerred out programmes costing one billion euros for the restructuring and development of the fire-hit regions. At the same time, 92,000 donors have offered the Special Fund for Emergencies196, 152,267 euros. Moreover, 397 houses in the fire-stricken regions are presently being built or repaired with funds deriving from the Special Fund for Emergencies. The total number of houses damaged or destroyed completely or partially is 1,488. Mr Molyviatis has asked all owners of burnt houses to visit the local Environment Ministry agencies to apply for free funding.

Translated by John Crystallidis

[08] Karamanlis-Bakoyannis Cooperation

By Katerina Ioannidou

Sources: ÁNA-ÌPA-ÍÅÔ 105.8

Foreign Minister Dora Bakoyannis has met with Prime Minister Kostas Karamanlis at Maximos Mansion Friday. As per Ms Bakoyannis, they discussed the FYROM (Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia) name-issue, the Cyprus issue, developments in Georgia and the UN General Assembly due to be held in the beginning of September. The government will not comment on FYROM Prime Minister N. Gruevskis latest statements, reported the minister, as it believes that a substantial and sincere effort for the resolution of the name-issue should be made, without adopting aimless rhetoric. Ms Bakoyannis pointed out that the negotiations are continuing and will continue in the coming days.

In reply to a question as to whether Greece would accept the name "Northern Macedonia" for FYROM the minister pointed out that Greece would accept a mutually accepted name with a geographic qualifier. Regarding Pavlidis case, Ms Bakoyannis made no comment, while when asked to comment on the Ecumenical Patriarchs position that the decisions of Esfigmenos Monastery are not being implemented, he pointed out that the Esfigmenos Monastery decisions should be implemented, adding that the monastic community had set its terms on the basis of which those decisions could be implemented.

Translated by John Crystallidis

[09] Causes of Tragedy Investigated

Sources: ANA-Reuters

The Spanish authorities are trying to shed light to the causes of the air tragedy in Madrid, while an official investigation is in progress, although it will take some months before the final concusion is issued. The government has assured that the special committee set up will investigate the case carefully. However, a government source has stressed that the investigation may last a whole year. Meanwhile DNA tests will have to be carried to verify the identity of several victims. As per the Spanish government, out of the 153 victims, only 59 have been identified so far.

In parallel, the two flight recorders of the MD-82 aircraft are already being examined. However, a Spanair spokesman stated that one of them has sustained damage.

Although Spanair is the second biggest air company in Spain with 65 aircrafts has been criticized despite the fact that it argues it met all civil aviation regulations.

Spanair deputy manager Xavier Mendoza stated that during take off, the pilot had reported a problem with the heating system, which was settled by the staff as per the regulations.

Spanair has been encoutering several financial problems lately due to the rise of fuel prices and tough competition. A few hours before the crash, the companys pilots had threatened to stage a strike as the management was planning to sack employees and reduce flights. El Moundo newspaper had also written that the co-pilot of the aircraft was included in the list of personnel, who was about to be sacked.

SAS had tried to sell its subsidiary Spanair last year as it the company was non-profitanble. In the first six months of 2008, Spanair had sustained losses ammonting to US$81million.

Meanwhile, as per the authorities three out of the 19 injured passengers are in a critical condition.

Translated by John Crystallidis

Related News:

Deadly Plane Crash

[10] Rodopi

22 Áõã 2008 11:07:00

Sources: ÍÅÔ 105.8

A 61-year-old woman from Aratos, Rodopi lost her life when she was struck by Crimean haemorragic fever after being bit by a dog tick. The woman visited Komotini Hospital three times in August, as she was suffering from insomnia, coughing and high fever. However, she did not tell the doctors that she had been bitten by a dog tick. The doctors learn about the bite accidentally by her relatives. Then the woman was transferred to Alexandroupolis Hospital, where she passed away last Tuesday. The sample sent to the Thessaloniki Hospital lab was identified as the dangerous virus of Crimean heamorragic fever.

Translated by John Crystallidis

[11] Greek Water Polo Team in the "Eight"

By Giahanatzis Dimitris

Greece outplayed Germany 13-9 at Yingdong Natatorium on Friday and will now face Australia in the seventh-place play-off in the Mens Water Polo competition on Sunday. Greece played a calm, controlled match, taking time to place their passes and maintain a tight defense. The teams were tied 3-3 at the first break but Greece pulled away from that point, outscoring the Germans 3-1 in the second quarter and 4-2 in the third. Germany were unable to close the gap despite matching Greece 3-3 in the fourth period. Greeces Georgios Ntoskas netted six goals, four in the third quarter, to take his tournament tally to a team-leading 20.

[12] Mystakidou Eliminated

By Nasos Bratsos

In Taekwondo womens -67kg weight class Asounsion Okasio Rodrigez eliminated Elli Mystakidou at the Beijing Olympic Games. Mystakidou stated she was nervous as she wanted that victory very much, adding that the Beijing Olympic Games are the last she will participate in. Finally, she stated that after the Olympic Games she will devote herself to her family, intending to make a baby.

Translated by John Crystallidis

[13] To Announce Vice-president

By Anthi Ntaousani

Sources: ÁNA

Democrats presidential candidate, Barrack Obama said that he has made his decision for a running mate but the official announcement will be made in the next days. "The selection was among many potential candidates. I want someone independent, who will object to my views and challenge me so to have substantial dialogue at the White House" Obama said in an interview with "USA Today".

He made a public appearance with Birtzinia governor Tim Kaine, considered the most potential candidate for vice-president nomination. Kaine attended a gathering, in the city of Chester, focused on economics policy. Barrack Obama is paying a visit to south Virginia, one of the key states in the pre-election campaign as since 1964 elections it has not elected any Democratic party presidential candidate.

Suspicious Parcels Arrived at Republicans' Offices

Two offices of John McCains U.S. presidential campaign, in Colorado and New Hampshire, were evacuated on Thursday, and several staffers were hospitalized, after threatening or suspicious envelopes arrived in the mail, one with an unidentified white powder. McCain, 71, a Republican senator from Arizona, was taking the day off from the campaign, spending the day at his home in Sedona, Arizona. Local and federal law enforcement were immediately notified while five to 10 people from the suburban Denver office went to a hospital seeking medical care. The Powdery substance was being examined by the Colorado Department of Public Health. In the meantime, John McCain, who has answered to a number of different questions such as age and health condition till his policy on Iraq, has not been able to respond on a question regarding the size of his real estate property, saying he will ask his aides. According to Nesweek magazine, the McCain couple owns 7 properties.The Republicans are trying to present Obama as more privileged than MacCain but his wealth is much larger and comes from his wife who inherited her fathers company.

Translated by Chrisanthi Sarantis

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