The Hellenic Radio (ERA): News in English, 08-08-27

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

CONTENTS

[01] Escalating Provocations

27 Αυγ 2008 15:12:00 (Last updated: 27 Αυγ 2008 20:00:08)

Sources: ΝΕΤ, ΝΕΤ 105.8, ANA

The FYROM House approved Wednesday a provocative decree, urging the countrys government to offer its backing to property claims in Greece by political refugees of the World War II and the Greek civil war. In the meantime, FYROM President Branko Crvenkovski lashed out at Prime Minister Nikola Gruevskis handlings in the name dispute.

President Branko Crvenkovski blasted Gruevskis handlings on the name row anew. He said that the Premiers move to bringing up claims on a double name again strikes a blow to the countrys credibility in the negotiations.

He then went on to stress that the country has reaped not fruits, due to the wrongdoings of the FYROM leadership.

In his statements, Nikola Gruevski reiterated that as long as a good solution is found, it will be put to a vote.

Answering to the biting criticism unleashed by the FYROM President, Gruevski said that blaming the pending name dispute on others is absurd. "15 years in power, Crvenkovski failed to resolve the problem. If he has to introduce a specific proposal on the name issue and if his proposal is a positive one, everyone will support it," added Gruevski.

Translated by Areti Christou

Related News:

Nimetz Exposes Gruevski

[02] New York Downed by HIV Virus

By Alexandros Moz

Sources: ANA-MPA, AFP

Of all the US cities, it is New York that has suffered the most by HIV/AIDS, with one thousand New Yorkers having been infected with the deadly virus. In fact, the New York City residents are contracting the virus at three times the national rate, said the citys health department. In 2006, 72 residents in every 100,000 were tested positive, compared to a national rate of 23 in every 100,000 residents.

Translated by Areti Christou

[03] Over Its Nuclear Programme

27 Αυγ 2008 20:35:00

By Nasos Bratsos

Sources: ANA, AFP

Unless Iran quits its nuclear aspirations, new sanctions are to follow, warned French President Nicolas Sarkozy. Addressing Frances ambassadors, who gathered in France, Sarkozy said that the international community cannot come to terms with Irans aspirations to obtain nuclear weapons. The USA, Russia, China and the EU should decisively lead the campaign and raise sanctions in case Iran fails to respond, added Sarkozy. It is up to Iran to decide, stressed the French President, further adding that if Iran wishes to have nuclear energy for peaceful reasons, the international community will help it achieve that. But if it wishes nuclear energy for military use, the international community will fight that wish, concluded Sarkozy.

Translated by Areti Christou

[04] Water Scarcity at the Gate

By Alexandros Moz

Sources: ΝΕΤ

Water supplies in Greece have been seriously reduced, and should drought continues in autumn, Greece may come up against a grave threat, scientists have warned.

On 24 May, water supplies amounted to about 724cubic metres. A month later it dropped to 668, to stand at 542 cubic metres on 24 August.

Athens, which represents 4% of the total water consumption, is supplied with water from Lakes Iliki and Mornos, whose water level is rather disappointing.

Therefore, radical measures have to be stepped up, while consumers should be more careful.

A survey carried out by the Agricultural University of Athens has suggested that the biggest water consumption takes place in farming, since 85% of the water supplies is used in irrigation.

Translated by Areti Christou

[05] "Peace and Punishment"

By Alexandros Moz

Sources: ANA-MPA, Reuters, AFP

The Hague pressed charges against a spokeswoman at the war crimes tribunal for former Yugoslavia for disclosing confidential information since leaving the court.

According to the indictment compiled against her, "The prosecution of Florence Hartmann ... for knowingly and wilfully disclosing information in knowing violation of an order of a chamber." The prosecution was based upon Hartmanns book "Peace and Punishment", which unveiled confidential information with regard to Milosevics trial.

Translated by Areti Christou

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