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

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

CONTENTS

[01] Crisis between the West & Russia Deepens

By Katerina Ioannidou

Sources: ΝΕΤ-ΝΕΤ 105.8-ΑNA-ΜPA

EU member-state leaders may examine the possibility of imposing sanctions against Russia on the occasion of the crisis with Georgia at an extraordinary meeting Monday. French Foreign Minister Bernar Kushner stated that the EU will examine its reaction to Russia in relation to the recent developments in Caucasus. In a telephone conversation today, the Russian and French presidents discussed measures for boosting safety on South Ossetia-Abkhazia border. Medvedev stressed that the Georgian forces should return back to their original positions. Meanwhile, in an interview with CNN Vladimir Putin accused the USA of being behind the war in Georgia, with American mercenaries taking part in the conflict. In reply, White House Press Secretary Dana Perino rejected Russia's allegations as non-logical.

Today, Russia tested a Topol missile, which is capable of penetrating antimissile systems.

Translated by John Crystallidis

[02] Wrangling on Fire-hit Regions

By Katerina Ioannidou

Sources: ΝΕΤ-ΝΕΤ 105.8-ΑNA

Wrangling between government ministers and PASOK broke out on the fire-hit regions in todays session at Parliament. The majority proposed that the government should give compensations to the fire-hit, adding that PASOKs proposal does not improve the government policy. PASOK MP Evangelos Venizelos desdribed the governments policy on the restoration of the fire-hit areas a failure, while SYRIZA (Coalition of the Radical Left) Parliamentary Group leader Alekos Alavanos blamed the government for last years fires, arguing that the compensations should have been given by the New Democracy partys coffers.

KKE (Communist Party of Greece) MP N. Karathanasopoulos said that the governments objective is to take advantage of the consequences of the economic, social and ecological crime and accelerate the enterpreneurs plans to use land to their benefit.

Finally, LAOS President George Karatzaferis described the government incompetent.

Translated by John Crystallidis

[03] Greece & Iceland to Cooperate on Energy

By Katerina Ioannidou

Sources: ΑNA-ΜPA-ΝΕΤ

Prime Minister Kostas Karamanlis and his counterpart from Iceland Geir H. Haarde referred to the good status of relations between Greece and Iceland after their meeting at Maximos Mansion today. Mr Karamanlis described the two countries relations excellent, adding that there are prospects for extending the two countries cooperation on economy, investmentrs and tourism. He added that Iceland has ample energy deposits and is a pioneer in the utilization of natural resources. The two men examined the prospects of cooperation on renewable sources of energy, with emphasis on geothemics.

They also discussed issues related to NATO, the developments in Georgia and western Balkans. Finally, Mr Karamanlis thanked his counterpart for Icelands support on the FYROM (Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia) name-issue. From his side, Mr Geir H. Haarde asked for Greeces support in allowing Iceland to become a permanent member of the UN Security Council.

Translated by John Crystallidis

[04] Suicide at Police Station

By Katerina Ioannidou

Sources: ΑNA-ΜPA-ΝΕΤ 105.8

A 40-year-old woman charged with theft committed suicide at Ilioupolis police station in the afternoon by falling from the first floor. When taken to the police station the police discovered that the woman was suffering from psychological problems. Later, her husband and parents were asked to come and take the woman as she was innocent. However, the woman pretended she wished to go to the W.C., from where she threw herself in the street and died.

Translated by John Crystallidis

[05] Obama Wraps Up Democratic Convention

By Katerina Ioannidou

Sources: ΝΕΤ-ΝΕΤ 105.8

In a gesture of unity, former U.S. President Bill Clinton repeated over and over that Senator Obama is ready to be president. While supporting his wife, Senator Hillary Clinton in her quest for the candidacy, Mr. Clinton spent months on the campaign trail questioning Obamas qualifications. "Barack Obama is ready to honor the oath to preserve, protect and defend the Constitution of the United States. Barack Obama is ready to be president of the United States," Clinton said

Translated by John Crystallidis

[06] D. Bakoyannis among the 100 most Powerful Women in the World

By Andreas Roditis

Sources: ANA

Forbes magazine has included Dora Bakoyannis in its list of the 100 most powerful women in the world for the third consecutive year.

Dora Bakoyannis ranks 78 in the list made public today.

The magazine stresses that Dora Bakoyannis, former Athens Mayor, has maintained her post as foreign minister after Septembers reshuffle, describing among her recent accomplishments Greeces ratification of the Lisbon Treaty. German Chancellor Angela Merkel ranks first in the list of the 100 most powerful women.

Translated by John Crystallidis

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